VITAMANIA

STARRING: Dr Derek Muller

The most enjoyably ironic fact pointed out in this cheery doco is that the people readily buying into the billion-dollar, totally deregulated supplement industry are the ones least likely to benefit from them—that is, those most concerned with being fit and healthy are those least likely to need extra vitamins. The pills are, at best, useless, but at worst, could be deadly. Dr Derek Muller travels the world to explain how mere trace elements of vitamins can be so essential to humans—and profitable to manufacturers. (Airs on Sun., Aug. 12, 8.30 PM on SBS; and streams on SBS on Demand following broadcast)

Former US Commander-in-chief—and thriller junkie—bill Clinton has partnered with bestselling author James Patterson to write his first novel about a war-hero POTUS who goes off the grid during a cyber warfare–related crisis. Here, in a WHO exclusive, the pair talk about their power collaboration, The President Is Missing (out now, Penguin Australia).

How did this book come about?

Patterson Our mutual friend and lawyer, Bob Barnett, brought the idea to us. I’ve long been a supporter of President Clinton’s, and [ he] has been reading my books for years. We readily agreed!

What was the writing process like? How did it work?

Patterson It was a true collaboration in every sense—we discussed plot lines, exchanged drafts, talked on the phone and met several times to discuss the book. The President came up with ideas for scenes that he brought to me and vice-versa.

What might surprise people to know about your time spent on this book?

Patterson That we never had an argument nor a disagreement while writing the book. A few times, though, President Clinton did say, “If that happened, this is how it would happen.” The President was a joy to work with and brought authenticity that I never could have achieved without him. Oh, and we both write in long-hand, so that occasionally made things challenging when sharing notes.

What is the line that you knew would be provocative as soon as you wrote it? My favourite is “I’m thinking about whether we’ll still have a country on Monday.” (Page turner!)

Clinton That’s my choice, too. That line captures the essence of the book—the great threat of cyberattacks, how hard they are to defeat, what kind of person President Duncan is and why all that should matter to everyone.

Mr Patterson, what do you think of President Clinton’s skills as a novelist?

Patterson The President is a terrific storyteller and writer. Our goal was to create one of the best thrillers ever written about a president. Thanks to President Clinton—the ultimate insider—i had plenty of authentic material to work with.

What are the key characteristics that make up a good president?

Clinton Good presidents should understand our strengths and weaknesses, have a vision for how we can make the most of our assets and limit our liabilities, develop a strategy for realising that vision, and have the ability to carry it out.

Who would you like to play you in the film of your life? And who should play the novel’s protagonist?

Clinton I haven’t given much thought to who

I’d like to play me. As for President Duncan, I don’t have any specific actors in mind—i just know I would want someone threedimensional, showing strength and humility, courage and fear, intelligence and caring. Not some cardboard cut-out.

How do you like best to read? Do you prefer electronic or paper books?

Clinton I read anywhere: at my work table, in my easy chair, in bed, on the plane, or even in the car. I prefer paper.

Can you nominate your favourite political thriller of all time?

Patterson Frederick Forsyth’s The Day of the Jackal. [US crime author] A. J. Finn actually called The President Is Missing “The Day of the Jackal for the 21st Century.” So I hope the rest of our readers agree.

Mr Patterson teaches a Masterclass on Creative Writing. What Masterclass would President Clinton teach?

Clinton If I were to teach a class, it would focus on global interdependence. In order to achieve broad-based prosperity, social equality and peaceful cooperation we must first understand how our actions affect one another and embrace the idea that our common humanity is more important than our interesting differences. Then we’ll be able to seize opportunities and solve problems together.

Is this the beginning of a fruitful partnership?

Patterson Right now, we’re focusing on the TV series— Showtime acquired the rights. We’re meeting with producers, so hopefully we’ll have more to report soon. It’s been wonderful to see how readers have responded to The President Is Missing. You’ll have to wait and see if there’s another book in our future!