How co-writing a book threatened the Carters' marriage

Carter observed that he “enjoyed writing” and that his books “provided a much-needed source of income.” But some projects were easier than others.

NEW YORK — No ex-president had a more prolific and diverse publishing career than Jimmy Carter.

He authored over twenty books spanning various genres such as nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious reflections, and even a children’s fable. One of his notable works, “An Hour Before Daylight,” stood out as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2002. Similarly, his 2006 bestseller, “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,” sparked significant controversy for drawing parallels between Israel’s actions in the West Bank and the oppressive policies of apartheid-era South Africa.

Prior to celebrating his 100th birthday, he was recognized by the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation with a prestigious lifetime achievement award. This accolade commended his use of language to promote peace, social equity, and a broader global understanding.

In a more recent publication titled “A Full Life,” Carter acknowledged his fondness for writing, highlighting the dual role of his books as a creative outlet and a vital source of income. Despite his passion for writing, he hinted that certain writing projects posed greater challenges than others.

“Everything to Gain,” a 1987 collaboration with his wife, Rosalynn, turned into the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage,” an intractable standoff for the facilitator of the Camp David accords and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to Carter, Rosalynn was a meticulous author who considered “the resulting sentences as though they have come down from Mount Sinai, carved into stone.” Their memories differed on various events and they fell into “constant arguments.” They were ready to abandon the book and return the advance, until their editor persuaded them to simply divide any disputed passages between them.

“In the book, each of these paragraphs is identified by a ‘J’ or an ‘R,’ and our marriage survived,” he wrote.

Here is a partial list of books by Carter:

“Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President”

“The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East”

(With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life”

“An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections”

“Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age”

“Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems”

(With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer”

“The Virtues of Aging”

“An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood”

“Christmas in Plains: Memories”

“The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War”

“Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis”

“Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World”

“Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid”

“A Remarkable Mother”

“Beyond the White House”

“We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work”

“NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter”

“A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power”

“A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”


You May Also Like

Democrats request an inquiry into DOGE’s ability to use the Treasury’s payment infrastructure

WASHINGTON – There is a request from Democratic lawmakers for a Treasury…

Upcoming Cold Weather and Government Hiring Pause Impact U.S. Employment Figures

The first monthly jobs report of Donald Trump’s second presidency is likely…

Lil Wayne announces he will not be attending the Super Bowl in his city and suggests that he has an exciting surprise planned instead.

When California rapper Kendrick Lamar was named as the performer for the…

Community Activist Ma Kaing Tragically Killed in First-Degree Murder Case

DENVER — A man charged in the 2022 shooting death of community…

Christian Siriano wows attendees at New York Fashion Week with a luxurious experience

Christian Siriano debuted his latest collection at New York Fashion Week, drawing…

New Details and Video Footage Released by Police in Fatal Clermont Apartments Standoff

CLERMONT, Fla. – Clermont officers on Thursday released new details after a…

Avon’s Railroad Brewing Company to shut down this Friday

The announcement was made on the brewery’s Facebook page by owners Tom…

In 2026, the LA Rams will play in the first NFL game ever held in Australia

The Los Angeles Rams will be the home team for the 2026…

Cocoa Beach thinking about raising fees for vacation rentals due to worries from locals

The City of Cocoa Beach in Florida is looking at the possibility…

Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers Wins Professional Athlete of the Year at 2025 Greater Cleveland Sports Awards

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been performing exceptionally well in the Eastern Conference,…

“The Advantages of Power Napping at Work: Insights from Dedicated Nap Enthusiasts”

In New York, some individuals find time to nap in various unconventional…

UK to Demolish Shell of Grenfell Tower, Nearly Eight Years After Tragic Fire Resulting in 72 Deaths

The U.K. government has announced plans to dismantle Grenfell Tower, the site…