Asked his plans when leaving Congress, Barney Frank told Rob Blackwell, DC Bureau Chief of American Banker, “I plan to run my mouth for money.” The congressman’s, well, frankness comes as no surprise, considering the source. Blackwell is well-connected and comfortable on Capitol Hill. People trust him. Maybe it’s because the Hill isn’t Blackwell’s whole life–with his being not only a fan of pop metal music (“Eye of the Tiger” is a fave) but also of supernatural thrillers. He has written two.
Actor Mark Metcalf of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fame is a big fan of Blackwell’s horror series, The Sanheim Chronicles. Metcalf wrote in a review: “Not only are the intricacies of Blackwell’s tale well-planned and flawlessly executed, there is a consistent element of surprise.” No word on whether covering Congress and the banking industry has made Blackwell a better horror writer. But he’s apparently good at both.