Writing Their Way to 2012? Potential Presidential Candidates, GOP Rising Stars Pen New Books

Nov. 9, 2010— -- For a handful of potential 2012 presidential candidates and rising stars of the Republican Party literary ambition is mingling with political aspirations this month as they unveil new books and take to the road for promotional tours.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was one of the first out of starting gate on Monday with the release of "Valley Forge," a new historical novel he co-authored that focuses on George Washington and the bone-chilling winter of 1777.

Tea Party favorite Sarah Palin's new book, "America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag," is set to hit store shelves on Nov. 23, one week after her reality TV show premieres on TLC. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's book, "Leadership and Crisis" is due out next week.

Timed to coincide with the end of one election cycle and the symbolic beginning of another, these new releases are not only an opportunity for potential presidential contenders to move some merchandise, but also to tour the country, spreading their message and taking the pulse of the electorate.

Gingrich and his co-author Bill Forstchen are about to embark on a national book tour beginning in New York with stops in Texas, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, and notably, events in West Des Moines, Ames and Cedar Rapids, Iowa -- key cities on the 2012 election circuit.

"The fact that we're doing book signings in Iowa for two days next week has nothing to do with" a potential presidential bid, Gingrich said with a smile in an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Tuesday.

Click HERE to read an excerpt of "Valley Forge."

The Web site for "Valley Forge" describes the book as "a tour-de-force about endurance, survival, transformation and rebirth." The blurb continues: "Washington and his Continental Army, against all odds, will be forged into a fighting force that will win a revolution."

The former House Speaker, who also has a doctorate in history, is a prolific author with more than 20 other books under his belt. He's also emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the Obama administration and one of the GOP's most talked-about potential presidential candidates.