Exploring Love, Betrayal, And Redemption
Jessica Manges discusses her debut novel, Scott Killian and the Letter, sharing insights on character development, emotional depth, world-building, and the faith-driven inspiration behind her powerful storytelling.
Jessica Manges is a name that is quickly becoming synonymous with heartfelt storytelling and profound emotional depth. As an award-winning author, she has made an unforgettable entrance into the world of Christian fiction with her debut novel, Scott Killian and the Letter. Through her writing, Jessica masterfully explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, crafting narratives that resonate deeply with readers and reflect her unwavering faith.
Her transition from a long career in business management to a life dedicated to writing is a testament to her courage and passion. Jessica’s ability to draw from her own experiences and beliefs infuses her work with authenticity and relatability. Set in the picturesque town of Franklin, Indiana, her novel combines vivid world-building with a dystopian twist, creating a setting that feels both familiar and intriguingly unique.
In this exclusive interview, Jessica offers a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, from the development of her compelling protagonist, Scott Killian, to the hidden details that make her work so special. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with readers through powerful storytelling make her a true force in contemporary Christian fiction. It is an honour to feature her in this issue of Reader’s House, and we are certain her words will leave a lasting impression on our readers.
“Scott Killian and The Letter” touches on themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. What inspired you to explore these complex emotions in this particular story?
My personal beliefs are centered around my love for God wear we see the ultimate examples of love, and redemption as well as the ultimate betrayal against Him. Betrayals can help us grow in our own lives and help us learn who we are and what we value in life. Scott’s personal development in this book is reliant on all three of these emotions which ultimately brings him to God.
The main character, Scott Killian, faces significant personal challenges. How did you develop his character, and were there any aspects of his journey that were particularly difficult to write?
Though Scott cares for his friends, at the start of the book he has a very indifferent view of life. He begins to see that he is capable of more when faced with challenges and the more that is thrown at him, the more he takes a head on approach. He soon learns that his desire for truth far surpasses his desire to live an average life. There were several scenes that stirred up a lot of emotion in myself while I was writing. I relate to Scott when he feels lost and doesn’t know where to turn or what to make of all the mysteries he unfolds. Sometimes finding the truth about something, initially, is more overwhelming than being kept in the dark.
The setting plays a key role in shaping the mood of your novel. How did you approach world-building in “Scott Killian and the Letter”, and what inspired the locations and atmosphere?
I used real places to give the reader a more realistic view of a possible future. I love the town of Franklin, Indiana. From the architecture to the people, Franklin has all the charm of small hometown America. I was able to use maps while writing some of my chapters and I drove through the town to get a good feel for the streets and homes. Though the book takes place in a dystopian time period, Franklin still kept a small semblance of what they are today.
Many readers are drawn to the powerful emotions in your writing. How do you balance storytelling with emotional depth to keep readers engaged throughout the novel?
I love using dialogue to portray real emotions with my characters while moving the story along simultaneously. Dialogue is a way for me to step inside the mind of each one of my characters and connect with them. Each one has their own style and vernacular that makes their words stand out as different from each other. This way I can let them tell the story!
Can you share any insights or behind-the-scenes details about the creation of “Scott Killian and the Letter” that might surprise your readers?
I do love hiding little Easter Eggs in my books! An obvious one to our family is that my son-in-law, who loves working on cars, has the body shop named after him. I get excited when readers will reach out to me after they noticed something! I also took a lot of notes while substituting at the High School. Some of the mannerisms or expressions from the characters came from my students.
