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GNP Morgan County Podcast
A Morgan County Author Turns Faith Into Suspense
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A lot of people say they want to write a book. Jessica Mangus actually bet on herself and did it, taking a severance package as the push to turn years of story ideas into a published novel. Jessica is an Indiana indie author writing Christian fiction with real mystery and suspense, and she joins me to share what it looks like to build a writing life from the ground up in Morgan County, one page at a time.
We get into her debut, Scott Killian And The Letter, a dystopian end-times thriller set during the tribulation where an 18-year-old from Franklin, Indiana finds a letter tied to his mother’s disappearance. Jessica talks about weaving faith into a gripping plot without turning the story into a sermon, using themes like forgiveness, redemption, and Christ’s love while still delivering twists, danger, and momentum. She also touches on how modern fears around AI and technology can shape believable suspense.
Then we go practical: self-publishing versus traditional publishing, why so much advice online conflicts, and what she learned after her first launch led to a redesigned cover and a stronger second edition. Jessica also shares her simple three-step writing framework (create it, make it make sense, make it good) and what writer’s block really looks like when the problem is transitions, not imagination. We wrap with a tease of her next release, The Rebellion Of The Watcher, a biblical fantasy with dragons, giants, and world-building influenced by scripture and the Book of Enoch, plus where to find her books on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com, and more.
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Welcome And Meet Jessica Mangus
SPEAKER_02This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place where local businesses and neighbors come together.
SPEAKER_01Here's your host, Tim Serber. Well, thank you, Charlie, and welcome back to the Good Neighbors Podcast, Morgan County. I'm your host, Tim Serber, and coming to you right here in Morgan County, Indiana. And today we have a great guest, someone who took a leap of faith, put to pen, uh, put pen to paper, and turned a passion into a published work. She's an indie author, we'll go over what that is, writing Christian fiction, mystery, and suspense. And she's going to help, and she's also helping others publish, uh self-publish, uh, find their footing. So please welcome Jessica Mangus. How are you doing, Jessica?
SPEAKER_00I'm wonderful. How are you today?
The Leap Of Faith To Write
SPEAKER_01I'm doing great. And and you have such a interesting story. So I, you know, I can't write orthahoot. Uh my wife's very good at it. Matter of fact, she did the the Martinsville neighbors for the first four years we had the magazine. So she uh she's used to it, but I'm not. I've never I'm not a wordsmith. I'm a I'm a word, don't know anything. So I'm anxious to talk with you. So let's let's start at the beginning. What was the moment you decided we're actually going to write a publishing book and publish a book?
SPEAKER_00I've always liked telling stories and I've always wanted to write a book. And for years, I thought, oh yeah, I'll get to it, I'll get to it, I'll get to it. And I just never put, like you said, pen to paper and actually got it done. So a few years ago, um, I had a decision to either stay with a company that I loved um and take a different position because they were getting rid of my position, or take a severance package and start writing. And I took that leap of faith and was like, here's my time to shine. I'm gonna start writing.
SPEAKER_01Nice. And and you know, how did that go? I mean, uh, was it rough at first? Did it all seem to come together? So, you know, in your head and in in everything you're doing, saying, Yeah, this was the right decision.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I think everything started coming together the minute I started to make the actual decision to sit down and write. Um, I had stories in my head, so it wasn't like for lack of a story. So once I just started sitting down and doing it, it just all came together really easy.
SPEAKER_01Well, you know, in Christian fiction, menace uh mystery and suspension, that's really a specific blend. How did you land on that combination and what draws you personally to those themes?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I've always loved reading different action and suspense and mysteries and thrillers and Agatha Christie and all the all these great authors. And I wanted to combine it with Christian fiction because I wanted people to get um that suspenseful and mystery story combined with some truths that they could take away and apply to their life in a in a biblical way.
SPEAKER_01So uh well, we'll get to that. So, you know, uh uh your faith is that a big play into your books?
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. Um, I feel like this is more of a calling than just a hobby. So it's it's definitely a way for me to communicate to others that I would never be able to have the opportunity to communicate with.
Building Christian Mystery And Dystopia
SPEAKER_01Nice. Now, your your first book, Scott Killian and the Letter, that was released in July of 2024, I believe. Um tell us about it. Who is Scott and what can readers expect?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, Scott is an 18-year-old um from Franklin, Indiana, and he kind of um never really felt like he amounted to anything, and he was kind of lost in his own world, and everything kind of happened all at once in this um mystery where he finds a letter from his mom who had been disappeared for three and a half years. So it he traverses a world during the end time, so it's dystopian. Um, it takes place during the tribulation, and and he kind of finds his own footing, his own faith, but and unravels a whole lot of mystery in in between.
SPEAKER_01And is are there any uh real parts that help create that story?
SPEAKER_00So it it's all based upon fiction, but it's based upon um a lot of people's interpretation of um things that will be happening throughout like AI, um computers, things like that, people's like fears almost, um, as far as like what AI is is capable of doing. So there's a lot of um things I don't want to give away too much, but there's a lot of mystery that is involved in a lot of people's speculations.
Self-Publishing Lessons And Second Edition
SPEAKER_01Nice. You know, now writing a book is one thing. Finishing it and putting it out into the world, you know, that's definitely another. What was the hardest part of the process as you finished your first time author?
SPEAKER_00So I didn't know what I was doing when I first started. So that part was hard. And I thought I did some research, but the research out there is um very conflicting. So that you look up one thing and it'll give you a totally different answer the next time you look it up on a different platform. So um, you know, Google is your friend sometimes, but sometimes it doesn't have all the answers. So I learned a lot as I went. So after I published, um I decided that okay, this is probably not the best way to do it. So then I um created a new cover for my book and I republished, um, came out with a second edition with all the new things that I've learned and put it out there again. And it's going a lot better now that I have a lot more information in my in my lap.
Why Indie Publishing Makes Sense
SPEAKER_01Yeah. And you chose the indie publishing route rather than the traditional uh, I guess, publishing way. And so walk us through that decision. What made self-publishing the right path for you?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, absolutely. The the traditional publishers, they want you to already have like an established um community, they want followers, they want you to have um a newsletter and already have at least so many followers, they want you to have social media platforms with so many followers, they want you to be established in um your writing um and be already a little bit prolific. So if somebody who wants to start out writing, um they're gonna have to do all that legwork ahead of time. And then once they they establish all that, and then they turn it over to a traditional publisher, that traditional publisher is gonna take a huge percent of the profit. So any publisher's gonna have to already do that legwork anyway. You might as well keep the profits for yourself because you know you're already, you already did all the work to get there to get all those um followers, to get all those people to appreciate your writing. So why not um just kind of do it yourself at that point? Um, the only thing that I see that they can do is maybe get you to more bookstores, but once you're once you're selling books and you're already into some bookstores, it it gets it gets easier to do it on your own than to go the traditional route.
Helping Other Authors Self-Publish
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Yeah, and beyond your writing, you actually started, if I remember right, a publishing company to help other self-publishers. So tell us about that. What gap are you trying to fill and and really who are your your clients or your your people that you're trying to help?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I'm I'm trying to help other Christian authors, not just Christian fiction, but um Christian nonfiction as well, um, because there's so many out there that have are just like me, where you have a great story or you have a great message and you want to get it out there, but you have no idea where to start. So um, you know, there's there's literary agents that can help, but what I'm trying to do is help you do the self-publishing route. So I'll answer your questions as far as like, how do you find an editor? How do you find um a publishing platform that suits your book? And and how do you get your book formatted so you could do that? How do you take those steps so that you can market your book to the right demographic? Um, and and basically just help you along the way and give you all the answers that I wish I had when I first started.
A Simple Three-Step Writing Process
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. I tell you that's uh and that takes a big leap of you know, doing it and finding, no, I like I said, writing a book, I think is amazing that people can do that, but there's so many stories. I think a lot of people have a manuscript in their mind that if they had a way to publish it and felt comfortable doing it, they would. I love hearing about people's stories. So for someone sitting out there right now who has a manuscript, you know, sitting in the drawer in their head, you know, what's the first thing you tell them?
SPEAKER_00So there's there's three basic steps as far as getting your book done. Um, and the first one I tell people is just to create it, get it down on paper. It doesn't have to be good to start. It your rough draft is never going to be good. And starting it is the hardest part because, you know, people spend years and years thinking, oh man, I really like to write a book, but they don't actually start writing that book. So if you can just start, um, that is the hardest um hurdle to get over. And then once you start um and create that book, it's gonna be rough. So the next thing is to just fill it in and make it make sense. You got to, you know, fill in all the um parts that you, you know, kind of missed along the way. Um, you're gonna do some rewrites and things like that. So you're gonna create the book, make it make sense, and then you're gonna go back and make it good, and you're gonna fix your sentences and fix your prose and and make everything sound beautiful, so to speak. So um those basic three steps. So if you can get to the first one, get that first hurdle where you're just getting it down, that's the biggest one.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I I would think it is. And then once you get into it, it just starts flowing, I assume.
Writer’s Block And Transition Problems
SPEAKER_00Yes.
SPEAKER_01Um, and and then, you know, you see all these TV shows with all these writers with blocks, you know, they they just can't seem to write anything. Has that ever happened to you?
SPEAKER_00Oh, yeah. I mean, I think the the biggest part of the blocks is the transitions. So you know how your book is gonna start, you know things that are gonna happen in the middle and you know how it ends, but you don't know exactly how to transition from point A to point B. So you just kind of sit there and stare at your computer and hope that it just comes to you and you know, like a miraculous like the light bulb turns on and it's just there. So sometimes it happens at three in the morning when I'm trying to sleep, and then it like, oh, it just comes to me. And I'm like, okay, so do I write this down or do I think I can remember by the time I wake up in the morning? And um oftentimes I do not remember, so I have to have a notebook near my my bedstand so that I can write those down.
Biblical Fantasy And The Next Series
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I understand that. And and you're uh you're getting ready to release a second book, if if I'm correct, uh called The Rebellion of the Watcher. So can you give us a little tease on it? You know, how does it does it connect to your first book or is it something entirely new?
SPEAKER_00I guess it connects in the sense that it's the beginning. And um, you know, my first book is Dystopian, so it's kind of like the end. And this one takes place um many, many years ago prior to uh the flood. So it is like a pre everything type of book. So there's it's a different world than we know. There's gonna be um dragons and giants, and it kind of has like that fantasy type feel to it. So it is based on um scripture, but it's also based on other historical um documents like the book of Enoch and things like that that are not necessarily scripture, but are kind of fun to to read and create this whole new world. Um, it's great for world building and things like that. So it is a fun, exciting book, and it's biblical fantasy type type series.
SPEAKER_01So, you know, that's interesting. How uh how did you come up with the idea of doing biblical fantasy? To me, that just seems like a really odd way to put the Bible, right? So how how did you come up with that?
SPEAKER_00Um, that is how my brain works. I tend to make everything into a fantasy. So I I I tend to be driving down the road, usually when I'm driving, and I just kind of zone out. Um don't tell the the local Morgan County police. Um I kind of zone out and I just have fantasies going on in my head all the time. So yeah, why not put that to pen to paper and and and get other people involved in in those stories and have fun with it as well?
Themes Like Forgiveness And Redemption
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Well, your work is rooted in Christian values, and uh, you know, how do you deliver, you know, how do you balance delivering a gripping story, the suspense of ministry mystery with the faith element? You know, where does one end and the other begin for you?
Where To Buy Books And Local Signings
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I think it's easy to tie in things that make sense to you that you can relate to. So every story kind of has a basic meaning behind it, whether it's a meaning of forgiveness or redemption or love. And those things tie in with the Bible so well, and just showing you that, you know, forgiveness can look a certain way. It doesn't have to look a way that you think it has, you know, has to be, but it based on what it looks like from a Bible perspective or a biblical perspective. Um, you know, what does forgiveness look like? What does redemption look like? What does love look like? What does Christ's love look like? So we might not understand Christ's love in the in that way unless you're you're reading stories or you are reading the Bible. And some people may never read the Bible, but they might read a fun um book that has mystery and thrills and things like that, and they can learn what Christ's love is through fun stories. So that is what I try to do.
SPEAKER_01Now, do you have uh a whole series in your head for these books to connect with each other?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so I have not written a book two for Scott Killian, although I've had so many people ask me when is book two coming out, but I really wanted to get the rebellion series out first because that whole series is in my head, and I only had the story for Scott Killian in the letter in my head without the series. So I'm trying to get this series out first, and we'll see if I ever get back to a book two for Scott Killian. But um I definitely have a series for the rebellion. Um, and I can't wait. I'm already writing book two um called Rebellion of the Giants. Um, and I'm really excited. I've got five chapters of that one done already, and it's it's exciting to do.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I I mean that just has to be interesting to see your work just constantly come together and then to see it in you know, done format, book printed, and everything. You know, I think that's exciting, yes. Yeah, I bet it is. So, you know, one last thing, you know, where where can people find your books, connect with you, and learn more about your publishing services?
SPEAKER_00Yes, I'm on just about every platform. So Amazon, I'm on Kindle Unlimited, Barnes Noble, Walmart.com. You can find my book just about anywhere if you search for it. And um I have a website, uh Jessica Author, Jessica Mangus Author um GoDaddy. Um, and you can find links to my books there as well. And I'm also on Facebook and TikTok and Instagram and all those fun places, just under Jessica Mangus Author. So you can find me just about anywhere.
SPEAKER_01And you've done you've done book signing here, signings here in Martinsville, right?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I'm actually, excuse me, working with um local businesses to do book signings like at the Chunky Monkey this summer, and I'm working with schools. Um sorry, I got something in my throat. Um, going into schools and talking to the students about writing and the writing process. So I'm gonna be starting to doing tours doing that in this fall too.
SPEAKER_01Nice. Well, Jessica, I have totally enjoyed talking with you. And uh to remind everybody, you know, on her books, you know, go out there, read them. Uh, you got Scott Killian in the letter, and then you have the uh the Rebellion of the Watcher. Yes. And uh that one's gonna be coming out soon, right? Or is it already out?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, Rebellion of the Watchers comes out this June.
SPEAKER_01All right, June. So I guess you'll have some book signings in there. We'll find you probably in Martinsville and other places. So uh again, thank you for joining us, and I really appreciate your time.
SPEAKER_00Thank you so much.
SPEAKER_01All righty. I tell you, this has been this has been fun. I might even decide to go writing a book now.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, there you go.
SPEAKER_01You have a great one.
Nominate A Local Business
SPEAKER_00Thank you. So you too.
SPEAKER_02Thank you for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast. Nominate your favorite local businesses to be featured on the show. Go to gnpmorgancounty.com. That's gnpmorgancounty.com or call 317 743 2058.