Lemont Resident Self-Publishes First Novel

LEMONT, IL — Lemont resident Jesse Severson recently self-published his first novel, "Cody."

Severson, who has a background in journalism, said he first started writing the book as a college writing assignment over a decade ago.

"I decided to turn it into a full-length book during the pandemic," he told Patch.

For him, he said the hardest part isn't starting his ideas, but "having a strict schedule to continually chip away at it." It took him two years to finish "Cody."

The book, set in Texas, explores a small community after a 10-year-old boy murders his abusive dad, and the good-hearted local sheriff covers it up, Severson said.

"I wanted to write about a morally gray area," he said. "Murdering somebody in cold blood is obviously wrong...but maybe the guy brought it on himself."

Perhaps in a callback to his journalistic past, Severson said he structured each chapter like the character was being interviewed.

"It was difficult to have each person have their own voice and cadence, to make them feel distinct and that these are different people speaking to the reader," he said.

Severson said each chapter comes from a different person's perspective, some who know the truth, some who don't, "because something like this can absolutely destroy a small town."

The book is available on Amazon, but Severson encourages future readers to check it out from Lemont Library.

"I gave the Lemont library a copy and when I saw it on their shelves, it was absolutely surreal," he said.

"In fact, if somebody is interested in reading 'Cody', I'd much prefer they go to the Lemont library and check it out, and see all the cool stuff going on over there, instead of buying it on Amazon," he added.