What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I initially had the idea for this book over 20 years ago, but wasn\'t capable of writing it until recently. It took almost three decades of marriage, raising two kids, and suffering the loss of my brother, mother, and father to really understand the characters I imagined so that I could effectively tell their stories.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)
I love music and always have something playing when I write. It\'s such a part of my process that I created a playlist on Spotify for The Unforgivable Truth so readers can listen to the tunes that influenced the storytelling and are included in the story. The link is https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4mUhLypqeV9H3OTwageB27 From that playlist, I would say the novel’s theme song is \"Gone Away\" by The Offspring. It’s a raw anthem of grief and loss, which is what the novel explores. I bookended the playlist with the orchestral and original rock versions because of how different they feel even though it’s the same song, just like the emotional turmoil of loss.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I do love Mystery/Suspense, though based on current mood I am going to say satire/humor.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I\'ve been trying to hit classics, and \"The Secret Garden\" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is next. After that, \"Never So Green\" by Tim Johnston and \"The Whisper Man\" by Alex North.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene was also the most difficult for me to write. Without giving anything away, it\'s a revelation in Chapter 22 that is rife with pain and emotion.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
When I\'m flowing and lost in it, I tend to mash the keys like some crazed, classic rock organist. This, my wife does not appreciate at 1am.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
\"Fall down seven times, get up eight\" is a Japanese proverb of resilience, patience, and faith that guides me.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
To leave a review on Amazon 🙂 After that, I hope readers remember that love exists in the gray between truth and belief.
John Manrique is the author of the new book The Unforgivable Truth (Sun & Sin Mysteries)
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