Meet Local Lemont Author: Jesse Severson
By day, he’s a content specialist at a Marketing Agency. At night, his laptop stays open, and he weaves a world that helps readers connect with themselves.
Jesse Severson is an independent author based in Lemont who writes general fiction on a wide range of topics. His latest novella, Tracks, tells the story of two young women, Kate and Maria, who meet by chance at a running club. The two become friends, but eventually drift apart while remaining ever-connected through modern-day social media. Tracks is described on the author’s website as “an emotionally resonant story about friendships, the corrosive effects of social media on self-worth, and what it really means to be there for someone you love.”
We sat down with Jesse to learn more about his books and how Lemont has inspired his writing.
Kristian Gist (KG): We have a growing number of great authors based in Lemont, which we love. I noticed on your website and other research that you have self-published several books, essays, and short stories. What are your stories about?
Jesse Severson (JS): I wouldn’t say that I could really pinpoint a genre. My first published book, Cody, is a crime novel in which the truth about a crime is initially hidden. We see what happens when the truth takes a backseat through the lens of several key characters. I started writing that about 15 years ago in a creative writing course that I took, and brought the story back to life to create this full book.
My next book, Estate Sale, tells the story of a South Side Plumber through the lens of his Estate Sale. It really makes you think about the items we collect throughout our lives and what happens to them when we’re gone.
ReSet is a thriller about a guy who discovers a cure-all pill that makes him super powerful and wealthy, which offers social commentary on the pharmaceutical complex and the harms of power in the hands of one man.
KG: Those are all now on my TBR (To Be Read) List! It sounds like your stories offer a lot of social commentary on daily life. Is that true?
JS:They do. Everything comes from my observations on real life. My readers tell me my stories offer them an opportunity to look at topics like loneliness in the age of social media or whether it's ever okay to take the law into your own hands. Those conversations and my observations about life in 2026 tend to be fertile ground for topics of my books.
KG: I know what you mean. I feel hyper-connected; I have the screen time to prove it. I also feel like I’m missing out on the depth of my friends’ lives.
JS:That’s exactly it. In Tracks, we talk about that. Our two main characters, Kate and Maria, met at a run club and became friends. The two drift apart, but the connection of scrolling through social media and seeing quick life updates makes them feel connected even though they aren't. Without giving too much away, the book talks about how we compare ourselves to others without ever knowing the full picture of what someone may be going through.
Editor’s Note: Find a review of Tracks on Readers' Review that offers a wonderful independent take on the book.
KG: That resonates. How do you find the time to write?
JS: Usually on Saturday mornings. It’s really a passion of mine, so I love spending time on it. I also have a collection of short stories and essays on my website.
I'm in the soft-launch stage of a new small business called Storyhound Publishing, which helps independent authors with the more technical side of publishing on Amazon's KDP. That includes formatting the book, designing a cover, or creating an author website.
Self-publishing a book is really rewarding and fun, but the technical side is incredibly frustrating, so I'm hoping Storyhound can help folks who have a manuscript but aren't sure what to do next.
People can learn about it here https://storyhoundpublishing.com.
KG: What are you working on next?
JS: I’m in the final stages of an off-the-rails satire about the bad behavior of overzealous Little League parents, which I'm hoping to release this summer. Also, I'm finishing a political satire, based in a town like Lemont, where two big-city campaign managers come to mess with the mayoral election.
KG: Add those to my reading list, too! Where can folks find your books?
JS: Supporting local small businesses is incredibly important to me, so you can buy a copy of Tracks at Three Stories Books in downtown Lemont or Plot Twist Books in Lockport. Also, Tracks and my other books are at the Lemont Library if people want to check those out.
KG: Do you have any upcoming author events?
JS:Yes! I’ll be at Plot Twist Books in Lockport for a Meet & Greet on Saturday, July 11, from 12-2 PM CST. You’ll be able to pick up a signed copy of Tracks.
KG: We can’t wait!
Jesse Severson is a local Lemont author whose full collection of books, stories, and essays can be found at jesseseverson.com/. Stay tuned for more upcoming events with this author and other Lemont authors.
