John Manning

QUESTIONS FROM READERS

John Manning answers readers' questions about the origin of characters' names and comparisons made between his writing style with that of Dean Koontz and John Saul.

Jana from Cambria, CA: Some of the character names sounded familiar, such as “Joyce Davenport.” This may have been coincidence or a deliberate reference to pop culture, but either way I have a question about the protagonist’s name. I’d love to know why her first name was “Sue.” Is there a story behind this?

John Manning: The name Sue was chosen for its very simplicity. There are few names that evoke a more homespun, traditional, down-to-earth feel than Sue. Its very ordinariness made it the perfect complement to the very extraordinary situation and fate Sue finds herself confronting.

Tricia from Goose Creek, SC: On the back cover of the book, Wendy Corsi Staub states, "If you like Dean Koontz, you'll love John Manning." Would you consider your writing more in the style of Dean Koontz or John Saul?

John Manning: I adore Dean Koontz and am flattered to be compared to him, but I don't think I can necessarily be called similar in style. The same with Saul. Both are fantastic writers who have inspired me a great deal, but I can't say that I write in either of their style.