In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn welcome author Jesse Thoeming to talk about writing thought-provoking fiction. We talk about the social world we live in and the challenges surrounding a writer who wants to write thought-provoking fiction. How can we look forward with hope and try to unify the world around us in our writing, while still taking a hard look at our society and culture? What challenges come with writing a theme-driven story?
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Jesse Thoeming is a writer whose work explores the intersection of humanity, progress, and imagination. Originally from southern Illinois, where he grew up in the shadow of the Gateway Arch, he has lived and worked in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for over two decades. His essays and commentary have appeared in numerous local and regional publications, and his debut novel, The Brown Bottle Squeeze, earned praise for its narrative voice and depth of character. “God Bless You, Mr. Trump” marks the beginning of a bold speculative trilogy set in the near future.
When he’s not writing or traveling the country and world with his wife, Sarah, Jesse finds his balance on open-air trails—hiking, biking, and thinking deeply about where we’ve been—and where we might be going next.
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