Guardian Son
Western Pennsylvania, 1970
The night sky was dark and tranquil until a foreboding clap of thunder pierced the silence. Gusts of wind tore through the woods and whipped up dirt from an unpaved road, carrying clouds of dust toward a rural village. The white wooden structures, assembled side by side, appeared to be from another era, resembling a movie set from a Hollywood western. Wind chimes jingled on a porch outside a general store as rain suddenly pelted the rooftops.
The landscape was lifeless until automobile lights cut through the night. The wipers on the aqua-colored 1967 Plymouth Fury strained to clear the torrent from the windshield, but it was a lost cause. The car came to a stop, and the front doors on each side opened. A flash of lightning illuminated two figures in drab, hooded ponchos as they stepped out into the downpour.
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Reading this book feels akin to unearthing a trove of self-realization ...
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Emotionally Charged
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Newinbooks Interview with J.C. Wesslen
By Zaida
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Guardian Son?
Like many teens growing up in New England during the 1970s, I was drawn to the works of Stephen King. This is where I truly understood the meaning of “unable to put a book down.” I undertook Guardian Son as a challenge and a tribute—writing an engaging paranormal thriller that may draw some comparisons to the grand master of horror. As for the story itself, I’ve always enjoyed the theme of good vs. evil (who doesn’t, right?). It was interesting how I’d notice from time to time in my life, there was often a type of payback toward people who had been cruel or hurtful toward others (this was before I fully grasped the concept of Karma). What if the impact certain people had on events was more subtle, yet more powerful and immediate, than we realized?
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Guardian Son, what would they be?
The Seeker by The Who.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Crime fiction. Although Guardian Son may be labeled as a “paranormal thriller,” there is a criminal element in this story (mob and FBI). I can’t really say I have a favorite genre to write… yet.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg and Nightshade by Michael Connelly.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene that features Silas Ward confronting Tanner in the woods beyond the stream at the end of Book (Part) One. I tapped the keyboard with white knuckles for that one.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I listen to instrumental music with my dogs nearby.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
With writing and life, I’m learning not to over-explain or overreact. Don’t lose your audience. Sometimes less is more.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Writing this book was a stretch beyond my comfort zone. If I entertained or engaged you in any way, even briefly, it will have been worth it. 😉
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Oct 8, 2025
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