photo by John A. Secoges, Secoges Photographics
Berks-based children’s author S.A. Manwiller found literary inspiration in his son Jack that has spawned a second creative career via his Adventures of Jack and Max books. The West Lawn father of three (real-life 6-year-old Jack has 3-year-old twin sisters, Eva Rose and Gianna Grace) is known to music lovers as Scotti Mann, but regularly switches from a piano’s keys to those of a computer to write – and draw – fun, enlightening stories for the elementary school set. When not busy writing or performing, Manwiller and his wife Kristin like to play outdoors with their beloved brood, which – just like his books – includes Max, the cherished family pooch.
Q | You’re well known as an accomplished musician, so how did you become an author too? Growing up I was into superheroes and comic books and, at one point years ago, was in talks with Image Comics in San Diego to do my own comic, but music took me elsewhere, so I followed that path. Then four years ago I drew a cartoon of my son Jack and our dog and wrote a little rhyme – a song – to go with it. This became a regular father-son activity; I’d draw to commemorate our day’s activities, and my wife, who’s a sixth grade teacher, said it would make a great kids’ book.
I put together the first book, writing and drawing everything myself, with a little help from a friend of ours, Kristin Overley, who owns Peacock Design and Paperie. Before I knew it, I was approached by a New Jersey publisher, and the first two books were released at the end of 2013.
Q | Are there more books on the way? Where can little readers get them? Oh yes, there are 27 books planned for the Jack and Max series, and my little girls have inspired me again, so I’ve created another series geared toward toddlers and preschoolers called The La La Girls. Those will be entertaining but instructive board books, and
I have six in the works so far. Everything is available online through Amazon and the Barnes & Noble website. The local Barnes & Noble store has some for sale too. People who are interested in my work can check out cowlickchronicles.blogspot.com, which is my author’s blog.
Q | Did you study art or writing? And what’s new with the music side of your work? No, I’m self-taught – music and art. I’m performing [music] but being a father has tamed down the music career [laughs]; I have to keep up with three busy little ones during the day. I make a living at night and am lucky to be a full-time daddy during the day. I play at ViVÁ, the Railroad House and the new Willoughby’s in Wyomissing. I’ll also be playing the last Mid-Day Café concert of the
season in Reading this summer.
Q | You’re busy! If there’s down time, what do you do with it? I love to read, naturally, especially crime novels and non-fiction books. I also like cooking and even invented a family favorite – chicken zucchini jambalaya – so I’m proud of that [laughs].
Q | In terms of your work, are music and art different for you, or are they similar creative passions? I really enjoy singing and playing. Music took me places – touring Europe, performing with some great people. The books have a special place in my heart, however, because I get to look at life with my “old kid’s” eyes. I’m re-experiencing the world through my children, and I truly appreciate that.
