Interview with L.J. Epps, author of Journey to Territory M

What can you tell us about your new release, Journey to Territory M?

Journey To Territory M is the next book in the series, Extinction Of All Children. Emma, the main character, and the last eighteen-year-old in the territory because all children born after her were killed, escapes from Territory L and manages to get into Territory M. Emma is on a mission to see if she can get the walls between the territories torn down, so they can all be one territory again. She believes all people should be equal and live together no matter if you are poor, rich or somewhere in the middle. Emma just recently found out that her six-month-old niece, Abigail may have also survived, and she wants to see if she can find her. She has a tough journey ahead and she learns certain truths along the way.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

For years I had different ideas for novels roaming around in my head, but I never thought I could write a novel. I would read a lot of romance novels by Nicholas Sparks. His novels would transform me to a different place or time, and sometimes make me cry, and feel the characters pain.  The emotion I felt when reading his novels inspired me to finally write a novel. I was excited to get my ideas down on paper and tell a story. I love to write adult romance and young adult fantasy fiction.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas

The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks

Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White

A Bend in the Road, by Nicholas Sparks

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

My first guest would be J.K. Rowling. I would like to talk to her about the Harry Potter series, and how she came up with the idea for the series.  I am also curious as to what inspired her to become a writer. I would also like to ask her what kept her going after receiving so many rejection letters when she first started out.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is that it takes me to another world that’s not my own. It transforms me to another place.  It’s like an escapism from real life, at least for a little while.  It gives me a rush and makes me feel things like joy, sadness, frustration and excitement.

What is a typical day like for you?

First thing I do after I wake up is exercise. I feel like I can’t really get my day started until I’ve had my daily workout.  Once that exciting chore is done, I move on to breakfast.  Next thing I do is work on my novels. Working on my novels could mean different things such as outlining or writing new pages or reworking some pages my editor has given back to me. Once I’m satisfied and feel like I’ve gotten a big chunk of writing done I try to look at what other authors are saying or tweeting about online. I try to stay up to date with social media.

What scene in Journey to Territory M was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was near the end of the book.  Emma has to give another dreaded speech in front of the reporters and all three of the territories.  Evil President Esther and her henchman, Rich have threatened Emma into saying certain things.  I love how she handles the pressure and also writing her responses to the questions she is given.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Live every day to the fullest.  Live every day like it’s your last.  If you believe, you can achieve. A personal motto helps me in my day to day quest to be a writer/author.

L.J. Epps is the author of the new book Journey to Territory M

Connect with L.J. Epps