Those "ancient desert vibes," as author Debra Chapoton calls them, are part of the inspiration behind her post-apocalyptic Young Adult novels, Exodia and Out of Exodia. Debra has written just under 20 books, an impressive feat for ANYONE, and I was very interested in her work. Since this is an End of the World Event, we're focusing on her post-ap work, but you can check out more about her books at her website (the link is at the bottom of this interview!).
Read on to see what Debra would take with her into the apocalypse, and how she thinks the end of the world will come about.
Hello Debra! It's the End of the World (at least at Writing
Belle), and you can only take three items with you into the wilderness to
survive. What are they?
Oh no! Only three? [thinking, thinking] Um, chapstick for
sure, a ton of water purifying tablets (chocolate ones), and that fire starting
thing-a-ma-gig.
Now let's talk about you as a writer. How did you get into
writing post-apocalyptic fiction?
I’ve always been overly anxious when the power goes out,
which used to happen almost weekly where I live. Gradually I’ve honed my
skills, like heating my curling iron in the fireplace, so that I think I could
survive at least a week after a nuclear blast [eye roll]. Actually, after
studying history it seems to me that starting over would be a lot like living
in ancient Egypt.
Tell us about Exodia and Out of Exodia. Where and how did
you come up with the idea?
I was always fascinated with the story of Moses and
intrigued with the fact that one of his first actions was to commit murder. I
wanted to do a modern retelling of the story and start with the murder. The
ancient desert vibe seemed best recreated in a post-apocalyptic world. That way
the primitive way of life could be better presented for my readers’ imaginations.
Weaving together ruined modern technology and ancient prophecies worked well,
and the reader doesn’t really need to know who the story is based on.
I had a ball working in all the elements of the original
story—plagues, prophecies, relationships—and tweaking it with futuristic
essentials like machines, government, and radiation fallout.
Here’s the back cover blurb for EXODIA:
Two generations after the Eurasian nuclear war
American life is a strange mix of failing technologies, psychic predictions,
and radiation induced abilities. By 2093 tattoos on the left elbow, blue or
red, are mandatory to differentiate two classes, privileged and slave.
Sixteen year old Dalton Battista fears that his
fading tattoo is a deadly omen. He is either the heir of the brutal Blue tyrant
of Exodia or he is the Reds’ prophesied liberator. Shy, handsome, smart and in
possession of powers he doesn’t yet realize, he escapes an order for his execution
by fleeing the city with the help of Lydia who quickly captures his heart. But
he cannot escape a destiny that will force him to accept a role in the life of
another girl, one who is not tattooed.
Exodia is a dystopian novel of hidden identity,
murder, slavery, prophecies, plagues, and a love triangle that pits the truth
of ancient promises against duty, honor, and devotion.
And OUT
OF EXODIA continues the saga:
In this sequel to EXODIA, Dalton Battista takes on his
prophesied identity as Bram O'Shea. When this psychic teen leads a city of 21st
century American survivalists out from under an oppressive regime, he puts the
escape plan at risk by trusting the mysterious god-like David Ronel. With
Ronel's ulterior motives under suspicion, Bram’s loyalties questioned, and a
mutiny imminent, this large group of outcasts faces multiple problems. What
should have been a two-week journey lasts for months as they engage in battles against
new enemies. Bram’s unusual abilities and a special weapon supplied by Ronel
help them overcome obstacles but can they reach the "Promised Land"
before time runs out?
How many books have you published in total, and what are the
different genres?
I have 11 middle grade chapter books
for kids and 6 young adult novels. Besides EXODIA
and OUT
OF EXODIA which are end-of-the-world dystopian, I’ve written the
psychological thriller EDGE
OF ESCAPE, a coming-of-age adventure THE
GUARDIAN’S DIARY, a demonic paranormal story titled SHELTERED,
and a paranormal romance, A
SOUL’S KISS. (My writing is as eclectic as my reading.) I also have
2 non-fiction works, BUILDING
A LOG HOME IN UNDER A YEAR and CROSSING
THE SCRIPTURES.
How you think the end of the world might come about? Zombie
apocalypse? Lack of wi-fi connection subsequently causing riots across the
country? *wink*
I think the world will end the way it’s foretold in the
Bible—anti-christ, famine, plagues, earthquakes, disease, horrible tribulation
and lots of death. I’ve studied the Bible my whole life and I’ve read the last
book in it several times. The end of the world is far worse than any human
author has written (though Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye have written a pretty
good series that chronicles the apocalypse), but in the end God wins. I’m on
His side.
Any new or upcoming projects?
Yes, I’m in final edits for a time travel adventure and
also a science fiction series.
Where can people connect with you online, and where can they
purchase your books?
My books are on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also
connect with me on these sites:
Thank you so much for your time - best of luck in all of
your writing endeavors!
Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to be here.
About the Author
- Debbie has written more than 15 novels for kids and adults. She now concentrates on clean young adult fiction which means that though the topics may include tough subjects there are no four letter words or sex scenes.
Did you like this feature? If you're a writer of dystopian fiction, survivalist stories or post-apocalyptic tales, contact me to get featured for the End of the World Event at Writing Belle! Email me at: writingbelle18@gmail.com
Thanks for having me on your wonderful site. It was a pleasure!
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