An Interview with Justin Sheppeck

J. Paul Sheppeck, a renowned paranormal specialist, author, and musician, is known for his captivating storytelling and unique perspective on the supernatural. An explorer at heart, Sheppeck draws inspiration from fascinating people around him. His intriguing, engaging books invite readers to curl up with a cocktail and enjoy. Keep an eye out for his latest work as he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and captivate audiences with his unique style and creativity.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

The idea came from a chance meeting years ago with a charismatic group that became the inspiration for this book. After that, I started making notes for the book. Then after many moves in my life, I lost the notebook. Years later some good luck helped me find it. Then I decided to take the leap and just start writing.

Describe your dream book cover.

For this book cover I wanted three major parts. The first was a background location that could be recognizable as a park or square like you might see in Savannah, GA. Secondly, a focal point in the center that referenced a character in the book. Not the main but a very important character. Thirdly, the color palette had to reference the time of year in which the book took place—March. Also there is a part in the book that references what a certain paranormal event looked like. I feel the cover should capture that.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

This is a hard one. This would be an eclectic playlist. Maybe “Black Coast” by Ride ft. M.Maggie, “A Little Wicked” by Valerie Broussard, “Evil Ways” by Santana, “Slide Away” by Miley Cyrus, “Black Sheep” by Gin Wigmore. The list goes on. In fact, the playlist I listened to is on Spotify under Estate of Awakening.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

Right now I’m reading a book by Adam Santino called Lies We Tell Ourselves.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’ve worked in a number of fields over the years. From land survivor to radio DJ to security and maintenance. But the paranormal field was very rewarding.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Friends around me are a big influence. Forever encouraging me to write my ideas and life experiences down. Mainly because I’ve had so many interesting encounters over my life.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Right now I write in my studio near the intercoastal waterway in North Carolina. But I like to travel and go places. I like finding a quiet corner in a pub and just spending some time in my own head to brain for new ideas.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I usually start with a walk outside. Then one cocktail. Then I tend to have a conversation with myself to find my direction.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

What’s the takeaway? I want the reader to first and foremost have fun with it. Find some entertainment out of it. Actually, in the book at the beginning I issued a challenge for the reader to dissect the book. To find the true history and figure out what is fiction and what isn’t. I wanted to give the reader an extra puzzle to solve if they wish.

Now the second question, the perfect reader? Hmmm…I think everyone is the right reader for this book. Even if this isn’t your usual type of read. I feel the rollercoaster storyline can captivate truly anyone.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.