FEATURED AUTHOR: Travon Epps

The Ledge

Travon can’t be called the normal kid. He has cancer. His life before he found out about his ill fate is recounted on a ledge where he plans to take his life. Going back in time for this kid is the toughest thing to do when the past few years of his life are filled with drama, but it could make his jump a little bit easier to take.


I am Travon Epps a twenty-year-old writer and actor from New York. I go to online school and I carry a torch for all things entertainment. Ha! There is not much else about me necessary to know.

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I want readers to take away the fact that the book isn’t as cynical as it may appear. It is relative to the part in all of us that just wants to give up, the part that can't stand the choices we made. I think it’s a universal story meant for anyone.

Why did you choose to write this book?

This book started out when I thought I had cancer. Usually people would run straight to the doctor but I put all of that emotion into creating a story that was partially true to my life. It’s interesting knowing that people will read this and have no idea, until I explain it, that a lot of this was my life.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that writing has no limitations. I learned that nothing was off limits to a writer. There were times where I may have felt uncomfortable writing about something that was so true but it was the way the story just had to go.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

Writing is A LOT of work! Haha and thank you for reading!

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

I’ve learned that its my piece and I can write what I want and how I want.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

Staying focus is for sure the toughest test. As a twenty-year-old writer it is sometimes rough to balance life and writing. I get inspired at weird times and I have to push myself to write otherwise I lose that thought and I am stuck for X amount of time.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Oh wow. I don’t think I do anything surprising. I hope readers can tell me.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

I am young and my life experience is why I am able to write anything at all so I think I'd keep it this way.

How do you reach new readers?

I try to buy a book every week and when I do I try to talk to people. I think being able to be an author in front of people and sparking up conversation is the best way to engage new readers. I also try to promote online as best as possible.

If you could have dinner with 3 authors to talk with about their writing (living or deceased) who would you invite and why?

Oh my! Ha! I think it would be, John Steinbeck, Shakespeare, and Chuck Palahniuk. Steinbeck due to his incredible gift to articulate detail, Shakespeare for being a metaphorical genius, and Palahniuk for being the most creative. These three men are AMAZING to say the least.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Don’t waste time. Its just a waste of life, being a writer or not.

DO… put your best foot forward in your project and seek each opportunity because everything is possible.

Our theme for this month is Family Literacy, what do you do to promote literacy in your family?

I take the aggressive approach. I force books in my family’s face and I blab on and on about them. Eventually they get it and they pick the book up. I find that it works. In school I was always challenged to read so I do the same with my five-year-old niece. She is reading a lot now.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

If for any reason anyone needs or wants to contact me feel free to email me. Tray115@me.com

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

After The Ledge, I went off to write a movie (which is still sitting as a draft- see, don’t waste time) but I started writing my second book Dream world , which each chapter alters between a husband and wife who are having trouble paying their bill for their sick daughter.

Travon is offering a autograph copy to one lucky reader. Leave a comment for a chance to win. Include an email to contact you.