Interview with T.J. Deschamps, Author of Westside Titanomachy (Midlife Olympians: The Oracle Chronicles Book 4)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Westside Titanomachy (Midlife Olympians: The Oracle Chronicles Book 4)?

I took a trip to Greece, and the history and culture touched me. When I was at Apollo’s temple in Delphi, I learned about the Oracle and her role as a guide and mentor. She was an older woman but definitely the main character. I wanted to combine something from that country and something from the US. So I created Lydia Kourakos, granddaughter of Greek immigrants and fake fortune teller.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Westside Titanomachy (Midlife Olympians: The Oracle Chronicles Book 4), what would they be?

“Unstoppable” by Sia or, “I Need a Hero” are both songs that would be applied to Lydia because she’s a heroine!

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

As someone who studied all manner of literature, I don’t have a favorite genre. However, I grew the most as a person and writer after I studied the great Black authors of the 20th century from Langston Hughes and Richard Wright to Alice Walker, Octavia Butler, and Toni Morrison. As a writer, I love fantasy and science fiction. Speculative fiction gives us a chance to examine what the world was or could be. The possibilities are endless.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

That pile is so high it teeters precariously. I have a lot of nonfiction. I like learning, and I like books that help me grow as a person. My comfort read is the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Spoilers! Haha! I would say anything that included Cerberus and Greg.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have an office, but I write best in a recliner or on a sofa, reclining with a soft blanket.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I think this series speaks to new beginnings. We are not fated. There is no life we “should” have. I’d like to think readers will learn to pivot like Lydia.

T.J. Deschamps is the author of the new book Westside Titanomachy (Midlife Olympians: The Oracle Chronicles Book 4)

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