Author Spotlight: The Echoes Of L Ward by E. M. Page

A historian and ghost hunter named Nevaeh goes looking for the secrets of L Ward Asylum, nicknamed Hell Ward, and in its most infamous cell she binds herself to something that does not want to let go. E. M. Page’s The Echoes Of L Ward is a horror novel rooted in the author’s own decade of paranormal investigations, including one night at a real abandoned asylum that left her entire tour group stunned.

Content note: this is a horror novel dealing with a haunted asylum and a violent historical figure.

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Q&A with E. M. Page

Q: What inspired The Echoes Of L Ward?

A: I have always loved history and horror. I have also been haunted by unusual, inexplicable things for most of my life. As an adult, I decided to mix it all together and start going on ghost tours and paranormal investigations. Locations with dark histories have always been my favourites. I attended a tour at an abandoned insane asylum where some of the worst people in my city were once sent.

While there, a number of very strange events happened. In the cell of its most infamous former resident, something happened that left the entire group stunned. That event takes place within the story, and you will need to read it to find out what happened. Later that night, during a cell lockdown where everyone is separated and has to spend five to ten minutes shut in a cell alone, I started contemplating what-ifs. What if that incident was the start of something much bigger and more sinister?

From there it took a decade of other investigation experiences and mulling over potential outcomes before I was ready to write the story. This story has been a labour of love and I have enjoyed every minute of contemplating, planning, and writing it.

Q: When did writing begin for you, and what led to publishing?

A: I have always been a writer. I began to write stories and poems in primary school. Over the years I’ve had a lot of ideas and written a lot of different stories and poems, but I also had a busy career and wrote just for my own enjoyment. My career unfortunately ended due to disability, so I turned back to my writing to keep me sane and get me through.

I never intended to publish The Echoes Of L Ward, but I sent it to a friend and he enjoyed it so much he encouraged me to publish it because he thought other people would enjoy it too. From there I have gone on to publish two books in a children’s series called Scare Feast, with a third coming soon, and I am about to publish a picture book for kids. I’m also working on my second adult novel, a zombie apocalypse with a twist.

Q: Which character was the most rewarding to write?

A: Nevaeh, definitely. She has aspects of me in her, which were perhaps the easiest part, but she’s also an incredibly complex character. I wanted her to be real and relatable, someone you like and root for. I also wanted her decisions to be common sense, and to not lean into some of the tropes of silliness that often creep into horror. I wanted to do her justice and still keep some unpredictability in the mix.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

A: As it is a horror novel, I hope my readers continue to contemplate the story well after they finish reading it. I want them to be able to escape the real world for a little while, feel nervous or creeped out, and contemplate how our choices form our experiences. If the reader leaves happy with the story and feeling like it was something different or unexpected, then I will be happy. I want readers to walk away with a haunting mix of satisfaction and unease.

Q: How much of the story comes from real experiences?

A: Yes, several. My experiences on the paranormal tours within the abandoned asylum played a huge part in influencing the story. I have been on that particular tour and investigation at least a dozen times now. Each is more fascinating than the last. Nevaeh, the main character, experiences some of the things I have experienced in real life. There is real history from that asylum in the setting, and many of the descriptions are very true to the real place too.

Q: Is there a question about the book you wish readers would ask?

A: “Do you believe in the supernatural elements you write about?” The answer is a super easy yes. I have experienced too much to ever doubt that things exist outside of our ability to see or comprehend. My great grandmother and my grandmother were deeply into the occult, but back then it was popularly called spirituality and was deeply connected with the church. I actually have my great grandmother’s crystal ball and antique dressing table, and have experienced all manner of strange things relating to those. Once you experience something, you can only doubt for so long.

Q: Do you have a favorite moment from the book?

A: I will not say too much, but there are a few reveals I am particularly proud of. I made certain choices purposely, and planned very carefully. The lightbulb moments are always some of my favourites.

Q: What was the biggest challenge in writing or publishing it?

A: The biggest challenge was actually the publishing: not knowing where to start, how software worked, or how to do anything. It was a huge process after the book was written. Once I managed to figure it out, it was not so bad. Now the hardest part is finding people who like horror and want to read my books.

Q: What is next for you as a writer?

A: I have two books published as part of my children’s series, Scare Feast (A Ghostly Anthology; I Accidentally Ate A Zombie), with a third, Curse of the Bunyip, in editing and coming soon. I’m working on my second adult novel, titled Cycle of the Damned, a zombie apocalypse novel with a twist. I have also written a children’s book called ‘Twas the Night Before Halloween, which will be published as soon as the illustrator has finished the pictures. I have so many ideas and projects I want to work on. There are lots of stories yet to be written.

Top Reviews

Kylie Woods – 5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Intriguing and captivating
“I’m not usually a horror genre loving person. (In fact I steer clear because I’m a fraidy-cat!) but I absolutely loved reading this book! I stumbled across it online and it intrigued me so I decided to try something different and give it a go. It pulled me in right from the start. It was dark and eerie, and full of unexpected twists that I didn’t see coming.

This book is haunting and beautifully written. It is a gripping horror story that sticks with you after you finish and leaves you wanting more. There is so much to ponder over. I highly recommend it. I loved everything about it!”

Author Bio

E. M. Page has loved the horror genre for many years, in both movies and novels. She has a double degree in Arts and Education, with majors in English and History. She was diagnosed with several disabilities, which brought an end to her career.

Writing has always been a passion, but E. M. Page never shared her writing with anyone. Being disabled has given her more time to write, and she has finally decided to share her stories with the world, for both children and adults. Join her in lurking where fear and fiction collide. These tales of horror will linger in your mind long after the lights go out. Venture into the shadows at your peril.

Buy the book here: Amazon & Kindle | Goodreads · Author website: empageauthor.wixsite.com/empagehorror