He is the author of ‘The Garden of Lies’ a fantasy novel full of shapeshifting surprises. If you want to know more about Zack and his writing do visit his youtube channel.

youtube.com/zackthedalj 

Hi Zack

Me - I am a few chapters into the story and enjoying the tale, the style of writing and the hints of what is to come. So now I want to find out more about Zack the writer.

Which aspect of the writing process do you enjoy the most? And why?

Zack - Lore and world building! creating new worlds, entire histories in your mind, and fleshing them out on paper! you can create endless trails of lore, countless fun little facts and stories about your world. It’s an endless source of amusement. I love it so much, I made five videos about it on my youtube channel.

Me- I love your enthusiasm for world building and it is a fun part of fantasy writing.

What distracts you when you are in writing flow? Is there anything you do to counter this?

Zack - When I truly get into my flow, almost nothing naturally distracts me. In fact I sink into the flow so much, I often will not notice hunger, needing the restroom, or how tired I am. I enter absolute focus. The trick is, ignoring distractions to GET INTO that flow. For that, music and a closed door.

Me – I can find that flow when I’m first drafting.

What part of the story pushes itself into your imagination first? Story premise, character, setting, plot, ending?

Zack -That one’s a little tricky, because I tend to build organically from the ground up on an as needed basis. I typically start by imagining myself or a character in a scenario, and everything naturally evolves from there.

Me- Characters often come first for me too.

What is the most challenging aspect of the writing process?

Zack -Editing. I am not a good typist, so there are always lots of silly mistakes to weed out. Finding them all can be a needle in haystack kind of issue.

Me – I know that feeling.

Do you have any pre-writing rituals to help flick your brain into writing mode?

Zack - Not really, I am usually inspired by life. I move through my life, and little things strike me with eureka moments. Offhanded comments from family. Silly coincidences. And the lovely everyday things, ya know?

Me- What is the strangest observation from the real world that has made it into one of your stories?

Zack- Memes. I love memes. I stockpile memes, I eat the memes, I excrete the memes. Inhale the memes, exhale the memes. Inject the memes into my bloodstream. Even this answer is a reference to a meme.

Me – Ha. I love that answer.

What personality trait of yours have you given to one of your characters?

Zack - I counter with this: What personality trait of mine, HAVEN’T I given to at least one of my characters. Every character in my writing, is a reflection of me in one way or another. I created them all, and several of them are direct, deliberate reflections of myself.

Me- That is a very honest answer. I think most writers seep into their characters even if we are unaware.

Your you-tube channel is great. Why did you decide to have a you-tube channel rather than a website?

Zack -I was inspired by fellow authortuber Jenna Moreci. She is a great content creator, on screen and on page. And I thought to myself, “I’m witty and manic, I have good ideas. I can do that.” So I did. But I do intent to get an author website up eventually.

Me- I like the connection that is possible in videos. It’s more personal than a website. You’ve inspired me to have a go at an author youtube channel.

What is it about the fantasy genre that tempted you to write?

Zack -Omg it’s the best. The creative freedom. The endless possibilities. The only rules are the ones I create. I HAVE THE POWA!!!

Me –Power to create whole worlds is enticing. I love the worlds fantasy authors create.

Do you have a writing tip for other writers who wish to create a fantasy book?

Zack - Dream big, imagine fearlessly, write it all down, and make it all make sense after that… And watch my youtube content for tons of useful advice.

Me – Great advice and thank you for your fun answers, Zack.

Thank you so much for your fun, interesting and detailed answers, it’s been a pleasure chatting to you.

Please visit the following links to discover more about Zack and his powa!

https://www.minds.com/zackthedalj

https://twitter.com/Zackthedalj

https://www.facebook.com/zackthedalj

youtube.com/zackthedalj

tiktok – zackthedalj

I will be reviewing ‘The Garden of Lies’ as soon as I’ve finished reading it, so please come back to my website to read it.