Surprise Sunday

And it’s a guest! An author of Wyrd Worlds 2, whose story “My Last Day” is a 5 stars IMHO. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome fellow Wyrd Worlder Zach Tyo!
Where do you live and write from?
I was born in the United States, Ohio to be exact. A few years ago my wife, girlfriend at the time, moved to West Virginia and started our family.
When did you start writing?
About two years ago I set out to write my first novel. It was a thriller, and it was never finished. I still have it to eventually go back and rewrite/finish it, but ¾ of the way through it I realized I needed to learn more before I would be ready.
I took a hiatus until this past April when I wrote yet another thriller. I actually completed it, began working on a cover and had it beta read. I was ready to re-edit it when a love for short stories and a renewed love for Fantasy, Sci-fi and everything else off of the wall came back thanks to the many wonderful writers I have reviewed on my site.
What genre(s) do you write?
I like to write about things that I like to read. Unfortunately this broadens my scope a lot. I began writing thrillers, then fantasy and even a speculative science fiction piece. In reality I would like to be known as a good author in general, not necessarily as a good, insert genre here, writer.
Where do you find your inspiration? Do you put yourself in your stories?
My inspiration comes directly from my mood. However I’m feeling essentially gets put straight onto paper and fuels my writing. The downside is when I start writing a tragedy, then play with my son or spend time with my wife and have to try and force myself back into that darker place.
I, normally unintentionally, always insert personal traits into my main characters. I like to sprinkle in traits from family into other characters. For me it keeps me on point and helps keep the story in a real place for me.
Do you have a specific writing routine? Outliner or improviser? Fast or slow writer?
Improviser, definitely. I do like to jot down ideas and notes, but my stories themselves are written one scene at a time until I’m happy with the end result.
Tell us about your latest book.
I have not published anything yet, I am working on a collection of short stories that revolve around the grim reaper that will be coming out in the next few weeks.
My Last Day, my contribution for Wyrd Worlds 2, is my first published work. It revolves around a dying earth, and a fathers refusal to abandon his child.

UPDATE: as of yesterday I officially published my own collection of 4 short stories titled The Reapers Opus.
Indie publishing or traditional publishing – and why
I would love to, one day, be published traditionally; I think it’s an achievement many authors strive for. But I do love the idea of no, official, deadlines and the ability to promote myself. I also think the indie community, while competitive, is a close one and is where all new authors should start off.
Any other projects in the pipeline?
I mentioned earlier about my short story collection. Once I release that I plan on working on the first book of a Fantasy series I’m in the infantile stages of.
What is your goal as a writer and what are you doing to achieve it?
Well I set out with every intention of having a sustainable income within five years. After two years and nothing on the market I’m a little behind, but still not deterred. If I go ten years and am still in the same place that’s fine, in the end. as long as my love for storytelling and the literary community doesn’t fade then I’ll be happy.

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Zach on Goodreads.

Posted by Barb on 05/10/2014

https://creativebarbwire.wordpress.com/2014/10/05/surprise-sunday-15/