Another 3Q’s – another great author!

Today, we welcome Zachary Ashford, all the way from Australia!

Welcome, Zachary!

Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try and write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?

Zachary: My writing time largely varies according to my lifestyle and my workload as a teacher. Towards the ends of terms/semesters, it’s pretty much negligible. In holidays, though, I usually manage to get some solid chunks in – and when I’m closer to finishing something, or in the zone with an idea, I’ll capitalize on that time and prioritize writing for myself.

Otherwise, it becomes something I’ll try to sneak an hour or two a night. I don’t have a word count I’m aiming for, although I’ll often be stoked/disappointed when I reach certain numbers. What I am a fan of, though, is setting a stopwatch and embarking on a writing sprint. I find that if I have a regular routine of these one or two hour sprints, I can push thousands of words out in a week.

Steve: Out of all your releases, do you have a favorite character you’ve written?

Zachary: I’ve never really thought about this before. The first that comes to mind is probably December from the Sole Survivor books. I think that Cora in Cicadas is quite possibly more of a badass, but December is the one who was perhaps least expectant of her situation, and she’s become pretty tough and resilient by the end of the second book. So, yeah, maybe I’d go for her.

Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!

Zachary: At this moment, my latest release is When the Cicadas Stop Singing. It’s an atmospheric post-apocalyptic tale set in the foothills of an outback mountain/forest. It’s full of action and trauma, but most importantly, it’s a tale that explores what it means to move on when the things that hold us back become too much to bear. I was thrilled that it was nominated for the Aurealis Award this year.

As for why people should read it, I think it’s a tonne of fun. It’s gripping. It’s lean and powerful, but also, I think it’s a weighty ride for its length.

Steve: Bonus Question! What is your favorite album?

Zachary: This is the hardest question of the lot. I’m often inclined to opt for Fear Factory’s Demanufacture album, but I have to go with Everblack by the Black Dahlia Murder. I love that album to bits, and it means so much to me on a personal level and the ways it has been involved with key moments in my life.

Awesome! Thank you so much!

To find more goodies, follow the links!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Zachary-Ashford/e/B087LV2SQP/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashford_zachary