Client: ZacharyDow

Interviewer: Girleditor

So, let me introduce myself first. I'm Minji, an interviewer from the Gemme community. May I get an introduction?

Sure. My name is Zack and I'm an aspiring writer from southern Maine. When I'm not writing for Prehistoric Wild, I'm working half-time towards my English degree in college, working my job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant, and helping/spending time with family.

Nice to meet you, Zack. Congratulations on winning first place in the historical fiction category. What motivated you to write such an amazing book? Was it a fellow writer, or something else?

My motivation sort of came from outside of that. I first had the thoughts of what would end up being Prehistoric Wild back in Spring of 2023. At the time, I was taking a Creative Writing class for college. I went in hoping it would get me out of a "writing dry spell" I was in at the time, which it thankfully did.

A common thing I wrote was dinosaur short stories written in a style inspired by nature documentaries. And I originally only started that as an experiment to see how it would happen. It also helped that I was really hyped for Prehistoric Planet season 2 at the time, prompting me to rewatch my favorite paleo documentaries from when I was younger. Thankfully, that experiment worked for all three stories I made in the class. But even after it ended, I had more pop into my head. So, I decided to write down each one, do light research for new potential ideas, then finally gave it a name: Prehistoric Wild: Life in the Mesozoic. It admittedly took a while to start writing the first of these stories, but a different English class that fall allowed me the opportunity to do so, helping me get the ball rolling so to speak. After that, I made a promise to myself to write at least one of these stories every month, just so I don't fall into that no-writing slump again.

That's great, actually, as writer's block can be annoying. So, as a writer, what are your main goals? Specifically, what are you trying to achieve: spreading a message or sharing your stories with the world?

I guess sharing my work around and hearing people's thoughts is one major goal. But I guess a far-flung one may be to somehow find a way to make money from my passion. I don't entirely know yet how I'd get to that point, let alone, but a guy can dream.

I'm sure you'll be able to publish your book and earn money from it. So, what inspired you to write a book in the historical fiction genre?

I guess mainly, cause that was the closest genre I could fit it into. I always envisioned it as a short story anthology. But outside of that, it was hard to really categorize it due to how I guess unique it can be seen as.

Hmm, I see. So, when did you first start writing?

I first started writing right around when I was 8. Growing up, I used to have a habit of daydreaming about whatever captured my interest (dinosaurs, Star Wars, transformers, just to name a few). Then I started to write my own stories about these, sort of fan fictions before I even knew what the term was. That then evolved into me drawing and writing notes for my own superhero comic universe inspired by Marvel, but I've since abandoned the project back in 2019. It was largely due to increasing business after my stepfather left. Honestly, if it weren't for that one Creative Writing class I took four years later, I doubt I would have gotten inspired or motivated enough to write again.

So, how was your first experience writing a book?

I honestly didn't know what to expect going in. I originally thought it would take me ages to due to how busy my schedule can be and how tired I can get as a result. But I then posted the first two Prehistoric Wild stories onto Wattpad and something about seeing people's reactions really made me want to keep going at it. There was just something about knowing that I was largely accomplishing what I set out to do with these stories, to immerse the readers in these prehistoric settings, keep the science as accurate/plausible as possible and still tell interesting stories at the same time. And that drive only grew from there as time went on.

Is there any person or specific incidents that made you write this story?

There was this one comment I got all the way back in my Creative Writing class days. It was on a story I wrote about a baby Styracosaurus hatching and being confronted by a Dromaeosaurus, only to then be saved by its mother. The comment was largely positive but it also highlighted how "the Earth itself" was the narrator. And that was largely something I was trying to convey and seeing that I succeeded in it was one of the moments that really wanted me to make this larger project afterwards.

So, how are you feeling now as a first prize winner?

Honestly, amazing. This is my first time achieving first place in something like this related to writing. I didn't know what to expect when first submitting, but to know that I accomplished this is definitely a pleasant surprise at the very least. If anything, it just seems to further cement the idea that what I'm setting out to do is indeed working.

Yea it's definitely working. What are you most comfortable writing? Oneshots, Short Stories or others?

Mainly short stories in this collection. It gives me the right balance between getting the satisfaction of writing the end sooner and working towards something larger.

Can you say a few motivational words, so other writers can improve on their writing journey? Also, can you share some tips with your fellow writers?

I originally made these stories cause they were born from something I wanted to see. In a way, I knew the only way I'd see them be made is to do so myself. So, if there's something you want to see in any form of entertainment, be the one that makes it. If you're worried about burnout or quitting to early, have a minimum goal of writing each month. For me it's one new story each month. I do have months where I can or am able to write more than that. But it's important to not beat yourself up too much if you don't get more than your goal. As long as you meat a standard that's manageable with whatever schedule you may have, take pride in knowing you've accomplished that.

It was great to interview you, and I wish you all the best for your future.

Thanks. It was great to talk with ya. Hope you have a great day.

You too.