Who are you?
I’m Zander Hatch, a ten-year Marine Corps veteran and first-time author of Rose Island based out of Columbus, Ohio.
What do you write?
I write fast-paced action thrillers with a heavy dose of military operations infused into them. I’ve always been drawn to actions movies, specifically those of the 80s and 90s; I remember watching Die Hard on VHS. I decided I wanted to create my own action movies and overtime, that turned into wanting to write them. I do not shy away from cursing or violence; I have the mouth of a sailor and violence is ever-present in many parts of the world. I enjoy crafting stories and creating tension-filled scenes that leave the reader rapidly flipping through the pages.
Where do you write?
I’ve written everywhere. I started writing on paper when I was 12 and eventually on a computer. Many of my writing spaces consisted of a desk in whatever barracks I was living in at the time and even aboard US Navy ships while deployed overseas. I start a story generally by jotting ideas down or typing them on my phone. I attempt to storyboard it but, without fail, I go off track and I’ve learned I just need to write it down and I can fix it later. I will have a browser open with a dozen different taps while I write as I research topics or specifics of a weapon, for example.
When do you write?
I don’t have a strict writing schedule, even though I probably should. I will typically write in the evenings or at night. Sometimes I will write a few pages or maybe just half a page. Other times I will go back to something I’ve already written and start editing it.
Why do you write?
I write to have fun, and hopefully readers will have fun too. The desire to create a story to escape from reality or to simply take a break from life is what fuels me. A completed story that checks all my boxes of being fast, loud, cool, and fun is what drives me to write another. I take inspiration from my favorite action movies and thriller writers, and maybe one day my works will be beside theirs.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I am not great at defeating writer’s block, it hits me often and usually wins. I’ve found having a semi-persistent schedule of reading helps me to write more consistently, even if it’s just half a page. Sometimes I will force myself to write, and I’ll end up deleting it, but having decided what I don’t like will allow me to write what I do like.
Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, working out, and firearms. I love seeing a new movie in theaters and traveling out west to explore the National Parks.
My thanks to Zander Hatch for today's interview.