In this episode, I sat down with Minnesota-based fantasy author and editor, Zachary Hagen, to dive into his journey as a writer and the inspirations behind his work. Zachary, along with his wife Claudia and their dog Flynn, calls Minnesota home, where he balances writing captivating fantasy stories, editing for clients, and exploring the outdoors on hikes or walks through his neighborhood. Zachary’s love for storytelling began at a young age, sparked by the magical bedtime stories his parents read to him (yes, those blue bedtime storybooks!) and later fueled by series like The Chronicles of Narnia and A Series of Unfortunate Events. His passion for world-building and complex narratives ultimately inspired his first fantasy series, The Eternal Chronicles, which draws influence from literary legends like Christopher Paolini, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. Join us as we explore Zachary's creative process, the inspirations behind his fantasy world, and the unique perspective he brings as both an author and editor. Featured Series: Eternal Chronicles Lux Terra is a world on the brink of destruction, but no one knows it yet. Join Elior and his friends as they explore their world and encounter magic they never even dreamed of and enter a new existence beyond what was before.