We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog, that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.

Meet Zack Gerrard, author of the fantasy title The Righteous Thieves.

Could you tell us three interesting facts about yourself?

I never started writing until just after Covid. I’ve always had an affinity with words but never explored it until I tried writing on Reddit after Covid. With the feedback I got I decided to write a book. From this I learned I can come up with a story in only a few minutes, I usually find myself coming up with a new idea each day.

As well as writing rather well, I’d say. I find myself to be quite the artist as well. While this is usually drawing characters for my daughter from her favourite shows. I sometimes draw some weird Ideas I've had that day.

I am a huge nerd. I love space, games, films. I just love learning new things and exploring them. I’ve played games since I was old enough to hold and controller and I’ve found space fascinating since I was little. Every Friday I go to a local meeting at the Ashford Astronomical Society to enjoy and engage in their talks about every to do with space.

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

I would say my influence or motivation would be my daughter and how much people seem to enjoy my bizarre style of writing. I write because I want people to enjoy my works. I want to build a world my daughter can grow to love. All the bizarre characters, splendiferous towns and cities. I want the weird and wonderful to spread like wildfire.

 

Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?

Terry Pratchett and take your pick as to which book. I’m a lover of all things bizarre. The weird towns, odd places like the dungeon of 4+4, the sum of which should never be mentioned. All these little dumb but fun ideas have always prompted me to build my own little world with wonderful foibles.

Can you tell me about the book?

Well, this book is just the start of what will hopefully become a long series of books within my world. The Great Orb. Named so because it’s quite large in size, and it's an orb in shape.

This book sees three thieves: Jet, Lucindra and Xorpos try to steal the deed to dumpire and become the mayors. For how else does one become the Mayor of Dumpire than stealing the deed? In a town run by thieves, the only rule is to steal anything, but when the current Mayor (the greatest thief of all time) has ruled a little too long, he makes some opportunities for others to steal the deed.

What were your first experiences with writing?

Well as mentioned previously I started writing on Reddit. For those who don’t know, reddit is a community of communities online. One of those communities is called r/writingprompts. People would write a short prompt, and others would build upon it with a short story. I started responding there on a whim and people gave incredible feedback on a lot of my posts. Some of which telling me I needed to write a book, so here I am doing just that.

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

To me the biggest and best thing for a good story is the characters. Have characters that people can grow to love, or hate. Characters don’t need to have huge roles to have an impact on readers, even the smallest of characters can leave an impact. The only other thing I might say matters is an unexpected twist. One that gets the reader thinking. A twist that sticks in a readers mind long after they’ve finished reading. Besides these two things, a bit of salt and garlic doesn’t hurt.

How long should an author spend on their craft each day?

Well, how long is a piece of string? A good writer like anyone who thinks themselves good at their craft should spend as much time as they feel appropriate. I can’t sit and say, “spend 8 hours a day minimum, every waking moment writing until it’s perfect” because you could spend all that time and burn out.

Don’t ever write tonnes for people who don’t appreciate it. Find people who appreciate your work and write as much or as little as you feel necessary for them to enjoy. I would say that so long as your vocabulary and punctuation are where they need to be, the rest will follow in time, but with anything you aspire to be good at, don’t force it.

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

Most challenging part would probably be the depth. I don’t mean the depth of characters and their individual lives, but the depth of the story. I had the start and end built but I struggled for a little while to find the middle. What I learned after finding it, was to not be too harsh on myself and focus on it. Take a break, play some Mario kart (other games are available) and let the story come naturally.

What common pitfalls should aspiring writers avoid?

I think a lot of people in my position would say the same thing. Judgement.

I know it can be hard reading that someone hates your work and thinks you should quit. But don't let it deter you. Just say to yourself “that’s not my kind of audience” and move on to find people who appreciate your work. In the age of the internet, it couldn’t be easier and whilst a lot of people out there may tell you to stop, others might say it’s good but if you did this it would be perfect.

Never let one person with a rod up their ass deter you from what you love.

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

Practice your handwriting! Honestly, I can stare at a blank word document and half hour later have a short story written. Give me a pen and paper though, you’ll have to take it to an expert to have it deciphered.

The Righteous Thieves is available now in paperback and on the Kindle Store.