Matt Dragovits on Dawn of Legends, the Magic of Christmas, and Building the World of Zach’s Quest

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes back award-winning children's author Matt Dragovits to discuss Dawn of Legends: A Tale for Christmas, the latest addition to the magical world of Zach’s Quest. Matt shares how growing up with nine brothers and sisters in Pennsylvania—and watching classic Rankin/Bass Christmas specials—helped shape his lifelong love of the holiday season. That inspiration eventually became a world where Santa, elves, the Star of Bethlehem, faith, adventure, and the magic of Christmas come together. The conversation explores the origins behind Dawn of Legends, a prequel that expands the Zach’s Quest universe and reveals more about Santa's arrival at the North Pole, the Nature Elves, the toymaker elves, and the forces standing in their way. Matt also explains how he incorporates themes of faith, redemption, personal growth, and finding your place in the world without losing the excitement of a Christmas adventure. Matt takes listeners behind his writing process, including how characters can begin to guide their own stories, his experience working with artists connected to Disney productions, and his hopes of eventually bringing the Zach’s Quest universe to the screen. He also discusses experimenting with emerging technology while maintaining original artwork and creative control. And, of course, Burke and Matt talk Christmas—from childhood sledding and hot chocolate to Chicago holiday traditions, family ornaments, favorite movies, and the memories that keep the season magical year after year.This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!