The Art of Fantasy Storytelling

On this episode of The Mind of Sai Marie, Sai welcomes author Zachary Hagen to discuss his new novel, Aisha’s Secret. The conversation delves into the inspiration behind the book, which originated from a TikTok live session where Zachary explored fairy tale retellings. He shares how the character Aisha, who carries a significant secret, navigates a precarious world, and the importance of pacing in suspenseful narratives. Zachary emphasizes the need for authenticity in character development, ensuring that Aisha’s personality drives her reactions and decisions throughout the story.The discussion also touches on the impact of secrets on relationships within the narrative, the influence of current events on writing, and the cinematic quality of Zachary’s writing style. Thanks for reading Sai’s Newsletter! This post is public so feel free to share it.He reflects on his evolution as a writer, the importance of research, and his philosophy on endings. We conclude with advice for aspiring authors on reconnecting with their story’s heartbeat and the significance of writing for a niche audience. Zachary’s insights provide a rich exploration of the creative process and the deeper meanings behind storytelling.Connect with Zachary Hagen Online.Get Aisha’s Secret here now! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit saimarie.substack.com