Author Interview: Z. Martin
- fridaynightwritesi
- Nov 21
- 5 min read
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Friday Night Writes! As always, our goal is to shine a spotlight on members of the book community and introduce readers to awesome authors, narrators, event hosts, influencers, and more.
This week, we'd like to introduce our featured guest, author Z. Martin!
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you?
I am Z, and Z is me. I like to craft tales that scare the mess out of people and also tales that get the imagination going. I’m a husband and father to three terrifying children. When I’m not writing, working, or spending time with my family, I’m studying to become an ordained chaplain.
What are a few of your favorite things/least favorite things?
I love reading and I hate vegetables. Green equals sad.
Do you have anything that you’re truly passionate about outside of writing? (Could be a cause, a project, etc.)
I’ve been heavily involved in supporting Children’s Miracle Network for many years.
Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you were a child?
No, not until I was introduced to Poe. I wanted to be a ninja turtle.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I was fifteen.
Which genres do you write in?
Horror, fantasy, erotica, nonfiction, and many different sub genres within horror.
Are you independently or traditionally published?
I’m technically both, I guess. Several of my works are self published and the other half of them are published through Baynam Books Press. I enjoy self publishing because I have complete control over the project and can see in real time how my works are performing. I also enjoy being with a publisher because it takes a lot of stress off my shoulders.
What do you enjoy most and least about being an author?
Writing is really fun 80% of the time. Marketing is what I think purgatory would be like.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
For the most part, I am a pantser. I have no clue where the story is going when I start it. But there are a few times (especially in my fantasy works) where I put on the plantser hat because I need at least some structure.
Do you have any writing routines?
If I’m writing short stories, I have to have lo-fi horror playing or be at work. Nothing is more horrifying than work.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
I just throw words at the page. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to exist first. You can make it perfect later.
How many WIPS do you have going right now? What can you tell us about them?
I have two currently. One is a horror novel based around a time loop and technology. The other one is a follow up to my previously published dark fantasy/religious horror novella titled “The Gateway.”
How many books do you currently have published? Tell us about them.
Eight books currently.
Stroll Down the Crooked Path and The Price of Insanity are both short story collections and were my introduction into the book publishing world.
The Gateway is a religious horror novella that asks the question of if we are in control of our destiny.
The Journey of Ike is a YA fantasy that combines different mythologies and magic to build a very unique world.
Tales from Chesterfield is a short story collection that reads like a whole book; all the stories and environments are connected with a very special narrator.
The Elevator Game is a splatterpunk tale that makes you wonder how far you’ll go for just one wish.
Possessed by Love is an erotic horror with multi-POV and dual timelines weaving a tale of love that travels the years.
"What Sound Does the Whippoorwill Make" is a short story about a night in a state park that turns an odd turn.
Where do you get the inspiration for your books? Do you insert pieces of yourself and people you know into your books?
I take a lot of my inspiration from the outside world. I write things that my eyes see and my mind twists.
Are there any other authors who have inspired you?
Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Gage Greenwood, and Candace Nola.
Do you prefer standalone books or series?
Stand-alone, preferably.
Do you have a favorite or least favorite character?
I hate all my characters equally. They do not listen.
What's your most popular book?
Tales From Chesterfield.
Which of your books do you wish received more love than it does?
The Price of Insanity.
How do you handle the author/life balance?
I just do it however I do it. Honestly, I write for me, so I don’t try to push books out to the readers. I’d rather have fun with the story than force myself to put out something just because I was expected to.
What do you do to recharge your creativity?
Watch the same shows on repeat on YouTube and read new to me authors.
Do you have any advice for unpublished writers or people who hope to become authors?
Just put the words on paper. Seriously, that’s it. Stop going to all these groups to figure out how to do it. Just do it. People will read it.
Awesome! Let's do some fun questions. Do you believe in aliens or ghosts?
Ghosts, absolutely. I’ve got quite a few paranormal stories.
If you could be a shifter what would your alternate form be?
A cat because they give no cares.
What would you use to survive the zombie apocalypse? Why?
A claymore because of the reach and no need to reload or get ammo.
Thanks for playing along! Where can we find you online?
Substack: https://substack.com/@zebmartin
Do you have any planned events?
I don’t go to events, honestly, because of social anxiety, but I should.
I also see that you're offering an incentive to our Friday Night Writes readers. What do you have planned?
The Gateway will be free through Amazon today, November 21st, 2025.
Thank you so much for joining us, Z! It's been a pleasure chatting with you!
To all of our readers, thanks for spending some time with our guest author this week! We hope you've enjoyed this interview! In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Z. Martin's substack so you can keep up to date with his journey. Building a better, stronger community is what Friday Night Writes is all about!
Be sure to join us next week when we talk to author J.L. Hoyt!
See you soon!
The Friday Night Writes Crew
Evie Black & Samantha Moran
Friday Night Writes would like to thank our amazing sponsors: Bobbie Isabel, Rebecca Jose, Eden Knox, Kris Mitchell, LeAnn Kelley and Sammantha Selwood. Through their contributions, we are able to host interviews on a dedicated site and reach new audiences through our newsletter. Thank you!
Comments