Zach Martin is another one of those writers that I probably wouldn’t have found if I was not on Facebook. So thank you Mark Zuckerberg! I read Zach’s book of short stories THE PRICE OF INSANITY in a single sitting. It was that good. The writing draws you in and the narrative tricks you into thinking you’re safe as a bug in a rug and then, just when you’re comfortable, Zach sets the rug on fire.
Zach’s writing is crisp and lean and keeps you on your toes. He is definitely an up and coming talent that I’m sure we in the horror community will be reading for years to come. So if you’re in the market for some nasty little stories that will curl your toes and keep you guessing to the very last word check out THE PRICE OF INSANITY and brace yourself for a wild ride!
Now let’s get to know this Master of Horror a little bit better…
Tell me a little about yourself.
My name is Zach martin. I was born and raised in the back woods of Arkansas. I joined the Marine Corp straight out of high school. My service in the military sent me to California, Georgia, and Texas. As for where I’m living now I’m back in my childhood home with my wife and three children. As far as jobs go I do hold a steady day to day career. I am an operations manager for Loves travel stops. I ensure the whole operation runs smoothly while keeping my sanity.
So why write horror?
I’ve always enjoyed horror. Whether it was the choose your own adventure novels or the first R.L. Stine book I picked up. Horror has always had a hold on me. When I’m writing it’s like a movie playing in my head. So each story I craft I get to see the movie come to life in my grey matter and I know if it can spook me it will definitely send a chill down the readers spine. Horror to me tells you who someone is as a person. We all have the fight or flight and no one knows how they will react once they are put in a situation. I love subjecting my characters to dire situations and seeing how they handle it.
What’s the scariest book you’ve ever read?
I would have to say Duma Key. Not so much scary as unsettling but the thought of a place pumping up latent psychic energy. As well as empowering someone’s memories of the past just did something to me. I will say that lately I’ve read some impressive stuff. Bunker Dogs gave me some good chills and Apnea really messed with my head.
Describe the most significant success you’ve had in your writing career.
My first success to me was having a story accepted on the nosleep podcast. I’d already published by then but I couldn’t see the success. At the time I wasn’t really getting reviews or feedback so knowing my story was good enough to belong on the podcast was an eye opener. The most special review I have is one where the reader quotes a line from a story called thin spots. When I wrote that story I thought it was just mediocre. But seeing how it impacted the reader gave me a whole new perception on the story. Knowing that the line I wrote stuck with someone is a blessing.
What are you working on now?
I have recently finished the first draft of my WIP called The Gateway. It is a standalone novella. The best way to sum it up is if you took “The evil dead” and mixed it with “The ninth gate.” I had originally intended it to be a short story but the characters had other ideas. This will be my first novella length horror and once it’s through the edits and formatting I’m hoping to give you all a good tale.
As always I want to send Zach a big MASTERS OF HORROR thanks for sharing with us today and a special thanks for his service and dedication to his country. Not everyone can say they stepped forward to answer the bell, and for that I salute you Zach. Well done.
So if you haven’t already read THE PRICE OF INSANITY here’s a quick sample of what the reviewers are saying…
“This is the first book I’ve read from the incredible Z Martin and it definitely won’t be my last. Each story was unique and exciting and as deadly as a knife in the dark. If you’re looking for quick blasts of terror read this book - you might lose some sleep - but you definitely won’t be disappointed!! Definitely recommend!!” - AMAZON REVIEWER
“I absolutely loved this book. The length of the short stories was perfect. If you want a quick horrifying read or thriller, this is definitely a recommendation. I read through it in one sitting. I have to admit, I wish it was a bit longer. My favorite short stories were: Getaway, Jingle, Unplug, Thin spots, and The pharmacist.
Favorite Quote: "Watch the reflections and the windows, listen for sounds or the lack of them and when your mind tells you to run just run." - AMAZON REVIEWER
THE PRICE OF INSANITY is available on Amazon and you can read it for FREE on Kindle Unlimited. So, I really don’t know what you’re still doing here?
Go grab this book and discover this new and talented writer for yourself!
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