Meet Sarah Tasz | Independent Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Tasz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
This may sound silly, but my favorite affirmation as of late comes from the opening line of a game show called Gamechanger:

“The only way to learn is by playing, the only way to win is by learning, and the only way to beginning is by beginning.”

The premise of the show is that the players have no idea what game they are there to play, and have to learn the rules as they go. That is pretty much also the premise of independent creative enterprise, especially when technology and attitudes seem to change by the week. But if you’re adaptable, willing to learn, and not afraid to occasionally look silly, you can still win.

And even if you don’t win, it’ll still be entertaining.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an independent author, which means in addition to writing books (various flavors of contemporary fantasy), I’m also a graphic designer, videographer, and marketer, all of which require their own type of artistry. Luckily, my professional history is a mix between the tech industry as a training/technical writer and the creative industries of video and theater production. Part of the reason why I chose an independent venture is because I like the variety that comes with wearing a lot of different hats, and while it can be overwhelming at times with how much ends up on my plate, it has taught me the value of time management and prioritizing my own wellbeing.

That is probably the biggest challenge, taking time for myself or taking breaks to transition between work disciplines. But if I am overcommitted and straining, I can make mistakes and end up doubling my workload, so as difficult as it is sometimes, I have to make sure I set aside time to clear my head and refocus.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I live in Las Vegas, and week’s vacation here is practically a lifetime. But here’s the thing–before I lived here, I was a visitor from a very young age because I had family here, so the way I like to enjoy Las Vegas has always been a little different.

The Strip is great for a day or two. You get your drinks at CVS or Walgreens, you walk around and see the sights, enjoy the beautiful and strange architecture, maybe throw away a little money on the slots or the tables, etc. I’d definitely steer them towards shelling out for a cabana at a pool (I assume it’s pool season–they’re not always open, which people might not know). But other than that, I’d be focusing on the fringe areas that people might not think about. Downtown Vegas, while still touristy, has some really great spots just out of the casino corridor for food and entertainment. The Arts District is amazing for quirky thrift stores, bars and coffee shops. I’d absolutely take them to the Writers Block Bookstore and the Beverly Theater, which is within walking distance of Fremont.

Further out from the tourist centers is the Springs Preserve and Nevada State Museum, which have both history displays and gorgeous botanical gardens. Red Rock Park is also amazing if nature of interest to whoever is visiting. And then…honestly, some of my favorite places are the weird little bars and places that you find in any of the thousands of strip malls we have here. They don’t look like much, so you kind of have to know it’s there or you’ll miss it. That’s what I like about living in Vegas–the Strip is kind of this massive distraction that keeps everyone looking that way and they don’t see all the cool weird things we locals know about. It’s something I address my Death by Miss Adventure series, which is set in Vegas, and it’s part of why it is my favorite series to date.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give this shoutout to my friends and fellow authors at the Sin City Writers Group. It’s the reason I found out about this series in the first place, not to mention the reason I’ve made it as far in my writing career as I have. They’re an amazing, supportive and talented group of writers who are also some of the most dedicated and hardest working creative types I’ve met in a long time. You guys are the best!

Website: https://sgtasz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgtasz.author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgtaszauthor/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SGTasz

Other: Amazon Author Page:

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18849380.S_G_Tasz