Meet Zachary Sergi | Fiction Writer

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

Hi Zachary, what matters most to you?
I’ve had a mission statement since I began my career as a writer out of college, when I first moved to Los Angeles at age 22 (I’m 36 now). At first this was for writing digital interactive novels for Choice of Games in my 20s, then traditional print novels in my 30s. Every new project I pitch or start, I make sure it is built with this core mission statement in mind:

My writing mission statement is to always empower readers: to expose them to new worlds & ideas and let them decide for themselves what to think & believe. Additionally, I always focus on LGBTQIA+ representation and exploring issues of intersectional inclusion, funneled through a (usually Young Adult) genre-mashing blend of humor, action & drama. The reader’s voice always matters in the Sergiverse—the space to get lost and profound.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In the smartphone era, I’ve (kind of unwittingly) been part of a first wave of redefining interactive fiction. Inspired by original text games and Choose Your Own Adventure novels, modern interactive fiction often lives on apps and combines the style of Role Playing Games with the narrative arc of a novel. I got to write 9 novels in the interconnected Heroes Rise and Versus series for Choice of Games, which went from a startup to a full publisher during my time with them.

I always endeavored to write more traditionally (and for TV–hence the move to LA). While enduring the endless development cycle, its’ been so great to actually publish works that reach an audience. I got to write for a big 5 publisher when an editor at Hachette’s Running Press Kids wanted to develop my interactive style for a modern print interactive novel. This resulted in Major Detours and So You Wanna Be A Pop Star? I’ve transitioned to writing more linear print novels now like This Pact Is Not Ours and Love And Video Games, but am always developing new interactive stories and series.

While the TV/Film industry in LA can be tough, entering the bookstore and author community here–especially the queer YA LA author community–has been so wonderful and affirming.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m originally from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, so I’m a big believer in trying to live like a local when visiting any city. Some touristy stuff like the Venice canals and the Getty Museum, or a drive up the PCH always feel worthwhile. But honestly, the first thing I do is show any visitor a map of LA–everyone has heard of its individual cities, but seeing them all laid out and understanding LA is a county, not a proper urban city, feels like a big first step.

From there, it’s all about food and fun. An overpriced smoothie at Erewhon, a trip to Backyard Bowls (the best acai bowls), a dinner at Gracias Madre (vegan Mexican can be incredible)–some very silly essentially LA stuff. If a Gorgeous Gorgeous queer dance party is going on in Silverlake, that’s a must. Reading this list, I know I sound like a very basic Millennial. And I’m very okay with that!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people and places have supported my publishing career–it takes a village to make a living as an indie artist! I’d most like to thank the community we’ve created on Patreon, the readers who go out of their way to make sure a writer like me (and many others) have direct support to keep creating.

Website: https://zacharysergi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharysergiwriter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZacharySergi

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

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zacharysergi

https://zacharysergi.com/fan-dedication

Image Credits
Credit for all cover artists listed in novels. Links can also be found at zacharysergi.com