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ZACH MILES

Today, we’re excited to interview author  Zach Miles about his debut novel, Zemblanity, and the launch of Book 1—Hurricane York.

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Interview with Zach Miles

Interviewer: Today, we’re excited to interview author and entrepreneur Zach Miles about his debut novel, Zemblanity, and the launch of Book 1—Hurricane York.

 

 

Zach Miles: Thank you for the warm welcome! I’m eager to discuss my journey and what readers can expect from Hurricane York.

 

Interviewer: Your novel is inspired by a singular decade in your life. Can you share more about that?

 

Zach Miles: Absolutely. This decade was as mysterious as it was transformative. I lived through a time of chaos and reinvention in Hong Kong, which I divide into three chapters of my life. This is why the story naturally unfolds as a trilogy.

 

Interviewer: That sounds fascinating! How did your personal experiences shape the narrative?

 

Zach Miles: My experiences deeply influenced the characters and themes in Zemblanity, allowing me to blend personal truths with fiction in a meaningful way.

 

Interviewer: Interesting! What’s your background in writing?

 

Zach Miles: I’m not new to writing—I’ve spent 30 years as a copywriter in advertising. While this is my debut novel, I bring decades of storytelling experience with me. This story, Zemblanity, has lived within me for years.

 

Interviewer: What is Zemblanity about?

 

Zach Miles: Zemblanity is the opposite of serendipity. It refers to the uncovering of inevitable misfortune, and that’s the world Daniel Sagar finds himself in. This isn’t just a story about Hong Kong; it’s about one man’s moral reckoning. Daniel is an empath navigating a city on the cusp of enormous change. When he discovers the brutal murder of a deeply in-love couple, he becomes consumed with uncovering the truth—even though it seems unrelated to him.

 

Interviewer: That sounds intense! What inspired this novel?

 

Zach Miles: The novel is inspired by a singular decade in my life—one that was as mysterious as it was transformative. I lived through chaos and reinvention in Hong Kong, where land deals were being digitized, powerful figures were toppling, and secrets were everywhere. But this isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a millennial story about globalization, how the web reshaped our world, and the rise of narcissism in the social media age.

 

Interviewer: Why did you choose to launch this project on Kickstarter?

 

Zach Miles: I’m bringing Zemblanity to Kickstarter to fund professional editing, book design, formatting for both digital and print editions, and to realize expansion goals, including the Black Pearl and Black Velvet editions featuring additional chapters and deeper character insights. I want to deliver more than just a book; I aim to create an immersive experience rich in mystery, emotion, and truth.

 

Interviewer: What’s the current status of the trilogy?

 

Zach Miles: I’m currently 30-40% through Book 1, Hurricane York. The full trilogy is already plotted, and I’ve begun writing sections of Books 2 and 3. Progress has been swift—I completed the outline just 3-4 weeks ago and have been writing daily. If this campaign is successful, I could realistically finish the entire trilogy by the end of the year.

 

Interviewer: What can readers expect from the Black Pearl and Black Velvet Editions?

 

Zach Miles: These are not just luxury editions; they contain crucial extra material—bonus chapters, intimate character monologues, and deeper psychological nuances. They reveal how Daniel evolves under pressure and how his battle with morality drives him to the edge without corrupting him. They’re for readers who want to dive deeper into the world and characters I’ve built.

Interviewer: Why did you choose to write under a pseudonym?

 

Zach Miles: Writing under a pseudonym gives me the freedom to be honest. This novel touches on real emotions, traumas, and corruption. The name “Zach Miles” acts as a protective layer between my personal life and the public eye, allowing the story to stand on its own.

 

Interviewer: Why a trilogy and not a single book called Zemblanity?

 

Zach Miles: The story unfolds as a trilogy because my life was divided into three chapters during that transformative decade.

 

Interviewer: How can readers support your campaign?

 

Zach Miles: Whether you back this campaign financially or simply share it with others, I truly appreciate your support. My promise is simple: I aim to overdeliver and provide a novel that is mysterious, enriching, seductive, and emotionally honest.

 

Interviewer: Thank you, Zach! We look forward to the release of Zemblanity.

 

Zach Miles: Thank you! Let’s bring Zemblanity to life.

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SYNOPISIS BOOK 1

At the tail end of student life, Daniel celebrates a dream job offer to work in the Far East by going to the York races. During the Musidora race, a chance wind disrupts a set of events that will define the next ten years of his life in Asia.

 

Whilst carving his way through the cutthroat world of politics, corporate life, and those with enormous power, Daniel’s life is consistently pushed towards a harrowing story of a brutal murder.

 

What started out as compassion for two people in love turns into a dark obsession as he’s hit with an inexorability of unfortunate discoveries. In the face of a lawless society, can he save himself from drowning in despair?

Key Characters

 Protagonist

Daniel Sagar is a graduate from York University who's landed in a dream job for an American corporation. His emphatic nature is toyed by superstitions when usual events seem to follow him. 

The Expat

Louise is the daughter of the territory's last governor, living the ultimate expat life. As her father's favorite among three daughters, she faces the expectation of playing her role for Britain as the handover nears.

The Admiral

The admiral, head of the UK's last fleet in Hong Kong and the elite Black Watch regiment, is a narcissist facing retirement. With the handover approaching, he feels his control slipping as his fleet is set to be disbanded.

The Giant

Chris is a big-hearted, tall man with a passion for all things American. Willing to do anything for Daniel, he proves invaluable with his technological expertise in an era dominated by technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
1. What is Zemblanity about?
emblanity is a murder mystery thriller that follows the journey of Daniel Sagar, a young man navigating personal and moral dilemmas in a rapidly changing Hong Kong, set against the backdrop of true events between 1994 and 2006.
 
2. How many books are in the Zemblanity Trilogy?
The trilogy consists of three books, with the first being Hurricane York. Each book delves deeper into Daniel's experiences and the complex world around him.

3. Is Zemblanity based on real events?
Yes, the novel is inspired by true events and personal experiences, capturing the essence of a decade marked by chaos, reinvention, and transformation.


4. Where can I purchase Zemblanity?
You can purchase Zemblanity through our Kickstarter campaign, where you can also find exclusive editions and bonuses.


5. What are the Black Pearl and Black Velvet Editions?
hese limited editions feature additional content such as bonus chapters, intimate character insights, and exclusive artwork, designed for readers who want to delve deeper into the story.

6. When is the expected release date for Hurricane York?
The anticipated release date will be shared via our Kickstarter updates. If the campaign is successful, we aim to complete the book within the year.


7. Will there be audiobooks available?
Yes! We plan to offer an audiobook version of Zemblanity, with multiple narrators, as part of our stretch goals on Kickstarter.


8. How can I stay updated on the project?
You can sign up for our newsletter or follow us on our social media platforms to receive updates about the book, the Kickstarter campaign, and future installments of the trilogy.


9. Can I contact you for more information?
Absolutely! For any questions or inquiries, please reach out to us through the contact form on our website or via email at [your contact email].


10. How can I support the Kickstarter campaign?
You can support our Kickstarter campaign by backing it financially or sharing it with friends and family who might be interested in the book.

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