Inside the Mind - Zapphire Zucca

I started writing when I was about 12 or 13. I’ve always had a vivid imagination, and on my way home from school, I’d often drift into daydreams—picturing myself as someone else, sometimes even imagining a life where I was a celebrity with the perfect husband and kids. But as I got older, people told me I wouldn’t amount to much. Then, after having my son at a young age, I stepped away from writing for a while. In 2016, I finally picked up the pen again and wrote my first book, sharing pieces of my own life. I published it under my legal name, more for my own healing than anything else. Fast forward to 2023—life hit me hard again. I found myself in such a dark place, nearly ready to give up on everything because of painful events involving my husband and my former pastor. But instead of letting it break me, I turned back to writing. In just four months, I poured my pain into words and created a six-book short series. Even though I was struggling with deep depression, writing became my lifeline. It truly saved me.

My latest book, *Mask*, was published on July 31, 2025. It tells the story of a woman who was sexually assaulted by her first cousin at age 12. In the story, Devyn, the FMC, hides her pain from that traumatic experience. As an adult, Devyn becomes a lawyer and adopts a 'mask' — not a physical one, but a facade. She appears powerful in the courtroom. One day, at a charity ball, she meets Vaughn Thornwood, a successful lawyer who is in a loveless marriage. Vaughn longs for a genuine relationship and children, which he doesn't have in his marriage. While working on a case together, Vaughn recognizes the mask Devyn is hiding behind. Eventually, he sees her true self, and she feels safe enough to be herself.

I usually create my characters starting with a thought—they begin in my head. As I develop them, I visualize their personalities, backgrounds, and quirks. When I create the book cover, it’s like they come to life visually, and I can see them fully in my mind. The cover often helps me solidify their look, energy, and presence in the story.

A typical writing day for me starts with setting the tone—I usually write in a quiet space where I can fully focus. I spend the first part of my day outlining scenes or revisiting notes from the previous day. Then I dive into writing, whether it’s drafting new chapters, refining dialogue, or developing character arcs. I usually take short breaks to refresh my mind, sometimes listening to music that fits the story’s mood. By the end of the day, I review what I’ve written, make notes for revisions, and plan what I’ll tackle next. My days are a mix of discipline, creativity, and immersing myself in the world I’m building.

The most rewarding part of being an indie author is the creative freedom and control I have over my stories. I get to bring my vision to life exactly as I imagine it—choosing the characters, the plot twists, and even the cover design. Seeing readers connect with my work, feeling their emotions, and hearing how a story impacted them is incredibly fulfilling. Beyond that, building my own author brand and managing every part of the publishing process has taught me resilience, business skills, and confidence. Every milestone, from finishing a draft to holding a published book in my hands, reminds me why I chose this path.

One challenge I’ve faced in my writing journey is dealing with self-doubt and the fear of not being “good enough.” On top of that, I manage PTSD, which makes balancing writing with everyday life even more difficult. There are moments when I question my characters, my plot, or whether anyone will connect with my story. But pushing through those doubts, my personal struggles, and staying consistent is what allows me to turn ideas into published books. Each challenge has made me a stronger, more resilient, and confident author.

Yes! Two of my favorite writing tools are Vellum and Canva. I use Vellum because it allows me to create professional-looking ebooks and print books with ease—everything looks polished and reader-ready. Canva is my go-to for book covers; it gives me the flexibility to design visually striking covers that perfectly capture the essence of my stories. Both tools make the publishing process smoother and more creative.

My advice for new or aspiring indie authors is to stay consistent and believe in your story. Writing a book is only the first step—publishing and marketing take just as much effort, so be prepared to learn every part of the process. Don’t compare your journey to others; focus on improving your craft and connecting with your readers. Also, invest in yourself—whether it’s editing, cover design, or learning new publishing tools, professional quality goes a long way. Most importantly, keep writing even when it’s hard, because persistence is what separates dreamers from successful authors.

As an indie author, I handle book promotion by taking a multi-pronged approach. I use social media to connect directly with readers, sharing sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal stories that tie into my books. I also utilize email newsletters to keep my audience engaged and informed about new releases, preorders, and exclusive content. Collaborating with other authors through promotions, newsletter swaps, and group events helps expand my reach. Additionally, I invest time in strategic advertising on platforms like Amazon and Facebook to target readers who enjoy my genre. Overall, it’s about consistency, building relationships with readers, and creating buzz while staying authentic to my brand.

Yes, I typically work on multiple projects simultaneously. I currently have a few projects in progress, but my subsequent releases are coming soon! Kash: Mountain Man of Timber Falls drops on August 30, 2025, and the short story Skull: The Biker’s Claim will be released on September 5, 2025.

Writer’s block happens to every author at some point. For me, the key is to step back and give my mind space to breathe. I might go for a walk, listen to music, or brainstorm scenes in my head. Sometimes, I freewrite or work on a different part of the story to get the words flowing again. The most important thing is not to force it—creativity often returns when you least expect it.

I outline my books the old-fashioned way—everything goes into a notebook. I map out the story, develop character profiles, and sketch scenes. This process usually takes anywhere from four days to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the story. Having it all written down gives me a clear roadmap, but I still allow the characters to surprise me as I write.

It depends on the story and my readers. For some books, especially shorter series or novellas, digital releases make the most sense because they’re quick and accessible. For my full-length novels or books I know readers will want on their shelves, I release them in both digital and print. I also consider preorders, marketing strategy, and what format will give the story the biggest impact.

I take criticism constructively. If it’s feedback that can help me improve, I pay attention and learn from it. But if it’s just negativity without substance, I let it roll off. Writing is personal, and not every story is for everyone. My focus is on telling the story I need to speak and connecting with the readers who understand and appreciate it.