We recently connected with Zachary Astrowsky and have shared our conversation below.
Zachary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.
While my passion for writing is constantly boiling, I have discovered my innate desire to inspire others. Existing in a euphoric state of imagination has become my favorite compartment of life which is why I want to ensure that everyone has the tools to equip their own creativity. Through working with Reading is Fundamental, I was able to enlighten my community. I have spoken to over 2,500 kids across the valley about the importance of reading and writing and how they can join my mission in gifting writing utensils and materials to others who need them. Literacy is disguised as a natural part of life in today’s world, yet there are millions of kids who struggle to even find a book to read. For the past 5 years, I have been able to support these kids by donating proceeds of my books, spreading awareness about the vitality of literacy through speaking engagements, and by hosting book drives with the participation of my school’s Nation Honor Society which I am the president of. Awarding me this scholarship would inevitably allow me to continue my work. At the University of Arizona, I will be able to pursue my love of writing as a Creative Writing Major. With a retained passion, my yearn to aid my community will never falter. Everyone deserves an imagination, and with my help, the people of Arizona will get closer to a state of utopia. Catch that play on words? Well, I’m a writer what can I say? Anyway, the scholarship will undoubtedly allow me to place a spark of revelation in everyone regardless of their financial situations.
Zachary, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
When I was six, on a vacation in New York, the nauseating lights of Times Square gave birth to my love of reading. Curious about the meanings behind the signs and billboards, I asked my mom what the words said. “You know peanut, if you want to be able to understand them on your own, you are going to need to learn how to read.” And so I did. Within four months of my return home, I scoured the entire collection of Harry Potter. Day after day, I continuously placed more books on my shelf until I realized my name could be on shelves too. Flooded with ideas, good and bad, I scribbled down stories every opportunity I had; even after my bedtime! Inspired by personal experiences and fictional entertainment, I continued to enhance my writing skills. Currently, I am college bound with two published novels under my belt. I am in the process of writing a third novel (once that perfect idea reaches me ugh) and hope to continue being inspired by the Marvel franchise (Guardians of the Galaxy Vo.2 is the best movie).
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being creative is the commentary I receive from my readers. Hearing their questions and predictions never ceases to amaze me. Whenever I finish reading a book, I am always filled with questions and “what ifs.” Seeing my readers exhibit the same qualities makes my motivation endless. A popular question I received during my speaking engagements was, “When will your book become a movie?” Initially, I was honored to be asked such a question, but I found that this wonder lead me to actually put together a teaser trailer for my book series. Without the feedback from these amazing readers, I may have never fulfilled a film adaptation. Exerted creativity will always be returned, and this scenario was no exception. For those wondering, the teaser trailer is on Youtube and is titled, “Zachary Astrowsky’s “A Holo World” [Official Trailer] – A Random Stuff Original.” Let me know what you think!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Even as I type this, I am using the MOST vital resource I have come across: Grammarly. When I first began my writing journey, fixing grammar errors was a nightmare. It seemed as if every time I finally completed editing the story, another grammar error added to my paranoia. In fact, I’ve edited my story strictly for grammar errors so many times, you’d think I was completing a heinous English homework assignment. Now that I know about Grammarly, editing my story is effortless. Rather than spending hours making sure every sentence is absent of grammar mistakes, I rely on Grammarly to show me the way. Yes, I know depending on a computer program is always eerie and questionable, and that is why I still go through drafts of my story only looking for errors. Still, Grammarly has made catching/preventing errors so simple. I’m typing this sentence with my eyes closed and I still know that Grammarly will save me if I mess up. Oop, look at that! Ahhhh the magic of technology. I feel horrible for Shakespeare.
Contact Info:
- Website: zacharyastrowsky.com
- Instagram: zachary.astrowsky