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# Write Now With Zander Hatch
- URL: https://justincox.com/blog/2025/05/write-now-with-zander-hatch/
- Published: 2025-05-07T15:00:47.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-07T15:00:47.000Z
- Description: Today's Write Now interview features Zander Hatch, author of ROSE ISLAND.
- Author: Justin Cox
- Tags: Interview, #zander-hatch

## Who are you?

I’m Zander Hatch, a ten-year Marine Corps veteran and [first-time author](https://zanderhatch.com/?ref=justincox.com) of *Rose Island* based out of Columbus, Ohio.

## What do you write?

I write fast-paced action thrillers with a heavy dose of military operations infused into them. I’ve always been drawn to actions movies, specifically those of the 80s and 90s; I remember watching *Die Hard* on VHS. I decided I wanted to create my own action movies and overtime, that turned into wanting to write them. I do not shy away from cursing or violence; I have the mouth of a sailor and violence is ever-present in many parts of the world. I enjoy crafting stories and creating tension-filled scenes that leave the reader rapidly flipping through the pages.

## Where do you write?

I’ve written everywhere. I started writing on paper when I was 12 and eventually on a computer. Many of my writing spaces consisted of a desk in whatever barracks I was living in at the time and even aboard US Navy ships while deployed overseas. I start a story generally by jotting ideas down or typing them on my phone. I attempt to storyboard it but, without fail, I go off track and I’ve learned I just need to write it down and I can fix it later. I will have a browser open with a dozen different taps while I write as I research topics or specifics of a weapon, for example.

![](https://justincox.com/content/images/2025/03/Rose-Island-Cover_JPG.jpg)

Photo courtesy of Zander Hatch

## When do you write?

I don’t have a strict writing schedule, even though I probably should. I will typically write in the evenings or at night. Sometimes I will write a few pages or maybe just half a page. Other times I will go back to something I’ve already written and start editing it.

## Why do you write?

I write to have fun, and hopefully readers will have fun too. The desire to create a story to escape from reality or to simply take a break from life is what fuels me. A completed story that checks all my boxes of being fast, loud, cool, and fun is what drives me to write another. I take inspiration from my favorite action movies and thriller writers, and maybe one day my works will be beside theirs.

## How do you overcome writer's block?

I am not great at defeating writer’s block, it hits me often and usually wins. I’ve found having a semi-persistent schedule of reading helps me to write more consistently, even if it’s just half a page. Sometimes I will force myself to write, and I’ll end up deleting it, but having decided what I don’t like will allow me to write what I do like.

## Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?

When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, working out, and firearms. I love seeing a new movie in theaters and traveling out west to explore the National Parks.

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*My thanks to Zander Hatch for today's interview.*