The Spark That Never Dies: An Interview with Author Zaid Hassan

Some sparks are fleeting. Others burn so deeply that they define who we are. For Zaid Hassan, storytelling has always been that kind of flame — one that has guided him since childhood and continues to shape the worlds he creates today.

“If there weren’t a creative spark, there would be no Zaid Hasan. One day, I’ll be gone from this world, but that creative spark will live on long after me, in the legacy that my stories leave behind.”

Zaid is an indie and self-published author, best known for his science fantasy novel The Ore Monger — the first in a planned four-book high fantasy series. With Book 2 (The Oasis Mage) set for release in February 2026, Zaid continues to expand the universe he began building years ago in childhood notebooks now tucked away in dusty boxes.

The World Around Me Is My Muse

When it comes to inspiration, Zaid doesn’t separate art from life. His stories are, in many ways, reflections of his identity, beliefs, and lived experience.

“There is a LOT of ‘me’ in my art. My art is inherently socio-political, because I, as a man, as an artist, as a Muslim, as a Person of Color, exist in an inherently socio-political world. Everything around us is influenced and designed by the socio-political history that came long before we took our first breaths. How could it not influence everything that comes from me?”

That deep awareness of identity and context also informs how Zaid shapes his characters. Among them, Naina and Salessa — twin sisters who share opposing traits but balance one another — stand out as particularly personal.

“People have often asked me which one I identify with, and my answer has never changed: both. I identify with Salessa as the person that I am. I identify with Naina as the person I wish I was.”

Creating from the Couch — and from the Heart

For Zaid, creativity thrives where emotion does. His writing process is less about rigid structure and more about immersion — feeling every moment as deeply as the characters do.

“A typical creative day for me is one in which I’m on the couch, buried in my laptop, with a song playing in the background that drives my emotions into a frenzy. I can’t write unless I’m feeling the emotion in the story.”

He admits his stories tend to be “pretty heavy,” layered with emotional depth rather than lighthearted scenes. While he starts each book as a dedicated “plotter,” with an outline to guide him, he often finds the story taking its own path.

“I cherish my outline and try to stick to it as much as I can while writing, but more often than not, I’ve found the stories veering off into an uncertain adventure I hadn’t planned. I haven’t decided yet if I love it, or hate it.”

Growth, Grit, and Letting the Work Breathe

Like many creatives, Zaid wrestles with imposter syndrome, that quiet but persistent voice questioning whether the work is good enough. Still, he’s learned to make peace with it — using it to stay grounded without letting it silence him.

“It’s hard to tell how my art impacts those who experience it. Of course, there are reviews, but the imposter syndrome in me constantly keeps my ego in check by telling me, ‘they’re just being nice.’ I hope people truly do enjoy my art, though I don’t do it for anyone else. This journey is for me.”

Writing while balancing a busy day job is another ongoing challenge, but Zaid refuses to force creativity.

“I never push myself. I never force myself to sit down and write when I just don’t have room in my cup for it that day. That kind of force breeds artificiality. It shatters the genuine texture of my art, and nothing is worth doing that to something I’ve worked hard on.”

Looking Ahead — and Staying True

Zaid is already deep in development for the next installments of his series: The Oasis Mage (coming February 2026), The One Myth (expected late 2026 or early 2027), and the untitled Book 4 that will conclude the saga.

If his writing were a song, he says it would be “Skinny Love” — his favorite piece, originally by Bon Iver but most often played in Birdy’s haunting rendition.

When asked what advice he would offer to aspiring writers, Zaid’s response is both unfiltered and empowering:

“It’s always good to get opinions, thoughts, feedback from readers, editors, and more experienced authors. You’re encouraged to do so. BUT, always remember — this is YOUR story. In the end, YOU decide what’s best for it. Don’t let anyone tell you different. They will tell you to follow the rules. Forget the rules.”

Connect with Zaid

You can follow @hasanfantasy on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes looks at his writing journey, and announcements about his upcoming books.Visit his website at hasanfantasy.com or reach him directly at contact@hasanfantasy.com.