Erin Zak – rafting Relatable Characters and Authentic Stories in Sapphic Romance
Zak’s characters reflect her own dorky and quirky personality, making them relatable and endearing.
Erin Zak has emerged as a dynamic voice in the realm of sapphic contemporary romance, captivating readers with her authentic storytelling and emotional depth. Her novels, including “Guarding Evelyn” and “Home for the Holidays,” delve into themes of self-discovery, personal setbacks, and forbidden love, all while maintaining a delicate balance between romance and the complexities of real life. Zak’s characters, often dorky and quirky, mirror her own personality, making them relatable and endearing to readers. Her commitment to portraying imperfect people in beautiful settings has garnered her a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
Zak’s work is a celebration of the diversity and richness of LGBTQ+ experiences, offering readers not only entertainment but also a sense of belonging and understanding. With acclaimed titles like “Falling into Her” and “Breaking Down Her Walls,” Zak continues to push the boundaries of representation in the romance genre. Her ability to connect with readers on a personal level, as evidenced by heartfelt messages from fans, underscores the profound impact her stories have on those who read them. Erin Zak is a true storyteller, whose passion for writing and dedication to her craft shine through in every book she creates.
In crafting her characters, Zak draws inspiration from her own dorky and quirky nature. She believes that creating relatable and imperfect characters allows readers to see themselves in the stories she tells. “I connect easily with characters I feel like I could hang out with,” Zak explains. “When characters have anxiety or geek out to Star Wars, I know readers will be able to feel themselves in those characters and connect to them.”
In “Guarding Evelyn,” Zak explores the journey of Arden Ryan, a character recovering from a challenging time in her career. Writing about personal setbacks is deeply personal for Zak, who has faced her own share of adversity. “Intertwining mental health with a healing journey was something I longed to do and do well,” she shares. Through Arden’s story, Zak hopes readers will find inspiration in the character’s resilience and determination to be “okay” again.
Zak’s novel “Home for the Holidays” delves into themes of self-discovery and forbidden love, a trope that has always fascinated her. Writing about Iris Abbott’s love for her best friend’s mom, Heidi Nowak, was a fulfilling experience for Zak. She is passionate about portraying older women as confident and attractive, ensuring that their “flaws” are seen as beautiful. “I want to make sure every time I write an older woman that someone can find her as drop-dead gorgeous as I thought she was when I was creating her,” Zak says.
As a writer of sapphic contemporary romance, Zak is excited about the evolving representation of LGBTQ+ characters in the genre. She hopes her books play a significant role in this evolution, providing readers with characters they can relate to and see themselves in. “If anyone can pick up my book and see themselves in a character I have written, I feel like I’ve won at life,” Zak expresses.
Despite the accolades her novels have received, Zak remains focused on writing the stories she wants to tell. “I write the characters I want to see on the page,” she states. For Zak, the letters and messages from readers who connect with her work mean more than any award ever could.
In addition to her writing, Zak co-hosts a podcast, “The Weekly Wine Down,” where she discusses a wide range of topics with her best friends. These discussions often influence her writing, providing inspiration for character interactions and plot points. “The discussions we have keep me sharp, keep me funny, and on my toes,” Zak notes. Her friendships and conversations with her fellow podcasters play a crucial role in shaping the meaningful characters she creates.
Erin Zak’s dedication to her craft and her ability to create stories that resonate with readers make her a standout author in the world of sapphic contemporary romance. Her novels continue to inspire and entertain, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
