ZACK MCDONALD
author // creative
Hey, my name’s Zack
I’m a 24 year old author with a story to tell.
I started writing in 2022 after I rediscovered a childhood love for reading. After finishing series like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, I decided to write a story of my own, and like most things, I jumped into the deep end without truly understanding what I was getting myself into …
Enter The Song of Hidden Stars … my fantasy book about music that does magic—debuting as the #1 new release on Amazon in 2024.
In 2025, I removed my book from distribution, taking a year to rediscover my story, what I want it to say and mean, as well as hone my skills as a writer.
Currently, I live in Chattanooga Tennessee where I’m querying my reinvented story and, if the day ever comes, drawing up a sequel for Riley Taylor, the musical wizard who plays electric guitar.
My Self-Publishing Journey
The Song of Hidden Stars was many things, namely a learning experience. Though I am not truly satisfied with it, this book brought me any attention I received over the past several years; I will always be grateful for it.
It is a very flawed piece of storytelling. After its second draft, I decided to set publication a mere six months later. I can’t say it was a mistake, though it certainly was bold and because of it, I had to settle on a lot of things. I hate settling.
But this story taught me so much, about writing and about myself and how I see the world. It really showed me how much I relate to my protagonist, both his strengths and flaws. Nothing is more special than being taught by your own work, nothing more humbling, but after all, is it really my just my own?
I have to thank all those who purchased this book, supported me in these youthful days as a writer. I can only hope to pay you back when this book becomes a collectable someday. Fingers crossed.
Music that does Magic
