5 Questions with local musician and author Zac Young

How did you transition from music into writing?

I have written 3 albums with my band, Stereomonster. I've always written poems. Many of my songs start out as poems. The book, at first, was kind of an accident. All of the poems and songs I was writing at the time had similar meanings. One particular piece encapsulated those similar tones and I couldn't stop writing it -- this turned into a rough draft of chapter one -- from there, the momentum carried. I was lucky. I was blindsided by wave of creativity and enthusiasm. I really enjoyed it. It was a challenge, a roller coaster, and sanctuary all at once. Instead of a poem turning into a song, a poem turned into a book.

In both endeavors, where do you get your inspiration?

I'm inspired often, but it's never some similar source, like a consistent muse or anything. Every creative endeavor emanates randomly, so I'll try my best to answer this. I have a sincere love for words -- the endless creative avenues you can travel and experiment with inspire me. Friends, family, and acquaintances inspire me. Even strangers inspire me!

Sometimes certain works or sentences, I'll imagine friends reading it that I assume would like or relate to it. I've never made any work public that didn't move me in some way. My purpose in any form of writing is hoping the audience or reader is moved in some form. Although, they may not relate to it the same way I do; if it moves them, makes them curious, or you know, brings back some memory is my goal. And the ultimate inspiration: if I do something to inspire someone else.

What's the reception been to your book thus far?

I have been incredibly fortunate that my biggest problem with the book has been running out of copies. The book has been out a little over a month and there are already over 100 copies in circulation. I'm so grateful for the support I have received from the community. Speaking of community, I feel like I had an entire community help make this possible. Through my musical escapades, I have met so many incredibly creative and talented people who have graciously helped with this project. They are the reason this book has had such a fantastic start.

What's next for you in terms of a creative project?

I've done so much work and read "God's in the Water" so many times that I don't even want to think about another project. I will, at some point, publish a book of all of my poems. A sequel to the book is possible. I have ideas for new books. And the music will always continue. So, who knows!? Whichever randomly flirts with me first.

What is the best-kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley?

The Foxhole.

Name:  Zac Young

Age: 26 

Job: Musician/Writer

Hometown: Columbus

Current home: Muscogee County

Family: Kristin Nicole Young, Natalie Young, Elizabeth McFarland (sisters), Terry Young (father), Lori Young (stepmother), Kim McFarland (mother), Mike McFarland (stepfather) and Loretta Young, aka Nanny

Favorite book: “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera

Favorite movie: “Natural Born Killers”

Favorite restaurant: Chili Thai 

Favorite quote: “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” — Jack Kerouac

Best concert attended: Muse and U2 at The Georgia Dome

This story was originally published February 8, 2015 at 10:23 PM with the headline "5 Questions with local musician and author Zac Young."