Self-Publishing Rebel Zephyr Thomas on Rural Fantasy, Farming, and Doing it Different

And why medieval sandwiches matter. Or don't.

Zephyr Thomas is a long-time community member who's flipping the script on traditional fantasy writing. We kick things off by tackling a pet peeve of his: the “medieval sandwich” trope. Spoiler alert—sandwiches didn’t even exist back then. So why are they popping up in fantasy stories?

While most fantasy authors are obsessed with epic battles and world-ending stakes, Zephyr’s all about the small stuff—nature, agriculture, and the slower pace of life. This isn’t your typical high-stakes drama; it’s a genre that resonates with real life. Zephyr also breaks down why he went the self-publishing route, ditching traditional publishers and Amazon to keep full creative control. He’s not interested in playing by someone else’s rules. He’s here to tell his story, his way.

And here’s the kicker: Zephyr’s real-life journey from city dweller to rural farmer isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s the backbone of his writing. His experiences with gardening, spirituality, and Catholic values are part of every page of his work. We talk about his series, "The Euphony of Seasons," where he’s creating a spiritually rich and engaging world.

Finally, Zephyr’s gearing up for Legend Haven, where he’ll be running workshops and read-aloud sessions. This is your shot to connect with him, pick his brain, and dive into the world of rural fantasy.