Citywide Bytes—Fighting for your freedom

About this episode

Zara Marielle discusses her debut fantasy novel and the journey of becoming an author.

Zara Marielle’s empowering fantasy debut “The Cafe of Infinite Doors” (now available) follows a trapped housewife who finds shelter in a magical cafe after a fight with her toxic husband, only to be drawn into a thousand-year-old battle between two Scottish goddesses, which threatens to destroy not only the cafe, but the entire world. In this episode, Zara talks about the origin of the story and how she developed and worldbuilt it into the final book. She talks about her protagonist Marceline, how she was created and the unique situation she finds herself in. We also dive into what it’s like being a debut author, and Zara offers some advice for those about to embark on their own literary journey. Like what you heard? Check out www.zaramarielle.com for more info to get your copy.

People in this episode

Guest: Zara Marielle

Topics covered

• fantasy literature
• debut authors
• worldbuilding
• empowerment
• literary advice

Keywords

• fantasy
• debut author
• worldbuilding
• Scottish goddesses
• literary journey

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Cafe of Infinite Doors

Places: Scotland

More episodes of Citywide Blackout

• Making money and being flexible in music · June 12, 2026 · 34 min
• Kier Byrnes on moonshine-inspired music · June 5, 2026 · 52 min
• Citywide Bytes—Charting a new course with ‘Kloud 9: The Star Soldier’ · June 1, 2026 · 29 min
• Pixiepunk, Part 2! The business of music · May 29, 2026 · 54 min
• Citywide Bytes—Life from the projectionist’s booth · May 25, 2026 · 29 min
• Kicking it with Pixiepunk, Part 1! · May 22, 2026 · 33 min