Welcome to my author page—a place where stories, identities, and imagination come together. As someone who grew up on the streets of Salt Lake City, I learned early on that survival wasn’t just about enduring hardship. It was also about adapting, creating an identity tailored to each environment, and navigating the world with resilience and creativity. That lesson, born from necessity, has become a cornerstone of my work today as a writer.Now, I channel that understanding into my pen names, each representing a distinct voice and perspective for different audiences:

My Pen Names

  • Zachery Armijo: My pen name for memoirs and adult fiction. Here, I share raw, thought-provoking stories that explore themes of resilience, trauma, and identity. These works are deeply personal, drawing from my own experiences and diving into the complexities of life, hope, and transformation.

  • ZT Arms: The voice of adventure and discovery for young adult readers. Writing under this name allows me to craft thrilling tales of growth, courage, and self-discovery, blending engaging plots with relatable characters who face challenges with heart and determination.

  • Uncle Zac: A name filled with warmth and imagination, dedicated to children’s stories. Under this pen name, I create whimsical, educational tales designed to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and bring joy to young minds.

Each name represents a part of me—a reflection of the identities I’ve embraced and the worlds I’ve navigated. Whether you’re looking for a story that mirrors your struggles, an exciting journey into the unknown, or a delightful escape for the little ones, you’ll find it here.Explore the voices of Zachery Armijo, ZT Arms, and Uncle Zac, and join me in celebrating the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and transform.

A Journey Forged in Struggle

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, in a low-income family struggling to make ends meet. Addiction, instability, and poverty were constants in my life, and these struggles became the foundation for how I view the world today. But my story isn’t just about hardship; it’s about resilience and the power of storytelling to heal.During my adolescence, I lived as a homeless street kid in Salt Lake City. The loneliness, the cold nights, and the search for a place to belong became a daily reality. Yet it was during this time that I discovered the profound power of books. Stories like Chicken Soup for the Soul and A Child Called "It" gave me hope, showing me that even in the darkest moments, I wasn’t alone. They became more than just books—they became survival guides, teaching me that stories can heal, inspire, and offer beauty, even in the bleakest circumstances.

Finding My Voice

My path to writing began in juvenile detention, where I first encountered the power of comics like The Far Side and Garfield. Through these stories, I saw how words and images could express complex emotions and ideas. That spark ignited a hunger to tell my own stories, to take the pain and struggle of my life and transform it into something meaningful.Writing became my mission—not just an outlet, but a way to give voice to the voiceless. I wanted to shed light on the struggles of marginalized individuals and show that resilience can lead to transformation. Though I struggled with traditional education and didn’t learn to read until I was 12, I persevered. I earned my GED, pursued college, and eventually became an author, using the lessons I learned from my journey to create stories that resonate deeply with others.

Themes of Trauma, Resilience, and Systemic Injustice

My work often explores difficult, uncomfortable subjects—systemic oppression, trauma, and the human cost of survival. But it’s not about dwelling on the darkness; it’s about focusing on resilience—the ability to rise, adapt, and find purpose even when everything seems lost.One of my most personal works, Echoes of a Homeless Youth: The Sketches of a Street Rat, Coming Soon. blurs the line between memoir and storytelling. It’s an unpolished, raw reflection on my time living on the streets, the harsh realities of youth homelessness, and the moments of kindness that kept me going. Writing it wasn’t just a project; it was a healing process. I want this book to serve as a lifeline for others who may be struggling, just as books like A Child Called "It" did for me.

Philosophy Meets Storytelling

I’m deeply influenced by existential philosophy, and my writing often grapples with questions of identity, freedom, and the meaning of life. Through characters like Caz in Fading Chains, I invite readers to explore these themes, challenging traditional ideas of morality, justice, and selfhood.I don’t offer easy answers in my work. Instead, I leave space for readers to interpret, reflect, and engage with the material on their own terms. The questions raised in my stories are just as important as the journeys the characters go on.

A Commitment to Authenticity

What sets my writing apart is my commitment to authenticity. My stories are unflinching and raw, not sanitized or sugarcoated. Whether I’m writing about homelessness, trauma, or the quiet moments of hope that keep people going, my work resonates because it’s grounded in lived experience.I’m not afraid to take risks or tackle uncomfortable subjects. But I do it with a purpose: to spark conversation, inspire change, and foster a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

Looking Ahead

As I move forward with my writing career, my ultimate goal is to use the success of my memoirs and fiction to fund other creative projects, including children’s books and young adult novels under different pen names. But for now, my focus is on continuing to build my brand as Zachery Armijo—a voice for the voiceless and a chronicler of stories that need to be told.I’m also committed to giving back. In the future, I plan to write op-eds and pieces that highlight organizations that helped me through my hardest times, such as Volunteers of America. I want to use my platform not just to share my story, but to amplify the stories of others who are often overlooked.

Join Me on This Journey

To read my work is to enter a world that’s raw, thought-provoking, and deeply human. My stories challenge readers to look beyond the surface and confront the complexities of life with empathy and curiosity. Whether you’re drawn to the raw honesty of my memoirs or the philosophical depth of my fiction, my work aims to leave a lasting impact.As I continue to grow as a writer, I invite you to join me on this journey. Through my stories, I hope to build a community of people who value resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Together, we can explore the darkest corners of the human experience and emerge with a deeper understanding of what it means to live, to suffer, and to find hope.

ZT Arms – Mission Statement

As ZT Arms, my mission is to create thought-provoking stories that resonate with the hearts and minds of young adult readers. I write to explore the complexities of adolescence, identity, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world. Through gripping narratives and authentic characters, I aim to shine a light on the internal and external battles faced by those on the brink of adulthood—showing that even in the face of uncertainty, strength, resilience, and self-discovery are within reach.I strive to craft stories that are both entertaining and introspective, blending action, emotion, and thought-provoking themes to help young readers navigate their own journeys of growth. By tapping into universal struggles and triumphs, my goal is to inspire young adults to reflect on their own experiences, understand the power of their voices, and embrace the transformative potential of storytelling.

Coming Soon:
The Adventures of Lena Drake:
Echoes of Forgotten Worlds

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey across the stars! Lena Drake: Adventures Beyond the Edge is the upcoming sci-fi adventure that will take you to the farthest reaches of the galaxy—and beyond.When Lena Drake stumbles upon an ancient map hidden among her uncle’s relics, her quiet life is catapulted into a whirlwind of danger and discovery. Guided by the whispers of forgotten worlds, she must navigate treacherous ruins, face ruthless adversaries, and uncover the secrets of a powerful relic that could change the course of history.Teaming up with her enigmatic uncle, a skilled yet skeptical starship captain, and a brilliant young tech prodigy, Lena finds herself in a race against time—and her relentless rival, Dr. Voss. Will Lena and her team unlock the relic’s secrets, or will it fall into the wrong hands?Lena Drake: Adventures Beyond the Edge is a thrilling tale of courage, mystery, and the power of exploration. Fans of action-packed sci-fi with richly imagined worlds and fearless heroes will be captivated.Coming
Get ready to go beyond the edge.Sign up for updates and be the first to know when Lena Drake’s journey begins!

Meet Uncle Zac
The Storyteller for Curious Minds

Hi, I’m Uncle Zac—a storyteller with a passion for teaching, inspiring, and sparking wonder in children everywhere. Writing under this pen name, I channel my love for learning and my deep bond with my niece and nephews into imaginative, educational, and fun-filled stories designed to nurture young minds and hearts.My journey as Uncle Zac began during the COVID pandemic when I started homeschooling my niece, Brooklyn, and her stuffed piggy, Miller. Through creative lessons on science, nature, and the arts, I discovered the joy of teaching children how the world works. The more we explored, the more I wanted to share those discoveries through stories that could reach children far and wide.As Uncle Zac, I create books that blend knowledge with whimsy. From the Brooklyn Explains So Many Wonderful Things series, where Brooklyn and Miller explore concepts like the water cycle, to other imaginative tales like Spooky Yuki, my goal is to make learning exciting and accessible for kids of all ages.I know firsthand how powerful stories can be. Growing up, books were my escape and my guide through tough times. Now, I write to give kids that same sense of wonder and comfort, showing them that learning can unlock worlds of possibility.Through my writing, I strive to connect with children and families, sparking curiosity and encouraging lifelong learning. Whether it’s a magical adventure or an educational deep dive, my books under Uncle Zac are designed to inspire and delight.Thank you for joining me on this journey! Follow along as I bring new stories to life, each one a testament to the magic of learning and the love of storytelling.Follow Uncle Zac:
Stay connected for updates on upcoming books, sneak peeks, and special projects!

Fading Chains:
A Punk’s Once Upon a Broken Time

After 350 years in prison, Caz Martinez is released into a world that feels alien, where nothing belongs to him. The air is too fresh, the people are strangers, and the neon-filled future only highlights the shattered remnants of his past. Forced to confront his own brokenness, Caz must navigate a cold, indifferent world while grappling with the ultimate question: Can he break free from the history that defines him?In this dystopian thriller, Zachery Armijo delivers a gripping story of survival, redemption, and the search for meaning. Filled with raw emotion and existential themes, Fading Chains is a hard-hitting exploration of what it takes to reclaim one’s humanity when the chains are gone—but the scars remain.

Serene Critters Coloring Book Series

Discover Tranquility and Creativity with Uncle Zac’s Serene Critters Coloring Book Series!Transform your downtime into a journey of peace and artistic expression! Uncle Zac’s Serene Critters: Adorable Meditating Animals in Mandala Coloring Designs is the ultimate relaxation experience for kids and adults alike.

🌟 Why You'll Love This Series:

  • Five unique books, each dedicated to a lovable meditating critter—Hamsters, Cats, Bunnies, Puppies, and Frogs.

  • Intricate mandala patterns combined with irresistibly cute animals.

  • Perfect for stress relief, mindfulness, and unleashing your creativity.

🖌️ Whether you’re a seasoned colorist or just looking for a joyful way to unwind, Serene Critters has something for everyone. Dive into these beautifully designed pages and color your way to calmness, one adorable animal at a time!📚 Add a splash of serenity to your collection today! Available in paperback on Amazon. Don’t forget to explore my other works and let your imagination soar!

Coming soon

The Adventures of Lena Drake:
Echoes of Forgotten Worlds

When Lena Drake discovers an ancient map among her uncle’s relics, her quiet life is thrust into a dangerous adventure across the galaxy. With a powerful relic at stake, Lena must navigate treacherous ruins, confront ruthless enemies, and team up with her skeptical uncle, a starship captain, and a tech prodigy. As a relentless rival, Dr. Voss, closes in, Lena races to unlock the relic’s secrets before it falls into the wrong hands.Lena Drake: Adventures Beyond the Edge is an action-packed sci-fi journey filled with mystery, courage, and the power of exploration. Perfect for fans of fearless heroes and thrilling, immersive worlds.

Coming soon

Echoes of a Homeless Youth: The Sketches of a Street Rat

This is my story—a raw and unfiltered look at what it was like to grow up homeless on the streets of Salt Lake City. Echoes of a Homeless Youth isn’t just a memoir; it’s a reflection of the struggles, the pain, and the fight to find hope when everything seemed lost.As a kid, I didn’t have the stability most people take for granted. I slept near warm vents on freezing nights, wandered empty streets, and lived in a constant state of survival. But in the middle of all that chaos, I found something unexpected: the power of stories. Books like A Child Called “It” and Chicken Soup for the Soul became my refuge, showing me that even in the darkest times, there was a reason to keep going.

Writing Echoes was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It meant going back to those dark places, confronting my younger self, and making sense of the chaos that shaped me. But it was also a healing process—turning pain into something meaningful, not just for me, but for anyone who might read this and feel a little less alone.This book isn’t about glorifying my past or wallowing in it. It’s about resilience. It’s about finding light in the darkest corners and realizing that no matter how far you’ve fallen, there’s always a chance to rebuild.

Echoes of a Homeless Youth: The Sketches of a Street Rat is coming soon. It’s my journey, told in my own words, and I hope it reaches anyone who needs to hear it.

Join My Journey

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