St Leonards author explores masculinity and fatherhood in debut novel

ST LEONARDS author and youth worker Zeb Granger has self-published his debut fantasy novel, an epic story tackling fatherhood and mental health that he describes as “mildly amusing”.

“Especially as a neurodivergent person, I love stories and stuff that helps me comprehend the world,” the 33-year-old father of three said.

“When my eldest was born in 2019 – my mental health’s always been up and down in a way – I was in a real dark place for months, and there’s just no role models in fantasy for men in, now 2025, but just the era that we’re in.

“I just wished at the time, that there were more stories that showed men who are vulnerable, men who are struggling, men who want to be a good dad and want to be there at bedtime to put their kids down, and balancing that living in a fantastical world.”

The novel, titled Ogres, Elves & Insufferable Dad Jokes follows Jock, a magicless human, who is “begrudgingly and sarcastically” dragged along on a journey with his four-year-old daughter Raia, that sees him save the mythical world of Harmonia.

“If one person reads it and is like ‘This is the book I needed right now’, then I’ve done my job.

“It’s been a lot of fun playing with the cliches and the tropes and then just flipping them on their head.

“It has that Deadpool vibe, where [Jock] talks to the reader and he’s very aware that it’s a book.”

Originally from the UK, Granger has been writing since 2012, previously self-publishing three novels under a different pen name, and has written and produced more than a dozen stage plays, which were performed in and around Melbourne.

Alongside his new novel, Granger has also launched an innovative new writing program for young writers aged 13 to 21, named Next Draft.

With a focus on helping disadvantaged youth, the program aims to provide coaching, mentorship and practical support to up-and-coming writers, helping them through the entire process from shaping their ideas to self-publishing their own novel.

Granger said sometimes young people just need someone in their corner; a role he believes his years as a youth worker have prepared him to play.

“Working in the youth work space for the past few years, it regularly becomes clear how many creative young people – particularly in these regional communities – feel discouraged or are lacking the confidence and opportunities to pursue their creative dreams.

“I’ve often found that by tapping into these skills and passions within my work, we see mental health improve, we see their confidence and social skills lift. Suddenly, they have a whole new way of communicating and interacting with the world through their stories or poetry.”

For a copy of Granger’s novel, head to Book Grove in Ocean Grove or Amazon.

To learn more about Next Draft, visit nextdraft.com.au or email [email protected]