Recently, Vanessa invited me to chat about my new book, Zombie Rapture, on her blog. (Don’t worry, despite the title it’s not a “zombie erotica” book, although I’m sure someone’s written one. Ugh.) Honestly, before I wrote the book, I thought the whole zombie craze had pretty much been played out. Yet I wanted to try my hand at a zombie tale anyway as I love the original Dawn of the Dead film and The Walking Dead TV series.
But how to come up with something original?
At first, the idea of “zombie babies” excited me. My excitement didn’t last long, though. I realized all you had to do to escape them is step over them. Gah! So much for suspense. So dumb, so wrong-headed.
Zombie animals? Nope, been done numerous times.
Then I had a dream about miniature zombies, the size of toy soldiers. In my dream, a big corporation created small bombs (“bombies”) to destroy the little things. A mass marketing/advertising blitz ensued (I ate lotsa’ cheese and hot sauce that night.) During the dream (as is always the case with me), I thought, “what a cool idea for a book!” Then the cold light of day slapped me in the face and I realized how stupid the whole thing was.
I considered zombie hillbillies. Nah, I thought…too redundant. (Ouch!) Back to the drawing board.
There’s zombie politicians. But I’m sure it’s been done (and if not, why?). Besides, I’m not a journalist.
Then (and I can’t really say when or where it occurred), a very vivid image struck me. A lil’ ol’ lady approaching with hedge clippers, smiling sweetly, but with murder on her mind. Brrr…but how to make this work as a book? And more importantly, why?
At the same time, I wondered, “When is a zombie not a zombie?” When they’re sentient, of course! Combine that with the “hate churches” that are running rampant through my Midwest stomping grounds and I had my book. The zombies in Zombie Rapture are sentient; dead yet fully aware. They don’t eat flesh. Yet they want to kill the few remaining living beings. Why? To “save them.” The undead believe they’ve been favored by God, enjoying the Rapture come to earth. And it’s their duty to save the living by killing them, resurrecting them into eternal happiness.
Strange concept, even wilder ride (I hope). Zombie Rapture is a black comedy, a character-oriented suspense thriller driven by a romantic quest. My hero, Hunter (a teen ready to graduate high school and leave behind his Midwestern roots), has fallen in love with Jordan, the perfect girl for him. But the world has changed and Jordan’s missing. Hunter connects with Scout (Jordan’s wild tom-boyish little sister) and his grandpa (ornerier than a six inch sliver) to travel across the Midwest to find Jordan while trying to stay alive, narrowly avoiding both the undead and the opportunistic living minority.
What starts out as a free-wheeling comedic adventure soon turns dark as the stakes keep rising. Time is running out to save Jordan from the evil, undead Reverend Osgoode and his legion.
Hey! It’s my first book that has all five-star ratings, my personal best! I’m sure it won’t stay that way forever, so get it while it’s still “good!”
Zombie Rapture can be purchased here: Clicky for thrills, chills and zombie spills!
Zombie Rapture giveaway
Fill in the Rafflecopter below to win an ebook of Zombie Rapture by Stuart R. West (format of your choice). The giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!
Great cover. As for zombies ... I still love 'em.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Whisk! I love zombies too. Any size, shape, or caliber. Um, as long as they're, you know, not real.
Deletelololol. Good point. Headed over to your blog now. Was in a rush this morning.
DeleteHappy Writing :-)
That is a really unique take on zombies. It's an accurate representation of hate churches, too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Stuart.
Thanks much, Diane. It's my revenge against the Westboro Baptist Church. Kansas is responsible for them, sad to say.
DeleteZombies freak me out! haha
ReplyDeleteღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
It's good to be freaked out, Jenna. Now you're one step closer to being prepared for the impending zombie apocalypse.
DeleteScout intrigues me . . . .
ReplyDeleteDebra, Scout is everybody's favorite character. Well, maybe Grandpa...
DeleteDon't you love guest posts? I love new perspectives but zombies, not so much. There should be zombie comedy. I'd probably like that!
ReplyDeleteIt's your book, Robin! Lots of comedy (although of the darker kind) in Zombie Rapture. I like to combine horror, heart and humor.
DeleteThat is unique premise but, alas, I'm just not into zombies! Good luck Stuart, I know there are lots of people out there who "love" them. :)
ReplyDeleteAh, but, Bish, these aren't your ordinary garden-variety zombies. C'mon, give zombies a chance (and peace and all that other stuff, too).
Deletecongrats on the book!! sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ananda! I had a blast writing it.
DeleteI HAVE to read this - it sounds brilliant, such a great idea and so funny! Crossing my fingers for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteI'm crossing my fingers for you, too, Annabelt! If you like your horror dished up with a dose of unhealthy humor, I'm your guy.
DeleteI did the rafflecopter but already have the book.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great book!!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy zombie stories. They make me shudder, whether they're humorous or not. This looks like a great read.
ReplyDeleteWas even geschrokken bij het openen van het log, wie verwacht er nu een zombie :-)! Maar het is een prachtige cover in zijn soort.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a horror story laced with humor. Wishing you all the best, Stuart!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I'm not really that in to zombies. Salem's Lot was fine for me, but my passion for the concept ended there.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless: good luck with the book sales. And thanks for sharing your ideas with us here.
Zombie is still an in thing right now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about this story. :)
I read this book and enjoyed it tremendously! It's funny and fast-paced with an adorable hero. Anyone who like horror will love this book! :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic, creepy cover. I especially like the "t" - a clever touch. Congratulations, Stuart!
ReplyDeletePS Vanessa, I finally ordered and am looking forward to reading Avalon.
I really want to win! I like read a lot and I hope to read this book too! hahah :))
ReplyDeleteThe cover is awesome and loved hearing about all the different directions you considered. A sweet old lady zombie is indeed terrifying.
ReplyDeleteWe're huge fans of zombies and black comedy, but as writers of a black comedy zombie novel, I don't think we have to tell you that. Love the premise. There aren't nearly enough funny zombie stories out there. We need more of those, and less zombie erotica (ewww).
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