Writing a zombie book

[DrDead]

Thought I'd give it a whirl. Anyone mind if I toss a few chaps out as they're done? I was thinking of doing a <day of the dead> rewrite. As an MD in real life I figure I could take the "crazy doctor" character a lot farther and much more in depth than the last movie, Maybe add my own twists and creeps, try to develop the characters a bit more. Feedback? Suggestions?

DrD

[UndeadAnthology]

Dr Dead,

I would suggest that you not base your book on any other books or movies. When it is finished you may want to take a stab at publishing it but if you've based it on copyrighted material you won't be able to.

Good luck,
Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[devourthesun]

(What he said.) But i think if your going to give a zombie book a stab, you could really use your MD knowlege to your advantage, you know, come up with a virus or something, and go wild. Im sure you could still work in a mad scientist, More zombie movies need crazy doctors!

[DrDead]

Publishing is definately a concern, but not a high priority of mine. I'd just as soon throw something together that people enjoy and have a little fun in my spare time sporting creep and gore. Hopefully I can drum up a few sleepless nights between you folks and raise the bar a little bit in the zombie genre. Besides, I don't expect to make any $ writing it, and don't even care to go there.

Further, and I'm essentially done writing a brief chaper-by-chapter outline, its only loosly based on on Day of the Dead with similar type characters and a helicopter, but the perspective is different, as is the setting, the plot, and outcome. Its a totally different story, which isn't exactly easy to do when you think about it since there's only so far you can go with an apocalyptic zombie story before you run into similar themes (the chase, isolation, interpersonal conflict, chaos). Thats the fun of the Zombie theme, however, in that authors put a fresh face on a similar story so as to maximize the creep factor.

Anyways, I'm rambling..

Dr. Dead

[UndeadAnthology]

Dr. Dead,

But, remember, just because you are only writing as something fun to do and to entertain people it could take on a life of its own. And, if it is published you'll be able to entertain a lot more people! :)

Take Raptorman for example (www.raptorman.us). He started writing his journal for fun (still does) but now he has published one book and has 2 more in the works.

Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[DrDead]

Last point is well taken. I guess I'll hold out on tossing out chapters until finished with the whole thing. Maybe I'll throw a web site together and let a few select friends in for criticism and feedback of work as I go. Maybe help me creep it up. My goal is only to put something fun together and it doesn't do anyone any good if it sits on the harddrive at some hospital computer somewhere.

BTW, Just finished the storyline, setting, outline of chapters, list of characters, and have a couple of titles bubbling on a quiet call night. I think I've made it sufficiently different from anyone else's work to call it original.

Drdead

[Zombie-A-GoGo]

**gets all antsy**

I'm looking forward to this. :)

[Dr Evil]

I agree with UndeadAnthology. I've spent a few months tossing and turning over vague outlines in my head, trying my best to keep them original and different from any other zombie movie/book I've seen/read. It makes it all the better that way.

[DrDead]

Final storyline I'll be using is done. Final characters, plot, and outline is done. I have like 6-7 titles, can't seem to choose one between them.

Only problem is theres tons and tons of stuff, so I'm not sure if I'll make two books out of it or just one big one. Problem is I could go on for like 800-900 pages since I plan to do a thorough character develpment. I just have tons of story ready to go. What do you folks think about long books? Probably one of my favorite horror books is that long though. What do you think? Go for one or spread it out?

DrDead

[UndeadAnthology]

Long isn't necessarily bad. But, you shouldn't throw in everything and the kitchen sink just because you thought of it. Only put in things that are relevant to the story, character development, etc. Character development is nice (and necessary) but try to keep the pace up. If you can keep yourself and others interested in the story then it doesn't matter how long it is. I wouldn’t worry too much about 1 book or 2 unless the time comes that you’re actually going to publish. Then you might have to either cut it down or rewrite to split it up.

Let me know when you start posting it and I'll add it to the Ultimate Zombie Book List (http://zombies.cjb.net). I look forward to seeing what you're able to do.

Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[awfulman]

Dr. Dead, if it's at all possible, I'd like to know about decay of the human body. In what order does everything go? Is cartilage first? Bones are last, right?

[Monkey Mech X]

DECOMPOSITION

Stages of Decomposition in an Exposed Body

Initial Decay

The cadaver appears fresh externally but is decomposing internally due to the activities of bacteria and any parasites present in the body before death.

Putrefaction

The cadaver is swollen by gas produced internally and has the odor of decaying flesh.

Black Putrefaction
Flesh is of creamy consistency. Exposed tissue is black. The body collapses as gases escape. The odor of decay is very strong.

Butyric Fermentation The cadaver is drying. Some flesh remains at first, and a cheesy odor develops. The exposed surface is moldy from fermentation.

Dry Decay The cadaver is almost dry. Further decay slows.

Decomposition of Cadavers in Cold Water*

2 days: Washerwoman's hands.

25 days: Bloating, marbling, slippage

38 days: Bloating, slippage, dark gray-brown discoloration, focal adipocere, purge fluid in body cavities.

68 days: Bloating, slippage, dark gray-brown discoloration, extensive subcutaneous adipocere, purge fluid in body cavities.

109 days: Total saponification covered by a thin friable crust.

433 days: Total saponification with thick friable crust and skeletonization.

*These changes were seen in a group of cadavers immersed together in 65 to 80 meters of sea water at about 10ºC.

Order in Which Carnivores Feed on Exposed Human Corpses .

Stage 1: Front of the chest eaten and one or both arms removed. The facial tissues are often eaten away.

Stage 2: Both legs eaten and possibly removed.

Stage 3: Only the bones of the spine remain connected, and virtually all the flesh is gone.

Stage 4: All body parts devoured. The bones or fragments of bones are widely scattered.

[Monkey Mech X]

Rotting 101:

Upon death, a number of things happen to mar the "corpse-like beauty" so many bad gothic writers go on about. The blood in the body drains out, and the blood that cannot escape pools in the lower parts. Within an hour it clots, causing what is known as post-mortem lividity. Dead bodies can still bruise, but bruising is caused by smashed blood vessels.

The body also loses its temperature. After about 24 hours, depending on the coolness of the weather, or how fat or well-insulated the body is, the body will have cooled to match its surroundings. This is jokingly referred to as "assuming room temperature."

After death, the body becomes very limp. Rigor mortis will set in anywhere from 15 minutes to 14 hours later. The whole process takes place in about five to six hours, effecting the upper parts of the body and creeping to the lower parts. After about 30 hours, it disappears, going from head to feet as before.

Rigor mortis is a very slow process. The sudden stiffness portrayed in popular media is actually called cadaveric spasming. This is usually caused by a blow to the nervous system, such as being shot in the head or being skull-smashed with a lead pipe.

If the temperature is right for there to be insects about, then they will be on the corpse within 24 hours. Flies might be laying eggs within ten minutes, and they will usually go for the moist spots of the body - under the lips and eyelids. The maggots will begin feeding within 24 hours after that.

The body becomes putrescent after about three to five days in mild climates. It might take up to a week in colder ones, and could take only a day in the tropics. In very dry and hot temperatures the body may mummify, instead.

After a week, the body may bloat from seeping gasses. They will slowly squeak out over the next few days, and cause the bloated areas to collapse and become fetid. Sometimes blisters full of gas or fluid will form on the skin, and the flesh over the abdominal organs turns greenish. The skin may become transparent in some places, or become phosphorescent. Elevated limbs blacken and wither.

Without any attempt at preservation, the body will have rotted away in five to nine weeks: only the bones and some desiccated tissues will be left behind. Bones may last for decades or centuries, depending on the climate and storage, but eventually they too will turn to dust.

[DrDead]

What he said..

In specific answer to your question, things like isotopes decay. Living material decomposes. This starts first with things superficial and soft, like skin and soft tissue, then internal structures and other parts exposed to the air, like the lungs and stomach/intestines. Things like bone just dry and harden due to calcium deposition, and sit for years. Creepy question, but hope that helps.

Drd

P.S. Chapter 1 done today. Also got the title nailed down.

[Roger_Lives]

About your book, totally go for it. You really never know how its going to turn out, and if its really good it could go places. Ive tried many a time to write a book, but my attention span keeps me from finishing. I guess i am cursed to short stories forever

[awfulman]

Thanks for the info! I guess it is a creepy question! I've just been developing some character comp ideas based on the natural decomposition of bodies. One of my initial interests is the breakdown of cartilage (reduced mobility) and reduced senses, vision, smell etc. It's illogical to expect a zombie to have vision after said amount of time, as well as any form of mobility.

In the Resident Evil film, they made reference to how hair and finger-nails continue to grow after death, as a rationale for how the undead exist. But that just isn't true; dehydration causes the skin to tighten, creating the illusion of growth. I'd hate for my concepts to be flawed like that!

I think in order to design a convincing 'real world zombie', it would have to governed by natural laws. How parts breakdown would strongly influence the rationale behind some of my ideas, that's all!

[zombiekilling101]

I like zombies.

[DrDead]

Did some work between admits last night. Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 now done. Have invested a bit of time to develop characters so far so it doesn't turn into one big chase scene. I think you can make a book much creepier this way, but I guess we'll see, won't we. Book's practically writing itself thus far.

DrDead

btw: :evil: Book title is "The Annihilum".

[UndeadAnthology]

Cool, you're clipping right along. What does "Annihilum" mean? When will you start posting it? If you have any cool ideas that you aren't going to use in the book you should submit a story for The Undead.

Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[DrDead]

I made up the word "Annihilum", of course, based loosly on the word "annihilation", or the end or destruction of mankind. I just want to create something new, and the prevailing pattern of titling stories "XYZ of the Living Dead" is getting old in my opinion. Soon we're going to have a movie called "Return of the Dawn Following the Night of the Living Dead" just because we run out of time references in the English language. :puke: The title Shawn of the Dead plays off this shallowness and is a stab at the genre IMHO. 'The Risen' was a great title in my opinion.

As for the things the rest of you bring up, regarding decay, how they function, why they don't dry out, why the fingernails grow, etc, etc, I think we're all thinking along the same lines - we want zombies up close and personal. We want to know more what makes the zombies tick. I plan to go into gory detail, pardon the pun. I'm a diehard zombie fan, and though I plan to use the word zombie exactly 0 times in the story, I do hope tell it the way I think it should be told - dark and creepy. I wont go into any details, but suffice it to say I'm sure Romero would be proud.

Sorry, I'm on a soapbox..

DrDead

[JFAK075]

DrDead,
Having written three books myself (none of them published so far :x although I did have an agent who edited my work for free because she felt she could sell the novels) I have some advice regarding the page count- I would say keep it on the shorter side, if you plan on showing the book to an editor. They tend to shy away from 600 page books from non-published authors.
If you're writing this one for yourself, then go nuts.
Either way good luck- John

[DrDead]

Hey JFAK, what kind of books do you write? Written any horror? I wish sometimes I could chitchat with people who have done what I'm trying to do.

I'm on vacation this week, so writing is slow until sunday. I have worked on the preface a little, but thats about all. I need to do a little research to beef this part up, but it should be a nice segue into the rest of the book. Ties the whole story up quite well IMHO.

Anyways, back to the vacation..

DrDead :drinking:

[UndeadAnthology]

Dr. Dead,
You should check out the forums at Home Page of the Dead (http://www.homepageofthedead.com). They have a section specifically for fiction. You should find plenty of people willing to chat about horror writing there.

Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[JFAK075]

DrDead,
Man, isn't it great being on vavation? I got some time off in a few weeks.
No horror novels yet. (I've written a short story called Dead End. It's only nine pages though). I have written a Sci-Fi novel. I've included a link to the novels section on my site. Gives a little more info to what I've written.
http://www.keenanscustomsandmore.net/novels.htm
Later- John

[DrDead]

The preface? Its done. So are chapters 5, 6 and 7. Major characters are all fully developed and I figure I'm about a little less than a quarter of the way through my material. I've found so far that the heavy action scenes, of which there have been several, are rather easy to write. They go quickly onto the page. Its making the story interesting, with action thats creepy and realistic thats the real trick. That takes more time and attention to detail - a tough task to do without losing flow. I think I've been lucky so far, but I guess we'll see.

Outside of the preface I've been able to write all the chapters in order. Getting to the part soon that'll be the nuts and bolts of the storyline. Can't wait to write that section. I've painstakingly set the stage in the preface, which might seem a bit disjointed at first, but sets the stage well for the chapters that come and ties a few twists together at the end. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. :evil:

Anyway, take care..

Drdead

[Monkey Mech X]

I'm posting this little brainstorm I had just now.

Just putting the thoughts down as I think them, they might not be useable by you since I haven't read much about your story, but I thought up something just now that could be awesome in a zombie book.

Assuming you've read Grapes of Wrath, why not echo Steinbeck, and (if it doesn't break the story up too much) write interludes or chapters swaying from the main plot between the development chapters/"meat" of the main story, and have them focus on little things happening in the newly undead world.

Steinbeck basically did this, as I mentioned, in Grapes. It really made the book more interesting for me to see how other people, wildlife and weather fared in the dust bowl setting of the book. All the entries occurred outside the events and affairs of the main characters and family, but they reflected elements resonating throughout the book as happening not just to the people.

Take what Steinbeck wrote about the turtle getting across the road. You could use that sort of imagery by following a single zombie, and as Steinbeck represented the hard working poor families of America through the turtle by making it steady, determined and able to overcome obstacles, you could show the single zombie making it's rounds in some abandoned part of a city/hillside thicket/forest/whatever and relate the now undead husk as it labors and stuggles to subsist just as the humans struggle to survive.

To show an outbreak from a zombie's point of view, to capture what they may think and how they may feel would be great! Imagine the things they might be tortured with, being trapped in a land they should have left when they died, only now they are slow, souless creatures charged with reigning as the new kings of a world not worth ruling... And forced, rather by a cruel joke of evolution or a bored God's wim, to kill and devour humanity's last vestige, to doom their loved ones and former comrades to an eternal life of cleansing the world, erasing the legacy of the living homo sapiens, wiping away the decadence and decay of the living world as it ceases to exist. And to accomplish this grisly and dismal job by means of the worst of human sins, murder and carnage, only adds to the irony that is the Undead. It all seems so complex and brutally tragic...

That just seems awesome to me. I don't know if anyone else likes the idea.

Any ways,

I dunno, it just seems like a cool idea. It could make the world seem that much more real and tangible. You could follow that one zombie, or do many. Maybe show both sides of the world, living and dead? Do something different than just focusing on the humans? It could be interesting.

If it works, you could also write the interludes about how the land fares, maybe talk about the decline of the power/utilities (the great achievements of man) as they pale in the apocalypse and slowly fade away. Maybe even talk about animals (if they fare well in your vision of a zombie outbreak) and how they are coping.

Lots of random thoughts, as you can see. It just struck me and I figured I'd run it by you as a "Wouldn't this be cool" thing to do. It could always give your book an edge, maybe?

[DrDead]

I've actually been trying to integrate some symbolism in the story so the whole thing doesn't sound so superficial. I hardly think a part-time inexperienced hobby writer such as myself could dream of writing anything Steinbeck-esque, but I'll give it a shot nonetheless. I hope it doesn't come off as trite - maybe it will, but I guess you can be the judge.

Though I don't think I'm going to add any chapters that specifically deal with the third person from the z-'s perspective, I do agree with you that it would be kool. My book goes way into examining the corpses - testing what they can do, how they function, what makes them tick, why they exist, etc. None of the other z- stories I've seen has made that effort. Keene had a good chance to do it in the first book with the scientists down in the lab, but he chose to move on quickly with the story - instead proposing some vague control from an outside alien or supernatural source. I hope his second book clarifies this a bit more. Further, the GCR stories always skipped explanation for the zombies, instead starting, for example, with creepy newspaper headlines pronouncing z-'s or having raving z-botic creatures show up in the bedroom in scene one. I may take your advice, however, and try to integrate a short controversy between main characters on the ethics of how the dead are treated, or maybe have someone genuflect out load on what life must be like for them or something. I'll see.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. Lemme know if there are any major themes you've always wanted explored in z- stories but have never seen and I'll see what I can do.

Drdead

[Monkey Mech X]

That's all I'd want. An honest attempt to give meaning to the zombies.

Some might try to argue that it's the mystery that makes them so scary, but in the end, zombies aren't scary. They're a threat. And every threats needs investigation and explanations. Eventually, even the end of the world will need to do some research.

[DrDead]

Sorry I haven't continued this thread much. It's been a lot of going back and looking through the prior chapters, etc. trying to get Part I straightened out before I move on. Part I is chapters 1-9.

Its funny how you spot things when you go back and read through it a couple of times. My main character's name is Seth Westbrook, and he talks about hs daughter Brooke a lot - her name is sprinkled through a few of the chapters as I try to develop his character. Going back I realize nobody would name their kid that since Brooke Westbrook would be awkward. :doh:

Theres also a lot of other times I talk about this lady struggling to get to her kid's school when I've set the story in midsummer. :x I had to go back and make it a struggle to get home, instead, which is a little frustrating.

Its stuff like that. So far its all been a lot of standard zombie stuff, so I know some yingyang will probably come in here and proclaim how garden variety the story is outside of the action scenes, which there have been many so far. Its their perogative I guess, but it does switch gears in part two to try to get more creepy. We'll see though -.

Drdead

P.S. Looking for some good creepy poems, lyrics, or famous quotes to flower up each main part. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

[UndeadAnthology]

Are you going to start posting it somewhere so we can read it?

Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[DrDead]

UDA - I took your advice and went to the web site you had suggested that was for amateur writers to talk about their experiences. One person suggested a site put together by some po'ed ex-librarian or something, and there she raved about what a mistake it was to post rough drafts on the web. I can see her point, especially since I've had to go back now and resteer the ship a few times like I mentioned above.

You've been pretty straight up with me since I started posting here and I have appreciated all the help you've given. I would be happy to email you part I if you want, but first let me develop one of the chapters a little more and clear out some of the cheese before I do, so I don't sound like an idiot or something (lol, i know). I could even throw you in an overall story spoiler if you want to see how Part I fits into the big picture. You don't have to if you don't want to, but let me know if you want it. For now, however, I'll hold off posting it widely until I'm past the rough draft stage.

Drdead

[UndeadAnthology]

That is a good idea, DrDead. Really, as you're sorta/kinda considering publishing it (I think) you may not want to post it at all until you shop the finished book around some. Or maybe just post an excerpt to get people interested. Or you could do a serial by email or something--talk to me when it is finished if you want to do that--I can help you out.

Thanks for the offer for a preview. I want to read it but I really need to focus on submission for The Undead right now so I'm going to pass. If I had it in my hot little hands I wouldn't be able to resist reading it. :)

I don't claim to be an expert but I'm happy to give you my opinion/help on anything you need. You can email me direct at contact@permutedpress.com if you'd like.

Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[DrDead]

In the middle of a very busy period at work for the next two months. Done with part 1 now, will move on w/ PII when time allows.

Drdead

[Brian_Keene]

LENGTH: If you do decide to go for publication, try to keep it under 100,000 words. 90,000 is ideal in the world of paperback publishing. The manuscript for THE RISING was done in 12 point Times New Roman font (industry standard), double-spaced, and came out to about 321 pages when it was printed out. You can see what that got condensed down to in the finished book.

POSTING ONLINE: If you *are* going to submit it, I would advise against posting it, other than a brief excerpt. This even goes for self-publishing. Nobody buys the cow when they can get the milk for free. ;>)

If you need to find a reputable publisher, I highly recommend www.ralan.com.

[dudethatlikeszombies]

you might also want to have it copyrighted, aswell. i think it costs around thirty bucks to do so. also, copyright is only good for the story ( or your way of expressing the story. ), im not sure if you can copyright the characters and tittle.

[DrDead]

Hey, thanks for the 'fo. Just started two months in the E.R. in one of the level one trauma centers in town. Its amazing what comes rolling through our doors, I swear to G. Excuse me while I genuflect for a moment, but how many zombies are stupid enough to try to put up Christmas lights up on the roof when they blow a breathalizer of 0.36?

One MAJOR theme of z- books I've noticed is that people are stupider than the mindless undead and get killed trying to do stupid things or kill each other over their stupidity. The recipe is simple: you take a reasonable person and put them in a situation where they're surrounded by idiots (usually the military, swat teams, security guards, etc) and let them wallow in their frustration. GCR almost always follows this pattern. Brian Keene did too, with the military dissolving into a band of rogue hoodlums with the rape buggy and all. It's prolly more realisitic like that, but I'm going to assume that most of the idiots didn't make it past the initial presentation and that enough of the military still exists to make a coordinated effort against the undead. No more honkering down, its gunna be Dawn of the Dead meets the Andromenda Strain meets Aliens. Oh, btw, I will mention that the undead have a card up their sleeves at the end. You'll have to read the book to figure out what it is. Lord I can't wait to write that part of the book.. :evil:

Anyway, I prolly let too much dribble out as it is. As always, let me know if you have any ideas you want developed.

TTFN

Drdead

P.S. I think I will make two books out of it. The zs- toss their cards out on the table in the first one, and society deals with it in the second. I think I can still make it interesting while I develop a few important ideas in the first book, and not have to water it down so much to keep the word count down.

[DrDead]

Back now from crazy rotations and have more time on my hands to start part II. Have been dying to write this part for some time.

Hope all is well with everyone!

DrDead.

P.S. Brian, looking forward to your book. Salutos to you and yours..

[DocZomby]

Always love to see new fiction. Send a few chapters out to give us a good solid tease now and again. :evil:

[DrDead]

I decided to delete a chapter from Part I - it didn't really advance the story real well and I was spending too much time to try to make it work. :x

Merging some other chapters together.

I might toss out some of the deleted stuff I don't plan on using as a teaser, but wont put out any of the real material. I think I have enough to pick and choose from to drop the cheesy stuff. Chapers that stay will be well done. I'm sure you guys will like it.

Drdead.

[Divided Soul]

DrDead,
I have found that posting via a website or a blog can be very useful as far as getting positive/negative feedback on your story. Copyright is not an issue once online(or written) it is automatically copyrighted. Brian Keene actually had some useful tips on posting. If you are putting this out there for yourself and the fans of the genre then put it out there. But if you are hoping to publish it as a story or in an anthology then you might want to only publish pieces to see if people like it. Either way any new stuff out there may spurn others to start writing. David Wellington and Raptorman's stories moved me to start writing myself. Good luck!
Wesker

[DrDead]

This is going to be a book. If it gets published great, if not I'll throw the whole thing out on the net for free in one big chunk. I don't give a real rip if it gets published or not since I'm not doing this for a career, but someone made a good point that more people would read it if published so I think I'm going to hold out on tossing out any blog. That has been the gist of the advice so far.

I will toss this out though..

My main character ends up overseeing the military's scientific examination of the undead and I was thinking of adding a segment where he posts his findings for eveyone to see on the web. I thought it might be fun to actually put that web site together in real life and put weekly updates on findings, research, etc. - and maybe some photos and video or something. Problem is time, however. At baseline my life is chaos and I struggle to keep my work hours under 80 per week. There's literally a web site called 80hours.com that I have to log into to post my hours worked to prove I do less than 80 in a 7 day period.

Plus I don't know squat about putting web sites together. I guess I didn't know squat about authoring books either, however, so I guess I'll figure it out eventually too. Bottom line is eventually everything will get done and I'm confident people will like the outcome. I am a rabid horror fan and absolutely love GCR's work with zombies. Like you guys I know what I want in undead novels and will strive to get it right. You can count on it.

What would help me is some feedback from you all on the kinds of things that you like to see in zombie books and flicks. Do you like slow methodical zombies, 28 day style zombies, zombies that eat people, stories about spreading zombiism, zombies that :puke: Do you want :cry: , :evil: , :lol: , etc.

Anyways, got to go.

Drdead

[DrDead]

Having trouble finding a satisfactory title for the book and I'm looking for clever suggestions. Has to be something that suggests zombies or undead, or be a clever play on a famous quote, or a common expression used in english. Book is straight forward apocalyptic Romero / Keene stuff. Some question of whether undead phenomenon is scientific or religious. I let the reader decide.

Was thinking of "The Rez"

Was wondering, however, if people got it.

Otherwise if anyone could think of something better, please let me know.

drdead :x

P.S. Finished a bunch of rewriting in Part I and have finished with chapters 9 and 10, which are in part II. Three parts in all.

[UndeadAnthology]

Was thinking of "The Rez"


Rez being short for Resurrection? I like it. :)

Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[elaire26]

You most definitely need to write it. Since you say it's just for fun, as you can see, there are quite a lot of people who enjoy reading them. I started one many years ago (just one chapter), and then was inspired to hammer it all out last summer and got it self published.

The fact is, if it inspires you to put pen to paper, DO IT. But that's the thing. You've got to start. I've heard writers say that you must always make an effort to write every day. Whether it's several chapters or several sentences. WRite every day.

There's an old eastern cliche that goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Believe me, it's worth the trip.

Sincerely,

"El Technico"

[UndeadAnthology]

I started one many years ago (just one chapter), and then was inspired to hammer it all out last summer and got it self published.

Is it publicly available? If so where? :)

Jacob
http://www.undeadanthology.com

[Mr. Grey]

Last point is well taken. I guess I'll hold out on tossing out chapters until finished with the whole thing. Maybe I'll throw a web site together and let a few select friends in for criticism and feedback of work as I go. Maybe help me creep it up. My goal is only to put something fun together and it doesn't do anyone any good if it sits on the harddrive at some hospital computer somewhere.

BTW, Just finished the storyline, setting, outline of chapters, list of characters, and have a couple of titles bubbling on a quiet call night. I think I've made it sufficiently different from anyone else's work to call it original.

Drdead
That is awesome Dr. Go for it! I can't wait till you are finished. I always appreciate a well written story whether it is based on something or not. :clap:

[DrDead]

Thanks for the encouragement! It's been a lot of fun writing it so far. Just have a few more questions for people that are in the know...

I want to put together a banner and/or cover art for the book. How do most handle this? Also, want to put together a web site pimping the book. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions onhow to make it look professionally done without spending big $$. Actually, more like suggestions for me to do it myself..considering I've never done it before.

Thanks, DrD

[DrDead]

Just an update. There's been some serious discussion lately regarding doing a raptorman type site, with book being put out for free. Found another excellent individual to help me out with the technical aspects of it all, including web site design and artwork. If so, probably would have some basic stuff out in a few months.

In other news, have done some -serious- editing. Now starting Chapter 11 and am at least half way through book. Should be a fun read.

Drdead.

[Mr. Grey]

Just an update. There's been some serious discussion lately regarding doing a raptorman type site, with book being put out for free. Found another excellent individual to help me out with the technical aspects of it all, including web site design and artwork. If so, probably would have some basic stuff out in a few months.

In other news, have done some -serious- editing. Now starting Chapter 11 and am at least half way through book. Should be a fun read.

Drdead.
I am really looking forward to reading this. :clap:

[Divided Soul]

Let's see it.... Raptormans work is great and if yours is in the same style I am sure it will move

[alexxthird]

Thanks for the encouragement! It's been a lot of fun writing it so far. Just have a few more questions for people that are in the know...

I want to put together a banner and/or cover art for the book. How do most handle this? Also, want to put together a web site pimping the book. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions onhow to make it look professionally done without spending big $$. Actually, more like suggestions for me to do it myself..considering I've never done it before.

Thanks, DrD

How's the book coming along? You said you were 18 chapters or so in? What is your writing process like?

Sorry if other people have asked you this, but its something I am always interested in!

[DrDead]

Hi alexx,

Thanks for the note. Writing the book is tons of fun - slow, but fun. Still 18 chapters in. I do a lot of rereading of old chapters and if I don't like what I read or if the story doesn't fit in well I have to go back and rewrite it. I've done that A LOT. Countless times I've gone back and said to myself 'naa, that doesn't really work' - in fact, I have pages of stuff i've deleted and pasted into a seperate file to keep in case I need material later.

As for the story itself, I'm trying to make it a philosophical mind-job of sorts - and try to capture the reader's attention by keeping you wondering what the punchline will be at the end. In that regard, I've made the punchline at the end pretty friggen awesome. I'm sure you'll love it. Trust me, I'm dying to spill the beans on what happens but people would be mad for throwing out a spoiler and ruining the whole thing.

I just read Keane's 'City of the Dead' and his story grips the reader by being gutteral and raw, with body parts and blood, violence, and graphical necrophilia and sex. It works, but I don't follow quite the same path. I try to creep you out more and keep it scary in a manner that my kid and wife won't think I need professional help. I hope it works as well.

Would love to talk more if youre interested. Zombies are my thing!

Drop me a line,

Drdead.

[DrDead]

One more thing,

I know I've struggled with the idea of doing a raptorman-type site and whatnot. Once and for all I'm going to have it published. I don't know who said it in the past, but I think they're right that more people would read it if published. I'll put it out for free or submit it to an anthology if noone wants to take it on for publishing. Sorry if I've generated any confusion on this - you guys have been wonderful with your help! :drinking:

Drdead.

[UndeadAnthology]

Once and for all I'm going to have it published.

Be sure to get in touch with me when it's done, DrDead. :)

Jacob

[alexxthird]

Hi alexx,

Would love to talk more if youre interested. Zombies are my thing!

Drop me a line,

Drdead.

That sounds really fantastic, doc. I guess what you are doing is what it really takes to produce a novel-length piece of fiction. I've been trying to produce short stories and possibly even a novella-length story, but I simply can't find the time to just sit down and write, or edit, or read, or whatever, even if only a little bit at a time. Like you, I am a professional with long hours at the office every day (my wife is currently in her residency as well, so probably suffering on call as much as you do).

Zombie literature is probably my favorite type of horror literature. And that is another problem-- I keep reading such wonderful works ("COTD", "All Flesh Must be Eaten", "The Walking Dead" and so forth, and I keep getting pulled to imitate this story or that story). It's all quite frustrating.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear you are doing well on your story. If you would ever like an editor (people consider my heartless when I slice and dice with my red pen, but I just consider myself thorough), or someone to bounce ideas off of, I'm always available!

[DrDead]

Anyway, I'm glad to hear you are doing well on your story. If you would ever like an editor (people consider my heartless when I slice and dice with my red pen, but I just consider myself thorough), or someone to bounce ideas off of, I'm always available!

I'm SO busy in RL that its absolutely nuts, but I still find time now and then to sit down and write. Its almost been over a year and a half since I started, however, and I'm probably only three quarters done. Truth is, writing is a fun stress release. I kind of identify with each of my charaters at this point, which is a good sign about the degree of their development. If you've ever thought about writing a full length book, I'd say you should give it a shot - especially in this paper thin zombie genre (pardon the pun).

Truth is I do need to sit down and write out a brief 2 paragraph blurb - I don't know what you call it, the synopsis thingy or whatever that people read to decide if they want to purchase or read the book. You know, that thing they toss on the back cover? I also need to figure out a clever ending. That said, I WOULD like to BRIEFLY run the entire storyline past at least one other person at some point. I also need someone to informally edit it to catch the subtle mistakes - name fubars, grammatical mistakes etc. The job comes with no pay, long hours, few perks, a lot of whining (by me), and tons of story ruining spoilers.

Anyways, suggestions - as always - are appreciated.

Drdead

[alexxthird]

I'm SO busy in RL that its absolutely nuts, but I still find time now and then to sit down and write. Its almost been over a year and a half since I started, however, and I'm probably only three quarters done. Truth is, writing is a fun stress release. I kind of identify with each of my charaters at this point, which is a good sign about the degree of their development. If you've ever thought about writing a full length book, I'd say you should give it a shot - especially in this paper thin zombie genre (pardon the pun).

Truth is I do need to sit down and write out a brief 2 paragraph blurb - I don't know what you call it, the synopsis thingy or whatever that people read to decide if they want to purchase or read the book. You know, that thing they toss on the back cover? I also need to figure out a clever ending. That said, I WOULD like to BRIEFLY run the entire storyline past at least one other person at some point. I also need someone to informally edit it to catch the subtle mistakes - name fubars, grammatical mistakes etc. The job comes with no pay, long hours, few perks, a lot of whining (by me), and tons of story ruining spoilers.

Anyways, suggestions - as always - are appreciated.

Drdead

Hey DrDead,

Let me know if you don't have another reader lined up. I'm an attorney by trade, so editing docs and close reading are what I do for a living (I'm probably not as good as, say, a literary editor, but I do work for free!). Granted, it might take me a while to work through that many chapters (like you, my schedule is always on overdrive), but I'm pretty thorough and very discreet.

As for the blurb, I think the best course of action might be to think about composing a pitch letter of some sort first, to see if the boys at Permuted Press or at some other small publishing house would be interested.

Keep me posted.

[DrDead]

Question..

The opening of my book consists of ten pages that contain three short stories that are loosely tied to the general story arcs, but don't have any of the main characters. They're only 'to set the mood'.

Would this be considered a prelude, a prologue, or a preface? :x

Could someone please explain the difference between the three?

TIA,

Drd

[Brian_Keene]

A preface (or introduction) is a non-fiction segment that introduces the book to the reader.

Sounds like what you have is a prologue or prelude (which are pretty much the same thing).

[Divided Soul]

prologue

Main Entry: pro·logue
Variant(s): also pro·log /'prO-"log, -"läg/
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English prolog, from Middle French prologue, from Latin prologus preface to a play, from Greek prologos part of a Greek play preceding the entry of the chorus, from pro- before + legein to speak -- more at PRO-, LEGEND
1 : the preface or introduction to a literary work
2 a : a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the beginning of a play b : the actor speaking such a prologue
3 : an introductory or preceding event or development


preface

Main Entry: 1pref·ace
Pronunciation: 'pre-f&s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin prephatia, alteration of Latin praefation-, praefatio foreword, from praefari to say beforehand, from prae- pre- + fari to say -- more at BAN
1 often capitalized : a variable doxology beginning with the Sursum Corda and ending with the Sanctus in traditional eucharistic liturgies
2 : the introductory remarks of a speaker or author
3 : APPROACH, PRELIMINARY

prelude


Main Entry: 1pre·lude
Pronunciation: 'prel-"yüd, 'prAl-; 'pre-"lüd, 'prA-; sense 1 also 'prE-"lüd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to play beforehand, from prae- + ludere to play -- more at LUDICROUS
1 : an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter
2 a : a musical section or movement introducing the theme or chief subject (as of a fugue or suite) or serving as an introduction to an opera or oratorio b : an opening voluntary c : a separate concert piece usually for piano or orchestra and based entirely on a short motif




A good dictionary can be a writers best friend.... :)

[big john h]

did u ever finish?

[DrDead]

Still working on it and still at 18 Chapters . Alexxx is helping me edit and that takes a long time. I have at least 10-12 chapters left to write, which is part III in the book. Will probably be a while before I'm done since my real life is so damn busy all the time. Thank you for your patience though..

Drd.