[reds]

Salutations...

I'm sure it's not rare or unique that I'm writing a book. I'm basing most of the critical scenes on dreams that I've had...
The writing style is similiar to World War Z, (though I was actually thinking about Stephen King's The Tommyknockers when I decided. )
It's written in first-person, but the point of view shifts from chapter to chapter between several characters.

The time period will jump around in roughly 3-4 month increments, starting with a horrible accident that becomes 'ground zero' (no, I won't call it that in the book.)
There are two anomalous zombies... I'm trying to flesh out their 'characters' a bit more. They are hinted to be the 'Alpha and Omega'. They are essentially ruled by all the traits that makes us human, except each only has half.
(ie, combined, they make a more or less normal human)

Alpha-
Alive, but immune. Due to some strange defect in his brain and the method in which he was infected, he has not turned, and will not die of the disease. (but he might in a sequel).
The disease did damage his brain slightly, and he's very autistic-like. (think of a cross between rain man and sheldon cooper from big bang theory) He cannot link emotionally with humans, but he will join others simply for survival. He is a savant at surviving, and collects all manner of 'odd' objects. All appear strange and random, but will be used in a way to save his or the groups life in some way. Poor reflexes, and generally frail. He has to sleep and eat very little, (food, not people) ie- scavenging a handful of wild foods (berries, roots, etc) and 2-3 hours sleep is all he needs in a day.

Omega-
Zombie infection affected him normally, turning him quickly. However, more of his brain is functional. He's by no means a genius, but infinitely more intelligent than other zombies. He rudimentary ways of controlling the horde. He is impulsive, and unable to plan more than 5 or 10 minutes ahead. He is relatively fast (compared to zombies. Still slower than humans) and can use basic weapons (blades, clubs, the like. No guns or power tools).


Alpha will be introduced as a character, but you won't suspect he's 'infected' until the end, and even then you won't be sure. Omega will only be observed by other character's.


What other traits that make us 'human' could be skewed to be ruling emotions in these two? And no, I don't think I want either to have a romantic interest.


Also, I have the 'midst' of the apocolypse planned out, down to world war z-esque cities protected by the military, but a substantial amount of people still live in rural areas. By the end of the book most zombies have dissipated, (where to? You never know. ;) ) and they only remain as a nuisance as long as you're smart enough.

Example of mindset by the end of the book-

Most of the group is out farming, two are left in the remains of the house. One man, Thomas, is in the kitchen, the other, Lloyd, is attempting to repair a TV while listening to headphones. A zombie tried to attack lloyd, and nearly kills him, but Lloyd smells it and turns around just in time. He shoves the Z up against a wall with his chair. Thomas runs in from the kitchen, sees the zombie, and shoots it in the head with a shotgun, splattering the wall behind with hair, skin, and brains. The smell of aerosolized rotting flesh makes the air unbreathable. Lloyd throws the blood-splattered chair on the ground, and glares at Thomas. "You know you're cleaning that shit up, right? I could have easily pushed it three more feet, and it would have been out the door."