The
Allure of Zombies and Apocalyptic Fiction
By
David P. Forsyth
Why
do some people find stories depicting the horrific end of
civilization appealing? I can't speak for everyone, but as the author
of apocalyptic novels, I have given that question some serious
thought. Having grown up with the constant threat of nuclear
annihilation, I was always attracted to doomsday books featuring
various post-apocalypse survival scenarios.
One
of the most popular type of apocalyptic themes these days features
zombies. Zombies engender feelings of fear and revulsion. A well told
zombie tale is full of tension, suspense, and the expectation of
violent conflict. Most importantly, zombies are the perfect villains
because it is cool to kill them!
The
audience doesn't feel sorry for them, at least not after they become
zombies. So the reader, or viewer, wants to see them cut to pieces.
They want to be exposed to vivid and gratuitous violence inflicted on
the undead hordes threatening the vestiges of humanity. Why?
We
live in a day and age when the impossible has become common place.
Technology has changed our lives in ways that we are only beginning
to appreciate, making life both easier and more complex. Things like
cell phones and cloning were only science fiction when I was a boy.
So who's to say that zombies are impossible? Apocalyptic stories
showing how bad life could become also remind us of how far we have
come and that the farther our civilization advances, the farther it
has to fall in the event of an apocalyptic event.
Even
those who feel that life has treated them unfairly can relate to a
fictional world where their destiny is suddenly up to their own
survival drive and ingenuity. Where good and evil are truly black and
white. Imagine a world where simply staying alive places you in the
top 1%! If that idea is at all appealing to you, then you are a
potential fan of apocalyptic fiction and might enjoy the books I
write.
I started writing my
zombie series, the “Sovereign Spirit Saga,” in 2011 and have
released three novels and a collection of three novella length
prequels since then. My first book, “Voyage of the Dead,” is now
offered for FREE on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Y3XF4A)
and other ebook platforms. A 788 page trilogy edition of the first
three books is offered in “Sovereign Spirit Saga: Volume One”
(http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EMNJUD4)
and is the best deal on the series, even if you get the first book
for free. “Interludes in Hell” is the prequel collection that can
be read as an introduction or companion to the series
(http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPNUI1I).
Volume Two of the Sovereign Spirit Saga is a work in progress, as
there more of this story to tell.
Although I enjoy writing
about zombies and think my series offers something new and exciting
in the genre, my true passion is for apocalyptic science fiction in
general. This is reflected in my new release, “Sedulity (Book One)
Impact” (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IVE3IUQ).
The story is still apocalyptic in nature, still focused on characters
aboard a ship, but the threat of zombies is replaced by the cruel
science of Mother Nature. Sedulity is inspired by the science
fiction classic “Lucifer’s Hammer” and features the passengers
and crew of cruise ship en route to Australia when an asteroid
strikes the Pacific Ocean. It’s quite an exciting adventure based
on a plausible apocalyptic scenario. When introducing new to either
of my series I like to say, “Welcome aboard and bon voyage!”
If you “like” my
books, please say so at https://www.facebook.com/DavidPForsythAuthor
Visit me at
www.DavidPForsyth.com
(updating soon)
* * * * *
The stench of rotting flesh is in the
air! Welcome to the Summer of Zombie Blog Tour 2014, with 33 of the
best zombie authors spreading the disease in the month of June.
Stop by the event page on Facebook so
you don't miss an interview, guest post or teaser… and pick up some
great swag as well! Giveaways galore from most of the authors as well
as interaction with them! #SummerZombie
https://www.facebook.com/events/286215754875261/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular&source=1
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