Zombie-slayer extraordinaire joins us
on the Eldon blog today, Michael Carr. Michael, tell us about your
current works.
First I would like to thank you Eldon for the opportunity to discuss a project that means a lot to me. I am happy to share this story with you and your readers. My first novella, "Dead Factions" is about a dark world of infection, lies, deceit and anger. This first installment to The Zombie War Narratives is a powerful mixture of shock, sci-fi and government conspiracy. It begins with the world exposed to an infection and abandoned by its leaders. During this time of unrest, small portions of the undead have found a way to maintain their intellect and plan to control the country. However, there is infighting among these undead and they break-off into "Dead Factions".
First I would like to thank you Eldon for the opportunity to discuss a project that means a lot to me. I am happy to share this story with you and your readers. My first novella, "Dead Factions" is about a dark world of infection, lies, deceit and anger. This first installment to The Zombie War Narratives is a powerful mixture of shock, sci-fi and government conspiracy. It begins with the world exposed to an infection and abandoned by its leaders. During this time of unrest, small portions of the undead have found a way to maintain their intellect and plan to control the country. However, there is infighting among these undead and they break-off into "Dead Factions".
In this first novella, readers are
introduced to an enraged and pissed off survivor, Corey, who plots a
route to find some meaning or normalcy in this upside-down world. He
finds his travels run head on with situations for which he had not
bargained. Struggling to adapt, he realizes the world he once knew
and the people closest to him are gone. Corey continues to fight as
he is tested beyond his imagination...he fights to find peace for
himself and those he learns to trust.
What is it you love about writing zombies?
Actually it was more about what zombies offered my book than a love for the genre. I needed an "evil with a purpose"...one that did not know "quit"...a malicious force that came back bigger and stronger time after time. I also needed a wickedness unlike anything else, one that is considered near perfect by its creator. Readers of Dead Factions have reported back that they enjoyed the idea of zombies breaking off into guilds/factions to war over the control of humanity. The deception and evil doesn't stop there. This is a world where the undead are minions; foot solders for a greater horror or is it horrors? I forget. Now I'm hoping others will find this to be an uncommon and rare story as the chaos unfolds in the trilogy.
Actually it was more about what zombies offered my book than a love for the genre. I needed an "evil with a purpose"...one that did not know "quit"...a malicious force that came back bigger and stronger time after time. I also needed a wickedness unlike anything else, one that is considered near perfect by its creator. Readers of Dead Factions have reported back that they enjoyed the idea of zombies breaking off into guilds/factions to war over the control of humanity. The deception and evil doesn't stop there. This is a world where the undead are minions; foot solders for a greater horror or is it horrors? I forget. Now I'm hoping others will find this to be an uncommon and rare story as the chaos unfolds in the trilogy.
Tell us about WHY you write.
I never intended to have anything in print, it was just sheer luck. A couple of years ago I had a life experience that encouraged me to find an outlet...one that was uncommon for me. It was as though the story was unfolding before me. I typed as fast as I could to keep up. Once done, I found it unique and was compelled to share it. With that, a new world opened and I began meeting other authors, as well as readers. It has been very exciting and rewarding. I have found forum conversations, the encouraging emails I have received and being able to introduce "Dead Factions" to new readers at conventions exhilarating. I am so appreciative for the fans that follow and support my work.
What kind of works are you planning for the future?
Future works...well, I am actively in production to the follow up of "Dead Factions". This is the second installment to the zombie war narratives under the working title of "City on Fire". I think it is ok to reveal here that, unlike most sequels, COF actually runs in parallel with "Dead Factions".
It is important that the reader sees what other characters were doing at the time "Dead Factions" was going on. There are of course surprises, heartaches and blood. Yes, lots of blood.
Continuity is important to me... even though I am doing it in an unorthodox way with the series. I am ok with that. Like for any author, the challenge is to provide the reader with a "Wow" moment when they reach the end.
I have to admit that comics are what got me here....sitting idle right now is 2 comic projects waiting to have their moment and they will soon.
Thank you so much for joining me, Michael!
BUY A COPY OF, DEAD FACTIONS
Michael's BIO:
A native of South Mississippi, Michael grew up in a region of the United States that was rich in culture and tradition. Family gatherings were common, offering the best food
found anywhere. Usually a Saturday night social over savory delicacies would pave the way to the best rumors and gossip from both sides of the river.Michael utilized his hometown environment that gave him creative imagery and a passion for good food to work. After attending culinary school he spent the first fourteen years of his professional life as a chef. After sometime he went on to other avenues of employment and during this period he revisited an old childhood favorite hobby of reading comics. This rediscovery of make-believe, along with real life experiences ignited a spark that led him to the world of writing.
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