Zombies are such a classic part of the speculative fiction genres that they transcend the genre cliches and have become a storytelling element akin to FTL engines (faster-than-light), laser pistols, wizards and elves. People have some morbid fascination with them, and so writers find plenty of opportunities to remake these staggering monstrosities into their own images, whether through radioactive spills, alien weaponry, necromancy, or some disease. Make up a reason, and you can have zombies. They can be fast, slow, munchy, even occasionally intelligent, depending on what stories you dig them out of.
I’ve also been running across various zombie literature a lot lately, for whatever reason. I just read through The Serpent and the Rainbow, a nonfiction account written by ethnobotanist Wade Davis, who heavily researched the whole zombie phenomenon in Haiti, and the various drugs and cultural influences surrounding it.
And, of course, most people have run across World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s definitely on the list.So maybe you want to put zombies into a novel. Are they the bad guys? Mindless enemies for the hero to kill? Or could they be the heroes somehow? Has anyone written a book with zombie protagonists? Could be interesting…
Here is a collection of guides and overviews on the whole science of zombies, including:
A Survival Guide, for when the night of the living dead comes to your doorstep. This provides such helpful tactics as, “Do not try to negotiate,” and inspirational quotes like, “Use your head. And cut off theirs.” Sage words.
Next we have an article debating whether the U.S. Government attempted/succeeded in creating a sort of mindless drone solider, based on the MK-ULTRA research program. Is this legit? They aren’t telling, but the list of methods they supposedly used might work as fodder for your own zombie-spawning backstory.
And I found this a fascinating rundown of zombie mythos, cultural origins and more survival tactics, in “How Zombies Work.”
Avoid common mistakes like:
- Sheltering in a vehicle to which you do not have the key
- Leaving blades, cudgels or other basic weapons out for zombies to find
- Teaching zombies how to use firearms
- Giving your only weapon to anyone who is hysterical
- Retreating to a basement or cellar without taking supplies with you
- Getting into an elevator in a building infested with zombies
- Letting personal feelings and arguments get in the way of survival
There you go then. Pretty much everything you need to survive, aside from getting your own shotgun and shells. Some holy water and a crucifix might not be bad to keep on hand, but that might only work if the zombies you run across have a supernatural origin, rather than some science experiment gone awry.
You can never be too prepared.
I see that smile.
Or could they be the heroes somehow? Has anyone written a book with zombie protagonists? Could be interesting…
Perhaps I’m not a courageous enough writer, because, yes, I have considered writing books with an intelligent zombie protagonist (including one who does eat people.)
But I figured the idea was just too out there. Maybe I should reconsider?
I guess you would just need to cook up some motivation for the zombies that didn’t involve brains.
*slobber* Brains. Num, num.
when zombies come they will eat the intelligent ones first !! 😉
N
Cool post on zombies, Josh! I started reading World War Z once in a bookstore and enjoyed what I read. Maybe some day I’ll finish it, but at this present moment I kind of doubt it. Dunno why. Maybe it has something to do with my lack of a car and funds to buy the book.
*grin*
Hey Res, good to see you around again. How are things going with school?
Didn’t I see one of your stories a while back where zombies had a big part to play? Something about trying to break free from their necromancer or some such? Whatever became of that?
Welp, I’m not sure that you’re going to see this, since this post is now back in the archives, but I’ll answer anyway.
I’ve got an outline for the zombie story and have really worked on developing the world and stuff. As far as actually starting it, though . . . I was going to start in November, but then something came up and I decided to put it off longer. After my internship is done, I’m planning to start setting aside time to work on it, but it’s going to be a long and slow process to get the thing written.
I’m glad you’re still working on it, Res. It’d be fun to see it once it comes to be. I really enjoyed reading that short story a while back.
Hey–thanks! Hopefully it’ll eventually get done!