If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that NaNoWriMo 2012 threw up an interesting development for my writing. I didn’t know what to write or where to start, but then on Nov 4th or 5th, a zombie story crept into my mind. What if the apocalypse was over? What if scientists had found a drug that whilst not curing ‘zombification’, managed to pacify these flesh eating little buggers? I quickly hammered out a first rough chapter and have continued to write between completing other works, so I’m hoping this novella will be complete in the next week or so.
One of the biggest problems/intricacies that I’ve found is in bringing the soul back into creatures who’s traditional goal in life is to consume as much living flesh as possible. It is a zombie novel after all, so there needs to be a certain amount of gore. Yet, in this story the zombies have been pacified through drug use, and the drug has an unexpected side effect in some creatures that results in a shadow of their former humanity beginning to shine through. It’s a difficult line – killing machine one minute, friendly soul the next?
I wouldn’t say that any of the zombies in my novel are ‘friendly’. And how much soul and compassion can you really find for someone who’s had their head half torn off, who’s skin has become leathery and dessicated, who you know that as soon as the drugs wear off they’ll be chowing down on your face? That’s the tricky line. Plus, my main protagonist finds himself strangely drawn to one particular zombie. A creature with dark eyes, an attractive figure, a fierce and intense aura about himself. He should be repulsed by the cold flesh, but attracted, so finding the medium between allowing lust to grow whilst not appearing too socially depraved has been interesting….and fun! So far the new novella has been a blast to write about, and a topic I never thought I’d ever cover! I can’t wait to finish and see what happens!
**This post is part of a blog hop! To hop along to the next zombie read, visit Precious Monsters.**
Geoff Wakeling 
Geoff, great idea but I think you’re tuned in to cultural consciousness, because when Ruth and I went to see the last Twilight recently (not a fan of the series but this movie was genuinely good), one of the Previews was exactly about the idea you’re talking about. The world is divided between zombies and “real” people. One young man zombie, however, finds himself slowly becoming more human again and less zombie-like. He begins to feel again and be able to mutter short sentences. Of course he is also attracted to a beautiful girl, who at first is repulsed by him, and then begins to see something inside . . . anyway, I forget the title, but look for it. If you could release your book before the movie is released, you’ll have a leg up. I think it’s coming in the Spring.
On Fri, Dec 7, 2012 at 7:03 AM, Geoff Wakeling
Oh yes, I’ve seen that trailer for it – Warm Bodies. Luckily I thought about the idea before I found the trailer so I’m set in my own ideas. Also, it’s slightly different because love ‘cures’ them, and in my story there is no cure.
The novella will definitely be out before the movie – you’re right, it could offer it a welcome boost! 😀
I can’t see love blooming between a zombie and a human. I just can’t. But your quandary is interesting — maybe a sick obsession could form if most of the world is zombified and love while illusive, is still desired, even between the not so sick and the yet to become sick, especially if a cure is almost possible. Interesting….
Thanks for your comment Yolanda. I agree, love between a zombie and a human does seem rather unconvincing. But it’s worth exploring, so we’ll see what happens in my novella! 😀
Yes, the first thing that popped in my head is “Warm Bodies.” In fact, I blogged about it for Zombie Blog Hop. Zombies eat humans. So if you’re going to change the general concept, and it’s not a comedy, the writing has to be good. I’m sure you’ll do a great job with it and make it believable.
Yeah, on the half-eaten face of it, zombies don’t immediately strike me as likely romantic leads but it sounds like you’ve found your way around that. 🙂 Good luck with this project!
Some Dark Romantic
Just read first chapter and it was enough to hook me in. Can’t wait for it to be complete so I could read the rest. ;D
Thanks Zach! Finishing in next couple of weeks and then will be out 😀
It’s been great reading everyone’s Zombie posts. I’ve enjoyed meeting new authors outside my genre. Your cover above is amazing! I have some books added to mt TBR pile!
I like your premise, definitely a zombie book I’d like to read!