Three years ago, I got an idea for a post-apocalyptic novel after avoiding the genre for pretty much my entire life. I just didn't like it, didn't see the appeal, and worse: I had no ideas. Then one day while I was jogging on the treadmill, it hit me. I thought how much it would suck if the hero of a group of survivors went out on a daring supply run and got killed. Then, as writers do, I thought "How can I make it worse?" Each layer of the gut-wrenching ending then fell into place. From there, I worked backward, added characters, and fleshed out the world.
Why They Killed is by far one of my favorite things I have written. It became more of a solid idea when I decided to write in a contest for a small publisher and the theme was announced to be the apocalypse. Perfect! Rocket and his crew made it to the shortlist for that competition but didn't win a spot in the end. I was sad of course. But that's when I got the idea to use everything I wrote for myself. Why not put it out myself and use it as best I can. Besides, I LOVED this story. When I sent it out for ARC readers (only one actually followed through), her review pointed out how bleak and awful the world I made was. I was thrilled! That's exactly what I wanted to show. Just because the world has ended doesn't mean humans stop petty squabbles like bullying. I strive for my writing to be dark and heavy--so I love when readers point it out!
So before I self-published it, I expanded it, turned into a novelette from the 7,000-word short story it started out as. Honestly, while I was proofing the audiobook, I realized it could be a lot longer. But then the story wouldn't be about the ending. I wouldn't change that for the world.
Rocket's journey started three years ago and has finally come to a wider audience. It has been expanded as well! Last year for National Novel Writing Month, I wrote the sequel Red Acres. I don't have a release date on it yet though. That may change depending on how well-received this one is.
Some of the things you can expect to see in this short little read are: zombies, a military-like lifestyle, motorcycles, blood, and (my favorite!) cannibal cults!
If you are looking for something short, fast, violent, emotional--then please pick up the ebook, paperback, or audiobook today.
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