A note from John

I've sometimes wondered about the answers I give when people ask me why I do the things I do.  Typically I answer "It's what I do." or "Because I can."
Why do I do the things I do?  Why do I risk my neck for little to no reward?  Would I be happier just taking care of my own and the hell with the rest?  I started the ball rolling, now let the rest of  them take charge of keeping it on?
Maybe.  But I doubt it.
When I look at the second answer, it's probably the more honest of the two.  I do what I do because I can.  I am physically capable and mentally prepared to do battle against that which threatens me and which threatens you.  I have fought and killed and survived to make sure you do to.  I am capable of dealing with the threat therefore I have a duty to deal with it.
Charlie and I had this conversation on a regular basis.  He said the zombies brought out the true nature of ourselves.  If we were craven cowards under the surface, but never admitted it to ourselves or anyone else, the zombies sure as hell got us on the truth train.  Likewise, if we were calm under fire, and threw ourselves into harm's way to rescue our own, the zombies revealed that as well.
The bottom line is I am capable of making a difference, therefore I have a responsibility to do so.
The other answer is probably more simplistic.  I think, therefore I am.  I fight zombies, therefore I kill zombies.  It's just the job I happen to have at the moment.
Sarah says its the answer I give when I can't think of anything clever or better to say.  She's probably right.

JT

Tommy's Tips

How prepared are you?

Most of you would say you're right up there with the best.  SHTF, you got it covered, no sweat.  Right now, at this moment, where is your weapon?  If it's not within reach, it's useless.  Right now, where is your kit to get the hell out of Dodge?
If it's on the other side of the house, lodge, whatever; it's useless and may as well not exist.
A good rule of thumb would be to keep a weapon nearby in every room, and a stocked backpack near every door.  That way you can bolt from wherever and be just fine.
By the way, bottled water is only good for two years.  Just an FYI
What clothes are you wearing?  Would you fight in them right now?  Better be sure.
Where are your meds?  Where are your car keys?  Anything you have to hunt for will eat up precious seconds you don't have to spare.

An attack can come at any time, from any direction.  You can live or die.

TC

Charlie's Guide

What's the best camo when it comes to hiding from zombies?  Quick answer is scenery.  At first blush, you might wonder what the hell I'm talking about.  But the truth of the matter is the zombies are looking for people shaped things to chew on.  You ever see a zombie chew on a desk, or a simple cardboard box?
Me either.
I'm not going to go into too much detail, but becoming part of the landscape saved John and I in Denver.  It gave us precious seconds to get away and get ahead of the hordes.
If you need to move in zombie territory, make sure you don't smell like a human and hide your shape.  Move slowly, and don't attract attention to yourself.  
Word of caution, though.  Don't put yourself into something you can't get out of quickly.  If they do discover you you'd better not try to run down a street wearing a file cabinet, because you will get eaten.

Charlie OUT.

News

I was doing something today...Let's see...picked up the son from pre-school, trimmed the bushes, cleaned the middle child's closet...Hmm.

Oh right!  I finished White Flag of the Dead Book 6 today.  In assembly/editing mode right now, should be off to the publisher before Monday.

Good stuff.  You'll laugh, cry, and freak out all at once.

If things go quickly it may be out close to Halloween.

JT

Update

Okay,so here's the news that fit to print.  Just got done deciding on a cover with the cover artist (very nice guy, BTW.). I am halfway done with book six, and am on a serious roll.  I expect some very good progress the next few days, and I may wrap this up by September 1.  That's the goal, and I think I can do it.  Keep your fingers crossed and your ammo handy!
Reminder: Author chat with me on the 20th at 8:00 for those participating in the facebook Zombie Book of the Month Club.
I have an extra copy of the first book lying around here, I should do a contest for a signed copy or something. I'll figure it out.

Writingly yours,

JT

Book 6 Update

So I got a little bit behind in the writing, and it looks like Book 6 will not be finished for another two to three weeks.  I am hoping for some serious writing time for the next few days.  If that happens, then I may revise that estimate dramatically.  Basically, I am hoping for several hours of uninterrupted writing time, which would put me back into a semblance of a schedule and knock a week or two off my timeline.

Stay tuned, and I should have an update by Wednesday.

Zeus the Cat

I am forever amazed that the one question I get asked more than anything else is what happened to Zeus the Cat.  I nearly started a short story from Zeus' point of view, but had other things to complete.  Therefore, I am here to announce that Zeus is currently being discussed in Book 6, and will likely make an appearance in some fashion.  How I can make it work right now is a mystery, but I'll think of something.

Also, there is a Zombie Book club on Facebook, and they are reading White Flag of the Dead as their August selection!  Thank you Shaun Phelps.  In addition, there will be a discussion/chat at the end of the month, so we'll see how that plays out.  Should be fun.

JT