A deadly virus, named SB-16, is putting the infected into deep comas, and transforming man’s best friend into hungry, viciously aggressive Zombie Dogs. As the world watches in horror, the Zombie Dogs go on the attack, looking to feed their hunger for blood and human flesh. Over 80% of the human population worldwide has already been affected. What hope does humanity have?
Ellie Douglas has joined me today to discuss the hopes for humanity in her terrifying novel ‘Zombie Dogs SB-16’. Ellie, thanks for setting a little time aside from your Zombie Dog world to take a little time to muse about your novel, and more broadly writing in general. I have to ask, where did the idea of mutant Zombie dogs come from?
I was attacked by dogs, twice in my life and figured in my head that they would make the perfect Zombie, and so Zombie Dogs was born.
Yep, I can see how being attacked by dogs would inspire that. Once you had the idea about zombie dogs, how did you go about fleshing out the story? Did you look more into the behaviours of dogs and zombies?
Yes I’ve done hours and hours of research. I recommend that all authors research it’s pretty vital.
Was delving into these topics fun? Was it the most fun thing about putting this novel together?
The most rewarding thing about writing this book was finishing it?
*Laughs*
*Laughs* No seriously the most rewarding thing about writing this book was creating my characters and breathing life into them.
How did you breathe life into these characters?
That’s a good question. Truthfully I don’t know how they came to me. I just naturally have an ability to invent characters, multiple characters.
Can you see these characters so clearly in your head that you can assign actors to play them if on the off chance your books were to make it big?
Main male characters Bellamy and his twin brother Calloway, I would have Chris Hemsworth play Bellamy and Liam Hemsworth to play Calloway. Main female characters I’d have Marion Cotillard for Lily and Emma Stone for Julie.
All solid choices there. That would be great cast party!
Yes. Absolutely.
Is this cast being revisited in your next writing project, or are you exploring a new set of characters?
My fourth book is another horror. This horror, thriller is about a prominent psychiatrist, who just happens to be a psychopath.
Sounds like a handy combination for a horror tale. Not the kind of psychiatrist you’d necessarily want to visit, but I’m sure there would be some interesting observations in therapy sessions. ‘Zombie Dogs: SB-16’ and your other novels are all varied horror readers. What pushes you to document these ideas?
I enjoy telling a tale, and my head is filled with ideas that need to be told :)
Do you know where the tale will end when you start writing?
I’d say the direction of it unfolds during my writing.
And how does your writing process unfold? Do you use any techniques to get your head in the game?
I have no techniques or specifications. I write when I can. I don’t limit myself to days here and there, when the mode strikes I take it :) I do have to have a quiet room to write, if there is noise or other distractions it will disable me from writing.
So no head-banging music to keep you in flow?
None, I need silence :)
And what happens when the world gets noisy or you’ve reached the productive end of your writing period?
I walk away from the book. I watch a movie, read a book or go out. It might take a day or a week before I return, but by then the writers block if any is long gone.
Do you feel that editing and writing are one in the same, or do you separate out the editing steps?
I am very strict on my writing. I will edit as I write. When the book is finished I will leave it for a few days, then go in and edit it. Then leave it for another few days and re-edit that. Then when I’ve done that I will go over it one last time, or twice more, then send it to my editor for a deeper check.
If you had any self-publishing recommendation to give other authors, would it be to employ an editor?
Researching is key to nailing your stories facts. Professional editing is a must. Read and re-read your manuscript before sending it to any editors. Don’t be afraid to cut out parts of the book, and re-do them. Go over your work continuously. Take good long breaks.
Does your day job help give you that break from your writing?
I am graphic artist, specifically cover book designer which influenced me greatly. When making book covers I would be inspired to write my own stories.
That’s a really neat way of simultaneously taking time out and re-inspiring you to continue. I like it. Speaking of things I like, I have to say that I like the final section of the author interviews, the zany, sometimes unpredictable and quirky Quick Fire Round. Let’s kick of this final section with what is your zodiac sign?
Virgo
What is your favourite ocean?
Pacific Ocean (Hey I am biased, I live near the greatest oceans in the world) :)
Are you introvert or extrovert?
Introvert
Have you ever danced in the rain?
Yes
If you ruled your own country, who would you get to write the national anthem?
Pink
Are you left or right handed?
Right
How are the colours in rainbows made?
Sunlight is actually made up of different colors that we don’t usually see. When a beam of sunlight comes down to Earth, the light is white. … Light at different angles coming through many raindrops form the rainbow that we see, in stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
There’s no fooling you! If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature what new animal would you create?
This is a strange, yet fascinating question. I think I’d like to see what a tiger and chimpanzee would make. So I’d have a Tiganzee *Laughs*
I like the sounds of that. I wonder if he would be spotty or stripey. What color socks are you wearing?
None, not wearing any :)
Me neither. What is your favourite flavor of ice-cream?
Hokey Pokey
And finally, what is your favourite quote?
Smile every day.
Smiles all around here. Ellie, thanks for chatting with me today and I hope that the zombie dogs go out a find some new dedicated reader friends.
Want to find out more about Ellie? Connect here!