Hanging out with Frank Diepmaat

Here we are for round two of kick-ass interviews. This time I sit down with the living(dead)-legend Frank Diepmaat. Why living legend you ask? Well, for starters, what one zombie-loving dude did/is doing to promote the genre, has blossomed into something far greater than imagined. But I know you're not satisfied with that ambiguous tidbit, so here's what Frank has to say...

ME: For those who don't know him, Frank Diepmaat started up, in my humble opinion, the best zombie website: Zombie-Guide Magazine, or ZGM for short. Frank's the man behind indie zombie author promo, zombie survival tactics, and well, just about any zombie info you need. But like the thousands of readers, reviewers, and zombie lovers out there, I wanted to know more so I asked him to chat for a bit. So let's start. Who is this mysterious Dutchman? And wait, you are Dutch, right?

Frank: (Chuckling) Yes I'm a Dutchman, from The Netherlands, also know as Holland. We speak Dutch, not Deutsch, that's German.

ME: (Sighing) Disaster avoided, glad I got that one right, otherwise this could have started off pretty awkward. Alright, so how and why did you start up ZGM?

Frank: I started ZGM a few years ago for basically two reasons. I was developing websites for other people at the time, but I was looking for a website to just do it my way. So it got me thinking what the website should be about. It had to be something that allowed me to write about whatever I wanted and relate it to a lot that's going on my mind.

ME: Sorry to interrupt, but real quick, what stuff is going on inside your head?

Frank: (Laughing) Well a lot actually! At the moment I'm just amazed at how out of shape people are, how they lack a lot of basic survival skills and just their mindset in general. Then one day I was watching TWD [The Walking Dead] and it hit me! I could use zombies and an apocalyptic setting to relate to anything that crosses my mind. That got me doing some research and to register the domain name. At first it was going to be Zombie Guide, no magazine, with a more Wikipedia like layout. But then I started to receive review requests and article ideas and it turned into a magazine.

ME: So it went from a "one guy's thoughts / zombie-information-source" to a mainstream, all encompassing zombie one-stop-shop?

Frank: That is exactly what happened yes! It went from one man army to organized zombie killing in just a few months.

ME: A few months? That's crazy how fast it spread! So this brand new "zombie baby"...tell us about the trials and tribulations when it came to setting up, running, and maintaining ZGM.

Frank: Basically the magazine started to grow and I needed more people to write. Then I ran into Joanna on Twitter. Sort of a funny story, she worked the night shift in a gym. So while I was at work during daytime here, she was working at night and somehow we got into contact. After talking for a while I asked her to write with me and then there were two of us. Because she's from the USA she had much more feeling for marketing us in the US, that lead to the magazine really picking up speed. Not long after that the rest came on board one after the other. We now have writers in the US, UK, Netherlands, Australia and France.

ME: Damn, you've created this international zombie magazine contribution phenomenon. Did you ever expect it to grow as quickly as it did?

Frank: I had never expected it to grow at all actually. I was just looking to build a website to write what's on my mind, play around with Wordpress and stuff. Fun fact actually, the Zombie Research Society didn't want to give me a second to advertise on their page. Since they're the biggest zombie society out there, working with Romero and such names. So after about half a year we had several authors and we were growing fast. They contacted us all to stop ZGM and start writing for them. Of course we all declined and decided to keep kicking ass on our own.

ME: So They tried to poach ZGM writers? Sounds to me like they feel a little threatened.

Frank: I don't know, but they did copy the website design we had at that time. I talked to all of our writers about it and we decided to move forward, ignore them and keep innovating in our own way. So far that's working great. I think our strength is that we're all doing this as a hobby. This allows us to move fast and take big risks, because it won't affect our income. Right now I don't know what their plans are, nor do I really care. We're making progress on our own and gathering a good fan base

ME: Humble words, my friend. Well, in my opinion, it looks like that was more than a faux-pas on their part. They could have worked with you and helped promote the genre alongside you, but oh well. I say good for you and ZGM! Keep kicking ass and being the free-expression, loving zombie website ZGM is. I'm sure a day will come when ZGM becomes THE platform zombie lovers everywhere look to first- and I for one know where I look to first. Okay so after talking about ZGM's progressive nature, any ideas to expand?

Frank: Actually yes! I recently built a new feature on ZGM. Anyone can now register on our homepage as an author and write articles. Giving independent authors, or people who just have one really cool article idea, a chance to write for a large audience.

ME: Sounds awesome! So anyone can write as long as it's zombie-related, correct?

Frank: Yes everything has to be zombie related. If someone, for example, wants to do a gun review. That's fine, but we wanna know if it will blow your brain out (winking). But now that the update to ZGM is in place, I'm focused on the holidays and eating and drinking as much as I can.

ME: Since this interview will be going live after the Christmas/Holiday season, what can you tell us about these eating and drinking plans?

Frank: (Laughing) Well right now my vodka period is sorta over, more into whiskey right now. But other than that I eat a very healthy diet and exercise like there's zombies chasing me (smiling).

ME: (Nearly salivating) Ah I love some good whiskey. For our next sit down I'll make sure to stock some. Alright so ZGM maintains a few regular writers...for future and aspiring writers of ZGM what would you tell them you look for and any advice?

Frank: As I said we now made it possible for everyone to write. This means our current authors will get a more editorial role. For people to join our regular staff, we look for a passion for zombies and writing. A huge bonus right now would be someone who can read a lot of books and do reviews on them. We get requests nearly daily for book reviews right now.

ME: (unnecessarily animated) Alright, it's back! The Thompson Twist AKA random interview question. It's the zombie apocalypse. Shit is crazy on the streets, but you're not just on any street, as a matter of fact you're outside your homeland on vacation by yourself in New York city in late November when the outbreak happens...what's your weapon of choice, what's your immediate survival strategy, and since I'm biased, the infected are fast movers.

Frank: Depending on how fast the infection spreads and given the very dense population there, I'd try to get on a major river. Forget the boats in the harbors, those will be taken. Get into a toy store- nobody will go there- and grab a few inflatable rubber boats if they sell them there- that is where you can buy those here. Try to grab some food, water, medicine and thick clothing/gear if you can and get into the water. Use the rivers to get out of the populated areas and go from there. If you're in the middle of the city and shit goes down all around you, well grab whatever you can, get on a rooftop and barricade it. Wait for everything to go to hell and make a new plan.

ME: Sound advice, I take it you've thought about that before?

Frank: (Smiling) Seeing The Walking Dead and World War Z got me thinking about this yes.

ME: You have served in your country's Armed Forces. So, is it safe to say that disaster/survival is in your blood?

Frank: We did learn the basics, about hunting, making fire, shelter and cleaning water among some other skills. This was during basic training and later a few specific courses. I can tell you the cold weather survival course is horrible. I don't care what Max Brooks says about staying in a frozen tundra to escape zombies, I'll take a normal climate with zombies over eastern Germany during the winter any day.

ME: Well, if we're even remotely close to one another when the zombie apocalypse goes down, I wanna team up with you! Alright, moving forward...Frank, you started an awesome media corp, and with writing being the backbone, are you much of a fiction writer? Do you have any plans for a novel?

Frank: Well to be honest, I'm not that much of a reader. I used to read in the Army when we had too much time off, but these days I just don't get to it. I'm also not the person to write long fiction stories, but serious articles or slightly satirical work is right up my alley.

ME: Care to share any past serious articles or these slightly satirical works?

Frank: There is one I'd like to point out on ZGM: http://www.zombie-guide.com/obesity-a-death-sentence/. The satirical articles are mostly on my blog, but I'm not going to promote it here, because it has nothing to do with zombies.

ME: No way dude! This is your interview! Besides, I for one want to hear more about it, so promote away. Tell us, what is Frankly Undead all about?

Frank: It's my personal blog where I just write what's on my mind. Basically all the writing I can't do on ZGM, because it can be offensive to some people and because it's not about zombies. Feel free to check it out! www.franklyundead.com

ME: Alright, our time has almost come to an end, so before we sign off, it's plug time. With what websites/emails/links do you want readers to be able to stalk you...FB, twitter, whatever else you got!

Frank: People can contact me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frank.diepmaat.9, Twitter: https://twitter.com/Franklyundead and via E-mail: frank@zombie-guide.com

ME: Frank, you've been awesome! Really stoked we could sit down and chat. Thanks again for hanging out!

Frank: Thank you very much for the interview! It was my first ever interview from this side of the table.

An Electronic Sit Down with J. Cornell Michel

I had the opportunity to sit down with the lovely and talented J. Cornell Michel. A breakout writer, Jillian is the woman behind a string of recently released fiction and science fiction stories- all of which have received fan praise and critic acclaim.

Despite what I have come to know about Jillian, there is still so much to be discovered, so I thought it was time to get together for a little one on one...

ME: Hey Hey Jillian! Thanks for taking the time to chat! 

JILLIAN: Hi! It's a pleasure to do another interview with one of my favorite zombie authors!

ME: Alright so let's get into it. You and I have personally gotten to know one another over the past couple years. We even had the chance to get together for an awesome Bay area dinner. But for the fans who don't know the fun-loving writer from the East Coast, tell us a little about you.

JILLIAN: I'm just an average girl with a zombie obsession. My friends might say I'm a zombie addict, but it's not that serious. I could quit zombies anytime. Anytime. I just don't want to quit. 

ME: (chuckling) Never quit. Not to quote "Tommy Boy," but why say no, when it feels for good to say yes? And you keep saying yes to zombies- I for one, won't judge. As a matter of fact, I'll join ya.

JILLIAN: The more the merrier! Zombie fans are the best (laughs). Let's see what else...when I'm not reading zombie books or watching zombie movies, I'm writing stories about the undead. My day job is a little less exciting.

ME: Oh ya? What's that?

JILLIAN: I work in a patent law firm during the day to put food on the table, but my real passion is writing. Unfortunately, I live outside of San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the country, so writing doesn't pay the rent. It is a fun hobby though, and it pays for my coffee (smiling).

ME: And I know how much you like your coffee. You have even had some "Zombie Coffee" once, correct? What was that like?

JILLIAN: Oh, yes, that was one of my favorite spots on the East Coast. I loved wandering around Washington, D.C. on my lunch breaks, and one day I came across a sign that said "Zombie Coffee." My two favorite things in the world were combined to make a delicious cup of joe! I used to be a Starbucks gal, but once I discovered Zombie Coffee I never looked back.

ME: Speaking of zombies, there is much debate going on when it comes to the genre. Some say it's the next big thing, others consider it a fad that's fizzling out with the over-saturation. As a huge zombie fanatic, and avid watcher of "The Walking Dead," what do you like most about zombies and where do you see the genre going?

JILLIAN: Fad? Fizzle out?  How dare you, sir! (playfully heated) Just kidding. I've also heard it suggested that the zombie genre will soon become obsolete because it's so overdone, but I disagree.The zombie genre will be around for a long time because people are fascinated by the apocalypse, and there's nothing more frightening than your loved ones dying, coming back to life, and then trying to eat your face. 

ME: I think I can speak for most when I say, yes, let's keep our faces on our bodies. What do you like most about a post-apocalyptic world?

JILLIAN: I've always been interested in human behavior, and the way people interact when the world is falling apart is fascinating. I'd like to think that we humans will help each other survive once the zombies overrun the planet.

ME: So why are zombies so popular then?

JILLIAN: Well, they aren't popular because they're sexy or romantic. Ever heard of sparkly teenage zombies in love?

ME: Are you referring to "Zombie Twilight?" I can't wait for the zombie-vampire-werewolf teenage heartthrob novels to hit the big screen. Go Team Jacob, or the other one. I donno, I'll stop talking.

JILLIAN: (laughs) Exactly, I think not. People love zombies because they're so damn scary, and everyone likes to be frightened once in a while. Except my mom. She hates zombies and the horror genre in general. But I forgive her and love her anyway.

ME: I'm sure mom will thank you when you save her from the zombie apocalypse. Alright, let's switch from the living dead for the moment. What can you tell us about your most recent work?

JILLIAN: My latest book is actually not a zombie book (gasping). I had a baby girl a few months ago and wanted to write a story she could read before her eighteenth birthday. I wrote a young adult novella while I was pregnant called "The Genesis Reversal" by Jillian Cornell. It's a story about what the world would be like if God had created Eve first and women were the dominant gender. Writing outside the zombie genre was strange; I kept forgetting I didn't have to kill half my characters. 

ME: Like your other stories, it sounds very unique. I can't wait to read it! Besides "The Genesis Reversal" is there anything else?"

JILLIAN: Yes! Just in time for Christmas, I published a zombie version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, but I changed "Night" to "Bite." 

ME: Love the title.

JILLIAN: Thanks! It made me feel like Bill Nighy's character in Love Actually when he released his single "Christmas is all Around" ...except we've changed the word "Love" to "Christmas." 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas is actually pretty cute. I wrote it with my mother-in-law because she adores the old Christmas poem, and I obviously love zombies, so we combined forces and came up with our own version of the classic holiday tale.

ME: I just read it! Fantastic stuff. Thought it was very creative; great rhyme scheme. Even the artwork is bloody fun- literally. Okay, so zombies to futuristic fiction, I have to ask, where do you get the inspiration for your stories?

JILLIAN: I get my inspiration from real life. I'm sure most authors say that. Humans are fascinating creatures, and if you observe them long enough you're bound to get a little nugget to add to a story. Most of the snarky observations in my first book, Jordan's Brains, were inspired by people I interacted with.

ME: Okay, being the first interview I've done, you're going to be the first person to do this. I'm gonna call it the "Thompson Twist" - It's basically a random question I want to throw in the middle of the interview to mix things up. Are you ready?

JILLIAN: Ready! Hit me with it!

ME: Alright, you're trapped on a desert island, let's just say, to ride out the temporary zombie apocalypse- even though we both know you'd prefer to be in the craziness. But what three books, movies- and yes, on my desert island scenario you have power but only for entertainment- and food items do you stock?

JILLIAN: Excellent question! Three books: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith, Zombie/Apocalypse 2012: A Political Horror Story by Ian McClellan- funniest zombie book I've ever read, and The Longest Road by A.S. Thompson- action packed and good for a desert island vacation. 

ME: (Blushing) Oh Jillian, you're much too kind. Since I don't want readers to think I plugged my own book in this chat, give us one more book.

JILLIAN: Well, I guess I can't say "The Change" by A.S. Thompson, lest I get in trouble (chuckles).

ME: (laughing) No, sadly my boss won't allow that answer, but thanks.

JILLIAN: Okay, I'll bring my copy of 900 Miles by S. Jonathan Davis. Classic zombie gore with a twist!

ME: Movies?

JILLIAN: Three movies: Shaun of the Dead, Day of the Dead- the original 1985 version, not the crappy 2008 remake- and Hope Floats. Not! The third movie I'd bring is the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead- a surprisingly awesome remake. 

ME: Great calls! Dawn of the Dead remake is one of my favorites. I love the part when they are up on the roof sniping celebrity zombie lookalikes. And "Shaun of the Dead," if I recall, you have a bit of tradition when it comes to that film. Care to share? 

JILLIAN: Indeed I do. Every Halloween my family and I watch Shaun of the Dead while we wait for trick-or-treaters. We also watch Army of Darkness and our new favorite, Tucker and Dale Versus Evil. We're the cool house that gives out full-size candy bars. We take Halloween very seriously (smiles).

ME: Now the food.

JILLIAN: Three food items: Chili Cheese Fritos- I'm a health nut. Chocolate in any form, and Honey Nut Cheerios. I'd probably survive for about a week on said desert island, but at least I'd have excellent zombie literature to ease the pain.

ME: No way. You're a survivor. That'll be a vacation for you. After, you'll return to the post-apocalyptic world rejuvenated. Okay, getting back on track, you come from a lineage of writers and have quite the resume to-date, what advice can you give to aspiring writers?

JILLIAN: As a writer who doesn't sell tons of books, my advice is to write for yourself. That's probably terrible advice, and many successful authors would scoff at me for telling people to write for themselves, but writing to please others can be draining. I write as a release; something I turn to for a creative outlet at the end of a long workday. Even though writing for yourself may not bring popularity or much money, it feeds your soul- like Chili Cheese Fritos. 

ME: (Grabbing my stomach) You're getting me hungry. Now I want Fritos. Sorry, go on.

JILLIAN: If you write a book for yourself and nobody else likes it, it softens the blow a bit because you've accomplished something and stayed true to yourself. But if you write your book to become the next bestseller or to please others, and nobody likes it, then it seems like a big waste of time. Writing, editing, and publishing a novel take a tremendous amount of time and energy, and if your heart isn't in it then I don't think it's worth it. But if you want to make the big bucks, I suggest you read "How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months" by John Locke. Compelling stuff.

ME: Great advice. Seems like you have a pretty good "quality over quantity" of life outlook.

JILLIAN: Speaking of quality, I'm in the mood for some Fritos. Too many Fritos shout-outs? That was my last one. Promise.

ME: I know you're a busy mom, so I'll wrap this thing up. Since fans are gonna ask, how can they best get in touch with you whether to ask questions or check for updates? Basically what social media/info can you divulge for all those stalkers out there?

JILLIAN: I love chatting with fellow zombie lovers, so please feel free to email me at jordansbrains@gmail.com. Or you can keep up with me on my social media accounts: https://twitter.com/JordansBrains and https://www.facebook.com/JCornellMichel and you can check out my blog/website http://jordansbrains.com/

ME: There you have it ladies and gentleman...the humble, the talented, the ever so entertaining, J. Cornell Michel. Thanks again for chatting!

JILLIAN: The pleasure was all mine. Thanks for interviewing me!

Guesss whooooo's done?!?!?!?

That's right!!!!

No B.S.
No subtleties
No playin' coy

I Effing did it! Book three - "THE OTHER SIDE" - the epic conclusion to The Longest Road and The Change, is DONE! Finished! In the bag! I'm not sure of another word or phrase so I'll just stop there.

At times I wanted to step back and make it two parts. Other times I wanted to throw something at my screen. But in the end, I powered through and last night, just before an hours-long power outage in the area, I finished the fourth draft!

Over a year ago I started working on "The Other Side." I knew a general direction of where I wanted the story to go, but one thing I've learned from writing is sometimes you have to let the characters and story take the reins. And I did, albeit to an extent (I am the author after all), but so much happens in this novel, so much love, so much heartache, so many cheers, so much heartbreak, new allies alongside your favorite heroes, despicable bad guys for you to curse, but one thing is certain, you can expect a fast paced, in your face finale. And if I may be so bold as to quote the back blurb from "The Longest Road"....every stop is filled with surprises, twists and turns as their lives continue on this roller coaster driven by hope and shadowed by despair....and this roller coaster is one more wild ride from the end.

After "The Change," I really wanted to take my time with this story. All too often with books, TV shows, and movies, a series finale can be a let down, it can fall short, it can be not exactly what we hope for. But it has been my hardest endeavor to build this book, to create a story with such intensity as this. And after reading through it time and time again, I believe this EPIC ENDING will be worthy of your approval. I hope by the time your finger flips the last page or swipes the screen one final time, that you sit back, exhausted and say "Damn, that was an ending...what a story!"

Okay, maybe you can use your own phrases, but seriously, my goal is to leave you with a bittersweet (mostly sweet) feeling of fulfillment. I can promise you laughs, I can promise you "oh shit!" moments and I can promise that it's not all roses in this story, not everyone makes it...but the struggle, the passion, the drive these characters exert and what they endure is worthy of the ending they achieve.

So Thompson, what does this mean? When can we actually read it?!?! Damnit man give us answers!

Well to answer my metaphorical self posing to be a fan, here's what happens. Some point today I will do a lot of copy and pasting in order to get it in a format to send off to Severed Press. From there, the book will go through editing. With a page-length like The Other Side has, I wouldn't be surprised if it took 3+ weeks to get back from editing, who know's maybe more? It is Christmas (that's right I said it) season- but of course, for those with different beliefs I wish you and yours happy holidays- so the end of the year craziness could also push back editing time frames.

No matter, the hard part is done. So, after it gets back from editing, I'll give it a once over with a finer tooth comb and if all is well, stamp it with my final approval and then it's yours. How does that sound? Awesome. So sit back, pull out your copies of "The Longest Road" and "The Change" and get caught up on all the action because very soon, you'll be neck deep in "The Other Side!"

Well, that's all I got for now. Keep checking back here, Google +, FB, etc for updates. Oh, and real soon, +michael boyajian will be releasing some artwork from "The Other Side" :) which even I have yet to see...

So stay tuned world, and thanks again for your support.

Love,

me

direct questions, comments, concerns, criticisms = theasthompson@gmail.com