More on what matters most...

“Some people want the world.

Me? I just want to enjoy it.”

I have been thinking about that concept for a long time, and finally I pieced together the twelve-word quote and wanted to share the inspiration…

Life isn’t about things. We all know this; at least at some level.

Money is just an electronic number, plastic card, paper, or metals and stones that were at some point considered precious by someone.

Property, in the beginning, was freely accessible to all. There were no fences to barricade yourself from your neighbors. No competitions to see who could make it bigger and better. Worse, land has become such a sought after commodity that people and countries squabble, fight and kill over it.

Don’t misunderstand me. Where we are at as a species at this moment in history is a very unique time. Innovation, advances, technology. Countless things. Whatever you want for whatever you need; for everything and every occasion. We are in the age of choices.

And working hard to afford a certain lifestyle or provide for family is not inherently bad. It is, as I believe it, respectable and admirable. However, this attitude comes to a fault when its motivation lies in greed, gluttony, disrespect, or selfishness or when dishonorable or malicious practices are employed.

So it is my hope that hard work is based in self respect and a drive to want to be a better person; to do better and add something to this world. But during this pursuit of happiness never forget humility or generosity.

Philanthropy, charity, and good deeds should be practiced during both the hardest and most joyful times of a person’s life. It is easy to give when you have it all. Imagine winning the lottery and buying gifts for your friends. Easy, no brainer, feel good thing, right? Conversely but similarly, what about giving when you have nothing? Take the homeless person who shares their last piece of bread with another. Tragically beautiful. The act might appear difficult but the internal reward is beyond measure and explanation.

I’m drifting, I know. To be completely candid I’m not quite sure what my central idea is. I suppose it lies in the nature of us. Good and bad.

Traveling, seeing different people in different places under different circumstances is thought-provoking, mind blowing, and humbling. And in doing so, I have come to a realization that I want my life to be driven my positivity and the feelings and actions that breed this ideology.

I’m not perfect, not by a long shot. Nor am I this holier than thou prick. Just someone who wants this short life to have a meaning beyond artificial accumulation. Beyond the money chase. Beyond a number of facebook friends, followers, and status updates. Beyond things. What I want, rather what I strive for, is quality.

This world is so beautiful. There are so many amazing places to see. And I have been fortunate enough to sample its beauty- by the generosity of my hard working parents and grandparents, or by my own desire and curiosity- I have tasted delicious delicacies, stood next to incredible history and gazed at amazing relics.

But the greatest experience was achieved in the retrospective point of view. In the realization that everything happens for a reason.

A wise woman once told me that you can have anything in this world. Granted, not the literal interpretation. But happiness, comfort, joy, etcetera- you know, the metaphysical wonders. But as this woman continued, there are two things that come attached with this truth.

First: even though we can have anything that we put our mind to, we cannot control when it will enter our life.

Second: and of equal importance, we cannot control how long it will remain.

For example, and this is just a spur of the moment, possibly oversimplified, example…but imagine you seek love in the form of partnership. After years of searching, and perhaps even giving up, that special, one in a billion person falls right in your arms. You’ve never been happier. Never been more content. You are inseparable. You are in true love.

Then boom, like the Pearl Jam cover “Last Kiss,” that person is taken from you. It would be near impossible not to be devastated, not to be broken.

But there lies the answer in the form of a test. Would you give up? Would you say fuck it and stop trying? Stop living?

The challenging but rewarding answer would be to continue searching for what makes you happy. Understand, love, and respect those moments and strive to create more. It might be a tough, uphill battle, but you will achieve it if you truly seek it.

Despite dealing with love, this example can be translated across the board; to all situations and scenarios. Discover yourself, understand what you want and continue to grow. Never stop trying, never settle.

And with that, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes. I have seen it attributed to both DeCartes and Confucious, and it goes:

“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the scheme of things works. All the good things are very difficult to achieve and bad things are easy to get.”

So in conclusion, I just want to say enjoy this world; the people, places, and moments. Time is fleeting and so might be the encounters, good and bad, but that doesn’t mean we should be anything less than grateful and thankful for the opportunity to enjoy them and learn from them.

It is easy to get caught up in the money chase and the dash to fill your life with things. So I caution against seeking this lifestyle and defining yourself by superficial assets.

The most meaningful of assets come in the form of (but certainly not limited to) relationships, cross cultural understanding, and generosity. The moment you realize life is about more than accumulating things will be a moment of true enlightenment.

Spend quality time with loved ones, talk to strangers, don’t be afraid to dream and pursue those dreams. Nature is a playground; a living canvas; an awesome gift. Take time to enjoy it but remember to treat it with dignity and respect. Stay positive, even when it’s difficult. Smile randomly- that exercise alone is fantastic for positive growth. Most of all, be happy. People, places and things can indirectly add to it, but true happiness comes from within J

Catch you later world,

me

Goodreads Awards!

Hey Hey Hey internet world! Just saw this on Goodreads and wanted to throw it out there...If anyone has a GR account, definitely check out the GoodReads Choice awards going on now. I would love for nothing more than a million votes for "The Other Side" :) Buuuuut there are a ton of great books out there that are also worth checking out/voting for. And if you don't see one listed (ahem, like The Other Side) you can write he title in...but it's only going on for the next couple days so vote soon!!

Thanks everyone!

Here's the link:
https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-science-fiction-books-2015

Oh, and I am finishing up a little something-something at the moment and will post that in the next couple days, so stay tuned!

-Me

What's been up??

Been a while since I've been on here...so what's been up??

Well, earlier this year I was working Down Unda' and during that time I was able to finalize "The Other Side" - yes, as I've said oh so many times, the EPIC CONCLUSION TO THE MOST BADASS ZOMBIE/SURVIVAL HORROR SERIES EVER!

Since, I've decided to take a bit of a break from writing. The book took a lot out of me and I'm hoping you have enjoyed reading it and following the cousins to the end. For those who haven't read it yet, definitely check it out and if you have any questions/comments/concerns/criticisms, let me know.

"But Thompson are you done writing?" many have asked.

Simply put, no, absolutely not. There's no one hit (three hit) wonder boy here. After I break out of my hermit shell and greet the writing world again, I want to put out a few short stories before I dabble into the next big super top secret project; these stories are ones I've been working on sporadically...tragedies, short comedies, film sketches...I got a lot up in here (pointing to my head). Some of it is weird, some of it is hilarious- to me. So when the passion comes back, the train will be full steam.

"So what's the timeline like?" one person has asked.

Honestly, I'm not sure. I've had some trippy dreams lately, stuff I want to turn into stories, but the will to dedicate the time behind the computer just isn't there yet. But IF I had to put a timeline on it, I'd probably say by the end of the year I'll start back up again.

I know I don't have any social media to bombard you with updates like "Look at me" "Hittin' the computer and the coffee" or "It's writing time!" but that's just not my style. No I'm not a writing hipster, it's just not my thing. I guess I'm kinda like your grandpa. But feel free to get in touch via email and I'll happily fill you in.

"So that's it, Thompson? We just sit back and wait around until the next amazing project gets going?" I don't think anyone has asked, but still I'll answer...

And the answer to that is, kinda. Despite my absence, you can check out other great indie authors. I know the zombie genre is getting a bit saturated, but there are some diamonds in the ruff. And as always, try to recommend stuff or hop on message boards or Goodreads and see what others like you are saying.

Time to sign off, and drink some delicious German beer.

Be well, enjoy the stories and stay scared.

Most importantly, thanks again for your support.

-me

Not zombie-related but still AWESOME!

So not often do I encounter celebrities...I don't watch TMZ or read US Weekly or scour the internet, searching for big names and what they are doing. The George Clooney and Angelina Jolie's of the world can live their lives without my watchful eye.

But every so often some of these people wander into my world...

"Thompson, enough with the stalling! Who did you see?!?!" you might ask.

Well, here it goes...

On my way back to the states, I was boarding the plane and, being that I had a window seat, I had to do the "sorry to make you get up, but I have that one" to the guy sitting on the aisle seat. He smiled and replied with a version of "no worries" and I shuffled by and got settled in.

Being the guy I am, I had to strike up a conversation, introducing myself and asking him what he was doing in Ireland. He said his name is Chris and he was there with his band to play a show...

At this point I'm not thinking too much about it- coming from California, you can throw a rock and hit three musicians- but something seemed different. Minutes before I saw this same guy carrying a guitar while being escorted to the plane by an airline rep. Then, as the brain wheels continued to turn, a passerby said "Heard you guys played a great show" before continuing to his seat.

So what am I to do? Of course, I inquired further. To be honest, I thought maybe he just played a small venue or some gig like that (sorry, Chris, I'm an idiot). Then I continue...

"So, Chris, what's your band?"

And he humbly answers "Foo Fighters."

Now I felt a little jitter and the arm hairs rise up...Foo fighters? No Foo-king way! How did I not recognize him?! I'm sitting next to +Chris Shiflett!! Granted, I had a few adult beverages the night before and I think most people would first associate Dave Grohl with the band, but still, no excuses. And worse for me cause Chris Shiflett is the kick-ass guitarist of two favorite bands I grew up listening to (No Use For a Name and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes).

So here I am, on a plane sitting next to the guy who just killed it at Slane Castle the night before. We continue talking about music, life, surfing, etc. occasionally asking him random questions about set lists and touring. By he time the plane touches down in London, I think to myself, like I had been the whole time, that "This is one cool dude."

Chris was approachable, talkative, humble, and well, just slap on a million other adjectives for chill guys like that. Despite the short trip, it was an unreal, unexpected experience and an absolute pleasure. Thanks again, +Chris Shiflett for your contribution to the genre and music in general. Keep rockin' out and makin' great tunes.

(Didn't want to ask for a plane seflie, but here's the man)

*photo from foofighters8.com*

"The Other Side" is OUT NOW!!!!

So so so so pumped! "The Other Side" has been released today! It's been a long wait, but wait no more! Blood, sweat, tears, sweaty-tears, some sanity, countless hours of sleep lost, but in the end, I effing did it!

I want to thank all the fans (all two of you) and friends (I won't dare put that number) very much for your support. You took a chance with a first-time writer and stuck with a story that I hoped would set itself apart from the growing post-apoc/zombie genre.

I can't say it enough, thank you.

I truly hope you enjoy the finale. It's a long one (like 2-3 books packed into one), but in the end, I hope you flip (or swipe?) the last page, and then lean back exhausted and say "Damn that was an epic f**king finish!" Or something to that extent. You can choose :)

But again, thank you for your patience, reviews and support.

If you get a chance, I'm sure fellow readers and new ones would like to hear your thoughts on Amazon or Goodreads (lame to ask, I know I know). Hell, even if you wanna send an email my way I'd love to hear from you. But even if you don't I hope you enjoyed the story.

In the words of my good buddy Mike, Ciao for now, world,

-me

You can check out all three books here:
Yup, right here

Where is The Walking Dead series going??

Alright, now that The Other Side is all wrapped up and days from release, I thought I needed to take a break from writing. Who was I kidding...starting to contribute to Zombie Guide Magazine again with an article (my thoughts) on what's going on with The Walking Dead.

Interested? Check it out here :

http://www.zombie-guide.com/walking-dead-dying-coming-alive/

Not interested and just checking in to see when book three will be out? Just heard from Severed that it will be early this week!

Stay tuned world,

me

GIVEAWAY!!!

Alright, so it won't be long now til the most amazing, epic, fantastic, critically acclaimed (someone else's words) novel "The Other Side" is out. So, in preparation of the release, I feel like giving some books away!! Woooohooooooo

Details:
1. Follow this link
2. Click to enter the giveaway
3. Enter some info for shipping (cause you're gonna win)
4. That's it.

All you gotta do is sit back and wait :)

Thanks again for all the love and support! Update soon if release date info!

-Me

And hey, even if you're not into zombies, if you know someone who is, pass the link along! Or enter too! More chances to win, the better, right?

The Other Side cover art first look!!!

Here it is....in all its bad ass glory...send some love if you love it!

The Other Side, coming reeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaal soon...

Great job +michael boyajian 

(having trouble viewing it? Check out FB/Twitter)

S. Jonathan Davis live (kinda)

Welcome back, world! Hope you had a happy, safe, and well, maybe a crazy New Year! Thanks for taking the time to check out the interviews with J. Cornell Michel and Frank Diepmaat- and if you haven't, or found yourself fallen behind, you can find them on previous posts.

For the third installment of my one-on-ones, and starting off 2015 with a bang, join me in welcoming writing celebrity +S. Johnathan Davis to the blog! Personally, I think it's safe to assume all zombie lovers know who he is, but in the minute chance you don't, Davis is the author of one of my favorite Z-series. Now, let's hear what he has to say about, well, himself...


ME: Welcome! And Happy 2015! We haven't had the chance to meet in person yet so mind telling your fans - and admittedly myself - a little bit more about S. Jonathan Davis…you know the stuff they can't find online?

Davis: Ohh, you mean the good stuff huh? (winking) I think everybody can guess that I’m a geek. Who writes a zombie book that isn’t? As an extension of my geekdom, here is a little known fact: I have a fond place in my heart for Retro gaming. You know, retro meaning things like pinball, Atari, NES, etcetera. Anything from my childhood lands pretty far up on my list in terms of AWESOMENESS.

ME: I'm totally with you! Nothing like breaking out the old school Mario Bro's, Bubble Bobble, and Zelda (sighing). Ah man, I'm gonna need a weekend retro gaming sesh soon! So is there an absolute favorite game, one you could not go without playing?

Davis: It’s real easy for me to pick up Rygar on the NES. Either that or a good ol’ game of Bond on the N64. I’m torn.

ME: Bond. Nice choice, one of the best games of all time! Okay, so as a self-proclaimed nerd and obvious gamer, I'm sure you don't just play old stuff, right?

Davis: Of course, I do play the new stuff too - mostly with my son- but I gotta say that for me the 1990 Star Wars SEGA pinball machine sitting in my basement beats the hell outta shooting middle schoolers while playing Battlefield 4 on Xbox One. Although, there is a certain satisfaction that comes with that as well.

ME: (Laughing) for sure! Kids need to show respect for their gaming elders! Excuse my language, but I say humble-the-shit-out-of-'em! Okay, author of two books, 900 miles and recently released sequel 900 Minutes, how did you come up with the idea? What was your experience like writing it? Tell us about the good and the bad, fun and hard to admit moments.

Davis: It’s funny, 900 Miles came out of my own personal experience. I was actually traveling to New York on business when a thought popped into my mind. What if there was some sort of catastrophe right now? How the hell would I ever get home? Realizing how screwed I would be in that scenario, eventually mixed with my love for the zombie genre, and voilà! You have the spark that started 900 Miles.

ME: I suppose most stories are a derivative of real life experiences or, like yours, a dabble into a "what if" scenario. But yours is pretty unique. For those who have yet to read the book, can you share a personal synopsis? I know they can Google/Amazon-it but let's hear from you why they should check it out.

Davis: Sure, I suppose it’s really about what an average guy would do if he was separated from his wife by 900 Miles when the zombie outbreak hits. How would he get in contact with her? On his way home, how would he navigate through a world of the dead - and the living - when shit really hits the fan? In the end, zombies are bad - but mankind is worse, and the main characters have to figure out how to maintain some sort of decency in a world gone to hell. Trust me, if you’re looking for Hollywood endings and a clear line between good and bad … this probably isn’t the right series for you (smiling)

ME: Go check it out, people! Even for the non-zombie lovers, there's a tale worth reading. So, tell us about the transition into the second book. What was that like?

Davis: Writing the first book was actually much easier than writing the second. I had a clear idea. I knew where I wanted to go. Most importantly, I didn’t think anybody would ever read it - which took all pressure off.

ME: Isn't that funny? Confidence, or a lack of concern, has so much to do with it. Like the early days talking with girls or giving a public speech, I suppose- say screw it and just go for it! Anxiety diminishes and you're left with you, and doing something for yourself and the stress is gone- for the most part.

Davis: Exactly! However, that said, the second book was a little more difficult. Being shocked and humbled by the success of 900 Miles, I felt obligated to continue the story in a way that both the fans of the story and characters and I would be happy with. So while 900 Miles took around 9 months to finish, 900 Minutes took almost 18 month. At first I was trying to write a story that I thought people wanted to hear. However, what I finally landed on was to simply trust my gut. I’m basically a giant zombie geek, so I eventually realized that I just needed to write the story that I’d want to hear. That did the trick. That got me to the end.

ME: (Agape) A year and a half? Wow, Safe to say a lot of time and energy went into that?

Davis: Yep, who knows how long it will take to write the next book (Smiling and shrugging).

ME: Well don't make us wait too long (smiling). Alright, so are there any more zombie-esque stories in the works or will you be shifting to a different genre in the future? Basically my subtle way of asking about any top secret projects coming soon.

Davis: I’ve just finished a short story called the Stimuli, and will be shopping it around some magazines/anthologies.

ME: Stimuli? Interesting name. What's that about? Something your zombie-fan-mass will enjoy?

Davis: I hope so. It’s not zombie though. The Stimuli follows a man who wakes up in a hospital bed. He seems okay, but soon realizes that everybody around him has some sort of slug-like growth hanging on their backs. Something that appears to connect and control them. Worse…they’re all pretty pissed he’s been untethered.

ME: Pretty interesting concept. Could be alien, could be conspiracy, could be anything! I'm stoked to read it! Hopefully it won't take 18 months, but hey, even if it does I know it'll be worth the wait. Okay, sorry to back track, but the 900 Miles series...is it all done?

Davis: I feel like it stopped in a place where I’m happy with it. It could go so many places. Not only could I continue to follow John and Kyle’s journey, but I think there is a good spot for a story in that universe about Tyler (Johns’s son) sometime in the future. Kinda looking at what 20 years down the line would look like in a zombie infested world. For now, I’m going to put it on pause however - focusing my efforts on a new universe and a new set of characters.

ME: New universe and new set of characters...I'm sensing an ultra-secret revelation...

Davis: Ha, not sure it’s so ultra secret. However, the next novel is under development. It’s really in the research phase, and will likely revolve around post-apocalyptic horror- I don’t really know how to write anything else (smiling).

ME: No way, you're a writer. I'm sure you could easily dabble in other genres.

Davis: None that I love as much! (Smiles Again) However, if I stay on the track I’m on, it will probably not include zombies. Don’t worry though - still lots of action, violence, etcetera. I’m looking at something that will strike readers as a little more cerebral in nature.

ME: Attacking the mind, nice! Okay, I'm a bit curious and thought about taking this question out, but I just have to know. When your story inevitability gets adapted into film who would you want to play the mains and why?

Davis: If 900 Miles got turned into a movie, I actually think the cast should be all new actors. The characters are just regular everyday people thrown into a crazy world. I’d want to see the actors be the same. The only exception would be Gordon Green. I could see him being played by someone like a Kevin Spacey or John Malkovich. Two great actors who can transition from calm and collected to crazy mad at the flip of a hat.

ME: Two excellent choices! And I'm with you on new actors. They definitely bring a new dynamic to the big screen. (Looking at my watch, but I'm not wearing on) Looks like we've reached one of my favorite spots in the interview. Sorry, man, but it's time for the Thompson Twist!

Davis: Ok, lets have it!

ME: Don't worry, it's a fun one. Here it is...If you could be any super hero - or villain - and I'm talkin' anyone from the The Tick to Magneto to Superman, who would it be and why?

Daivs: Super Hero huh? Well, I gotta go with Iron Man. Awesome back story, built from the ground up, and doesn't hide behind an alter ego. Dude is just awesome!

ME: (Chuckling) Yes, yes he is. How do you feel about Robert Downey Jr. taking on that role?

Davis: Iron Man couldn’t be played by anybody else. It’s funny, I didn’t expect much from the Iron Man movies. But Downey made the story. Nothing better than a wise-cracking narcissist jerk who everybody basically hates turning into a hero… and he nails it!

ME: He really does. The jokes, the high energy, just everything about him is perfect. I for one am happy to see he's back on top. Getting back on track, let's hear a little more about the writer S. Jonathan Davis. How would you describe your style? How does your own personality translate into the words you write?

Davis: I guess there are a few different types of writers. One being someone that plots out their entire story before they start. They have a guide to follow while their going through the chapters, characters that are well thought through before they start, etcetera. This is not me.

ME: Sorry to interrupt, but I can't believe we've gotten this far and I haven't even asked...Do you have any sort of formal background in writing?

Davis: I did take English and creative writing courses in college, but I did’t go to school for an English degree. Maybe that’s why I am less structured than someone who’s been formally trained. I’m kinda glad about that. It helps to keep my work a little different… hopefully in a good way. In the end, I consider myself a storyteller. I suppose there are plenty of wanna be authors out there with great formal educations who could’t tell a good story if it slapped em’ in the faces.


ME: I'm with you. I like to think of it like Hollywood blockbusters and indie cinema...very rarely do original concept movies make it to the big screen. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, because there are many great examples out there, but it's few and far between. Writers for indie projects don't follow the same cookie-cutter approach. So, on behalf of those fans out there, thanks for using your informal approach and putting out an original concept. And in terms of story, you just think up an idea and run with it? That simple?

Davis: Really, I start with a spark. An idea of where I want to go and let my imagination take me down the path towards it. When I start, there is no path, I have to find it as I create the journey. This suites me better than trying to plot something. It helps me stay creative - putting plot twist and turns into the story as I think of them. So basically, my “style” is to kinda have no structure as I start. Let my imagination be the guide.

ME: No boundaries, no rules, just good ol' fashion creativity. Well done. Alright, well we have heard a lot, and I really appreciate you taking the time to hang out. I guess now is as good of time as any...Is there anything you wanna say to the fans and future readers out there?

Davis: Just wanna say thanks for taking a chance on the 900 series. I wouldn't have written a second book if it wasn't for all of your letters and support online. It’s really been a humbling and exciting experience. Also, don’t stop with my books. There are a ton of talented storytellers out there who have gone largely unnoticed by the masses. Keep discovering! Keep finding those amazing stories!

ME: Oh, and since fans are gonna ask, how can they best get in touch with you to ask questions and check out updates? Will you be attending any conventions? Basically what social media can you divulge for all those stalkers out there?

Davis: The best way to check out what I’m up to is on social media. I keep pretty active on my Twitter and Facebook accounts. Easiest way to find them is by visiting www.zombiebook.net. As for Cons, Podcast, articles, etcetera, I try to do as many as possible. However, as I write this, I don’t have anything lined up.

ME: (Squinting) I'm reading your tone and body language and I'm pretty sure that's one of those hints, right?

Davis: (Yeah, so) follow social media to see when they do come up.

ME: There it is...the zombie-loving, retro-video-game playing man himself, S. Jonathan Davis. Thanks for coming on! It's been fun.

Davis: Thanks man! Always great to chat with a fellow author. Especially someone with such an amazing series out there!