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!
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