Okay, I'm writing an Apocalypse story. I know the ending and I'm almost there, but the bad guys aren't taking shape in my head. I really don't want zombies, vampires, cannibals, evil government soldiers or aliens. What's left? Or is this a situation where it has all been done so just pick one?
This is my first Apocalypse story which makes me wonder if readers have certain expectations that need to be filled in this genre.
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Although for the expected reasons, I hesitate to recommend my former son-in-law's book THE REAPERS ARE THE ANGELS (Alden Bell), but he did a very good job of keeping his zombies in the background. It is truly a brilliant book.
Werewolves, but they are pretty boring. Invent something new. We could use a new monster.
A new monster would be great, Patti. I love apocalypse scenarios but I'm very tired of zombies and cannibals.
You could always use a rival group of normal humans. Or, depending on the scenario, some form of mutants. Or, as suggested, something entirely new and unique. That's always good.
New and unique is always good, Eirik, the trick is finding something that hasn't been done to death :) I'm tending toward normal humans and I think maybe I've found my hook. Still researching though.
Wall Street bankers?
Right wing radio talkshow hosts?
Wait, got it. Agents who say: Unfortunately I'm not passionate enough about this project to give you the representation you deserve.
Good ones, Anita! Though I think those Wall Street guys would be wiped out by the first wave of survivors. And those plump little money grubbers might be pretty tasty, especially roasted over their own money :)
Yum!
Whoops, I forgot. I'm a vegetarian.
You could make an exception just once, right?
I'd be most concerned about all the militia types with all the guns and ammo stockpiled, getting their opportunity to make the rules for running the show the way THEY think the show should be run. That could make for some pretty villainous opposition!
Yes, I've been leaning that way, Chris, and doing some research. They are scarey on so many levels.
Brian Evenson had one of the most original post apoc stories I've read in a long time in his collection Fugue State (2009). It's called "An Accounting".
As far a I know it isn't available online anywhere. I'll scan it and send it to you tomorrow.
I also liked what Scott Phillips had to say on the subject over at Mulholland a couple of months back. Essentially that the apoc isn't a big event but a gradual process that hits you one day (frog in a pot scenario).
Depending on the tone there are lots of possibilities.
In Riddly Walker the "creatures" that are feared in the begining are large feral dogs that live outside the compound, so a variation on that theme could work.
Nothing could be the enemy. The great unknown and the paralyzing fear that it brings.
Take you imagination right off the rails like Victor Gischler did in Go Go Girls of the Apocalypse.
(who by accident or design managed a lot of social commentary in that book as well)
So based off of this you take a look at some other possibilities.
Environmental: Would huge amounts of non biodegradable trash create noxious fumes that couldn't be passed through?
Educational: Would a book (or some other educational discovery) wreak havoc on the current structure (think Planet of the Apes)?
I think that's the extent of my riffing over Sunday morning coffee :)
Word verification = "coofters" which could be the name of this enemy :)
Thanks, Brian! Coofters would be a great name for a monster!
Monsters are always Authority Figures. They have power over us. So .... who are your Authority Figures? By vanquishing them in your story, you wrest control over them in your own life. Sue Grafton once said Fantasy is the Great Equalizer. For me, Christian Zombie Bikers are representatives of my bosses. Oh, wait! I shouldn't say that in public!!
A take on Stephen King's "Captain Trips"?
I know you said you are tired of zombies, but maybe a twist?
Vegan zombies - their brain chemistry altered from years of eating edamame and radicchio... they don't eat what they kill though...you need good fertilizer for a bountiful harvest, right?
Yeah... I think I'm gonna start buying my meat online... don't want anyone to see steak or salmon or chicken in my shopping cart! Just in case... you know... they're watching!!
You're right, Fred, we all have our own monsters and if we're writing they show up on a regular basis. But Christian Zombie Bikers? Oh My!
Now, vegan zombies sounds like something you might enjoy writing, Veronica. You should go for it!
I set out to offer you some inspiration, Sandra... and you have given me inspiration. You are right... after playing around with a couple of ideas for the last half hour, I think I just might enjoy writing something with vegan zombies in it. It would be a departure from what I usually write. I am in the middle of a couple of other stories right now, so I have jotted down a few notes and will let this "percolate" in the back of my mind.
Thank you so much, for the encouragement!
Yeah, Veronica!!! Don't you just love it when inspiration strikes!
(raising glass of merlot) Yes, I most certainly do! Thank you, Sandra! :)
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