I got to interview Eric S. Brown, author of World War of the Dead and Season of Rot. Oh yeah....

And Eric knows zombies.

So what's World War of the Dead about?

Eric:  World War of the Dead is a zombie novel set in WWII after D-day as the American forces push towards Berlin.  It's a very military book in that almost all the characters are soldiers or pilots.  As the Americans close in, an ancient demon is awakened and the dead start to rise, feeding on the living.  Three men gain supernatural powers, much like superheroes, and they seem to be the world's only hope.  If you've read the Bible, this tale becomes very similiar to that of David and Goliath in many ways as our heroes struggle against an enemy they can't hope to overcome on their own.  This is a very general audience tale compared to my work over the last eight years.  You won't find a single curse word or sex scene in the book.  World War of the Dead, despite being about the end of the world, carries a positive message of redemption that I hope will stay with you long after you put it down.  

What do you want the folks to know about Eric S. Brown?

Eric:  I am Christian.  I believe in Jesus Christ as my savior.  I wanted World War of the Dead's storyline to show people the power and hope that's found in God and if I did my job as a writer, it does.  The book also has an end of the world feel and zombie carnage that I'm known for, it just sort of takes a sideline to the story of the characters for once.  

In your words, what makes horror work?

Eric:  Rotting corpses, gore, gun battles against overwhelming and seemingly endless foes, take your pick.  I have always written horror, and not just zombies, but with World War of the Dead I tried to focus more on the characters and their lives than the world around them however dark and terrible it may be.  

Have you written in any genres other than horror?

Eric:  I have.  I have written Science Fiction and Fantasy as well as having crossed horror with just every other genre I could over the years.  I do think of myself as a horror writer these days though.  

Has music ever influenced or been in any way inspirational to your writing?

Eric:  Yes!  I often listen to music as I write.  It helps set a mood and keeps the story flowing.  

What's the key thing you want aspiring writers to know?

Eric:  Keep at it.  If you want to make it, you have to invest the blood, sweat, and tears.  Writing is not an easy job or an easy industry to break into.  You just have to have faith in yourself and keep going.  Determination is the key.