'Infectious' - WIP

I have been writing an episodic horror story series named Infectious, and while the first is currently for sale on Amazon (£1 / $1.35) the second installment is proving slightly more difficult to finish.

The story revolves around a central character named George, a kind of half human, half "zombie." The virus killed George, as it had millions of others, but when he rose again he was pretty much unchanged, aside from his need to consume raw flesh.

Battling his newfound addiction in a world all but destroyed by the infected (nobody in that world calls them zombies, it's considered to be too ridiculous) apocalypse is not easy.

Infectious is, I believe, the first story of its kind to offer an actual explanation for the "zombie" virus and how it turns people into rotting, rabid, brain eating machines. There is a rich back story to the whole outbreak that is touched upon in the first installment and I intend to expand upon it in future "episodes."

Dark humour abounds in Infectious, as does gory detail — definitely not one for the squeamish. There are links at the bottom of this page to both the UK and US stores so you can take a look if you wish, although the book is available in all major territories.

Infectious also takes a kind of Resident Evil approach to its undead nightmares, with different kinds of "zombies" inhabiting the world, although I would like to think that I have taken a slightly different path — there are no ridiculous, over-the-top monsters with impossibly long tongues for example.

One thing that always bugged me about the genre, apart from there being no plausible explanation for how the dead could "live" again (something I have tried to remedy), although Resident Evil attempted it, half-hearted as it was, is that only humans were affected.

How different would these movies and TV shows be if all mammals could contract the virus, and be changed by it? I Am Legend, starring Will Smith, made an attempt, but even then it was limited to dogs.

It kind of gives "mad cow disease" a different meaning, doesn't it? In the world of Infectious, all mammals are affected and can become "zombified." This is highlighted in the first installment, in a situation that will hopefully bring a smile to the face of the reader — a moment of humour in a story steeped in blood.

George is very aware of what he is of course, and other humans don't completely trust him although he has sworn off human flesh. As for the infected, he just confuses them. Neither zombie nor totally human, they don't know what to make of him.

As the story progresses, George is forced to make some seriously life-altering decisions though, especially after being taken by a group of mercs at gunpoint.

I've tried to make George a relatable character, trying to make the most of a life that had been forced upon him. There's enough here, I think, to make readers like him — even in his moments of weakness when he gives in to the hunger that is constantly hounding his every waking moment.

I do have another book out, centered around a serial killer, which I am also writing a follow up for, but that's another post I think.

Marketing is pretty much non existent. I just can't spare the cash, but Infectious has proven to be rather popular on Smashwords and a review of the very first edition read "Move over Stephen King," so I guess I must be doing something right!

Hopefully you check it out, at least for the free preview. If you do decide to make the purchase I would be eternally grateful for an honest review. I love to write, I always have done since I was a kid, and I'm glad that services such as Amazon exist for people like me.

Whatever you are into, you should enjoy it and make the most of your passion. Whatever it may be. All the best, and here's to you!

And the link for the US store isInfectious: Death Is Just The Beginning.