Z: Zombies

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Don't forget to visit IWSG for our last inspiration post of the Challenge.

Zombies have been popular off and on over the years. A few shows and movies have tried to make them light-hearted creatures who are trying to fit into the world without eating people. But the most successful zombie creations have the flesh eaters as the mindless bad guys. Even when there is humor like in Zombie Land, the

zombies are terrible beings. World War Z tried to bring the possibility of a zombie apocalypse to the big screen with mediocre success. The biggest zombie success has to be the TV show, The Walking Dead. It's a dark, violent show with lots of desperation, loss and a showcase of survival instinct. Anti-heroes shine in the FX production. Online quizes pop up now and then where you can gage your chance of surviving the coming apocalypse.

Lesson: Apocalyptic story lines will always have be somewhat popular to readers. People enjoy speculating on how they would survive a world-wide disaster and therefore will enjoy watching your characters try to make it if you make it realistic. The zombie popularity in novels burned bright for a very short time  and then fizzled. Don't try to write to fads. You'll always be behind.
Here's some quotes from the world's most popular redneck.

Daryl Dixon: Peanut butter and jelly, diet soda, and pig's feet. That's a white trash brunch right there.

Jimmy: I want a gun. Daryl Dixon: And people in hell want slur-pee.

If you haven't had a chance to check this out yet, you should. You know you want one. A to Z's very own talented co-host, Jeremy Hawkins designed a survivor T-Shirt. You've survived the Challenge and now should reward yourself. Isn't it cool? Order yours right here.

Starting on Monday and continuing all next week, May 4th-8th, please write a reflections post about your experience this year during the A to Z Blogging Challenge. What was good? What could be better? Any really cool blogs you found and will love forever? Then add your link after you post to the linky list. Make sure the link goes directly to your reflections post. I'll have my post up on Monday but I'm taking a blogging break between now and then.

Do you think people like apocalyptic tales because they think we're heading for an extinction event? Are you a Walking Dead fan?  Have a different favorite zombie movie, show or book? Ever have the meal Daryl mentioned above?