NaNoWriMo & the Zombie Apocalypse

Published November 16, 2011 | By admin

The world as you know it has been destroyed after the NaNoWriMo virus infected billions worldwide and turned them into zombies. Few remain alive and have to constantly fight for their lives. Wonder where I’m going with this? If you’re currently participating in NaNoWriMo, it should sound familiar. Think about it . . .

For those out there who are like me, I constantly wonder how drastic my life would change if some apocalyptic event happened. I wonder and worry about it so often that I’m actually prepared for it. I mean I’m really prepared, which brings me back to NaNoWriMo. For eleven months out of the year, writers and literary types around the world prepare for NaNo. This preparation is what might decide your fate during the grueling 30 day battle to reach the goal of 50k words. Now that I’ve hit the midway point, I finally see the error in my ways for not preparing more for NaNo this year. If this were the zombie apocalypse, I’d be of the walking dead variety. Hey, it’s my own fault. So, now that I’ve realized how idiotic it was for me to vacation in October instead of getting my stuff together, I have made a short list (in no particular order) of ways you can avoid becoming a NaNoZombie.

1. Substance & a Source of Water. When faced with the world ending, I mean NaNoWriMo, you must gather substance and water for your novel. Research, character sheets, timelines, outlines, world building, etc. might be a part of the gathering you must do. During the zombie apocalypse, you will be cut off from your normal “food” supply due to the overwhelming number of zombies. Or in NaNo’s case, it’s best to have your substance gathering already taken care of so you’ll be able to survive the 30 day writingpalooza. In essence, if you lack initiative before NaNo, you might become a NaNoZombie and fall behind on the daily word count because research was not done beforehand.

2. Guns & Ammunition. Maybe a Flamethrower. Plot, that pesky beast, will make or break your novel. This is where the guns and ammunition work the best. When it comes to the zombie apocalypse, this is crucial for one’s survival against others who might try to steal the very things that are keeping you alive. Same goes for your novel, NaNoMites. If you don’t have a way to keep the plot moving, you might fall behind because of this speed bump. And then . . . you’re a NaNoZombie. If you finds yourself in this situation, it’s okay to use the trusty flamethrower against the possibility of being infected by other zombies. Throwing in a new conflict might be exactly what you need to get back on track.

3. Gas or an Alternative Energy Source. All the planning in the world will be useless if you don’t find a way to reenergize. As the days pass, you might grow tired and lax in your writing goals for NaNo. If this were the zombie apocalypse, this type of attitude would be the leak in the dam. And then . . . you’re a zombie. Taking breaks, getting sleep (one of my personal downfalls), and finding new ways to feed your muse is essential in survival. Go for a walk, watch a movie, listen to music, read a book, go out with friends, travel. Plug in your muse and recharge her or be prepared to turn into a NaNoZombie. I warned you.

4. Community & Communication. A sense of community can teach one to learn from others while sharing one’s own talents. Writing a novel, or surviving the zombie apocalypse, will be easier when people come together to share their knowledge. What works or doesn’t. Failures vs. accomplishments and how one achieved their goals. Keeping in communication with the writing—or survival—community can help you endure so you don’t become—you guessed it—a NaNoZombie.

5. An Escape Plan. If one day the zombies overwhelm you, it is prudent to have an escape plan for your own survival. No plan is full proof, trust me. Same goes for one’s plot. When the waters get rough, you should have a backup plan: another plot idea to add later if necessary, a character who can spice up your novel, or a new scene. And now your characters are space monkeys. Or they’re suddenly in Australia, hanging with the kangaroos. How about an alien-infected meteor crashing to Earth?

Now that you’ve been informed of what it takes to survive, go out there, my NaNoMites, and take on the world. Start fighting off those NaNoZombies one at a time.

And now an unedited, typo-friendly excerpt from my NaNoWriMo piece called Forsaken Harbor. . . .

Julian doesn’t look at her as he shakes his head in exasperation. They are getting nowhere with each other. “Forget about it.” He starts the hovercar.

Being stubborn, Summer opens her door and slides out before they hover. “I’m not going until you answer my question.”

The hovercar turns off again, and Julian steps out. He places both arms flat on the hood, staring at her in aggravation. “Answer mine first,” he demands.

They have a standoff with their eyes. Summer is the first to break the tension. “My answer is: I don’t know.” The last three words are said distinctly.

“That’s my answer too, then,” he snaps, his words almost a growl.

The thrill of the argument causes Summer to take it a step further; she’s never truly argued with anyone before. Not like this. She likes it. “You know what? I thought you were different, Julian, but I was wrong. You’re just like the rest of them.”

Julian looks as though he’s been slapped. “Am not!”

“Yes, you are,” Summer retorts. She tries not to smile at the exhilaration coursing through her body. “I survived years of torture.” She holds her arms out. “Everyone thinks I’m so fragile and need to be protected. They’re wrong.”

“You are fragile, and you do need to be protected,” he says, pushing off the car.

“See? Just like everyone else.”

He circles around the car. “I’m not like them,” he says through gritted teeth.

“Then quit keeping secrets from me because you’re afraid of my reaction!” The last bit is shouted. Wind swirls through the wheat as if growing agitated over their argument.

“That’s not why,” he yells back. “I’m not afraid of your reaction, Summer. I just don’t want to tell you. I want to keep you innocent for as long as I can. If you knew the horrors of that place . . . It’s not that I don’t think you can handle it. Okay? It’s like remembering the moments before hearing about a tragedy and wishing it took just a little bit longer for you to hear about it. It doesn’t change the truth or make it better, but to have those tragedy-free moments again seems like the best thing in the entire world. I want those moments for you, Summer. I wish I could keep you in this bubble where the horrors of the world can’t touch you, but I can’t. So please forgive me for not telling you why we need to go there. Let me give you those moments.” Now Julian is in front of her, and he’s slightly out of breath from his speech.

She doesn’t feel like arguing anymore. Actually, she doesn’t feel like saying anything at all. She nods slowly, and then she walks past him to get back in the hovercar. Before she can take three steps, Julian’s grabbing her arm and pulling her to a stop. She glances at him questioningly. His eyebrows are furrowed, and he appears to be upset.

“What am I to you?” he whispers.

Cue evil laughter. Hope you enjoyed the sneak peek into my newest novel! Until next time, NaNoZomies!