Today I am joined by author Rose Blackthorn. If you haven’t heard about Rose yet, you must be holed up somewhere waiting for the Zombie Apocalypse! Let’s take a moment to get better acquainted with Rose before we dive into the interview.

Rose Blackthorn lives in the high mountain desert of Eastern Utah with her boyfriend and two dogs, Boo and Shadow. She spends her time writing, reading, beading and wire-working, and taking photographs.

She has published speculative fiction online and in print and is an affiliate member of the HWA. If you would like to connect with Rose, you can find her on Facebook or at her blog.

Welcome Rose, tell us ‘why Zombies’? Is there anything specific that draws you to the genre?

I’ve liked scary stories and scary movies for as long as I can remember. Part of the attraction with zombies I think is that they’re us. They’re not creatures from outer space or giant bugs or under-the-bed monsters. They’re people and therefore capable of being as clever and nasty and selfish as any of us, and really with no choice in the matter.

Tell us about your latest project.

The zombie flash anthology titled A Quick Bite of Flesh was released by Hazardous Press on September 21, 2012 this year. I actually have three stories in this anthology – Bacon Rapt, which is a sort of tongue-in-cheek fun story on how one group of survivors attempt to destroy the walking dead; The Lost Colony, which explains the disappearance of the settlement on Roanoke Island; and Outside the Locks, which is a futuristic zombie story set on Saturn’s moon Titan.

Let’s take a quick peek at A Quick Bite of Flesh from Hazardous Press…

A Quick Bite of Flesh is an outstanding collection of 55 bite-sized tales of zombie goodness. Stories of terror, sadness, adventure, revenge and betrayal. Whether you like your zombie stories terrifying, humorous, or bizarre, you will find plenty to love in this collection.

Stories by Terry Alexander, Jason Andrew, Michael H. Antonio, Mary Ann Back, Rose Blackthorn, H.G. Bleackley, Rebecca L. Brown, Charles Colyott, Alyn Day, Mandy DeGeit, Deborah Drake, T. Fox Dunham, Kris Freestone, Aaron Gudmunson, Tara Fox Hall, Dane Hatchell, Janet Joyce Holden, David James Keaton, Ken MacGregor, John McCarthy, Fi Michell, Joe Mogel, Doug Murano, Paco, Jennifer Paquette, Lucy Pireel, Joseph Polega, Tori L. Ridgewood, Suzanne Robb, Armand Rosamilia, Cinsearae S., Mark Scioneaux, Matthew Smallwood, Rebecca Snow, Tony Southcotte, Cameron Suey, Emily Vater, Edd Vick, Steve Voelker, D. Alexander Ward, L.E. White, Sheri White, William Whorton, Jay Wilburn, Matthew Wilson, Robert S. Wilson, and Wol-vriey.

What makes your Zombies different, if anything?

One of the things I like about writing zombies is you can change them to fit the story you’re writing. They can be dead/resurrected, or just infected, they can be mindless or still holding a bit of their previous memories and humanity. They are very open to interpretation.

What are your 5 favourite Zombie books that you didn’t write?

Dead City by Joe McKinney, Autumn by David Moody, World War Z by Max Brooks, Dying to Live by Kim Paffenroth, Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks

Great choices Rose! What are your top 3 favourite Zombie films?

In no particular order: Resident Evil, Shaun of the Dead, and Zombieland.

Do you think the popularity of The Walking Dead and its appearance in mainstream media has helped to increase the popularity of the genre, or has there always been such an interest?

I think there has always been an interest, but the show has definitely brought it out into the open. Anyone can have a discussion about zombies these days, or how they would handle the Zombie Apocalypse. Even just a few years ago, I think a lot of people would look at you sideways if you casually discussed zombies.

Pop Quiz: If the Zombie Apocalypse were to occur right now, 5 things found in the room you are currently sitting will be your weapons – what are they?

Well, I’d be better off if I was in the bedroom, because that’s where all the guns are (.44, .357, two .22 rifles, a 30.06 and my newest a .380 Ruger) As for my office…

1. hammer
2. metal letter opener
3. a rather heavy desk lamp
4. a testy and very vocal Yorkshire Terrier named Shadow
5. my ceramic Zombie Gnome, Legless Larry who sits on my desk

I think I’ll run to my bedroom for the guns!

You may survive Rose, but just barely! Especially if you can’t get to guns!

I would like to thank Rose for taking the time to answer my questions. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for more from her!

Join me next week when I have a special treat from Colin F. Barnes!