Today I'm proud and honored to be interviewing the amazing, no-holds-barred JEREMIAH ISRAEL, author of MARCH THE DAMNED: THE FLYING ZOMBIES TRILOGY Book 1
Help me give Jeremiah a rockin' welcome by giving him some encouraging words in the Comments section below this post, giving him a click on the Facebook "Like" button below, sharing a Tweet, visiting his Amazon author page to learn more about his work, and sharing his kick-ass novel with your friends and readers of zombie apocalypse stories. And what great timing for the holidays! March The Damned (I LOVE the cover!), available in paperback and e-book editions, makes a great stocking stuffer or intense surprise in e-readers for all who enjoy reading great horror. Turn his novel into a holiday gift for someone you want to scare the hell out of today!
So without further ado, fire up your torches, load all your guns, get your zombie apocalypse survival gear ready to roll, and say hello to Jeremiah Israel!
Help me give Jeremiah a rockin' welcome by giving him some encouraging words in the Comments section below this post, giving him a click on the Facebook "Like" button below, sharing a Tweet, visiting his Amazon author page to learn more about his work, and sharing his kick-ass novel with your friends and readers of zombie apocalypse stories. And what great timing for the holidays! March The Damned (I LOVE the cover!), available in paperback and e-book editions, makes a great stocking stuffer or intense surprise in e-readers for all who enjoy reading great horror. Turn his novel into a holiday gift for someone you want to scare the hell out of today!
So without further ado, fire up your torches, load all your guns, get your zombie apocalypse survival gear ready to roll, and say hello to Jeremiah Israel!
Jeremiah Israel was born and raised in Chicago. He now lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana with his wife and twin daughters. He has a BA in Professional Writing from Taylor University, and March the Damned: Book One of The Flying Zombies Trilogy is his first published novel. He is currently working on March The Undead, the third novel in his Flying Zombies Trilogy. The second book, March The Wretch, will be published in 2015.
LET THE INTERROGATION BEGIN!
Jeremiah, why do you write?
Because it feels good. I don’t want to say I have to, but it definitely makes me a happier person.
Tell us about your current or most recent writing project, and what you wish to accomplish with it.
I’m working on the third book in The Flying Zombies Trilogy entitled March The Undead. The second book, March The Wretch, has a 2015 release date.
In your mind, what is your greatest accomplishment?
I devised, illustrated and produced a divination deck called The Inopinum. It is a deck of one hundred plus cards that are based on an alter-dimensional god system that exist within my fiction called The High Six. They tell the past, present and future, but are full of lies and so cannot be trusted.
In your mind, what is your biggest failure?
Taking too long to learn to be honest with myself.
If you could be one fictional character—it can be anyone, modern or classic, movie, book, TV show, legend, myth, or even comics—who would you be, and why?
Dr. Manhattan from Watchmen. That kind of knowledge and power is the ultimate unattainable goal. I’m jealous.
Because it feels good. I don’t want to say I have to, but it definitely makes me a happier person.
Tell us about your current or most recent writing project, and what you wish to accomplish with it.
I’m working on the third book in The Flying Zombies Trilogy entitled March The Undead. The second book, March The Wretch, has a 2015 release date.
In your mind, what is your greatest accomplishment?
I devised, illustrated and produced a divination deck called The Inopinum. It is a deck of one hundred plus cards that are based on an alter-dimensional god system that exist within my fiction called The High Six. They tell the past, present and future, but are full of lies and so cannot be trusted.
In your mind, what is your biggest failure?
Taking too long to learn to be honest with myself.
If you could be one fictional character—it can be anyone, modern or classic, movie, book, TV show, legend, myth, or even comics—who would you be, and why?
Dr. Manhattan from Watchmen. That kind of knowledge and power is the ultimate unattainable goal. I’m jealous.
What is your ideal writing environment, and can/do you attain it, and if so, how?
Midnight at my desk as my wife and kids sleep upstairs while the moon is visible through the window in front of me.
What is your primary writing inspiration? It can be anything: people living or dead no matter their occupation, or places, concepts, groups, inanimate objects, etc.
Pop culture is my biggest inspiration. I believe there is a diabolical intent behind everything that is promoted through popular culture including music, movies, news, advertising, and basically anything else. I’m admittedly unhealthily obsessed with conspiracy theories, aliens, demons and the Illuminati.
You’re stranded on a deserted tropical island full of life-sustaining fish, game, and flora, and don’t know when or even if you’ll ever be rescued. You get to choose three people to be stranded with you, and it can be anyone, whether you know them or not. Who would those three people be, and why?
I’d pick three people who are dying of starvation that don’t speak my language and would be better off in a situation like that. I would miss my family but wouldn’t wish a life of isolation on them even if that meant I’d never get to see them again.
(The Reality Bender absolutely LOVES this selfless and honorable answer!)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? in 10?
5 years I’ll have more books published. 10 years I’ll be making enough to retire from the slave ship.
You can speak briefly with any one dead person, and ask them one question. Who would that person be, and what would you ask them?
My granddad and I’d ask him, “Were you right?”
Midnight at my desk as my wife and kids sleep upstairs while the moon is visible through the window in front of me.
What is your primary writing inspiration? It can be anything: people living or dead no matter their occupation, or places, concepts, groups, inanimate objects, etc.
Pop culture is my biggest inspiration. I believe there is a diabolical intent behind everything that is promoted through popular culture including music, movies, news, advertising, and basically anything else. I’m admittedly unhealthily obsessed with conspiracy theories, aliens, demons and the Illuminati.
You’re stranded on a deserted tropical island full of life-sustaining fish, game, and flora, and don’t know when or even if you’ll ever be rescued. You get to choose three people to be stranded with you, and it can be anyone, whether you know them or not. Who would those three people be, and why?
I’d pick three people who are dying of starvation that don’t speak my language and would be better off in a situation like that. I would miss my family but wouldn’t wish a life of isolation on them even if that meant I’d never get to see them again.
(The Reality Bender absolutely LOVES this selfless and honorable answer!)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? in 10?
5 years I’ll have more books published. 10 years I’ll be making enough to retire from the slave ship.
You can speak briefly with any one dead person, and ask them one question. Who would that person be, and what would you ask them?
My granddad and I’d ask him, “Were you right?”
Jeremiah Israel selling and signing MARCH THE DAMNED at Wizard Con Nashville 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee
Share one weird dream you had with us, and what you learned, if anything, from it.
I had a dream where I killed someone and then ran from the police. I came upon a young redheaded boy with a bowl cut and glasses who I confided in. I was suspicious that I might be dreaming but couldn’t find any evidence to confirm. The redheaded boy told me, “Well if you’re dreaming then you should give yourself up to the police because it won’t matter. If you’re not dreaming, you should give yourself up to the police because you just killed someone and you need to face the consequences.” I gave myself up to the police and they put me in a wheelchair.
What advice do you have to share with other aspiring writers?
Nike has the best advice: Just Do It.
In your mind, what is the most rewarding thing about writing?
Finishing a project feels better than anything.
In your mind, what is the most frustrating thing about writing?
Finding the energy to be creative after a full day of work.
How do you respond to negative criticism, including bad book reviews?
To quote Dave Chappelle impersonating R. Kelly, “Haters gonna hate, lovers gonna love, I don’t even want, none of the above, I wanna piss on you.”
I had a dream where I killed someone and then ran from the police. I came upon a young redheaded boy with a bowl cut and glasses who I confided in. I was suspicious that I might be dreaming but couldn’t find any evidence to confirm. The redheaded boy told me, “Well if you’re dreaming then you should give yourself up to the police because it won’t matter. If you’re not dreaming, you should give yourself up to the police because you just killed someone and you need to face the consequences.” I gave myself up to the police and they put me in a wheelchair.
What advice do you have to share with other aspiring writers?
Nike has the best advice: Just Do It.
In your mind, what is the most rewarding thing about writing?
Finishing a project feels better than anything.
In your mind, what is the most frustrating thing about writing?
Finding the energy to be creative after a full day of work.
How do you respond to negative criticism, including bad book reviews?
To quote Dave Chappelle impersonating R. Kelly, “Haters gonna hate, lovers gonna love, I don’t even want, none of the above, I wanna piss on you.”
The Reality Bender with Jeremiah Israel prepping for Permutation 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee
Both members of a married couple are close and well-loved friends of yours, and you discover beyond doubt that one is cheating on the other. What, if anything, do you do? Does sex (gender) enter into your decision, and why?
It just depends on which one I care about more. I’d prefer to not get involved, but if the victim was a close friend, regardless of gender, I’d make sure they found out. If they were the perpetrator, I’d let them know what I thought.
Do you listen to music when you write, and if so, what are your favorite flavors to listen to?
I listen to music only if I need to block something out. Usually something I’m already familiar with so I can ignore it. When I’m not writing I study pop music religiously.
What is the biggest distraction or impediment to your writing, and to completing your writing projects?
I love television shows and movies too much.
Does time and the world around you ever “disappear” when your muse is upon you and you’re “in the writing zone”? If so, describe the feeling.
It’s not really a feeling. I just forget what I’m doing and it all seems natural. The self-awareness of writing leaves and when I’m through I take a deep breath and am surprised at the time. That feeling is great: When you come out of it and you realize you’ve made progress on something you love.
How often do you edit, and when, and how many rounds of edits?
I save edits for the end. I go all the way through and then go back and then back again. I then print out a copy and edit that. I make the changes and then give it to my wife and friend who each add their thoughts and then I go through one more time, making edits based on their perspectives.
It just depends on which one I care about more. I’d prefer to not get involved, but if the victim was a close friend, regardless of gender, I’d make sure they found out. If they were the perpetrator, I’d let them know what I thought.
Do you listen to music when you write, and if so, what are your favorite flavors to listen to?
I listen to music only if I need to block something out. Usually something I’m already familiar with so I can ignore it. When I’m not writing I study pop music religiously.
What is the biggest distraction or impediment to your writing, and to completing your writing projects?
I love television shows and movies too much.
Does time and the world around you ever “disappear” when your muse is upon you and you’re “in the writing zone”? If so, describe the feeling.
It’s not really a feeling. I just forget what I’m doing and it all seems natural. The self-awareness of writing leaves and when I’m through I take a deep breath and am surprised at the time. That feeling is great: When you come out of it and you realize you’ve made progress on something you love.
How often do you edit, and when, and how many rounds of edits?
I save edits for the end. I go all the way through and then go back and then back again. I then print out a copy and edit that. I make the changes and then give it to my wife and friend who each add their thoughts and then I go through one more time, making edits based on their perspectives.
See "MARCH", Jeremiah Israel's awesome YouTube video HERE!
Jeremiah Israel (middle, floor with a thumbs up) with his fellow authors at the Permuted Press offices for Permutation 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee
How do you research prospective literary agents or publishers for representation and publication of your works—i.e., what tools and resources?
I don’t.
You’ve been traditionally published. Describe the feeling you had when you received and accepted your first contract/ offer.
It was definitely a great feeling. Kind of like finally hitting a home run for the first time after years of trying to even make contact with the ball.
You have one paranormal or psychic superpower. What is it, and what will you do with it?
Precognition. I want to know the future.
Are you superstitious about your writing habits? If so, what is/are that/those superstition(s)?
I feel like my moods follow the moon. Based on illumination, my productivity varies, though I try not to let that be an excuse not to get work done.
You have to commit a major crime to save the life of someone you love. Will you do it, and if so, how far will you go?
Definitely. All the way.
I don’t.
You’ve been traditionally published. Describe the feeling you had when you received and accepted your first contract/ offer.
It was definitely a great feeling. Kind of like finally hitting a home run for the first time after years of trying to even make contact with the ball.
You have one paranormal or psychic superpower. What is it, and what will you do with it?
Precognition. I want to know the future.
Are you superstitious about your writing habits? If so, what is/are that/those superstition(s)?
I feel like my moods follow the moon. Based on illumination, my productivity varies, though I try not to let that be an excuse not to get work done.
You have to commit a major crime to save the life of someone you love. Will you do it, and if so, how far will you go?
Definitely. All the way.
Jeremiah Israel and me at Wizard Con Nashville 2014 selling and signing our novels
In your mind, what is the ultimate sin?
Giving your soul to the devil.
In your mind, what is the ultimate blessing?
Happiness.
Who is your favorite literary character that you’ve ever written/ created, and why?
Dennis March, who is the main character of The Flying Zombies Trilogy. He’s selfish and out of control. He does whatever he wants and suffers all the consequences. It’s gotten so bad I don’t even know if it’ll be possible for him to find redemption at this point. He is my favorite because I hate him so much. He is all ego and cares only for himself and his image.
You discover your best friend is lying to you about something important to you, and hurting you, themselves, others, or all of the above with that lie. What do you do about it?
Call them out and if there is no change, cut them off.
You’re faced with a horde of desperate, hungry, potentially violent people in a world where the trucks and trains no longer deliver the goods. What do you do?
Start planting seeds and in the meantime find rats, squirrels, and whatever else to eat. If that’s not an option then I’ll Moses them into the desert so the vultures can eat us.
Why should people read your work?
My goal is that at the end of every book I write, you will not be the same person you were when you started reading it. Books should change people. Every book I have written has changed me and I hope that my books do the same for other people.
Giving your soul to the devil.
In your mind, what is the ultimate blessing?
Happiness.
Who is your favorite literary character that you’ve ever written/ created, and why?
Dennis March, who is the main character of The Flying Zombies Trilogy. He’s selfish and out of control. He does whatever he wants and suffers all the consequences. It’s gotten so bad I don’t even know if it’ll be possible for him to find redemption at this point. He is my favorite because I hate him so much. He is all ego and cares only for himself and his image.
You discover your best friend is lying to you about something important to you, and hurting you, themselves, others, or all of the above with that lie. What do you do about it?
Call them out and if there is no change, cut them off.
You’re faced with a horde of desperate, hungry, potentially violent people in a world where the trucks and trains no longer deliver the goods. What do you do?
Start planting seeds and in the meantime find rats, squirrels, and whatever else to eat. If that’s not an option then I’ll Moses them into the desert so the vultures can eat us.
Why should people read your work?
My goal is that at the end of every book I write, you will not be the same person you were when you started reading it. Books should change people. Every book I have written has changed me and I hope that my books do the same for other people.
Jeremiah Israel's Links:
The Fiction of Jeremiah Israel
March The Damned: Book One of The Flying Zombies Trilogy
"MARCH" the short film trailer
Jeremiah on Twitter: @JDOTIS
The Fiction of Jeremiah Israel
March The Damned: Book One of The Flying Zombies Trilogy
"MARCH" the short film trailer
Jeremiah on Twitter: @JDOTIS
The Reality Bender thanks author Jeremiah Israel for playing in my virtual sandbox and participating in this interview, and wishes Jeremiah success in all his writing endeavors. Give Jeremiah a shout out, take a look at his work, and keep an eye out for his second The Flying Zombies Trilogy novel March The Wretch in 2015!
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