Zombies, Motherhood, and a Plain Old Good Time

Last month, the unthinkable happened.  I realized that I had read every book in the house (and we have a lot of books, y’all) at least twice and that I had no desire to make a third round through the bookshelves.  I was looking for something a little bit different from my usual fare, and lucked into being asked to read Karina Fabian’s new book.  Who is Karina?  Catholic, military wife, devoted mom, prodigious author.  (I seriously envy her work-ethic.)

What does a Catholic military wife write about?  Zombies of course.

I will admit to not being a zombie fan.  I’m squeamish about gore and close my eyes when movies are bloody, but I loved this book.  It’s a great mix of horror, humor, and reality TV that makes it the most fun book I’ve read in a long while.  I found myself laughing and snorting as people were eaten and zombies vanquished.  I’m pretty sure that means I’m going to Hell, but at least I got to read it first.

Tomorrow is Halloween.  Two days later is the Day of the Dead.  What better way to celebrate that than by reading Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator?  I can’t think of a single one.

Want more info on Karina?  Click here

Watch the book trailer?  Click here

Read enough and want to order it already? Click here

Wonder what having a horror writing mom does to the kids?  How warped and twisted are they?  Here’s what their mom says:

What my writing has done to my kids

By Karina Fabian

When my husband and I first met, I told him about winning a convention contest with a funny poem I wrote about Klingon eating habits. 

“On Klingon Manners?” he exclaimed.  “I love that poem!  I looked all over for you at that convention.  I still have a copy.”

Obviously, we were meant to be.

Twenty years and four kids later, our geekdom and my writing is still a huge part of our lives…and it’s definitely affected the children.  Not only have they learned a lot about words and story progression and editing from my example, but they have also developed an unusual humor and appreciation for the bizarre thanks to the odd stuff I write. 

I share my work with my family.  When I’m mulling over a plot, I talk about it to them.  They see the pages of red ink when I’m in the editing phase, and those that want bedtime stories (which includes my twelfth-grade son) will gather in the living room and listen when I do my read-aloud edit.  They’re great help, too.  As I read one scene where henchmen were added and removed from a room, Alex realized I had miscounted my minions. 

Rob is my idea man, and always my first source when I have a technical question or need to bounce ideas.  However, the kids are also great sources.  I decided to write a short story based on Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator about taking out a zombie using nothing but janitorial supplies.  I called on my youngest, who was only too glad to give me some deliciously gruesome ideas for what happens when you attack a zombie with window cleaner, a plunger and a mop.  (He gets the tactical mind from Rob.)

Another fun thing about being a writer mom is that the kids take you books to school with them, although I have to draw the line at them doing book reports on them.  (“I read that to you in draft!”)  Last year, Liam’s teacher wanted me to come talk to his class about adding detail.  Remembering the fun he had adding details to the janitor’s battle, I came in ready to have the kids plan out the details of a zombie fight in a grocery store.

The class (five boys) loved it.  The teacher took it in good humor.  I took their notes and wrote it up as a story for them as well.  It was a lot of fun.

I’ve also enjoyed sharing my career with my daughter, who is working at being a concept artist.  Since I’m in an artistic field, I’ve been able to get her some contacts for work and experience.  She’s also had to learn how to present herself with grace and confidence.

My writing has always brought me joy, and I’m thrilled that it’s also brought my children hours of entertainment and teachable moments that they’ve taken with them beyond story time.

It doesn’t matter what you do, however; share your career with your children.  Share the highs as well as the lows, so that they learn that while you can love your work, you must also work at what you love.