I am not a fan of the eat-your-face-off zombies of movies and TV shows, so when Muzak ‘woke up’ on the page, and introduced himself to me as a newly-dead, gay, interior decorator, zombie from Philadelphia, I knew it would be a challenge to write past the tropes and stereotypes and develop him authentically.
Turned into a zombie by accident, lost, and struggling to find his place in the world, And Then I Woke Up Dead is a fanciful depiction of the challenges faced by many displaced individuals. Whether it’s those trying to cope with mental illness, find a job that lets them eat more than dog food, deal with rejection from friends and loved ones, or manage to survive on the street, it’s important that we remember the basic humanity of every person we encounter – even when their outer shell isn’t perfect.
I’m very pleased to have Muzak’s tale included in Stars in the Darkness:
Stars in the Darkness is a collection of stories about why being just matters, and what the ramifications are for individuals, groups, towns, countries, or even worlds if justice is not expected, encouraged, or enforced.
The stories cover a wide range, from historical fiction to fantasy to alternate realities. Every tale, whether set in ancient Egypt, in a future where only the rich can afford to increase their children’s intelligence through genetic engineering, or about a man turned into a zombie by accident, sends a message about what matters. These stories show bravery, compassion, courage—and consequences.
All proceeds from this collection will be donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Human Rights Campaign.
Available on Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Books2Read.
