Monday, June 10, 2013

Summer of Zombie alum Mark Tufo pitches a tent for the day.

Summer time is when all the best books and movies are supposed to be released. It is also the time when the "Summer of Zombie Blog Tour (part deux)" kicks off. This year has a helluva line up. Names like Julianne Snow, Joe McKinney, and Bryan Smith have hopped on the Armand Rosamilia train of zombie love this year along with returning alums like John O'Brien and today's guest, Mark Tufo, author of the best-selling Zombie Fallout series. 

So, before I step aside, if any of my fellow bloggers can point me to a good widget that will allow me to display the progress on my WIP (including the ability to feature the title...also, I have more than one WIP, so...) I would be grateful.

And now, the shy and timid Mark Tufo...please, no sudden moves, flash photography, or loud noises. He might go back into his shell.

Mark and the REAL Riley who looks a lot like Henry

Hey Todd, just wanted to say thank you for allowing me the space and time to ramble a bit on your blog.

Describe your first zombie “experience”?
My first zombie experience was when I was 7 (that’s with a ZERO in front). My babysitting cousin thought watching Night of the Living Dead might be a good way to while away the evening. I’d never been so scared from anything I’d seen on television up to that point in my life. I was hooked!

Favorite Dawn of the Dead (original) moment? Remake?
Definitely the original, the scene where the SWAT team evacuated the apartment complex had my sphincter clamped tight. (Is this one of those instances where it’s Too Much Information?)

(editor's note...is there any such thing with you, Mark?)

What is the last zombie book you read?
It was Travis Adkin’s - Walking with the Dead



What makes your story stand out from the masses?
I don’t know if I stand out from the masses, but I think folks enjoy my books because the characters are relatable. Michael Talbot is an everyman just trying to get his family and friends to the next day, and when he’s stressed out he responds with sarcasm. Plus who wouldn’t want a giant man named BT as your friend always having your back?

What will you tackle next? (If you are writing a series, what will you write after the series is over?)
My next big project is Zombie Fallout 7, is that the end? Who knows, probably end up with ZF23: Talbot in Space. I do know that I want to finish the 2 suspense novels I’ve started along with a mystery. Next month Lycan Fallout will be released, I hoping it’s well received enough that this also becomes a series.

Worst reaction you have received about your writing?
Really? Why the hell would I want to revisit horrendous reviews? Sort of funny just today I had a lady on Yahoo Questions ask for a brief synopsis of the series so she wouldn’t have to read the atrocities. I think that’s about as much ego smashing as I want to take for the day.

And on the flip side, what is the best…the one that almost embarrassed you it was so effusive?
Don’t get me wrong it’s always awesome to hear from my readers, sometimes a few will go to extremes to tell me how much they loved the books, for which I am extremely grateful but how do you respond without sounding like an *ss? (Yes well I do KNOW that I am the second coming of Shakespeare thank you for pointing it out.)

If any of your work was to be made into a film, which piece, and who is THE big star you would love to see in the leading role?
I think I’d really get a hoot out of seeing Timothy on the big screen, and I wouldn’t mind in the least if The Rock played the lead. I mean that’s of course if he isn’t filming Tooth Fairy 2.



What is the scariest movie you have ever seen?
Nightmare on Elm Street messed me up the first time I saw that, I was scared to sleep for a couple of weeks.

What is something about you that would surprise your fans?
If I believed in past lives and I did a past life regression, I am fairly certain that in a number of those lives I drowned, I hate open water.

What is in your “to be read” pile right now?

I am absolutely hooked on George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series.

Again thank you for the chance to share some thoughts on your page!

If you want to find the Mark Tufo books, the best place to start is:

3 comments:

  1. Oh wow. I thought I was the only person dorky enough to be scared by Nightmare on Elm Street. Of course, probably like Mark, I saw it when it was brand new. There was nothing else like it!

    I need to try out Mark's books. Really, I do.

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    1. Oh - you really should read them, Catie. The funny sarcasm gives them a different flavor. Hmmm...not sure I should use "flavor" when referring to zombie books. Oh well.

      Just finished the second and bought the third. I really enjoy your work, Mark. And Nightmare on Elm Street scared the heck out of me too.

      And Todd - I like Word Meter Builder. It has more options and IMO looks a lot better than most. http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeterbuilder.asp

      I have several of my projects on my blog in the right sidebar if you want to see how they look.

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    2. I remember how scary the first NIGHTMARE was compared to everything that was out at the time. We really have become desensitized.

      Also, Rhonda, thanks for the word meter link. Now we shall see if I am able to update it properly since I am SO not good at this sort of thing.

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