Tuesday, October 28, 2014

How to Survive the Zombie Apocalpyse! (Guest post by Naomi Shaw.)


How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse

Even though the zombie apocalypse is a popular theme in fiction writing and movies, let’s face it: It’s fiction for a reason. Still, the idea of zombies taking over the world and small bands of humans digging deep to find a way to survive and overcome against the unrelenting surge of the undead – and just as often against fellow humans – makes for a compelling story.

Popular Zombie Books

While the topic of zombies has never been more popular on the large screen – and on the small screen for that matter – post-apocalyptic books featuring hoards of zombies are all over store shelves, too. Don’t forget to feed your unquenchable desire for zombie media by checking out books, including these 10 great options.

  1. Adrian’s Undead Diary: Dark Recollections, Chris Philbrook
  2. Aftertime trilogy, Sophie Littlefield
  3. Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End, Manel Loureiro
  4. As the World Dies trilogy, Rhiannon Frater
  5. Ex-Heroes, Peter Clines
  6. Night of the Living Trekkies, Kevin David Anderson and Sam Stall
  7. Rot & Ruin, Jonathan Maberry
  8. The Last Bastion of the LivingRhiannon Frater


  • The Zombie Survival Guide, Max Brooks
  • World War Z, Max Brooks

  • Going Beyond the Fiction

    As referenced earlier, post-apocalyptic zombies represent a very popular line of fiction. But there’s also an important thread of information you should pay attention to inside the story. The fictional tips aimed at helping you prepare for a zombie apocalypse can be applied in part to helping you prepare for any type of disaster.

    Along with the attached infographic, the Ready.gov Web site has some great tips and advice for helping you prepare yourself for a disaster, such as a hurricane or severe winter storm. Consider these ideas for helping you prepare an emergency kit:

    • Clothing. Long, thick clothes will help you avoid the potential of scratches, which could lead to infection. Keeping warm is always tough in a disaster where traditional shelters have been compromised, so have plenty of clothing on hand.
    • Documentation. Whatever type of governmental authority remains after a disaster will want to ensure you are who you say you are. Keep your driver’s license and other documents close at hand.
    • First aid kits. Beyond the threat of zombies, infection will be a dangerous foe for the surviving humans during any type of end-of-the-world disaster. Make sure you have any personal medications with you, too.
    • Food. Non-perishable food is the key to keeping your energy up during a disaster. Meal bars, canned nuts, and canned soups are great ideas for stocking up. Best of all, zombies have no taste for these types of items, so they won’t steal your stash!
    • Light, radio, and batteries. A radio is great for keeping up with any pertinent information from authorities. And you’re going to want a bright flashlight; nothing in a zombie movie is scarier than navigating the dark forest or basement and hearing a nearby moan.
    • Water and sanitation. Humans need a lot of clean, safe water to function on a daily basis. If you can keep some sort of water-purification system in your kit, that’ll be easier to carry than trying to carry enough water. Household bleach helps with water purification, too.

    Keeping in mind that many types of disasters, including the zombie apocalypse, will cause a loss of electricity and cellular service. So if you are relying on your smartphone or your laptop to help you find information about what to do after the apocalypse starts, you’re going to be out of luck. Consider making a print out of this infographic and keep Max BrooksThe Zombie Survival Guide at hand to give yourself a better chance against the zombie hoard!








    Naomi Shaw is a journalist and entrepreneur based in Southern California. She lives with her husband and three kids. She firmly believes that, in the case of a zombie apocalypse, she would be one of the survivors.











    2 comments:

    M.A.D. said...

    And if you've got long hair - freakin' CUT it! That drives me nuts on TWD lol :P
    I'll have to check out some of the books mentioned above, I love dystopians and zombies being my fav subgenre. :D
    Btw, one of the best I've ever read is Pariah by Bob Fingerman ... Instead of sane & rational, most of his characters are half bat crazy (like you would expect given the circumstances *derp*)

    Anita Eva said...

    Great recommendations on the list of zombie books! I thought was a good mixture of the ones people would expect peppered with some more 'under the radar' ones that are just as good, like Rhiannon Frater. I loved the 'emergency kit' instructions, too--hilarious ;-) Also, that detailed infographic was a nice touch!

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