ZOMBIES/FIGHTS: Interview - Permuted Press author David T. Wilbanks

by Bowie Ibarra

Full Name:  David T. Wilbanks

Code Name: Poobah; Diamond Dave; Wilbo; The Big D; Cap’n

Primary Specialty: Storytelling

Secondary Specialty:  Peacemaker/Peacebreaker

Quote: “What’s for dinner?”

ZombieBloodFights.com - It’s great to have you here on the blog today, David.

David T. Wilbanks - Thanks, Bowie. It’s great to be here!

ZBF - I want to ask you first, as a citizen of Minnesota, have you had a chance to see any of the flat-track roller derby that is prospering in the state?

DTW - That would mean leaving my office, so no.

ZBF - Do you enjoy following any sports teams?

Dave's office
(ed. note - Not Dave's real office)

DTW - That would mean leaving my office, so no.

ZBF - Zombies are still riding a pretty big wave these days.  What do you think is the mass appeal of the zombie apocalypse?

DTW - It’s me and you against them. We are the normal people and all the others are not. We must avoid them like the plague they are. They are mindless automatons who only want to get all up in our shit. But to others, I am zombie and so are you. Goo goo g’joob. We’re all zombies. We must rise above our zombieness or get headshot. Or something.

ZBF - You’ve written a few books about zombies, including the ‘Dead Earth’ series.  Tell us a little about the titles in the series.

DTW - These are the adventures of Jubal Slate, a man stuck in a world of dead and not-so-dead creatures that ache to eat him, and the evil sick aliens that control these creatures. It’s high adventure and pulptastic fun. Bad language, violence and tender moments. Rated R! By Marvelous Mark Justice and Dastardly David T. Wilbanks!

ZBF - What’s the current timetable on the third title?

DTW - 2012. Hopefully sooner than later. Permuted is good about production, so I think we’re in great shape. Its title is Dead Earth: Sanctuary.

ZBF - In your opinion, what are the elements that make up a good zombie story?

DTW - I don’t really read that many zombie stories but I’m going to say good characters, a good plot and lots of atmosphere. Gore is optional.

ZBF - You’re an editor as well.  What are some common writing mistakes authors should keep an eye out for?

DTW - Submitting first drafts. Polish that story before you submit it! Jeez, guy. I’m not going to write the thing for you. Read a lot, write a lot. Make it shine.

And take your time. The world doesn’t need your story until you’ve taken the time to create something special. Read some literature outside the horror genre. Read the classics. Read some non-fiction. Do it often.

ZBF - It’s the question I ask everybody.  What’s your pick:  Zombies, Blood, or Fights?

DTW - Fight!

ZBF - How would zombies fare in the cold northern climates of Minnesota and our Canadian neighbors?

DTW - They would quickly become frozen into snowmen and then we would pee on them and laugh. Until they thawed out again.

ZBF - Where can readers find out more about your written works and other places to reach you?

DTW - I’m at davidtwilbanks.com. All my info is there. And I’m all over Facebook like a teenage girl who got stood up on a boring Saturday night.

ZBF - Thank you, David.

DTW - No, thank you. It’s been fun.

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Bowie Ibarra is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster.  His latest zombie novel, "The Fall of Austin" follows four different social groups (Police and criminals, Military and Civilians) as they fight the zombie apocalypse in central Texas.

Network with Bowie today at his official website ZombieBloodFights.com.