Author Interview: Lincoln Crisler
Lincoln Crisler’s debut novella, WILD, is due in March from Damnation Books. He has also authored a pair of short story collections, Magick & Misery (2009, Black Bed Sheet) and Despairs & Delights (2008, Arctic Wolf). A United States Army combat veteran and non-commissioned officer, Lincoln lives in Augusta, Georgia with his wife and two of his three children. You can visit his website at www.lincolncrisler.info
Q: What gave you the idea of a zombified Wild West?
I thought it would be fun to do. The Weird West has been around for awhile; at least since the seventies. I’d be surprised if I was the first to write about zombies in the Old West. A zombie outbreak in modern times would be devastating, but the characters in those stories at least have decades of zombie movies and literature to fall back on. They know the warning signs, they know that you have to shoot them in the head, etc. Zombies would totally catch a 1900’s cowboy off guard every time. Makes things interesting!
Q: Without any spoilers, could you tell us a little about the book?
Well, the short version is that a retired war veteran and legislator who’s likely been making enemies his entire life disappears, along with his son, and the local sheriff’s deputy enlists the aid of a mysterious stranger and an incorrigible outlaw leader. They may or may not have to shoot a bunch of zombies during the course of their investigation. Hey, no spoilers, right?
Q: Do you think zombies are getting too much exposure right now or just enough?
It seems to me that these sort of things come and go in cycles. If you’re a zombie fan, like I am, you’re probably happy about the great zombie movies and books that are getting mainstream budgets and exposure right now. Fans of more mainstream media will tire of zombies in another year or two and something else will assume their role in pop culture. I’ll be happy right up until someone writes a book or makes a movie about sparkling zombies.
Q: Sparkling zombies *shudders* Now that’s a horrible idea. Thinking about how to deal with sparkling zombies though is a perfect tie in to: What would be your weapon of choice against the undead?
I’m going to have to choose two, since different situations require different tools. For direct combat against the undead, I want a shotgun because of the versatility and because I can break skulls with the stock if I run out of shells. For securing my hideout, I want concealed claymores at head level around the entire perimeter.
Q: Having a zombie novel coming out do you have any ideas for future zombie novels in the works?
Absolutely. I’m not done with zombies by any means. I’ve had a couple of great ideas pop into my head in the last year or so. Before I get to them, though, I have some other, non-zombie related projects that I want to see through.
Q: Who would be the five people, aside from friends/family, you would want with you if a zombie outbreak happened?
Jesus, Chuck Norris, Batman and Brian Keene. Fred Phelps from Westboro Baptist to use as bait or to trade to a group of redneck rapists in exchange for my freedom.
Q: What is your current favorite zombie novel and movie?
Movies… I’m still partial to The Last Man on Earth with Vincent Price. Novels… I’m really into Kim Paffenroth’s Dying to Live books and I’m reading Joe McKinney’s Dead City right now.
Q: Outside of your own undead universe do you prefer slow or fast zombies and why?
Slow zombies make a lot more sense to me. You’re talking about a rotting corpse with no working brain or fine motor skills. Running should not be an option. The concept behind Brian Keene’s fast zombies worked well, but Zombieland-style ones that are fast for no apparent reason? Ain’t buyin’ it.
Q: Any parting words for our readers?
If the zombies do come and you see me running, try to keep up.
