Inquests Of The Dead
(Or “Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Zombies, But Didn’t Have The Brains To Ask”)

Len Barnhart was born in 1959 in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. His passion for the art of music and stage performance was set aside in mid-life for the art of the written word. Len has written three books and has two more in the works. “Reign of the Dead: Tribulation” will complete his Reign of the Dead series and “The Eighth Day” marks a change of direction in both genre and writing style. His hobbies include playing chess, where Len has won two tournaments, and watching NFL football. Len still dabbles in music and can be found playing the local club when the urge hits.

1). I was a fan of the books long before we became Facebook friends, I recall being delighted around 2005 that someone actually wrote a book about the living dead, At what point did you decide to try your hand at writing, and why zombies?

This is a question I get often. Reign of the Dead was my first attempt. I started writing it (as best I remember), around late 1996. I just wanted to see if I could complete a story. The reason I chose zombies is because I did not want to be bogged down on my first try with a lot of research. Zombies were easy. Another reason is there were no zombie books out there at the time. No one was doing it, so I did.

2). Then writing was something you’d always wanted to try your hand at?

Kinda. My high school English/poetry teacher thought I had promise and that made me more interested in it. I was always good with story. I can come up with stories easily. The writing part took work and practice.

3). Which zombie films influenced you, and what are some of your favourites?

Night of the Living Dead scared me. Dawn of the Dead ’78 made me a fan and is my favourite. I also like Shaun of the Dead, Day of the Dead and the Walking Dead TV series. I usually steer clear of anything that doesn’t follow the old ‘Romero’ universal zombie rules. Most of the stuff I see out there on the Horror channel or Scy-Fy are total crap. There have been a ton of knock-offs. I’m not crazy about most.

4). For those who may be unfamiliar with your books, could you provide a quick tutorial?

I purposely chose to begin the book Three weeks into the walking corpse plague. (circa Dawn of the Dead) Jim Workman returns to civilization after a three week mountain getaway. He is oblivious to what has happened in the world while he was communing with nature. He meets up with the leaders of the last known rescue station in the area and joins in their efforts to find a safer place to house the hundred or so survivors.

5). Congratulations on the release of “Reign Of The Dead: Reloaded”, is it strictly a kindle release? What are your thoughts on the imminent demise of the printed page?

It will also be available in book form very soon, as will Apocalypse End. Anyone who has read older versions of these books will notice huge changes. You have to remember, Reign of the Dead was my first novel. Since then, I’ve grown as a writer and my style has changed drastically. Revising the first novel was a massive undertaking, one that took six months. It is very different in its presentation. I am almost finished with the revisions to Apocalypse End and it will also be re-released by Severed Press when it is finished. As far as the demise of the printed page…I don’t think we will ever see it go away completely. There’s simply nothing like holding the book in your hands while you sit in a comfortable chair reading. Add a rainy day and you have almost Heaven. I think sales will dip simply because Kindle and other forms of E books are simply convenient…and cheap.

6). I’d love to see a “Reign Of The Dead” series of graphic novels, any chance of something like that happening?

There was a comic series for a while. I think in the future sometime that is possible again.

7). Has there been any interest from Hollywood to option the books?

Yes there has and still is. Once in particular from Miramax Films. It was a long, drawn out process that really went no where. It was a “We really like this, now let’s change everything” kinda deal. Other inquires have been from smaller outfits or simply testing the water. Nothing’s been signed or had in-depth discussions lately…yet.

8). Is there an over proliferation in the zombie film/book market?

No, I don’t think so. I always thought zombies didn’t get their fair share of recognition. Now because of the internet and the sudden surge of zombie literature, that is no longer true. Right now the demand is high. However, bad product can ruin a good thing. Most of the movies being made and shown on TV are less than a quality product. But…The Walking Dead is an example of a good thing and lots of people are watching. As long as there are good things to read and watch, zombies will be popular. Lately, there has been a lot of interest in apocalyptic, end of the world type scenarios. Zombies fit into that world nicely.

9). Where do you see the genre headed? What would you like to see?

We all know about fast-moving zombies Fast zombies make it more believable that the entire world could fall victim. I mean…how hard is it to survive those slow, plodding, dead things in real life? Just walk right past them. With that said, I still like the slow ones. They’re creepier. I like my zombies to look like dead people, not the people you invite to your Halloween party. Too much make-up takes me out of the story. Give ’em glazed eyes, make them pale, and a couple bite wounds.

10). On a more personal note tell me about your music.

Not much to say these days. For the most part I traded in my guitar or microphone for a (PC) keyboard. I still play. I host a weekly open mic locally, and that satisfies me for the most part. In the 80s and early 90s I was full-time. I did a lot of the road thing and got to experience and enjoy all the debauchery and over indulgence the decade had to offer.

11). Have you ever considered setting a novel in that debauched Rock N Roll world?

I don’t know if I have enough clear memories to actually write that one.

12). Can fans expect more “Reign” novels down the road?

Yes, We’re working on getting Outbreak out to the masses. It’s been in limbo with a bad publisher for a while. I hope to see that changed very soon. The last book in the series is called: Reign of the Dead: Tribulation. Think Sons of Anarchy meet Dawn of the DEAD. The other novel I am working on now is titled: The Eighth Day. It is not zombies, but it’s a great apocalyptic tale. You can find out more on all this at www.reignofthedead.com

(Bonus Question). How are your Cowboys going to do this year?

Oh My….I’ve been a Dallas Cowboys fan since the 70s. True silver and blue, so to say. I really don’t know. We’ve had a ton of injuries to start the season and at the time of this interview, we are 1-1. I think we have as good a chance as anyone in the NFC East if Tony Romo doesn’t lose his cool late in the game. I miss Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.