When it comes to haunting literature, nothing is quite as resonant as stories that deal with what happens after death. That’s right, I’m talking spooky stories about ghosts, vampires, and, you guessed it, zombies. Nobody knows zombies quite like James Tracy Wilson, an author whose debut, Zombie Bytes, digs into death (and near-death) in more ways than one.
Nikki: Thank you so much for joining me, Tracy! To kick things off, let’s talk genres. Which genres do you typically find yourself writing and reading in?
Right now, I’m writing in the zombie/horror genre after being hooked on a good friend’s zombie apocalypse books. Can I name drop for extra points? It was Chris Philbrook’s Adrian’s Undead Diary.
Concerning genres, I’m pretty much all over the place, though I haven’t delved into romance. Nothing against it. Anything dystopian, cyberpunk, or even adventure/fantasy is my go-to at the moment.
I’m also all over the place with genres, so I get it! Now, Zombie Bytes is going to be a series, right?
Yes! So far, my first book centers around two best friends trying to survive the zombie apocalypse outbreak. Book 2 is this close to being done. (chuckles)
The future is so bright! I want to expand into other genres. I have a handful of ideas which covers dystopian, cyberpunk, adventure (think 80s Conan-inspired). So much to do and so little time!
How exciting! It’s always so fun to see a series take shape. How do you get into the headspace to write? Do you have a writing routine?
When time is there, I sit back at the old laptop, slip on some inspirational YouTube music, and try to get into the head of my characters. Which isn’t always easy when they want to do their own thing.
That’s the tale as old as time, isn’t it? We plan our characters so meticulously, but they always end up with a mind of their own. I want to hear more about your soundtrack, though! What do you usually listen to?
Classic rock. Anything from the 80s. Throw in a mix of a few modern hard rock singers and bands to keep it interesting.
You know, I can see a rock soundtrack setting the scene for a zombie apocalypse! Outside of rocking out, what do you do for fun when you’re not writing?
My big thing is to travel. Always loved going to see new places and experience new things. Going to Conventions especially, such as Dragon*con in Atlanta or Dallas Fan Days. Even a few here locally.
I love that! Are any of your books set in places you’ve visited, and if not, have you set any of them in your hometown?
My current project is set in Northern California. Which I have actually visited years ago. Quite beautiful once you get to that area.
I live and work in Central Arkansas, but have yet to base any stories (yet) in The Natural State.
That is super cool! My current series is set in Southern California, and I also went out to the area to research the landscape a bit. It’s so cool to hear about your writing journey. And you’re self-published, right?
Self published, yes. Go indie authors! Though, to be honest, I have nothing against traditional publishing. We’re all in this together.
Amazing. And do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Never give up. Putting yourself out there for the world to see is quite unnerving. It’s scary. But don’t let it be intimidating! Tell your story. Share it with the world.
Agreed, stories are meant to be told! Now, let me ask a writing-specific question… are you a fan of the serial comma?
That is the ultimate question in which the Universe may never know. Until then, I plead the 5th.
Ha! That’s fair, I know questions like that border on political in the writing world. (laughs) How about this… was there an author who inspired you to write?
It all comes to do the amazing Chris Philbrook. I have no doubt it would never happened without his guidance and inspiration to reach for this goal.
That’s amazing, I love seeing authors support authors. Now, I’ve got to ask a mean question to mix it up… how many unfinished manuscripts do you have floating around?
Lord. Please don’t ask! (laughs) Right now, I have probably around 10ish or so? It’s sad.
That’s not sad at all! It shows what an idea factory you are. Do you have a favorite book, Tracy?
Good grief! That isn’t easy to pick. But if you’re twisting my arm, it’s a tie between Adrian’s Undead Diary and Anna Mocikat’s Behind Blue Eyes. Both equally great. But there are so many others!
Thank you for the suggestions! We’ll all have to add those books to our TBRs. Now, if you could live in any fictional world, which would you choose?
Good question! Hmmm. I would choose something like a cyberpunk city. Cool attachments. Flying cars. Who wouldn’t want that? Minus the mega corporations ruling everyone!
Ha, I know that struggle well! I’ll take the pros, the creators of these fictional worlds can keep the cons in their minds. No mega corps for me! Let me ask, do you have any writing quirks?
Being alone when writing is the best for me. My thoughts and good music seem to go hand and hand quite well.
I get that! Are you a morning or night writer? I know everyone has a time of day where their creativity just flourishes.
I’m somewhere in between. The struggle is real!
Ha, I’m the same! I always say I’m writing around the clock. Now that you’re an author, I want to know… what did you think you’d be when you grew up?
A radio DJ, police officer, professional photographer (think National Geographic), or something as glamorous.
Oh, so you didn’t expect to be an author! When did your writing journey really begin, then?
I started my writing journey around my high school years, then eventually around 2015 or 2016, I decided to get real and try to be a published author.
And here you are! I love a good success story. I just have two more questions for you, Tracy. Do you like your characters?
So far, yes. Unless they tend to wander off and do their own thing. Then it’s on!
Ha, fair! Last but not least, is there anything else you’d like to add?
Again, many many thanks for this wonderful opportunity! I would like to part with (looking at you, aspiring writer)…
Never give up. Never surrender. Tim Allen. Galaxy Quest.
Amazing! Thanks so much for joining me and sharing your story, Tracy.
James Tracy Wilson has even more in the works, so this is one author you’ll want to keep on your radar! For more on Zombie Bytes Book Two and other upcoming projects, be sure to connect with him on Instagram.
Want to learn more about other indie authors to know? Keep an eye on my Indie Author Spotlight Series for more.