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Interview with Michael P. Spradlin

Interview with Michael P. Spradlin, Author of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Zombies: A Book of Zombie Christmas Carols”

ZWN: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Zombies has an Introduction by Christopher Moore, how did that happen?
MS: Chris and I are friends and have known each other a long time. When I told him I had a goofy idea for a Christmas Carol book, and if I could get it published, would he consider writing an introduction. He said “‘kay.”

ZWN: On your website you state several books as being your influence, but this is a zombie Christmas carol book, what could possibly have influenced you to write this?
MS: This is somewhat of my loving homage to Mad Magazine. I read it religiously as a kid and they were famous for this style of parody.

ZWN: The Illustrations in this book are great, how did that come about?
MS: Jeff Weigel and I share the same agent. When we sold the book, we asked him to come on board as the illustrator. It was just kismet.

ZWN: “We Three Spleens” and “Good King Wenceslas Tastes Great”, where do you come up with this stuff? Is it just natural talent, or are you disturbed?
MS: I like to think I have disturbing natural talent.

ZWN: You were recently at an event in Irvine, California called the Men of Mystery Conference. That would insinuate that you’re a Mystery Writer, but how is that possible since you write kids books and zombie Christmas carols? Is there more to you than meets the eye?
MS: Well my kids books are mysteries or at least thrillers. My first novel SPY GODDESS: LIVE AND LET SHOP was nominated by MWA for an Edgar for Best Young Adult Mystery when it was first published so I guess that’s how I qualify. It’s a technicality.

ZWN: Do you have a favorite zombie movie or book?
MS: I tend to prefer the classics. I’m reasonably sure NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD was a documentary and not a ‘movie.’ I did see ZOMBIELAND and thought it was excellent. As for Zombie books STUPIDEST ANGEL by the aforementioned Christopher Moore (Zombies and Drunk People at Christmas!) and WORLD WAR Z are my favorites.

Time for the standard ZWN questions.
ZWN: Do you have a zombie survival plan and if so, what is it?
MS: Not really. I’m pretty much a pacifist. It would depend on the Zombies. Slow lumbering Zombies, I’ll probably be okay. Fast Zombies like I AM LEGEND or 28 DAYS LATER, I’m so over.

ZWN: In dealing with zombies, what would be your weapon of choice?
MS: Machete. No question. You never have to reload a machete.

ZWN: Who do you think is the best zombie hunter, alive or dead?
MS: Gotta go with Woody Harrelson and Bruce Campbell on that one.

ZWN: Brains, yummy or gross?
MS: Gross.

Thank you for your time Michael and we look forward to cracking open this classic book every year for Christmas.

Be sure to check out Michael’s website at: http://www.michaelspradlin.com/ where you can buy the book or look at his other notable works, such as The Youngest Templar, which also has it’s own website: http://www.theyoungesttemplar.com/

Tags: carols, Christmas, zombies