Bitten by Books
The last time I made an appearance on Bitten by Books, it was to promote my genre mashup, Amish Vampires in Space. I talked about how that book came to be, and a little about the rollercoaster my life became following the book’s release—everything from unexpected mentions by the Washington Post and The Tonight Show, to my publisher being sold and the new owner deciding he didn’t want my book as part of his catalog. (Despite the buzz…and the positive reviews.) I also mentioned that I was trying to figure out what to write next.Most people probably would’ve moved on to something different. Rollercoasters are fun, but you can’t really live on them. You’ll either get sick, or end up with an armful of pictures of you with your hair flying back and your mouth hanging open, looking scared. Not pretty.
I was a reader long before I was a writer, though, and as a reader, there were a handful of questions Amish Vampires in Space raised that I wanted answered. Many of those had to do with the origin and biology of the vampires, but I was also curious about the characters’ future. Most of the survivors were facing serious life changes. How did they end up?
Amish Zombies from Space is my attempt to address those questions. It starts five years after the events of the first book, and includes many of the same characters. I think it is lots of fun.
“But why zombies?” you ask.
My previous publisher thought that if there ever was a sequel to Amish Vampires in Space, zombies had to be a part of it. Our pop culture is so inundated with zombies right now—The Walking Dead, World War Z, iZombie, Warm Bodies—zombies are everywhere! So it would foolish not to tap into that somehow.
I don’t like to do anything just because it is popular, though. In fact, the unusualness of Amish Vampires in Space was what first attracted me to it. It was an interesting mental challenge. The only way I wanted to attempt zombies was if I could put my own unique spin on them, while somehow keeping it (them) contained within the universe of the first book.
Thankfully, I found a way to meet those requirements too. I’m happy with how it all turned out. Unique, insightful, and a little creepy.
Which way to the rollercoaster again?
Read a 5 star review of Amish Zombies from Space by clicking here.
Buy a print copy of Amish Zombies from Space from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of Amish Zombies from Space from Amazon by clicking here.
About Kerry Nietz
Author Bio:
Kerry Nietz is a refugee of the software industry. He spent more than a decade of his life flipping bits, first as one of the principal developers of the database product FoxPro for the now mythical Fox Software, and then as one of Bill Gates’s minions at Microsoft. He is a husband, a father, a technophile and a movie buff. Amish Zombies in Space is his sixth novel.
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Who are some of your favourite authors?
Hi Minna! Thanks for stopping in.
I have lots of favorite authors. Michael Crichton, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Jack McDevitt, Edgar Rice Burroughs. How about you?
Hey Kerry!
Welcome back to Bitten by Books. It’s great to have you here again.
My question for you today is: What fun plans do you have for this summer?
Great to be here again! The summer feels a little like a rollercoaster already. There have been lots of get togethers, birthday parties, and kid events. I have a writers conference coming in a few weeks, and a trip out west later. How about you?
I am working and staying cool as I can be in this tropical Seattle I moved back to. LOL So weird to have so much sun here. At least there’s not a lot of humidity here. hehehe. Just laying low for sure.
I can’t believe I’m saying this…but you can have some of our rain! Rained hard here again today!
To answer your questions on the Giveaway Widget….
1. How do you feel about rollercoasters? (Both the physical and emotional kind.)
I hate them both.
What about you Kerry? Are you a fan of either? hehehe
I used to love physical roller coasters, but as I’ve gotten older they’ve lost some of the fun value. Inner ear thing, a little genetic gift.
Ah well.
As for the emotional kind…yeah, not a fan.
Yeah I never really liked the feeling of my stomach dropping out of my body. LOL
Now I LOVE the scrambler and the rides that going around in circles. LOVE them. I haven’t been on a carnival / fair ride in at least 6 years or more. I want to go this fall!
Hello! Which writers have helped to influence you?
Hi Susan! Thanks for stopping by. Hmm…probably the same authors I mentioned to Minna above: Michael Crichton, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Jack McDevitt, Edgar Rice Burroughs. I’ve read a fair share of Stephen King too.
2. What is the last challenge you set for yourself? (Bonus points if it includes rollercoasters.)
To make healthier choices for myself both physically and mentally.
And avoid rollercoasters at all costs. bahhahaha
What about you Kerry? What’s your latest challenge? (besides keeping the grass mowed)
Latest challenge? Believe it or not, I’ve been writing a story for a MMU game called Takamo Universe. Very different than any writing I’d done before, since I’m writing within someone else’s established universe. So far, so good.
What does MMU stand for?
Whoops! I meant MMO — Massively Multiplayer Online game.
3. What’s the name of the last genre mashup story you read or watched?
I am currently reading book two in the Maurin Kincaide series by Rachel Rawlings. There are witches, vamps, shifters and more. It’s really a great urban fantasy series. I prefer mashups in my books because it allows for a lot of variety and action.
I occasionally watch Grimm but it’s been awhile. Not really a TV person. I did however watch a movie last night on Amazon Prime (for free) called Suburban Gothic starring Matthew Gray Gubler. It was pretty freaking funny. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it. http://amzn.to/1HB8jpp
What about you Kerry what’s the last genre mash up you have read or watched.
Aha, good question! Lately I’ve been watching the series called The Quest on Netflix. Reality show meets Fantasy story. It is pretty good. I like the challenges they give the contestants, like “Ratchet closed this tunnel before the dragon escapes.”
Oh I would probably really like that. Going to check it out. We actually have Netflix. LOL How many seasons are out on that series? Any other fav series ?
There’s just one season. My wife thinks it is sort of silly,because the contestants really play along (they’re clearly all fantasy fans) but I think it is fun. And the actors they have playing the other roles are pretty believable. And the challenges are real-like each team building a barricade for a door and the opposing team then trying to break it down with a battering ram. Fun.
If you could only give ONE piece of advice to newbie authors and writers, what advice do you think is the most important one to give?
A pro of being a writer? A Con of being a writer
Biggest piece of advice? Hang in there. It took me four years to get my first book (non-fiction) published, and another six years to get my first novel published. It rarely happens over night, so don’t expect it to.
One pro of being a writer? Interacting with readers and fans. I love talking about stories.
One con? Those times when you feel like you’re writing for yourself.
answer your questions on the Giveaway Widget
How do you feel about rollercoasters? (Both the physical and emotional kind.)
— No way, no how, not happening. Just the thought of being on one makes my stomach turn and queasy..
What is the last challenge you set for yourself? (Bonus points if it includes rollercoasters.)
—- Two challenges comes to mind. My youngest son wanted to try out this one ride at an amusement park hubby’s work sent employees and their family. You go up, then it drops you, and does this over and over. So I shored up my bravado and rode that ride with him. We sat side by side, holding hands. My husband said “Gabe, your mother won’t do that.” So I had to prove him wrong.
The other challenge… to fight my self-esteem issues and shyness. I can still be moderate backwards at time but reviewing for the place I do has helped me come a long ways.
What’s the name of the last genre mashup story you read or watched?
——Have no idea what that truly means…. to be honest.
Thank you for sharing your challenge stories, Raonaid. Congrats on proving him wrong.
I totally understand the shyness thing. It is a miracle I’m married.
Congrats on the new zombie book! If you could invite three of your favorite fictional heroes/heroines to dinner, who would they be and what would you discuss?
Thanks, Bonnie. That’s a fun question…but hard! Hmm…it might be interesting to have Tony Stark, Katniss Everdeen and Rocky Balboa over to discuss their favorite books.
How would you answer that question?
Author questions
Since I am not a fan of high speed, I have never liked rollercoasters.
The last challenge I set for myself was to increase my exercise routine by walking at least 5 days a week.
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer
What is your favorite part of being a Author?
Probably two things: Finishing the first draft, and interacting with other readers like this.
Are you going to continue down the Amish & various undead creature path or are you heading into other territory on your next book?
I’m tempted to revisit some of my other worlds for awhile, Angela. In fact, I got a chance to do that in short story form recently as part of a fantasy versus sci-fi issue of Havok magazine. (Due out tomorrow!)
I’m open to another book with Jebediah and the gang, though. We’ll see what the people want.
1. Rollercoasters of any kind scare the ever loving shite out of me. But, I also enjoy them on occasion because it’s fun to just lose control and let the path take you where it may.
2. I set challenges for myself daily but some are small and others are large. Some days my challenge is to get out of bed and not be depressed and take my depression and bad mood out on others. It could be to get out of bed and ignore the constant pain I am in. It could also be to laugh at myself more or to help strangers more. It varies.
3. The last genre mash-up story I read was probably TrollHunters by Guillermo del Toro. It’s YA fantasy and Horror. It’s pretty awesome.
What do you for fun?
I’m pretty low-key these days: movies, video games, and playing with the kids. (Ages 10, 8 and 5) How about you?
Well, reading. And spoiling my kid. Actually I’m not sure if that’s for fun or because I can’t stop doing it.
Yeah, I know how that is. Gotta spoil ‘em while you can.
I’m intrigued enough by the review to buy the book, even though I hate zombies. lol
What book are you reading now?
You know, I’m not a huge zombie fan either. I like to give monsters a sci-fi twist, though. Hope you enjoy it!
Lately I’ve been reading this fun alien conspiracy tale entitled “Facade”. How about you?
Rollercoasters- The short, weird answer is that I love rollercoasters…but I get carsick. Specifically, I won’t go on ones that spin or go backwards.
Of the emotional variety, I really only enjoy them when they are happening because of fictional people.
Love those answers, Bethany. Thanks for stopping by!
What was the most surprising bit of info you have ever come across when doing any research?
I’ve had a number of instances where the science turned out to be what I needed when I needed it. Sort of a “Whoa..I could be stuck here…oh wait, no I’m not! This rocks!” moment. But if I get into too much detail, I’ll give plot points away! Sorry!
My partner is going away for the weekend with one of his sons to visit the other son. I love having alone weekends when I can do what I want without having to worry about anyone else. What is your ideal weekend?
Hmm…you know I’m pretty similar to you in that regard. And I’m in that place right now too! Just dropped the family off at the airport. Eventually, I’ll get a little lonely, I’m sure. But for now, it is…hey, what weird sci-fi or scary movie can I watch that no one else in the family would watch with me?
I’ve got some programs I recorded to catch up with and getting a new dog tomorrow so hope to settle him in
Sounds like a good weekend. Take care!
Do you have a favorite zombie movie?
LOL. Believe it or not, I think it is Warm Bodies. There are some unique zombie explanations in that movie (Why do they like brains?) plus it is an oddball rom com in a way. (And it isn’t too gory.)
not really a fan
can’t remember
can’t remember
Sooooooo… Are we looking at a trilogy here?!
Can’t rule out anything at this point, Nathan. Most of my questions got answered in Amish Zombies…but there are always more questions.
Will there be Amish Faeries or Werewolves From Space?
I need a monster that intrigues me. Something that would make me think “oh yeah, this is it”. I’m still thinking.
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
I like all of them, really. But I remember one that really intrigued me as a kid: The Phantom of the Muppet Show!
I have a low tolerance for rollercoasters of any kind!
I have to make multiple quarts of raspberry sorbet tonight for a party this weekend. Halfway through, I’m regretting it already!
An ARC of THE PICKLE INDEX by Eli Horowitz (humorous dystopian)
hi Kerry,
Im ok for regular rollarcoasters, some not so much, the ones that go extremely high ad too many turns, lol
even tho I am afraid of heights, I wen on the Batman rollarcoaster and had to close my eyes lol
is there a rollarcoaster you would travel in the world to go on?
You know, I live in Ohio, and we have tons of roller coasters here. Both Cedar Point and Kings Island are within driving distance. So yeah, I’m sort of spoiled that way. I have been on coasters all over, though.
I am in Milwaukee, so Six Flags we to go
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
I’m a storyteller at heart, so finishing that first draft (and then holding the final book in my hands) are favorites. I also enjoy interacting with other readers and writers. Fun stuff.
Hi Kerry and Congratulations! Do you have a “day job”? I was recently in Ohio and saw Cedar Point from a distance.
Answers to your questions:
1. I don’t like rollercoasters, physical or emotional.
2. Exercise consistently.
3. I’m not familiar with that genre.
Thanks, Betty! Writing is what I do, yes. I do have three young children and a house in a woods to maintain too. I’m never bored.
Thank you, Kerry! I’m glad that you’re able to write full time since you are so successful at it, so much better than trying to fit it in! With three children, I know you’re busy and never bored! And then with a house, there’s always something~a repair, a change…
Yes, and here lately I’ve been fighting BATS of all things.
Wow! Have they managed to get into your house? I remember several years ago, I had just gotten home from work and I was changing clothes when I saw the swoop of a bat! I forgot about changing, quickly closed the bedroom door and trapped it behind a bookcase and then got rid of it! That was a one time experience, thankfully.
They have a few times. Climbed down the chimney into the fireplace and out. Not the kind of surprise you want.
Not like Santa Claus.
If you could spend the day with any literary character, who would it, and why? What would you ask them?
Wow, great question! So many possibilities. My first instinct is to say one of the characters from the adventure stories I read when I was younger. Who wouldn’t want to take a trip to Oz with Dorothy, or to Narnia with Lucy, or go stomping around Middle Earth with Bilbo? Or maybe explore Mars with John Carter. That will take longer than a day, though.
Thanks for stopping by, Becky!
Is there a genre you have not written in yet, but would like to give a try sometime?
Hmm…maybe a straight up mystery (though nearly all stories have an element of mystery…otherwise we wouldn’t read them). A historical fiction might be fun too. Thanks for stopping by, Fox!
What kind of music goes well with books like Amish Zombies from Space?
I had a friend suggest Hozier’s “Take Me To Church” as a background song for if I ever had a trailer made. Tone-wise, he thought it fit.
Answers to Author’s Questions:
1. How do you feel about rollercoasters? (Both the physical and emotional kind.)
I love physical rollercoasters, and I don’t mind emotional ones in books….as long as everything levels out and there is a happy resolution at the end of the book.
2. What is the last challenge you set for yourself? (Bonus points if it includes roller coasters.)
Return to college, and make it on the Dean’s list….which I was able to accomplish. Now I just have continue to work on staying at that level.
3. What’s the name of the last genre mashup story you read or watched?
I don’t really read genre mashups very often, unless they come highly recommended by someone I know, or it catches my eye. It’s been a while since I read one.
Hmm…maybe a straight up mystery (though nearly all stories have an element of mystery…otherwise we wouldn’t read them). A historical fiction might be fun too.
Howdy Hoe Kerry from HUMIDITY HADES called Virginia. I loved rollercoasters when I was a kid, but when I become disabled with Meniere’s Disease, I had to.say goodbye to.HEIGHTS for life. My most challenging goal was from wheelchair to walker when my disease was at worse. I really don’t know what a bok or TV mashup s, but I just reread Shadowed By Sin by Layna Pimentel. It was a gothic historical romance with the UNEXPECTED.
Howdy to you, Patty! Thanks for stopping by. That book sounds interesting…
answers for author’s questions
1) Roller coasters- I love the physical kind, I actually have a date with one in 2 weeks. The emotional kind, I can handle as long as it is in the fictional world. It’s the real life ones I’d rather avoid.
2) my last challenge was to finish my MS- my current is to get the damn thing edited!
3) I know I’ve read plenty of genre mash-ups but for the life of me, I can’t think of a single one… I actually love finding books, movies, and even music that combines different elements into one cohesive work.
Thanks for sharing, Amanda. Good stuff.
From any of your books, what has been one of your favorite scenes, or types of scenes, to write?
The twists are always the most fun. Those places where it takes a turn that the reader won’t expect. And sometimes I’m surprised too.
How do you feel about rollercoasters? (Both the physical and emotional kind.)
No way, no how, not happening.
What is the last challenge you set for yourself? (Bonus points if it includes rollercoasters.)
Hiking in the Everest region.
What’s the name of the last genre mashup story you read or watched?
IDK
Are there any other genres you would have an interest in writing?
Possibly historical fiction or mystery. What are you favorites?
Paranormal, shape-shifter, sci-fi, romance, erotica, menage and more, suspense, time travel, historical……
What things inspire you to write books?
Typically I’ll just get a story idea, or maybe the image of a particular scene in my head and start writing. Next thing you know, it is a book.
Name your top 3 favorite things (other than writing) to do and why
Movies, video games and hanging with the family. At some level “story” plays a part in all three too.
wheres your favorite place to write?
I have this media room that is the quietest place in the house. Usually that’s where I write, reclining in a cushy chair. Sometimes when the weather is nice, though, I’ll take it outside. (The writing, not the chair.) We live in a woods, so it is pretty soothing out there.
who is your favorite author?
Hi, Thomas. I have lots of favorite authors. Michael Crichton, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Jack McDevitt, Edgar Rice Burroughs. How about you?
Hey everybody! If you want a sneak peak at Amish Zombies you can get the first segment from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/1HzxbA3 for ONLY .99 cents! pretty sweet deal.
What is the title of the most expensive book that you own?
Ooh…good question. I have a handful of leatherbound classic books and sci-fi classics that I bought a fw years back. Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is one of those, as is Orwell’s Animal Farm.
What movie is your favorite that was based on a book?
Another great question. “Hunger Games” has to be right up there since they did such a good job following the book itself. “John Carter” is on the list too. That series of books were some of my best friends growing up.
Do you do anything else while writing, listen to music etc?
I don’t listen to music while I write, but I sometimes listen to it while I edit. The LOTR soundtrack got me through a particularly nasty editing session a few books back…
Do you have any writing or reading rituals?
The only ritualistic thing I do is try to write at the same time every weekday. Keeping the habit helps the process. How about you?
I don’t really have a ritual with reading besides making myself a cup of cocoa or tea to sit down in a comfy spot to read…but really i can read anywhere
1, How do you feel about rollercoasters?
I love physical rollercoaster but i’m not so sure about emotional ones.
2. What is the last challenge you set for yourself?
Start getting into shape was my last challenge and i’m doing pretty well :).
3. What’s the name of the last genre mashup story you read or watched?
Cowboys vs Aliens with the very obvious title lol sci fi and western and Shaun of the Dead with romantic comedy and horror
please share 3 unique things about yourself
I’ve seen every planet, including Pluto, through a telescope.
I have a motorcycle license and a scuba license.
My last book was “featured’ on the Tonight Show.
no way to rollercoasters
to make healthier and wiser choices for my well being — especially the decision to avoid roller coasters at all costs
LOL. Funny!
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer
If you could have three folks to dinner living, dead, real, or imaginary who would they be and why?
1. not to fond of any roller coasters either real or emotional
2. to lose some weight and I’m down 18.6 lbs in less that 2 months. hopefully i’ll do more.
3. can remember