My first guest today is the lovely Vanessa Barneveld who goes under the stylish disguise of Authorness. In fact, you will soon learn that everything about Vanessa is stylish and while I like her a lot, it's not a good thing to stand next to her since not only is she petite and gorgeous she dresses exactly like Audrey Hepburn and despite what she says below about looking like a zombie, I can assure you that it's just not possible!
Anyway, Vanessa is a fellow Australian and though we didn't know each back in the day, we actually both grew up in Brisbane ( but fear not - we both escaped!). She is also a fabulous young adult author who has a great agent and a slew of competition wins tucked (stylishly) into her belt and I just KNOW that it won't be long before she sells her first book and then we'll all be racing over to join her blog party!!!!
Another fact about Vanessa is that her critique partner is the too cool for school Stephanie Keuhnert (who is also my next guest. See what I did there? Clever, eh!)
Anyway, enough from me and over to Vanessa!
Sympathy for the Zombie
Matted hair, crusty skin, rank breath, impaired social skills—gosh, I could be describing myself when I get up in the morning. But, no, I’m talking about zombies. When you think about it, they don’t have an easy time of things. For one, they’re mostly dead. Re-animated corpses. Yet they walk, they talk, they...attack.
Why would anyone want to become a zombie if all one has to look forward is incurably bad personal hygiene? Well, in Amanda’s ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH, the kids don’t exactly aspire to zombie-ism. They’re infected by a virus. It isn’t their fault. And I kind of feel bad for them, even if they are conspiring to put heroine Mia at the top of their healthy-eating pyramid.
Imagine the psychological damage zombies must suffer when hysterical humans insist on running away from them. A typical zombie is stiff-gaited and roams around with arms held straight out in front, mumbling about brains. Has anyone stopped to think they just might want a hug or an intellectually stimulating conversation?
Like people, zombies aren’t all good or all bad. They do have redeeming qualities. Don’t believe me? If it weren’t for the existence of zombies—at least in our imaginations—we wouldn’t have classic horror movies such as Night of the Comet. In this ’80s masterpiece, two Valley Girls shop till their teased hairstyles drop after a comet lands in Los Angeles and turns everyone else into zombies. My film connoisseur friend Robby has seen this flick 1,756 times (or thereabouts), so it must be pretty good. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Amanda’s zombies on the big screen one day.
Night of the Comet
Thank you to my fellow Australian, the wonderful Amanda Ashby, for inviting me to her monster blog bash. (Congrats, Amanda!!!) We finally met in person last year in San Francisco and I daresay my severely jetlagged countenance reminded her of zombies. I hope you all rush out and buy ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH
But first, please post an answer to this: Who do you suspect is a zombie and why? You can give the suspect an alias if you’re afraid they’ll come after you. Remember, in my opinion, being a zombie isn’t necessarily a bad thing. One lucky random commenter will receive a luscious packet of Tim Tam chocolate biscuits (cookies, if you will), all the way from the Southern Hemisphere. This stuff is guaranteed to re-animate you when you’re feeling half-dead.
Woot. First up let me explain to you that it takes a Very Strong person to part with their Tim Tams so Vanessa's gift is extremely generous and in fact, I think even the most hardened zombie would have a tough time choosing between brains and Tim Tams because they are so filled with chunky goodness (and chocolate. Lots of and lots of chocolate). I can't wait to hear all your answers and secret zombie identities (between you and me I'm starting to suspect Madonna might be a zombie. Or is that just botox? It's getting harder to tell.)
Also, don't forget there is still time to scroll down and leave comments for Tera, Liza and Pat!
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63 comments:
Night of the Comet... I forgot all about that movie until I saw the hair in that poster... oh my goodness what were we thinking in the eighties? The more product the better. I think zombies with a little bit of help could do really well, just look at Shaun of the Dead, Nick Frost's character ends up chained in a shed playing Playstation to his hearts content.
After reading Johnathon Golden's "Soulless" I'm a bit worried though. His zombies aren't brainless or slow, in fact they scared the wits out of me. They adapted as humans are wont to do sometimes. Scary scary. It's a must read.
Amanda can't wait until your books released.
OK, our very own Amanda seems to know a heck of a lot about zombies.
There's a saying: 'Takes one to know one' so...
*evil chuckle*
Pat
Natalie, the heroine's final outfit in the 'Night of the Comet' looks worse than the zombies themselves. I'll have to track down 'Soulless' - sounds like an armchair adrenaline rush.
~ Vanessa
Pat, you might be on to something there! But Amanda would have to be the most cheerful zombie I've ever met - if indeed she is one of them.
~ Vanessa
My boyfriend looked a bit like a zombie yesterday, i do hope he didn't infect me too.
And yes Amanda do seem to know a whole lot of zombies
Hi, Blodeuedd. I hope you haven't been infected, 'cause then you might start craving eyeballs instead of Tim Tams. If worse comes to worse, I believe Amanda has a supply of eyeballs in her freezer.
~ Vanessa
Vanessa, only such a sweetheart as you could feel sorry for zombies! What a fun blog! And I totally agree with Amanda that even in the most jetlagged state, you could never even remotely resemble a zombie!
Well, though I certainly don't need MORE calories after all that chocolate mug cake, I will venture a stab at answering your question. I think a lot of cover models could probably qualify in the role of zombie, don't you? Many of them have that sort of dead fish look in their eyes...a bit like me right now. Nighty-night!
Ummm......Michael Jackson.....Thriller.......nuff said! LOL
Deidre
Marilyn Manson looks like a zombie to me. LOL
I think that one of my parents might be a zombie. Being part zombie might explain my obsession with them.
I'm pretty sure Tom Cruise is a zombie. That's the only possible explanation for his Oprah antics. No normal living person would jump on Oprah's couch. I'm just saying, keep your eyes on the man.
I can't believe you mentioned Night of the Comet. My sister and I grew up watching that movie and I cheered, yes cheered, the day it was released on DVD. Great post. Thanks!
I didn't realize you were from Australia!
I think a former cat of mine was a zombie. After I got head surgery, she started chewing on my wound, trying to get to my brains. Gross I know. Sorry if I made you spew your Tim Tams.
David Arquette, def a zombie! but in a good way?!?
Hi darling CP! Loved your post and OMG haven't seen Night of the Comet. I'm rushing off to find it on Netflix!
As for who might be a zombie... I'm gonna go with Dick Cheney. He's obviously a reanimated corpse of some sort. Though evil. Obviously very evil.
Am I the only one who hasn't even heard of Night of the Comet?! I thought I watched all the horror flicks back in the 80s!!! I obviously had a stronger stomach then.
trying to think who reminds me of a zombie but it's almost one in the morning here and the brain is fried! Oops, shouldn't have said that... do zombies like fried brains...
Who is a zombie? Hm, I have to agree with a couple of other posts! Marilyn Manson and Michael Jackson are zombies all the way.
Who do I suspect is a zombie? Unfortunately I don't know very much about zombies yet, still stuck in a rather limited mindset about them being scary and creepy. So I guess I could say that I'M a zombie whenever I come back from Taiwan; the 12-hour time difference really takes a toll on my mental and physical functions!
Tim Tams!
Possible zombie: Joan Rivers
She looks capable of cannibalism.
Thank goodness you both got out of Brisbane. It's the zombie capital of the world!! ;)
As for who I think is a zombie...the former President Bush...yeah, I think that's self- explanatory. But hopefully he doesn't come after me now.
Hey, Miss Vanessa! Hey, Miss Amanda! What a clash of the Titans you two are! Now, that's a MOVIE!!! Forget your silly comet stuff, lol! Amanda, Miss Vanessa is irrevocably stylish, isn't she? Laughed at her describing what she's like when she gets up - I bet she's even stylish with bedhead!
Amanda, congratulations on the latest release. It sounds like you've got another hit on your hand. And I have to tell you, you have the BEST titles!
My favorite zombie movie is actually a 1940s retelling of Jane Eyre set in the Caribbean. It's actually incredibly romantic, if rather scary. It's I Walked With a Zombie.
Michael Jackson is the usual suspect, poor guy.
Love the cover of that DVD... Valley girls and zombies lined up for a perfect photo-op. Say cheese and carry on with the carnage.
Why have I never heard of Night of the Comet before? I am going to hunt it down especially since that other 80s movie Valley Girl is one of my fav movies ever (young Nicholas Cage, what's there not to like?).
Also, I'd like to assure you all that I'm definitely not a zombie. Well, not yet, anyway...
And nightdweller - hahaha - from now on I will only ever call Brisbane The Zombie Capital of the World. I love it!!!! Of course the fact I'm going back for a holiday in July is a small problem!
Christine, you're the sweetheart. Thanks for popping by so late last night. This chocolate mud cake of yours sounds very intriguing - why isn't it on the healthy food pyramid?
As for those cover models, zombie chic is the new alien chic.
~ Vanessa
ddurance, how silly of me to forget Michael Jackson - the first proven celebrity zombie! I'm not so sure he was acting in that 'Thriller' video clip.
~ Vanessa
CrystalGB, Marilyn Manson probably is a zombie. Just how does he land so many good-looking girlfriends?
~ Vanessa
Sharonanne, what an adorable kitty you have there in your pic. There's no danger of it turning into a zombie kitty, is there?
Being part-zombie might not be such a bad thing. I reckon you could write a bestseller based on your heritage.
~ Vanessa
Hi, Carrie. NotC is a great movie. It's got everything - drama, mystery, snappy one-liners, romance...and horror. Love it.
And, yes, I'm going to steer clear of Tom Cruise. It'll be difficult 'cause he's, like, obsessed with moi, but I'll manage.
~ Vanessa
Ew, gross, Lenore! It sounds like your cat has issues...I mean, issues. Hope you've recovered from the surgery.
Ja, komme ich aus Australien. Sind Sie?
~ Vanessa
Erika Lynn, I think David Arquette is a cute zombie.
~ Vanessa
I have to agree with Micheal jackson being a zombie. Got to change your face everytime a piece deteriorates.
Hugs,Danette
Stephanie! This is a great party, huh? You must get NotC. Don't zombie-walk - run!
Yeah, Dick Cheney is one evil zombie I wouldn't want to run into. Trying to think of what his redeeming qualities might be...
Keep the comments coming, everyone!
~ Vanessa
HI, Vanessa, I feel a bit out of it, really, not ever giving much thought to Zombies and the first Zombie movie I saw was this year couretsy of my 14 year-old son and I ran screaming from the room. Yes, I'm pathetic which is why I live in a fantasy world of flowers and clouds and happy ever afters;-)
But I could probably read about Zombies no problems, just don't make me look at them on the big screen, please.....
Hi Amanda and Vanessa
I confess to being pretty much a zombie-novice - I've only seen one and that was Shaun of the Dead. And even though that was a comedy, I have to confess it gave me the shivers! Maybe a serious zombie movie would have my hair standing on end - which would save on mousse, wouldn't it!
Anyway, reading your fun blog and having a dabble on Google has been an education! I'm sure you know this already but there is a HUGE list of Zombie movies on Wikipaedia!
Good luck with your book, Amanda! It sounds intriguing and the cover is fabulous!
:)
Sharon
I kind of think my biology teacher is a zombie because he only ever has one expression, even when he is supposedly mad at us and lecturing us. I have never seen him smile and his eye always look "dead" to me.
Please enter me!
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Christina, if I were a zombie, I'd like fried brains, so be very careful!
Hi, Diana! Yeah, MJ and MM are high on my list of suspected zombies, too.
Steph Su, long-haul flights are where you'll find a lot of zombies. Do you think it has something to do with the 'food' served on airlines?
LOL, Liviania! Scary thought on Joan Rivers, who's already dangerously acerbic.
Nightdweller 20, are you also an escapee from Brisbane? ;) I wouldn't be too concerned about a zombie-fied George W hunting you down. His track record on that kind of thing isn't great...
~ Vanessa
Lovely Anna Campbell, thanks so much for coming to the zombie lair. And you're a woman after my own heart - I love old movies. Who would've thought one could mix the Brontes with zombies? Is Mr Rochester the undead hero in 'I Walked With a Zombie'?
~ Vanessa
Paula, I loved your take on the NofC cover! The heroine's quite no-nonsense chick, though I like the way she takes advantage of empty shopping malls.
Amanda, I know you'll love this movie. Please take care when you go back to Brisbane in July - I'd hate for you to return sans brains, or worse, zombie-fied. Thanks for inviting me to the party!
~ V
Danette, poor MJ. Perhaps he should just embrace is inner zombie.
Fiona, you're a dear for coming along, even though your previous experience with zombies has ended in screams of horror. Keep your wonderful HEA stories coming, Fiona, 'cause I love reading 'em.
Sharon Archer (waving to you madly!), you picked a terrific zombie movie. It didn't take itself too seriously and I loved the way the slacker guy came good.
Amber, consider yourself entered! Thanks for commenting. I'd be skipping classes if my biology teacher was a suspected zombie. Has he made you dissect a brain yet?
~ Vanessa
Amanda- I'm glad I gave you a good moniker for Brisbane! I thought that would be a good place for Zombie Headquarters, being as you're from there :P
Vanessa- Sadly I've never been to Brisbane, or even the whole continent of Australia. I was poking a little fun at you and Amanda ;) Hopefully you won't chase me and eat my brains in true zombie style. I would like to go Australia one day, but I might have to skip out on Brisbane...all those zombies concentrated in one place...give me the creeps. Lol.
Vanessa- You are right about Bush's track record. Not very good. :D
And I agree about Joan Rivers. I can definitely see her being a zombie. Or Hugh Heffner. I would say Nancy Grace, but if she were anything other than human, she'd be an evil demon, complete with red skin, little horns and a pitchfork.
I didn't do a very good job of following up on comments, because I forgot to say something else. ^_^
Amanda- make sure to take a few Zombie Survival Kits with you when you visit Brisbane in July. I'm thinking you might need them.
I'm starting to think a person I'm related to might be a sort of one...not so much with the brain eating (that I know of), just with the 'arrghh, I'll do this and only this and it makes no sense' ;) (Bad explanation I know but I'm staying vague)... :)
Oh, Nightdweller20, Nancy Grace scares the living daylights out of me! If you do ever plan to visit Brisbane, don't go in summertime - that's when the searing heat and humidity turns everyone into zombies. Very dangerous.
Book Spot, I would definitely keep a close eye on your zombie suspect. Brains are an acquired taste.
Vanessa,
Sorry to be late coming to the party. Am fascinated at the idea of zombies just wanting a hug. Really? I remain to be convinced.
Ooh, I remember the old Caribbean zombie movies. They seemed so creepy when I was a kid but I have to say I haven't seen many since. Laughed my way through 'Shaun of the Dead' recently though.
Hm, yes, there is a particular ex-politician I think could be on the zombie list but I won't name names in case I'm right and he comes after me!
Annie
Hi, Annie! Thanks for stopping by. I'm savouring the last few chapters of your 'Billionaire's Bought Mistress' - I just don't want it to end!
Well, the zombies may want a hug...and then devour your brains.
Politicians are classic candidates for zombies. It explains a whole lot!
Ooooh! Tim Tams! I've always wanted to try those! I've seen too many Youtube videos of "Tim Tam Slams" haha. If you ask me, I think I look like a zombie, especially in the morning, when I'm all cranky and tired and blegh. Not to mention the reek of morning breath.
Gorgeous Michelle, I find it very hard to believe you could wake up looking like a zombie!
You mentioned the celebrated Tim Tam Slam. For those of you who don't know, this is the practice whereby one takes a hot beverage and sucks it up using a Tim Tam as a straw. There's a real art to it and I don't advise doing this at work in front of your boss. Unless of course they do the slam first.
My friends suspect I am a zombie in the morning. Half zombie, perhaps? It seems to wear off by noonish.
Those cookies sound delicious! I loooove chocolate!
COOKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, Dahlia! It's always a bonus when you can shed the zombie image by noon.
Nightdweller20, you've got cookies on the braaaaiiiiinnnnn!
~ Vanessa
Hmm... I once saw this very odd looking girl with very strange, light, beady eyes. And she never smiled. So she would be on my list of suspected zombies.
Speaking of food pyramids... http://zombiepics.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/zombie-food-pyramid.jpg
I'm pretty sure my friend Tesa is a zombie. Everytime she sees me, she puts out her arms in that weird zombie way. This usually puts me in a bear hug, so I guess she'd be a good zombie, in the eyes of Vanessa.
Hmmm, I think that my little brother is a zombie. At least in the mornings. Well, I don't know if that's true or not, I am not a morning person. My dad is the one that takes him to school and says that he really is. He hardly talks, mumbles is more like it; is sluggish and not quite all there before getting to school.
I just might have to wake up early one morning to check out the zombie possibility in my own home...
~Meredith
Killing myself laughing over that zombie food pyramid, Paradox! Thanks!
TruBlu93, you've just proved my theory that some zombies just want some love.
~ Vanessa
Careful, Meredith. Arm yourself with one of Amanda's survival kits before trying to establish whether or not your little brother's a zombie. ;)
~ Vanessa
I've certainly got cookies on the brain. Perhaps more than cookies. Maybe brains are on the agenda too. Instead of cookies & milk, let's go for cookies & brain juice. The zombies gave me a special brain juice recipe. I break it out every once in awhile. Good for parties.
Girls Brissie is cool, don't stress out, the real zombies are all in Sydney, Melbourne's zombies are high on caffiene so they leave flesh alone.
I think my little sister is a zombie... but I think that is usual.
Nightdweller20, suddenly I don't feel so hungry anymore... ;)
Nat, now I'm worried - I'm about to go out on the streets of Sydney!
Sarahbear9789, I'm starting to see a disturbing pattern with younger siblings! Thanks for commenting.
~ Vanessa
Yeah, the incident I'm talking about was 10 years ago, so I am fine now. And zombie cat has since gone to zombie cat heaven!
Hmm... Amanda seems to know an awful lot about zombies... if you catch my drift ;)
I think my sister might be a zombie. Everyday she wakes up at 5:30, go to school, come back, do homework, then go to sleep at 1. On weekends, she wakes up at 10, and then go to sleep at 12. Sometimes, she doesn't even speak a word to me or my family...
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