Zombies, Motherhood, and a Plain Old Good Time

Last updated on: August 22, 2014 at 3:49 pm by Rebecca Frech

Zombies, Motherhood, and a Plain Old Good Time 2014-08-22T15:49:25-05:00 Rebecca Frech

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Last month, the unthinkable happened. I realized that I had read every book in the house (and we have a lot of books, y’all) at least twice and that I had no desire to make a third round through the bookshelves. I was looking for something a little bit different from my usual fare, and lucked into being asked to read Karina Fabian’s new book. Who is Karina? Catholic, military wife, devoted mom, prodigious author. (I seriously envy her work-ethic.)

What does a Catholic military wife write about? Zombies of course.

I will admit to not being a zombie fan. I’m squeamish about gore and close my eyes when movies are bloody, but I loved this book. It’s a great mix of horror, humor, and reality TV that makes it the most fun book I’ve read in a long while. I found myself laughing and snorting as people were eaten and zombies vanquished. I’m pretty sure that means I’m going to Hell, but at least I got to read it first.

Tomorrow is Halloween. Two days later is the Day of the Dead. What better way to celebrate that than by reading Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator? I can’t think of a single one.

Want more info on Karina? Click here

Watch the book trailer? Click here

Read enough and want to order it already? Click here

Wonder what having a horror writing mom does to the kids? How warped and twisted are they? Here’s what their mom says:

What my writing has done to my kids

By Karina Fabian

When my husband and I first met, I told him about winning a convention contest with a funny poem I wrote about Klingon eating habits.

“On Klingon Manners?” he exclaimed. “I love that poem! I looked all over for you at that convention. I still have a copy.”

Obviously, we were meant to be.

Twenty years and four kids later, our geekdom and my writing is still a huge part of our lives…and it’s definitely affected the children. Not only have they learned a lot about words and story progression and editing from my example, but they have also developed an unusual humor and appreciation for the bizarre thanks to the odd stuff I write.

I share my work with my family. When I’m mulling over a plot, I talk about it to them. They see the pages of red ink when I’m in the editing phase, and those that want bedtime stories (which includes my twelfth-grade son) will gather in the living room and listen when I do my read-aloud edit. They’re great help, too. As I read one scene where henchmen were added and removed from a room, Alex realized I had miscounted my minions.

Rob is my idea man, and always my first source when I have a technical question or need to bounce ideas. However, the kids are also great sources. I decided to write a short story based on Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator about taking out a zombie using nothing but janitorial supplies. I called on my youngest, who was only too glad to give me some deliciously gruesome ideas for what happens when you attack a zombie with window cleaner, a plunger and a mop. (He gets the tactical mind from Rob.)

Another fun thing about being a writer mom is that the kids take you books to school with them, although I have to draw the line at them doing book reports on them. (“I read that to you in draft!”) Last year, Liam’s teacher wanted me to come talk to his class about adding detail. Remembering the fun he had adding details to the janitor’s battle, I came in ready to have the kids plan out the details of a zombie fight in a grocery store.

The class (five boys) loved it. The teacher took it in good humor. I took their notes and wrote it up as a story for them as well. It was a lot of fun.

I’ve also enjoyed sharing my career with my daughter, who is working at being a concept artist. Since I’m in an artistic field, I’ve been able to get her some contacts for work and experience. She’s also had to learn how to present herself with grace and confidence.

My writing has always brought me joy, and I’m thrilled that it’s also brought my children hours of entertainment and teachable moments that they’ve taken with them beyond story time.

It doesn’t matter what you do, however; share your career with your children. Share the highs as well as the lows, so that they learn that while you can love your work, you must also work at what you love.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

October 29, 2011

..and then you wish the ground would open up and swallow you

Next Post

November 1, 2011 Because I've Completely Lost My Mind

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

You are robbing me in tithes and offerings. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and test me in this. What will I do?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Forgive you Open the floodgates of heaven Care for the poor Return it tenfold