1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your work?
My name is Rob Shepherd. I have been writing seriously for the last 10 years or so, firstly in a self publishing capacity then latterly under publishers Stanhopebooks. So far I have four books available: Life With Boris Karloff!, Sofiah, Stripped Unconsciousness and my latest book The Grays Anatomy. I don't have a cemented genre that I write in, the genre is dictated by whatever direction each story/book takes as I write it. The characters themselves and circumstances drive the direction and thus the genre more than I do. I tend to be the ringmaster sitting on the roller-coaster going along for the ride until the characters need help onto the next one. However my heart is probably more rooted into dark fiction/fantasy and horror. I grew up with books by Clive Barker, Stephen King as well as classic authors such as Dickens, Poe, H.G. Wells and Joules Vergne. As well as watching films and tv based on their works along with old favourites such as Hammer Horror. These have been the biggest influences on my writing than anything or anybody else.
2. Can you tell me about your story in Unleash the Undead?
My story: Don't Cry, is essentially a love story. Albeit in the most inappropriate environment. It is about what we as people are or would be prepared to go through, what we would do, how far we would go, what lengths we would go to, for the the ones we love. Even if those things involve the most unimaginable, heinous, terrible and unbearable choices and options. Don't Cry revolves around a young couple by the name of Jacob and Sandy Merhedoch who find themselves in an apocalyptic environment and yet are defiant in their determination to be loyal and true to the vows they made on their wedding day, no matter what. Even in the face of the impossible that now greets them in the shape of this new terrible age of the undead. I would like to say more but that would give it away.
3. How do you think you would fare in the zombie apocalypse?
I think I would fair OK in a zombie apocalypse. We tend to have plenty of water in the fridge etc and lots of long life supplies at any given time. I also know where to get zombie destroying weapons from and how to make some up if it came to it. After my training watching many a zombie film from George A. Romero's Night of The Living Dead, through to The Walking Dead and everything in between, I think I would be able to have it covered, in the immediate future any way. As for the long term, well, who knows. But we do have the grumpiest and thus deadliest cat in the world. Given their apparent effect on the ancient Egyptians and The Mummies, after all, they are Gods and Guardians of the Gates of Hell according to ancient mythology. It would be worth a shot. Jinx is terrifying after all. just ask our dog Ethel. But ultimately there is only one way we will find out if we would be any good, right?
4. What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on some more short stories for anthologies, such as one for one of Kevin Hall's new anthologies and as well, of course, one for your own lovely self. I am also about to start work in the new year, on a script for a feature film from my good friend, director Gary Spate at Invicta Films. However that is as much as I can say right now, on pain of zombie death and all that. And finally I am working on new works to go in a future book of short stories but my most pressing concern is continuing work on my debut Novel, tentatively given the working title "Albatross", which I hope to have a first draft manuscript complete within the next 12 months or so. All being well, hopefully a bit earlier if I get a good run with it. I am also open to book & blog tours etc and any signings if people want. Just contact me on any of the above if interested.
5. Where can people find out more about you?
People can find me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRobShepherd
: Twitter: @rob_shepherd
: Web: www.robshepherdwriter.co.uk (although I am still trying to update the website as and when I can)
You can also find me on :Google+ :via my publisher at www.stanhopebooks.com
and also by email at: robshepherd@blueyonder.co.uk
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