The Authors Speak: Scott G. Browne

Any connoisseur of zombie memorabilia probably noticed a little-book-that-could entitled “Breathers: A Zombie’s Lament” on the bookshelves. At that time, the zombie genre was under the tyrannical rule of (the retched) “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” – an excellent concept piece that, in my opinion, failed to deliver. “World War Z” was a big hit a few years prior. And since Max Brooks, it seemed that zombies were a dime a dozen. For every one good book there were thousands of bad ones. So, how did “Breathers” succeed?


I’m afraid I don’t have the answer to that. Even when I picked it up, I figured it would be a throwaway novel – same ol’ same ol’, recycled zombie fiction. But, boy, how I was wrong.

Just about everybody I’ve talked to has read “Breathers”. It’s that good, and if you’ve not read it, please stop reading this and go snag a copy. Go on. We’ll still be here when you get back. The novel deserves ever ounce of praise it has received (even the big-screen treatment by Diablo Cody). It’s not original, but I have a feeling that Scott Browne realizes that the zombie culture is a veritable been-there, done-that world. The bigger surprise to me was that the author is so humble! There’s no ego to dwarf the fans, no reality check needed.

Many of you readers shall remember that Mary Roach and I discussed Scott a wee bit a few months back. Well, having a chance to actually chat with Scott recently, I’ve come to see him as one of the nicest guys you’re likely to meet. He’s got a great online presence, a solid set of writing skills, and he’s very fan driven. Now that he’s on the radar screen he will be a continual guest on my bookshelf. In fact, I’ve already pre-ordered “Fated”, and I encourage you to do so as well. I’m wondering if I can get him to talk to us again when that hits.

Scott’s a knowledgeable guy, and I had an excellent time getting to know a little more about him. He also thinks of the film “Fido” as a classic zomcom, which is aces in my book. I got a chance to ask him about the creation of Undead Anonymous and Breathers, the movie most in need of zombies, and Mary Roach (who seems to be a recurring theme on this site…love ya, Mary!).

Eric Mays: Scott, thanks for agreeing to the interview. And thanks for writing a solid zombie book. On the cover of that book, your byline is: S. G. Browne. Are you in the witness protection program? Are they searching for you? Is that why you didn’t use your real name?

Scott Browne: I’d answer that, but then I’d have to eat you. Okay, that sounds wrong in so many ways.


Actually, when I first started writing short stories 20 years ago, I went through all the different possibilities with my name – first, middle, last, initials – and just liked the way S.G. Browne looked. So I went with it and stuck with it once “Breathers” came out.

EM: Zombies. Where do we begin? Why are zombies so hot right now? What is it that makes them so interesting?

SB: Sticking with the eating theme, I’m going to regurgitate this answer, so my apologies if I get anything on you. I think zombies are hot and interesting right now NOT because of some socio-political crap based on global fears about the economy and terrorism, but simply because zombies have been taken out of their proverbial box. No longer are they just the mindless, shambling monsters we’ve grown to love over the past 40 years. They’re faster. Funnier. Sentient. They’re more versatile. More well-rounded. And who doesn’t love a well-rounded zombie?

EM: As with any fad or craze the pendulum swings. There’s really good and really bad. What’s the worst zombie book or movie you’ve come across?


SB: I recently watched “Return of the Living Dead” for the first time and couldn’t understand why it’s on so many lists as one of the Top 10 Zombie Films of all time. Maybe it was original or groundbreaking when it came out in 1985, but unlike a number of other zombie films I’d put on the list, “Return” doesn’t seem to hold up over time. I thought the humor was forced and the acting was horrible.

EM: What, in your professional opinion, is the penultimate zombie yarn?

SB: First of all, I didn’t know I had a professional opinion. And second, I’m always confused by the word “penultimate.” But if I had to throw a dart and hope to hit an answer, I guess it would be a reversal of fortune tale, with the zombies ruling the planet and the humans enslaved. Kind of like a zombie version of “Planet of the Apes.” The original, not the re-make. Dear God, no.

EM: There’s a bit of a feud going on between aficionados of this sub-genre. It seems those that support slow-moving zombies (let’s call them “shamblers”) are very anti-sprinter (those Russian gymnast zombies). Your book “Breathers” has a mix. Which is proper?


SB: Let’s not think in terms of proper or improper. Instead, let’s think of zombies as unique creatures, each of whom brings their own special talents to the table. They should all be appreciated as individuals, be they shamblers, sprinters, or vegetarians. In the words of Rodney King, “Can’t we all just get along?”

EM: How did the concept for this come about, Scott? On your way to an AA meeting, did you come across the zombie support meeting in the basement of the church?

SB: I’d been writing supernatural horror for about 10 years and hadn’t penned a zombie story, which seemed odd because I always loved zombies. Then one day I thought, what would happen if I reanimated from the dead and I wasn’t your stereotypical Hollywood zombie but instead I was just a slowly decomposing reanimated corpse with no rights, no purpose, and in need of some serious therapy? That inspired me to write my short story “A Zombie’s Lament,” which would eventually become “Breathers.”

EM: You have a nearly perfect zomcom in “Breathers”. How do you balance the funny and not succumb to the actual horror?

SB: I don’t know. I just always found zombies to be tragically comical, so the balance of horror and humor seemed natural to maintain. Plus I enjoy making myself laugh, especially at things that maybe I shouldn’t be laughing at, and with any luck there are others out there who share my sense of humor. I love dark comedies. “Being John Malkovich.” “Fargo.” “Fight Club.” I can’t help but be influenced by them.

EM: In the book you thank Mary Roach for her book “Stiff”, which is one of my favorite reads. You also place zombies in a variety of circumstances that were revealed in that book. Did you know that Mary Roach was a fan of the zombie genre?

SB:“Stiff” is an excellent read and Mary has a great sense of humor, which is one of the reasons I fell in love with the book and knew it would be perfect research material for “Breathers.” I had no idea she loved zombies.

EM: It’s funny, in our interview, she says that zombies are like the stray dogs of the world. In your book the SPCA is tasked with wrangling “stray” zombies. Confession time: you are Mary Roach, right? That’s just a latex “Scott Browne” mask.

SB: I admit nothing.

EM:There are so many zomcoms out there. Do you have a favorite?

SB: Can I have two? My first one would be “Fido” because it focused more on the zombies than most zombie movies do, and I like that. It was smart, funny, and heartwarming – all the qualities of a good zombie comedy. My second one would be “Evil Dead 2.” Although technically demons rather than zombies, it still gets listed in the genre, and I can’t imagine a better zombie nemesis than Bruce Campbell.

EM: Vampires are undead, too. In fact Chris Moore and I just spoke about this. Zombies are undead and messy. Vamps are undead and all Emo and Goth. But Vamps have the advantage of being associated with romance. You brought the zombie love goods into “Breathers”. Would the “Twilight” series have been better if Bella had fallen for a zombie? Or is zombie love just too messy?

SB: I suppose zombie love can be messy, what with body cavities bursting and maggot infestations and the occasional frothy purge. (It’s a mortician’s term. Look it up. Or better yet, read “Stiff” by Mary Roach.) But I think there’s plenty of room for zombie romance in today’s progressive climate. As for “Twilight,” I’ll plead the fifth. Except to say that neither vampires nor zombies should ever, EVER sparkle in the sunlight.

EM: Joe Lansdale has said he created the zombie western. Thomas Brookside did zombies in Ancient Rome. And, Max Brooks did the historical zombies. Are you the Nora Roberts of the zombie world?

SB: Let’s get one thing straight. “Breathers” is NOT a zombie romance novel. Okay, yes, there’s some necrophilia and some heartfelt zombie haiku, but it’s a dark comedy, okay. A social satire. I don’t care what the marketing department says. Or the fact that there are two zombies on the cover kissing inside of a heart. Next question.

EM: Max Brooks has been warning the world about the oncoming zombie apocalypse. He’s even put out a survival guide. Which will happen first – zombiegeddon or 2012?

SB: Zombiegeddon, definitely. Though not for a while. 2012 is overhyped. All that’s going to happen in 2012 is the Earth is going to shift on its axis, changing the magnetic resonance of the planet, and causing everyone who voted for Bush and Cheney to join Greenpeace.

EM: Which movie classic would be much improved by the addition of zombies?

SB: “The Wizard of Oz.” I think if you replace the Munchkins with zombies, it would make for a very different welcoming committee for Dorothy and Toto.

EM: So what’s next for you, Scott? More zombies?

SB: No more zombies. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a zombie novelist, but I have other ideas I want to write about, still with a supernatural or fantastic edge and a darkly comedic tone, just not about zombies.


My next novel, “Fated,” is a dark, irreverent comedy about fate, destiny, and the karmic consequences of getting involved with humans. Fate is the main character, so you see human folly through his jaded perspective. I think if you enjoyed “Breathers,” you’ll get a kick out of “Fated,” even if you’re disappointed by the lack of zombies.


Scott Browne is a helluva a guy!  And, I cannot wait to jump into "Fated".  I get excited about mythology, so I'm sure I'll groove off of his latest.

If you've never been to Scott's website, then that's your homework.  Actually, I'll send you to http://www.undeadanonymous.com/, where you can read Andy's blog, view the hilarious Necrobufin commercials (anti-depressants for zombies), and read all about the world of "Breathers".  Also, follow this link, http://www.undeadanonymous.com/2010/06/21/you-go-to-crypticon-in-everett-wa/, to learn about Scott's Crypticon experience (plus read about some of the fun with some very cool friends: Rose O'Keefe, Jeff Burk, Mykle Hanson, Cameron Pierce, and Carlton Mellick 3...all from my Eraserhead Family).

If you've not pre-ordered "Fated" please do so by following the links below.  If you've not read Breathers, you can also follow the link below.

Next week on the Authors Speak - more reviews, a special Spotlight, and Garrett Cook.

Until then, keep reading!