Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction, VIRO, Writing, zombies

VIRO Book Four – Work in Progress

Hi Everyone

I thought I would give you all an update on the VIRO series. What started as a few scratchy notes while I was on holiday two years in Portugal has now become a fascinating experiment in independent publishing.

Book One was launched in March 2018 and has been at Number One in the Amazon chart since May. It is currently free for download for Kindle and this has been an enormous help in getting the book some attention. Book One has currently been downloaded from Amazon 766 times. This is very encouraging. Book One is also currently available for download at Smashwords as well and 84 copies have been dowloaded to date.

Book Two was launched in May 2018 and has been very well received. The following review was left on my Goodreads page:

Having Read Falcon Boy and VIRO, it was with eager anticipation that I started to read VIRO II. Barnaby Taylor has a daring and rich imagination that transports you to new adventures in a re-imagined world, that are vividly written with a fresh and vibrant use of language. The heroes of Barnaby’s books are children on the cusp of their teenage years. I would like to think that this isn’t a coincidence. There appears to be a deliberate opting out in relation to the current generation with Barnaby instead looking to a new, untainted generation to right the world’s wrongs in the guise of the courageous and idealistic young children that inhabit VIRO I and II. Barnaby literally and metaphorically backs the right horse. The purity of the children in VIRO II is evident throughout the book. Jake says ‘I hated violence. I hated violent people.’

In VIRO II, we pick up with the viros (zombies) who are overrunning the world and the small band of children who are trying to survive in this world. The children’s separation from their parents also serves (as it did in VIRO I) as a powerful dramatic device, providing the next generation with the stage and platform to figure out a way forward. Barnaby really understands the mind set of young children and evocatively and beautifully captures their innocence but also their determination and guts to persevere against the odds and you as the reader wants to be with them every step of the way, willing them forward. Barnaby also excels at capturing the petty jealousies and competitiveness that can pervade the group dynamic of young children but equally the intensity and tenderness of their relationships.

To say that this book is a page turner is an understatement. Barnaby can really write an action packed scene with fear inspiring characters such as the Tall Man. Baxter the dog who accompanies the children gives the story the delightful twist of feeling like an apocalyptic Famous Five. Genius. The story is essentially an allegory set in a far more perilous and shaky world and is therefore not only for children but also for adults. Potent messages are present throughout the book. Jake incisively says ‘The world was wrong now. It was bad and broken. I didn’t understand.’ That a new value system is required to fix today’s broken world is also indicated with even the Reverend stating that ‘in order to believe in the Bible, you have to stop asking so many questions and just accept what you are told. And I have always found that hard to do. The world created in seven days? Immaculate conception?’ By the end of the book it’s apparent that the new value systems lies with the children and their unselfish spirit of caring and cooperation, the perfect building blocks of a new world order which the author may reveal in further detail in future iterations of the book as possibly hinted at by the cliff hanger of the book’s ending.

The book is a must read. Barnaby is an exciting and passionate writer. There’s real depth of meaning behind his books. You emotionally engage with and care about the book’s characters. Barnaby’s books also have a strong visual sensibility. His stories particularly VIRO I and II would translate superbly to television and cinema. I am a huge fan of all things zombie orientated and to see the zombie genre reinterpreted from the perspective of children is thrilling. I look forward to more books from Barnaby. He’s one to watch out for. Children, adults and I suspect the film and TV industry people will love this book. I highly recommend it.

Book Two is currently available for 99 cents and the challenge is to convert the free downloads of Book One into purchases of the rest of the series. This is taking some time but I am encouraged with progress to date.

Book Three was released in October 2018 and is slowly climbing up the Amazon charts. I have found that sales of Books Two and Three tend to go together with people buying a copy of each at the same time. Again, the challenge is to convert free downloads of Book One into paid purchases of the other books in the series but there is forward movement here and I am confident that this will keep moving as the franchise continues to spread.

SPOILER ALERT: Book Three also marks the first major character death. I knew that one of the main characters needed to die in order for the series to develop and Book Three is where this tragedy occurs.

Work on Book Four began this week and I am confident that this will be ready for publishing by early 2019. There is still a very long way to go for Jake and the rest of the characters in the series. Also, with each book in the series, the world of VIRO is becoming richer and richer. The writing style is deliberately sparse for this series and it was always the intention for effect to develop over time. Our understanding of the characters deepens in the same way.

ACTIONS GOING FORWARD

  1. Finish VIRO Book Four.
  2. Develop a professional relationship that will lead to representation and/or marketing support.
  3. Explore the possibilities of turning VIRO into a screenplay.

 

Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Trailer, Writing, YA, zombies

Have YOU joined the #VIROSWARM?

Hi Everyone

I’m experimenting with a new trailer for Book One in the VIRO series. I would really appreciate your feedback.

Does the trailer work for you?

Does it make you want to join the #VIROSWARM?

Many thanks

Barnaby

JOIN THE #VIROSWARM TODAY!

VIRO [Book One] is FREE TO DOWNLOAD

➡️➡️➡️ http://bit.ly/VIRO1UKKindle

➡️➡️➡️ http://bit.ly/VIROBOOK1

Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction, VIRO, Writing, zombies

VIRO – Super-Exciting Publishing News Update – Do YOU want to join the #VIROSWARM?

VIRO BOOK ONE TUNNEL

Hi Everyone

It has been a tremendous few days so I thought I would post an update on where we are, VIRO-wise.

1. VIRO Book One – Number One in the Amazon Charts

Amazon co.uk Best Sellers_ The most popular items in Teen & Young Adult Monster Fiction eBooks (2)

The Kindle version of VIRO Book One got to Number One in the Amazon charts. Currently available to download for FREE, this is really exciting so thank you very much to everyone who has joined the #VIROSWARM. If you haven’t downloaded Book One yet then don’t panic, you too can join the #VIROSWARM HERE and HERE.

2. VIRO Book Two – FIVE STAR REVIEW

VIRO Book Two has just received another tremendous five star review posted up on Goodreads – you can read it HERE.

‘Having Read Falcon Boy and Viro, it was with eager anticipation that I started to read Viro II. Barnaby Taylor has a daring and rich imagination that transports you to new adventures in a re-imagined world, that are vividly written with a fresh and vibrant use of language. The heroes of Barnaby’s books are children on the cusp of their teenage years. I would like to think that this isn’t a coincidence. There appears to be a deliberate opting out in relation to the current generation with Barnaby instead looking to a new, untainted generation to right the world’s wrongs in the guise of the courageous and idealistic young children that inhabit Viro I and II. Barnaby literally and metaphorically backs the right horse. The purity of the children in Viro II is evident throughout the book. Jake says ‘I hated violence. I hated violent people.’

In Viro II, we pick up with the viros (zombies) who are overrunning the world and the small band of children who are trying to survive in this world. The children’s separation from their parents also serves (as it did in Viro I) as a powerful dramatic device, providing the next generation with the stage and platform to figure out a way forward. Barnaby really understands the mind set of young children and evocatively and beautifully captures their innocence but also their determination and guts to persevere against the odds and you as the reader wants to be with them every step of the way, willing them forward. Barnaby also excels at capturing the petty jealousies and competitiveness that can pervade the group dynamic of young children but equally the intensity and tenderness of their relationships.

To say that this book is a page turner is an understatement. Barnaby can really write an action packed scene with fear inspiring characters such as the Tall Man. Baxter the dog who accompanies the children gives the story the delightful twist of feeling like an apocalyptic Famous Five. Genius. The story is essentially an allegory set in a far more perilous and shaky world and is therefore not only for children but also for adults. Potent messages are present throughout the book. Jake incisively says ‘The world was wrong now. It was bad and broken. I didn’t understand.’ That a new value system is required to fix today’s broken world is also indicated with even the Reverend stating that ‘in order to believe in the Bible, you have to stop asking so many questions and just accept what you are told. And I have always found that hard to do. The world created in seven days? Immaculate conception?’ By the end of the book it’s apparent that the new value systems lies with the children and their unselfish spirit of caring and cooperation, the perfect building blocks of a new world order which the author may reveal in further detail in future iterations of the book as possibly hinted at by the cliff hanger of the book’s ending.

The book is a must read. Barnaby is an exciting and passionate writer. There’s real depth of meaning behind his books. You emotionally engage with and care about the book’s characters. Barnaby’s books also have a strong visual sensibility. His stories particularly Viros I and II would translate superbly to television and cinema. I am a huge fan of all things zombie orientated and to see the zombie genre reinterpreted from the perspective of children is thrilling. I look forward to more books from Barnaby. He’s one to watch out for. Children, adults and I suspect the film and TV industry people will love this book. I highly recommend it.’

You can purchase VIRO Book Two in paperback and download.

3. VIRO Book Three – A Death in the Family?

Book Three is shaping up nicely. I am currently a third of the way through and everything is falling into place. Not everything has been decided but there is the very strong possibility that a significant death will take place. I haven’t fully made my mind but it looks like it will be happening.

 

Thanks for reading everyone.

Have a lovely day.

VIRO BOOK ONE BROKEN GLASS JUNE 2018

Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction, VIRO, Writing, zombies

VIRO – Book One – Super-Exciting Zombie Adventure Series – Sample Chapter

Footsteps

The tunnel looked dark and dangerous. I didn’t want to go inside. No way. I wanted to run away. But I had to help Ellis. She had helped me at the shop. She thought this was the right way to go. Ellis put her arm around my shoulder. We started to walk.

The darkness ate us all up. It was impossible to see. I looked back at the entrance. I wished we were out there still.

Ellis limped next to me. Her ankle was very sore. She was trying to be brave. I heard her gasping. It was so frightening.

We went very slowly. I was very edgy. Danger could be anywhere. I kept my head clear. I needed to pay real attention.

I heard something. The stones moved. I hoped it was just an animal. I heard it again. I thought it was a footstep.

The stones moved again. It was footsteps. I felt upset.

‘What’s the matter?’ Ellis said.

‘There’s something behind us.’

‘We’d better hurry then.’

It was hard to hurry. We couldn’t go fast. Ellis was too sore. Her ankle made us slow. This was danger.

The footsteps kept coming.

I was really worried. I pulled Ellis through the tunnel. She sounded hurt but didn’t say anything. We kept going.

The footsteps started running.

This was bad. Ellis couldn’t go faster. I knew the tunnel was a bad idea. Why didn’t I say so? I should have done. It was too late now. We couldn’t go back.

‘Ellis,’ I said. ‘We need to get out.’

‘How? Tunnels only have one way in and one way out.’

‘Maybe,’ I said. ‘I did a project on old trains at school. We need a ventilation shaft.’

I touched the side of the tunnel. I wanted to find a ladder or a doorway. Bricks. Bricks. Bricks. Then I felt metal pipes. They were on the side of the wall.

‘Quick,’ I said. ‘Follow the pipes.’

I kept my hand on the pipes. There was muck all over them. My hand was dirty quickly. I felt the tunnel curving.

It was hard to touch the pipes and pull Ellis along. She was really sore.

‘I can’t keep going,’ she said. ‘My ankle is killing me. You find the shaft and come back for me later if you can.’

‘No way!’ I said. ‘You won’t be eaten in this terrible tunnel. You saved my life. I’m saving yours.’

I pulled her harder.

‘Come on.’

Then the viros howled. The sound was way back. The tunnel made it really loud. It was all evil echoes. The howl frightened Ellis. She let go of me. She tried to run. It was like quick hopping. She started to cry.

This is stupid, I thought. Why did we do this? We should have stayed on the roof. It was safe up there.

Why did I have to survive? I could be a viro like all of them. That would be easier.

We kept running. My side got hurt. It was a stabbing pain.

‘Stitch,’ I said. ‘I’ve got the stitch.’

‘Keep going!’ Ellis said. ‘There must be something up ahead.’

‘There is,’ said a voice behind us. ‘Up here on the left.’

 

Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction, Five Star, review, VIRO, Writing, YA, zombies

Thank you very much for the very kind reviews

 

Hi Everyone

I thought I would share a quick update on some of the amazing feedback that the two VIRO books have been getting. Reviews are the lifeblood of any author and it is great to hear that people are responding favourably to the post-apocalyptic adventures of Jake and his friends.

‘I bought this book a couple of months ago and it has been sitting on my desk up until last weekend. As I was travelling last weekend I decided to take this book with me. It would not be my normal choice of book but I decided to give it a go..! Bottom Line is I could not leave it down..! Over the course of two flights, sitting around airports and a bit of bedtime reading it gave a new insight into this style of writing. The author, Barnaby Taylor certainly has a way with words and is clearly an expert in holding an audience. I see he has the 2nd book out now, and I will be buying this one asap..!
It strikes me that this series of books could be open to a teenage audience who I believe would get a lot from the story line and the characters.
5 Stars from me for Mr.Taylor.’

‘I absolutely loved this book. Powerful and poignant, ‘Viro’ packs a punch. Sad and haunting, ‘Viro’ is a new take on the zombie genre.The characters are dynamic and interesting, finding strength despite their horrifying circumstances. Jake is a character that will stick with you long after the final page. The action sequences are thrilling. I was on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait to read Book Two!!‘

‘Absolutely thrilling. I loved every page more than the previous, to the point that I couldn’t stop reading. Jake, a unique and curious character with good intentions. Ellis, the cunning and loyal girl who sees that Jake is different. Abe, brave but not so bold. Amber, intent on getting the Job done the quickest way possible. These four kids make their way through a zombie infected place they used to call home, struggling to cling on to the things they love and desperately seeking safety.
I was left on the edge of my seat when I finished the book with a thirst for more adventure! Amazing.‘

‘Viro: Book Two” is incredible. Picking up where the first one left off, this book grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It’s fast paced and superbly thrilling! The narrative is poignant and heartbreaking as Jake’s unique voice draws you in. Highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys zombie stories. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Jake and the gang!‘

Barnaby Taylor Author, Fiction, Five Star, review, The Entry Word, VIRO, Writing, zombies

The Started Series – Book Two – THE DARK AND DANGEROUS DISCO NIGHT (Free Ebook Download)

House Themed Non-Fiction Kindle Cover

The Dark and Dangerous Disco Night

A disc jockey, a painter, and a pop star set off to spend Christmas with a Prime Minister and a Prince.

The Started Series
Welcome to the Started Series. This is a series of novels that I have started but have never developed. I am going to give them away FREE of charge and let the Universe decide. If there is enough interest in one of them I will start it again.
The Dark and Dangerous Disco Night is Book Two in this series.

You can download the book FREE from Smashwords. CLICK on the word FREE.

the entry word ebook cover

The Entry Word

Following a texting accident, the World summons Jodocus Meaddowcraft, a constipated alien from another dimension. Jodocus sets about punishing the World for summoning him.

You can download The Entry Word (Book One in the Started Series). This book is FREE from Smashwords. Just CLICK on the word FREE.

VIRO BOOK ONE REVIEW COVER9781999633202 (1)

VIRO

Book One has just been released and is available in paperback and ebook.

Jake is twelve years old. He has always been different to other kids. Jake wakes one morning to find that the world has been destroyed by a mysterious airborne virus. Battling with his own insecurities, Jake must rise to the dangerous challenges that confront him as he sets off to find his missing mother.

Five Star Amazon Reviews

I was recommended this book by a friend, and was a little apprehensive at first as it would not be my first choice of genre.
To my own surprise I loved this book, and was such a page turner I finished it in 2 sittings. This book reads like an Odyssey, 4 kids struggling against constant challenges, in a previous life and now this. These challenges they face bring them closer together and for Jake, the main character, a closeness he has never experienced before. In his normal life his best friends were his mum and his dog, because he was “different”. Now, circumstances means he has to try keep up with his new friends, and all he wants to do is help his new friends and be liked. It’s lovely to see the bond that forms between the 4 kids, each with struggles of their own, who may not have looked twice at each if life was normal.
I loved Jake’s character and the simple way he narrates throughout the book, and we get a fascinating insight to his way of thinking, which I think we can all relate to in some form. A kid full of love and lots to give.
I loved this book, and finished it in 2 sittings, a real page turner. A range of interesting characters, young independent kids, not by choice but by design.

I absolutely loved this book. Powerful and poignant, ‘Viro’ packs a punch. Sad and haunting, ‘Viro’ is a new take on the zombie genre.The characters are dynamic and interesting, finding strength despite their horrifying circumstances. Jake is a character that will stick with you long after the final page. The action sequences are thrilling. I was on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait to read Book Two!!

Direct with a style thats postures the unusual. Page headings reflect the contents – succinct and minimal. Yesterday was fine but today something has changed – Jake, perhaps an idio savant, was always strange but this different day brought a horror to his world. He and his acquaintances – Ellis, the tomboy Peter Pan figure who recognises Jakes special need and appears to support him . . . . . . a sad dystopian world that very much reflects now.

VIRO is available to buy from Amazon, Smashwords and all good bookshops.

Barnaby Taylor Author, Digital, Fiction, Writing, YA, YouTube, zombies

Thank You Very Much

Hi Everyone

Here’s the first in a new series of short posts shared on my YouTube channel and elsewhere. VIRO has got to number 89 in the Amazon charts and I wanted to say thank you very much to everyone who has helped to get the book up the charts. Of course, this is the point at which there is an obligatory series of words pointing you towards a series of links where, should you care to, you could purchase untold copies of VIRO. If that is how you feeling towards the whole project then please feel free to click the image below.

Have a lovely day.

Thank you very much

Amazon co.uk Best Sellers_ The most popular items in Science Fiction Adventures for Young Adults

 

Barnaby Taylor Fiction, Writing, zombies

VIROS #19

VIROS COVER - #1

Abe and I lifted Ellis under her armpits and Amber grabbed her legs. Ellis howled with the pain. Not knowing what else to do other than try to escape, we set off towards the ring road. Ellis was heavy and each step we took made her cry louder and louder. She tried her hardest not to make a sound but the pain was too much. The three of us looked at each other. We all knew that were doomed. We got to the start of the ring road without any further adventure and turned right, heading out of the town.

It was morning now so at least we could see ahead of us. The ring road snaked away into the distance, cutting a dull wedge into the usual type of boring empty muddy fields and wooden fences that mark the next stage of development on the outskirts of every town. The winter sky was grey and low with thick-looking clouds hovering just above our heads. A vast expanse of boggy marshland stretched away on the other side of the road and in the distance I could see the sea glowering on the horizon. A hateful wind began to blow from off the marshes and hit us hard and cold. I shivered.

We trudged on in slow and stupid silence. Ellis had stopped crying and seemed to be half-asleep. Abe and I were really struggling not to drop her. Amber was walking backwards, bent at the waist and barely managing to keep hold of Ellis’s legs. They both looked spent. My back burned with every step I took. When a situation like this happens in a film you always know that someone somewhere is going to find that extra bit of energy to make sure that everyone gets to safety. They may even deliver a rousing speech. But films work differently to real life and though we were some of the most determined children you could ever hope to meet, we were rapidly reaching the point where we simply couldn’t go on. Amber was the first to stop.

‘I can’t go any further,’ she said and her voice sounded so tired and so disappointed. ‘I thought we’d be able to do this but I think it’s all over.’ She steered us to the side of the road. ‘Let’s put Ellis down here and see if we can catch our breath.’ We set Ellis down as gently as we could. I sat down next to her. She was now asleep. Amber sat the other side. Neither of us said a word. Abe stood on the road, scanning the horizon.

‘There must be somewhere we can reach,’ he said. ‘There has to be.’ He looked imploringly at the two of us. ‘Can we get going again soon?’ he said. ‘I can’t stand just standing still.’

‘I think this is the end of the line,’ said Amber sadly. ‘Ellis is far too heavy for us to manage and we can’t just leave her behind. That is not an option.’

‘I’m not suggesting that,’ Abe said. ‘No way.’ He looked back towards the horizon. ‘Perhaps there’s a barn near here where we can hide? There must be something.’

‘But we’ve got nothing left,’ said his sister softly. ‘We have lost everything.’ Amber looked at me. ‘I sorry,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry about earlier.’ She laughed.

‘I know that you didn’t plan to make any of this happen. You’re really brave and loyal but I just got angry when it all went wrong.’ I looked up, suspiciously.

‘Do you mean it?’ I asked hesitantly. ‘Do you really mean it?’

‘I do,’ replied Amber. ‘I didn’t mean to be so mean.’ She leaned over and touched my arm. ‘We really like you, Jake. We really do, don’t we Abe?’ Abe came over to stand next to me.

‘Absolutely,’ he said. ‘Of course we do.’ Abe’s voice trailed off. He gasped. ‘Don’t look now but I think we had better think of a plan real quick.’

Amber and I stood up.

The marshland to the right of us was slowly filling with viros as a massive swarm made its clumsy way towards us. There was hundreds of them and they must have spent the night stumbling across the boggy ground. The wind carried their foul stench before them and I gagged. They would be upon us in no time.

‘Where did they all come from?’ I asked as my eyes started to water. ‘Where the hell are they going?’

‘From everywhere,’ said Abe. ‘To everywhere.’

‘They must have some kind of memory of their life before,’ suggested Amber. ‘That must be what is making them head for the nearest town.’

Even though it was the most terrifying thing I had ever seen in my short life, I couldn’t stop watching the swarm as it made its lethal way towards us. I was hypnotized by this giant cartoon blob of angry, hungry dead people all twitching and slipping and trampling as they struggled over the boggy ground. Some of the viros looked like they were dancing.

All of them looked like they were hungry.