Brandon Cornett's Blog, page 8

The Post-Apocalyptic Genre: Definition, Characteristics, Examples and More

As both a reader and writer of post-apocalyptic fiction, I’m a big fan of the genre. And the fact that you’re here right now, possibly ushered by a Google search, suggests the same about you.

That’s good, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the post-apocalyptic genre. We’ll explore the history, common themes and characteristics, and a long list of notable works.

The Post-Apocalyptic Fiction Genre Defined

Let’s kick things off with a definition of the post-apocalyptic genre, and...

How to Describe a Post-Apocalyptic World: 5 Descriptive Writing Tips

In a previous article, I offered some post-apocalyptic world building tips for fiction writers. That was sort of a high-level guide with general tips, strategies and considerations.

With this article, I want to drill down on the concept of descriptive writing. Specifically, I’ll offer some ideas and suggestions to help you describe a post-apocalyptic world in a short story or novel.

Describing a Post-Apocalyptic Setting in Fiction

When you write post-apocalyptic fiction, you have the op...

The Difference Between Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

What’s the difference between apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction?

This is a question I’ve stumbled upon many times over the years, while participating in online discussion groups. As someone who writes in both genres, I’ve come to develop my own distinction for these terms.

The way I see it, “apocalyptic” fiction is a general label that can be used to describe any book dealing with the apocalypse — regardless of where the story starts relative to the catastrophe.

The post-apocalyp...

A Scary YA Novel About High School, True Love, and the Apocalypse

Are you looking for a scary YA novel to add to your reading list? Do you like YA horror books with a high school setting?

If you answered “yes” to one or both of these questions, it’s time for you to meet The Holdbacks. It’s a scary YA novel about high school, true love … and the apocalypse.

True Love Meets True Horror in The Holdbacks

Several years ago, I decided to write a novel fueled by my love for the film 28 Days Later. But I knew I couldn’t do a direct novelization of the movie. ...

Nine of the Best Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Books of All Time

One day, while looking for some fresh reading material, I Googled the phrase best post-apocalyptic science fiction books of all time. The results were disappointing. I found plenty of lists and articles proclaiming the “best post-apocalyptic books.” But most of them lacked the sci-fi angle I was looking for.

So I said to myself: “Self, this here is a void that needs to be filled. And you’re just the guy to fill it.” I then curated my own list, compiling some of the best books that feature bot...

I’m an Adult and I Like to Read and Write YA Books: Here’s Why

Why do adults read young adult (YA) books?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered this question, both online and in real-world social settings. Why would a grownup want to read about teenagers? What do adults find appealing about YA novels and stories?

Obviously, I can’t speak for every adult who reads these types of books. But I can speak for myself. And as an adult male who reads and writes YA books, I feel like I’m qualified to weigh in on the subject.

As It Turns Out, a Lo...

For Writers: Post-Apocalyptic World Building Tips, Ideas and Strategies

Post-apocalyptic fiction has experienced a surge in popularity that began in the mid 2000s and continues to this day. Books like The Road, The Passage, and Station Eleven have shown us that (A) readers still love these stories, and (B) there are still plenty of original ways to end the world.

Below, I’ve gathered some post-apocalyptic world building ideas, tips and strategies you can use when writing a short story or novel of your own. As a novelist myself, I’ll be focusing more on book-lengt...

Refreshing the Dead: How to Write a Unique Zombie Book

Fully proofed. Just needs meta elements and a featured image.

How can you create a unique zombie book? What are some fresh and original ideas for writing a zombie apocalypse novel? How can you break new ground in a crowded subgenre?

In other words: How can you refresh the dead?

Let me start by saying, it can be done. You can write a unique zombie book that offers a fresh take on the undead. You just have to think outside the box. And in this context, “the box” refers to the standard zom...

Video: How to Break Up Dialogue and Action in a Story or Novel

How do I break up action and dialogue in a novel or short story? Where do the paragraph breaks go? Can the dialogue and action go within the same paragraph, or do they need to be separated?

These are common questions among first-time fiction writers. I know, because several people have asked me this through my YouTube channel. So I figured this topic deserved a video of its own. You’ll find it above.

But if you’re the kind of person who prefers to read fiction-writing advice instead ...

How to Start a Post-Apocalyptic Novel: 5 Tips for Beginner Writers

Do you have a general idea for a post-apocalyptic novel, but you’re not sure how to start writing it? Need a little boost to get the process in action?

You’re in the right place. Below, I’ve offered a series of tips and ideas to help you start a post-apocalyptic novel, and see it through to completion.

Beginnings: How to Start a Post-Apocalyptic Novel

Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction gives writers the freedom to “erase” the existing world order and create something entirely new....