The George A. Romero Foundation and Bloody Disgusting are looking for aspiring writers to create stories for their upcoming fiction podcast “The Dead,” created in the spirit of George A. Romero. Here’s my 100 word submission:

That the smoke had drawn the hoard to the valley, they were certain. None had seen the dead in such numbers. Thousands shambled into the mouth of the valley, scrambling over fallen trees, it defied sanity.

If only it would rain. Downpour. Then they could escape through the pass. Connor turned back toward the wildfire burning in the east. 

There was only one way now. Convince the factions to stop fighting each other and row to the center of the lake, to the compound on Druid Island, home to The-Church-Of-Silver-Dawns, isolated since the fall, and beg sanctuary from the cult.

…

This story is titled “Dead Mountain” and focuses on four groups who have survived the zombie apocalypse by eking out an existence in a narrow mountain valley, far from the civilization that fell:

The Rangers: Former members of the forestry service, who still man the lookout tower on the peak of Glass Mountain. They monitor the roads and woods, relaying information by radio to the others below.

The Survivalists: Conspiracy theory doomsday-preppers who finally got to meet the end of the world. While they began the apocalypse well stocked, their supplies are now dwindling. So far, they have been content to trade with the others for what they need, but a new leader has taken over and they want more.

The Campers: The remnants of Camp Tamarack, a summer camp for troubled youth. The few members of the staff, councilors, and campers who did not evacuate have turned the camp into a refuge where they grow crops, hold classes for the children, and try to find a sense of normality. They are the largest group.

The Church Of Silver Dawns: A highly secretive religious organization that has largely remained isolated since the fall. Their compound is located on Druid Island in the center of Lake Tamarack. They are regarded as a fringe cult organization.

Existence in the valley is often tense and fraught with conflict, but thus far the groups have achieved an uneasy peace. However one year after the fall, a wildfire threatens their way of life. To make matters worse, an enormous hoard of the undead has been drawn into the narrow mouth of the valley by the smoke. It will take everyone in the valley to survive what is coming, but can they join together in time?

#pitchthedead