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Post-Apocalyptic Writing Guide

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The Post-Apocalyptic Writing Guide is the one-stop shop for everything you could ever need to end the world in style. In the dog-eat-dog world of Indie Publishing, Post-Apocalyptic fiction is a popular genre to write in and you'll need to set yourself apart from the pack if you want to survive.

The Post-Apocalyptic Writing Guide explores dozens of world-ending scenarios and covers all the archetypal characters and locations one would expect to find in a story about the end of the world. The Post-Apocalyptic Writing Guide goes beyond the surface level of what the genre has to offer, and there's a deeper examination of the harsh realities of Post-Apocalyptic life.

Whether you're an author who wants to drag humanity through the mud with a story that explores the nitty-gritty without pulling any punches, or if you're a fan who just wants to understand the genre better, then the Post-Apocalyptic Writing Guide is the book for you.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2018

9 people are currently reading
3 people want to read

About the author

J.J. Shurte

4 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Evan.
167 reviews12 followers
September 21, 2018
This book is a veritable encyclopedia of anything and everything post-apocalyptic in regards to writing PA fiction. That is not to say that it tells you exactly how to write a PA book, but rather it is a guide, giving the reader/writer extensive examples and ideas of what constitutes a PA story. Everything from the difference between a post-apocalyptic world and a dystopian one to the various civilization-ending events that constitute a PA world.

The amount of detail in this book is insane. If I were to ever write a PA story, you can bet this will be my go-to reference. I highly recommend it for those looking to delve into the world of writing PA fiction.
1 review9 followers
September 4, 2018
I highly recommend it. Picture JJ Shurte sitting in his doomsday shelter, surrounded by Post-Apocalyptic survival gear, muttering to himself as he pours over stacks of handwritten notes and pounds incessantly at the keyboard putting the finishing touches on the Guide to Post-Apocalyptic Writing.

Meticulously organized. From world building to character development, The Post-Apocalyptic Writing Guide is a unique source of knowledge for any creator interested in delving into the genre of post-apocalyptic fiction. JJ Shurte’s deconstruction of the post-apocalyptic genre is both fascinating and informative.

Creators of post-apocalyptic fiction, including game developers, filmmakers and of course writers will find this guide an indispensable resource.

For beginning writers, this book has plenty of writing tips to help you flush out ideas for anything from short story to novel and gives you some great primers for writing post-apocalyptic fiction.

For advanced writers, this guide provides a surplus of reference material for building your world as well as practical recommendations for maintaining consistency throughout your stories.

Even for non-writers, this book is a fascinating journey of insight into the many worlds of post-apocalyptic fiction.

JJ Shurte outlines an abundance of scenarios in this guide, some of which have been done before, many times and in some instances done extremely well. But that doesn’t mean there are no more stories to be told within these constructs. The guide explores different ways of interpreting and connecting these stories in new ways. It also includes tons ideas that have not been done excessively, and some I’ve never even heard of.

This may not be “The definitive guide” for post-apocalyptic fiction, but it’s about as close as you’ll get.

This book is a fascinating examination of What is Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, and includes a brief history of Post-Apocalyptic Fiction. It also aims to answer questions like What is Post-Apocalyptic Living really like. JJ Shurte has really done his research on these topics and has come up with a very comprehensive guide for writers and fans of post-apocalyptic fiction.
Profile Image for J..
Author 4 books10 followers
September 9, 2018
I tend to find most guides to subjects to be a little too brief or focus on a few specific elements. You don't get any of that here - this is a full-to-the-brim cauldron of post-apocalyptic ideas.

Detailed discussions of countless scenarios, the adversities, trials the survivors of the event would face, weapons, places to find (most probably short-lived) sanctuary, and ins-and-outs of post-apocalyptic life are all brought to fascinating life by JJ Shurte.

Even if you aren't writing post-apocalyptic, this guide is an entertaining and interesting read, showing just how widely-varied and exciting post-apocalyptic fiction can be. As someone working on some fiction in the genre, this has helped flesh out plot points, add some weight to certain scenes, and allow interactions and allow the rebuilding of humanity to be much more grounded.

I highly recommend this read!
Profile Image for Keith Baird.
Author 18 books32 followers
April 22, 2019
Having received a copy of this via pdf, I'm unable to drop a copy of this review on Amazon, which is a shame, but G'Reads gets ample traffic so hopefully, it may drive some sales for the author. And those downloads would be a sound investment, as JJ has packed this little gem with a whole host of aspects to consider when deciding on which PA setting you're going to opt for. I really can't think of anything he's not covered here and this handy guide will be a very valuable tool for any writer considering a foray into the genre. Verdict: Essential ammunition for a wander into the wastes.
Profile Image for Ryan Pope.
Author 5 books
October 21, 2018
JJ Shurte knows what he's about when it comes to the end of the world. The author lives and breathes post-apocalyptic fiction (has even written it himself) and has a incredible knowledge of the history and sheer scope of the genre.

The PA Writing Guide is a thorough and well-researched encyclopedia of all the tropes, archetypes, plots and background ideas the post-apocalyptic author needs to wield in their literary skill set. Paired with real examples of films, TV shows and literature, Shurte breaks down the genre into its simplest components and explains what (and why) PA writers do what they do.

If you're not a writer, but still a PA fan, then there is certainly something for you too. The PA guide also works as the perfect companion to your favourite films and TV series. Ever wondered why screenwriters and directors have opted for a certain character type or trying to understand the creative process behind that new episode? Flick through this book and see the reasoning laid out in plain black and white.

Some writing guides try to show off with their research but this is not one of them. Shurte loves the PA genre, that much is clear, and after reading this you'll love it too!
Profile Image for ST Campitelli.
2 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2018
If you want to write a post-apocalyptic book or just like the genre and want a tour through the wasteland by a damn good guide? Then this book is for you. JJ Shurte is an Aussie author who knows the genre - he's written in it (Days Too Dark - get it, worth a read) and he has now put together a guide to just about every angle you can think of when it comes to the post-apocalyptic landscape. Causes of the PA event, scenarios, character types, settings, equipment, even cross-over with other genres. Shurte has done his research and it shows in the variety presented in each aspect of the book (18 character types, 34 settings, for example). If you are writing a PA book, this is a more than handy guide, it's a reference book. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kel.
258 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2023
full of useful information

I enjoyed the information contained in this ebook.
I originally got it in KU but I’m going to buy a copy to add to my craft selection.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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