Writing Apocalypse and Survival: A Masterclass in Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction and Zombie Horror

Writing Apocalypse and Survival: A Masterclass in Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction and Zombie Horror

Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Story Secrets—From Novels to Screenplays

The end of the world is one of the most powerful storytelling themes, but writing it well takes more than destruction and chaos. USA TODAY bestselling author Jackson Dean Chase gives you the tools to craft gripping, realistic, and unforgettable apocalyptic fiction—whether you’re writing post-apocalyptic sci-fi, dystopian survival, or zombie horror.

This ultimate guide covers any apocalypse or disaster on any scale, featuring 4 complete plot templates, dozens of story ideas, and a step-by-step breakdown of how the world ends.

Inside, You’ll Learn How To:

• Break down the 3 Stages of the Apocalypse—what happens at each stage, what supplies are available, what jobs are in demand, and how danger escalates
• Master the 7 Steps to Survive—what every character must know to stay alive, including the differences between a prepper and a survivalist
• Write the 6 Types of Human Villains—including cult leaders, Mad Max-style raiders, rogue military units, and tyrants
• Develop Hero & Villain Psychology and Character Arcs—make your protagonists and antagonists stand out
• Create Mutants, Killer Animals, and Every Type of Zombie—fast, slow, alien-controlled, and virus-driven rage maniacs (like 28 Days Later)
• Use a Custom Zombie Builder—design unique, terrifying enemies for your novel, short story, or screenplay
• Craft Dozens of Clever Plot Ideas—plus the one easy trick to breathe new life into old tropes
• Write Survival Horror That Works—including how to make audiences care about victims and expendable characters

Includes 4 Complete Plot Templates

• 2 apocalypse templates for writing civilization’s collapse
• 2 post-apocalypse templates for survival and rebuilding stories
• Combine them to create fresh, original variations

More Than Just a Reference—A Complete Apocalypse Writing Toolkit

• Survival horror tips & tricks to make your audience feel the fear
• Hundreds of book, movie, and TV show recommendations to inspire the perfect apocalypse
• Worldbuilding insights for different types of apocalyptic and dystopian fiction

Expand Your Writing Arsenal—The Ultimate Author’s Guide Series

Writing Apocalypse and Survival is part of the Ultimate Author’s Guide series, designed to help writers craft stronger stories, deeper characters, and more immersive worlds.

Explore more in the series:

• The Ultimate Author’s Guide to Writing Heroes and Villains – Develop unforgettable characters
• The Ultimate Author’s Guide to Writing Monsters and Maniacs – Create terrifying villains and creatures
• The Ultimate Author’s Guide to Writing Dynamite Story Hooks – Craft opening lines that instantly grab readers

Start Writing the Apocalypse Today!

Writing Apocalypse and Survival gives you the proven techniques to hook readers, sell more books, and write a compelling, realistic apocalypse.

Get your copy now and bring the end of the world to life!

NOTE: This book was previously released as How to Write Realistic Zombies and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction. This ultimate edition has been extensively revised and expanded with exciting new content.

Jackson Dean Chase is a USA TODAY bestselling author and award-winning poet. His fiction has been praised as "irresistible" in Buzzfeed and "diligently crafted" in The Huffington Post. 

Chase's books on writing have helped thousands of authors overcome writer's block and craft dynamite story hooks. As a ghostwriter and coauthor, his celebrity clients include actors, rock stars, and YouTube influencers.