I found the following story, partially typed up and partially hand written, while in downtown Philadelphia for a training for work. It was being given away in front of a small indie bookstore, bound together by staples, as if it was a DIY fanzine. After reading it and unsuccessfully trying to find the author, I decided that it was simply too enjoyable not to share with others. Thus, I submit to my readers, a novella by the yet unknown horror novelist Andrew Ash. It will be shared as one chapter per week, as it will take me time to transcribe it into digital format. This week, I have the first two chapters ready. Enjoy it and feel free to leave feedback. Perhaps Andrew will stumble upon this and be able to take credit for this, and I’m sure he’d appreciate any feedback you leave for him.

Without further adieu:

Oktoberfest

… or How I Learned to Stop Living in Denial and Embrace World War Z

by Andrew Ash

Chapter One: Beginnings

It was the year 2007, Philadelphia, PA was a great city, despite a recent spike in violent crime. Some had dubbed it “Kill-adelphia” as it ranked #1 in gun violence and murders per capita for any big city in the country. The most interesting and positive outcome of this horrible spike in violence was that the people of the city banded together in a way that was very rarely seen. Neighborhoods that once ran with the unspoken motto of “Don’t ask, don’t tell” now held town meetings about enacting neighborhood watches and how to run the drug dealers and gang bangers out of their communities. Areas of Philadelphia that previously found themselves as rivals worked together to strengthen gun laws and hotlines to anonymously report crime. The strength of Philadelphia grew and it looked as if it may once again be a true city of “Brotherly Love.” …more… »