jimdattilo

ZE Outbreak Novel, Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Saturday, May 5, 2012

I sat at my kitchen table that Saturday morning, shoveling oatmeal into my mouth like some starved animal. The TV droned on in the background, which was my only company in my cluttered apartment. Usually, I tuned it out while rushing through breakfast before heading to Jefferson University, but something caught my ear.

"Highly aggressive behavior in infected individuals...officials considering quarantine and border shutdown....

Games by JimD Newsletter – Game Updates, Cliffhangers

Welcome to my 89th newsletter! It has been a busy month of writing, and I hope to return to the final chapter of Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4, very soon. Most of my efforts have been completing the scene linking each chapter. My problem is that I always want to add more and more, but now I realize I have to stop and get to the end of the story for this part.

If you don't want to read any further, I will tell you now that I will likely need to push back sending Part 4 to Hosted Game...

Zombie Exodus Part 4 Gifts Discussion

Yesterday, I posted a list of gifts that you can give to other survivors at the junkyard in Part 4. Now I would like your feedback on other gifts that you feel should be given out to those survivors.

Please review this list below at the original post and let me know if there are other gifts (even ones that may not be in the game currently) that you would recommend for specific survivors....

Zombie Exodus Part 4 Gifts

In Part 4 you are able to find different items that you can gifts to survivors. Below is a list of the items that you can gift. I'm going to start adding more of these throughout the world, so you can find them. Gifts raise your relationship with different survivors.

Story of the Month Poll

Here is the poll for the original story this month. Please feel free to make suggestions for new story subjects in the comments below.

For one of the stories below, I thought it might be interesting to start a series with a brand-new character somewhere else in the world when the outbreak starts. People on my Discord have talked about how cool it would be to see how a serial killer lived through the outbreak. If that story is chosen, I will start writing it. I might even publish it one ...

MC POV - Interactive Story - 4

Continued from scene 3

You move to the hallway closet, keying in the four-digit pin on the small digital lock. A soft beep follows, and the lock releases. Pushing aside a row of hanging coats, you reach for the false back panel, pressing at the edges until it clicks free.

Inside, three weapons sit in their places—a Glock 19, an AR-15, and a KA-BAR fighting knife. Below them, boxes of a...

Writing Updates

Over the past few weeks, I am still dedicating myself to Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4.

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4

The chapter on writing that bridges other chapters is taking a lot longer than expected, mostly because I'm trying to add all the content that people have been requesting. Even though people enjoy missions and going to kill zombies and scavenge unique locations, they also enjoy doing things around the junkyard to socialize with other survivors.

For ex...

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4 Sneak Peek

One of the scenes I'm writing allows you to give gifts to your fellow survivors. It's an extensive scene, but I think it's one of those bonding opportunities that makes writing it worth it for the story.

It's hard to share all of the items, because you can find so many in the world. However, here are a few of the ones I have written so far:

• Allison: paint set, poetry book, boardgame, crossword puzzle book

• Anders: law book, bag of espresso beans, stress ball,...

  2025-03-09 17:50:40 +0000 UTC View Post

MC POV - Interactive Story - 3

Continued from scene 2

You step aside, motioning her in. Jessica slips past you into the house. You close the door, throw the deadbolt, then double-check it.

She sinks onto the couch, legs bouncing, shifting back and forth like she can’t sit still. Her hands press against her thighs, fingers tapping.

“I know this is gonna sound strange,” she says, glancing up at you, “but i...

Outbreak Scenario 20

Three weeks into the zombie apocalypse, you've holed up in an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. The walls are sturdy, and you've managed to fortify the windows and doors effectively. Unfortunately, a wandering horde of zombies has stumbled upon your refuge. Your food and water supplies are critically low, with only enough for two more days, and your ammunition won’t last more than one prolonged attack. With the horde growing and the likelihood of attracting more zombies increasing, yo...

Schedule for March, 2025

If you haven't checked out my latest newsletter, it is now open to every member.

3/3 -- Outbreak scenario poll (Free tier)

3/4 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (MC POV) scene 3. ($3+ tiers)

3/6 -- Content Sneak Peek ($3+ tiers)

3/8 -- Story of the Month Poll ($10+ tiers)

3/9 -- Game updates (Free tier)

3/12 -- Content Sneak Peek ($1+ tiers)

3/15 -- Zombie...

Three Days on the Hill, Part 2

Continued from Part 1

Thursday, May 17, 2012

I woke to Kelly’s body pressed against mine. Her fingers traced circles on my chest. The tent smelled like earth, canvas, and the lingering salt of our sweat. Light seeped through the fabric.

She propped herself up on one elbow, her dark hair a mess. “I’m heading out with Parker,” she murmured, breath warm against ...

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven character poll

Of all the characters in the game, Madison is probably the most popular. I like to have different minor storylines for each character or show their change over time. Which of the following storylines do you think I should explore for Madison?

Games by JimD Newsletter – Game Updates, Just a Few More Months

Welcome to my 88th newsletter! February is a short month, but I have been working steadily on Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4. I have been writing over 30,000 words per month since I decided to focus on it. I will review all the new additions for this month, but I'm on track to send the files to Choice of Games (technically, Hosted Games) by the end of April.

I've been coming up with a schedule for other work after Part 4 is finished. I will discuss this more below, but I want to focu...

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Poll

If you could fight any group in Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven with a good chance of winning, who would you choose?

Also consider that the group is at full strength.

MC POV - Interactive Story - 2

Continued from scene 1

You open the door, and Jessica steps back slightly, running a hand through her blonde hair, pushing it behind one ear. Strands stick to her forehead. Her breathing is quick and shallow.

“This whole city’s going crazy,” she says, eyes wide. “I just left Bourbon Street—people are dying left and right.” Jessica steps closer, her voice dropping. “Man, who...

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4 Content Sneak Peek

This image is an example of the code and content for socializing with Jillian. As you can see, depending on the chapter, she will provide different dialogue. This is important to show how things develop over time for characters.

Writing Updates

Over the past few weeks, I am still dedicating myself to Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4. I mentioned my novel last month, and it is finished. It is currently being edited. The first four chapters are ready.

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4

Right now, I am working on many of the tasks between chapters. So far, I have finished the Dungeons & Dragons minigame that you get to play with other survivors, added a way to get new tattoos, including matching tattoos with your roma...

Story of the Month Poll

Here is the poll for the original story this month. Please feel free to make suggestions for new story subjects in the comments below.

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Content Sneak Peek

Since many of you are liking the Dungeons & Dragons minigame, I am showing you the choices for when your character gets to take their turn in a battle with a group of Llzardfolk.

MC POV - Interactive Story - 1

The house is quiet except for the hum of the ceiling fan and the faint, muffled voices from the television. You sit on the couch, one leg stretched out, the other bent, resting an elbow on your knee. Your boots are by the door, laces undone. Sergeant, E-5, Infantry Fire Team Leader. Seven years in the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Brigade Combat Team, stationed out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Your last deployment was in Afghanistan—urban patrols, clearing compounds, watching the horizon fo...

Outbreak Scenario 19

Ten years into the zombie apocalypse recovery, you lead a small community struggling with dwindling resources. Just beyond the relative safety of your territory lies a prosperous community known as Havenbrook. Rumors have reached you that Havenbrook has stockpiled a vast quantity of food, medicine, and essential supplies—resources that could ensure your community's survival through the upcoming harsh winter. Rumors suggest they need gasoline and other fuel, which you have in abundance for n...

Schedule for February, 2025

If you haven't checked out my latest newsletter, it is now open to every member.

2/3 -- Outbreak scenario poll (Free tier)

2/4 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (MC POV) scene 1. ($3+ tiers)

2/6 -- Content Sneak Peek ($3+ tiers)

2/8 -- Story of the Month Poll ($10+ tiers)

2/9 -- Game updates (Free tier)

2/12 -- Content Sneak Peek ($1+ tiers)

2/15 -- Zombie ...

Bailey and Brody - To the Lake

Bailey clipped a damp T-shirt onto the line, the fabric sagging slightly under its weight. The makeshift clothesline stretched between the main house and a pole near a storage shed, swaying faintly in the late afternoon breeze. The scent of soap and sun-warmed cotton filled the air.

As she reached for another shirt, arms wrapped around her waist from behind, and a hard chest pressed against her back.

She jumped, her fingers tightening around the cloth. “You shouldn’t sneak up ...

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Artwork poll

My artist is finally able to move back to a new character portrait for Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven. Who would you like to see created next?

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven will Content Poll

I know there are numerous characters in the story that seem underutilized. I would like to change that in the next part or even between parts 4 and 5.

Which character would you like to see with more content in the game?

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Part 4 Sneak Peek

In Part 4, I am creating a scene in which you can play Dungeons & Dragons with Dante as the DM. Below are the characters who will join the session and the character they are playing? What are your thoughts on this list? Are there other people that you think should be playing?

• Billie - female halfling druid

• Brody - human paladin

• Nephew - gnome sorcerer

• Kevin - tiefling rogue

• Monica - half orc fighter

2025-01-21 23:34:50 +0000 UTC View Post

Games by JimD Newsletter – Game Updates

Welcome to my 87th newsletter, and Happy New Year!

This is the first newsletter of the New Year, and I'm excited for 2025. I plan to submit Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4, towards the end of April and get it published this year. Many people don't realize that it takes a long time to edit and publish after I submit. I've seen people post that Part 4 is coming in May. Once I hand things in, it's primarily out of my control. Hosted Games has numerous authors fighting for their attention...

New Interactive Story Poll - Location

Choose the location we would like the story to take place.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Densely populated urban area offering ample shelter but challenging due to potential overcrowding of zombies.

Savannah, Georgia - Coastal access could provide escape routes by water; however, high humidity may accelerate decomposition and biohazards.

Boulder, Colorado - High elevation could limit zombie mobility, access to ...

New Interactive Story Poll - Profession

For this poll, choose a profession for the main character. I am only going to provide the more popular professions as options.