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Afterwards and Acknowledgments
This story originally came to me when I spent three months in the hospital during the summer of 2012. I was trying to keep myself occupied, since by that point, I had been in there for about a month. Story ideas came through my head, and the idea of having a hero who had a heart transplant endure the zombie outbreak seemed really interesting to me. I was released from the hospital in early September of that year, but I returned to UCLA medical center on October 28 for my own heart transplant.
The story, for obvious reasons, took a back seat as I spent time recovering and working on my studies. After the New Year, I started writing reviews for The 8th-Circuit, which reminded me how much I loved writing. I took a Film Appreciation class with my old script writing teacher, which only strengthened my love of storytelling. I came up with various other stories, most of which are still in the planning stages, but this particular story I always revisited every now and then.
What you have just read is very different from what I initially planned it to be, but I am rather proud of it. The premised never changed and neither did the characters (although I did switch out a number of names until I was satisfied). The underlying theme from the very beginning was opening up to not only other people, but to the rest of the world when you’ve been through so much pain. Having lived with a heart disease, and now living as a transplant recipient, the message very much struck home, which was why I wanted this to be as strong as it possibly could. While I still struggle with this journey, I’m glad that Jack and Anna were able to reach the end of theirs.
To my heart donor: I am in debt to you for the rest of my life. Your family does not wish to disclose who they are, and I completely respect that. I will continue working hard to make you proud of me and put our heart to good use. I’m hoping that this story is a good stepping stone.
To the various people that I connect to through social media—Facebook, Tumblr, KH-Vids—thank you for following me this far! You were there for me when I needed you most and I’m glad I have all of you as a support system.
A special thanks goes out to all of the heart transplant friends I have made on Tumblr. You guys were a big help in the beginning and a reminder I’m not the only person out there dealing with this. Keep fighting! I’ll always be rooting for you!
About Jose Luis Solorzano
Jose Luis Solórzano is a receiver of a heart transplant, going strong since October 28, 2012. He has a passion for storytelling and wishes to come up with stories that are not only creative and out there, but also have a rich message and a powerful meaning. Besides writing stories, Jose Luis is also a Senior Reviewer for The 8th-Circuit Network, where he mainly discusses movies and anime. He currently attends New Mexico State University.
Connect with Jose Luis Solorzano
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jose-Luis-Solorzano/226927427409427
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/joseluissolo
Tumblr - https://scarrednobody.tumblr.com/
Reviews - https://8th-circuit.com/users/tummer
Blog – https://letterstohomura.wordpress.com/
Other Books by Jose Luis Solorzano
Waxing Darkness
In the town of El Paso, Texas, something is about to change. The air is shifting and there is nothing that can be done to change it. Sometimes, events are just meant to happen. A young man moves to a new town and falls in love with a young werewolf/witch in her senior year. On the other side, a vampires who grows tired of protecting humans.
(Young Adult Fantasy)
Short Stories of an Untreated Mind
Containing four short stories, each one exploring its own themes and darkness.
(Short Stories)
Thank you, and please continue supporting my work!
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