A local architect pens a coming of age story centered around Christmas, a Liverpool man wonders what Central New York would be like during a zombie apocalypse, and two Skaneateles residents show the past and present side by side.

Zombies take over Liverpool, New York

Daniel Poirier didn't initially set out to write a book about zombies.

"I actually started writing a completely different book from Dead Ascension, but ended up getting serious writer's block. It was actually my wife that encouraged me to write a zombie book."

Poirier has always been a big zombie fan and once the idea took root the Liverpool native knew he had to set the story in his own neighborhood. Though there aren't any landmarks named specifically, Poirier says that anyone familiar with the area will know the routes his characters take to fight and escape the zombies.

The main character Dom, his brothers, and their search for loved ones as they try to bring everyone to a safe location are all inspired by conversations that Poirier had with his own brothers. Posing different scenarios in a zombie apocalypse, the brothers all talked about what they imaged they would do in order to keep their families safe from zombies, and the kind of people who are determined to demonstrate the worst in themselves in the face of a threat. Their answers, and methods of arming themselves, became the basis for Poirier's tale.

"Dead Ascension" follows the Emerson brothers as they fight to make sense of a world gone mad overnight. As they come to terms with the idea that this new world may be a permanent way of life, they must create an impenetrable safe house and get their family safely inside.

The book is to be the first in a series with Poirier already working on the second book. "Dead Ascension" is available at Abbott Press.com and Amazon.com.

Architect builds a fictional tale around Syracuse University

David C. Ashley draws from his own experiences as an architect in his holiday story, "Christmas: A Coming of Age Novel"

After growing up in Central New York and attending Syracuse University, Ashley found himself starting his career in Puerto Rico, then moving to New York City, then Westchester County, before returning to Syracuse to start his own architectural firm.

Tiffany Churchill, an architecture student at Syracuse University, is at the center of Ashley's story. Tiffany navigates the complications of living with her troubled parents in their Manhattan town house, while also sorting out her love life when interest in a new transfer student threatens her current relationship. Each of the characters, Nevio the boyfriend, Tiffany's parents, a new assistant who has moved in with the Churchills are all struggling with their own concerns. As Christmas brings them all together they each make their own choices with the hope of finding happiness.

Ashley's book began as an assignment in Megan Davison's class at the YMCA Downtown Writers Center. An eight week class in which each student is responsible for writing a chapter to be reviewed in class each week, Ashley took the course twice, determined to see the book all the way through.

Ashley believes that his work as an architect, currently specializing in

educational and civic architecture at Ashley McGraw Architects has helped him become a writer. "Being an architect instills a creative ability in a person which I believe can also be transferred to other creative areas like writing."

You can learn more about Ashley on his website and purchase his book on Amazon.com.

Now and then: a look at the history of Skaneateles

Skaneateles is an especially popular destination this time of year. People come from all over to join in the Dickens festivities that the small town has put on for the past 22 years. Those who have enjoyed their travel back in time can do so again with "Skaneateles Through Time", a book by Julie DiBagio and Sally Holben.

DiBagio, a member of the Skaneateles Historical Society board, shot photographs that recreated images from the historical archives so that she could display the images side by side to show how the town has changed, and how it has remained the same.

Working with Holben to provide historical anecdotes and context for the photographs, DiBagio has created a beautiful book sure to inspire residents and visitors of all ages.

The book is being sold at the Skaneateles Historical Society gift shop and the Mottville Emporium.

Have a book to share?

Are you a local author or have you come across a book set in Central New York? Tell us about it. Send a brief description of the book and the author and we'll add it as a candidate for coverage. Write us at features@syracuse.com.