Misty Zaugg's Blog - Posts Tagged "escaping-the-virus"

Hi friends,

Searching for Allies has been having a great first week thanks to all of you! And awesome readers have already posted a handful of encouraging reviews - You're the best!

Check it out:

Searching for Allies: Book 4 in Aftermath

And a quick note: If you want to be notified when my new books come out - head over to Amazon and click the "Follow" button under my pic on my author page:

https://www.amazon.com/author/mistyzaugg

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When a Promise is Dangerous. Warning Signs #6

Here's the sixth tip about behaviors that can warn you an attack is imminent from the informative book "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin deBecker.

Remember, no single one of these seven behaviors predicts that an attack will come, but if you see multiple ones, be warned.

Here's the list of the ones I've discussed so far:
1. Discounting the word "No"
2. Too many details
3. Charm and Niceness
4. Loansharking
5. Forced Teaming

And for today:

#6 Unsolicited Promises

A potential attacker will make a promise to do (or not do) something in order to reassure you they aren't dangerous .

"I promise I'm a nice guy."
"I promise I'm not going to hurt you."
"I promise I only need your phone for a minute."
"Can you give me a ride? I promise my house is just around the corner."

Example #1:

A good-looking man knocks at your door, looking sheepish. (Charm and Niceness)

"I'm so sorry to bother you, but I just ran out of gas and my phone is dead. I'm such an idiot. I'm sure you've probably let your phone die, like me. (Forced Teaming).

Would you let me come in and use your phone? I promise it'll only take a minute. (Unsolicited Promise)

Example #2:

A mom rushes flustered to the back of a grocery store with multiple small children and one that has to go to the bathroom NOW.

A personable man gives the mom a sympathetic look. "Oh, wow," he says. "I really don't miss potty training." (Forced Teaming) "Can I help?" (Loan Sharking)

"No, I've got this," she replies, distracted.

"Really," he insists. (Discounting No) "I can watch the others for a minute while you run her into the bathroom really quick. No need to be superwoman." (Typecasting)

She hesitates, glancing toward the bathroom.

"I promise, I'm a really nice guy," he says with a disarming smile. (Unsolicited Promise)

***
These are examples of how a potential attacker will add a promise to give added strength to his reassurance that you don't need to worry.

Now that you know about this warning sign, it should have the opposite effect.

"I promise I won't hurt you."
becomes
"I'm planning to hurt you."

Remember, someone with no ill intentions toward you doesn't need to convince you they are safe and harmless.
***
Stay safe out there! And if you've noticed any of these warning signs in a real situation, I'd love to hear what happened. I enjoy reading your stories!

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Misty's Writing Update:
With my sister's family with six kids in town visiting, we've been in the midst of enjoyable bedlam . . . and no writing (other than this newsletter).

It's pretty fun to take a break from the daily writing to reconnect with some family who live so far from us.

How about you? I hope you're able to visit with friends and family again as the covid pandemic finally begins to wind down in many places.

I'm also jotting down ideas for my new litrpg fantasy series, which is part of the writing process I really enjoy. Creating a new world. Complex magic and people. What's not to love?

Happy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

Steph and I are so excited to announce Deadly Lockdown is now available and 99c for a short time to thank our readers for their support. Grab a copy before it goes back up to $2.99.



Deadly Lockdown by Misty Zaugg & Stephanie Mylchreest
$0.99 Special!

A deadly illness. Panicked lockdown. And two sisters who’ll stop at nothing to save each other.

The second wave of the Siberian Flu catches the country completely unprepared. Instead of killing the old and frail, the young and healthy are dropping . . . in hours, not days.

Now it’s a race to survive. Kate, a new doctor, has to fight through a city turning deadlier by the second and traverse a chaotic country to save her younger sister, Alisa.

Back in their small home-town, she’s fighting a conspiracy even deadlier than the pandemic.

As an invisible killer spreads like wildfire, society breaks down with astonishing speed. Refusing to succumb to the chaos, the sisters dig deep for strength, rely on new friends, and overcome deadly obstacles to save each other.

(NOTE: This book was written in 2019 and finished before the current pandemic.)

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Books 2 and 3 are going through final edits and are set to release this summer.

A few kind readers have already posted some awesome reviews. Any of you speedy readers who could spare a minute or two to add your reviews, too, would be much appreciated! You're the best!

We'd love to hear what you think of the new series! :D

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Misty's Writing Update:

Thanks for all the feedback about fantasy races for my new series. The consensus seems to be that the familiar lineup of elves, dwarves, orcs, etc., is something fantasy readers enjoy a lot, but adding a creative twist to them and possibly another race or two would be icing on the cake.

This week, I'll be spreading my papers across the kitchen table and enlisting my teenage boys to help with the brainstorming. I'll try to get a pic to share with you next week of the process. :)

Feel free to chime in with any interesting twist ideas you might have on the traditional fantasy races, and I just might include them! :D

Let me know!

Happy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

Big day today!

If you missed out last week, Deadly Lockdown is still 99c right now before we bump it back up to $2.99.

. . . AND Searching for Resistance, Aftermath Book #5 just came out today! :D



Deadly Lockdown by Misty Zaugg & Stephanie Mylchreest
$0.99 Special Today!

Thanks to all of you who posted a review! Keep them coming!

Scott: "Thrilling and suspenseful story! This is a strong series opener, good character development and action mixed with lifelike scenarios make for an exciting read."

Barbara: "An exciting, pulse pounding story you can't put down."

Debbie: "A gripping storyline of survival, of unbelievable atrocities, of nonstop peril and danger, of hope, of friendship and family "

Kindle customer 001: "I read this over a holiday weekend. I couldn't put it down! The characters are well developed and the story will make you think. You really have to read this!"



Searching for Resistance: Aftermath #5
New TODAY! FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

And then only one more book to complete April and Rita's saga of surviving the collapse of society. Searching for Victory comes out August 20th! Thanks for all your support!
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Do you have a shield lying around? Weapon Tip #8

This week's weapon tip is a blend of how to defend against a weapon and improvising with things in your environment.

What household and workplace items can be turned into a defensive shield to be used against an attacker who may or may not have a weapon? (excluding firearms)

Possible scenario:
When the doorbell rings early one morning, you don't answer it because you're busy and not expecting anyone. A few minutes later, you hear the front door open and when you come around the corner are startled to see a man in your entryway rifling through the drawers of the dresser there. He is holding your car keys in his hands. He drops them to quickly pull out a knife and threatens you.

What's your best response?

Obviously to run out a rear or garage door and call for help if you have no one else in the house to protect.

If you can't, how can you protect yourself against a knife to break past the man and get to safety? What 'shields' do you have lying around?

Ideas:
• The barstool from the kitchen behind you. Think 'lion tamer' and use the legs of the stool to keep the attacker at a distance so you can escape unhurt.
• Items with thick material - think small blanket, towel, thick coat, etc. Quickly wrap it around your blocking hand and arm and use that to deflect the incoming knife while using your other arm and legs to kick and strike until you can get free.
• Ranged weapons: Ever hear that the best defense is a good offense? Grab that heavy can of beans, the glass paperweight, the electric pencil sharpener or other fist-sized heavy object and throw them as hard as you can at the intruder.
• Keep the attacker at a distance: A knife or club wielder is most dangerous when you get within range of the weapon. You can strike and jab with long items to keep them at bay. Ideas: Umbrella, broomstick, shovel, mop, etc.

What do you think? What other household or workplace things could you use as shields and defensive items if attacked?

What about right now?

Scan your surroundings. What three items could you use if someone were to break in to attack you?

Send me your list, and I'll put it in next week's newsletter. :D

Stay safe out there, and thank you again for supporting my writing so I can continue to create more stories!!
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Misty's Writing Update:
What's a trope?

I'd barely heard of the word before I started writing. But now, I realize how important the concept is to create stories readers will enjoy.

So, what is it?

It's really just a general concept or idea that we find in fiction. It can reference the plot, character, settings, etc. And tropes can differ considerably depending on the genre of fiction.

A few examples from different genres:
• Orphaned main character at the bottom of society who rises to the top by the end of the book/series/movie.
• Main character has unusual power that attracts the attention of powerful bad guys.
• Bully bad guy who gets his/her just desserts in the end.
• A side character with a secret persona that is revealed over the course of the book/series.
• Friend turned betrayer.
• Best friend turns into love interest.
• The main character solves a problem or wins a battle by thinking creatively outside the box and not using the normal tools to solve the problem.
• A wise mentor provides little nuggets of guidance at just the right time to nudge the main character toward success.
• Main character almost gives up, but succeeds by refusing to quit.

And the list is endless!

Once I understood the concept, I started noticing them in the books I like reading and have been jotting them down ever since.

Now, I'm working on including my favorite tropes in the outline of my newest fantasy, litrpg series.

Question for my fantasy and litrpg readers out there: What are your favorite tropes you like to see in books? Let me know, and I'll add them to my outline! :D

Happy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

Good news! Deadly Escape, the second book in our Virus series is coming out on Friday. Thanks to all of you who've already pre-ordered the book!



Deadly Escape: Book 2 in Escaping the Virus

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How do you get out of a grab? Hit first! Self-defense Tip #15

So, you've probably heard the old adage that the best defense is a good offense. Turns out that works pretty well in self-defense situations, too.

Now, the caveat here is that the best choice is always to avoid or get away from the dangerous situation first, if you can.

But let's say someone has grabbed you and is pulling you into a room, toward a deserted area or even into a vehicle.

Most people's first reaction is to focus on the grab and try to break free. They'll jerk their arm back if someone has grabbed their wrist or try to wrench their shirt free of an attacker's grip.

It turns out, there a much easier way to make someone let go of you.

Hit them. And make it hurt.

Once you decide you need to fight back, make sure to move fast, strike hard and without warning.

Instead of trying to pull your arm free, use the other to snap a fast heel palm right to the nose or slam the side of your hand into their throat.

You can stomp hard on the top of their foot and even add a scrape down the shin to this move.

The goal is to cause sudden unexpected pain in your attacker, which makes them instinctively let go of you to protect themselves.

That's when you take off, running toward a safer and more populated area.

It's a simple and very effective technique: Cause sudden pain in your attacker and they're likely to let go long enough for you to escape. :D

Stay safe out there!

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Misty's Writing Update:

Searching for Shelter has 193 reviews! Almost 200! I can't believe it. :D

Neither Steph or I has ever had 200 reviews on a single book.

So, if any of you have a few minutes to help us reach this awesome milestone, we'd love it:

Review Searching for Shelter!

And in the next few weeks we've got a few more books coming out:
• July 30th: Deadly Escape: Virus #2
• Aug 20th: Searching for Victory: Aftermath #6 and Finale
• Sept 19th: Deadly Rescue: Virus #3

Check out all my books here!

I hope you're enjoying some fun summer reads!

Happy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

We're so excited that you helped Deadly Lockdown reach a #1 ranking in the Natural Disaster category in Amazon!

And Searching for Resistance, Aftermath #5, has been having a great first week thanks to all of you!

Not to mention, Deadly Escape, Virus #2 will be out in just two weeks!

Your reviews have really helped the books do so well - Thanks!

If you haven't read them yet:

Deadly Lockdown: Book 1 in Escaping the Virus

Searching for Resistance: Book 5 in Aftermath

And a quick note: If you want to be notified when my new books come out - head over to Amazon and click the "Follow" button under my pic on my author page:

https://www.amazon.com/author/mistyzaugg

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When is an Insult Dangerous? Warning Signs #7

Here's the seventh and final tip about behaviors that can warn you an attack is imminent from the informative book "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin deBecker.

Remember, no single one of these seven behaviors predicts that an attack will come, but if you see multiple ones, be warned.

Here's the list of the ones I've discussed so far:
1. Discounting the word "No"
2. Too many details
3. Charm and Niceness
4. Loansharking
5. Forced Teaming
6. Unsolicited Promises

And for today:

#7 Typecasting (or manipulative insults)

A potential attacker will insult the victim to try to influence them to go against their better judgment and do what the attacker wants.

"There's such a thing as being too independent, lady."
"What? You're too racist to accept help from a black man?"
"No need to be scared of everyone. I'm just trying to help."
"You don't want me in your car? You don't give rides to poor people?"

Example #1:

A kind-looking man in the parking lot offers to help you load your groceries from the cart into your trunk. (possible Loan Sharking).

You refuse politely.

"Really," he insists. "Let me help." (Discounting No)

You don't know him and refuse again, hoping he'll just go away.

"I guess you're too good to accept help from someone like me," he says in a disappointed tone. "I just wanted to help." (Typecasting)

Feeling suddenly guilty, you apologize and thank him for his offer.

Without realizing how it happened, you find yourself stepping back while he finishes loading your car with a kind smile on his face. (Charm and Niceness)

When he asks for a ride to the nearby gas station, (Loansharking) you find it very difficult to refuse.
***
This is an example of how a potential attacker will use insults and typecasting to make you feel guilty, hoping you'll then do what the attacker wants in order to disprove the insult . . . which generally leads to you and him being alone where there are no witnesses.

Now that you know about this warning sign and can recognize how manipulative it is, it should be much easier to resist.

Respond with calm but firm instructions.

"I don't need your help. Leave me alone!"

You're not obligated to be polite when you feel your safety is threatened.

And remember, a stranger with no ill intentions toward you won't try to manipulate you.
***
Stay safe out there! And if you've noticed any of these warning signs in a real situation, I'd love to hear what happened. I enjoy reading your stories!

All the best,
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Misty's Writing Update:

With my mom and dad in town visiting and new books releasing, most of my author work has been squeezing in time to upload manuscripts, finish editing, set up advertising, etc.

The not-so-glamorous part of writing, that I was mostly unaware of when I started this adventure - lol.

What about you? Have you started a new venture, only to find out there's a lot more involved than you think? Or do your plans always go along smoothly with no surprises? :D

Tell me it's not just me!

Happy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

If a deadly virus is rampaging across the country and you're trapped away from home, what would you do first?

I'm guessing you'd gather some essential supplies and try to team up with a few reliable people before doing your best to get back to your family.

That's exactly where we left Kate in Deadly Lockdown, the first book in our Escaping the Virus series. She's geared up with a few friends and ready to fight their way out of St. Louis to start the dangerous trek home.



Deadly Escape: Book 2 in Escaping the Virus

If you grab a copy of Deadly Escape today, I'd love to hear what you think of it!

Plus, since it will have a 'big fat zero' in the review section because it's brand new . . . would you could take a minute to post a quick review? You'll make our day and help other readers take a chance on the book.

And remember how we were so close to a milestone 200 reviews for Searching for Shelter? Last week, I asked if you could help us get there.

Guess what I found this morning:



200 reviews on a single book! A first for both me and Steph! Thanks so much!

You're the best!

On another topic, in the midst of preparing for our upcoming summer road trip, I just broke a toe. So, I'll be simmering some comfrey to soak it and report back on how this simple herb can supercharge the healing time of injuries.

Thanks again for all your support of our stories!
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Misty's Writing Update:

Today, Deadly Escape came out and that leaves two more books still to come this summer:
• Aug 20th: Searching for Victory: Aftermath #6 and Finale
• Sept 19th: Deadly Rescue: Virus #3

Check out all my books here!

I'm still world-building and outlining for my next series, but mostly being pulled into family summer activities and everything that goes along with making sure everything runs smoothly.

How about you?

Anyone having great summer adventures you'd like to share?

And I need a few good audiobooks for our upcoming 2-day drive across the States to visit family in August - if anyone has some good SFF or litrpg suggestions!

Happy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

First a big thanks to everyone for helping our book 2, Deadly Escape get a fancy #1 New Release banner in the Infectious Disease category.

And special thanks to the eight people who gave us the crucial reviews a brand-new book needs, like:

Scott: "The intensity is ramped up in this entry, as the non-stop action makes for one exciting story. All while building up the suspense as the plots continue to unfold. With the authors doing a great job on the characters (both good and bad) as well. I can’t wait for the finale to hit."



Deadly Escape: Book 2 in Escaping the Virus

But what about my broken toe? And how am I fixing it?

I gotta say that comfrey is one of my top ten favorite herbs. Nicknamed 'Knitbone' for it's ability to heal broken bones, it contains allantoin, a substance that supercharges the healing process so injuries can heal much faster - and it can even help minimize scarring.

It grows via root propagation and if you can get a start, it's hardy enough to come back year after year.

The root is medicinally stronger than the leaf, but either works. Both fresh and dried can be used.

So, how do you use it for an injury?

Simple: Make tea. Soak the owie. :D

Here are a few pics and a bit more explanation:

Step 1: Broken Toe (hint - the purple one next to the pinkie)



Step 2: Chop up a bunch of prickly comfrey leaves (root works well, too):



Step 3: Cover with water, bring to a boil, cover and turn down to simmer for 10-20 mins or just leave to steep and cool on its own if you're not in a hurry.



Step 4: Strain off the 'tea' or extract. Keep refrigerated and heat a portion when it's time to soak



Step 5: Soak the injury 2 - 4 times a day and watch how fast you heal. It's amazing! For hard to soak injuries like a rib or shoulder, warm the extract, dip a cloth or paper towel and drape over the injury. You can reuse the clothes by bagging them and refrigerating them for next time.


This is my foot right now as I'm sitting at my desk typing this up. :D

Note: Comfrey has been painted as dangerous for internal use (still fine for external) because of a substance that can damage the liver. But the data is questionable, ie. isolating the dangerous substance instead of using the whole herb, rat studies, using excessive quantities, etc. Check out the studies and decide for yourself. (Or compare the number of deaths due to liver damage by correctly prescribed Tylenol vs comfrey.)

Have any of you ever used comfrey? I'd love to hear your experiences.

And thanks for the well wishes for my trip - we're driving cross country and will be visiting family and friends for the next few weeks. Road Trip!! :D

Thanks again for all your support!
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Misty's Writing Update:

Here's a sample of what I've been doing this week:
• Changing the oil and rotating tires on the van
• mountains of laundry
• buying lots of snacks - healthy and not-so-healthy
• loading phones and tablets with audiobooks, ebooks and movies
• buying new shoes for a teen boy who insisted just 2 weeks ago that his were "perfectly fine!"
• buying shorts for a different teen boy who found only one pair when it came time to pack.
• repacking the suitcase the 6-year-old girl packed 2 months ago when she found out about the road trip. It was full of clothes that didn't fit and others she didn't like. LOL. But, hey, at least she tried.

Yep, we’re going on a big road trip. Two days of driving out West to visit family and friends and then the same drive back two weeks later.

So, not much writing going on here, I know (except for this newsletter). But this is the last big trip of the summer, and then my son (the third child) will be leaving to serve a two-year mission for our church. With him leaving the nest, only three will still be living at home when fall comes.

Such a happy and sad moment. When they're adults stepping out on their own with confidence, but you still miss them.

Wish us luck on our two-day drive out West! The middle teen will be helping with some of the driving to get hours before he tests for his license in the fall. Eeek!!

If you don't hear from me after this, it was nice knowing all of you! :D

Happy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

We said goodbye to our third this week as he left on a two-year, self-funded mission trip for our church.



There were more than a few tears at the airport as we said goodbye, particularly the six-year-old who doesn't like change. As we drove away, she tearfully insisted that she wanted him to be 17 again . . . so he wouldn't be leaving yet. :(

I can't believe I've sent three adults off into the world now. The house feels a bit empty with only three kids left at home. :)

And, thanks again, for your tips on staying connected with adult children. Using social media and scheduling virtual visits on the calendar were two of my favorites.
***

Back hammer fist: Self-defense Tip #16

This is one of my favorite moves to teach in a self-defense seminar, because if you can swing your arms while walking, you already know how to do this move.

Basically, you clench your fist and then swing it swiftly down and back to hit an attacker's groin or inner leg.

It works best against a rear grab where the attacker has pinned your arms and thinks you can no longer use them to fight back.

Wrong.

1. Take a small step to the side with your left foot (if you're left-handed, flip these instructions). This puts your opponent's groin directly behind your right arm and hand.
2. Close your right fist and swing down with a fast, hard blow, like you're trying to drive a hammer into his groin or thigh = thus the name: hammer fist.
3. Simultaneously yell or make noise to attract attention and help yourself hit harder.
4. Hopefully the sudden pain causes the attacker to let go.
5. Get out of there, fast.
6. If you're still not free, try using a head butt with the back of your head, a back elbow strike, or a hard stomp to the top of their foot. (These have been mentioned in previous newsletters)

Your goal is to cause as much pain as fast as possible until you're free and can escape.

Practice: Have a friend hold up an old couch cushion or a rolled up sleeping bag and stand directly behind you. Practice the step to the side, followed by the strike and yell. Repeat until you feel confident.

Then try with a friend grabbing you strongly from behind. Practice again, but don't actually hit your friend. This is to train yourself not to panic when being grabbed and to instinctively fight back with an effective move.

Good luck and stay safe out there!

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Misty's Writing Update:

Remember last week I was going to try writing more than one first chapters of my new litrpg series?

LOL.

I wrote chapter one . . . and then chapter two . . . and then started chapter three.

I don't know if I want to try a different chapter one, because I like the one I came up with.

But I think I'll still force myself to do it, as an experiment, anyway.

Then my plan is to have my teenage boys and my husband (who all love reading Brandon Sanderson) read the two and give me a verdict.

Stay tuned!

In other writing news, Deadly Rescue, the third and final book in our Escaping the Virus trilogy is almost here. Ten more days!!



Steph and I are pretty excited about how well the series has done. You're the best readers, especially those of you who took the extra time to post a review!

You're the best!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

In two days, Deadly Rescue, the final book in our Escaping the Virus trilogy will be out! It's always a bit bittersweet to finish up a series, though we left a few small threads that could be teased into extending the series in the future.



And since I tell you about all the deals first, Deadly Lockdown will be on sale for 99c all next week to celebrate! We really appreciate your support!

Deadly Lockdown follows Kate and Alisa, two sisters fighting to survive a surge in the fictitious Siberian Flu that makes the world implode around them. We wrote the sisters with real and complex personalities, each with flaws that they work to overcome throughout the series . . .

. . . which kinds of bites us in the butt when a reader wants them to be perfectly capable from the beginning.

Yes, I'm serious. And these readers can get really mad! LOL.

It earned us a couple of scathing 1-star reviews about how Kate and Alisa are "the two stupidest women I have ever read about" and they "have the IQ of a stick."

Ouch!

Though I had to laugh that people get so intense about a book that's supposed to be something fun and entertaining.

Thankfully, many of you appreciate characters who develop throughout the series into heroines, instead of starting out that way.

Like these readers:

"Great female characters and honestly rather realistic. Love it."

"In order to survive they must fight to find the strength they will need, this is a great series and I am anxious to read the third book!"

What you may not know if an angry 1-star review takes four 5-star reviews to make up for it. (think how many A's in school it takes to make up for a single bad test score)

And since people are far more likely to complain than to compliment, it's even more than that.

So, do any of you want to inject a little positive into this series?

Counter the grumbling complainers!!

We'd love your reviews!

Review Deadly Lockdown and make Misty smile! :)
(On Amazon's page, just scroll down and look for a button that says "Write a Customer Review" to the left of the other reviews)

Thanks guys! You're the best!
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Misty's Writing Update:

My big writing news, as already mentioned, is Deadly Rescue coming out on the 19th.

And my awesome co-writer Steph has set up a bunch of promotion services who will send out a notice to their subscribers that Deadly Lockdown is on sale.

It's funny, but I never realized how much work all this marketing stuff was going to be when I started writing. But I should have expected as much, considering there are complete companies who specialize in advertising and marketing, LOL.

I am looking forward to putting that kind of author work behind me soon and digging back into creating fun worlds and adventures to share with you!

I appreciate your encouragement and support.

Enjoy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website

Hi friends,

First thing - you have one more day to grab Deadly Lockdown for 99c if you were excited about the deal, but forgot about it, like I often do:



And second, check out the awesome #1 best-seller tags! Even Deadly Rescue got one, thanks to all of you!

Even better, we got a few great reviews like this one from Scott:

"Fantastic Read! Deadly Rescue was an exciting end to this series. The twists and suspense all built to a thrilling finale; the story being so hard to put down I read it in one day.

From strong character work to action to science, this series is easy to recommend. I can say the same for the authors’ other works as well. Well done!"

And this one from Lanfear - our awesome UK fan:

"A must read! This book has everything from action and adventure to love and loss and much more. Fast paced with a great story line that delves into every facet of what it is too be human from the very worst, to the very best. It has two great female leads who've grown in themselves as the series progressed, facing their past head on. This can be read as a stand alone but far better as part of the series."

Keep them coming! You guys are awesome!

***
Ginger isn't just a spice - Herbal Tip #2



If you like spicy, but not the long-lasting burn of cayenne, you might already enjoy the tingling flavor of ginger in recipes.

It also had two really awesome medicinal effects you might not know about:

1. Anti-nausea: Going on a plane or boat ride? Know someone with morning sickness? Ginger is an excellent remedy for mild nausea, and it's tasty too!
2. Anti-inflammatory: Instead of reaching for the ibuprofen, try a cup of ginger tea instead. Studies on osteoarthritis show a reduction in pain and inflammation and you can even use it topically on the swollen joint.

How to use it:
1. Ginger chews or crystallized ginger: These are sugary pieces of ginger candy that are easy to keep in a purse, which makes them great for nausea sufferers.
2. Ginger capsules: To control your dose and try to replicate the amounts used in studies, these are readily available where herbal capsules are sold.
3. Ginger tea: Fresh is always awesome. Grab some ginger root at the store, peel and chop, and then bring to a simmer before putting a lid on it and letting it steep. Yummy! You can also dip a cloth in warm ginger tea and use as a compress to wrap around painful joints. Or simply dunk the hurting finger or toe into a container of tea.

How about you? Do you use ginger medicinally and have a story to share?

I'd love to hear about it.
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Misty's Writing Update:

So my husband, an engineer and avid sci-fi reader, is my best sounding board as I'm designing a story and hammering out the plot.

I had rewritten the first two chapters of this new book multiple times and finally had him give it a read through . . .

. . . and he said I should just cut off the first half of chapter 1 because I'd packed too much info into the start and made it a slow read.

Sure enough, when I looked at it again, I realized that during the rewriting, I'd kept shoving more and more information about the world and the characters into every paragraph . . . over and over again until it was bursting with information and not enough of the fun action. LOL.

So, lesson for me: stick to one draft and one rewrite and then move on. Or force myself to chop out some stuff as I edit instead of keep stuffing more in. :D

Enjoy reading this week and I'd love to hear what you think about Deadly Rescue if you have a chance to read it!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website