Misty Zaugg's Blog - Posts Tagged "prepper"
The Unmentionables during an Apocalypse - How are you prepared?
Hi friends,
First of all, thanks to everyone who sent me so many great tips on improvised weapons that can be used for self-defense.
I've got this exciting scene planned where I'm going to use as many of your ideas as I can to help a group of women and children escape from the group of post-apoc baddies who have picked them up.
I'm rubbing my hands with a grin on how many things the supposedly "defenseless" ladies can do to break themselves and their kids free . . . stabbing ball point pens, strangling with extension cords and belts, rocks or cans of food in socks to use as saps, and on and on. I hope it will be an epic scene - so thanks for all the ideas!
So, as Steph and I start plotting book 3 in our post-apoc series, we're about ten days after the 'event', and I'm wondering about all the things we take for granted, the unmentionable stuff lots of books skip over: toilet paper, showers, bathroom facilities, body odor, laundry, women's cycles, etc.
Maybe we can ignore them in stories, but they will come up during a real-life disaster, so I thought I'd share occasional tips on the subject.
Today's tip: Laundry without electricity.
Equipment needed:
• Five gallon plastic bucket with a lid
• Simple toilet plunger
• Saw or drill to cut a circular hole in the bucket's lid and small holes in the rubber of the plunger.
Anyone see where this is going?
Directions
• Cut a hole in the lid, just big enough for the plunger handle to fit.
• Drill 5 - 8 small holes in the plunger itself to allow water to flow better and agitate the clothes.
• Add dirty clothes, water and detergent to the bucket.
• Put plunger in.
• Place the lid over the plunger handle and fasten lid.
• Start manual wash cycle . . . ie. pump the plunger up and down and in circles for five minutes or so.
• Dump out dirty water. Add clean water and repeat for as many rinse cycles as you need.
• Hang clothes on a clothes line and dry (wring out clothes or manually spin them in the air to speed up drying process)
Pretty simple and neat idea, isn't it?
Also, this is something that comes in handy even during non-disaster times when kids come in covered in mud and you'd like to get most of the muck out of their clothes before putting them in the washing machine.
Do you have any other suggestions for how to handle laundry during a power outage or disaster? Please share!
Good luck preparing - all the best,
---------------
Misty's Writing Update:
On to Book 3 in our storm series! We're outlining it this week and will start writing again soon.
So it's been 10 days since the 'event' and we're playing with how modern society will be devolving by that time.
With an average of three days of food in any given town and large parts of the country in big trouble, how long do you think some semblance of government will hang on?
With intermittent power, floods of displaced refugees, supply trucks not running as people start grabbing what they can for their own, it wouldn't probably take long.
What do you think? How long would it take after a major disaster for things to fall apart into a survival mode?
The best part, though, is exploring how our characters refuse to quit fighting despite all the setbacks. Post-apocalyptic stories are, in the end, stories about triumphing over the most difficult disasters.
Happy reading this week,
— Misty :)
First of all, thanks to everyone who sent me so many great tips on improvised weapons that can be used for self-defense.
I've got this exciting scene planned where I'm going to use as many of your ideas as I can to help a group of women and children escape from the group of post-apoc baddies who have picked them up.
I'm rubbing my hands with a grin on how many things the supposedly "defenseless" ladies can do to break themselves and their kids free . . . stabbing ball point pens, strangling with extension cords and belts, rocks or cans of food in socks to use as saps, and on and on. I hope it will be an epic scene - so thanks for all the ideas!
So, as Steph and I start plotting book 3 in our post-apoc series, we're about ten days after the 'event', and I'm wondering about all the things we take for granted, the unmentionable stuff lots of books skip over: toilet paper, showers, bathroom facilities, body odor, laundry, women's cycles, etc.
Maybe we can ignore them in stories, but they will come up during a real-life disaster, so I thought I'd share occasional tips on the subject.
Today's tip: Laundry without electricity.
Equipment needed:
• Five gallon plastic bucket with a lid
• Simple toilet plunger
• Saw or drill to cut a circular hole in the bucket's lid and small holes in the rubber of the plunger.
Anyone see where this is going?
Directions
• Cut a hole in the lid, just big enough for the plunger handle to fit.
• Drill 5 - 8 small holes in the plunger itself to allow water to flow better and agitate the clothes.
• Add dirty clothes, water and detergent to the bucket.
• Put plunger in.
• Place the lid over the plunger handle and fasten lid.
• Start manual wash cycle . . . ie. pump the plunger up and down and in circles for five minutes or so.
• Dump out dirty water. Add clean water and repeat for as many rinse cycles as you need.
• Hang clothes on a clothes line and dry (wring out clothes or manually spin them in the air to speed up drying process)
Pretty simple and neat idea, isn't it?
Also, this is something that comes in handy even during non-disaster times when kids come in covered in mud and you'd like to get most of the muck out of their clothes before putting them in the washing machine.
Do you have any other suggestions for how to handle laundry during a power outage or disaster? Please share!
Good luck preparing - all the best,
---------------
Misty's Writing Update:
On to Book 3 in our storm series! We're outlining it this week and will start writing again soon.
So it's been 10 days since the 'event' and we're playing with how modern society will be devolving by that time.
With an average of three days of food in any given town and large parts of the country in big trouble, how long do you think some semblance of government will hang on?
With intermittent power, floods of displaced refugees, supply trucks not running as people start grabbing what they can for their own, it wouldn't probably take long.
What do you think? How long would it take after a major disaster for things to fall apart into a survival mode?
The best part, though, is exploring how our characters refuse to quit fighting despite all the setbacks. Post-apocalyptic stories are, in the end, stories about triumphing over the most difficult disasters.
Happy reading this week,
— Misty :)
Reusable Toilet Paper? What do you think?
Hi friends,
So, I mentioned doing laundry during a disaster or after one of the apocalypses in my stories a few weeks ago.
Here's another "unmentionable" topic I don't see addressed very often -- inspired by the "Great Toilet Paper Shortage" of the early months of Covid-19. :)
What do people do for toilet paper in a disaster once their initial supply is gone?
Maybe some of you hard-core campers can chime in on what you use? Or do you just make sure to pack in enough of the soft stuff to last until you get home?
After a little research, it turns out that even the idea that toilet paper is a necessity might be flawed.
Did you know that in many countries, they don't even use the stuff? They prefer to spray water and clean up with a hand instead - generally the left hand. Many consider cleaning with just paper to be unhygienic compared to a real cleansing with water.
I have to admit, it made me reconsider my preconceptions on the topic.
So, I have two ideas for a post-disaster world with no toilet paper in sight:
Water:
• Simple and commonly available. You'd need to practice the process, the squatting position and getting over any hang-ups, but it definitely won't be the hardest thing you'll face in a disaster situation. (Just google "how to use a squatting toilet" to get an idea of the technique)
• Tip: Add a "peri bottle" or two to your supplies. These inexpensive bottles allow you to spray water upwards to clean with. Often used by women to gently cleanse the area after giving birth.
Reusable cloths:
• Use a pair of pinking shears to cut soft cloth into sections about the size of a standard baby wipe. Ideas: an old t-shirt, bath towel, flannel bed sheet, etc.
• You would need a bag to store the used ones in and schedule a regular cleaning . . . maybe that water method isn't sounding so bad?
• Tip: Purchase a pack of "cloth baby wipes" online, put them in your go-bag, and you're all good. :)
So, what would you rather use in the apocalypse? Water or cloth? Or something else entirely?
I figure I'd like to have a plan for this instead of being stuck with no idea when the kids are looking to me for answers. LOL.
Good luck preparing - all the best,
— Misty :)
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
We're about a third of the way through Storm book #3 and have just finished up with the edits that came back on Book 1.
It's funny, but I still don't plan for all the non-writing tasks like I should. As you get through more books, you need to do a bunch of extra stuff for the earlier ones.
A glimpse into a bit of the behind-the-scenes work of being an author:
• Chat with the editor about fixes that need to be done on a book you thought was mostly finished.
• Do write-ups for book covers and then engage in back-and-forth discussions until everyone is happy.
• Learn how to do marketing and ads on Facebook and Amazon.
• Fix mistakes found by readers and re-upload your books.
• Find other authors to exchange book mentions with (the images up ^ there)
• Write your newsletter to some amazing readers.
• etc., etc.
It takes a lot more work to put a series together than I knew when I first started writing.
Good thing creating the stories and the awesome readers like you are part of it all!!
Happy reading this week,
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg's Website
So, I mentioned doing laundry during a disaster or after one of the apocalypses in my stories a few weeks ago.
Here's another "unmentionable" topic I don't see addressed very often -- inspired by the "Great Toilet Paper Shortage" of the early months of Covid-19. :)
What do people do for toilet paper in a disaster once their initial supply is gone?
Maybe some of you hard-core campers can chime in on what you use? Or do you just make sure to pack in enough of the soft stuff to last until you get home?
After a little research, it turns out that even the idea that toilet paper is a necessity might be flawed.
Did you know that in many countries, they don't even use the stuff? They prefer to spray water and clean up with a hand instead - generally the left hand. Many consider cleaning with just paper to be unhygienic compared to a real cleansing with water.
I have to admit, it made me reconsider my preconceptions on the topic.
So, I have two ideas for a post-disaster world with no toilet paper in sight:
Water:
• Simple and commonly available. You'd need to practice the process, the squatting position and getting over any hang-ups, but it definitely won't be the hardest thing you'll face in a disaster situation. (Just google "how to use a squatting toilet" to get an idea of the technique)
• Tip: Add a "peri bottle" or two to your supplies. These inexpensive bottles allow you to spray water upwards to clean with. Often used by women to gently cleanse the area after giving birth.
Reusable cloths:
• Use a pair of pinking shears to cut soft cloth into sections about the size of a standard baby wipe. Ideas: an old t-shirt, bath towel, flannel bed sheet, etc.
• You would need a bag to store the used ones in and schedule a regular cleaning . . . maybe that water method isn't sounding so bad?
• Tip: Purchase a pack of "cloth baby wipes" online, put them in your go-bag, and you're all good. :)
So, what would you rather use in the apocalypse? Water or cloth? Or something else entirely?
I figure I'd like to have a plan for this instead of being stuck with no idea when the kids are looking to me for answers. LOL.
Good luck preparing - all the best,
— Misty :)
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
We're about a third of the way through Storm book #3 and have just finished up with the edits that came back on Book 1.
It's funny, but I still don't plan for all the non-writing tasks like I should. As you get through more books, you need to do a bunch of extra stuff for the earlier ones.
A glimpse into a bit of the behind-the-scenes work of being an author:
• Chat with the editor about fixes that need to be done on a book you thought was mostly finished.
• Do write-ups for book covers and then engage in back-and-forth discussions until everyone is happy.
• Learn how to do marketing and ads on Facebook and Amazon.
• Fix mistakes found by readers and re-upload your books.
• Find other authors to exchange book mentions with (the images up ^ there)
• Write your newsletter to some amazing readers.
• etc., etc.
It takes a lot more work to put a series together than I knew when I first started writing.
Good thing creating the stories and the awesome readers like you are part of it all!!
Happy reading this week,
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg's Website
Turn four cinder blocks into a stove? Be Prepared Tip #1
Hi friends,
You know how I love little tidbits of helpful information, so I thought I'd start adding some preparedness and survival tips to my newsletter.
. . . particularly since I found a really cool one while researching simple ways to cook and heat things for the post-apoc survivors in our books.
We all know boiling water and staying warm can both be critical in a survival or disaster situation.
Enter the rocket stove!
You can make one out of a myriad of materials, but the basic design is a U or L-shaped stove that allows scraps of wood to be fed in on one side while lots of air is sucked past the wood and up the chimney side resulting in almost complete combustion of the wood by the time the fire reaches the cooking surface.
Simple ones can be made with discarded cans, #10 cans and large paint cans along with a couple of smaller cans for the fuel and chimneys.
In a pinch, keep a few cinder blocks on hand, along with some kind of grate to hold your pan. A few minutes of stacking the bricks so that the holes in the cinder blocks direct the air flow of the fire, and you can have water boiling in no time. (You do need an unusual H-type cinderblock for the center, or a few extra concrete slabs/bricks to make that center H-shape)
There is a lot of information out there, so I won't try to summarize it, but now that you know what to look for, I hope you enjoy learning about the topic as much as I have.
What a fun experiment to try building one of the simpler options with the kids!
Have any of you built a rocket stove before? I'd love to hear what worked and didn't work!
Stay prepared out there, and all the best,
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
Now that things are settling down a bit, we're back to writing the second half of our fourth Storm book.
Thanks for the well wishes from everyone. After many weeks of not-so-fun pain, a final scan finally revealed that all of my troubles were from a host of little rocks trying to escape my body . . . yep, a bunch of kidney stones.
Crazy how such tiny things can cause so much trouble. :)
The good news is, once I finally get in for a procedure, I should be able to manage the condition relatively easily compared to some of the other chronic diagnoses that were being proposed.
It's just made me that much more patient and empathetic for others going through their own difficulties. You're not alone. :)
And since reading books has been an amazing distraction from the pain, I'll just say once again: Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
You know how I love little tidbits of helpful information, so I thought I'd start adding some preparedness and survival tips to my newsletter.
. . . particularly since I found a really cool one while researching simple ways to cook and heat things for the post-apoc survivors in our books.
We all know boiling water and staying warm can both be critical in a survival or disaster situation.
Enter the rocket stove!
You can make one out of a myriad of materials, but the basic design is a U or L-shaped stove that allows scraps of wood to be fed in on one side while lots of air is sucked past the wood and up the chimney side resulting in almost complete combustion of the wood by the time the fire reaches the cooking surface.
Simple ones can be made with discarded cans, #10 cans and large paint cans along with a couple of smaller cans for the fuel and chimneys.
In a pinch, keep a few cinder blocks on hand, along with some kind of grate to hold your pan. A few minutes of stacking the bricks so that the holes in the cinder blocks direct the air flow of the fire, and you can have water boiling in no time. (You do need an unusual H-type cinderblock for the center, or a few extra concrete slabs/bricks to make that center H-shape)
There is a lot of information out there, so I won't try to summarize it, but now that you know what to look for, I hope you enjoy learning about the topic as much as I have.
What a fun experiment to try building one of the simpler options with the kids!
Have any of you built a rocket stove before? I'd love to hear what worked and didn't work!
Stay prepared out there, and all the best,
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
Now that things are settling down a bit, we're back to writing the second half of our fourth Storm book.
Thanks for the well wishes from everyone. After many weeks of not-so-fun pain, a final scan finally revealed that all of my troubles were from a host of little rocks trying to escape my body . . . yep, a bunch of kidney stones.
Crazy how such tiny things can cause so much trouble. :)
The good news is, once I finally get in for a procedure, I should be able to manage the condition relatively easily compared to some of the other chronic diagnoses that were being proposed.
It's just made me that much more patient and empathetic for others going through their own difficulties. You're not alone. :)
And since reading books has been an amazing distraction from the pain, I'll just say once again: Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Pregnancy or kidney stones - Which is worse?
Hi friends,
This is short today, since I'm a bit loopy on pain meds . . . which I am very grateful for!
That and modern medicine that was able to use a scope and a laser to blast all my kidney stones into dust, including the 14 mm behemoth inside one of my kidneys.
It still makes me shake my head that such a small thing can be such a huge problem.
So, after having six kids and multiple kidney stones, guess which question keeps cropping up lately?
Which is more painful? Kidney stones or giving birth?
Giving birth: I've used hypnosis for most of them and while there were plenty of intensely painful periods, in general, you get a break between contractions and there is an end in sight.
Kidney stones: Just plain ol' intense pain that may or may not subside occasionally to give you a break and can last for weeks while waiting for them to pass, before getting a surgery that leaves you in more pain than before.
So, in short, I think Kidney stones are more painful for longer and with few breaks.
But it's totally relative, and everyone's experiences are different.
Hopefully by next week, I'll be back on my feet and back to writing fun adventures.
Thanks for all your well wishes!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
This is short today, since I'm a bit loopy on pain meds . . . which I am very grateful for!
That and modern medicine that was able to use a scope and a laser to blast all my kidney stones into dust, including the 14 mm behemoth inside one of my kidneys.
It still makes me shake my head that such a small thing can be such a huge problem.
So, after having six kids and multiple kidney stones, guess which question keeps cropping up lately?
Which is more painful? Kidney stones or giving birth?
Giving birth: I've used hypnosis for most of them and while there were plenty of intensely painful periods, in general, you get a break between contractions and there is an end in sight.
Kidney stones: Just plain ol' intense pain that may or may not subside occasionally to give you a break and can last for weeks while waiting for them to pass, before getting a surgery that leaves you in more pain than before.
So, in short, I think Kidney stones are more painful for longer and with few breaks.
But it's totally relative, and everyone's experiences are different.
Hopefully by next week, I'll be back on my feet and back to writing fun adventures.
Thanks for all your well wishes!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Finally! Searching for Shelter is live and 99c today!
Finally! Searching for Shelter is live and 99c today!
Hi friends,
It's finally here! And on sale for 99c, just for you guys!
Searching for Shelter, the first book in our new post-apoc Aftermath series has finally been published.
Here's the blurb (though those of you who've been reading my newsletter probably have a good idea of the plot by this point):
______________________
No food. No shelter. No way out but through.
A calamitous pair of storms.
Two women on the run from their past caught in the whirlwind.
They'll either stand and fight - or be consumed in the aftermath.
Tired of the same old boring story? Welcome to your new, epically long addiction from #1 best-selling post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus, Stephanie Mylchreest and Misty Zaugg.
Twin hurricanes obliterate the eastern coast of the United States, bringing with them a blight that devastated America's breadbasket.
As the nation's food supply withers on the vine, the population turns upon itself and millions die from starvation, infighting and disease within days of the storms' passing.
In the midst of the devastation left by the storms, two women in the Gulf Coast must fight against the dangers from their past to survive the aftermath of the storms and find a new order in a broken nation.
______________________
If you grab up a copy, I'd love to hear what you think.
And it would mean a lot if you would post a review on Amazon - even a short one. It really helps browsers pick up a new book if you mention why you enjoyed it.
Update on my kidney stone saga below . . .
Thanks for all your kind well wishes!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
We are wrapping up our fourth Aftermath book this week, so if you enjoy the first one, the others will be coming out rapidly, about one a month. There will be six in total.
And I wanted to thank everyone who sent me a kind note last week while I was recovering from surgery. They really cheered me up and made me smile! :D
The good news is that I have been off of all pain meds for most of a week now and all the stones and fragments seem to have passed.
I am reminded once again to be grateful for every pain-free moment and to enjoy when body systems work as expected.
I know a lot of you are also experiencing health issues, acute and chronic, and my heart goes out to you. I hope you are able to find solutions and have loved ones close to support you.
All the best from me!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Hi friends,
It's finally here! And on sale for 99c, just for you guys!
Searching for Shelter, the first book in our new post-apoc Aftermath series has finally been published.
Here's the blurb (though those of you who've been reading my newsletter probably have a good idea of the plot by this point):
______________________
No food. No shelter. No way out but through.
A calamitous pair of storms.
Two women on the run from their past caught in the whirlwind.
They'll either stand and fight - or be consumed in the aftermath.
Tired of the same old boring story? Welcome to your new, epically long addiction from #1 best-selling post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus, Stephanie Mylchreest and Misty Zaugg.
Twin hurricanes obliterate the eastern coast of the United States, bringing with them a blight that devastated America's breadbasket.
As the nation's food supply withers on the vine, the population turns upon itself and millions die from starvation, infighting and disease within days of the storms' passing.
In the midst of the devastation left by the storms, two women in the Gulf Coast must fight against the dangers from their past to survive the aftermath of the storms and find a new order in a broken nation.
______________________
If you grab up a copy, I'd love to hear what you think.
And it would mean a lot if you would post a review on Amazon - even a short one. It really helps browsers pick up a new book if you mention why you enjoyed it.
Update on my kidney stone saga below . . .
Thanks for all your kind well wishes!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
We are wrapping up our fourth Aftermath book this week, so if you enjoy the first one, the others will be coming out rapidly, about one a month. There will be six in total.
And I wanted to thank everyone who sent me a kind note last week while I was recovering from surgery. They really cheered me up and made me smile! :D
The good news is that I have been off of all pain meds for most of a week now and all the stones and fragments seem to have passed.
I am reminded once again to be grateful for every pain-free moment and to enjoy when body systems work as expected.
I know a lot of you are also experiencing health issues, acute and chronic, and my heart goes out to you. I hope you are able to find solutions and have loved ones close to support you.
All the best from me!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Last Day Searching for Shelter is 99c plus FREE Prequel!
Hi friends,
Just letting you know that today is the last day Searching for Shelter will be $0.99.
And thank you so much for your reviews already coming in!!
Debra on Amazon: "Awesome characters and plenty of action. The hurricane situation definitely terrifying and the struggles of the survivors is gut wrenching. Can't wait until the next book"
Jeannie on Amazon: "Absolutely a great read. straight to the point. This is my kind of story."
Rosemary on Amazon: "The riveting new survivalist drama . . . Get it now - and be warned, you may need to stock up your safe-room - just in case!
$0.99 Sale on Amazon. FREE on KU!
And if you'd like an intro to the story, grab the FREE prequel:
Free Prequel Ebook Download!
Searching for Redemption: Two mothers caught up in a calamitous pair of storms, fighting and sacrificing for what they love the most. FREE Ebook - and you'll get newsletters from my co-author, Stephanie Mylchreest.
Your support and kind reviews mean a lot to both of us as we are still pretty new authors - so thanks!!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
Searching for Resistance: Book Five of Aftermath! We just got started on the next to the last book in the series - mapping out all the conflicts between the various groups in our post-apoc world.
It's a fun mix of power-hungry groups taking control because they think they know what's in everyone's best interest as opposed to those who object to the loss of their freedom.
With Steph's move and my surgery finally done, we're excited to get back into the thick of writing.
How about you? How is the start of 2021 going for you? I hope you're able to feel a bit more stable than last year.
And I'm making a list for upcoming newsletter topics. I'd love to hear which topics most interest you in my various areas on knowledge: self-defense, herbs, medicine, preparedness, mental health and survival skills.
Or feel free to send me an "Ask Misty" question and I'll give a stab at answering.
Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Just letting you know that today is the last day Searching for Shelter will be $0.99.
And thank you so much for your reviews already coming in!!
Debra on Amazon: "Awesome characters and plenty of action. The hurricane situation definitely terrifying and the struggles of the survivors is gut wrenching. Can't wait until the next book"
Jeannie on Amazon: "Absolutely a great read. straight to the point. This is my kind of story."
Rosemary on Amazon: "The riveting new survivalist drama . . . Get it now - and be warned, you may need to stock up your safe-room - just in case!
$0.99 Sale on Amazon. FREE on KU!
And if you'd like an intro to the story, grab the FREE prequel:
Free Prequel Ebook Download!
Searching for Redemption: Two mothers caught up in a calamitous pair of storms, fighting and sacrificing for what they love the most. FREE Ebook - and you'll get newsletters from my co-author, Stephanie Mylchreest.
Your support and kind reviews mean a lot to both of us as we are still pretty new authors - so thanks!!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
Searching for Resistance: Book Five of Aftermath! We just got started on the next to the last book in the series - mapping out all the conflicts between the various groups in our post-apoc world.
It's a fun mix of power-hungry groups taking control because they think they know what's in everyone's best interest as opposed to those who object to the loss of their freedom.
With Steph's move and my surgery finally done, we're excited to get back into the thick of writing.
How about you? How is the start of 2021 going for you? I hope you're able to feel a bit more stable than last year.
And I'm making a list for upcoming newsletter topics. I'd love to hear which topics most interest you in my various areas on knowledge: self-defense, herbs, medicine, preparedness, mental health and survival skills.
Or feel free to send me an "Ask Misty" question and I'll give a stab at answering.
Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
A plastic water bottle and a soda can will purify water! Be Prepared Tip #2
Hi friends,
While researching survival methods for purifying water, I ran across a really fun one.
It doesn't produce a lot of water, but if you happened to run across a recycle bin full of plastic water bottles and soda cans, you could set up an array of these clever little devices in a warm window.
Steps:
1. Cut the bottom off a standard water bottle.
2. Bend about an inch of the ragged bottom of the water bottle up inside itself, creating an inner lip that will catch water as it condenses and drips down the inside of the bottle.
3. Cut the top off a soda can or other tall container that is skinny enough to fit inside the water bottle.
4. Fill the soda can with dirty water.
5. Place the water bottle (lid still on) over the soda can and put in a sunny location.
6. Wait . . .
7. When you see water condensing on the inside of the water bottle, you can give it a few bangs to knock all the water down into the bottom lip. Take off the lid and pour the water out into a cup.
8. Sip on the teaspoon or two of distilled water . . . I warned you it didn't make much!
This is a fun project to do with the kids - great for a homeschooling lesson on the states of matter and how they change: solids, liquids, water vapor, evaporation and condensation.
Plus, a great topic on how important clean drinking water is during a disaster or emergency.
If you have any other fun tips on clean water in a disaster, I'd love to hear them!
All the best,
P.S. Our publisher kept our new book on sale for an extra week if you didn't get a chance to grab it last week:
link: $0.99 Sale on Amazon. FREE on KU!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
Steph and I have been writing at a breakneck speed since last August, and are already about 30k into Book 5 of our Aftermath series.
It's getting pretty tense as our characters are faced with larger conflicts, up from the group level to the city level.
The new government in charge is doing what they think is right to save the most people, but at the expense of individual freedoms.
It makes me think about the best way to weather a disaster. You obviously need to have a core group of people, but how many people is the perfect number?
And how far away would you need to be from larger cities to be safe from unconstitutional orders or someone demanding you contribute your hard-won supplies for the greater good?
It does provide a lot of tension and fun situations to write as Rita and April struggle their way into leadership roles in the mountains of Colorado.
Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
While researching survival methods for purifying water, I ran across a really fun one.
It doesn't produce a lot of water, but if you happened to run across a recycle bin full of plastic water bottles and soda cans, you could set up an array of these clever little devices in a warm window.
Steps:
1. Cut the bottom off a standard water bottle.
2. Bend about an inch of the ragged bottom of the water bottle up inside itself, creating an inner lip that will catch water as it condenses and drips down the inside of the bottle.
3. Cut the top off a soda can or other tall container that is skinny enough to fit inside the water bottle.
4. Fill the soda can with dirty water.
5. Place the water bottle (lid still on) over the soda can and put in a sunny location.
6. Wait . . .
7. When you see water condensing on the inside of the water bottle, you can give it a few bangs to knock all the water down into the bottom lip. Take off the lid and pour the water out into a cup.
8. Sip on the teaspoon or two of distilled water . . . I warned you it didn't make much!
This is a fun project to do with the kids - great for a homeschooling lesson on the states of matter and how they change: solids, liquids, water vapor, evaporation and condensation.
Plus, a great topic on how important clean drinking water is during a disaster or emergency.
If you have any other fun tips on clean water in a disaster, I'd love to hear them!
All the best,
P.S. Our publisher kept our new book on sale for an extra week if you didn't get a chance to grab it last week:
link: $0.99 Sale on Amazon. FREE on KU!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
Steph and I have been writing at a breakneck speed since last August, and are already about 30k into Book 5 of our Aftermath series.
It's getting pretty tense as our characters are faced with larger conflicts, up from the group level to the city level.
The new government in charge is doing what they think is right to save the most people, but at the expense of individual freedoms.
It makes me think about the best way to weather a disaster. You obviously need to have a core group of people, but how many people is the perfect number?
And how far away would you need to be from larger cities to be safe from unconstitutional orders or someone demanding you contribute your hard-won supplies for the greater good?
It does provide a lot of tension and fun situations to write as Rita and April struggle their way into leadership roles in the mountains of Colorado.
Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Pretend to submit - then don't! Self-defense Tip #11
Hi friends,
Quick question: Did you leave a review on Amazon for our new book, Searching for Shelter!?
If so, THANK YOU!! It's up to 24 ratings which makes a huge difference for new readers trying to decide if they'll like it. :D
Here's the link if you meant to leave a review and haven't had a chance:
Leave a Quick Review: Searching for Shelter
On to a quick and effective self-defense tip, since I haven't done one of these in a while:
Pretend to submit, then don't! (Tip #11)
This tip takes advantage of an attacker's natural tendency to underestimate someone smaller and maybe weaker than him . . . especially if she suddenly acts really afraid and pretends to submit to his demands.
Example scenario:
______________________
You had to park at the far end of the parking lot because it was full when you arrived at the movies (back when we could go to the movies). When you leave, it's pretty dark and deserted back there.
You fumble your keys out of your purse and just as you get them in the lock, someone grabs you from behind, one arm pinning your arms to your front and the other arm wrapped around your throat.
"Don't make a sound, or I'll hurt you," a voice hisses in your ear. "Come with me."
The man pulls you backwards, in a direction toward the even emptier side of the large movie theater, both of his arms tight and pulling hard enough to hurt.
"Don't hurt me," you say in a pleading voice as you go along with the man, putting up no resistance at all. "I'll do whatever you say." You try to relax all your muscles and not fight.
After a few more steps, he relaxes, thinking you're afraid and compliant. The arm around your body and the one around your throat sag just a bit.
It's what you've been waiting for.
You push with your legs, straightening suddenly in an upward lunge as you simultaneously smash your head up and back right into the man's face, making the back of your scalp suddenly sting. At the same time, you stomp back a rapidly until you get one of his feet.
The man howls in pain, both hands loosening as he reaches for his injured face and hops on one foot.
Wasting no time, you pull free and run at full speed back toward the movie theater's lobby yelling for help.
Next time, you vow to pay more attention and either ask for an employee to accompany you to your car, bring a friend or find a closer parking spot.
______________________
Hopefully, you'll never be grabbed in a parking lot, but this simple idea can help you create the perfect opportunity to break free from a stronger opponent.
Good luck out there - and thanks again for posting reviews for us!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
We're halfway through writing the first draft of Searching for Resistance, Book 5 of our Aftermath series. Steph and I are throwing our characters into all kinds of trouble. :D
The big question is how much the conflict will spiral out of control as Rita is in trouble and April and company are racing to help.
How do you think main characters should get out of trouble in a story?
1. Save themselves by digging deep for the strength, cleverness or skills?
2. Be rescued by family, best friend, love interest, group of friends, etc.?
3. A combo of both - get themselves most of the way free, but leave a bit of the rescuing to their friends to help with.
I'm sure there's a case for all three in different stories with different main characters, but I'm curious which scenario you enjoy the most. Send me a quick note. :)
Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Quick question: Did you leave a review on Amazon for our new book, Searching for Shelter!?
If so, THANK YOU!! It's up to 24 ratings which makes a huge difference for new readers trying to decide if they'll like it. :D
Here's the link if you meant to leave a review and haven't had a chance:
Leave a Quick Review: Searching for Shelter
On to a quick and effective self-defense tip, since I haven't done one of these in a while:
Pretend to submit, then don't! (Tip #11)
This tip takes advantage of an attacker's natural tendency to underestimate someone smaller and maybe weaker than him . . . especially if she suddenly acts really afraid and pretends to submit to his demands.
Example scenario:
______________________
You had to park at the far end of the parking lot because it was full when you arrived at the movies (back when we could go to the movies). When you leave, it's pretty dark and deserted back there.
You fumble your keys out of your purse and just as you get them in the lock, someone grabs you from behind, one arm pinning your arms to your front and the other arm wrapped around your throat.
"Don't make a sound, or I'll hurt you," a voice hisses in your ear. "Come with me."
The man pulls you backwards, in a direction toward the even emptier side of the large movie theater, both of his arms tight and pulling hard enough to hurt.
"Don't hurt me," you say in a pleading voice as you go along with the man, putting up no resistance at all. "I'll do whatever you say." You try to relax all your muscles and not fight.
After a few more steps, he relaxes, thinking you're afraid and compliant. The arm around your body and the one around your throat sag just a bit.
It's what you've been waiting for.
You push with your legs, straightening suddenly in an upward lunge as you simultaneously smash your head up and back right into the man's face, making the back of your scalp suddenly sting. At the same time, you stomp back a rapidly until you get one of his feet.
The man howls in pain, both hands loosening as he reaches for his injured face and hops on one foot.
Wasting no time, you pull free and run at full speed back toward the movie theater's lobby yelling for help.
Next time, you vow to pay more attention and either ask for an employee to accompany you to your car, bring a friend or find a closer parking spot.
______________________
Hopefully, you'll never be grabbed in a parking lot, but this simple idea can help you create the perfect opportunity to break free from a stronger opponent.
Good luck out there - and thanks again for posting reviews for us!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
We're halfway through writing the first draft of Searching for Resistance, Book 5 of our Aftermath series. Steph and I are throwing our characters into all kinds of trouble. :D
The big question is how much the conflict will spiral out of control as Rita is in trouble and April and company are racing to help.
How do you think main characters should get out of trouble in a story?
1. Save themselves by digging deep for the strength, cleverness or skills?
2. Be rescued by family, best friend, love interest, group of friends, etc.?
3. A combo of both - get themselves most of the way free, but leave a bit of the rescuing to their friends to help with.
I'm sure there's a case for all three in different stories with different main characters, but I'm curious which scenario you enjoy the most. Send me a quick note. :)
Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
NEW: Searching for Escape: Aftermath #2 :)
Hi friends,
We're really excited that our second book in the Aftermath series just came out!
Hop over to Amazon and grab a copy if you'd like to join Rita and April in their battle to survive as the world falls apart around them.
Searching for Escape: Aftermath Book 2
It's also FREE to read if you have Kindle Unlimited.
Also, I wanted to say thanks for your two new 5-star reviews on our first book in the series, Searching for Shelter. They helped out our book a lot this week:
Barb G: "Great book. Well written and characters are very realistic. Worth the read. Nonstop action and good storyline."
and
Poet: "Another excellent read by Misty Zaugg!!! Buy it....yo will like it!!"
We really need those 5-star reviews to counter a few sour readers who gave us 2-stars for things like "Sorry, not my cup of tea." - smh, sigh.
So, if you enjoyed the story and want your positive opinion heard: Leave a Quick Review: Searching for Shelter
And I'd love to hear what you think of book #2 in the series - from those of you who read fast like me. :)
Thanks again for all your amazing support!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
With our second book releasing today, we're working hard to get the rest of the series done so all the editing and other work can be done in time to bring you the rest of the books quickly.
Our goal is to release about one a month and wrap up the adventure in six books. Since we're over halfway done with #5, we are right on track to doing that.
We've also consciously chosen to write these books close to twice as long as many other books in the post-apoc genre.
I'm curious what length books you like?
1. On the shorter side (200 pages/45k words) - I like to read fast and finish fast.
2. Medium (300 pages/85K) - Just enough but doesn't go on for too long.
3. Long (400+ pages/110k+) - The longer the better. More story for my $ (and only takes up one slot if I have KU)
Well, lots of writing tasks calling me to finish them . . .
Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
We're really excited that our second book in the Aftermath series just came out!
Hop over to Amazon and grab a copy if you'd like to join Rita and April in their battle to survive as the world falls apart around them.
Searching for Escape: Aftermath Book 2
It's also FREE to read if you have Kindle Unlimited.
Also, I wanted to say thanks for your two new 5-star reviews on our first book in the series, Searching for Shelter. They helped out our book a lot this week:
Barb G: "Great book. Well written and characters are very realistic. Worth the read. Nonstop action and good storyline."
and
Poet: "Another excellent read by Misty Zaugg!!! Buy it....yo will like it!!"
We really need those 5-star reviews to counter a few sour readers who gave us 2-stars for things like "Sorry, not my cup of tea." - smh, sigh.
So, if you enjoyed the story and want your positive opinion heard: Leave a Quick Review: Searching for Shelter
And I'd love to hear what you think of book #2 in the series - from those of you who read fast like me. :)
Thanks again for all your amazing support!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
With our second book releasing today, we're working hard to get the rest of the series done so all the editing and other work can be done in time to bring you the rest of the books quickly.
Our goal is to release about one a month and wrap up the adventure in six books. Since we're over halfway done with #5, we are right on track to doing that.
We've also consciously chosen to write these books close to twice as long as many other books in the post-apoc genre.
I'm curious what length books you like?
1. On the shorter side (200 pages/45k words) - I like to read fast and finish fast.
2. Medium (300 pages/85K) - Just enough but doesn't go on for too long.
3. Long (400+ pages/110k+) - The longer the better. More story for my $ (and only takes up one slot if I have KU)
Well, lots of writing tasks calling me to finish them . . .
Enjoy reading this week!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Why is his help dangerous? Warning Signs #4
Hi friends,
We had a sunny 65F (18.3C) day this week and everyone was so excited to get out into the sunshine for the brief anomaly. I hope you're able to enjoy some time out of doors wherever you are in the world!
And if you missed last week's email, Searching for Escape: Aftermath Book 2 in our Aftermath series just came out!
We had a sunny 65F (18.3C) day this week and everyone was so excited to get out into the sunshine for the brief anomaly. I hope you're able to enjoy some time out of doors wherever you are in the world!
And if you missed last week's email, Searching for Escape: Aftermath Book 2 in our Aftermath series just came out!
A handful of great reviews have come in and we are so excited!
Rosemary says, "A fascinating, scary and inspiring what if...? near future possibility that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout."
And Patrick says, "Action Packed: The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like I knew the characters."
I keep grinning when I read your reviews - you're the best!
Searching for Escape: Aftermath Book 2
______________________
Why is his help dangerous? Warning Sign #4
Here's the fourth in my series about behaviors that can warn you an attack is attack from the amazing book "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin deBecker.
I think all women should read it at least once. (There is some scary/realistic content, so screen it before giving it to your daughters.)
Mr. deBecker's premise is that a potential attacker will behave in certain ways to influence a victim before attacking. 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
And for today:
#4 Loan Sharking
An attacker can offer unsolicited help before an attack to make the victim feel obligated to reciprocate, or at least let down her defenses more than she normally would. Like borrowing from a loan shark, you'll be asked to pay back much more than you received.
Scenario #1:
A young good-looking man (Charm and Niceness) sees you struggling to unload a heavy box from your car parked on the street in front of your house.
"Hi, there. Let me help you with that," he says as he hurries to grab one side of the box without permission.
"It's ok," you reply to the stranger. "I've got it."
"No, really," he insists (Discounting No). "Let me just help you get it to your porch at least. I know what it's like to have to move heavy things like this. I had trouble with my back a few years back and could hardly even lift a backpack (Too many details). I'm happy to help."
It's easier to just let him help, so you stop arguing. When you both get the box to your porch, you try to set it down so you can open your door.
"I've got it. No problem," he says easily, taking the box so your hands are free to get out your keys.
A worried feeling twists inside you, but you don't like causing a fuss, so you ignore it.
Once you've got the door open, he smiles. "Let me just set this inside for you," he says.
Before you can stop him, he walks inside, box and all, and sets it on the coffee table in your front room.
Now what do you do?
***
This illustrates how unsolicited help (loan sharking), niceness and discounting 'No' can lead to a situation she would have never imagined possible - she let a stranger walk into her house and didn't stop him.
What should she have done differently?
***
Remember, though, this doesn't mean everyone offering to help is dangerous.
However, this pattern of manipulating you to do something you normally wouldn't is definitely a warning sign - especially if a handful of these techniques are being used.
Stay safe out there and I hope you're enjoying some nice weather wherever you live!
______________________
Misty's Writing Update:
One more week!
We'll finish writing https://amzn.to/38R067y Searching for Resistance, Book #5 in our Aftermath series this week! And then we'll send it off to editing, formatting and all the processing that happens to a book before it finally makes it to your e-reader.
We'll probably hop right into outlining https://amzn.to/38Q0e76 Searching for Victory - the finale of the series, since we have some great ideas about how all the characters come together in the climactic battle for survival, freedom and family. So fun! :D
Once we're done with that, we'll dust off our Post-Apoc Virus series that we set aside to do this project with Mike Kraus.
The first two books are written, and after we tidy them up a bit, we'll write the third book to wrap up a nice trilogy. Hopefully, a virus themed post-apoc will go over decently now that our real-life Covid virus is on its way out!
My six-year-old demanded yesterday, "Dad! When will Covid finally be over?!?"
Hopefully soon!
What do you think about virus-themed post-apoc stories right now?
1. Love them! Makes me feel more positive to read about heroes overcoming a virus-devastated world.
2. As long as the story and characters are well done, I don't really care what the world-ending event is.
3. Hate them - they hit too close to home right now. Maybe later.
Thanks for your feedback! We want to write the books you want to read, so your input is very valuable.
Happy reading out there!
— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
Misty Zaugg's Blog
Stop by for weekly articles about survival, herbs, self-defense and updates on Misty's latest books.
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