Misty Zaugg's Blog, page 9

May 3, 2021

Stranger to buddy in an instant? Warning Signs #5

Hi friends,

Anyone out there having a crazy-weather spring?

After a few beautiful days, we suddenly dropped below freezing again and a shivery dump of snow piled onto the spring blossoms.

Snowy Blossoms

Can't shut the heater off quite yet! I hope everyone out there is doing all right whether it's hot or cold where you are. If you have perfect weather . . . well, don't brag. :)

And a quick note: If you want to be notified when my new books come out - hop 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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Stranger to buddy in an instant? Warning Signs #5

Here's the fifth tip about behaviors that can warn you an attack is imminent from the amazing 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

And for today:

#5 Forced Teaming (Or Stranger to Instant Buddy)

An attacker will find common ground with you to quickly change from a stranger to someone you can relate to and might drop your guard around. He's trying to force himself onto the same "team" as you.

Example #1:

You're in the grocery store and one of your kids keeps insisting they want candy. Someone nearby chuckles and says, "I can't believe they put all those treats right where the kids can see them, can you? My kids did the same thing when they were young."

See how he changed from a stranger to someone who has also struggled with kids during a shopping trip? When he makes his next move, like offering to help you carry your bags to the car (Loansharking) or asking for a ride somewhere, are you going to refuse?

Example #2:

You're visibly frustrated with your cell phone while waiting at the bus stop. A man, also waiting, holds up his own cell phone and says, "For all the money I spent on this thing, you'd think it be easier to use, wouldn't you?"

When he happens to get off at your stop, and heads in the same direction as you do, will his forced teaming put you more or less at ease?
***
These are examples of how someone can move from a stranger you're wary around, to someone you feel the beginnings of a connection with.

The technique doesn't necessarily mean an attack is imminent. Salesmen and charismatic people who seem to make friends easily will also use this technique.

Just make sure to watch for other tactics trying to convince you to do something you wouldn't normally feel comfortable doing.
***
Stay safe out there and I hope you're enjoying some nice weather wherever you live!
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Misty's Writing Update:

Deadly Lockdown is back!

Deadly Lockdown by Misty Zaugg and Stephanie Mylchreest

Now that only editing is left to do on our Aftermath series, Steph and I have dug up the computer files for our virus series and we just started rereading the first book.

You would think that since we wrote the book, we would remember the characters and all the storylines . . . but apparently not. :D

Yes, it's all very familiar and comes back quickly, but both of us are rereading the first two books so that we can outline and begin writing the third book.

Hopefully by next week we will be working on new material.

What is very eerie and crazy is that the two of us began writing this in late 2019 before COVID. We based a lot of our research on the Spanish Flu Epidemic which was something many people had never heard of at the time.

Now, though, having lived through the COVID pandemic, it's very strange to read how many pieces of our fiction mirror real life.

Hopefully, it will still be well received, though both of us wish we'd been able to publish it before COVID instead of afterward. LOL

I'm curious what you think. Would you read a pandemic, post-apoc book right now? Or is it too soon?

Happy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
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April 26, 2021

Is Cash King? Be Prepared Tip #4

Hi friends,

Wow! We already have three five-star reviews on Searching for Sanctuary, our book 3 that came out last Friday.

Barb G, L Stratton and Kixfan - You are the best!
Thank you so much!!

Searching for Sanctuary: Aftermath #3
Searching for Sanctuary: Aftermath #3

Barb said, "This whole series is a great read. Love the characters and the storyline. Keeps you wanting the next book! Nice character development."

L Stratton: "This is a really good read from start to finish. It is hard to put down.. Perfectly written with great characters."

and Kixfan: "Great book. Very entertaining read."

Your support really encourages us to keep writing more books, so thank you!

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Is Cash King? Be Prepared Tip #4

Quick story: A friend was driving into town to run some errands including a stop at the gas station. Halfway there, the traffic lights flickered. When he got to the gas station, he couldn't buy any gas. Even though a back-up generator had the pumps working, they had no connection to the financial institutions, so his credit card and checks were no good. They were only accepting cash.

In the first hours after an emergency, when electricity is out, credit cards and checks quickly quit working and only cash is accepted. It will suddenly be too late to run to an ATM to withdraw funds.

So it's a good idea to keep a decent amount of cash on hand, including a collection of smaller bills to make change and buy small items.

Also, consider stashing some in your vehicles for emergencies, too.

Recommendations for how much cash to keep on hand varies from an amount equal to three or four days of your normal spending, up to $1k-$2k.

What do you think? How much would be prudent to have enough to last until the power comes back on? Obviously there will be a big difference between a short power outage and a major disaster that requires evacuation.

And other trade goods might come in handy, food, ammunition, silver coins, etc. I'd love to hear your ideas.

Be safe out there!

Thanks again for all your amazing support! You're the best!
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Misty's Writing Update:

We finished writing book 6 this week!!

We're pretending there isn't any editing (I call it grumblediting) ahead of us so we can celebrate and grin for a little. :D

After that, we'll finish the editing up with as little grumbling as possible. And then we'll pick up our Virus post-apoc series and see how fast we can finish the trilogy and get it out to you.

If you remember, we had books 1 & 2 done when we got this great opportunity to write with Mike Kraus. So, we'll be finishing them and writing the third in the next month or two. We're hoping to do a fun, free prequel to go with the series, too, so we'll let you readers know first, when it's available.

Also, there should be some awesome promotions around August when the sixth book in the Aftermath series comes out, so watch for those!

Enjoy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
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April 19, 2021

NEW Release: Searching for Sanctuary: Aftermath #3 :)

Hi friends,

We're really excited that our third book in the Aftermath series came out on Friday!

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 Sanctuary: Aftermath #3
Searching for Sanctuary: Aftermath #3

(It's also FREE to read if you have Kindle Unlimited.)

And, once again, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave new reviews!!

Barbara Gilbert said, "These writers have done an excellent job bringing us the experiences of each of the characters in this story . . . It is a great read and I enjoyed each minute I spent reading the story. I can't wait to read the second book in the series."

and

Donna S. Boatwright said: "Awesome read! - Loved the book! I like the details of survival equipment."

These are reviews of the first book in the series. If you haven't started reading yet, now is a good time to jump in! Searching for Shelter: Aftermath Book 1

And any of you speed readers out there who finish book 3 really fast - if you feel like posting even a short review on Amazon, it really helps a lot when the book is brand new!

Thanks again for all your amazing support! You're the best!
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Misty's Writing Update:

While our third book releases today, we're knee deep in writing the final battles in book 6, the conclusion to the series. It's a bit crazy how far ahead we finish the writing so the rest of the editing and processing can be done to get the books to you.

It's bittersweet wrapping up all the various plot lines, heroes and villains alike, to give a satisfying conclusion to April and Rita's stories, along with all the people who have become like family to them over their adventures.

We're also looking forward to the final set of chapters where we plan on writing what I call the "dessert" content of a book - once all the big danger is over, readers get to share enjoyable moments with the characters they've come to love.

If you make it through the entire series, I guarantee you'll be smiling at the end of it . . . I hope!

What about you? Do you like a few wrapping-up and "fluffy" chapters after all the action has finished? Or are you fine with "The End" coming right after the hero saves the day?

I'm just curious.

Enjoy reading this week!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
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April 12, 2021

Dogs for self-defense? Weapon Tip #6

Hi friends,

I can't believe Searching for Sanctuary is coming out next Friday!

Searching for Sanctuary: Aftermath #3
Searching for Sanctuary: Aftermath #3

Now is the time to dive into how Rita and April survive the mega hurricanes that devastate the Gulf and East Coasts - and the chaos that ensues!

There are six books in the series, so lots to read if you enjoy the first. :)

Aftermath 6 Book Series

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Pets as self-defense - Self-defense Weapons Tip #6

Yes, our dogs are like family members and not really weapons, but when I started the self-defense weapons series I kept getting great stories of how readers had been saved or protected by their pets, so I had to mention them.

First a few tips, and then tell me what you think:

Pros:
1. Dogs as a deterrent.
There's nothing better than stopping an attack before it happens! A home invader will think twice when they hear a barking dog. When out of the house, an attacker will often move on when they see you have an alert dog with you. If not, a warning growl can also turn aside a would-be attacker.

2. Dogs can fight for you.
In addition to any of your own self-defense moves, your dog's strength and bite can make the difference fighting off an attacker.

3. Dogs can instill confidence.
For someone recovering from an attack(or other forms of PTSD) or those who live on their own, a protective dog can help instill confidence to feel safe when home alone or venturing outside.

Cons:
• Your dog isn't always with you. When going to and from locations where pets aren't allowed, you'll be on your own.
• Many living situations don't allow for owning a dog.
• There is added expense and investment of time to train and own a dog.
• Your dog might be too small or not have the right temperament to warn or fight off an attacker.
• Your dog could get hurt in an altercation.

So, what do you think? Has owning a dog made you feel safer? Has your dog come to the rescue and helped you in a potentially dangerous situation? I'd love to hear and share your stories!

Stay safe out there,
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Misty's Writing Update:

Continuing my dog theme today, what do you think?

Should Toby, Rita's loyal German Shepherd, join her in the final battle of Searching for Victory, Book #6?

Funny story - toward the end of book 5, we realized I'd forgotten to bring Toby along for the big events happening in the city. I then had to spend more time than I expected going back and adding him in to a handful of chapters . . . hint: a dog can really change how a fight scene plays out!

So now we have a big note at the top of our manuscript:

"Remember the dogs!" LOL

Currently, we're putting together the final battle of the series, and it's on a much larger scale than in previous books - military, good guys, bad guys, guns, fires - all at night in an big city. We're also leaving a few valuable people home to protect the homestead.

So your verdict?

1. YES! Take Toby to the final battle in the city. He's crucial and would help Rita stay alive!
2. No! Don't take him into that chaos! He'd be more valuable protecting their homestead where they've left the kids (There might be an attack there, too, and Toby would still show off his heroic side).

Happy reading out there!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
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April 5, 2021

Use your running elbows to break free! Self-defense Tip #12

Hi friends,

First off - thanks to Adam who wrote in and mentioned to be careful not to use toilet tank water during an emergency if you have a grey water system. He sent me an awesome description of his own water collection set-up that made me jealous! :D

You guys are send the best emails!

And just a quick note that Combat Origin, Book #1 in my dystopia series is at $0.99 and free to read in Kindle Unlimited for those of you who are new to my blog.
Combat Origin by Misty Zaugg
Combat Origin by Misty Zaugg

Jessie C left a really nice review on Amazon: "Fun read, was intrigued by hints of a larger plot in the epilogue. World was reminiscent of Divergent/Alita battle angel, but the tone was more Ready Player One with a street fighter theme."

There are five books in the series, so lots to read if you enjoy the first. :)

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The Back Elbow - Self-defense Tip #12

Today's self-defense tip is a fun and easy one - the kind I like the best.

Do you know how to pump your arms and elbows when you jog or run?

. . . then you already know a great move to fight back against a grab from behind: the back elbow!

Imagine an attacker who grabs you around the waist and tries to pull you back off your feet or into a waiting vehicle.

Bend your arms, just like you do when you run, and then slam your elbow back into the attackers solar plexus (the central area just below the sternum that will know the wind out of someone).

To be most effective, you might need to either twist a little or take a step to the side with one foot to line your elbow up better with the center of the attacker's body.

This is where practice comes in. Have a friend grab you from behind - gently to start - and take a little time to figure out how to hit the correct target with your elbows.

Once you have a bit of confidence, have your practice partner get some padding - a punch of tightly rolled towels, an old couch cushion, etc., and then practice striking with your elbow quickly and at full force.

Don't forget to copy the motion you use when you run. It's the most efficient and powerful way to do this strike. Winding up or bringing your elbow up and away from your body will only decrease the strength of the blow.

Have any of you had to get out of a grab? What worked for you? I'd love to hear your stories!

Stay safe out there,

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Misty's Writing Update:

We started Searching for Victory, Book #6 with a handful of very happy chapters for our big crowd of characters. Now, I won't spoil what follows, but you know things don't ever stay easy and happy in post-apoc novels.

But I'm curious about your opinion on the start of a novel.

Does it have to be crazy, in-your-face danger? Or is that only the first book in the series and you don't mind a happy start to the later books?

We figured by book 6, the finale of the series, it would be nice to see a few things work out well for the characters . . . at least until the next big disaster. LOL.

And for everyone who has been leaving reviews on books 1 and 2 in the series, I'm sending you a virtual high five. You are helping us so much!

Happy reading out there!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
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March 29, 2021

Would you ever drink from the toilet? Be Prepared Tip #3

Hi friends,

A quick pic for you, since I thought you might get a laugh about the slightly different look to our entry way.

broken dryer in the entryway

No, that's not the same dryer from last week.

We finally installed the new one, spent the weekend catching up on laundry . . . and have a broken dryer in the entry way now - LOL!

At least the 6-year-old's pink cowboy hat is there to dress it up a bit. :D

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I've got a water preparedness tip for you today. Clean water is crucial in the aftermath of a disaster.

First, a story . . . because I love stories:

My parents lived near the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that killed a lot of people and left my family with no power, water or gas for weeks. (I was away at college)

They used a broken-handled shovel to dig a latrine in a corner of their back yard. There was a small stream in the area that was quickly swarmed by thirsty people and they thankfully had some food storage because of long-standing council to be prepared from church leaders.

So, what did my mom consider most important after that traumatic experience?

Well, years later, she flew out to visit me for the birth of my fourth child. One day, the power in our whole area went out suddenly. She burst into action, ordering the kids to go find as many empty 5-gallon buckets as possible. Minutes later, she'd organized an assembly line on the lawn of grandma and the kids washing out buckets, filling clean ones and then putting on tight lids. When the lids ran out, she used aluminum foil.

About an hour later, when we had a row of 15 buckets or so, full of water, she relaxed, let out a breath, and then said, "All right. Now we can relax."

Moral of the story?

Water. Water. Water.

From someone who lived through an earthquake with no utilities or help for weeks, my mother considered clean water to be the most precious resource.

So, my first water tip is advice on where to find clean water than many people may not have considered.

1. The toilet tanks in your house or business contain about 2 - 4 gallons of water each.

Yes, the tanks contain clean water as long as they've been maintained. Though, if you get desperate, you can use the bowl water if you have a way to purify it. So in a disaster, don't let anyone flush and lose those gallons of valuable water.

2. Your water heater can contain between 40 and over 100 gallons.

There is usually a valve on the bottom and then some way to allow air in the top so the water can drain. Take the time now to check out how yours works, and you'll have another valuable source of drinkable water in an emergency.

If you have good preparedness tips about clean water in an emergency, be sure to send them to me! I'll make sure to include them in future editions.

Stay safe out there,
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Misty's Writing Update:

It's time to buckle down and write. We wrote the first couple of chapters for Searching for Victory, Book #6 over the weekend, but this was our first full week of writing.

We generally start with an outline of what needs to happen in each chapter, but the fun and magical part happens during the actual writing, when the characters come alive and fun twists and turns pop up unexpectedly.

I think Steph and I have found a great method of combining both planning and spontaneous creativity in the way we write together. It keeps it fun and interesting enough that we still enjoy writing.

Though there are still plenty of tired, burned-out days, as in any endeavor, but we plow through because we're both committed to what we're doing.

For tips on how I handle procrastination - check out last week's NL if you missed it. :D

Happy reading out there!

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
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March 22, 2021

Why is there a dryer in my entryway? . . . procrastination? :D

Hi friends,

I had to laugh this morning as I went downstairs and saw this for the umpteenth day in a row:
dryer in the entryway

Yes, that's a dryer sitting in our entryway, and it's been there since last Saturday.

Procrastination is real, my friends!

And I'm sure many of you struggle with it, like I do.

I find that sometimes my thoughts will build up a relatively simple chore or task into a huge impossible task . . . only to discover that when I finally take care of it, it really wasn't too bad.

How does that happen?

It's part of the twisted/distorted thinking that contributes to depression and anxiety.

Today's story is an example of "Fortune Telling".

This is where you predict that the future will be very difficult or full of failure:

"Cleaning out that closet is going to take forever."
"I'll never make new friends, so why bother trying?"
"My kid is just going to keep screwing up his life."
"Discussing our disagreement is just going to make things worse."

and

"It'll be really hard to move that heavy, awkward dryer AND we'll have to clean out behind the old one first AND move the piles of dirty clothes that have built up AND figure out a way not to scratch the floor when we move it AND . . ."

You get the picture.

So what's the solution to getting your motivation back?

Talk back to the thoughts with something more reasonable, true and hopeful. Ex: If the family works together, we can install the dryer much faster. And think of how nice it will be to have soft towels again!

Test it:
1. Write down how hard you think a dreaded task will be, how long it will take, and how you'll feel when it's done. Use a scale out of 10 or 100.
2. Then do the task
3. Come back to your predictions and write down what actually happened. You'll likely find that it went faster and was easier than you predicted. And you probably feel even better than you predicted you would once the chore was done.
4. Remind yourself of the test results next time you begin dreading a new task and putting it off.

For more ideas on fighting back depression and anxiety, check out one of my favorite authors on the subject: David Burns

Stay happy and stress-free out there!

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Misty's Writing Update:

We finished and turned in Searching for Resistance, Book #5 in our Aftermath series last weekend! Now there's just editing and pre-publishing work to do. Woohoo!

This week, we've been outlining Searching for Victory, Book #6 - the finale of our series.

I can't believe we're getting close to finishing. All told, we will have spent almost 10 months on this project and have really enjoyed working together.

I love writing with Steph. She's an amazing writer and editor, so when we pass our chapters back and forth every day, we polish and hone the story until it's better than it could be if either of us tried writing it alone. Co-writing is the way to go!

I hope you enjoy reading our books and please share the link to the series with any of your friends who might have fun reading it!

Share the Aftermath Series

— Misty :)
Misty Zaugg Website
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March 18, 2021

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!

Searching for Escape: Aftermath Book 2

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



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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!
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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

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March 8, 2021

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!
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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
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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:
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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
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