Thanks for answering my question last time about book lengths. The consensus is that interesting characters and a good story trumps word count.

Sweet, because I’m pretty much the same way. 🙂

Also, readers sent in a few more fun facts about plantain: Bruce mentioned plantain helps with nettle stings, and RobinBeth said the seeds are edible before they flower and have a wonderful nutty flavor. Thanks, guys!

I also had some great emails in response to using a cane or walking stick for self-defense.

Brian, who uses one for his bad back, was able to deter an attack just by threatening to use his.

And Matthew gave some great tips on how he practices ahead of time with his walking stick made by Cold Steel and out of solid polyurethane (which means it doesn’t set off metal detectors): “As a test I used it to shatter heavy half-inch thick flower pots and slash open a gallon water jug and I have been very happy with it thus far.”

Great tips all around!

So, on to today’s topic: What common household items can you use to defend yourself?

Let’s start with the awesome tips sent in by readers:

From Barrie: “A tip from my Army days, try rolling up a fairly substantial magazine secure both ends with elastic bands. Give it a try you’ll be surprised how much damage you can do especially to the stomach and groin areas. Other weapons I have carried to good effect have been a length of light chain . . . cheap to obtain, and is effective at a decent range if used properly.”

From Jeanette who uses a wheelchair: A large Maglight with 4D cell batteries which doubles for illumination and defense.

From Adam: keys between fingers and large umbrella – standard military black one.

From Cherie – hair spray works just as well and comes in small sizes. (as an alternative when you don’t have pepper spray)

From Robin – Consider a utility knife (box cutter). It’s razor sharp. And since the blade only actually extends an inch beyond the body, it isn’t illegal to carry one anywhere except a courthouse. 

So, how do you defend yourself with something just lying around?

Remember, the #1 rule about weapons: Practice before you actually need it!!

How to use items around you for self-defense:

1. Take a few minutes in various settings to get up, walk around and look at all the objects within reach. Evaluate them for how useful they would be against an attacker.
2. Practice. Visualize an attack, in say, your office, and practice grabbing items fast enough to use effectively. Enlist a friend or family member to be the “bad guy”.
3. Repeat in different settings: work, home, the gym, out for a walk, etc.

Ideas for improvised weapons:

• ‘Stabby’ things: kitchen knives, screw drivers, letter openers,
• Large solid objects with heft for throwing or blocking: stools, backpacks, textbooks, trashcans.
• Small solid objects for throwing or striking: canned food, hammer, fire extinguisher (can also spray with this), lamp, glass bottle, pots and pans.
• Club-like items: baseball bats, golf clubs, piece of wood in the door track, broom, mop.
• Garage items: rakes, shovels, hoses, tools, etc.
• Debris: spices, dirt, sand or other small particles can be thrown to disrupt vision or distract while you escape.
• Even your phone: to call for help or start recording while you yell about it uploading instantly to the cloud in the chance it will scare them away. 🙂

And the best weapon of all? Your mind!

The more you learn to look around you, evaluate dangerous people and situations, recognize escape paths and possible weapons, the better your chances of defending yourselves and your loved ones successfully.

I’m considering adding a final discussion on this topic about pets helping defend their owners.

I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences!

Stay safe out there!

______________________ 

Misty’s Writing Update:

First of all – thank you for clicking on the books and promotions above which help support this newsletter!

Meanwhile as Steph and I continue writing about a post-apocalyptic landscape in our books about devastating storms, we’re a bit stunned by how crazy the storm season is this year.

We send our best wishes to any of you hit by these disasters.

It also makes us consider an interesting question:

If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, have you kept reading during the Covid crisis? During the storms, fires and other disasters? Or has the fear and worry of shortages and shutdowns been a bit too close to the stories you liked? Did you switch to reading happier storylines?

I’m just curious if the current crises have changed your reading.

I appreciate anyone who takes the time to respond! 🙂

Happy reading this week,

— Misty 🙂