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Category: Book 3: Shadows

Monday, Aug. 25, 2025

Today, I’m working on my 5-part series, part of the Zion Chronicles under America’s Great Perfect Storm: Book 1: Collapse, Book 2: Runners, Book 3: Shadows of Zion, Book 4: Dawn of Unity, and Book 5: Eternal Horizon. I’m just finishing up reworking it, and then will have it edited. (Also, searching for an illustrator. If you know of one, please let me know.)

Some of the material I am using is listed below. Ask yourself if you’ ve got enough know-how to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. If not, you may want to follow along and grab my book when it is available. Of course, I’m writing it to entertain, primarily, but you will see the characters’ growth in their struggle to survive.

To thrive in the rugged wilderness of the Rocky Mountains for an extended period, it’s essential to master the following skills:

  1. Shelter Construction: Learn to build a sturdy, insulated shelter using natural materials or equipment to shield yourself from the elements and wildlife.
  2. Water Sourcing and Purification: Identify reliable water sources and understand purification methods, such as boiling, filtration, and chemical treatments.
  3. Food Foraging and Hunting: Familiarize yourself with edible plants, nuts, and berries, along with basic techniques for hunting or trapping game.
  4. Navigation Skills: Use a compass, map, and natural indicators like the sun, stars, and landmarks to navigate effectively and avoid getting lost.
  5. Weather Awareness: Gain insights into mountain weather patterns to predict storms, temperature fluctuations, and other potential hazards.
  6. First Aid and Health Management: Know how to treat injuries and illnesses and how to prevent conditions like frostbite or hypothermia.
  7. Fire Making: Master the art of creating a fire for warmth, cooking, and signaling, even in damp conditions.
  8. Wildlife Safety: Understand animal behaviors and learn strategies to prevent dangerous encounters.
  9. Energy Conservation and Mental Resilience: Manage your physical energy, maintain a positive mindset, and stay composed during challenging situations.
  10. Leave No Trace Principles: Commit to preserving the environment and minimizing your impact on the wilderness.

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025

Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.

A New Chapter Begins

This morning brought a surprise—an email from Emily about a possible book club placement! It’s a spark of joy after a busy week, including my 49th anniversary celebration with love from my hubby, plus a granddaughter’s birthday. (Happy Birthday, again, Savannah!)

I’ve been pouring my heart into America’s Great Perfect Storm, Book 3 of 5, now at 36,750 words, and dreaming of readers discussing ETEN’s (ETEN is short for his Lamanite name Echa Tah Echa Nah, a prophet for his people of South America) faith or Tokia’s (a Navajo woman) ward – to ward off evil spirits.

Emily’s note feels like a sign—maybe young readers of George and the Brave Eagle will soon gather too! Life’s challenges, like scaling unseen paths, test us, but each step lifts us higher with hope.

I am grateful for these connections, fueling my journey from valley to vista.

Stay tuned as I add more chapters—your support lights the way!

#BookClub #WritingJourney #Gratitude

Shirley