LitRPG Con Pics + Safety Hack You'll Love. Self-Defense Tip 36

Aug 01, 2025 9:41 pm

Hi friends,

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I just got back from the LitRPG Convention. And wow, I had more fun than I expected!

I’m a natural introvert, so I wasn’t sure how I’d handle a weekend of nonstop people, but it was so worth it.

I got to reconnect with my narrator, JS Arquin:

And I met Justin Marks, author of The Fort at the End of the World, in person for the first time. (Check out his newest book about rebuilding Alaska in a postapoc litrpg world below!)

I even said hi to Matt Diniman and Michael Chatfield who write amazing stories I loved when I first discovered litrpg.

One of the highlights of the whole trip, though was one of my readers. BJ Woods brought a paperback of Awakenig Horde just so I could sign it in person. That completely made my day. It’s the kind of moment that reminds me why I love writing these books.

I've also got a simple self-defense tip below to get nearby people to help you out should you ever be attacked.

But first, check out these awesome stories while you’re here. You might discover your next favorite adventure!

____________

Dive into Book 1 of my friend, Justin's new post-apoc litrpg series:

Rebuild the World: Alaska by Justin Marks

New on Amazon! (free in KU)

Surviving Aliens and an Ice Age

Devin moved to a small island town in Alaska for a fresh start.

Excellent selection of SFF eBook Deals!

Warrior King by Paul J Bennett

Book 8 on Amazon!

Reeling from the recent civil war, Hadenfeld requires a firm hand to unite it.

Tons of Epic 1st in Series in KU!

Frozen Hell by Karim Soliman

FREE ebook!

A family that sticks together, fights titans together.

A Norse-Egyptian mythology mash-up

Grab loads of FREE SFF ebooks!!

Self-Defense Tip 36: Shout What's Happening!

Here’s a quick self-defense hack that can make bystanders actually notice you if you’re in trouble:

Don’t yell “Help!” or even "Fire" like some people recommend, to get attention.

Instead, yell what’s happening so people understand exactly what's going on and that you need help.

What exactly are good phrases to yell?

Let go of me!
Stop hitting me!
Call 911!

Or if I'm teaching kids, some good ones are:

He's not my dad!
Help! I don't know this person!

Why this works:

Specific shouts grab attention better than a vague “help.”
They create instant witnesses. Anyone nearby immediately knows what’s happening. It can also prompt them to video the incident or call the police.
Finally, it can bring unwanted attention to the attacker, giving you a better chance they'll leave or let to get away.

It’s easy, effective, and can make the difference in a real emergency. Let me know if you have other suggestions to add to the list. :)