Hi friends,

Just a quick update from my editing cave: I’m elbow-deep working on and editing Book #6 of Shieldwall Academy. Plus, I'm planning to start a final edit of Book #5 to get it ready for the narrator to record.

I keep running into tough choices. Do I go all-out wild and add more details as I edit, or do I cut and trim it so everything moves a little faster?

I'm curious. What do you think? Do you like more details and longer scenes or just the facts, and move along?

Let me know by replying to this email. I'm always curious which direction readers enjoy most.

Now, check out some of these deals before I tell you how a little flashlight on your keychain can work even better than pepper spray:

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Self-Defense Tip of the Week: Flashlight Frenzy

A small tactical flashlight (the kind you can get for $5–10 online) can be a powerful self-defense tool, and not just for lighting your way.

The following tip will also work with a keychain flashlight, as long as you get a bright one.

Here’s how it works:

If confronted in the dark, shine your flashlight directly into the attacker's eyes. This not only ruins their vision for a few crucial moments, but it also causes them to hesitate.

Why?

It's a surprise, not the running away or fear they expected.

Plus, the second or two of disorientation can be just enough for you to escape, get in a debilitating attack or take control of the situation.

And as a bonus: if you buy a metal flashlight, it can double as a striking tool to hit painful points like the nose, collarbone or bony joints.

A keychain light won't work for this as well. But you're more likely to have it in your hand instead of losing precious moments digging in your bag.

Plus, it will add weight to your keychain and with a quick whipping motion can still cause pain to vulnerable areas like the face and eyes.

So you can channel a bit of light magic, like my main character Pax, to use in battle. LOL.

All the best,

- Misty :)

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