Deadlines, Dementia, and a Dazzling Defense Tip

Nov 07, 2025 10:06 pm

Hi friends,

I’m deep in the trenches of editing Book 6, trying to wrap up over a million words’ worth of storylines from the entire Shieldwall Academy series.

In true Misty fashion, I realized there were a couple of important plotlines I’d completely forgotten about. Oops. So, I’m weaving them back into the final third of the book.

Honestly? I’m really glad I caught them. The ending feels much more satisfying and exciting now that I'm tying up some questions that have been dangling since Book 1.

Of course, because I apparently enjoy chaos, I also managed to miss recording my editing deadline on the calendar. Instead of my usual six weeks, I have to turn it in to the narrator by December 7th. Yikes!

And on top of that, my parents recently moved in, and my dad’s health has been declining quickly. Both new dementia and mental health struggles showing up all at once. So, for those of you with experience, I'd love any tips!!

I’m balancing editing marathons with caregiving marathons right now. It’s a lot, but I’m doing my best to be efficient and still enjoy my days. :)

Below, I’ve got this week’s self-defense tip - a blinding one!

But first, check out some new books by some author friends, plus deals! (Clicking on these helps keep the newsletter going and free to read!)

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My author friend, Dave Wilmarth, just released Book 3 in his awesome fantasy, litrpg series. Clean and action-packed! I really enjoy this series.

Battle of T'ear Mann by Dave Willmarth

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Finn was living a good life as a blacksmith’s apprentice, training hard to become one of the Kingsguard. Until a force of assassins and mercenaries attacked the palace...

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Dawn is an amazing author and friend! Check out her newest story:

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Self-Defense Tip #38: The Blinding Light Advantage

This tip is very simple and surprisingly effective.

When traveling where it's dark, sometimes you don't need anything more than a flashlight to protect yourself.

A tactical flashlight (100+ lumens or higher) can temporarily blind and disorient an attacker, buying you precious seconds to get away, draw attention, or call for help.

Your best bet is to have one within easy access: attached to your keyring, in an outside pocket of your purse of backpack (like the water bottle pocket), or just in your hand while out for a walk.

Then, if a confrontation happens, aim a focused beam in the attacker's eyes, causing them to hesitate and lose their dark vision while you get out of there.

Bonus: It’s also perfect for power outages, finding dropped keys under the car seat, or if you get one of the bigger, heavier ones . . . a weapon you can strike with.

It’s a simple, everyday tool that doubles as protection. Keep one handy.

Do you carry something for self-defense on a regular basis? If so, send me a quick reply and I'll tally up the responses. Your answers help me plan future tips!