Hi friends,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! We've been shopping for gifts and making a lot of our traditional peppermint fudge around here. We send bags to teachers, friends and neighbors.

. . . and after repeated requests from the kids, they get their own personal bag in their stockings. :D

I'm also gearing up for the release of Emerging Rebel coming hopefully a week or two earlier than expected at the end of January '24! It's already available for pre-order, so grab a copy now, if you'd like.

Another quick update: JS Arquin, my narrator, has just finished recording the audiobook and sent it off to his mastering company . . . which I hear is like editing, but for audio stuff. If I do things right, I might get a pre-order set up for it with Audible too - fingers crossed.

On to the gift ideas:

One thing I love hearing from you is about the fun and practical gifts you come up with for the hard-to-buy-for prepper in your life.

Scroll down for my ideas on a top-10 gift list! Please send me any of your own gift ideas I can add to the list and share with everyone else.

___________________

Searching for your next SFF Escape?

Space Pirate Scrooge by Jay Toney

On Amazon (FREE on KU)!

This is a comedy, thriller, space opera, and Christmas story all rolled into one exciting story for adults.

Searching for your next Fantasy Escape?

Sworn to Shadows by Lisa Blackwood

Read on Amazon!

Gargoyles and gods clash against evil. Can one weary soldier wield a celestial force to save the world?

All FREE Science Fiction and Fantasy for December! Check them out!

Run from the Dead by Joanne Nundy

FREE download!

Dr Karl Becker ran for his life. The life he thought he still had.

SFF Supersale! Download a few!

______________________

Survivor's Wishlist:

Top 10 Must-Have Gifts for the End-of-Year Apocalypse!

Here is my list of essential preparedness gifts for the holidays - what's on your list?

1. Portable Water Filtration System: Compact and easy to carry, these devices can turn potentially contaminated water into drinkable water, crucial for any survival situation.
2. Compact First Aid Kit: A well-equipped first aid kit tailored for outdoor and survival scenarios. You could supplement with essentials like SAM splints, tourniquets and oral rehydration salts (great substitute when IV fluids are needed and not available).
3. High-Quality Multi-Tool: A durable multi-tool with various functions, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. for a wide range of survival tasks. Do you have a favorite and durable brand you like?
4. Firestarter Kit: A reliable firestarter kit that includes waterproof matches, a ferrocerium rod, and fire-starting tinder. You can add DIY components like vaseline soaked cotton balls or a baggie of dryer lint. Staying warm is essential in any survival situation.
5. Solar-Powered Lantern: A rechargeable lantern powered by solar energy. It provides a reliable source of light without the need for batteries, making it perfect for emergencies, at least when you have sunlight. :)
6. Emergency Shelter System: Compact and lightweight emergency shelter, such as a Mylar tent or bivy, to provide protection from the elements in unexpected situations. Great to keep in your car kit during the winter.
7. Tactical Flashlight: A durable and powerful flashlight with multiple settings, including a strobe function for signaling. If you get a big one, this can also double as an improvised self-defense weapon. :)
8. High-Calorie Emergency Rations: Nutrient-dense, non-perishable food bars designed for emergency situations. They provide a quick and convenient source of energy. I'd love to hear what kinds you like?
9. Portable Solar Charger: A compact and durable solar charger for powering electronic devices like smartphones, GPS units or charging batteries during extended outdoor adventures or emergencies.
10. Emergency Radio with Hand Crank: A weather-resistant radio that you can power by batteries, solar energy, or a hand crank. It often includes a built-in flashlight and the ability to receive emergency alerts.
11. Bonus: Compact Folding Shovel: A versatile and portable tool for digging, cutting, and even self-defense.
12. Bonus 2: Set of Walkie Talkies: can be invaluable for communication during outdoor adventures, emergencies, or group activities. They provide a reliable way to stay in touch when cell service is unavailable.

What do you think? Did this list give you any fun ideas? And I know there is a large disparity in quality between various brands and models of these items, so if you have some specific suggestions that have worked well for you, or another idea all together, I'd love to hear it. I'll make sure to share any ideas you send me with the group.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday with friends and family. Don't forget to find a good book to curl up with and enjoy when you have a break.

All the best,

- Misty :)

Follow M. Zaugg on Amazon to get new release notifications

Follow Misty Zaugg on Amazon to get new release notifications

p.p.s. For a web version of this newsletter and previous newsletters: https://sendfox.com/mistyzaugg/campaigns