Author Topic: 299 Days: The Preparation (Book One) - book discussion [SPOILER ALERT] (Read 63036 times)

Heavy G · « **Reply #60 on:** September 24, 2012, 10:17:17 PM »

Thanks, MTUCache.

On the short sentences, you should have seen the first draft I sent to the publisher. Many short sentences. Many. (There, I did it right there.)

The editors made some of the sentences longer and more "novel-y" as I call it. But not all of them. They kept my writing style my own.

Remember: I don't read fiction so I had no idea how it was supposed to sound.

On the guns thing, I hear you. I go into "shopping list" detail in Book One. But wait until Book Three. Many wives and girlfriends who wonder about this Lisa character will see themselves in Book Three and they'll like what they see in Lisa.

Thanks for your thoughtful post.

Heavy G · « **Reply #61 on:** September 24, 2012, 10:22:30 PM »

Never2L8: You will like how Cole's autism is treated in future books, especially Chapter 225 "Lil' Sissy" in Book Eight. There is a reason why I don't dwell in Book One and Book Two on the things Cole can't do. And remember that he has a medium case of autism.

Robinelli · « **Reply #62 on:** September 29, 2012, 02:23:27 PM »

My favorite thing about the book was the continual reminders of normalcy bias and the examples provided. Excellent!

I loved how the essential prep items were underlined (I have the kindle version).

It took time to get used to the short sentences but once I did I didn't think about it anymore.

I loved hearing about Cole and look forward to learning more. My son has Aspergers so this was a personal interest of mine.

I did want to hear more about what Lisa was doing when grant was out every weekend. I wanted more from her perspective. I understand that's coming.

There was a little too much gun gun gun conversation haha for me. I don't know anything about guns so my eyes glazed over a couple of times lol. But I did highlight some areas to
Come back to, I am actually considering a gun now. This is a big step for me. I recently posted about my gun fears on this forum.

I'm highly jealous of Grant's cabin and preps!

Heavy G · « **Reply #63 on:** September 29, 2012, 05:51:17 PM »

Quote from: Robinelli on September 29, 2012, 02:23:27 PM

I am actually considering a gun now.

Email me, Robinelli, and I'd be happy to give you some thoughts on a good starter gun to get. I'm very practical; no "mall ninja" stuff.

Veritas · « **Reply #64 on:** September 30, 2012, 10:10:36 AM »

HG,
Read both of the books nearly non-stop. Really loved them. Can't wait for the rest of the series to come out. The Lisa character really frustrated me but I understand that personality. My GF is exactly the same way. She actually will tell me she doesn't want to talk about it because she just doesnt like thinking about bad things happening.

As if that will make them go away.

Anyway, really enjoyed books 1 and 2. I wish you could / would release the rest of the series more rapidly.

Robinelli · « **Reply #65 on:** September 30, 2012, 02:16:20 PM »

Quote from: Veritas on September 30, 2012, 10:10:36 AM

HG,
Read both of the books nearly non-stop. Really loved them. Can't wait for the rest of the series to come out. The Lisa character really frustrated me but I understand that personality. My GF is exactly the same way. She actually will tell me she doesn't want to talk about it because she just doesnt like thinking about bad things happening. As if that will make them go away.

Anyway, really enjoyed books 1 and 2. I wish you could / would release the rest of the series more rapidly.

My mom is the SAME way. She says she'd rather not think about it until/unless something happens

MTUCache · « **Reply #66 on:** September 30, 2012, 03:08:33 PM »

Quote from: Robinelli on September 30, 2012, 02:16:20 PM

My mom is the SAME way. She says she'd rather not think about it until/unless something happens

Same with my wife... it's a struggle simply to talk about saving for retirement because she's terrified to even think about growing old or a rainy day showing up... and don't even talk about SHTF scenarios... she won't even have a discussion about our kids growing up without being on the verge of tears.

Sure makes discussing things like food storage and home protection a one-sided struggle.

Mental Arson · « **Reply #67 on:** October 06, 2012, 10:13:39 PM »

Will there be audio book versions?
I work 14+ hours a day and commute 1hr each way...zero time to site down and read.
Lots of time to soak up audio books, podcasts, etc.

Heavy G · « **Reply #68 on:** October 07, 2012, 10:39:10 AM »

Audio books might be on the horizon. Don't know yet. It has to do with knowing if there would be enough sales to cover the hard costs.

Alan Georges · « **Reply #69 on:** October 12, 2012, 09:37:17 PM »

Quote from: sbmitt on October 06, 2012, 10:13:39 PM

Will there be audio book versions?
I work 14+ hours a day and commute 1hr each way...zero time to site down and read.
Lots of time to soak up audio books, podcasts, etc.

On a Kindle (or other e-readers, maybe) there's an earbud output, and the text-to-speach works pretty well. Kind of robotic sounding, but it is easy to understand and good enough. A lot of newer car stereos have an aux input for mp3 players. Patched in through that, it's almost as good as an audio book. Kind of clunky, but it works.

Back on topic: the first book was slow and frustrating for me -- just like real life! The second one is taking off like a rollercoaster just starting to roll.

Heavy G · « **Reply #70 on:** October 13, 2012, 07:32:26 AM »

Quote from: Alan Georges on October 12, 2012, 09:37:17 PM

Back on topic: the first book was slow and frustrating for me -- just like real life! The second one is taking off like a rollercoaster just starting to roll.

Book Three is the gas pedal. You hit it and off you go.

devildog78 · « **Reply #71 on:** October 19, 2012, 09:11:04 AM »

Well I just started book 1 and I am almost finished. Very good book, I can't wait to get started on The Collapse. Heavy G is a great author.

Heavy G · « **Reply #72 on:** October 19, 2012, 08:50:23 PM »

Thank you, Sergeant.

Peringle · « **Reply #73 on:** October 21, 2012, 06:09:30 PM »

Love the book one so far. Just got to the part where Grant showed his daughter the shed. The only part in the book that made me go WTF was when Grant was asked how much it all cost and responded with "as much as an ounce of gold would have cost when i wanted to buy it but mom wouldn't let me". To me it just seems to put in a possibility of causing conflict between the daughter and her mother. Basically by saying I wanted to prepare to save us but mom didn't want me too. Besides that point its a great story so far.

Chemsoldier · « **Reply #74 on:** October 21, 2012, 07:23:20 PM »

Quote from: Peringle on October 21, 2012, 06:09:30 PM

Love the book one so far. Just got to the part where Grant showed his daughter the shed. The only part in the book that made me go WTF was when Grant was asked how much it all cost and responded with "as much as an ounce of gold would have cost when i wanted to buy it but mom wouldn't let me". To me it just seems to put in a possibility of causing conflict between the daughter and her mother. Basically by saying I wanted to prepare to save us but mom didn't want me too. Besides that point its a great story so far.

We all say intemperate things at times. If Grant was perfect it wouldnt be very interesting.

G, I read the first two books again. Great series. Thinking about getting an AK-74 now also.

Heavy G · « **Reply #75 on:** October 21, 2012, 08:08:08 PM »

Quote from: Peringle on October 21, 2012, 06:09:30 PM

Love the book one so far. Just got to the part where Grant showed his daughter the shed. The only part in the book that made me go WTF was when Grant was asked how much it all cost and responded with "as much as an ounce of gold would have cost when i wanted to buy it but mom wouldn't let me". To me it just seems to put in a possibility of causing conflict between the daughter and her mother. Basically by saying I wanted to prepare to save us but mom didn't want me too. Besides that point its a great story so far.

I see your point, but that's what I blurted out to my daughter. This is an example of Grant (me) not being perfect.

Heavy G · « **Reply #76 on:** October 21, 2012, 08:09:50 PM »

Quote from: Chemsoldier on October 21, 2012, 07:23:20 PM

Thinking about getting an AK-74 now also.

Cool. I just got done shooting mine today. Not as accurate as an AR, but waaayyy cheaper.

Peringle · « **Reply #77 on:** October 23, 2012, 06:53:12 PM »

Quote from: Heavy G on October 21, 2012, 08:08:08 PM

I see your point, but that's what I blurted out to my daughter. This is an example of Grant (me) not being perfect.

Awesome book man! hopefully picking up book two on friday.

Absit · « **Reply #78 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:48:32 PM »

I just wish I could find a gun store that had people hanging out there that I actually trusted and wanted to hang out with..

4bull · « **Reply #79 on:** November 27, 2012, 07:57:10 PM »

Just got the first 4 books . half way through the fist one .

Heavy G · « **Reply #80 on:** November 27, 2012, 08:30:36 PM »

Quote from: Absit on November 27, 2012, 05:48:32 PM

I just wish I could find a gun store that had people hanging out there that I actually trusted and wanted to hang out with..

I'll admit it's unusual. But true. I have a good imagination, but how could I make up a guy in a suit working on an AR because he has "shop privileges"? You can't make that stuff up.

PS, speaking of the gun shop, here are some of the real live people, including "Chip" (farthest away on the right):

Heavy G · « **Reply #81 on:** November 27, 2012, 08:31:27 PM »

Quote from: 4bull on November 27, 2012, 07:57:10 PM

Just got the first 4 books . half way through the fist one .

Let me know what you think about the books, 4bull. I love what you have to say on this forum.

4bull · « **Reply #82 on:** November 29, 2012, 06:41:54 PM »

I liked it ..
it helps me see how diffrent we all are .
in the book the fixing things , well it back fires to a point that you can do it they know you can .
and they get mad when you don't . i had guns all over when we married and that was the way it was ,and would stay that way. LOL I'm not right. being a packrat when Y2K my wife freaked out 2 days out " what are we going to do "LOL so book one reminds me of what i did for Y2K, Oh when they wake up .
Great job
On to book 2

frjoeb · « **Reply #83 on:** December 17, 2012, 01:37:09 PM »

Finished Book 1 and couldn't stop. Finished Book 2 in like 2 days. Can't get enough Heavy G -great books. I am going to leave feedback on Amazon tonight. Can't wait for Book 3.

backwoods_engineer · « **Reply #84 on:** December 17, 2012, 02:41:36 PM »

Quote from: frjoeb on December 17, 2012, 01:37:09 PM

Finished Book 1 and couldn't stop. Finished Book 2 in like 2 days. Can't get enough Heavy G -great books. I am going to leave feedback on Amazon tonight. Can't wait for Book 3.

You do know Books 3 & 4 are already out?

frjoeb · « **Reply #85 on:** December 21, 2012, 07:13:01 AM »

backwoods_engineer

Yes I do. I am about half way through Book 3. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

Heavy G · « **Reply #86 on:** December 21, 2012, 10:51:29 AM »

Quote from: frjoeb on December 21, 2012, 07:13:01 AM

Thanks and Merry Christmas.

You too, frjoeb - and EVERYONE else who has read the books. Every single day I marvel at how this book is helping people. It never gets old.

Hootie · « **Reply #87 on:** December 21, 2012, 10:59:19 AM »

Quote from: Heavy G on December 21, 2012, 10:51:29 AM

Every single day I marvel at how this book is helping people. It never gets old.

+1 for getting this idea out there and in a book form. It is a good read.

kellgy · « **Reply #88 on:** December 22, 2012, 09:18:30 PM »

Well, I just got and read the first book. Near the end of the book, I had to pick up some supplies for our Christmas party. While there, I got bulk salt, and some canned goods. I felt like I was sneaking around in plain site not unlike what I read in the book. It is eerie how the book portrays some of my real life experiences.

I am guessing the series is trying to simulate a most likely scenario. I love how reality is sprinkled throughout the writing. You have done us a great service with your book writing efforts. Thank you Heavy G.

~D

Heavy G · « **Reply #89 on:** December 23, 2012, 05:46:30 AM »

Quote from: kellgy on December 22, 2012, 09:18:30 PM

It is eerie how the book portrays some of my real life experiences.

Thanks, kellgy. The reason for that is not my brilliance; it's the fact that I was writing about things we've all done or at least thought.

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Author Topic: 299 Days: The Preparation (Book One) - book discussion [SPOILER ALERT] (Read 63036 times)