DA Kentner is an award winning author who also enjoys meeting and interviewing authors of many genres.

As author KevaD, my novel "Whistle Pass" won the 2013 EPIC eBook Award for suspense. Previously, in 2012, it won a Rainbow Award in the historical category. "Whistle Pass" is currently out of print, though I'm considering finding a new publisher, or self-publishing the novel. What do you think?

"The Caretaker", a 3,000 word short story, won 'Calliope' magazine's 18th annual short story competition. Click the blue ribbon to view their site and entry rules for this year's short fiction competition.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Preparedness Author Lisa Bedford


                                                
One of the newer catch terms working its way into suburban conversations is “prepping.” Prepping merely means having our families prepared for any disaster, long term or just a few days or hours. 

Housewife and homeschool mother Lisa Bedford did what so many mothers are doing, stocking up on supplies, making survival kits, and ensuring her family not only knew where those items were, but how and when to use them. She understood that disaster is traditionally considered some long term life changing event, such as tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, war even. But disaster can also be construed as the shutdown of a city’s water supply or the loss of electrical power for a day or more. Just go to your local grocery anytime the weatherman predicts a blizzard, drought, or the possibility of downed power lines, and you’ll quickly grasp, via the empty shelves, that last minute hording isn’t a viable plan. 

Lisa began blogging about her methods and offering basic, logical advice that didn’t include the fallout shelters, body armor, and field artillery some folks so erroneously attribute to the concept of disaster home preparedness. 

Soon, prepping sites and enthusiasts picked up on her common sense approach and suggestions. One thing led to another, and now Lisa has published her first book on the subject, “Survival Mom.” In her book, she discusses what kinds and how much food should be stocked, as well as how long those foods can sit on a shelf. She also provides a very simple idea that allows for the continued use of our toilets after we can no longer afford to pour in valuable drinking water from jugs. Don’t snicker. If you’ve had to live through two or three days without running water in your house, you know what I’m talking about. And for those who think their backyard swimming pool should be guarded at all costs, Lisa explains how swimming pool water should never be considered for the prevention of dehydration, especially when it comes to children. Fact is, ingesting the water could make your children quite ill. 

Lisa’s voice is a joy. She infuses lightheartedness into what could be a bland, by the numbers topic if not skillfully presented and carries the reader along for a very pleasurable reading and learning experience.

Q) How did your husband react when he realized you had become serious about preparing your family and that meant altering a few routines? 

A) I’ve nicknamed my husband The Paranoid Dad, so he was on board with me from the beginning. Because his main focus is providing for our family by running a business, I’ve been the one in charge of preparedness but still need his help with bigger projects, such as enlarging our backyard garden.  I think he’s relieved that I’ve taken charge of this because we’re obviously far better prepared for just about any emergency, including a personal financial crisis. 

Q) Creating a blog and sharing your ideas is a huge step as it presents a public vulnerability to critics. Why did you decide to open yourself up that way? 

A) Yes, there have been plenty of critics along the way, but from the beginning I wanted to be a real person with a real name and face to my readers because I knew I would be writing about some scary scenarios, things that keep moms awake at night.  I’ve always wanted my readers to feel as though I was walking right alongside them, encouraging them through tough times.  It’s hard to do that if you hide behind a pseudonym. 

Q) This book’s success will require you to spend more and more time away from your family. How do you plan to adjust for those absences? 

A) So far any travel I’ve done has become just another family vacation!  We love to travel and spend time with each other.  It never gets old.  At some point, however, I may have to be more selective about which speaking engagements I accept.  I currently offer free online classes, and this allows me to teach and interact with readers while sitting in my home office.  That’s a win-win, all the way around! 

Q) What is the one critical item every family should have on hand, beyond the obvious food and water requirements? 

A) Have at least two different ways to heat water and cook food.  By heating water, you can sterilize cooking utensils, purify water, and maintain a healthy level of sanitation, even if the power goes down for weeks at a time.  In addition, you’ll be able to prepare hot, satisfying meals.  I recommend a solar oven and a heavy duty rocket stove such as the Stove-Tec brand.  The Stove-Tec is very fuel efficient, which means you won’t have to use large amounts of wood or charcoal to cook a meal.  Whatever you choose, though, make sure you’re able to safely store enough fuel to last at least 3 months. 

Q) Any parting thoughts for those who haven’t read your book yet? 

A) Preparedness is a mindset and a way of life.  Every day I still have to figure out what’s for dinner, keep the laundry going, and plan birthday parties!  Preparedness is something that becomes part of your life but should never overshadow the things that bring joy and laughter to your home.  And, it’s really no different from how our great-grandmothers lived, and every other grandma before her!  Prepare more and you’ll panic less when a crisis hits!
DA Kentner is an author and journalist. www.kevad.net

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