I write all the time here about world-building.

I am disappointed in novels with little/no context or texture or infrastructure. I realize a rip-snorting sci-fi might be all about the action without regard to the world’s weaknesses. Since it’s sorely neglected in real life, I guess I should not expect any different in fiction.

In my world build so much depends on transportation, specifically the rise of teleportation as daily transport, that all other means of getting about are nominalized. Even at over half a million words in this series, I cannot slow down for exposition to explore all the ways this would affect the world. I can, however, drop tidbits about it at every opportunity.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about infrastructure, from roads to water and food supplies to electrical grids. My History of Western Civilization (and subsequent study of other civilizations) made me first aware of the importance of sea ports, roads, and geographical features. My exposure to books like One Second After spurred me to think even more.

When I read One Second After, it brought back the shock.

Yep, shock and awe.

Shocked that I've been so lackadaisical in my preparation and stewardship. (Sure, I could hold my own, but...) Awestruck that the rest of the nation, especially the powers that be, have done virtually nothing in anticipation of the very real threat of an EMP attack.

From the book’s description:

Months before publication, One Second After has already been cited on the floor of Congress as a book all Americans should read, a book already being discussed in the corridors of the Pentagon as a truly realistic look at a weapon and its awesome power to destroy the entire United States, literally within one second. It is a weapon that the Wall Street Journal warns could shatter America. In the tradition of On the Beach, Fail Safe and Testament, this book, set in a typical American town, is a dire warning of what might be our future...and our end.

This is just the stuff my dad always read. He would frighten me for hours with such scenarios as posed in Forstchen’s novel. The truly scary thing is, it’s a very credible, very possible future. I don’t drive by a power station or a transformer without thinking about this crippling potential end of (our comfy) days.

Observation: there's a whole industry revolving around survivalists. Who'da'thunk?

I am seeking out an easy on-ramp for those who have zippo in the pantry but know better. I am seeking out the step by step for morons (note, not Mormons, who have always been conservative and prepared).

Heck, maybe I'll have to write one. It would include chapters/headings like:

• So, you don't have a budget for Armageddon?

• All good things come to an end--how 'bout this civilization we're experiencing?

• Start with toilet paper...no, maybe a gun...where to begin?

• They might laugh at your stockpile now...

I blame this newly rediscovered enthusiasm on the stirrings of my father’s ghost.

What are your thoughts on a terrorist attack to our electrical/other infrastructure?

We need to just pay attention (and tax dollars) to keep the roads and waterworks working. Imagine how quickly uncivil we might become without our streaming services and tap water…