Cold Camp (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/17/2008 12:07:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hawkeye][Edited]
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Havent seen it mentioned in a while, so I thought I'd post this in case anyone had forgot about it, or for any newer folks that might not have heard about it. Our very own TimJ wrote this, and honestly, fiction though it may be, its pretty darn close (scarily so) to what I think will happen under an Obama presidency. This is one of my top favorite reads. Cold Camp |
Protego quod vallo.
Si vis pacem, para bellum.
Si vis pacem, para bellum.
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OK I've just finished this book. **MINOR SPOILERS BELOW** so if you haven't read the story, do not read any further! Honest opinion time: Once I got past the gear porn (more on that in a second) and the typos (I am a spelling Nazi in meatspace, too, sorry  ), the corny names for the "bad guys" in government, and a couple of the more jarring narrative jumps, I really enjoyed Cold Camp. It was entertaining and inventive. It featured a very nice expansion of the story from the bugout through the resistance movement (I don't think I'm spoiling too much with that last sentence), and is the kind of story I enjoy due to the way it makes you think "How did we get here?" when you read the last page. Oh, and I admit, I got a little goosebumpy when I read the last page.Re: the "gear porn"... It bugged me at first but the more I read, the more it seemed that the author, subconsciously or not, was fictionalizing a virtual manual for a resistance. It was funny as I read it, I got 20 or so pages from the end before I really cemented that idea in my head and I thought "the only thing he hasn't done yet it shown us how an insurgency would be run in a city" and sure enough, later on, that's what happens.  All in all, fun read, and a couple of hours very well spent. If anyone pulls the "well I've seen your criticism but I haven't exactly seen you writing anything!" well, I'm working on a story. And it wouldn't be considered true "survival fiction" anyway.
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Join the NRA It's for the children.
Let's Go Red Wings! Your 2008 Stanley Cup Champions!
I have Baracknophobia and don't really care.
Let's Go Red Wings! Your 2008 Stanley Cup Champions!
I have Baracknophobia and don't really care.
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Originally Posted By macman37:
OK I've just finished this book. **MINOR SPOILERS BELOW** so if you haven't read the story, do not read any further! Honest opinion time: Once I got past the gear porn (more on that in a second) and the typos (I am a spelling Nazi in meatspace, too, sorry ), the corny names for the "bad guys" in government, and a couple of the more jarring narrative jumps, I really enjoyed Cold Camp. It was entertaining and inventive. It featured a very nice expansion of the story from the bugout through the resistance movement (I don't think I'm spoiling too much with that last sentence), and is the kind of story I enjoy due to the way it makes you think "How did we get here?" when you read the last page. Oh, and I admit, I got a little goosebumpy when I read the last page.
Re: the "gear porn"... It bugged me at first but the more I read, the more it seemed that the author, subconsciously or not, was fictionalizing a virtual manual for a resistance. It was funny as I read it, I got 20 or so pages from the end before I really cemented that idea in my head and I thought "the only thing he hasn't done yet it shown us how an insurgency would be run in a city" and sure enough, later on, that's what happens.
All in all, fun read, and a couple of hours very well spent. If anyone pulls the "well I've seen your criticism but I haven't exactly seen you writing anything!" well, I'm working on a story. And it wouldn't be considered true "survival fiction" anyway. Well, I've heard your criticism and haven't seen YOUR story.... 
Glad you guys enjoy the story!! I am aware of most of it's faults-for instance the first half was really the story, I added the second half under duress. The names was just a way to have fun, I put a few things in the book that were inspired by but pale to Douglas Adams-my little tribute to him. As for the typos, well, soryr. The whole thing turned out to be a lot more work than I had planned for and I'm pretty lazy. 
And Macman, there's nothing subconscious in the book. Hawkeye, thanks again. I'm always self conscious about promoting the book. I appreciate your continued kind words. neez, I finished out my 8 years with a tour in Recon, 3/187th, 3rd Bde 101st Abn (AASLT). HighLighter, thanks! I wouldn't got that far, though. (the blushing icon is too gay, but that's high praise-thank you!). |
"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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I hope you took the criticism as constructive, because that is how I intended it.
I'm trying to get my wife to look at the story I have so far –– which is not "survival" fiction per se –– and give me the thumbs up (or more likely, the "meh" like the last time I showed her one of my short stories ) After she meh's it over I'll post it. At least the first chapter or so.
I did very much enjoy Cold Camp. 
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Let's Go Red Wings!
Beautifying the world one logo at a time since 1993.
Evidently I have a blog! http://macman37.blogs.ar15.com
Beautifying the world one logo at a time since 1993.
Evidently I have a blog! http://macman37.blogs.ar15.com
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Originally Posted By macman37:
I hope you took the criticism as constructive, because that is how I intended it. I'm trying to get my wife to look at the story I have so far –– which is not "survival" fiction per se –– and give me the thumbs up (or more likely, the "meh" like the last time I showed her one of my short stories ) After she meh's it over I'll post it. At least the first chapter or so.
I did very much enjoy Cold Camp. LOL, yeah, I don't take it personally. Besides, it's ARFcom, you're all my brothers until proven otherwise. 
Hawkeye, I work in investments. I can definitely see what I wrote about happening, someday. |
"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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Originally Posted By HighLighter:
Cold Camp blows "Lights Out" away! I would have to politely disagree. For two main reasons.. Lights out has a lot better flow.. the story starts out and gives you a very good description and mental image of the setting. It starts at "normal" then it gives you a good breakdown of the plot. Lights out was much lighter on "equipment porn" as people say. I understand it's a firearms related site.. but when it comes down to it.. I don't care about what brand his chest rig is.. or what brand his backpack is.. or his total equipment load out. It's very distracting from the story. Lights Out is one of the better stories I believe. |
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Great Story!
The only thing that I take issue with is the time fram that Dave spends in the U.S. Army. You mention that he was in a class with a platton sgt wearing ACUs. AFAIK, no one wore the ACUs until after 2003-2004 time frame. Other than that, I loved the story. I could only hope to be asa prepared as Dave with all of his preps especially in the New England area. This is the first SHTF story I've read that is set in New England. Thank You |
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Hmm... from the first paragraph of chapter 5. This has happened.....
After the Democrats took the White House and Congress in 2008, the war on terror lost its momentum.
I wonder if the rest of that chapter and the couple right after it play out.... sadly, I think there is a strong chance it could. Pretty prophetic there T...... 
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Protego quod vallo.
Si vis pacem, para bellum.
Si vis pacem, para bellum.
| I read this in one sitting, home from work with a sore throat. Good read! You have a talent for writing that brings the threads together, without losing continuity. I found myself drawn in by the characters, and at the same time it was educational, and a motivation filled freakin' scary portrait of what life could become. Well done sir! |
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Originally Posted By tac803:
I read this in one sitting, home from work with a sore throat. Good read! You have a talent for writing that brings the threads together, without losing continuity. I found myself drawn in by the characters, and at the same time it was educational, and a motivation filled freakin' scary portrait of what life could become. Well done sir! Thank you very much. txsgar15a2- Well, as you can probably tell my continuity could use some work...  , glad you enjoyed the story. I started writing it as a way to explore the problems I might face if I had to B/O. My friends and I are no where near as prepared as "Dave" and his friends. But we try....
Hawkeye, never attribute to genius what luck explains. But, yeah..... 
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"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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Originally Posted By Hawkeye:
Originally Posted By TimJ:
Hawkeye, never attribute to genius what luck explains. But, yeah.....  Sometimes, luck is not really "luck". LOL.... how true. 
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"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
| Thanks, I'm glad you guys enjoyed the story! |
"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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Originally Posted By TimJ:
Originally Posted By tac803:
I read this in one sitting, home from work with a sore throat. Good read! You have a talent for writing that brings the threads together, without losing continuity. I found myself drawn in by the characters, and at the same time it was educational, and a motivation filled freakin' scary portrait of what life could become. Well done sir! Thank you very much. txsgar15a2- Well, as you can probably tell my continuity could use some work...  , glad you enjoyed the story. I started writing it as a way to explore the problems I might face if I had to B/O. My friends and I are no where near as prepared as "Dave" and his friends. But we try....
Hawkeye, never attribute to genius what luck explains. But, yeah..... TimJ: You are a great writer. I too thought of writing my own story as a way to prepare for what might occur. The scene where Dave is watching foreign troops invited or not, set up road blocks and stop U.S. citizens from moving anywhere sent chills up and down my spine. Keep up the good work, I look forward to your next story. Thank You |
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Tim, I enjoyed "Cold Camp" a great deal.
No work is without flaw, no matter how minor, and few authors, no matter how well-known, can write without a professional editor cleaning up after them. In fact, I think that the better-known the author, the better the editor he has behind him. You did quite well nontheless, and I encourage you to consider some writing some other stories. You do have a knack... |
"The M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." General George S. Patton Jr.,US Army
Thanks, raf. I appreciate that 
And thanks to the others, too. I do appreciate it. 
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"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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Originally Posted By LaRue_Tactical:
In on page 2.  Thanks for the 'dillo! |
"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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Thanks! Your avatar rocks, btw!
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"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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Originally Posted By mustangracer:
TimJ, do you have any other writings in the works? I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Camp. I do. But it's of an entirely different genre. And it won't be ready for about a year. Good news, from my perspective: the first chapter is written. |
"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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I just finished Cold Camp last night. It was an enjoyable read.
The one thing that struck as unrealistic was that the resistance was in New England. In-migration has changed the politics of those states and especially the northern three. My dad lived in the Waldoboro, ME area for 10 years before his death in 1981. Back then, I would have agreed about Maine and NH. Now, I just don't know. John |
"So-called gun-free zones are nothing but hunting preserves for psychopaths that hunt humans." - Massad Ayoob, Dec. 2007
KJ4HTR - Technician
KJ4HTR - Technician
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Originally Posted By jpr9954:
I just finished Cold Camp last night. It was an enjoyable read. The one thing that struck as unrealistic was that the resistance was in New England. In-migration has changed the politics of those states and especially the northern three. My dad lived in the Waldoboro, ME area for 10 years before his death in 1981. Back then, I would have agreed about Maine and NH. Now, I just don't know. John "optimistic fiction"? |
"...My approach is to focus on firearms over women, because its hard to kill someone with a woman, unless you're talking about a slow, painful emotional death by nagging that eats away at your very soul from the inside out." -El Camino
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Originally Posted By TimJ:
Originally Posted By jpr9954:
I just finished Cold Camp last night. It was an enjoyable read. The one thing that struck as unrealistic was that the resistance was in New England. In-migration has changed the politics of those states and especially the northern three. My dad lived in the Waldoboro, ME area for 10 years before his death in 1981. Back then, I would have agreed about Maine and NH. Now, I just don't know. John "optimistic fiction"? That is one way to put it!
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"So-called gun-free zones are nothing but hunting preserves for psychopaths that hunt humans." - Massad Ayoob, Dec. 2007
KJ4HTR - Technician
KJ4HTR - Technician
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Originally Posted By Hawkeye:
Bump cause if you havent read it you....you SHOULD.... |
I have been asked to point out that I am LaRue Tactical's owner.
My work has been used by tens of thousands of US Military personnel,
and tens of thousands of civilian shooters - ML
My work has been used by tens of thousands of US Military personnel,
and tens of thousands of civilian shooters - ML
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Originally Posted By Mounger:
I read it back in 2009 and rudely did not express my appreciation of it. Awesome read and glad to see the bump! I'm a little busy here, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. 
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I have been asked to point out that I am LaRue Tactical's owner.
My work has been used by tens of thousands of US Military personnel,
and tens of thousands of civilian shooters - ML
My work has been used by tens of thousands of US Military personnel,
and tens of thousands of civilian shooters - ML
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Originally Posted By LaRue_Tactical: I'm a little busy here, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Originally Posted By LaRue_Tactical: Originally Posted By Mounger: I read it back in 2009 and rudely did not express my appreciation of it. Awesome read and glad to see the bump! I'm a little busy here, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. I am indeed honored for the bump! (LaRue himself?)  and of course for all of the other compliments. I am working on an expanded version that I intend to self publish on Amazon next year- print and Kindle....two of my old college housemates (now husband and wife) provide editing and self publishing assistance...wish me luck.raf, we'll talk next week!
Since I wrote the book I have spent another decade in the securities industry, earning more licenses and moving (a little bit) further up the food chain. While I AM surprised that the economy hasn't already collapsed I am still expecting some sort of crash (in the story it's so much easier to condense a 15 year crash into one or two years). As the world slips into the global dynamic (I think this time period, in 50 years, will be looked upon as the industrial revolution is now) and all of the worlds economies adapt I think we're gonna get smashed. The readjustment is going to be significant and far reaching. And based on the clients I talk to at work I in no way shape or form believe the governments unemployment numbers. It's pretty bad. |
<--- A right-wing sleeper cell of One.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoF5sgoszafJgnbq2RnRLxg
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoF5sgoszafJgnbq2RnRLxg
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Originally Posted By LaRue_Tactical:
Originally Posted By LaRue_Tactical:
Originally Posted By Hawkeye:
Bump cause if you havent read it you....you SHOULD.... Thanks to the bump I just started to reread it since its been a few years. Keep us updated with regards to publishing it because ill be buying a copy when its available 
Again great story and I hope you decide to write some more stories in the future |
IT IS WHAT IT IS