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Outpost 9
Rob Knowles learned that a new virus spreading across the planet could decimate humanity. He stockpiles supplies then convinces his neighbors to follow his lead to bunker down and wait it out. By the time the media, governments and the medical community warn people, it is almost too late. Surviving the virus was not easy, but the greater challenge was enduring the aftermath, as civilization unraveled. Gangs formed, and so began the quest for food, weapons, supplies, and dominance. In this memoir, Rob recounts how events unfolded as news of the virus first emerged, the struggles they encountered, and the aftereffects of the disease that altered the course of human history. If there was a blueprint to surviving such a calamity, no one informed Rob. He thought he was prepared. He quickly learned there is no preparation for the downfall of society. You just hope to outsmart and outgun those who want all that you have.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2018
4 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Crane
6 books6 followersI’m a lifelong resident of New Jersey. I’ve been writing since high school. In college, I ventured into the realm of television production where I eventually evolved into writing promotions and tv ads for many years.
My first book, The Jersey Devil, evolved from a short story. I wanted to make that story the prologue but realized it wouldn't fit right. It turned out that it had nothing to do with how the story in the book came to be.
Just Beyond the Shadows came about because my kids loved watching, Finding Bigfoot, and wanted to know if I could or had written anything about Bigfoot. I've always found the topic fascinating. I decided to try my hand at writing something that would respect those who legitimately put their passion and belief in finding this creature. I read several books on the topic and even participated in a BFRO sponsored search out in Pennsylvania. I wanted to get to know some of the people who took part in these research expeditions. Some of the horror scenes that unfold in the book I conjured up in my mind while sitting in the dark, gazing through infra-red cameras and making calls. I found the people who went to these events, wonderful, passionate folks who display a great knowledge base for the subject.
Outpost 9 came about from my experience without power for 10 days when Superstorm Sandy struck the northeast. If you lose power for a day or two, things are fairly normal. When it goes for more than that, I began to see strange people roaming the area I'd never seen before. I walk our neighborhood a lot, so I have a basic idea who is out and about on a semi-regular basis and who's not. I began to see a lot of people I've never laid eyes on before. Spotting one or two people like that is one thing, when they start exceeding the count on your hand, it becomes another matter. The images that swirled through my mind began to make it to the written page.
Again, as I wrote, I researched and I began to read a lot of the genre. Rather than have my character be someone who is waiting for an end-of-the-world type of event, or a super hero military guy, I went for the average guy who had a mild interest in prepping. I wanted him to have flaws and doubts. I didn't want the character to be perfect when the SHTF.
Writing is a terrific journey. I hope those folks who read my work, enjoy it. I am always open to conversation or answering questions about what I have written or about the art of writing. Reach out if you have questions - I will always try to respond.
My first book, The Jersey Devil, evolved from a short story. I wanted to make that story the prologue but realized it wouldn't fit right. It turned out that it had nothing to do with how the story in the book came to be.
Just Beyond the Shadows came about because my kids loved watching, Finding Bigfoot, and wanted to know if I could or had written anything about Bigfoot. I've always found the topic fascinating. I decided to try my hand at writing something that would respect those who legitimately put their passion and belief in finding this creature. I read several books on the topic and even participated in a BFRO sponsored search out in Pennsylvania. I wanted to get to know some of the people who took part in these research expeditions. Some of the horror scenes that unfold in the book I conjured up in my mind while sitting in the dark, gazing through infra-red cameras and making calls. I found the people who went to these events, wonderful, passionate folks who display a great knowledge base for the subject.
Outpost 9 came about from my experience without power for 10 days when Superstorm Sandy struck the northeast. If you lose power for a day or two, things are fairly normal. When it goes for more than that, I began to see strange people roaming the area I'd never seen before. I walk our neighborhood a lot, so I have a basic idea who is out and about on a semi-regular basis and who's not. I began to see a lot of people I've never laid eyes on before. Spotting one or two people like that is one thing, when they start exceeding the count on your hand, it becomes another matter. The images that swirled through my mind began to make it to the written page.
Again, as I wrote, I researched and I began to read a lot of the genre. Rather than have my character be someone who is waiting for an end-of-the-world type of event, or a super hero military guy, I went for the average guy who had a mild interest in prepping. I wanted him to have flaws and doubts. I didn't want the character to be perfect when the SHTF.
Writing is a terrific journey. I hope those folks who read my work, enjoy it. I am always open to conversation or answering questions about what I have written or about the art of writing. Reach out if you have questions - I will always try to respond.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 14, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book. I was skeptical of the plot, as it doomsday books typically aren't my bag so to speak. However, I found the plot and writing sufficiently fresh and exciting. I wouldn't hesitate to read another of this author's work.
December 22, 2018
Interesting take on this genre. Where most main characters are military of some form or beyond prepared for an end-of-the-world disaster, the main character and others here, are not. I enjoyed the perspective taken with this work.
February 10, 2020
Darn good story
Good survival tale. The first person perspective from a somewhat naive character’s point of view is refreshing. May have overdone the naive part though, the tactics were a little ridiculous in the last two battles.
Good survival tale. The first person perspective from a somewhat naive character’s point of view is refreshing. May have overdone the naive part though, the tactics were a little ridiculous in the last two battles.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews