Kristal,
There, there, don't cry, honey.
Have you ever read "The Clan of the Cave Bear?" Actually, I've never gotten around to reading the book, but I did see the movie version at the suggestion of a female friend who is just nuts about the whole series! The main character, Ayla, is her heroine. There is a very interesting treatment of the sling in this novel. Ayla gains power and independence when she learns how to sling ( not to mention finding it easier to obtain LUNCH. ) This is a big deal as apparently the use of weapons is forbidden to women ( taboo ) in the tribe of Neanderthals who adopt Ayla when they find her as a child.
We know ( that is WE SLINGERS! know ) that the sling is a significant piece of ancient technology which dates back before recorded history and was ( and is ) widespread throughout the world.
It is puzzling and rather annoying that it has been largely ignored in both literature and film. By exploring the sling in your novel you are doing us all a service, especially for people who may have never heard of the sling but will learn about it when they read your work.
Also, you are to be warmly commended for signing up with Slinging.org to learn about the sling so as to ensure technical accuracy in your work. I have seen and read stuff where it was obvious that the author(s) did not care about technical accuracy and let me tell you it is very annoying. Kudos to you for your diligence!
Now, you've found " a star to steer her by," so be of stout heart and good cheer and hold course steady!
So, do you feel a bit better now?
.......Dan