Randall's Ramblings

Randall’s Ramblings – 20 Mar 2016

An utter shock occurred this week–my beloved Michigan State Spartans were knocked out of the NCAA tournament.  I thought they would at least make it to the Final Four. Guess there’s always next year.

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

Someone once recognized I could write–now it’s up to me to take on the challenge and show whether I possess what is required to master my raw talent and create something people would like to read. No easy task, but one I hope to achieve. The journey has been a fruitful one thus far. On occasion, I look back at my original start to my first novel. Today’s work is strides ahead, almost hard to believe it came from the same person.

What do I credit for this change? Simple. Readers. Those individuals who’ve taken the time to read what I wrote and offer suggestions and observations to improve my writing.  There’s nothing to rest my laurels upon at this stage. Plenty left to learn and apply, but that’s half the fun.

My Work in Progress

Over the past week, I continued reviewing the various critiques I received on ‘The Kurdish Connection’ and adding recommendations into my manuscript.  I’ve now done this for the first eleven chapters.  The revised prologue and chapter one were to re-posted to the two subscription writing sites I use. Good feedback thus far.

I also posted chapter three for ‘A Cartel’s Revenge’. Based on feedback for the first two chapters, I’m also working on a prologue and on chapter four. Both should be posted over the coming week.

As I mentioned last time, I’ve created plots for three new stories and given them working titles.  Here’s the initial information regarding ‘Carnage in Singapore’:

Terrorist groups such as Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah have flourished in recent years with new recruits joining them at an alarming rate. Blended operations by various Asian countries have forced the groups to work together to identify a new operational base.

They seek an island nation to call home, one where they can plot against countries who oppose their ideals.  They found a target, a small nation-state, perfect for their needs: The Republic of Singapore.

Before anyone can respond, the ambassadors of the United States, Great Britain, and Australia are kidnapped from their residences in Singapore. Right index fingers of each victim are sent as a warning.  Any attempt to recover the ambassadors will result in the removal of additional body parts.

Bedlam Charlie team leader, Amiri “Joshua” Tahu, leads the group to rescue the ambassadors and capture the leaders of Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah. Can Bedlam succeed or will events escalate, resulting in more deaths?

Books I’m Reading

Over the past week, I completed ‘Secret Assault’ by Don Helin. A fast-moving story filled with action, suspense, and intrigue. Who is killing retired senior military personnel and why?  Colonel Zach Kelly tries to find out and nearly loses his own life. His daughter is also kidnapped. Is her kidnapping tied to his investigation or a sub-plot woven into the main event? Meanwhile, more retired personnel lose their lives before Colonel Kelly’s compatriots uncovered a common thread leading to the killers. Don’s created a ‘must read’ thriller, filled with heroes, heroines, and villains, converging together. Don’t miss this one!

I’ve also started reading ‘Mindfield‘ by A. Wallace. My thoughts will be provided next week.

Blog Posts I’d Like to Share

Every week I continue to skim through various blogs, sometimes for enjoyment purposes and other times to help stimulate my creativity. Today, I’d like to share the following blog with you. I hope you’ll find something of interest.

Darkland Poetry – the author expresses her life’s journey through the use of poetry.

Writing Resources

I don’t have any new writing resources to share with you this week.  I’m currently looking for something that will allow me to capitalize on the use of the senses.  Hope to have an update for next time.

We’ve come to the end of another ramble.  Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2016 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

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