Randall’s Ramblings – 3 Apr 2016

Okay, who stole the message sent to Mother Nature? Or was it deleted from the inbox? I’m sure I had a nice day this week and began cleaning up from winter’s ravages.  Even though spring is here, snow continues to bless (or curse) us.  Not as much accumulation over the past two days as expected, but it appears it’s been stored up for a final push.

We have a winter storm warning beginning later today, with an estimated 5-8 inches of snow forecast by tomorrow morning.  At least we’ve started the day with blazing sunshine. Someone, please resend the note about spring’s arrival.

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

I’m writing a thriller. But I never realized how many sub-genres follow.  I located a good article on http://bookcountry.com, which explains the differences. Eleven different categories, and after giving each one a careful examination, I believe ‘The Kurdish Connection’ calls under techno thriller although military comes a close second.

The article described this genre as, “a type of fiction with a plot reliant upon the heavy use of modern technology, and focused on the dangers of that technology falling into the wrong hands. The narrative is often global in scope and can share elements with military thrillers.”

‘The Kurdish Connection” begins with the discovery of WMD by three scavengers who believe in an united Kurdistan but a small group wants to use them to force their desires. A small international team is tasked to recover the weapons before they are used. Although caught up in their cause, the scavengers realize they made a mistake offering the weapons.

Here’s a bit more from my story:

“You must swear by Allah never to say a word of what I’m going to tell you. If you promise, come to me. Now. At my house. Swear by Allah, disaster might occur. This is the most important secret.”

A once-impressive parade ground now housed the rusted hulks of forgotten vehicles. Miniature sand dunes stretched from the trucks, like fingers, with a random shriveled weed where some forgotten plant once achieved a foothold. Only the occasional call of a passing crow interrupted the silence.

The squeak of nails forced out of their holes and labored breathing filled the air. An odor of mildew mixed with the tang of lubricants and aged pine created a heady bouquet, making breathing difficult. When he finished, he counted ten crates filled with grenades, while another ten contained plastic explosives.

More next week.

My Work in Progress

Work continues on reviewing various critiques I received on ‘The Kurdish Connection’ and adding recommendations into my manuscript. Chapter three is edited and now posted on the two subscription writings sites I use.

I’ve been researching publishing houses that accept unsolicited manuscripts and figuring out how to prepare my cover letter and a good synopsis.  My time spent researching meant I didn’t have a chance to work on ‘A Cartel’s Revenge’ as there are so many hours in the week I can devote to writing and the associated tasks.

I’m hoping to send my first submission next month, if I can meld the requirements into a cohesive package.  I don’t want to rush, no point in doing that and waste a possible opportunity due to sloppy writing.  If anyone has any suggestions to aid this endeavor, please send them my way.

Books I’m Reading

With my current efforts on ‘The Kurdish Connection’ as well as completing reviews of various novels for those who provided me with critiques, I didn’t finish reading ‘How Little We Know’ by John L. DeBoer. I will say at this point that it’s well worth a read and will provide my full feedback next week.

Blog Posts I’d Like to Share

When time permits I skim through dozens of blogs, sometimes for enjoyment purposes and stimulate my creativity. Today, I’d like to share the following blogs with you. Both provide inspirational thought through prose and/or poetry. I hope you’ll find something of interest.

Rebecca Jolie – well worth a read if you’re stuck for inspiration or reflection.

Piper’s Writing – a college student and aspiring novelist who loves to write and share her work with others.

Writing Resources

I don’t have any specific writing resources to share this week.  I’m still searching for something to capitalize on the use of the senses and to help me prepare the “dreaded” cover letter. 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.