For the past week, the heat index hovered around 100. No big deal if you live in an area that has 100-degree temperatures on a regular basis. Our hottest day temperature-wise, was Friday with 91F/33C, but with high humidity, it’s been a scorcher. Even being on the lake and normally have a breeze didn’t help. When there was some wind, it wasn’t cooling as a wave of hot air pushed forward. By the way, our historical temperature for this week is a pleasant 80F/27C.
If your birthday was yesterday or today, congratulations and may you have many more. Notable personalities with birthdays on July 23rd and 24th include:Raymond Chandler, detective writer and creator of Philip Marlow; Marston Bates, author; Nicholas Gage, journalist and author; John Nichols, author; Lisa Alther, author; Alexandra Dumas, author (The Count of Mounte Cristo, The Three Musketeers); Robert Graves, poet and novelist; Zelda Sayre, writer; and John D. MacDonald, author.
Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life
I’ve been on a roll lately with my writing. This week, I’d like to share more snippets with you. From ‘Trek For Survival’, a short story:
With three injured men tucked into a safe location, she returned to the plane to gather whatever supplies she might find. Ten minutes later, she placed the last item on a blanket and dragged the stash to the shelter.
“What’d you find, Maddy?” her brother asked.
“A few things we need: four blankets, first aid kits, six energy bars, a flashlight with extra batteries, a box of matches, and a canteen. Also found ten bottles of water and some beef jerky. I brought everyone’s backpack, too.”
“Not beef, Miss Maddy. “Jomo shook his head. “Impala and zebra. Good for you.”
From ‘A Cartel’s Revenge’:
Flicking her long, brown hair, AJ grabbed her chair and glanced around the table. Colleagues filled four of the seats. A stranger sat in the remaining one, across the table. Silver eagles adorned his uniform. Black hair, piercing green eyes, an olive complexion, and his nametag read Smith.
Both stood to shake hands across the table. The colonel dwarfed AJ’s five-foot-ten-inch frame by several inches. AJ noted a thin scar running from his left ear to his chin. After a firm squeeze, both returned to their seats.
“You’ll be working togeth—”
“Sir, I work alone.”
“Not this time. Orders from above.”
“Don’t worry, AJ, you won’t slow me down.” Colonel Smith smiled as his base voice resonated.
“Excuse me, Colonel, I don’t want you to be in the way.” AJ crossed her arms. A frown etched across her face.
“You two finished? Good. You’re working together—no debate.”
More next week.
My Work in Progress
Another busy week, but with the weather stopping some outdoor activities, I spent more time writing. I finally posted chapter four of ‘A Cartel’s Revenge’, on my two subscription writing sites. So far, favorable reviews overall, especially with the introduction of two new characters, AJ Bruce and Col Javier Smith.
My short story, ‘Trek For Survival’ was posted to the writing sites this week and received thirteen critiques. I’ll definitely be expanding this into a novella or a novel in the future.
Editing of my short story ‘Countdown to Extinction’ continued, but at a slow pace. It will be submitted to a contest next month. Didn’t have much time left over to work on ‘A Malicious Affiliation’ but hope to have a first draft of chapter two completed over the next week.
Books I’m Reading
I began reading ‘Darius Odenkirk‘ by Rikon Gates. My review won’t be posted until next week, but I will say it’s a great story and well worth a read. I’ve had the pleasure of providing reviews for the sequel, both they both standalone, too.
I’m also scurrying to finish reading two other novels, recently completed by fellow writers on one of the subscription sites before the stories go to editors. Once they’re available, I’ll provide my thoughts.
Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share
I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. Hope you’ll check out the links!
Roderick Will’s 365 Short Stories – A very ambitious undertaking by Roderick Wills, who is writing a short story of about 1,000 words every day for a year. Check out his stories!
Writing Resources
As I’m constantly seeking to improve my writing, this week I’d like to share a link for those who like to blog and how to improve your posts. I’ll be making changes to my own work based on this information. The article is written by Robert Woods, a developmental editor for Standalone Books.
This brings us 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.
Heat wave here too this coming week.
You been busy.
We’re supposed to have a couple of thunderstorms today so it might cool things off. With the heat/humidity I was able to spend more time writing. Always a trade-off!
I have written a few poems in my mother tongue recently. Went to Seattle for a few days during 4th of July weekend. Other than that, it’s work, work, work.
Will you be doing translations of the poems for those who can’t read your mother tongue? Here it’s been write, write, write.:) Right now it’s overcast, 74 degrees with a cool breeze from the lake. My wife loves it!
Did not think about it. Maybe I should try and post both side by side.
That would be a good idea. Some people, even if they can’t understand another language, do like to see the comparison. I know I do.:)
Will definitely try this week.
I did post a couple of them before but only the English poem, not exactly a translation.
Will be watching for them.