Weather across Michigan, and in particular, our patch by Lake Huron, has unseasonably high temperatures during the week, ranging from 76-80F. Yesterday brought clear and sunny skies, but only 54F, seven degrees below the historical average. The next week looks to be more of the cooler weather, but we’re heading to the middle of October, so it’s to be expected.
At least we’ve missed out on any issues caused by Hurricane Matthew. I hope those impacted by Mother Nature’s worst are able to overcome any situation.
Birthday greetings to everyone who has had a birthday during the past week. A few notables share your birthday: James Whitcomb Riley, poet; Helen MacInnes, writer; Thomas Keneally, novelist (Schindler’s Ark); R. L. Stine, author; Bruce Catton, U.S. historian and journalist; Brian Lamb, journalist; Caroline Gordon, writer (The Strange Children); Clive Barker, author, director (Hellraiser, Candyman); Damon Runyon, journalist and short story writer; Rene Marques, Puerto Rican playwright and short story writer; Alvin Toffler, writer and futurist; Jackie Collins, novelist (Hollywood Wives, Drop Dead Beautiful); and Edward Stratemeyer, author, creator of the Hardy Boys, Rover Boys, Nancy Drew and the Bobbsey Twins. Happy birthday to all!
Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life
I continued to use my writing time this week to review/update my novels’ outlines and research. My outlines continue to evolved as I move forward with a story, re-positioning chapters, editing content, and plotting my next moves. Unfortunately, real-life events cut into my writing time, so I wasn’t able to accomplish as much as I wanted.
My Work in Progress
I did manage to post chapter three of Dangerous Alliance for review on the two subscription writing sites I use. Three pages of chapter eight, A Cartel’s Revenge, were also completed.
I received some information from my publisher regarding things I need to do to help promote/publicize The Kurdish Connection. Over the coming weeks, one thing that will change will be this site’s layout. Hope you’ll stay tuned.
I haven’t provided any glimpses into my work lately. Here’s a snippet from Dangerous Alliance:
No! This is the coward’s way. I’ll show Sung.
Soo placed the Chinese Norinco pistol back into the drawer. He pushed the intercom button.
“Yes, Ambassador?”
“Nari, please come in.”
“At once.” A moment later, a woman, gray-haired and stooped, entered Soo’s office.
“Oh! What happened?” Bug-eyed, she bent down to pick up the papers and photo frames strewn across the floor.
“I slipped when I entered and fell against the desk, knocking everything down. Once you finish, I have instructions.”
***
A smile creased Soo’s face as a glimmer of hope surfaced after a bitter week. He wrote a note to Nari and asked Kim to send it. For the first time since he departed on this ill-fated trip, Soo slept.
Kim read the message and smiled. Once he completed the transmission, he placed his weapon in its case. Known as Major Kim, Ministry of State Security, he sent a high priority message to Supreme Leader Sung: Termination delayed pending review of possible solution.
More next time.
Books I’m Reading
During the past week, I read In the Shadow of the Judas Tree: Summer of Forbidden Love (Father Brennan Series) by Norman Morrow. This story is full of emotions as Father Brennan is sent to Castlebridge to work with a senior priest. You’ll endure humor, rage, disappointment, and joy as you learn about what makes the two priests tick.
It doesn’t take Father Brennan long to figure out the senior priest, Sweeny, is abusing boys entrusted in his care. He also meets a woman with a young boy, and falls madly in love with her. Before he can leave the Church, he is compelled to deal with Sweeny, with a tragic outcome regarding Brennan’s future happiness. A gripping story and well worth reading.
Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share
This week I wasn’t able to check out any blogs or author pages. Hope to have something for you next time.
Writing Resources
As time marches toward the publishing of The Kurdish Connection, some of my research time is devoted to work on a promotion/publicity plan. I’ve found a wealth of information to help me prepare things like press releases and setting up a virtual book tour. This information is available through a site put together by Sandra Beckwith, an author and former public relations practitioner. Check out her site: Build Book Buzz.
Once again, we’ve reached 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.
