Randall’s Ramblings, January 15, 2017

It’s the middle of January already. Seems like it wasn’t long ago we were putting up Christmas decorations and rushing around selecting items to put smiles on faces.  We suddenly noticed yesterday daylight is hanging around longer. It’s a good sign, winter is moving forward. 

We’ve had plenty of company this winter, between numerous deer, a variety of birds, and even a lone possum. A young white-tailed buck made an appearance this week, the first we can recall since we moved here in 2013. Needless to say, with winter well on its way, the shoreline changes daily. Plenty of ice piled head-high along the beach, but the wind and waves continue to create something new for us to gaze upon.

There are a number of birthdays this week. Is yours one of them? Here’s a few who had one this week: Taylor Branch, author, historian (Martin Luther King Jr); Maureen Dowd, New York Times columnist, author; Horatio Alger, Jr., American children’s author (Ragged Dick, Tattered Tom); Michael Bond, author (Paddington Bear series); Jack London, American writer (The Call of the Wild); Alan Patton, South African novelist (Cry, the Beloved Country); and Lord Acton [John E.E. Dalberg], English historian, editor of The Rambler. Happy birthday to all!

Coming Soon

My first novel, The Kurdish Connection, will be released soon by Moonshine Cove, Publishing, LLC.  Here’s what a couple of reviewers had to say:

Refreshing, intriguing, and insightful tale by a budding author. Randall’s authentic voice adds a powerful push to keep a reader turning the pages. Janet Taylor-Perry, Critically Acclaimed author of The Raiford Chronicles, The Legend of Draconis Saga, and April Chastain Intrigues.

Topical – Engaging – Intriguing – Powerful. Randall Krzak has created an action-packed story with unforgettable characters and vivid descriptions. A real page turner. – Rikon Gaites, author of Mummy’s Little Soldier and Darius Odenkirk.

My Work in Progress

I was unable to complete any new chapters this week as research took center stage. I also spent time working on the outline for New World Revolution and a new suspense/thriller, The Fickle Assassin.  Sometimes, I think I need another pair of eyes and set of hands to help coordinate my way forward. Every bit moves me forward on my writing journey and well worth the effort.

Books I’m Reading

I began reading a new novel this week, Tom Clancy Commander in Chief (A Jack Ryan Novel) by Mark Greaney. I’ve enjoyed his other stories and this is another excellent read. I’ll provide my full review next week after I finish reading. Commander in Chief is almost 800 pages and I read about 650 this week.

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. With the beginning of a new year, I’d also like to include some lighthearted sites I stumble across, whether comedic or with animals. Unfortunately, with snow to clear plus further external requirements, I was unable to browse for new sites. Hopefully, I’ll bring one or two next time.

Writing Resources

I mentioned a ramble or two ago I would share the titles of resources my publisher recommends. Here’s one for you:

Self-Editing For Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Rennie Browne and Dave King. This is an excellent guide to tighten your writing. This one will be on my bookshelf as a vital reference for years to come.

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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.