Randall’s Ramblings, February 26, 2017

On the weather front, it’s been a crazy week, with a forty-degree (Fahrenheit) swing. Brilliant sunshine, lashing rain, blustery snowfall–we’ve had it all, sometimes on the same day. Right now it’s 23F/-3C, well down from the week’s high of 63F/17C, but plenty of sunny weather, and calm lake waters. Several nights this week, before the clouds rolled in, we were able to see a brilliant light in the sky, caused by the alignment of Venus and Jupiter. An amazing sight to behold!

Speaking of amazing sights, did anyone have a birthday over the past week? Does another year make a difference or is it all a mindset?  Here’s a list of folks associated with the writing world who had birthdays. Recognize anyone?

Victor Hugo, French novelist and poet (Les Misérables); Mabel Dodge Luhan, American biographer; Anthony Burgess, English writer (A Clockwork Orange); Wilhelm Carl Grimm, compiler, with his brother, of fairy tales; Mary Ellen Chase, writer from New England; August Derleth, writer (Still is the Summer Night, The Shield of the Valiant); Erich Kastner, German poet, novelist and children’s author (Emil and the Detectives); William Shirer, CBS broadcaster and author (The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich); Edna St. Vincent Millay, poet; Sean O’Faolain, Irish short story writer; Edward Gorey, American writer and illustrator; John Henry Newman, English theologian and writer; Charles Scribner; founded the publishing firm which became Charles Scribner’s Sons and also founded Scribner’s magazine; W.H. Auden, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet (The Age of Anxiety); and Erma Bombeck, author and humorist (The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank).

Happy birthday to all!

My Work in Progress

Marketing and publicity of The Kurdish Connection continued this week. Four district libraries have agreed to host book signing events for me. The dates haven’t been set yet, but will be after the weather settles down. The library directors recommended holding the sessions between April and June. A monthly newspaper, distributed throughout four counties, is currently reviewing my story and will be publishing a review. Stay tuned.:)

 These efforts haven’t stopped me from moving forward with the sequel, Dangerous Alliance. Chapters nine and ten were posted this week on the two subscription writing sites I use. Chapter eleven is already underway.

Here’s a bit of a taster from Dangerous Alliance:

“What is the oil to weapons ratio? I hope you worked a favorable deal.”

“Two tankers for each shipload of arms, Supreme Leader.” Soo continued to rock on his heels. I wish he’d let me sit. Dare I hope he’ll offer me something to eat?

“Generous terms—too generous. Three tankers for each load of weapons. No missiles requiring a mobile launcher, hand-held only. Assault rifles, pistols, ammunition, and grenades. Toss in a few military vehicles.”

“B-But we reached an agreement to—”

Sung waved a hand, silencing Soo. “Make the change. I decide what agreements are approved. Do you presume to question my authority?”

Books I’m Reading

I’m currently reading, Leviathan: An Event Group Thriller by David L. Goleman. Once I’m finished, I’ll post my review.  Next up will be When The Tree is Dry by Alice Hill. I have several more lined up, so I better get busy!

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. I have another one to share today:

The Writing Chimp – follow the writing adventures of G. L. Cromarty, currently living Down Under.

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.