Randall’s Rambling, October 15, 2017

Here we are in the middle of October. Hard to believe, as it seems like summer was still here a few days ago. No doubt about it–the wet, dreary days are reminiscent of previous Octobers, although we’re still having 60F+ temperatures.

Despite the weather, necessary yard work continued. It was a good time to trim all of the pesky unwanted shoots growing up through the pine trees. With almost 100 trees, it took some doing, but almost finished. Now, I’ll wait for the rain to stop so I can bundle the stuff and have a beach fire (wind permitting).

My Work in Progress

Two more autographed copies of The Kurdish Connection went to new homes during the past week. Great to have continued interest in my debut novel. I just need to figure out how to increase the online sales and I’ll be delighted. Blair Howard (I provided a review of his first Harry Starke novel last week) provided me with insights into his marketing program. All I need to do is apply his recommendations and see what happens.

This past week saw the completion of two more Dangerous Alliance chapters. Both are posted to the two subscription writing sites I use for review by my fellow writers. As one reviewer said, “Plots, plots and more plots. I look forward to each additional chapter and the characters are becoming more real as details of the life unfold.  I’m sure it will be one of those books that you couldn’t put down, an ‘all night read’ as they say.”

The next chapter is also underway. I mentioned last week I had revised my outline. I did this again and believe I’ve tightened the last third of the novel and will complete with about forty-seven chapters. It still should be close to 100,000 words before the editing phase begins.

Here a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

“Tahliil! At last, I’ve reached you. I’ve been trying for hours.”

“We had bad sandstorm. It stopped. The sky is clear.”

“I need your advice, Tahliil.” Dacar explained what had transpired since they captured the oil tanker.

“Dacar, make Greeks fear you. Kill one.”

***

“How, why? Who would do this?” Alf clenched his hands into tight fists, his knuckles whitening. An occasional tear fluttered down his face as he tried to come to terms after witnessing human brutality for the first time.

“May I have your attention, please?” David stood on a small crate. “We volunteered to help those in this camp who are in distress and require assistance. Sometimes, evil forces take advantage of those who are weak.”

David wiped his eyes before continuing. “We must be strong for those who remain and depend upon us. We’ll never forget what’s happened, but we must continue our work.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been reading two novels in Kerry J. Donovan’s new series, Ryan Kaine. Since I’m doing an interview with Kerry, which will be posted in Readers Abode next month, I’ll hold my reviews and include them at that time.

I’m almost finished with another Dane Maddock Adventure, by David Wood. Stay tuned for my comments next 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.

MD Neu – writer and soon-to-be published author, Follow MD’s writing journey and check out his interviews with other authors. He’ll be releasing a short story on October 23rd, just in time for Halloween!

Reader’s Abode – Don’t forget to check out the bi-weekly blogs from the site’s group of international writers (including yours truly). Plenty of new things to read no matter what genre you prefer. Click on the events tab to learn about our exciting book give-away!

I’m afraid that’s all the time I have today. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading!