The past week began with great weather and temperatures hovering around 70F/21C. This all changed when Friday evening rolled around, bringing almost constant drizzle or light rain. Of course, things dry out quickly, so the rain gave things a much-needed drink.
The rain also delayed further work in the back yard. We’re painting the fence, re-arranging the flower beds, and removing gravel from areas where the previous owners thought it should be. It might takes all summer and into the fall, but eventually we’ll have our stamp on the area,
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on May 19th. (Compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):
Rahel Varnhagen von Ense-Levin, German literary hostess; Henricus WJM Keuls, Dutch lawyer/poet (Dancing Lamp); Konstatin G Paustovski, Russian author (Povestj Zjizni); Paul Erdman, American economist and author; Ruskin Bond, Indian author; Jane Brody, writer/nutritionist; Nora Ephron, novelist/screenwriter/director (Michael, Heartburn); and James Topping, author of CP/M.
Not many today. Was anyone familiar to you? Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one and many more to follow!
News About My Published Work
The results of the 2018 Chanticleer International Books Awards (CIBAs) have been announced. This year, there were fourteen fiction categories and two non-fiction. The Kurdish Connection and Dangerous Alliance participated in the Global Thrillers genre. Both moved from the slush pile, through the long list, the short list, and the semi-finals. The Kurdish Connection finished its run as a semi-finalist, while Dangerous Alliance went a step further and was one of seven 2018 Global Thriller Book Awards for Lab Lit & High Stakes Thriller Novels First in Category Winners. Needless to say, I’m thrilled!
My Work in Progress
With all of the outdoor activity, I didn’t have much time to sit in front of the computer and write. Chapter ten of A Cartel’s Revenge is almost finished. So far, the novel has received eighty-three chapter reviews from the two online subscription writing sites I use. Plenty of good suggestions for improving my writing.
Things are on hold with Carnage in Singapore as I await the results of my submission. In the meantime, here’s another snippet:
The nurse escorted Noah to Koh’s room. Three men dressed in blue police uniforms with maroon berets tucked in their belts sat on a bench in the hallway, watching the nurse and Noah’s progress. One, who appeared older than the others, stood as they approached.
“Stop.” The man raised a hand. “Please show identification.” 
The nurse ignored the man and continued toward the door. “This patient will be staying here. He’s a friend of the man inside.”
The man nodded. “Go ahead. In the future, show your picture badge, and we won’t bother you.”
“I’m sure Feng Lee will be pleased with your diligence.” The nurse scanned the man from head to toe. “He will visit later, so remain alert. I’ll provide a list of hospital employees who should be authorized admittance to look after these patients.”
When Noah entered the room, he spotted Koh in the far bed, sound asleep. Rhythmic beeping came from the attached monitor displaying his vital signs.
The nurse turned down the sound on the machine. “The noise will keep you awake. There are hospital gowns in the bathroom. Slip one on and put your clothes in the empty locker.” She pointed to two cabinets, one with an open door. “Afterward, climb into bed. I’ll bring you something to drink in a few minutes.”
Noah did as instructed and replayed each sequence of the attack in his mind. Should have spotted a tail sooner. First sign of action and all training went out the window. He glanced at Koh. We’ll catch them.
Perhaps more next time.
Books I’m Reading
I recently finished reading A Sea of Fear by Russell Moran. This is book three of the Harry and Meg time travel series and like the first two, it’s another easy read with plenty of action from start to finish.
Harry and Meg are very likeable characters and once again use their combined strengths to deal with a former president trying to undermine the American way of life and take over the White House. I won’t spoil the ending for any readers, but suffice it to say, this is a tough assignment, necessitating some time travel both into the past and the future. If you enjoy plenty of action and a riveting plot, this one’s for you.
This brings us to a close for another week. I hope you 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.
© Copyright 2019 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
