During the past week, I think we had more hours of rain than sunshine. At least everything is green and growing. We did have a slight reprieve yesterday, which was good news as I needed to cut the grass. I’m also pleased the rain and mild temperatures are helping the grass see I planted in patches areas to spring forth.
The reprieve ended early this morning when we had more rain, lasting an hour or more–perhaps longer, but I fell asleep. It’s overcast now, with more of the wet stuff in the forecast.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on June 2nd. (Compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):
Marquis de Sade, French philosopher and writer (Justine); Thomas Hardy, poet and novelist (Far from the Madding Crowd); Constantly AM Cap, Flemish poet/etcher; Karl Adolph Gjellerup, poet (Poutnici Svetem, Nobel 1917); Adolf Herckenrath, Flemish playwright/poet (Avondvlam); Bokke R S Pollema, Dutch Frisian journalist/author (Lock of Hair); Dorothy West, US journalist/author (Living is Easy); Xiao Hong, Chinese writer (The Field of Life and Death); Barbara Pym, romantic author (Very Private Eye); Walter Andreas Schwarz, German singer and author; Lester del Rey, American sci-fi author (Moon Trilogy, Marooned on Mars); W. Watts Biggers, American novelist and animator; ohn Anthony Bowden Cuddon, writer/teacher; Norton Juster, American author, architect and children’s author (The Dot and the Line); Carol Shields, American-born novelist; Kevin Brownlow, English film historian and author; Lydia Lunch, US singer/poet (Teenage Jesus, Jerks); and Anthony Montgomery, American film and television actor and graphic novelist.
Was anyone familiar to you? There might be at least a couple familiar ones. Did you know the words sadism and sadist were derived from the first writer mentioned? 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
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My Work in Progress
Breaking news this week: I signed a contract with Solstice Publishing for the release of Carnage in Singapore. I’m putting together my blurb, bio, dedication, acknowledgements now, as well as checking out some photos for consideration as the new cover. Several authors have already provided advertising blurbs for me. Exciting times! Here’s another snippet from Carnage in Singapore:
“I’ll need at least five more men to help transport them.”
Umar stretched his arms above his head. “Five unskilled factory workers who are dedicated to our cause are willing to assist with whatever we need. I’ll help too, so with Joko, there will be seven.”
“We must move the cargo from the port to Batam Island. Perhaps a day to pick a launch site, set up the launchers, and secure the area.”
Musa stared at Umar before turning to Joko. “You must be ready in four days. We want to target the Formula One Grand Prix. The race is scheduled to begin on Sunday at eight p.m., so the race can be broadcast live in Europe.” He shook his head. “These infidel drivers earn millions of dollars while many people die each year from hunger. Their worthless game without a purpose and the gaudy advertisements for alcohol and cigarettes covering their vehicles is offensive to Islam. They must be taught a lesson.”
Joko rolled his shoulders. “We’ll be ready. The damage will depend on where the projectiles land and casualties might be high.”
Musa shrugged. “Use all three Grad rockets.” If more infidels are killed, it’s better for us.
Perhaps more next time.
Despite a week packed with external stuff, I managed to complete another chapter of A 
Cartel’s Revenge and post it to the two subscription writing sites I use. There’s been 129 chapter reviews thus far. Plenty of excellent suggestions to choose from!
Books I’m Reading
I recently finished reading Genesis, the latest Harry Starke novel by Blair Howard. A superb thriller revealing the creation of Harry’s private eye business after he stopped being a cop.
As with all of Blair’s books, this is another well-crafted story, starting with Harry meeting a young girl–who disappears. Who’s behind the girl’s disappearance, and why? A real pager turner for those who enjoy an excellent plot with realistic characters. Blair, bring on another story soon!
I also finished reading Bank Shot, the latest installment in the Lieutenant Beaudry series by Michael Kent. As with all of Michael’s stories, an action-packed plot and realistic characters join together for a riveting story.
Beaudry’s reputation is heading south and he has problems in his personal life as well when an ex-lover is tasked to work with him on a new case. Will he be able to juggle the weighty issues dragging him down and solve the latest crime? Well work a read and I look forward to reading more from Michael.
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
