Randall’s Ramblings, October 27, 2019

Last night, the clocks went back and hour–another sure sign time is marching on. Leaves continue to fall and the temperatures are dropping. We’re marching through the seasons in what is a natural phenomenon.  There are at least two hedgehogs hanging out with us, fattening themselves up for their upcoming hibernation. Their houses are ready, with fresh straw inside, and a pile of leaves and twigs nearby for them to take what they want.

Yesterday we attended the monthly ‘makers’ market’ in Kirkcaldy. A couple of sheets of Sylvia’s poetry sold, along with five of my novels. Needless to say, we’re delighted!

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on October 27th. (Compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Christopher Columbus Andres, American diplomat, newspaperman, author, and Brevet Major General (Union Army); Emily Post, American authority on social behaviour and writer (Etiquette); Henry Tate, Australian composer and poet; Enid Bagnold, British novelist (Chalk Garden, 1956 Award of Merit); Graciliano Ramos, Brazilian author (Vidas Secas); Victor E. van Vriesland, Dutch poet (Mirror of Dutch Poetry); Johan G Dancer, Dutch poet (Meetings); Dylan Thomas, Welsh poet (Child’s Christmas in Wales); Kazimierz Brandys, Polish essayist and writer; Warren Allen Smith, American gay rights activist and writer; Nawal el-Saadawi, Egyptian feminist writer and activist; Sylvia Plath, American poet and novelist (Colossus, 3 Women, Bell Jar); Maxine Hong Kingston, American author (The Woman Warrior); John Kane, British actor and writer; Fran Lebowitz, American author and actress (Resident Alien); Jaq D. Hawkins, British author, occultist and lecturer; and ade Arcade, American comics artist and writer.

Were any names familiar to you? I admit I didn’t know most of this group, although there are some recognizable names, including Emily Post and Sylvia Plath. 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!

My Work in Progress

I continued working on A Cartel’s Revenge when time permitted. Chapter thirty-five is now posted to the two subscription writing sites I use, and chapter thirty-six is almost ready. The action is speeding up as we head toward the story’s climax. I also made another tweak to my outline as the story heads towards its climax.

The chapter review count continues to steadily climb, now standing at 481, an increase of twenty-two in the past week. As always, plenty of good advice to help me improve my writing.

Here’s another snippet:

A stranger sat opposite her. Silver eagles of a full colonel adorned the epaulets his uniform. He had black hair, piercing green eyes, and olive complexion. His nametag read Smith.

“There are indications the Islamic State is attempting to gain a foothold in our territory. They’ve already infiltrated a number of countries around the world. We’re trying to ascertain the validity of the intel before we make a move.”

“What’s the source?” AJ scribbled on a notepad while her boss spoke.

“Two sensitive contacts, both unconfirmed. One reported Islamic State purchased an old freighter from an Iranian corporation through a cutout. They’re using the Liberian-flagged ship as a floating command post. The other stated IS training camps are being set up in Colombia and Panama.” He shook his head. “It might be a smart move on their part since would anyone believe they had willing conscripts in these countries.”

Lintstone slammed a fist on his desk. The civilians flinched. “Dammit, people! We need collaborative intel. Fast! Someone check with NSA and Homeland Security. Find out if they can help. Call State as well, but I doubt they’ll be of any use.”

A tall, thin man with receding gray hair vaulted from his chair. “On it, sir.” He ran from the room before Lintstone added any further instructions.

“Contact the British and the Canadians. Perhaps they’ll share with us, although there’ll be a quid pro quo.”

A bald man, on the heavy side, lumbered to his feet with the use of a cane. “Will do, chief.”

“Don’t offer any more than necessary.”

“Yes, sir.” The man limped through the doorway, banging the door shut behind him.

Lintstone glared at two women sitting at the end of the table. “Well, what are you waiting for? An invitation? Back to your computers and analyze. Contact NGA—see if the geospatial folks know more than they’ve shared. Find me something—anything to point us in the right direction.”

The women nodded and left.

“What about us, boss?” AJ gestured toward the colonel to include him in her question.

“This is Colonel Javier Smith, First Special Forces Operational Detachment, better known as Delta Force. Colonel, meet AJ Bruce, my troubleshooter.”

Both stood to shake hands. The colonel dwarfed AJ’s five-foot-ten-inch frame by six inches. AJ noted a thin scar running from his left ear to his chin. After a firm squeeze, both returned to their seats.

“You’ll be working togeth—”

AJ pursed her lips. “Sir, I work alone.” Oh great. Just what I need—a special forces guerrilla tagging along.

“Not this time. Orders from above.”

“Don’t worry, AJ, you won’t slow me down.” His bass voice resonating, Colonel Smith smiled.

“Excuse me, Colonel, I don’t want you to be in my way.” AJ crossed her arms. A frown etched across her face.

“You two finished?” Lintstone glanced at both of them. “Good. You’re working together—no debate.”

More next time.

Books I’m Reading

D.L. Flynn’s Red Eyes in the Darkness is a gripping suspense guaranteed to leave you thinking–where is evil lurking, and why? This is a well-written story which will give you pause to look at people differently, just as Cass and Will found out when they were under suspicion of killing Cass’ sister.

Friends and family members want nothing to do with them, yet they haven’t done anything wrong. Even when the cause of their problems meets a predicted but untimely demise, red eyes appear elsewhere. Hold onto your seat as you read this one. An excellent story and you won’t be able to put it down!

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.