Randall’s Rambling, December 22, 2019

Last Sunday we had a fantastic three-course lunch in the Queen Anne Building at Edinburgh Castle. It was built 1703-08 and is to the west of Crown Square. After a delightful meal and excellent conversation, our taxi took us along the Royal Mile before we headed home.

Last night we had the pleasure of attending “A Christmas Carol” performed by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company. It was held in the Great Hall of Stirling Castle. The cast gave a stunning performance of this Charles Dickens’ classic. A glass of mulled apple helped keep the slight chill at bay in this building which dates back to 1503.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 22nd. (Compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Hermann Samuel Reimarus, German philosopher and writer; Jean Racine, French dramatist (Phèdre); Johann Sebastian Welhaven, Norwegian poet; Justin M’Carthy, Irish politician and novelist (Miss Misanthrope); Mark Rutherford [Hale White], English writer; František Xaver Šalda, Czechoslovakian literary critic; Edwin Arlington Robinson, American poet (Richard Corey); Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, Italian-French prose writer, novelist, poet, and dramatist (Futurism e Futurista); Nikolay Semyonovich Tikhonov, Russian poet; Kenneth Rexroth, American poet & translator & critical essayist (Birds in the Bush); Calder Willingham, American novelist and scriptwriter; Lee Salk, Russian-American child psychologist and author; Piero Angela, Italian television host & writer (Control); Brian C. Daley, American sci-fi author (Exploits of Han Solo, Tron); Charles de Lint, Canadian sci-fi author (Moonhear, Mulengro, Yarrow); Heather Donahue, American writer & actress; and Chris Adler, American writer.

Were any names familiar to you? I must admit I was pretty clueless when it came to today’s group, except for Lee Salk. 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

Editing of A Cartel’s Revenge continues but a bit slower this week. Since our son arrived last Saturday for a two-week visit, we’ve been spending time with him.

Here’s another snippet from A Cartel’s Revenge:

She jumped to her feet and paced liked a trapped tiger, relentless. Her features became like ice. “No! I don’t believe it. He’s trying to cover up his incompetence.”

Alonzo repeated the description provided by the principal.

“I only know one man who this might be.” Olivia shook her head in disbelief. “But … he wouldn’t do this. He was my father’s friend. Francisco Kruz. It can’t be him.” She shook her head again. “He does have a speech impediment ….”

“I don’t understand, Mamá. Where’s Pedro? I still haven’t seen him.”

“He doesn’t answer his phone. I have no idea where he is.” Olivia poured a glass of whiskey, taking a gulp before offering one to Alonzo, who declined.

“Mamá, we must contact Señor Kruz. Perhaps he knows where Pedro went.”

Olivia dialed Kruz’s telephone number. No answer. She let the phone slip from her fingers, as seeping tears became a torrent. She fell to the floor, grabbing her chest as if in pain. “Oh, my babies. Someone find them!”

Alonzo bent down, picked up the phone, and replaced the receiver in the cradle. He knelt beside his mother, trying to console her. His arms around her, they rocked, his shirt soaked from her heartbroken and scared tears.

“You should have been waiting for them, Alonzo.” She beat on his chest with her fists. “Your duty demanded this. I can’t trust you—can’t trust anyone!”

They descended into silence—waiting.

After what felt like several hours, the shrill ring of the phone shattered the quiet. Olivia picked up the instrument, putting it on speaker.

A raspy voice came on the line. “Your daughters are safe. For now. Leave Barranquilla, and they will be unharmed. Otherwise ….”

“Noooo!”

More next time.

Despite our son’s visit, I did manage to do some work on Ultimate Escalation. The drafts of the first six chapters have been completed. To date, they’ve received sixty-six reviews on the two online subscription writing sites I use. Excellent suggestions as always to enhance my stories.

For those who enjoy the twists and turns I include in my novels, there will be plenty more appearing in this one.

 

 

Books I’m Reading

While I did some reading this past week, I didn’t get all of my thoughts in order. Time permitting, I’ll have a review of a book or two next time.

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