It’s been another busy week–laying some turf (sod), clearing away old rubble and gravel, adding some new topsoil, moving a few plants to fill in empty areas, and cutting the grass. Whew! At least Mother Nature lent a helping hand a couple of times, with gentle evening rain to help water everything.
While the lock downs are disruptive, they are necessary and seem to be working. Hopefully, we’ll be moving toward the new ‘normal’ soon. In the meantime, a heartfelt thanks to all those who put themselves out there everyday, providing vital services to all. Thank you!!
So, who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on May 3rd. (Compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):
Niccolo Machiavelli, Italian politician and writer (Prince); Joannes Antonides van der Goes, Dutch poet (Bellone aen bant); August von Kotzebue, German dramatist; Andy Adams, American writer (Log of a Cowboy); Nicoline Magdalene Roll Anker, Norwegian author (Kvinnen og Den); B. Traven, (German?) writer (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre) whose real identity is disputed; Tadeusz Peiper, Polish poet; Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, Georgian writer and public benefactor; Ernst Kantorowicz, German-American historian (Laudes regiae); Dodie Smith, English novelist and playwright (101 Dalmatians); Earl Wilson, American journalist and columnist (Midnight Earl); Eleanore “May” Sarton, Belgian-American writer (Land of Silence); Pierre Emmanuel [Noël Mathieu], French poet (Sodome); Yehuda Amichai, Israeli poet (Now and in Other Days); Jahanara Imam, Bangladeshi writer and political activist; Juan Gelman, Argentine poet; Nélida Piñon, Brazilian writer (The Republic of Dreams); and Daryl F. Mallett, American writer and editor.
Recognize anyone? The only name I was familiar with was Niccolo Machiavelli. 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 Published Work
Three of my novels are participating in a May Kindle Unlimited promotion: Dangerous Alliance, Carnage in Singapore, and Colombian Betrayal. There are a total of 384 works included in the promotion.
Why not stop by and see if any of your favorite authors are listed. If not, why not choose someone new to check out? There’s bound to be something of interest, as this promotion cover multiple genres. Head to: https://books.bookfunnel.com/mayyouread/24lhdvqujo
My Work in Progress
Despite all of the outdoor work, I’m still working on my next novel, Xavier Sear: Angola. This week, chapter eighteen posted to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Although only posted for a short time, Angola has now received 212 chapter reviews, an increase of thirteen in the past week. As always, plenty of good advice from my faithful reviewers to provide as good a story for you as possible.
Here’s another snippet:
A slight sliver of light came into the tent as dawn broke. Peter tried to roll to ease the pain in his shoulder. He attempted to shift and twist his bonds in an effort to free himself, but still couldn’t feel any sensation in his hand. He forced himself into a sitting position, his back leaning on a tent pole.
Outside, the camp inhabitants stirred, and the first full day of captivity began.
Peter closed his eyes and sighed as the tingling and feeling came to his hands.
“Get him up!” The flap flew back, and two men burst into the tent and yanked Peter to his feet. “Bring him.”
Still bound, the men dragged Peter, stumbling and tripping, to a small building at the far end of the clearing. Wooden slats about four feet high created the bottom portion of the walls. Heavy canvas topped the walls, adding height to the structure. Two men stood guard on either side of the door. Their piercing stares caused Peter to shiver.
The inside of the structure surprised him—simple and portable decor, yet elegant. The furnishings were well-crafted and expensive. Tasteful paintings and small items adorned the tables and free-standing shelves. Nothing suggested the occupant was anything but a well-to-do business person, doctor, educator, or another upstanding member of the community.
A long table of dark wood leaned against floor-to-ceiling drapes at the back of the tent. At one end of the table, Alimasi sat, a hand held over his forehead and covering his eyes. In front of him, flies buzzed around a plate of food. He stirred his food with the tip of his fork, not looking up until the men escorting Peter spoke.
“Here is the doctor.”
“Release him.”
One of the men produced a knife and cut the rope on Peter’s wrists.
“Come and sit.”
Peter stretched his shoulders and rubbed his wrists as he crossed the room toward the table.
“Please. Sit.” Dressed in a clean and pressed camo uniform, Alimasi gestured toward the seat at the other end of the table.
An old and hunchbacked woman stepped from behind the drapes. She placed a plate of food and two bottles of water in front of Peter. Without a sound, she returned from where she came.
Neither man spoke for a long moment as Peter opened one of the bottles and drank until he quenched his thirst.
“Joseph died in the night.”
“Joseph?”
“My friend you treated when we arrived. He is dead.”
More next time.
I also completed the second chapter of Revenge, the sequel to Colombian Betrayal. Reviews are coming in, with a total of twenty-one so far. Eventually, I’ll have a cover sorted out, but hope to add at least a filler next time.
Books I’m Reading
I recently finished reading Polar Bear Dawn by Lyle Nicholson. This is the first novel in the Bernadette Callahan Detective Mystery/Thriller series. Who is killing workers from a company supporting oil camps in the Arctic and Northern Canada. More importantly, why? Will Canadian Detective Bernadette Callahan answer these questions before she’s sidelined in favor of other agencies? Find out how she works with an Alaskan detective named Frank Mueller and others to piece things together.
Lyle has created an excellent plot with plenty of twists and turns which will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. There’s a bevy of characters to love or hate, depending upon your viewpoint. For those who love action and adventure with plenty This is the first novel I’ve read by Lyle and it’s definitely not going to be the last as I already purchased the sequel.
I also finished When Winds Blow West. This is a tragic story of what is an everyday occurrence throughout the world, given voice by a talented author, Alex Tatievsky. This is a gripping tale of human despair, sadness, but also shows glimmers of hope and love.
Alex has created a superb plot and gives life to his characters as they struggle to survive what’s been thrown at them. This is a very moving and thought-provoking story which is one not to miss.
This brings us to a close for this week. I hope you found something of interest. 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 2020 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
