So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on July 11th. (Compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):
Robert Greene, English writer (Friar Bacon); Luis de Góngora, Spanish poet and writer; Jean-François Marmontel, French historian and writer; Thomas Bowdler, British physician and writer (Family Shakespeare); Léon Bloy, French novelist and essayist; Richard Beer-Hofmann, Austrian writer; Herman de Man [Salomon H Hamburger], Dutch writer/Radio Orange; E. B. White, American writer (Charlotte’s Web, Elements of Style), John Francis Boyd, journalist; Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger, American sci-fi author (Space Lords); Cordwainer Smith, American writer; Frederick Buechner, American author; Harold Bloom, American literary critic; Pai Hsien-yung, Taiwanese writer (Taipei People); and Kentaro Miura, Japanese manga author (Berserk).
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me: E.B. White. 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
All of my novels are participating in a gripping reads promotion, covering action & adventure, mystery& suspense, and sci-fi & fantasy/horror. There are a total of seventy-nine novels available between now and the 15th. Why not check these out–never know when you’ll come across your next favorite author.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/grippingreadskuor99/yblerf0c6g
My Work in Progress
The editing process of Revenge is well underway. 
Over the past week, there were another ten new chapter reviews, bringing the total number to 721. As always, plenty of useful suggestions as always to improve my writing and very timely with editing on the horizon.
Here’s another snippet:
Sam, Wild, and TJ grabbed empty seats and introduced themselves to Charlie.
“So, where’s the beer?” TJ picked up the pitcher, and poured the dregs into a glass and tossed it back.
Charlie glanced at each of his new team members. “How’d weapons training go?”
Paul approached with two pitchers of beer, set them on the table, and departed.
TJ filled everyone’s glass. “Not bad. I learned something new today.”
Wild laughed. “Yeah. Which end to shoot from.”
Everyone chuckled, with Javier almost choking on his beer.
“Who would’ve thought? I always figured I was right-eye dominant. At least I’ve never had an issue before with a pistol.” TJ sipped his beer and nodded at Sam and Wild. “Ask them who had a perfect score on the pistol range, including in the night-vision chamber?”
Sam grimaced. “So, my eyes don’t work as well in the dark. I’m not a cat or an owl.”
“Yeah, but you missed three times!”
“Out of sixty. But who had problems on the rifle range?”
“I still qualified.” TJ grinned and focused on Javier and Charlie. “When we hit the rifle range, I took out a target every time I shot.”
“So, what happened?” Javier glanced at Charlie. “Anything we need to be aware of?”
TJ shook his head. “Naw. At least, I don’t think so. Once we zeroized our M4s, I kept missing the targets. The instructor had me switch—I began shooting left-handed vice right-handed. Once I did that, I didn’t miss again.”
Charlie nodded. “Not a problem as far as I’m concerned. We’ll only be carrying SIG Sauers anyway. The rifle training was part of the package, and it’s always wise to understand everyone’s capabilities and shortcomings. Could make the difference between life and death.”
Paul and another waiter approached, each carrying large platters. After they passed out the plates, everyone stopped speaking as they dug into their meal.
Before long, the food had disappeared, and conversation picked up. Javier refilled everyone’s glass.
“Our flight to Hamilton will depart from BWI tomorrow afternoon. Take about two and a half hours.” Charlie looked at his team. “Be at the office by 0900, and we’ll go over the comms gear and a few other things.” He turned to Javier. “Anything else?”
Javier tapped a finger against his lips. “Nothing from me—it’s your show.” He raised his glass. “Here’s to the success of the Brusch Agency’s first contract.”
Everyone followed Javier’s lead before taking a drink.
Javier stood and pulled out his wallet.
“No worries, Javier.” Charlie waved at Javier. “We’ll stay a bit longer and become better acquainted. We’ll meet you at the office in the morning.”
Javier nodded. “Okay. Have a good evening.” He glanced toward AJ. “How about you?”
AJ grinned as she stood. “Let’s go.”
Outside on the sidewalk, Javier stopped. “Coming over or heading home?”
AJ smiled. “Nothing early planned.” She linked her arm through Javier’s. “Let’s head to your place and see what mischief we can get into.”
Javier pulled her close. “Sounds promising.”
They both laughed as they set off.
***
A man wearing a Yankees’ baseball hat slid down in his seat as Javier and AJ passed. Enjoy your evening. You’ll get what you deserve soon enough. He made a pistol with his thumb and index finger and pulled the trigger. We’ll have our revenge.
More next time.
In 2019-2020, I posted the first seven chapters of Ultimate Escalation on the two subscription writing sites I use, receiving 101 chapter reviews.
All seven chapters have been revised and reposted. So far, the they’ve received seventy-six chapter reviews. Excellent suggestions to further tweak the story and fix a few typos.
In addition, I’ve almost completed the next installment, chapter eight. It’ll be posted this coming week.
Once I pull Revenge from the two writing sites, I’ll also stop posting snippets here and begin with ones from Ultimate Escalation.
Books I’m Reading
I need to dash to the final day of the small business market, so a book review will have to wait until next week.
That’s all for this week. I hope you found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing and reading. 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 and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2021 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
