Happy Father’s Day to all fathers around the world. I hope you enjoy your special day. This year, Father’s Day also coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.
After the light rain we had last Sunday, Mother Nature decided we needed some more sunshine. Every day since has been filled with plenty of sun and the temperatures have soared into the upper 70s with a high of 79F (26C) on Wednesday. Heavy rain is predicted for late this evening as we appear to be returning to our normal weather patterns.
If you’ve ever felt blocked, or felt that you’re not good enough as a writer, check this out: We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master. ~ Ernest Hemingway. Compliments of https://www.writerswrite.co.za/motivational-quotes-on-writing/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 18 June, the third Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
Ottaviano Petrucci, Italian printer; Gabriello Chiabrera, Italian poet; Thomas Overbury, English poet (A Wife) and essayist; Ivan Goncharov, Russian novelist (Oblomov); Pavel Annenkov, Russian literature historian (Zametsjatelnoje desjatileti); Edward Wyllis Scripps, American publisher who organized 1st US major chain of newspapers (The E. W. Scripps Company); José Trindade Coelho, Portuguese writer (Os Meus Amores); George Essex Evans, Australian poet; Philip Barry, American dramatist (Philadelphia Story); Raymond Radiguet, French journalist and writer (Le diable ouch corps); Sylvia Porter, American financial writer (Sylvia Porter’s Money Book); Bert Schierbeek, Dutch writer and poet (Cross Roads); Aster Berkhof [Louis Van de Bergh], Flemish writer (Furious Christ); Rex Collings, English publisher (Rex Collings); Tom Wicker, American columnist (covered assassination of JFK for NY Times) and author; John Phillipps Kenyon, English historian; James Bishop, English editor (deputy editor of The Times); Geoffrey Hill, English poet; Gail Godwin, American author (Perfectionists, Odd Woman); Russell Ash, British author (‘the human Google’); Chris Van Allsburg, American author and illustrator; William Randolph Hearst III, American publisher and editor; Richard Powers, American novelist (The Overstory – Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2019); and Christopher Largen, American author.
Any names familiar to you? There were two for me: Sylvia Porter and William Randolph Hearst III. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!
My Published Work
Over the past week I’ve had more suspicious activity on my social media accounts. As a result, I have deleted by Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts, so this is the only way you’ll get updates from me for the foreseeable future. Once I set up new accounts, I’ll put a note here.
In the meantime, every Thursday I will send out a separate post dedicated to my published novels, which will include the blurb from the back of each book, any awards, and the latest mockup banners I’ve received from http://www.allauthor.com. Please share these posts with your mailing lists. Allauthor will also continue to issue their regular Twitter notifications.
My Work In Progress
This week, my personal editing of Frozen Conquest continued. I’ve now gone through all 810 chapter reviews it’s received and incorporated the suggestions I wanted to use into the manuscript. I’ve also completed the first two edit passes, and will begin the third one later today.
Here’s another snippet:
The Scandinavian Protection Agency had chartered the RV Aquavit as a floating platform for their venture to Antarctica, complete with an experienced crew and a scientific staff.
Carina and Gunner joined the rest of the six-person SPA team, which would conduct their experiments on the mainland. They entered the mess and found their teammates: Ailsa Dahl, a petite blonde project manager who was game for anything; Bertelot Gulbrandsson, the team leader and an engineer by training; Eggert Falkenberg, another engineer and a blond giant of a man with a quiet nature; and Rona Lundgren, a statuesque blonde well over six feet tall. Carina and Ailsa were climatologists while Rona was a meteorologist.
“Where did you two go? Checking out the sights—or each other?” Bertelot chuckled.
Carina’s face reddened. “If you must know, I was studying the landscape above the city. It’s the last time we’ll see anything but ice until we return.”
“Should have taken some photos to remind you.” Bertelot maintained a straight face.
Everyone laughed.
Rona stood. “Anyone for coffee? I’ll put on a fresh pot.”
After a round of “yes” from the rest of the team, she headed into the galley.
Another whistle blew.
A vibration ran through the deck as the engine engaged. The ship swung away from the pier, heading in a southerly direction.
Rona returned a few minutes later carrying a tray with a fresh pot of coffee and cups. After everyone had a refill, she raised her cup in the air. “Here’s to our next adventure—Antarctica, here we come!”
Eggert spoke in a deep bass voice. “I am looking forward to my first time on the ice. I have dreamed of this since I was a child.”
“Too bad you missed our Arctic excursion.” Carina smiled. “What a time to come down with chickenpox.”
“Yes, but it was a mild case since I was vaccinated as a child. They were a present from my niece.” He thumped his chest and coughed. “But I am in perfect shape now.” He coughed again.
“Take it easy, Eggert.” Bertelot grinned. “We don’t have a doctor aboard—just a nurse.”
“Is she attractive?”
Bertelot chuckled. “I guess you could say so. The nurse’s name is Tim.”
“Oh.”
Everyone laughed as they stood.
“See everyone here in about three hours.” Bertelot pointed at Rona. “We have a guest chef tonight.”
Rona touched a finger to her cheek. “Oh. Not sure about being a chef, but I make fantastic spaghetti and meatballs.”
“I’m heading out on deck. Anyone care to join me in bidding Ushuaia farewell?”
Ailsa nodded. “I’ll join you, Carina.”
More next time.
Promotions
Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, and Ultimate Escalation are participating in a Murders, Mysteries and the Paranormal promotion, running until the end of June for Mystery & Suspense / Paranormal, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Mystery & Suspense / Women Sleuths. There are currently ninety-four novels participating. Why not check it out?
https://books.bookfunnel.com/murdermysteriespromo3/f3fke10rs2
All of my novels are participating in June’s MAYHEM & MOTIVES: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Reads. There are 234 novels to choose from. Please stop in when you have a chance. You could find your next best author!
https://books.bookfunnel.com/mysthrillsus-jun/nwprjw7ql4
This brings us to an end for another 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 and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
