It’s been another week filled with plenty of rain but also outbursts of sunshine. So far in April, our area has received twice the amount of rain it normally receives in the month. Once things dry out a bit, I’ll be able to start doing some late-Spring pruning and tidy up the flower beds.
The price of gasoline (petrol) inched up this week to £1.45 while diesel added added two pence to £1.55. As a result, and with the current exchange rate between the pound and the dollar, an equivalent U.S. gallon of gasoline dropped to $6.83, a decrease of five cents, while diesel topped out at $7.30, climbing another penny. Fortunately, the recent increase in the value of the dollar has keep costs steady.
“Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.” – Ray Bradbury. Compliments of https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/inspirational-quotes-writing/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on April 14th, the second Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Abraham Ortelius, Flemish cartographer and dealer in maps, books, and antiquities (Theatrum orbis terrarum); Abraham Elsevier, Dutch book publisher; Abdullah Yusuf Ali, British-Indian Islamic scholar and translator (translated Qu’ran into English); James Branch Cabell, American novelist and essayist (Restless Heads); Ernst Robert Curtius, German literature historian; Arnold J. Toynbee, English historian (A Study of History); Martin Kessel, German writer (Mr. Brecher’s Fiasco); Barbara Anderson, New Zealand author; Bob Grant [Robert St Clair Grant], British actor, comedian and writer (on the Buses); Fredric Jameson, American philosopher and literary critic; Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer (Chariots of the Gods); Tom Monteleone, American horror and science fiction writer (Dark Stars and other Illuminations; Fearful Symmetries); Bruce Sterling, American sci-fi author (Involution Ocean; Schismatrix); and Peter Gibson, American writer.
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Erich von Däniken. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!
My Work In Progress
At long last, I finished chapter thirty of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2 and posted it to the two online subscription writing sites I use.
Reviewers provided another three critiques, bringing the total to 547. As always, they’ve provided plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.
Here’s another snippet:
Dabir’s hands continued to shake. “I must find a way out of this situation. But, who can I turn to?” He stood, ran into the bathroom, and vomited.
A second time.
Wiping his face with a sleeve, he ran water in the sink and washed his face. After studying his reflection in the mirror, he slid a hand through his hair and headed out of the bathroom.
Dabir stopped in the alcove in the lobby and peered through the curtain. All quiet. So why do I feel I am being watched?
He turned and headed to his normal position behind the check-in desk. As he approached, he came to an abrupt halt.
“Who is there?”
“Dabir. Do you not recognize your old friend?”
“Parvez! What are you doing here?” Dabir stepped closer to the counter.
“I realize I have not stopped by for a few weeks. As you are aware, the city can be a dangerous place to travel through.”
Dabir nodded. “So, why make the journey now?”
“I’ve made a new friend—he’s with the National Security Bureau. I—”
“Are you crazy? Why would you want anything to do with the NSB? They are dangerous.”
Parvez laughed. “You are getting the organizations mixed up. It is the Political Security Organization which has been accused of human rights abuses and lengthy detentions without formal charges.”
“I have heard the same about the NSB.”
“No, you are mistaken. The NSB is charged with protecting Yemen from acts of foreign interference. They are responsible for detecting and combating subversive activities that threaten national security.”
Dabir shook his head. “I do not know the difference, Parvez. But, to my way of thinking, involving yourself with groups like these can only lead to misfortune.”
“In any event, I need your help.” Parvez smiled. “My new friend is looking into the recent arrival of an American. He is staying at the Rashid residence right now, but I understand he stayed at the hotel for a few days.”
Dabir tilted his head. “You must mean Sear. He is here to look into the disappearance of Sayyid Bashari’s daughter, Shatara.”
“Yes. But, my new friend believes he is really here to cause problems between the government, Ansar Allah, and the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council. The Americans are always sticking their noses into the internal affairs of other countries. My friend wants to learn as much about Sear as he can.”
“So, what can I do?”
“I cannot follow Sear all the time or he might become suspicious as he already caught me on the phone talking to my friend. Since you have already met him, will you monitor his movements on occasion?”
“Dabir pursed his lips. “Yes, I believe I can help. But, not every day.”
“Excellent.” Parvez clapped a hand on Dabir’s shoulder. “I must go now, but I shall return another time.”
More next time.
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.
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