Well, the cooler temperatures were short-lived and we’ve ended back up with 90+ degree weather. The humidity has been high as well, so it’s felt sticky most days. Even the occasional thunderstorm/rain didn’t do much to make things more bearable.
After Wednesday evening’s storm, we had our biggest visit from the local deer population. There were thirteen of them, including four fawns. We’ve also seen a return of the turkeys, but mainly less than a dozen at a time. As always, it’s great to have our wildlife visitors.
The Detroit Tigers had a much better week. Of the seven games they played, they were victorious in six of them and raised their record in the American League’s Central Division to 73-52. They’re now 8.5 games ahead of second place Cleveland. Way to go, Tigers! Keep it up!
“Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way.” —Ray Bradbury. Compliments of https://www.nicolemgulotta.com/blog/25-inspirational-quotes.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been reading articles and forum posts talking about using artificial intelligence for fiction writing. My thoughts? If you can’t come up with your own ideas and need a machine to help you, perhaps you’re in the wrong field. Of course, there will be plenty of people who will argue the benefits, although I think it’s far better to show your own creativity and expand yourself rather than relying on AI. I’ve also seen writers talk about using AI to review other writers’ work. What are they learning to help improve their own craft? At least for now, I don’t think it’s for me, but I guess I’m a dinosaur.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on August 17th, the thirty-third Sunday of 2025 and the third one in August. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Johann Valentin Andreae, German theologian and writer (claimed to have written Rosicrucian text); Josef Dobrovský, Czech linguist known for “History of the Bohemian Language and Literature”; Jan Hendrik Scholten, Dutch radical theologist (Free Will); Wilfrid Scawen Blunt, English writer (Irish Land League), traveller and Arabian stud founder; Luis Nicolau Fagunde Varela, Brazilian romantic poet (Cântico do Calvário); Henry Drummond, Scottish geologist and evangelist (The Greatest Thing in the World); Vernon Lee [Violet Paget], British author (Satan the master); Gene Stratton-Porter, American author “A Girl of the Limberlost,” and naturalist; Kurt Hiller, German writer; Mae West, American stage and screen actress, writer (She Done Him Wrong; I’m No Angel), and singer (Way Out West); Erik A Blomberg, Swedish art historian, poet and author (Jorden); John Hay Whitney, American financier, diplomat and publisher of the NY Herald Tribune (1961-67); Mary Cain, American newspaper editor and politician; Roger Peyrefitte, French writer (Special Friendships); Safa Khulusi, Iraqi writer and historian; Paul Wiens, German writer; Evan Connell, American author (The Patriot); John A. Emmens, Dutch art historian and poet (Kunst & Vliegwerk); John Hawkes, American writer (2nd Skin); Ted Hughes, English Poet and translator (British Poet Laureate 1984-98); V. S. Naipaul, Trinidadian-British writer (In a Free State, Middle Passage); Julian Fellowes, British screenwriter and television producer who created “Downton Abbey”; Kenneth Walker, American journalist best known for his reporting on apartheid; Judith Regan, American book publisher; Jonathan Franzen, American author (The Corrections); Anthony E. Zuiker, American author, television producer and creator of the “CSI” franchise; Nicola Kraus, American novelist; and Lisa McGee, Irish TV writer and producer of “Derry Girls”.
Any names familiar to you? Thereren’t any for me this week. 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
I’ve started my first edit pass of the manuscript for Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion based on reader feedback and make adjustments based on what I think works best. There were another four new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 280. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.
Here’s another snippet:
After riding with General Grant to the Appomattox Court House, Finn shook hands and disappeared into the nearby woods. He found a suitable place to watch events unfold focusing his spyglass on Grant. Before long, Grant was approached by Robert E. Lee. The two generals shook hands before Grant pulled his sword from a scabbard and held it out to Lee.
Lee accepted Grant’s sword and handed it to an aide.
Afterward, several Confederate soldiers appeared. They secured Grant in leg and arm irons and led him away.
As they departed, Finn heard Lee speak to the soldiers. “Take the general to Andersonville Prison until we decide what to do with him.”
Jefferson Davis and Latimer rode into the area, dismounted, and approached General Lee. After a round of handshakes, they peered to the north as if waiting for someone else to arrive.
Ten minutes later, a chained Abraham Lincoln was led into the clearing.
Finn gasped. What will they do with him? He crept close so he could hear the conversation.
Davis stared at Lincoln before turning to the guards. “Take him away. Make sure he is comfortable for the trip. His wife does not know this yet, but she will join him in Paris.”
A stoic Lincoln gave no resistance as he was led away to his fate.
Tears trickled down Finn’s face. The North surrendered. Why exile him?
After the Confederate soldiers and Lincoln departed, Davis reached into his saddlebags and pulled out a package. He handed it to Latimer. Both men laughed as they shook hands before mounting and leaving the area.
Finn’s mind raced. What did Davis give Latimer? Davis referred to Latimer as governor of New Mercia Territory. Where’s that? Finn mounted his horse. Not sure where to go, he knew he needed to find someone who might know about New Mercia Territory. If anyone would be familiar with this, it would be Harriet Tubman. I’ve got to track her down.
***
Back in his office at the Confederate capital, Jefferson walked to a cabinet against the wall. Opening a cupboard door, he pulled out a bottle of his favorite Kentucky bourbon and a glass. It was a gift from a wealthy plantation owner before the war began. He filled the glass and drank half before sitting down and pulling out a sheet of paper. He continued to sip his drink until the glass was empty. He poured a smaller measure and began to write.
My dearest Mary,
It is with mixed emotions I write to you.
On the ninth day of this month, I witnessed the surrender of General Grant to General Lee following the Battle of Appomattox Court House. This battle sealed the fate of the Union soldiers as the Confederacy was victorious.
Following Grant’s surrender, waves of Union soldiers followed suit. Grant was led away in chains, and I am unsure of his fate at this time.
On the fourteenth, I ordered Lincoln sent to Paris, where he will remain in exile. I cannot abide his presence in the country where he might be a beacon to those who would try to bring the Union back. In due course, I will arrange passage for you so you can be with him..
Both the North and South owe you an immense debt of gratitude for your service. One day, the impact of the war will diminish as we rebuild our country, and your exploits will become known. Lincoln shall not return to these shores. However, when you feel the time is right, you may return and be welcomed with open arms.
Your grateful servant,
Jefferson
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.
© Copyright 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
Always, a pleasure to read your ramblings. I totally agree and share your comment on the use of AI. These days I’m getting hundreds of comments on my novels that as far as I can tell have been read and summarised by AI 90% are offering to help me promote my excellent writing. AI is certainly helping the scammers and promoters.
Michael Kent
Stay well and have a good week.