The number and variety of birds visiting has increased over the past couple of weeks. We’re also seeing more squirrels, wild turkeys and deer. Not sure why the change, but it’s great to see the wildlife!
The Detroit Pistons played two games this week, winning both of them. They’re now 30-10 on the season, in first place in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference, 7.5 games ahead of second-place Cleveland. Hopefully, they will continue their winning ways!
The Michigan Wolverines also played two games this week, winning both of them by ten points. Although they dropped to fourth in the NCAA rankings, they are now 16-1 on the season. Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans, ranked twelfth, improved to 16-2. Both teams play again on Tuesday.
“Making people believe the unbelievable is no trick; it’s work. … Belief and reader absorption come in the details: An overturned tricycle in the gutter of an abandoned neighborhood can stand for everything.” — Stephen King, WD (this quote is from an interview with King in the WD May/June 2009 issue). Compliments of https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/72-of-the-best-quotes-about-writing.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on January 18th, the 3rd Sunday of 2026 and the third one in January. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Antoine Houdar de la Motte, French playwright and poet; Montesquieu, French philosopher and writer (Letters Persanes); Peter Mark Roget, British lexicographer (Roget’s Thesaurus) and inventor (slide rule, pocket chessboard); William Henry Havergal, British composer, hymn writer, and Anglican clergyman; Johannes van Vloten, Dutch literary figure and theologist; Louis van Haecke, Belgian chaplain and author (Blood to Bridge); Jan Ferguut [Jan van Droogenbroeck], Belgian poet; Austin Dobson, English poet, critic and biographer; Ioan Slavici, Transylvanian-Romanian writer, founded the Young Romania Social and Literary Academic Society; Rubén Darío, Nicaraguan journalist, diplomat and poet; Paul Léautaud [Maurice Boissard], French writer and theatre critic (Petit ami); Gaston Gallimard, French publisher (Librairie Gallimard); A.A. Milne, English author of the Winnie-the-Pooh books; Arthur Ransome, English author, journalist and critic (Swallows & Amazons); C. M. Eddy, Jr., American writer; Hans H. Holm, Norwegian poet (Jonsoknatt); Jacob Bronowski, Polish-born British mathematician and science writer best known as the presenter of the BBC television series, The Ascent of Man; Charles Delaunay, French writer, magazine publisher (Le Jazz Hot), jazz musiclogist (Hot Discography), record label founder, and music promoter; William Sansom, English writer (Loving Eye); Arno Schmidt, German writer; James Crow, American geneticist and educator (Genetic Theories and Influences: Comments on the Value of Diversity); Gilles Deleuze, French philosopher (Difference and Repetition); Robert Anton Wilson, American sci-fi author (Trick Top Hat); Jon Stallworthy, English poet; Raymond Briggs, British children’s book author and illustrator (The Snowman; Fungus the Bogeyman); Anthony Giddens, English sociologist (theory of structuration), and prolific author; Bill Keller, American founding editor-in-cheif of nonprofit “The Marshall Project” and executive editor of “The New York Times”; Dave Attell, American writer and comedian (Captain Miserable, Insomniac with Dave Attell; and Binyavanga Wainaina, Kenyan author and journalist.
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: A. A. Milne. 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
I found out on this week that Mission: Yemen is now on the finalist list for the 2025 Chanticleer International Book Awards for Global Thrillers. The 6-8 first in category winners and the genre grand prize winner will be announced on April 18th. Fingers crossed that Mission: Yemen becomes one of the first in category winners, or even better, the genre grand prize winner!
The cover of Mission: Yemen is still competing in the monthly competition held by http://www.allauthor.com. It’s currently in the third round but in order to move forward, it’ll need your help.
If you like the cover and are so inclined, please go to the website and vote for it. Here’s the link: https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/20355/.
Thanks in advance!
My Work in Progress
Work slowly continues on Temples of Abydos. Over the past week, there have been an additional nine chapter reviews, bringing the total to thirty-six . As always, plenty of positive suggestions to improve my writing.
Here’s the next snippet:
Charles glanced out the office window at the West Sands, famous for the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire, as he waited for someone to answer the phone. He sipped from his first mug of coffee for the day while he counted the number of rings. After reaching ten, he gave up, and began to put the phone down when he heard a male voice.
“Hello. You have reached the Supreme Council of Antiquities within the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.”
“Hello. Could I speak with Ali?”
“It is I who is speaking. To whom do I have the indubitable pleasure of addressing?”
“This is Charles Rennie. We met about five years ago at an Egyptian symposium.”
“Ah, Professor Charles. How could I not forget my favorite Scotsman?”
Charles chuckled. I was the only Scot at the symposium.
“To what divination from the gods do I owe the pleasure of your call?”
Charles laughed. “I’m looking for a charismatic character, full of wit, and knowledgeable about Egyptian antiquities. Are you aware of any such individual?”
“As it so happens, I do. You are talking to the most charismatic—and witty Egyptian in the whole world.”
“Aye. Well, I’m taking a one-year break from teaching and want to explore some Egyptian sites. The first one I chose is Abydos.”
“It is most fortunate for you I am well-versed with the temples of Abydos and happen to be available. In fact, my boss said if I never came back, it would be too soon.” Ali burst into laughter. “I do not know how he would function without me to keep him in line. But, there is an important question I must ask.”
“What’s that?”
“Do you think you can afford me? My serious self comes with a modest price tag of seventy-two thousand Egyptian pounds a year, but I charge extra for wit and knowledge.”
“Aye. But how do you keep them separate?”
“It is in the knowing of what a client wants. After all, it takes much work to be my charming self, so why not charge for it?”
“What about a base salary of seven thousand Egyptian pounds a month plus expenses?
Ali laughed. “That appears to be a fair amount. But ten thousand Egyptian pounds would be even better. Toss in meals, and I will be your humble servant as long as you require. Mind you, I do eat a lot.”
“I’m sure we can accommodate you.” Charles chucked. Okay, ten thousand Egyptian pounds, which is just over one hundred fifty British pounds, My wife, Isabella, will be accompanying me, plus one of my nephews, Finley Burness, who wants to be an archaeologist. Can you arrange the necessary dig permits and extended visas for us from the ministry? What about workmen?”
“For the appropriate stipend, I can arrange anything you will require. There will be the usual modest fees plus my commission.”
“How much is your commission?”
Ali coughed. “Ten percent.”
“Hmm. A bit steep. Make it five, and we have a deal.”
“How about seven and a half?”
“Six—my final offer.”
Ali chortled. “Professor Charles, you are almost as good at bargaining as an Egyptian. I am happy to accept your gracious offer. At the first available opportunity, which will be today, I shall begin arranging vehicles, supplies, diggers, porters, and armed guards.”
“Why armed guards?”
“Since you were last in Egypt, there has been an increase in attacks at antiquity sites. Some people were kidnapped for ransom, and several were shot for no apparent reason.”
“I see. Aye, armed guards would be prudent.”
“I am glad you understand my thought processes, Professor Charles. When are you wanting to begin?”
“Isabella, Finley, and I will be in Cairo in three weeks as we need to time to arrange our visas and get requisite shots. Give me your email address, and I’ll send the details to you.”
Ali gave his address to Charles. “Upon receipt of your email, I will send you the account information for you to do a transfer of funds to me so I may begin preparations.”
“Aye. How much will you need?”
“It is, of course, up to your esteemed self, but I am thinking the princely sum of five thousand of your pounds will be sufficient for me to begin.”
“That much?”
“Yes, Professor Charles. Antiquity search is no stranger to price increases. Everyone wants more money. Of course, I shall only hire the very best, you can rest assured.”
“Very well. Anything else?”
“Yes. It would be prudent for you and Missus Professor, as well as your nephew, to learn which end of a weapon to point at nefarious individuals. It might make the difference between breathing and not.”
“Aye. I will enquire about what is available for the average person in Scotland, but I think it’s reserved for armed police officers and the military. If not, can I assume something will be arranged in Cairo?”
“On the grave of my father, I shall promise to teach all three of you. It is in my best self-interest to do so. After all, I am not wanting to join my ancestors just yet.”
Charles chuckled. “We will leave things in your capable hands, Ali. I shall send the flight details as soon as they are confirmed.”
“Excellent, Professor. I shall work with unbridled desire.”
Charles broke the connection. He’s still a character. Wonder what Isabella will think of him?
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 2026 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
