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Randall’s Ramblings, November 27, 2016

Randall Krzak

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving this on Thursday had an enjoyable time with friends and family. Even if this wasn’t one of your holidays, I hope every reader is having a great weekend. Our son, who lives in Washington, D.C., couldn’t make it for Thanksgiving, but we did have a whirlwind visit from him last weekend. His next visit–Christmas.

Birthdays come and go and it’s always nice to find out who shares your birthday. One of my favorite authors, Brad Thor, shares the same day with me, although I’m a bit older.

Here are some noteworthy birthdays during the past week: Charles M. Shultz, American cartoonist who created “Peanuts” starring Charlie Brown; Charles A. Beard, American historian (History of the United States); James Agee, Pulitzer Prize-winning author (A Death in the Family); Virgil Thompson, American composer (Four Saints in Three Acts, The Mother of Us All); Shelagh Delaney, playwright (A Taste of Honey); Gail Collins, journalist; first woman to serve as editorial page editor of The New York Times; Carlo Collodi, the creator of Pinocchio; Margaret Anderson, editor, founder of The Little Review; Dale Carnegie, author (How to Win Friends and Influence People); Garson Kanin, writer and director (Born Yesterday); William F. Buckley, Jr., journalist, founder of National Review; and, Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula award-winning science fiction author (Callahan’s Crosstime Saloon; Melancholy Elephants).

Happy birthday to all and may you have many more.

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

As I continue to work on my regular writing projects, concentrating on my novels, I decided to branch out. Although I’m writing modern-day action thrillers, I’ve taken a step back in time. My newest project, tentatively called New World Revolution, will be a historical thriller, following the lives of an English family uprooted from their tenant farm due to massive crop failures. Where do they end up? America, just in time for the Boston Tea Party. 

This story will require extensive research. Not just for an accurate setting, but even the everyday words used at the time. I’ve already written a draft first chapter and fans of historical fiction have pointed out things that I’ve taken for granted. The first, the word okay, was introduced into writing until the 1830s, several decades after my story. The second was my reference to spitting image, which apparently originates from the 19th century.  This will be an interesting story to put together and I look forward to the challenge.

My Work in Progress

Of course, I can’t let my progress on my other novels diminish. Chapter six of Dangerous Alliance is nearing completion, as if chapter eight of A Cartel’s Revenge. Both should be posted this week to the two subscription writing sites I use.

In the short time the first chapter of New World Revolution has been posted (posted on Thursday), it’s received twelve reviews. Almost everyone seemed to think it has great potential, which is encouraging.  More to follow on this as my research continues.

Books I’m Reading

I recently read Twice Dead by Michael Kent. Part of the Lieutenant Beaudry series, it’s another great story, full of action, with a fast pace.  We find Lt. Robert Beaudry embroiled in a mix of murder, narcotics, and even on a hit list. Someone is killing gays in Montreal and Robert’s boss gives him the task to find the killer.

Once again Michael works his magic and Robert works with a narcotics detective named Nico to sort out the pieces to this puzzle. Every time you think you’ve uncovered the identity of the killer, a twist will reveal new information pointing elsewhere. An excellent read!

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. Today, though, I have links to two sites about pets. The photographs are fantastic and I thought worthy of sharing.

Flawless Animals – a great compilation of animals doing their thing.

The Cute Pet – more outstanding photos of pets.

Writing Resources

Time didn’t provide an opportunity to delve into more writing resources. However, someone recently suggested a book I’d like to share with you:

Getting The Words Right: 39 Ways to Improve Your Writing by Theodore A Reed Cheney.

Once again, we’ve reached the end of another ramble.  Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2016 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, November 20, 2016

Randall Krzak

I’ve been off my writing for the past couple of weeks. I had planned to post this earlier today, but Mother Nature had another plan.  On Friday, we had 63F/72.2C–great weather for the 18th of November. Saturday was another story, with a high of 31F/-1C.

Rain turned into snow, just as the forecasters predicted. We only had about an inch, our first snowfall of the new season. However, at about 01:30, the power went out, and was finally restored about thirty minutes ago. Hope it stays on long enough to finish my typing and post.

There’s been a few more people associated with writing who had birthdays over the past few days, including: Selma Lagerdorf, Swedish novelist (The Story of Gosta Berling); Alistair Cooke, English journalist, television host; Thomas McGrath, poet and novelist; Nadine Gordimer, Nobel Prize-winning South African novelist; Don DeLillo, author (White Noise, Libra); Allen Tate, Southern novelist, poet and critic; Larry King, journalist and long-time talk show host; Sharon Olds, poet (The Dead and The Living, The Gold Cell); Dorthea Dix, pseudonym for Elizabeth Gilman, who wrote syndicated advice; Clarence Day, American writer (Life with Father); George Horatio Gallup, American journalist and statistician; Margaret Atwood, Canadian writer (The Edible Woman, The Handmaid’s Tale); and, lan Moore, writer best known for his ground-breaking work in comic books / graphic novels (Watchmen, V for Vendetta).

If you just celebrated your birthday, many congratulations and hope you have lots more!

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

While personal commitments have kept me away from the keyboard, ideas keep creeping into my mind. Many have found their way into my notes for further resurrection when other works are finished.

My Work in Progress

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve completed chapter five of Dangerous Alliance and posted it for reviews on the two subscription writing sites I use. Overall, good comments thus far.  I also completed the first draft of chapter eight of A Cartel’s Revenge, and hope to finish editing and post over the next week.

I’ve also completed the initial requirements from my publisher at Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLC, regarding my upcoming novel, The Kurdish Connection.  As we get closer to the release date, I’ll be posting some comments I’ve received about the story from several authors.

Books I’m Reading

I have continued my personal reading when time permitted. One of the recent novels I finished is called American For Sale by Chuck Van Soye.  This is the first novel of Chuck’s I’ve had the pleasure to read, and will be reading more of his work.

In this story, we meet Bret Lee, a university professor who happens to help U.S. intelligence agencies with various overseas issues. In American for Sale, what begins as a vacation to China, quickly ends in what could be dire straights when Bret is kidnapped during a layover before proceeding to Beijing. Could anything get worse? Yes, as he is sold to a number of middlemen before ending up in the clutches of ISIS.

Chuck has created a fast-paced story full of twists and turns. Just when it appears Bret might be rescued, a new player enters the mix and we take off again for another country. In the end Bret is a key cog in resolving the unrest in Syria. To find out exactly how he manages, this, you’ll have to purchase the book as I don’t want to spoil the ending. I’d definitely give this one four stars!

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. But this week I didn’t have the opportunity to check any sites out. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do so for next week.

Writing Resources

Each week draws me a step closer to the release of The Kurdish Connection, so a large part of my research time is now devoted to work on a promotion/publicity plan. Hopefully, I’ll have something to share with you next time.

Once again, we’ve reached the end of another ramble.  Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2016 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, October 30, 2016

Randall Krzak

Happy Halloween to all who enjoy tricks or treats, young and old.

I’m afraid this will be a very short ramble this week as I’ve spent less than an hour on writing. 

On Thursday, our seven-year-old boxer, Tyson, began chemotherapy after several weeks of illness and multiple trips to the vet to determine what was wrong. I won’t bore you with all of the details, but the prognosis isn’t good–three to six months with the chemo, a matter of weeks if he doesn’t have the treatment.

Also on Thursday, our beloved FIV positive feline, Shadow, was euthanized. Since he joined us almost two years ago, we’ve made plenty of trips to our vet so he could receive the care he needed. Thursday marked the end of his fight; he was in severe pain and there was no other option but to let him go. 

Earlier this year while I was taking an online blogging course, I posted photographs of our entire four-legged family. If you want to take a peek Tyson, Shadow and all the others, here’s the link:  Shadow’s Family.

I hope to be back to my regular posts next Sunday. Regards to all.

© Copyright 2016 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

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Randall’s Ramblings, October 16, 2016

Randall Krzak

As the days become cooler and the nights longer, it’s still a good time to write. Early morning is my favorite time to sit in front of the computer, capturing any thoughts left behind from the night before.

Birthday greetings to all celebrating during the past week. Here are a few people who shared your birthday: Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), Roman poet; Helen Hunt Jackson, writer and poet; Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher and writer; P.G. Wodehouse, novelist and playwright; C.P. Snow, novelist; Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author; Mario Puzo, novelist and screenwriter (The Godfather); Italo Calvino, Italian novelist; Noah Webster, U.S. teacher, lexicographer and publisher (American Dictionary of the English Language); Oscar Wilde, dramatist, poet, novelist and critic; and Kathleen Winsor, writer (Forever Amber). Happy birthday everyone!

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

Most of my writing time this past week disappeared due to personal commitments. I’m hoping the following week is a better one. If so, I plan to spend time refining my outlines. I’ve been looking back over my travels to pick some personal events that can be used to add local flavor to the stories. I think I found a few that would work. Someone recently commented about their enjoyment of the cultural aspects that are woven into my novels and I want to include more, as long as they don’t disrupt the flow.

My Work in Progress

With personal commitments taking me away from the keyboard, progress was very slow this week. All being well, chapter four of Dangerous Alliance will be finished and posted to my subscription writing sites. Hope to do the same with chapter eight of A Cartel’s Revenge, but that might be too ambitious. I’m not a writer who puts word-count goals upon myself. I write when the mood and inspiration take me. There is plenty to do during the occasions where the inspiration is missing, such as research and editing.

Books I’m Reading

Over the past few days, I began reading an author I hadn’t come across before. His name is Preston Holtry, and I must admit I’m hooked and already into his second book.

Death in Emily 3 (A Morgan Westphal Historical Mystery Book 1) is an exciting mixture of historical facts laced with vivid fictional characters and plots to create an excellent blend of murder, mayhem, intrigue, and mystery. Who’s behind the deadly attacks?

Join Morgan Westphal in Arizona as he tries to uncover whether his stepbrother is guilty of the crime he’s been charged with.  Preston has created an excellent web with his story, which will keep readers turning the pages to find out if they know who is behind the crime. It is a mine owner, the union, someone out for revenge, or is Morgan’s brother really the culprit? Hold on to your seat and enjoy an outstanding read by a superb storyteller. 

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. This week, I only had time to read through one but it’s well worth a read. Hope you’ll check it out!

Words and Wonders – by Gillian. Get a glimpse of the world through the eyes of an expat.

Writing Resources

Each week draws me a step closer to the release of The Kurdish Connection, so research time is also devoted to work on a promotion/publicity plan. Over the past week, my publisher sent me a document he provides to all his new authors. I’m well on my way with the first couple of recommendations, having set up this site (although it will transform as time progresses) and reaching out on social media. Next week, I’ll provide further tips.

Once again, we’ve reached the end of another ramble.  Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2016 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, October 2, 2016

Randall Krzak

Welcome to October! For some, the changing of summer greenery to fall’s mix of reds, yellows, and oranges is a welcome blessing after high temperatures and humidity. For others, it’s an unwelcome sign that the seasons are passing too quickly. Which way do you go when the wind blows?

Birthday greetings to everyone who has had a birthday during the past week.  You’re in good company: Tim O’Brien, novelist (The Things They Carried, In the Lake of the Woods); Wallace Stevens, poet; Roy Campbell, poet (The Flaming Terrapin); Graham Greene, novelist (The Power and The Glory, The Heart of the Matter); Truman Capote, author and playwright (Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood); W.S. Merwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet; Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish novelist (The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha); Louis Auchincloss, novelist (Portrait in Brownstone, The Embezzler); and T.S. Eliot, poet, critic, and dramatist (The Waste Land and Murder in the Cathedral).

Happy birthday to all!

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

This week became one dedicated to reviewing my novels’ outlines and research. My outlines continue to expand as I move forward with a story, re-positioning chapters, editing content, and plotting my next moves.

As many of my reviewers have completed, either my real-life experiences are extremely varied or my research is very thorough. It’s a combination of the two. I remember reading something about writing what you know. That’s great, but will only take my stories so far. Research is the other big key to the comments I receive. Online resources make this easier as it can be done from the comfort of one’s creative space, whether that is sitting behind a desk or under a tree. No need to trek to a library or purchase a variety of books.

My goal in writing is to provide a reader with a good story, filled with a sense of realism. In my recent short story “Trek For Survival,” a Cessna aircraft runs into trouble and crashes. I’ve flown in plenty of planes, but never been a pilot. One of my reviewers is very familiar with this aircraft and declared my technical details and specs ‘spot on.’

In my novel The Kurdish Connection, one of the characters waited for his contact in a restaurant called Ali Baba and Sons’ Third Class Family Restaurant. A reviewer thought I should change this because it was the use of Ali Baba was a cliché. That might be so, but I didn’t change the name. Why? I ate there on a regular basis, it was owned and operated by Ali and his sons, and families were welcome. The Third Class part? Furnishings were minimal–people went to this restaurant for the outstanding food, not the trappings.

Needless to say, I’ll continue to use my personal experiences and my research efforts to create stories that readers will hopefully enjoy.

My Work in Progress

With research taking center stage this week, I didn’t complete any new chapters. However, I nearly have the first draft of one completed. After discussion with my publisher, I’ve changed the name of A Malicious Affiliation to Dangerous Alliance. This is still open to change, so I welcome anyone’s suggestion.

I still managed to send in the second set of deliverables to my publisher. This batch included blurbs from readers willing to have their comments included in the front of the book or on the back cover, as well as my dedication and acknowledgement pages. Still a couple of more items to prepare, but almost finished.

Books I’m Reading

Over the past week, I returned to one of my favorite authors, Brad Thor. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Code of Conduct – A Thriller (Scot Harvath Book 14). From the very beginning, readers are immersed in conflict, emotions, plots, intrigue, and plenty of danger. There’s even a bit of romance as Scot Harvath introduces readers to his girlfriend, Lara.  I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone currently reading this book, but hang on as you’re in for a tremendous ride.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. This week, I only had time to read through one but it’s well worth a read. Hope you’ll check it out!

Food For Poetryy – Can food really be poetry? Check out Aishwarya’s site and find out.

Writing Resources

With continued work on my publisher’s requirements and full steam ahead on my novels, I didn’t have any time left for any research designed to aid the mechanics’ aspect of my progression. Perhaps next time I’ll have something to share.

That brings us to the end of another ramble.  Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  If you have any suggestions on topics you’d like me to cover, just drop me a comment and I’ll be happy to do so. Until the next time, thank you for reading!

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, September 25, 2016

Randall Krzak

The official beginning of autumn/fall passed by this week. Temperatures are also dropping, but still above the average for this time of year along the lake. Brilliant sunshine, clear blue skies have been the norm since my last ramble, with only the occasional drops of moisture. Long may it last, as I’m certainly in no hurry for the next season to descend upon us.

If you had a birthday this weekend, you’re in excellent company, beginning with our first celebrity:  William Faulkner, Nobel Prize-winning writer (The Sound and the Fury, Absalom, Absalom!); Barbara Walters, television news personality and interviewer; Kim Thompson, editor, publisher; co-founder of Fantagraphics Books; Gerolamo Cardano, mathematician, author of Games of Chance, the first systematic computation of probabilities; and Horace Walpole, author, creator of the Gothic novel genre.

Happy birthday wishes to everyone!

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

Discipline continues to be an important part of my writing so that I continue to make regular progress. Unlike some writers, who believe in setting daily or weekly goals of a specific number of words to write, what works for me is getting something down on paper (okay, on the computer screen) each day. It might be fifty words or it might be one five hundred, I think continued progress is more important that having to write to a target.

Sometimes, I’m adding new words to one or more of my works in progress. In other endeavors, it might be editing something that doesn’t seem to work. The one area I do pay attention to on a weekly basis is the chapter outlines I use. Even if I don’t make any written changes, my reviews help to keep me focused on where the stories are going. If I’ve made a detour for whatever reason, then modifications are made to the outlines.

My Work in Progress

With discipline being an important part of my onward progression, I’m please to say that I posted A Cartel’s Revenge, chapter seven, to the two subscription writing groups I use. I also added 250 words to A Malicious Affiliation, chapter three, which I hope to complete over the coming week.

All work on my short stories is on hold but I still need to finish reading the reviews and selecting recommendations, which help improve them. Eventually, I’ll finish the editing process. At this time, I don’t have any new short stories underway, but that’s okay as I want to concentrate on my novels.

Of course, completing the various requirements I had received from my publisher regarding The Kurdish Connection is still a weekly goal. The first chapter of A Malicious Affiliation will be included in the back of this book. During the past week I made changes based on the original twenty-four reviews and re-posted for further feedback. It’s already received thirteen new reviews; all indicating the changes are enhancing the story.

Next week I’ll resume including snippets from the latest chapters of A Cartel’s Revenge and A Malicious Affiliation.

Books I’m Reading

Last week, I described my thoughts regarding The Fourth Crusade (The Crusades, Book 1) by Mark Butler, but neglected to include the link, so it’s now included.  I read another book over the past week, The Seventh Island (Stone & MacLeish Thriller Series of Stories Book 1) by Gregory Stenson. The story begins with a scam in New York involving a millionaire and transitions to the Carribean, where Stone and MacLeish become embroiled in murder, mayhem, and some magic.

Toss in a woman who appears to be suffering from a schizophrenia disorder, a couple of thugs, a corrupt mayor and a police chief who appears to do whatever works for him, and you have a recipe for intrigue, terror, and suspense as each chapter seems to take the story in a new direction, with a hook or two to keep readers engaged. Should Stone and MacLeish abandon their successful business and leave the islands before one of them is killed? You’ll have to grab a copy of the book to find out.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. This week, I only had time to read through one but it’s well worth a read. Hope you’ll check it out!

Kanudra’s Blog – learn about the writing of Dawn Chapman. Follow her through her writing journey.

Writing Resources

With continued work on my publisher’s requirements and full steam ahead on my novels, I didn’t have any time left this week to do any research designed to aid my progression. Perhaps next time I’ll have something to share.

That brings us to the end of another ramble.  Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  If you have any suggestions on topics you’d like me to cover, just drop me a comment and I’ll be happy to do so. Until the next time, thank you for reading!

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, September 18, 2016

Randall Krzak

Another weekend is upon us. How fast the summer’s flown! Seems like it wasn’t that long ago the farmers were busy planting their fields. Now, they’re beginning to harvest their crops. An annual cycle, so vital to our survival.

Are there any birthday people out there this weekend? If so, you share your special day with the following:

William Carlos Williams, poet, playwright, essayist and writer who won a Pulitzer prize (Pictures from Brueghel and Other Poems); Ken Kesey, author (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Sometimes a Great Notion); Samuel Johnson, English lexicographer, essayist, poet and moralist; John Knowles, writer; won first-ever William Faulkner Foundation Award (A Separate Peace, 1961); and James Alan McPherson, author; first African American to win Pulitzer Prize for fiction (Elbow Room, 1978).

Happy birthday to all!

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

I mentioned last week that discipline is required so I maintain my ongoing works. I thought the week went well until someone passed an idea to me to explore for another novel. Yep–it’ll work. A temporary title has been selected Without Raising Their Hands and the premise is underway, but it will be some time before anything is available to read.

Stay tuned for more sneak peaks into my wacky world of creativity. You’ll read it first here.

My Work in Progress

Most of my time this week was spent reviewing the final chapters of a fellow writer who is preparing his manuscript for submission to his publisher. When time permitted, I continued work on the book description and fine-tuned the first chapter of A Malicious Affiliation, which will be included in the back of A Kurdish Connection when it’s published next year. Suggestions from twenty-four reviews have been incorporated into the chapter, which I hope to post this week on the subscription writing sites I use.

That’s all of the progress I made this week, as non-writing events required my attention. Hopefully during the upcoming week I’ll be able to return to writing.

Books I’m Reading

I read an interesting book this week, The Fourth Crusade (The Crusades, Book 1) by Mark Butler. Set in Spain and Italy, the son of a hero from the Third crusade, Ruggiero de Merafiza becomes a priest rather than following in his father’s footsteps.

The story culminates in attacks against villages surrounding Constantinople, before this city also becomes a target. Merafiza flees after partaking in the savagery and returns to tell the tale of Christians fighting against Christians to King Peter of Spain. A good read and look forward to future works from Butler.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. This week, I only had time to read through one but it’s well worth a read. Hope you’ll check it out!

J. I. Rogers – Author J.I. Rogers provides six-word story challenges for writers to explore.

Butterflies & Machineguns – Explore the musings of writer Tye Fields, a twenty-year-old college student.

Writing Resources

The first batch of homework requirements from my publisher were sent this week. Now, I’m working on the second have, things like dedications, acknowledgements, comments and blurbs. Here’s a couple of links to help you with writing dedications if you’re stuck:

https://www.scribendi.com/advice/dedication_examples.en.html

http://www.bpsbooks.com/BPS-Books-blog/bid/109450/How-to-Write-a-Dedication-A-Few-Pointers

That brings us to the end of another ramble.  Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2016 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, August 21, 2016

Randall Krzak

Another weekend filled with brilliant sunshine and rain, occasionally at the same time. On Friday evening we were treated to a spectacular lightning display over the lake. Numerous bursts lit up the sky. No thunder or rain, but still a good show.

If your birthday is this weekend (I know someone who has one today), you’re in good company: H.P. Lovecraft, author of horror tales; Isaac Hayes, composer, musician, actor, co-wrote “Soul Man” and won an Academy Award for “The Theme From Shaft”; Jules Michelet, French historian, who wrote the 24-volume Historie de France; William “Count” Basie, American band leader and composer; Kenny Rogers, singer; Jackie DeShannon, also known as Sharon Lee Meyers, singer/songwriter, including “Lonely Girl” and “What the World Needs Now”; and Ivan Stang, writer.

Also this weekend, another first, back in 1667. John Milton published Paradise Lost, about the fall of Adam and Eve.

Happy Birthday to all!

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

As I continue researching information for homework from my publisher, I looked back on what I’ve been doing over the past year. In addition to completing my first novel, ‘The Kurdish Connection’, I’ve written four short stories. In some ways, I think writing a short story can be more difficult as the elements are the same as for a novel, but certainly compressed. Otherwise, you end up with a novella.

With two of my short stories, I stepped outside my normal action-adventure genre, with one suitable for children and another my first ever attempt at science fiction. Where will the next year take me? Hope you’ll join me for my continuing journey.

No excerpts from any of my works this time. Next week, I’ll include more from ‘A Cartel’s Revenge. I might also have some news to share regarding a condensed version of the first chapter from this work.

My Work in Progress

It’s been another hectic week with plenty of life’s daily preoccupations to contend with. Once again, I spent more time returning critiques for those who’ve been reviewing my work than I did writing. It’s been time to catch up to lend my thoughts regarding their stories. After all, they’ve made the effort to read and comment on mine.

Chapter six of ‘A Cartel’s Revenge’ is almost finished and hope to have it posted to my writing groups over the next week. Work is also underway on chapter three of ‘A Malicious Affiliation’, but it might be too difficult to post both chapters at the same time.

The last touches of my sci-fi short story, ‘Countdown to Extinction’ were completed this week. The story has been entered in a contest held in memory of a novice sci-fi writer who passed away a week ago. She was a member of one of my writing groups.

Books I’m Reading

This week I finished reading Savior (The Savior Series Book 1) by A. King Bradley. An exciting story about the struggles of a teenage superhero, I actually enjoyed it. I don’t remember why I chose this particular story, but I’m glad I did.

Adam Reaper, a sixteen-year old, has a secret. He knows he’s different, but not why. Constantly hounded by school bullies, he eventually learns he has super powers. He meets the girl of his dreams, who happens to be the principal’s daughter. Things begin to change for Adam after being invited to the principal’s house for dinner. Imagine his shock when Monica opens the door.

Joining forces with two friends, one a computer geek and the other, a magician with swords, they take on a group of thugs intent on causing murder and mayhem. When his brother is killed by the group, he swears to bring them to justice. He has no idea who’s behind the group but makes a startling discovery. In the meantime, the government tries to enlist his assistance to take on a villain referred to as The Righteous. I don’t want to spoil the ending, so you’ll have to read the story yourself.  I do look forward to the next installment!

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. This week, I’m returning to two favorites. Hope you’ll check out the links! 

Fleeting Muse – a great site for poetry with a punch.

Down Many Roads – novels and shorts stories, based on where life has taken the author.

Writing Resources

With the homework I have from my publisher, I have plenty of resources to share. Today, I’ll point you towards several links that will help you write a description to draw readers to you. Here are just a few of the links I’m now reading:

http://bookinabox.com/how-to-write-a-book-description-that-works/

5 Tips on How to Write The Best Book Description Ever

https://catherineryanhoward.com/2012/10/05/the-11-ingredients-of-a-sizzling-book-description/

Once again, we’ve reached the end of another ramble.  Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2016 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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If You Missed Your Copy of Mindfield …

Randall Krzak

If you missed last week’s opportunity to obtain a free copy of ‘Mindfield‘, by AJ Wallace, click on the title to obtain a free Kindle download. Today only!!

Displayed in a bizarre setting, the body of a little girl is discovered. Law Enforcement in Fairfax, County, Virginia, requests the assistance from the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI. A satellite facility under the direction of SAiC Simon Dubuclet, enlists the help of Special Agent Charley Faraday, an experienced behavioral analyst. Directed to work with Special Agent Sean Murphy, Charley sets aside personal grievances when she predicts the death of Robin Senters will not be the last. The killer has murder in mind. She turns to SA Murphy desperate to apprehend a child killer after a secretive trip to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Own it today!!

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If You Don’t Have a Copy Of Mindfield …

Randall Krzak

If you don’t already own a copy of ‘Mindfield‘, by AJ Wallace, click on the title to obtain a free Kindle download. Today only!!

Displayed in a bizarre setting, the body of a little girl is discovered. Law Enforcement in Fairfax, County, Virginia, requests the assistance from the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI. A satellite facility under the direction of SAiC Simon Dubuclet, enlists the help of Special Agent Charley Faraday, an experienced behavioral analyst. Directed to work with Special Agent Sean Murphy, Charley sets aside personal grievances when she predicts the death of Robin Senters will not be the last. The killer has murder in mind. She turns to SA Murphy desperate to apprehend a child killer after a secretive trip to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Own it today!!