Tag: #amwriting #author #thriller

It’s hard to believe we’re in the middle of July already. The days are certainly rushing by. Too bad there isn’t a way to slow time so we could enjoy more of the summer days,

We joined with several neighbors to have our beach cleaned. Since buying the property four years ago, the water levels have risen and we’ve lost about ten to fifteen feet of beach. Since there was a grassy area between the bottom of the bluff and the sand, we also had the company clear some of the grass. Now our beach is also deep like it was and if the water should recede, we’ll have even more beach!

My Work in Progress

Writing has continued to take a back seat to other requirements–unfortunately! But it’s important to prioritize things and as a friend used to say, ‘do the needful’ before enjoyment. So I’m still putting the final touches on the next chapter of Dangerous Alliance. While I know my reviewers would be happy to begin reading now, I don’t want to make their work any more difficult than necessary, Of course, they’re always willing to provide their suggestions.

I did spend some time over the past week finishing a review of someone’s draft chapters. They’re not part of the two subscription writing sites I used, but someone who asked for some assistance, so I’ve obliged. It’ll be a great story when it’s finished and I look forward to reading the entire novel.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

A moonless but starry night provided sufficient light for the passage of the two small speedboats along the river and into the Indian Ocean. The latest information from Rooble indicated a tanker left the Suez Canal during the previous afternoon, bound for South Africa.

As the first rays of dawn shimmered over the glass-like surface, Dacar reckoned they were about 300 miles east of Kismaayo. He whistled, waking the men on his boat.

“Up. Time to prepare.” Dacar grabbed his AK-47 and checked his ammunition. The others gathered their weapons. Metal clicks indicated magazines were seated and ready to go. Two of the men loaded their RPGs, additional rockets ready nearby.

“Dacar! On the horizon—a ship!”

“We wait until they pass. Perhaps three hours. The sun will be in their eyes if they scan the area where we are.” The others nodded their understanding. A couple of men nudged each other and grinned. They glided knives across small whetstones, sharpening the blades should they be required.

Dacar turned to one of the men holding an RPG. “Fire a warning shot in front of them. Don’t hit the ship.”

A wavering contrail signaled the flight of the grenade, which sailed over the bow and into the water. With a prearranged signal, the others began shooting above the deck, not aiming at any particular target.

The first pirate to reach the railing fired his AK-47 into the air. He lifted his leg to climb aboard. His body jerked. He fell–silent–into a watery tomb below.

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

Over the past three weeks, I’ve continued to read novels by some of my favorite authors, including Brad Thor and Clive Cussler.  I had hoped to provide a review or two this week, but time hasn’t been on my side. I’m also searching for good novels to read and review from lesser-known authors.

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.

Mississippi Writers Pathway – a new site dedicated to writing by Mississippi writers. Take a look and you might run into an old friend or two.

I’m afraid that’s all the time I have today. Hope you’ve found something of interest.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the last weekend of June. The year is speeding by. It didn’t seem that long ago I was still removing snow. Now, the summer pastimes of grass cutting, weeding, and painting are intertwined with kayaking, boating, and relaxing on the beach. Still too cold to get into the water, except for the more adventurous.

Each morning, there’s a symphony of birdcalls as the waterfront comes alive. The marigolds are in full bloom and producing new flowers at a fantastic rate. Meanwhile, the coneflowers and Shasta Daisies are beginning to bloom, as are the delphiniums and lavenders.

My Work in Progress

Despite the various outdoor pursuits, my writing continues, albeit at a slower pace. The next chapter of Dangerous Alliance is still in draft, but nearly completed at this time. I’ve already started working on the following chapter, hoping to post both to my subscription writings site within the next week for review.

Last week, I mentioned a plot for another book had popped into my head, involving a former D.C. homicide detective and a former DEA agent. I’ve shared the synopsis with a couple of regular reviewers and did some tweaking. Now that I’m satisfied with the synopsis, I’ve put it aside, but believe this will make a great beginning to a new series. While it will initially begin in the U.S., Canada and Mexico will also be involved.

More from Dangerous Alliance:

“Time for your call. They’re putting you through to Prime Minister Smith.”

Several clicks echoed on the line before a deep and mellow voice spoke. “Afternoon, Sir Alex. How are you?”

“Fine, Prime Minister. Yourself?”

“Couldn’t be better, although I did take a beating at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions. I should know better than to let the opposition party needle me.”

“Sir, as long as we’ve known each other, the opposition always maintains the upper hand.”

“Quite. As you’re aware, I’m flying to America next month to meet with the new president. I’d appreciate a candid appraisal from you before my meeting with him.”

***

No, go right ahead. I’ll be giving Admiral Blakely a call in a few minutes, and I’ll head out early. Have a meeting to attend at the Club—something about raising fees.”

“Okay. Good night, Sir Alex.”

He nodded as he perused another file. After ticking several boxes on the attached routing slip, he tossed the file aside. Sir Alex stood, stretched his back to work out the kinks from sitting too long, and reached for the gray and brown secure telephone.

“Hello.” Admiral Blakely’s gruff voice rifled through the line.

Sir Alex held the receiver away from his ear. “Richard. Alex here. How are you?”

“Still breathing. Yourself?”

“The same.” Both men chuckled before Sir Alex continued. “Winnie mentioned you withholding some hush-hush information from me?”

Perhaps we’ll learn about the hush-hush information next time.

Books I’m Reading

I’ve been finishing up a historic thriller for an author so I can provide a pre-release review. Unfortunately, I can’t share anything on this one yet. In the meantime, here are my thoughts on several other books:

Russell Moran creates a fantastic political/terrorism thriller with The Shadows of Terror (Patterns Book 1). A FBI agent, a CIA operative, and a NYPD detective are embroiled in the ultimate battle against terrorism–the rise of homegrown terrorists who are planning a massive attack with the potential for thousands of casualties. They look like us, speak like us, and live among us. How do you tell the terrorists from everyday citizens? Rick Bellamy, an FBI counter-terrorism expert is joined by a CIA official named Buster, and Bennie Weinberg, a NYPD detective and psychiatrist. Together, they create a formidable team, but will they be able to identify the terrorists hidden in plain sight?

Russell’s characters are top-notch, believable, and not afraid to seek help from others, no matter who they might be. The Shadows of Terror is well written, filled with plenty of twists and turns, and will keep you turning the pages. I’ll definitely be grabbing a copy of The Scent of Revenge: Book Two of the Patterns Series!

Wrong Place Wrong Time by David P. Perlmutter, is based on true events and is a fascinating read. How can a real estate agent end up falling on such hard times? Despite his best efforts, life seemed to have a different set of priorities for David. How on earth can one person be subjected to so many things going wrong? Even when David’s trying to do what is right, he ends up on the wrong side of the law.

I won’t go into the events as I don’t want to spoil anyone’s reading, but you definitely need to grab a copy and settle in for a wild ride. All I could do was nod, shake my head, laugh, and cover my eyes with David’s exploits. One thing for sure, Wrong Place Wrong will make you satisfied with whatever good things come your way. Well-written and described and worth a read!

I recently had the opportunity to read E. Rachael Hardcastle’s novel, Finding Pandora: Book One: World. This is the first of four in the Finding Pandora series. While I must admit Miss Hardcastle’s work is a bit outside my favorite genres, I’m glad I’ve taken the opportunity to read the writing of an up and coming author.

Finding Pandora: Book One: World introduces readers to a myriad of races, each having distinct powers about 7,000 years in the future. Humans still exist, but as a minority culture, with vamprys, traveling angels, and others, bringing a new perspective to their planet, Haeylo.

Arriete Monroe, one of the few humans on Haeylo, reluctantly agrees to help her former boyfriend. He convinces her his current fiancée (and Arriete’s friend) needs her help. Matters quickly escalate as what should have been a simple journey changes Arriete’s life. She is chosen to be the savior by a being referred to as the Recruit. With her new abilities (you’ll have to read the book to find out more) and the help of others, we’re taken on a whirlwind tour of different cities and worlds as they battle against the evil spewing forth from the original Pandora’s box. This is an action-packed story, which will also appeal to those who enjoy supernatural fantasy romances. When time permits, I’ll check out the sequel.

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.

DeAnna Jackson – DeAnna writes about life and parenting. A fascinating site and well worth a visit.

Readers Abode – Check out my interview with author E. Rachael Hardcastle.

Devil’s Door – The second novel by AJ Wallace in the Sideways Eight series was released on June 15th and it’s another winner. Why not grab yourself a copy?

I’m afraid that’s all the time I have today. Hope you’ve found something of interest.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.