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Randall’s Ramblings, April 16, 2017

Randall Krzak

Hope everyone has been having a good weekend. For those who celebrate, Happy Easter!

Yesterday’s forecast was for a thunderstorm with a high of 70. The forecasters got it wrong on both. No rain at all, and the temperature reached an amazing 79 degrees! I woke up this morning to brilliant sunshine and already 58 but it’s not supposed to hit yesterday’s temperature. Buds are already popping forth on our trees, the birds are singing away, and we’re off to a glorious day.

My Work in Progress

This week I attended two book signings at district libraries. They gave me an opportunity to share my writing adventure with others as well as answer some questions.  I even sold three books!

One of the best moments was at the beginning of the second session. A woman and her daughter approached me. The girl, who is in the fourth grade, love to write, and when she saw the sign announcing an author would be at the library, she pleaded to attend.  She was too shy to ask me any questions, going through her mother instead. Throughout the time I was there, she sat next to me. I don’t know if she was mesmerized for some reason or if she fell asleep with her eyes wide open, but she seemed to grasp onto every word. What a great experience–for both of us!

A website called Author Shout holds a weekly ‘cover of the week’. I’m pleased to announce The Kurdish Connection is included in this week’s contest and I would be greatly honored if you could take a couple of minutes and vote when the competition begins. You can vote once a day.  Here’s the link: http://authorshout.com/cover-wars/ or click on Author Shout.

The cover with the most votes becomes the book of the week in which Author Shout will promote for one week on their site, shout outs, and in their newsletter.

External events, including yard work, kept me from writing this past week. Hopefully, I’ll be able to resume writing shortly. In the meantime, here’s another snippet from Dangerous Alliance:

“Ag, man. We’re off.” Koning continued to wave at non-existent family members. “Our mission is underway.”

Pun nodded. Assigned to one of the cargo maintenance teams, Koning and Pun squeezed between containers, checking cables and connectors on the port side as Luigi had taught them.

***

“Oi checked out the Pompeii exhibit.” Fergus waved his forkful of spaghetti in the air. “Hard to imagine fleeing from the lava, yet still being caught. A horrible way to go.”

“Agree.” Nate sipped his red wine before popping a green olive in his mouth. “I’d rather die in bed, a beautiful woman at my side.”

“Ag, man. The catacombs are the best attraction in Naples. Imagine how many people visit the site.”

“You have a strange sense of excitement, Koning.” Nate drained his glass as he finished his antipasto salad. “Hope you haven’t warped Pun’s mind.”

Pun speared a piece of meat from his plate and smiled as he shook his head.

***

“Should be quiet until we’re in the Indian Ocean.” Trevor nodded toward the bow, where bolts of lightning crisscrossed the heavens. Deep rumbling followed. “The pirates haven’t attacked in the Mediterranean before, but we must remain alert.”

Perhaps more next week.

Books I’m Reading

As I mentioned last time, I finished Justified and Sacrifice by Carolyn Arnold. I enjoyed both but didn’t have a chance to craft my reviews. I hope to have them for you next week.

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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, April 9, 2017

Randall Krzak

On Wednesday, I posted several photos of that morning’s sunrise. It appeared Mother Nature wasn’t happy with me. During the afternoon the winds picked up, blowing east to west, increasing the wave action hitting the beach. Rain accompanied the activity.

I had built a wooden boardwalk across the part of soft sand where the waves normally didn’t reach. Thursday morning, one eight-foot section was missing! Built out of four x fours and deck boards, it was nowhere to be seen. Through the day, the wind increased in intensity and the waves reached farther ashore than we had seen in the four years living here. Rain came down in buckets.

Thursday afternoon, with no signs of the storm abating, forecasters predicted the rain would change to snow, with two-to-four inches overnight. Fortunately, we only received about an inch.  I had an appointment to attend to and when I went to leave, I found a neighbor’s tree blocking most of the driveway. I managed to squeak past but later went out with a chain saw to clear the rest. It was a dead tree, hidden among several evergreens, about a two-foot diameter. Once the ground dries out, I’ll be able to finish removing the tree. 

Friday afternoon, another neighbor, about a quarter of a mile down the beach, called. He found my errant boardwalk, bobbing in the waves and eventually coming ashore on his beach. Now, all I have to do is bring it home. Is there a moral here? Perhaps–don’t tease Mother Nature!

My Work in Progress

Writing a novel is fraught with ups and downs, but for me it’s a great journey. My works allow me to share experiences I’ve had in my many years living overseas. Research broadens my mind, ensuring I’m as accurate as possible in my storytelling. The thesaurus further expands my vocabulary as I try to incorporate different words so sentences don’t become repetitive with excessive use. 

Sometimes, I have writer’s block. But what writer doesn’t? This is always a good time to read and review other works or continue with my research. Suddenly, something will jump into my mind, which smashes through the blockage and away I go.

Despite everyday activities cutting into my writing time this week, I did manage to complete and post chapter sixteen of Dangerous Alliance to the two subscription writing sites I use. It appears to be well received, based on the feedback, and I’m in the middle of the next chapter.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

A cloudless day, the sun baked everything it touched. Two men hopped from the boat into the bath-like water as they approached the shore. Engine stopped, they helped guide the craft. A third leaped from the bow, pulling a rope with him while a fourth remained aboard, an AK-47 cradled in his arms.

“The Koreans changed our agreement.” Dacar shrugged his shoulders and motioned for Sahid to remain seated. “They want three tankers for each load of weapons. A shipload will be on the way to us soon and before we provide any tankers.”

***

Harbi walked up to the nearest soldier and kicked him in the ribs. The man groaned against the gag, trying to roll away from further jabs.

“Enough, Habri.” Tahliil bent down to examine each soldier. “Treat their wounds. Feed and water. Allow them regain strength.” He stood and glared at Habri. “No further mistreatment. If abused, someone will answer.”

“What’s the point, Tahliil?”

“The point is—” He jabbed Habri in the chest with his hand. “I spoke. Do as told. Must be healthy.” He left the tent, followed by the others.

“They are my trophies. I claim my rights.” Habri thumped his chest. Perhaps time for me to take over, too.

Perhaps a bit more next week.

Books I’m Reading

Over the past week or so, I finished Justified and Sacrifice by Carolyn Arnold. I enjoyed both and will provide my thoughts next time as I didn’t have a chance to craft my reviews.

I have several additional books queued up to read and I’m always looking for me. If you have a favorite mystery, crime, or action adventure, drop me a note and I’ll check it 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. However, with overwhelming day-to-day commitments this week, I wasn’t able to check out new sites. Perhaps 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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, April 2, 2017

Randall Krzak

While the first day of spring passed us by on the calendar on the 20th of March, we’re beginning to see glimpses it might really be here in our little patch on Lake Huron. Migratory birds, such as the red-winged blackbird and the robin are returning. Ducks and geese are now heading north instead of south.

Several neighbors, cooped up for weeks, are smiling as they skim across the grass on their riding lawn mowers. While this seems a bit optimistic at this early stage, these are all signs winter might be over.  Needless to say, we have brilliant sunshine, blue skies, and the lake is like glass.

My Work in Progress

Why do I keep writing? Why not–I’m enjoying the journey. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when a reviewer of Dangerous Alliance, my main work-in-progress, compares my writing to Steve Berry, a New York Times and international best-selling author, with over 21,000,000 copies of his books in print.  I know my work isn’t to this type of standard, perhaps one day, but I’ll take whatever comparisons people want to make, especially if it helps sell books!

Once again, almost everything, except some marketing and publicity of The Kurdish Connection, took a back seat to everyday requirements. I hope things settle down so I can resume writing on a daily basis.

I doubled my word count on the next chapter of Dangerous Alliance, and hope to have it posted for review this week. The overall number of chapter reviews for the fifteen chapters posted on the two subscription writing sites I use increased from 245 to 268. Plenty of useful feedback, which will aid me when I enter the editing phase.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

A gaunt Somali woman, dressed in a stained guntiino, garbasaar, and shash (dress, shawl, and scarf) with two children in tow, reached the gates. She leaned on a post, struggling to remain upright. The children, covered in tattered Western clothing, slumped to the ground.

The three men dashed forward, David carrying water bottles. “Give them small sips of water. They’ll be dehydrated and thirsty. Too dangerous to let them drink fast and it might kill them.”

***

Two hours later, George woke with a start. What woke me? Total quiet engulfed the camp. Not a sound ventured forward to break the calm.

Sounds like several cars backfiring disturbed the night.

Gunfire!

Adults screamed children cried. George and Alf dove off their cots, hugging the floor. The gunfire and screams intensified.

“Alf. Stay down. I’m going to check this out.”

“George, are you crazy? Keep on the floor until Ian or David contact us.”

“But what if the camp is under attack? Perhaps, I can do something.”

“Are you insane?” Alf grabbed George’s arm. “Stay put. We’ll find out soon enough what’s happened.”

Perhaps a bit more next week.

Books I’m Reading

This week I finished reading Angelina’s Secret (Jeweled Dagger Series), the debut novel of Diane Merrill Wigginton. This is an interesting story of opposites–a strong-willed English woman of aristocratic birth who abandons societal norms and lives life as she sees fit. Add a Frenchman who can’t decide if he’s a pirate or a duke and sparks fly.

Set in the 18th Century, Lady Stewart and Captain Deveraux first cross paths when the ship she’s on is captured by pirates, continues in London, eventually leading to a mansion in France. A great glimpse into the openness of their relationship as they carve a niche in society. Full of adventure, excitement, intrigue, and love, this is an easy and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading 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. However, with the day-to-day commitments this week, I wasn’t able to check out new sites. Perhaps 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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

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Randall’s Ramblings, March 26, 2017

Randall Krzak

It’s been a crazy week on the weather front, with temperatures here on the lake ranging from 29F/-2C to 63F/17C. At least the snow is gone, hopefully until next winter! What remained constant is some of our neighbors stopping by for a bit of breakfast. 

KODAK Digital Still CameraI never realized how mean they could be to each other until watching them eat. Of course, it is survival of the fittest.

Even the birds that stop by from time-to-time to check out the feeders become territorial, even though there’s always plenty for them to eat. It’s clearly instinct-driven. We’ve been fortunate to have so many regular visitors throughout the year. What a treat!

Did you have a birthday this week? If so, are there any names on the list you recognize? I spotted a few I knew, but as always, many that are new to me.  This week’s group includes: Louise Otto, German author; Edward Bellamy, writer (Looking Backward; A.E. Houseman, poet (A Shropshire Lad); Robert Frost, poet, multiple Pulitzer Prize-winner; Joseph Campbell, folklorist and writer; Erica Jong, poet, novelist (Fear of Flying, How to Save Your Own Life);  (Mary) Flannery O’Connor, novelist and short story writer; William Morris, English craftsman, poet and socialist; Lawrence Ferlinghetti, ‘beat’ poet; Louis L’Amour, American Western novelist; and Ovid, Roman poet.

Happy birthday to all!

My Work in Progress

Almost everything, including marketing and publicity of The Kurdish Connection, took a back seat to everyday requirements. Someone thirty miles away heard I had published a novel and requested a signed copy. Fantastic!  The word is getting out.

I only managed about 800 words on my next chapter of Dangerous Alliance, but hope to pick up the pace this week. The overall number of chapter reviews for the fifteen chapters posted on the two subscription writing sites I use increased from 229 to 245. Plenty of positive feedback, which will aid me when I enter the editing phase.

A bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

A tall, broad-shouldered man twisted his back to work out the kinks, grabbed a red and white-checkered bandana from his pocket and wiped the perspiration from his face. His nose, white from layers of sun cream for protection, vied for attention with reddish hair to be his most prominent feature.

George turned to Alf, who joined Save the World for his gap year before returning to university to study history. “Want a drink of water? I’m getting one.”

Alf stopped digging a hole for a new post and climbed up. “I could kill a beer about now.”

George laughed. “The rumor going around is Tusker Beer is drinkable. Perhaps we’ll try one tonight.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I recently finished reading Ties That Bind (Detective Madison Knight Series, Book One, by Carolyn Arnold, an international bestselling and award-winning author. I’ve already become a fan after reading, and have purchased the next two in the series: Justified and Sacrifice.

Detective Madison Knight and her able-bodied partner, Terry, are handed what appears to be an isolated incident. A woman is found strangled but then another body surfaces, both killed by the same brand of necktie. Their sergeant hounds them to close the case, even if they don’t have the perpetrator. Meanwhile, Terry’s mind is on his rocky marriage. Will they be able to stop a possible serial killer before another body is found?

Without a personal life, Madison works all hours to identify the killer. Her well-honed investigative skills are put to the test, while Terry keeps skipping out to deal with his personal crisis. Ties That Bind is full of suspense from the beginning to the end when the case appears to be solved. With a very smooth pace, it was very difficult to put down, as I wanted to keep reading and find out if they caught the culprit. An excellent storyline, filled with realistic police procedures centered on their current assignment, while at the same time we find the detectives exhibit a variety of traits, likes, and dislikes.

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. However, with the day-to-day commitments this week, I wasn’t able to check out new sites. Perhaps 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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

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Randall’s Ramblings, March 5, 2017

Randall Krzak

Yesterday morning, I glanced out the window–a few snow flurries. Okay, nothing unusual in this part of the world. The snow was coming from the east, across the lake. I pulled up my favorite weather site, just to see what was in store. Mainly cloudy, outbreaks of sunshine, but cold. 

The flurries didn’t last long and the sun paid us a visit. A couple of hours later, it was hard to see much outside as the wind-driven snow was pelting down–a whiteout! In no time at all, over an inch of the white stuff was on the ground, with no sign of the storm abating.

I prepared a shopping list, figuring I’d head to the nearest store where I could pick up groceries and the all-important cat food for our five feline family members. By this time, the white-out had slowed, it was more of a regular storm. Bundled up, I climbed into our vehicle and headed out. The county road crew had already passed by, so the highway wasn’t too bad. Six miles inland, and there was hardly any snow, so I needn’t have rushed.

Now for birthday celebrations over the past week. According to historynet.com, the following members of the writing community had birthdays:

Howard Pyle, writer and illustrator (The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood); Frank Norris, novelist (McTeague, The Octopus); Leslie Marmon Silko, writer (Ceremony); Alan Sillitoe, novelist (Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner); James Merrill, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet (Divine Comedies); Nicolas Freeling, crime writer; Theodor Seuss Geisel [Dr. Seuss], author of numerous children’s books including The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham; John Irving, novelist (The World According to Garp); William Dean Howells, novelist; Ralph Waldo Ellison, African-American author (Invisible Man); Robert Lowell, Jr., poet; won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1947 for Lord Weary’s Castle;  Richard Wilbur, writer and translator; won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1957 and 1989; Howard Nemerov, writer; won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1978; Ben Hecht, writer; Stephen Spender, English poet and critic; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet; John Steinbeck, American novelist (The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men); James T. Farrell, author (Young Lonigan); Peter De Vries, writer, poetry editor (Poetry Magazine, The New Yorker); and Lawrence Durrell, novelist (The Alexandria Quartet).
Recognize any names? I found a few. If you had a birthday during the past week, I hope you had an enjoyable day.

My Work in Progress

Marketing and publicity of The Kurdish Connection continued this week and will become part of my regular writing program.  Good news to report, at least I think so. Two district libraries have set dates for book signings. As part of their National Library Week activities, I’ll do a book signings on April 11th, followed by another one the next day. Along with the book signing, they also want me to talk about my writing journey.

Writing continued on Dangerous Alliance, with chapters eleven and twelve posted for review to the two subscription writing sites I use. Chapter thirteen is now underway.

A bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

The door swung open, a shadow crept across the carpet. Kim slammed the door shut and jumped on the intruder. He shoved him to the floor and rolled him over.

Soo stared up at him.

“Ambassador, what were you thinking? Where did you go?” Kim jumped to his feet and pulled Soo up. “You know nothing about this place.”

“I-I woke early and went for a walk. No one saw me—at least I don’t think so.”

Kim sat on the edge of the bed and motioned for Soo to do the same. He sighed, easing the adrenaline, which had built up in his system as he went into fight mode.

“Ambassador—Soo, you must understand. This is not Pyongyang or Beijing, where you travel with at least six bodyguards. I am your protection, and if you disappear without my knowledge, what might happen?”

He speaks to me like I’m a child. I am the ambassador to China, and he’s a lowly aide. Perhaps a spy for Sung.

Books I’m Reading

While I had planned to finish one novel this week and begin another, extra time in front of the computer cut into my reading time. Hope to have a review to share with you next week.

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. I have two to share today:

MDNeu – Join MD Neu on his writing journey. Check out his novels in progress, poetry, and his blog. Well worth the visit!

Reader’s Abode – This is a new site started by an international group of writers. Spread across four continents, they’ll share their short stories and poetry with you. There’s sure to be a genre of interest!

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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, January 29, 2017

Randall Krzak

Here we go, the last Sunday in January. It’s been a crazy month weather-wise, with temperatures all over the place, ranging from 12F/-11C to 47F/8C. According to the forecast, it appears we’re heading into a stretch with more seasonable temperatures. Right now it’s 23F/-5C. Not much snow, some flurries right now, but that’s okay. Less shoveling to do!

Did you have a birthday over the past week? If so, one of these individuals might have shared your special day: Jose Marti, Cuban poet and journalist, known as the’Apostle of the Cuban Revolution’; Thomas Paine, political essayist (The Rights of Man, The Age of Reason); Robert Burns, Scottish poet (Auld Lang Syne, Comin’ Thro’ the Rye); Virginia Woolf, English author (Mrs. Dalloway and Orlando); Pierre de Beaumarchais, French dramatist (The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro); Edith Wharton, and U.S. novelist (Ethan Frome and The Age of Innocence). Happy birthday to all.

Coming in Early February

Moonshine Cove, Publishing, LLC, will release my first novel, The Kurdish Connection, in early February.  Watch for the announcement. Here’s what a reviewer had to say:

“A behind the scenes story, ripped from today’s headlines deepening the reader’s understanding of an ancient strife … filled with the sights and smells of the market place and secret meetings, the reader is admitted to the secret heart, the desperate longings of those that must fight and win, or see continued subjugation by their masters…”—Oliver F. Chase, author of Camelot Games, Levant Mirage, Blind Marsh, and Marsh Island.

My Work in Progress

I was unable to complete any new chapters in Dangerous Alliance this week as editing of The Kurdish Connection‘s Intermediate Proofs took center stage. My last read and review is ongoing as I type this, with any last minute changes to be sent to my publisher tomorrow morning.

Books I’m Reading

This past week I’ve been doing a beta read on a novel by Duncan Simpson, author of The History of Things to Come: A Supernatural Thriller (The Dark Horizon Trilogy Volume 1). Since it’s a beta read, I’ll only be sharing my comments with Duncan. Hope to have something new for you next time.

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. With the beginning of a new year, I’d also like to include some lighthearted sites I stumble across, whether comedic or with animals. Unfortunately, work on The Kurdish Connection prevented me from scanning new sites.

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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, January 1, 2017

Randall Krzak

Happy New Year! May you find health, happiness, and good fortune!

For those with a birthday to end 2016 or have one today, happy birthday to you!  Here are some people associated with the writing world who’ve had one, too: E.M. [Edward Morgan] Forster, English novelist (A Passage to India, A Room With a View); J.D. [Jerome David] Salinger, U.S. novelist (The Catcher in the Rye, Franny and Zooey); Rudyard Kipling, British author (The Jungle Book, Soldiers Three); Hinton Helper, southern abolitionist who wrote The Impending Crisis; Thomas Gray, English poet; Henry Miller, American writer.

My Work in Progress

During the past week, I concentrated on research and drafting the second chapter of New World Revolution. I completed the draft yesterday, so now the next few days will be spent doing some editing before I post the chapter to the two subscription writing sites I use. This will be the ultimate litmus test–have I written a chapter that will appeal to writers from various genres? Time will tell.

During the upcoming week, I also hope to complete the next chapter of Dangerous Alliance and A Cartel’s Revenge. Ambitious plans so will see how things go. Here’s a bit more from A Cartel’s Revenge:

The man glared at them for several moments before speaking. “I don’t understand why you think you can descend on my territory without my permission.” His gaze rested on Javier and switched to AJ. “Well?”

“Mr. Brown, as you’re aware, my boss—”

“Lady, I don’t care who your boss thinks he is but he has no authority over what happens in Panama. That’s my job.”

“I understand, sir, b-but—”

“Don’t stutter, get to the point. I won’t waste all day on some wild guesswork by desk jockeys.”

“Mr. Brown, what AJ tried to say is we understand—”

“Listen, Colonel. I don’t care who either of you are nor do I care about your mission.”

“Whether you agree or not, we’re here. Now, should we go outside, whip it out, and determine who can piss farthest? Win or lose, we’re staying.”

Perhaps more next time or something from New World Revolution.

Books I’m Reading

Over the past week, I finished Preston Holtry’s latest novel in his Morgan Westphal series, The Good Thief.  This is another spellbinding mystery by a master storyteller, and I hope it’s not the last!

Join Morgan as he investigates a murder on an Indian reservation, mixes business with pleasure when he joins his girlfriend on a trip to New York, almost getting killed several times before he solves the mystery. As with all of Preston’s novels, this one will keep you holding onto your seat as you try to identify the killer (or killers) before Morgan. Excellent work and needless to say, another five-star story!

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. With the beginning of a new year, I’d also like to include some lighthearted sites I stumble across, whether comedic or with animals.

Flawless Animals – An interesting mix of pets (and a few humans, too).

Kevin Brown Poetry – more poetry from a Northern Irish poet.

Writing Resources

With plenty of events to take care of as 2016 came to a close, I found I didn’t have much time to spend searching for new writing resources.

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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, December 11, 2016

Randall Krzak

Over the past few days, weather forecasters have been discussing the big freeze and snowfall likely to descend upon us.  True to their word, the weather certainly turned colder in our patch since Thursday, with daytime temperatures between 27-31F (-1 to -3C), but not much different from historical norms.

On Thursday, the forecast for the weekend indicated six to ten inches of snow. That, I can do without!  I don’t mind a dusting, which makes things look nice for this time of year, but if I can avoid clearing the quarter-mile driveway, I’m all for it.  Anyway, the current forecast is four to six inches by late this evening. As I gaze out the window, a light snow is currently falling.

Regardless of the weather, birthdays still come and go. Do you know anyone famous with a birthday this week?  Here’s what I found:  Naguib Mahfouz, Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian novelist; Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Russian writer (The Gulag Archipelago); Grace Paley, short story writer; Tom McGuane, novelist and screenwriter (The Sporting Club, Bushwacked Piano); Emily Dickison, American poet of more than 1,000 poems, seven published in her lifetime; Melvil Dewey, American librarian who created the Dewey Decimal System; Nelly Sachs, Nobel Prize-winning poet; Mary Norton, English children’s author (Bedknobs and Broomsticks); Rumer Godden, English novelist (Black Narcissus); John Milton, British writer and poet (Paradise Lost); Joel Chandler Harris, writer, creator of the Uncle Remus tales; ean de Brunhoff, illustrator and author, creator of the Babar series of books; James Thurber, American writer, cartoonist and editor (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty); and Richard Llewellyn, author (How Green Was My Valley).

Happy birthday to everyone celebrating his or her special day.

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

Research continued to dominate my time during the past week, at least when a knee injury allowed me to sit on any easy chair with my laptop propped on a knee.  Hasn’t been easy, but I’ve made some progress, which will be important for my first historical fiction novel, New World Revolution.

My Work in Progress

Needless to say, I didn’t spend a great deal of time writing this week. In fact, less than 500 words. But life goes on and I’m well on the way to recovery, acting sitting at our desktop computer this morning.

Here’s another snippet from A Cartel’s Revenge:

“Hello, Señor Alvarez. Where are Maria and Silvina?” Alonzo stepped from his car, offering his hand to the school’s principal. “I’m running late, but I’m here to take them home.”

“Buenos Días, Señor Moreno. What do you mean? Your friends collected them after school finished.”

“My friends? I sent no one here. Who were they?”

The gates to their compound open, Alonzo raced past the stunned guards as they saluted. He skidded to a stop in front of the hacienda as his mother and Ramon exited her car.

“Mama, something bad’s happened … Maria and Silvina ….” Alonzo struggled to breathe, tears forming in his eyes. “When—when I reached the school, they were gone.”

“Where are they? Where are my precious girls?” Olivia grabbed Alonzo. “We must find them. Now.” She slumped against her son, beating on his chest. “They might be dead or worse—taken for the sex trade. I want my babies. Now!”

More next time.

Books I’m Reading

Real life events didn’t permit as much for pleasure reading this week, so I’ll have to pass on a review of a book.  Hope to have one and perhaps two for you next time.

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. Here are a new one today that I think is worthy of checking out:

Ladies Who Lunch Reviews, etc – a crazy collection of everything, perhaps for a snowy day.

Writing Resources

Time didn’t provide an opportunity to delve into more writing resources. I did receive a book I ordered regarding the life of peasants in early Britain who move to America. After I’ve read a bit, I’ll post something about it.

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 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.