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Randall’s Ramblings, June 24, 2018

Randall Krzak

The occasional shower over the past few days brought welcome relief from the temperatures in the 90s. Yesterday, we had a high of 73, which was very pleasant and still meant we could run around with shorts and t-shirts. The forecast is supposed to be similar for the next few days, so we’re beginning summer with mild weather. Wonder how long it will last?

Are you celebrating a birthday today? If so, here are some folks from the writing world who were born on June 24th (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

St. John of the Cross, Spanish Carmelite mystic, saint, priest and poet; Samuel Ampzing, poet (Taelbericht der Neth Spellinge); Jean-Baptiste de Boyer, Marquis d’Argens, French writer; Ambrose Bierce, American writer and satirist (Devil’s Dictionary, Nuggets & Dust); Aleksei M Remizov, Russian writer (Iveren); Bruce Marshall, writer; Kurt Kusenberg, German writer (Wein Auf Lebenszeit); Arseny Tarkovsky, Russian poet; Ernesto Sábato, Argentinian writer; Norman Cousins, editor (Saturday Review); John Ciardi, poet/critic (translated Dante); William B. Ziff, Jr., American publishing executive; Pete Hamill, journalist (NY Post); Lawrence Block, American writer; Julia Kristeva, Bulgarian-French philosopher, psychoanalyst, and novelist; Gerhart Roth, Austrian writer; Mercedes R Lackey, American sci-fi author (Arrow’s Fall, Magic’s Pawn); Anatoly Borisovich Jurkin, Russian writer; Louisa Leaman, English author; and Brian Fitzgerald, American writer.

Did you recognize anyone? Even if you didn’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

 

My Work in Progress

FINALIST - 2018 Breakthrough Novel Awards

In case you missed last week’s post, on June 15th, the winner of the 2018 Breakthrough Novel Awards was announced. Amy J. Markstahler’s Life Happens on the Stairs grabbed the top prize.

The other finalists were: Mari Clark for The Road to Dusty Death, Barbara Kline’s Inside the Enemy, yours truly for Dangerous Alliance, and Chio Ojukwu’s To Cross a Blade and a Dagger.

I sent out several Dangerous Alliance submissions over the past week. Now that things have settled down with this novel, I can concentrate on the follow-on, Carnage in Singapore. I completed chapter four and posted it to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Since I’m less familiar with the settings for this novel, I also spent a great deal of time doing online research. I’m finding plenty of useful material so I can create the appropriate scenes. 

Here’s another snippet from Carnage in Singapore:

Semi-conscious, she listened to two people examining her. Through half-closed eyelids, she watched the two white-coated medical personnel until the agony increased. She closed her eyes and continued to listen to the conversation.

“Must be in terrible pain.”

Did a male doctor say this? Yes, I’m in agony … but the nightmares are worse.

“Yes, doctor.”

A female nurse?

“Shall I increase the morphine? It might ease her situation until the swelling subsides. Poor thing—I wonder what attacked her?”

“Yes, increase her medication—one unit. We’re both aware of the rumors about strange occurrences taking place on one of the smaller islands. Perhaps, she came from there.” The doctor cleared his throat. “How many is this now? Four? Five? The authorities must investigate before we’re overrun.”

***

They tied her arms to rings chained to the wall. Someone shoved a wad of material in her mouth so she couldn’t scream.

A rough hand grabbed her shoulder. Heat seared her arm. She smelled something acrid—burning flesh!

She spat out the wad. “Ieeee!”

The woman struggled against her bonds. A hand grabbed her hair and yanked her head back. A face appeared—sallow complexion, long, stringy black hair, hazel eyes. A knife came into focus, aimed at her right eye.

She closed her eyes and tried to twist away. The hand gripped tighter—pain, so intense as if her hair had been ripped from her head by the roots.

“Noooo!”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I recently finished reading The Rising Sea, by one of my favorite authors, Clive Cussler and Graham Brown. Another fascinating read in The Numa Files series, I couldn’t put it down. With Kurt and Joe and the other members of their scientific team trying to find a cause of increasing sea levels, it was another plot with plenty of action and suspected reasons. I won’t do a spoiler alert, but suffice it to say, Clive and Graham have once again created a masterful thread of twists and turns, and plenty of intrigue. I’m looking forward to Kurt and Joe’s next adventure.

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, this week I had too much research related to real-world writing requirements and therefore didn’t spend any time browsing for new authors. Perhaps next time.

This brings us to a close for another week. I hope you found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, June 17, 2018

Randall Krzak

To those who are fathers or soon-to-be, Happy Father’s Day! Hope you have a great day.

Any fathers with a birthday today? Here are some folks from the writing world who were born on June 17th (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Everhardus J Potgieter, Dutch writer/publisher (The Guide);Henrik Wergeland, Norwegian author; Ferdinand Freiligrath, German poet and translator; Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya/Chatterjee, Bengali writer and poet (Vande Mataram); Henry Lawson, Australian poet; James Weldon Johnson, American civil rights activist, leader of the NAACP and Harlem Renaissance poet; Nicolae Iorga, writer/poet/literature historian/President of Romania; Carl Van Vechten, American writer and photographer (Red, Nigger Heaven); Michail Swetlow, writer; Jacob “Jimmy” Herman Huizinga, journalist/writer; Viktor P Nekrasov, Ukrainian author (Vokopach Stalingrada); Felix Hartlaub, writer; John R Hersey, author (Hiroshima, Bell for Adano, Wall); Max Dendermonde, [Henk Hazelhoff], Dutch literary; Gotthold Gloger, writer; Harry Browne, American free-market libertarian writer, politician, and investment analyst; Hanna Johansen, writer; Peter Rosei, Austrian writer; Gail Jones, Australian author; and Will Forte, American writer, actor and comedian.

Recognize anyone? Even if you don’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

My Work in Progress

FINALIST - 2018 Breakthrough Novel Awards

On June 15th, the winner of the 2018 Breakthrough Novel Awards was announced. Amy J. Markstahler’s Life Happens on the Stairs grabbed the top prize.

The other finalists were: Mari Clark for The Road to Dusty Death, Barbara Kline’s Inside the Enemy, your’s truly for Dangerous Alliance, and Chio Ojukwu’s To Cross a Blade and a Dagger.

  • Many congraDangerous Alliancets to all as the competition was stiff. I hope to have another novel ready for next year’s competition. I suspect many of the finalists are already hard at work on their next stories. Watch for publication of these novels and support these rising writing stars.

This week I concentrated on reviews for people who had helped out with Dangerous Alliance. Without their support, I wouldn’t have ended up as a finalist. Many thanks to all of my supporters!

I should be back to writing as normal next week. In the meantime, here’s a snippet from Carnage in Singapore, the follow-on story to Dangerous Alliance:

The woman gasped for breath, her slight figure paused against a tree. Her head snapped from right to left, a whimper whipped away in the wind. Covered in slime and blood, her clothes in tatters, she lunged into the middle of the path.

The gnarled roots of a monkey pod tree remained hidden beneath a layer of mud. A perfect trap to catch any unsuspecting creature, they waited for someone to approach.

Unsure if wild creatures or savage humans created the path, she didn’t care. All she wanted was to escape.

The pain in her chest easing, she staggered away. She struggled in the mud and stumbled, her foot caught in the roots of a nearby tree. She fell to the ground, her hands sinking into the thick ooze.

“Help!”

Who would save her in the middle of nowhere? She kicked at the root and twisted her leg until her foot popped free. She pulled herself to the edge of the mud pit and onto hard ground.

Craack!

Back on her feet, she pumped her knees to escape the sludge, her heart rate accelerating as panic skyrocketed.

A bolt of lightning lit the sky, striking a nearby tree. Shadows slithered in front of her, blocking her way forward.

She turned, searching for an escape route.

Rough hands grabbed her by the shoulders in a vise-like grip and threw her to the ground.

 

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I finished reading two books this week, the second one at almost midnight last night. I haven’t finished my reviews yet, so I’ll post them 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. Since I mentioned the rising stars who were finalists in the 2018 Breakthrough Novel Awards, it’s only fitting I include several up and coming authors:

Sideways Eight Series – Join author AJ Wallace as she spins the tales of Charley and Murphy, two FBI agents. Two novels have been published so far (Mindfield and Devil’s Door), with two more to follow. Well worth the read!

MD Neu – writer and published author, Follow MD’s writing journey and check out his interviews with other authors. He’s also released The Calling, an excellent sci-fi story, plus several others.

B. Douglas Slack – A newly published author, Mr. Slack provides an interesting style as he brings us a romance spanning the globe–an American man and a Japanese woman. Follow their story in You Only Love Twice.

Michael Kent – If you love crime stories, Michael has a great selection for you to read!

End of The Lime; The Beginning – a website dedicated to poetry by J.S.T. Louise.

Texas Outlaw Poet – check out this site by poet/author Jeff Callaway.

Alan Kemister – Follow Alan’s blog to learn more about him and his writing adventures.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, June 10, 2018

Randall Krzak

Another week has sped by. Hard to believe how fast time passes. A couple of days ago, it was forty-five years since I graduated from high school. It does seem awhile ago, but I didn’t realize how long.

Temperatures are still on the cool side, but I think it’s better than having a heatwave. Much easier to complete outdoor tasks without feeling like I was in a sauna!

Are you celebrating a birthday today? If so, here’s a few people from the writing world you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Esprit Fléchier, French writer and bishop; Edwin Edwin Arnold, English writer (Light of India); Jacques F H Perk, Dutch poet (Iris, Wood Song); Mrs. Leslie Carter, American actress and writer (Rocky Mountain Mystery, The Heart of Maryland); Louis M A Couperus, Dutch poet/writer (Eline Vere); Gustave Vanzype, Belgian literary/headed La Gazette; Margit Kaffka, Hungarian writer (Colors and Years); Leo Weismantel, German writer (Der Reiter der Apocalypse); Paul J M Lindemans, Flemish agricultural engineer/author; Immanuel Velikovsky, writer (Worlds in Collision); Henri Bruning, Dutch literary; Saul Bellow, Canadian-born American author (Mr Sammler’s Planet, Nobel 1976); Nat Hentoff, columnist/novelist (Village Voice, The Cold Society); Willem Oltmans, Dutch journalist (Outlawed, Free as a Bird); Maurice Sendak, American author and illustrator (Where The Wild Things Are); Simon Jenkins, editor (Times); and Mensje F van Keulen-van der Steen, Dutch writer (Bleeker’s Summer).

Recognize anyone? Even if you don’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

My Work in Progress

At last I finished my cast of characters for Dangerous Alliance. I didn’t write anything new this week as I concentrated on several reviews for people who had helped out with this novel. In addition, I finished a beta review of a 43,000-word story for a new writer.

It’s been awhile, but here’s a snippet from New World Revolution:

Abraham continued driving the horses along the street. “Not too far dat way,” he used his crop to point to the left, “is da North Church. Dat’s where da master an’ mistress take da children.”

He stopped the wagon when they entered a large square. “Dis is Clark’s Square. Master and Mistress Sutton live on da other side—dat two-story brick building.”

The entire family gawked at the house. Black shutters guarded each of the four windows on both floors. An imposing door stood in the center, while a brick chimney towered above the roof.

“His lordship must be wealthy to build such a home,” Thomas whispered in awe.

Abraham laughed. “Master Sutton isn’t a lord an’ he didn’t build da house. He’s da third merchant to own da building.” Abraham coaxed the horses onward. “Many merchants an’ doctors live around the square. You’ll learn who dey are.”

***

“‘Tis enough, I reckon.” William turned to Abraham. “What’s kept on the second floor?”

“Anything dat can be stored in a dry place. Some feed for da animals an’ food, too. Da next building is where Ruth an’ I live. You’ll live in the bigger house on da other side of ours.” He pulled up in front of the Alexander’s new home. “Ruth, come out an’ meet our new neighbors.”

A short, rotund, dark-skinned woman with a flawless complexion stepped from the Alexander’s, her face beaming. “Welcome to Boston. I made tea for you.”

William helped Mary from the wagon, while their children jumped down. Everyone lined up and introduced themselves.

“I’ll take the horses to the barn an’ return.” Abraham brought the wagon around and rumbled away while Ruth led the new arrivals inside.

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

Author Alan Kemister’s first novel, A Body in the Sacristy (Barrettsport  Mysteries Book 1) is a well-crafted story with realistic characters, making it very difficult to put down as I kept turning the pages to find out what happened next.

Set in Nova Scotia, Detective Simon Goodyear’s first case in Barrettsport involves an infant found inside a sealed cabinet by a carpenter. Simon sets out identify the baby and the parents, immersing himself into the founding families of the town. What secrets have they managed to keep hidden over the years? Alan has weaved an intriguing mystery, with plenty of possibilities. I thoroughly enjoyed following Simon’s search for the truth. I won’t provide a spoiler alert but suffice to say, Alan is on a winner here and I can’t wait to read 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.

Alan Kemister – Follow Alan’s blog to learn more about him and his writing adventures.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, May 27, 2018

Randall Krzak

Happy Memorial Day!  Originally an American public holiday to honor veterans who served in the armed forces, it’s morphed into the unofficial start of the summer holiday season. Friends and family join together to open up vacation homes, relax, fire up barbecues, and enjoy the long weekend.

The weather is certainly giving a summer feel to the weekend, with temperatures in our area reaching as high as 86F/30C. Of course, with the high temperatures comes the threat of thunderstorms. There were a few scattered thunderclaps yesterday afternoon, but no rain in our area.

Are you celebrating a birthday today? If so, here’s a few people from the writing world and the Civil War you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Julia Ward Howe, American author/lecturer (Battle Hymn of the Republic); Henry Parkes, British journalist/premier of Australia; John Gray Foster, American Major General (Union Army); Edwin Gray Lee, Brigadier General (Confederate Army); Robert Frederick Hoke, Major General (Confederate Army); Luigi Capuana, Sicilian author/critic (Roccaverdina); Georges Eekhoud, Belgian writer (Jeune Belgium); Arnold Bennett, English novelist/ playwright/critic (Great Babylon); Richard von Schaukal, Austria poet/writer (Eros Thanatos); Ferdynand Antoni Ossendowski, Polish writer; Rudolf Pannwitz, German writer; Max Brod, Czech-born Israeli composer, writer and biographer of Kafta; Erich Kuttner, German journalist/historian (Vorwarts); Dashiell Hammett, detective novelist (Sam Spade, Maltese Falcon); Louis-Ferdinand Céline, French writer (Die Nacht); Uładzimir Zylka, Belarusian poet; Rachel Carson, American marine biologist, conservationist and writer (Silent Spring); Torolf Elster, Norwegian journalist/writer (Frihet och demokrati); John Cheever, writer (Wapshot Chronicle); Herman Wouk, American novelist (Caine Mutiny, Winds of War); Sidney AK Keyes, English poet (Iron Laurel); Tony Hillerman, American writer; Jan Blokker, Dutch writer/journalist (VPRO, People’s Newspaper); John Barth, novelist (Sot-Weed Factor); Harlan [Jay] Ellison, American sci-fi author (7 Hugos, Doomsman, Babylon 5); Adriaan Venema, Dutch journalist/author (Mussert); Norma Jean Almodovar, American author (Cop to Call Girl); and Rebekah Brooks, English journalist.

Recognize anyone? Even if you don’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

My Work in Progress

I had hoped to finish my cast of characters for Dangerous Alliance this week. However, too many external requirements meant I did very little with my works in progress. Hopefully, the next week will be more promising and I can get back to writing.

Books I’m Reading

As mentioned a week or two ago, I finished another novel fro David Wood’s Dane Maddock’s adventure series. I hoped for another intriguing plot and Buccaneer didn’t disappoint. I’m sure many of you have heard of the Oak Island money pit. Used as the primary setting for Buccaneer, David created a whirlwind of a story, with treasure maps, Templar churches and a secretive organization trying to revive an ancient kingdom.

As with all of David’s novels in the series, Dane Maddock leads us on a roller coaster ride with plenty of twists and turns and plenty of realistic characters to aid readers in finding the treasure. This is one of those novels I just couldn’t put down and look forward to the next one in the series.

I had also hoped to provide a review of A Body in the Sacristy (Barrettsport  Mysteries Book 1) by Alan Kemister but will do this 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. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time this week to find new sites to share with you. Perhaps next week.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, May 13, 2018

Randall Krzak

Happy Mother’s Day to those who are honored by their families and friends on this special day. I know some countries celebrate Mother’s Day on a different day, but in several counties, including the U.S. and Canada, it’s today. Hope you have a great day!

I wasn’t able to post my ramble last weekend. Not that I didn’t want to, but a power outage from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon got in the way.

The Friday started out fine with plenty of sunshine and blue sky. By mid-morning, we were into a windstorm the forecasters accurately predicted. No rain, but gusts up to 65MPH for almost six hours. The result: dozens of tress knocked down or snapped in two. Power and telecommunications lines were severed. A neighbor who still relies on a landline borrowed an old cell phone as he was informed his landline might not be fixed until May 24th.

I’m still picking up branches from our trees so I can finish mowing the grass. Should get this done today, which is a good thing as the grass is growing quickly in our sunny days with moderate temperatures and just the right amount of rainfall.

Are you celebrating a birthday today? If so, here’s a few people from the writing world you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Adrian Loosjes Pzn, publisher/writer (Mauritius Lijnslager); Alphonse Daudet, French writer (Tartarin of Tarascon); Jos Panhuysen, author; Alfred Earle Birney, poet; Daphne du Maurier, English writer (Rebecca, Parasites); Wallace Breem, British author; Adolf Muschg, Swiss writer (Gruppe Olten); Roger [Joseph] Zelazny, sci-fi author (6 Hugos, Chronicles of Amber); Roch Carrier, Canadian novelist (The Hockey Sweater); Bruce Chatwin, England, writer (On the Black Hill); Betsy Finley Ashton, broadcast journalist/author/lecturer; Armistead Maupin, American author; Stephen R Donaldson, American sci-fi author (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Lord Foul’s Bane); and Kathleen Jamie, Scottish poet. Recognize anyone? Even if you don’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

My Work in Progress

Editing of the paper copy of Dangerous Alliance was finished yesterday. All I need to do now is create a cast of characters to aid readers. Here’s what a recent reader and author had to say about Dangerous Alliance: “An exciting roller coaster of emotion, action, and a kinship borne of dedication against impossible odds. This tale will not let you down. An exciting and suspenseful story of strong men and iron women committed to the truth and each other in a battle to preserve the world from those who take life without thought.”

Stay tuned for more information regarding the release of Dangerous Alliance. In the meantime, I better get cracking on Carnage in Singapore, A Cartel’s Revenge, and New World Revolution. Look for a snippet from one of these works in progress next time.

Books I’m Reading

Last weekend’s power outage stopped me from finishing a review of another novel from David Wood’s Dane Maddock’s adventure series. This review, plus one or two others, will be provided next Sunday.

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.

End of The Lime; The Beginning – a website dedicated to poetry by J.S.T. Louise.

Texas Outlaw Poet – check out this site by poet/author Jeff Callaway.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, April 29, 2018

Randall Krzak

As another month heads to its finale, the weather still hasn’t settled. While most of the past week wasn’t bad, the hour of snow flurries yesterday was definitely an unwanted addition. At least the temperature was warm enough the flurries melted almost as fast as they hit the ground.

Is your birthday today? If so, here’s a few people people from the writing world you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Taliesin, Welsh poet; John Arbuthnot, Scottish writer (Alexander Pope); Charles Nodier, French writer; Edouard Rod, France/Swiss writer (Mishel’ Tes’e); Louis William Stern, German/US philosopher (Intelligence of Children); Rafael Sabatini, Italian/British writer; Egon E Kisch, Czech writer/journalist (Rasende Reporter); Walter Mehring, writer; Bernard Verhoeven, Dutch poet (Pleidooi near een non); Jack [Stewart] Williamson, American sci-fi author (Cometeers); Terence de Vere White, novelist/critic; Walter Kempowski, German writer (German Chronicle); Rodney “Rod” McKuen, American poet; Jill Paton Walsh, English writer; David Icke, English writer; and Robert J. Sawyer, Canadian writer. Recognize any names?

My Work in Progress

Not much to mention regarding my work in progress. Editing of the paper copy of Dangerous Alliance is moving along, with about half of the 102,425 words completed. Some corrections and a few changes, but overall, things are still looking good!

In addition to editing, I’m also assisting a writer with a review of his 43K-work as well as providing reviews of those who have done the same for me on Dangerous Alliance.

Books I’m Reading

I’ve almost finished another novel from David Wood’s Dane Maddock’s adventure series. My review will be posted 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. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time this week to find new sites to share with you. Perhaps next week.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, February 25, 2018

Randall Krzak

With the last weekend in February underway, it’s hard to believe how time seems to speed up as we advance in age. I can remember when school years took forever to end so we could get to summer. Now, I blink and the seasons roll by.

Never mind, there’s nothing any of us can do to put the breaks on. We’ve all heard the saying, ‘time marches on’ and it’s true.

My Work in Progress

I didn’t do much editing on Dangerous Alliance over the past week as I devoted much of my writing time to reviewing work of fellow writers who have been so gracious in their efforts to critique mine. It’s only fair I return the favor.

Someone asked me this week about my writing plans and where do my stories come from. The simple answer? From everywhere. It could be a suggestion from another writer, which is the case with A Cartel’s Revenge, or it could be a thought passing by after reading news articles or watching a news broadcast. Sometimes, they just pop into my head. At least one came from reviewers of a short story I wrote who said it would make a good novel.

Whatever the source, in addition to Dangerous Alliance, I have three other novels in progress–plenty of writing for me to do. I’ve also penned initial synopses for another eight plots, with tentative titles. Plenty to write about–now I just need the time!

Books I’m Reading

I recently finished reading Deception by Bill Ward and Stoddard’s Gold by John Rose Putnam. I’ll share my thoughts with 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.

Room With Books – Check out this blog by Patricia Green. Read her reviews of a variety of genres and select the next novel or novella you’ll pick up from your favorite online or bricks and mortar store.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, February 18, 2018

Randall Krzak

Another week has passed us by. At times, it appears Mother Nature has given up for this winter, only to send a gust or two our way to remind us who’s in control. A dusting of the white stuff was added overnight, adding to the majesty of the season.

KODAK Digital Still CameraThis photo was taken from our deck mid-week. What a fantastic scene to wake up to!  If only this type of view remained throughout the day. Still, each day brings a new snapshot of an ever-changing scene. Someone once told us the water is boring, as it never changes. It’s anything but!

 

 

My Work in Progress

Editing on Dangerous Alliance and external activities continued to consume most of my time over the past week. I’ve also run into a bit of a problem. Which of my other three novels-in-progress should I work on?

Feedback from reviewers on chapter three of New World Revolution has been positive and several people are waiting for the next chapter. The same is happening with Carnage in Singapore. I haven’t posted a new chapter of A Cartel’s Revenge in a year, so perhaps that’s where I should go next. Decisions, decisions! Too much to write and not enough time.

Books I’m Reading

I still covet my hour or so of personal reading each evening. Not long ago, I finished Ryan Kaine: On The Defensive, the third book in the Ryan Kaine action thriller series by Kerry J. Donovan. Each novel in the series showcases Kerry’s outstanding attention to detail, a superb plot, and characters so well-crafted they jump off the pages.

This time, Ryan is sought out to help a family in distress. They had already suffered as a result of the aircraft Ryan was tricked into bringing down in the first novel. Racked by a sense of guilt and the need to help the families of the survivors, Ryan shows us what he does best. Along with his growing group of like-minded friends to provide invaluable support behind the scenes, he steps into the fray and comes to the rescue of an innocent family hounded by killers.

Follow the thrills, lies, and deceit as Kerry weaves an intricate plot leaving readers wanting to turn the page and not miss anything. Another masterful story. The fourth in the series is due out in March and I can’t wait to begin reading.

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.

Natalie Ducey – Check out Natalie’s inspiration poetry and verse.

Linda Mims – Dig into Linda’s long and short stories of life.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, February 11, 2018

Randall Krzak

Winter is hanging on with a tight grip. Plenty of snow this past week but at least the KODAK Digital Still Cameratemperatures are above zero (fahrenheit). The photo above was taken yesterday from the back of the house. I could take a picture today and it would look very similar, but the snow might be a bit thicker.

KODAK Digital Still Camera

This photo was also taken yesterday during a lull in the storm. The view is from our deck overlooking Lake Huron. Approximately forty-three miles away is the Canadian shoreline. The snow piled on the rail is now about two inches higher. Today’s forecast calls for another four to six inches of snow over the next eight hours. Brrrr!

My Work in Progress

Editing on Dangerous Alliance and external activities consumed a lot of time over the past week. However, I’m please to report I completed the third chapter of New World Revolution. It’s posted to the two subscription writing sites I use. There’s been six reviews of the chapter so far, all positive.

Here’s a snippet from New World Revolution, chapter one:

Mary came out the barn carrying a small bucket. “Hello, husband, lads. Milking’s finished.” She handed the milk to Hannah. “Take this inside.”

While the boys stored the scythes in the barn, William and Mary walked arm-in-arm toward the house. The mouth-watering aroma of the stew hurried them forward.

“Wash up and set yourself to the table.” Mary waved her family inside before going to the kettle and filling plates with the turnip, carrot, and onion stew. Once everyone was seated, Mary returned to the hearth. She slid a slender board attached to a long pole into a heated stone alcove, and drew out a single loaf of fresh bread.

“Oooh, ‘tis a treat indeed.” William’s brown eyes bulged, a wide grin on his face, as the rich aroma set stomachs rumbling.

“One piece each. No more, and be thankful you have this.” Mary smiled at her family and joined them at the table. “Another surprise today as well—fresh churned butter. Father, will you offer the blessing?”

William bowed his head and closed his eyes, pressing his hands together. The family followed his lead.

“Oh, almighty God. ‘Tis right we give thanks to you. Bless this food prepared by loving hands. Keep us in good health, so we might continue to prosper even in bad times. Thy will be done. Amen.”

After William said grace, he kept his head bowed. Hannah and her brothers raised theirs, eyeing the food. At last, William nodded, and everyone reached for a spoon. No one spoke. An occasional contented slurp broke the sound of utensils scraping on wooden plates, the coarse, dark and heavy wholegrain bread mopping up the last of the gravy. Plates were licked clean, consuming every drop.

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I recently read The Gray Ship, the first novel in Russell Moran’s Time Magnet series. With well-crafted characters and a riveting plot, this is a compelling read. Join Captain Ashley Patterson, the commanding officer of a nuclear warship as the unthinkable happens. One moment, they’re near Charleston, South Carolina. Moments later, Ashley and her crew are still by the same port, but find themselves in a strange setting. Gone are modern buildings and ships. Instead, the ship has arrived just prior to the beginning of the Civil War.

Follow the crew as they try to come to terms with their new reality. I don’t want to give away anything, but will they alter history? Russell has created a story so easy to become immersed in, it’s hard to believe time travel doesn’t exist. Or does it? I thoroughly enjoyed the story and couldn’t wait to get a copy of the sequel.

In The Thanksgiving Gang, Russell has gone with a different twist, but still as full of suspense as The Gray Ship. What would happen if we traveled into the future and found out we had died well before our time? Join Jack Thurber as he stumbles across a wormhole and goes into the future, only to discover he and his wife, Ashley, died in a terrorist attack.

How will Jack come to terms with this mind-numbing discovery? Will he be able to alter events in the future and return before he and Ashley are killed? Russell has done it again with this story. His writing style is easy to follow and he does an excellent job in portraying events to present readers with plenty of action and suspense. I now include Russell in my list of favorite authors and can’t wait to get the next novel in the series, A Time of Fear.

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. Unfortunately, I’ve been too busy this week, so I don’t have anything to share with you.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, January 14, 2018

Randall Krzak

What a time with the weather! Early in the week, we had extremely cold temperatures and received about four inches of snow. On Thursday, the mercury climbed, reaching 52F/11C and most of the snow disappeared.

Our relief was short-lived. On Friday morning, the temperature had dropped thirty degrees, and we were hit with another four to five inches of snow. On top of that, we had blustery winds up to thirty-five miles an hour, blowing snow everywhere. Part of the driveway was clear to the asphalt, while there were two-foot drifts on the other side. Since Friday, the temperature has remained about the same, but the winds have calmed and no more snow.

My Work in Progress

The Kurdish Connection is entered in the thriller category of the 20th annual Preditors and Editors reader’s poll, sponsored by Critters / Critique.org. Currently sitting in fourth place, I could use your votes, but check out all of the categories to get a glimpse of works released during 2017. Here’s the link to the thriller category: http://critters.org/predpoll/novelthrill.shtml. The contest runs through until midnight this evening, so hope you’ll be able to check things out.

I’ve now transferred reviewer comments for forty-one of the forty-eight chapters in Dangerous Alliance. Once I finish, I’ll still have plenty of editing to do, but things are moving along. I had hoped to share the cover with you today, but I’ve been too busy to get things organized. Promise it will be in next week’s post.

With my concentration on Dangerous Alliance, I didn’t finish chapter four of Carnage in Singapore as I had planned. Too much going on!

Books I’m Reading

I finally gathered my thoughts on novel by one of my favorite authors, David L. Golemon. One of his latest adventures, The Traveler: An Event Group Thriller, has it all. The story begins in Germany during WWII but before long we’re taken on a roller coaster ride. Want Russia mobsters and Italian mafia? They’re along for the ride.

How about a trip to another continent–not in modern ages, but back over 200,000 years? One of the Event Group’s people made such a journey and others are heading back to find him. How is this possible? A time machine, created in Germany, perfected, and now in the U.S.

I’ve enjoyed every one of Mr. Golemon’s novels and can’t wait for another thrilling adventure. Well done!

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.

Wolfe’s Rants – Check out Wolf’s advice, works and musings about a writer’s life.

I’m afraid that’s all the time I have today. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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 all the best for 2018!

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved