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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 15, 2018

Randall Krzak

You know the phrase, ‘April showers bring May flowers?’ Do you suppose the same holds true for ‘April ice storms bring May flowers?’ 

I thought the harshness of the winter was over when we had a beautiful 71F/21C temperature with blazing sunshine on Thursday. Friday was almost as warm, but plenty of clouds. The weather forecasters predict rain for Friday night, turning to sleet and a wintry mix with winds up to forty-five mph through Sunday at noon.

They were correct. The rain came as predicted, and beginning about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, the sleet began. Hours later, it stopped, only to begin again this morning. The winter storm warning has been extended until 4 p.m.

When I look toward the lake, all I see is blurry patterns as every window and deck door are iced over. The good news–no outside work. The bad–yesterday’s Tigers’ baseball game was cancelled and rescheduled for today as part of a double-header. It appears both games today will be cancelled, too. Oh well!

My Work in Progress

I finished my first edit of Dangerous Alliance. It’s currently at 102,425 words and yesterday I began reading a paper copy of the story, going word by word and making changes and corrections, which will be transferred to the manuscript when I finish. With the storm and cancelled ball games, no guessing what I’ll be doing today.

Here’s a bit more from New World Revolution:

Sails dropped as the Wester rocked on the gentle waves. After seven weeks crammed into the hold, surviving on foul water and inedible hard tack and salt pork, dozens of immigrants from throughout England and Scotland pushed onto the deck, hopeful for a glimpse of their new land.

Hannah ducked beneath outstretched arms and reached the railing. She gazed at the spectacle as her mother joined her.

“Mama, ‘tis so different from home. So many people and buildings—how will we find our way?”

***

A tall, black man stood to the side, his hand blocking the sun’s rays as he watched the stream of humanity, hugging a few possessions to their chests, making their way down the narrow gangplank. Jostled by two new arrivals, he bowed his head, and stepped out of their way, as they shoved past. William and his sons hurried up to him. He stared at the man before putting out his hand. “You must be Abraham. My name’s William, and these are my sons, Thomas and George. Master Sutton described you in a letter to his brother.”

Abraham removed his hat and shook his head. “No offense to you, but ‘tis better not to shake my hand in public. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Why is that?”

“Der’s a law in Boston dat says if a black man hits a white man, he receives a severe whipping. I don’t touch white folks so der’s no mistake. I keep myself to myself, don’t need no trouble.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

This week I finished reading Shark Bait, the eight novel in the Aristotle Socarides series by Paul Kemprecos. As with his previous stories, Paul has created another fast-paced plot. “Soc” finds himself in trouble with criminals through no fault of his own. After he loses his vehicle and his boat is already down due to engine problems, he answers a call for a boat captain to work on a film set.

What could go wrong driving a boat while a movie is being made? As always, problems seem to escalate when Soc is around. I won’t spoil the story, so no more about what happens. However, I must say, once again Pauls’ larger-than-life characters and riveting plot had me turning the pages far into the night. I look forward to reading Soc’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.

Charlie De Luca – check out Charlie’s blog and learn more about life, his writing, and horses!

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

That brings us to the end for another week. I hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing and reading.  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 1, 2018

Randall Krzak

Last night I watched a thrilling Final Four basketball game between one of my favorite, the University of Michigan, and Loyola Chicago. Although Michigan jumped out to a lead, Loyola quickly fought back and twice led by ten points. However, the Michigan team proved too tough and eventually clawed back, winning by a twelve-point margin. Commiserations to Loyola and congratulation to Michigan!

The final game of the 2017-2018 NCAA men’s basketball season will determine this year’s national champion. Will it be Michigan or Villanova, who blew past Kansas? It should be an exciting finish to the season.

This past Thursday was supposed to be the season opening for the Detroit Tigers. However, Mother Nature had something to say about baseball being played in March in Michigan. The game was delayed until Friday. Although the Pittsburgh Pirates were the victors 13-10, it was a great game.

Mother Nature came back yesterday, delaying the game until today, when the two teams will play a double-header to close out their only meeting of 2018. I hope she lets them play!

My Work in Progress

Not much to say about Dangerous Alliance as I continue to edit. My current plan is to complete the editing process by the middle of May and begin submitting to a number of publishers.

As promised last week, here’s a snippet from one of my other works in progress, New World Revolution:

“Mary, I—” William placed his hands on the table’s patterned woodgrain surface and lowered his head.

“What is the matter?” Mary’s eyes widened. “Has something happened?”

“The crops—I don’t know what we will do.” He lifted his head, tears brimming. “We work hard on our land each year to provide our due to Tobias Sutton, and still have enough left for us to live on and perhaps sell a bit to buy what we might need. This year, we can’t even pay Tobias.”

Mary gathered her apron in her hands, twisting the stained cloth into knots. “There must be something. Talk with Sir Percy’s agent. We’ve been faithful tenants. Perhaps he’ll help.”

“Yes. I’ll seek him on the morrow at the castle and explain our problem. I must make him understand.”

Mary stood and walked over to William, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Husband, you’re a good man. This must be a test from the Lord. You’ll see us through.”

***

“William, what can I do for you today? Is this Thomas? He’s growing into a fine young man, your double.”

“Thank you, Master Sutton. I’ve come because, er, ah well, I have a problem.”

“Most of the tenants have troubles this year. A blight or whatever pestilence is causing payment shortages.” Tobias stared at William. “’Tis the same for you?”

He nodded, ashamed to look Tobias in the face. “Yes, most of the wheat and turnips are spoiled.”

“An issue for everyone. In normal times, I can help out the better tenant farmers, but this year … I can’t make any promises.”

“I—I understand, Master Sutton. I wanted you to know. The boy and I will bring you the best of the crops and try to sell the rest at the market. I hope we can meet our due.”

“Bring what you can in three days’ time. If suitable, they will be used in the castle. Otherwise, I’ll be at the market with you.”

Perhaps more next week.

Books I’m Reading

I recently finished Stoddard’s Gold by John Rose Putnam. Set during the mid-1880s, we join John’s well-crafted characters in the California mountains, searching for the elusive shiny metal–gold.

This novella has everything–good guys, bad guys, a possible budding romance, with plenty of intense drama. For me personally, the story was too short, but John could easily make this into a full novel and create even more intrigue. This was the first story I’ve read of John’s and it won’t be the last.

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.

Moran Communications – The Write Stuff – the author of numerous fiction and non-fiction works, check out his blog, books, and his suggestions for writers.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing and reading.  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, March 18, 2018

Randall Krzak

March Madness, one of the most intense sporting events began this week. From an initial field of 68 teams divided into four brackets, the top NCAA basketball teams face of in a single-elimination tournament to determine the annual number one team.

My two favorites, from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, won their first round battles. UM played their second round game last night–haven’t watched it yet, but will so this evening. MSU tips offs this afternoon, but I’ll watch that one after the UM game.

While this exciting finale to the college basketball season gets underway, it also won’t be long before baseball fans begin wearing their favorite jerseys and flocking to the stadiums to support their teams. The Detroit Tigers’ opening game in on the 29th of March. Hope it warms up a bit!

My Work in Progress

Over the past week I continued to edit Dangerous Alliance. Progress is moving along at a rapid pace, with about fifty percent completed to a level where I would send it to an agent or publisher. Still plenty of work to do.

My mind’s also been ticking over a synopsis for another new story. This one will have to wait quite a while before I begin working on it, but I’ll make note of what’s come to me for future reference. As soon as I finish Dangerous Alliance, I think it’ll be time to revisit A Cartel’s Revenge and pick up where I left off. I was working on chapter ten, the most of my three other works-in-progress. I’d like to get the draft completed by the end of the year.

Books I’m Reading

I’m reading two novels at the moment, one by Brad Thor and the other by Blair Howard. I hope to bring my thoughts about these two next week. I’ll also check through my notes to find out if I’ve missing any–I think I have.

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. Check out these friends of mine:

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.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing and reading.  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, March 11, 2018

Randall Krzak

This morning I felt very tired when I got up. The normal sunrise wasn’t there, just a glimpse of what might be. Then I remembered, Daylight Savings Time! No wonder, just moving the clocks ahead can cause a bit of time disturbance. Never mind, a day or two and things will be normal again.

Despite the clock change, Mother Nature is doing her best to remind us she’s still in control. Only eighteen more days to the first home baseball game of the season!

My Work in Progress

Over the past week I was able to get back to my writing. Of utmost importance to me is completing the editing process on Dangerous Alliance. Therefore, I concentrated on editing (and drinking coffee). About twenty-five percent of the novel is now edited to a level I would pass to a publisher. This doesn’t mean editing is completed as there will always be minor tweaks made. But, at least I’m satisfied with my progress.

Books I’m Reading

I recently finished reading A Time of Fear, the third novel in the Time Magnet series by Russell Moran. Once again our time-traveling band, referred to as The Thanksgiving Gang, whisk around to save the United States from another devastating terrorist attack.

Because of their time travel, the team knows what will happen–multiple nuclear bombs will be set off. Their dilemma: they have no idea where the bombs are located. Join the gang as they attempt to unravel this latest threat. Once again, Russell has created a realistic plot with characters who will grow on you. He also springs an unsuspecting surprise on readers of the series. I won’t spoil the surprise, so you’ll have to grab a copy and find out yourself. Another fast-moving novel from an excellent storyteller. I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

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, December 31, 2017

Randall Krzak

As we move into a new year, I hope everyone is blessed with better health and prosperity. Happy New Year to one and all!

My Work in Progress

This week I continued to concentrate on reciprocal reviews for those who have worked so hard on my behalf regarding Dangerous Alliance. Reviews are still coming in as readers go through the final chapters. As of yesterday evening, there were a total of 709 chapter reviews!

Books I’m Reading

Over the past two or three weeks, I’ve finished a number of novels. It’ll take a couple of weeks to get every review posted. There is one in particular I’ll mention today, as it is the debut novel of M.D. Neu, and will be released tomorrow.

MD Neu has created a credible cast of characters, leading the way with Duncan Alexander and Juliet de Exter. One of several people called to Juliet’s mansion, it turns out Duncan is the chosen one. But will he accept his calling? He can have it all, but does he want to become a vampire?

MD’s story covers all facets–love, action, suspense–as well as good and evil. Hang onto yourself and enjoy a superb ride with Duncan as he explores a new life. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

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.

Reader’s Abode – Check out the bi-weekly blogs from the site’s group of international writers (including yours truly). Plenty of new things to read no matter what genre you prefer.

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 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, November 12, 2017

Randall Krzak

We had our first dusting of snow for the new ‘winter’ season. Only about half an inch, just enough to cover most of the ground. With cold daytime temperatures hovering around freezing (32F, 0C) and nighttime much lower (8F, -13C), it’s no wonder it took several days for even this small amount of snow disappear.

Today, we’re off to a gloomy start, but nothing a cup of coffee or two won’t brighten. The sky is gray and so is the water. No hint of the sun, which must be up there someplace. With the leaves shed from the trees, it does paint a bleak picture but onward we go!

With the colder weather, we’re receiving more visitors at the apple tree feeders. Blue jays, cardinals, black-eyed chickadees, juncos, an occasional tree sparrow. Two different woodpeckers dropped by as well. It’s always a treat to glance out the window to see who has dropped by.

My Work in Progress

There’s always a positive side to inclement weather for a writer. Outdoor chores are put on hold, allowing more time with paper and pen (okay, a computer these days, but what the heck?).

Despite November being the annual NaNoWriMo competition, reviews of my latest manuscript, Dangerous Alliance, keep flowing, now up to 558 chapter reviews. A couple of faithful reviewers asked me to keep posting as they like to read several chapters in a row and not wait for the eventual announcements of a new post.

I agreed with them and it’s a good thing the words have been flowing. Over the past week, I completed six more chapters, leaving me five remaining to complete the first draft. Once the final chapters are completed, the hard work will begin–editing.

Here’s another sample from Dangerous Alliance:

Two men pulled the tent flaps open, allowing Busuri and Looshan to enter. Knives drawn, they rushed to the sleeping foreigners.

George stirred, eyes opening when the hilt of a dagger clipped the side of his head. “What? Who’s there?”

A hand covered George’s mouth as a dagger traced a line down his chin to his throat.

“Sshhh. Make a sound—you die.”

***

Several hours later, a phone rang twice before someone answered. “This is the British Embassy in Nairobi. How may I direct your call?”

“Hello, I’m Ian Jones, the Jujubba Refugee Camp coordinator near Malindi. We need help. There’s been a kidnapping!”

A bit more next week.

Books I’m Reading

I recently completed the first two novels in the new Ryan Kaine series by Kerry Donovan. I’ve already been an avid reader of Kerry’s DCI Jones Casebook series, so I could wait to get started.

I believe Kerry has taken his writing to a new level with his new series. The first one, Ryan Kaine: On The Run, grabbed me from the beginning. Holy smokes! Set up by his superiors, Ryan blasts a commercial airliner out of the sky. Not content with tricking Ryan into doing something he would never have voluntarily done, the boss sends out thugs to ensure Ryan remains quiet—permanently.

With eighty-three innocent deaths on his hands and guilt threatening to overwhelm him, Ryan sets out to prove his innocence. Will his skills, instincts, as well as new and old friends, be enough to spur him on?

With realistic characters an exciting plot, and riveting action, I found it difficult to put down. I wanted Ryan to succeed in his mission. An excellent beginning to this exciting new series.

After finishing this story, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, Ryan Kaine: On The Rocks. Kerry stepped up the action, having a somewhat vindicated Ryan traveling to Scotland to rescue the younger brother of one of the fatalities from the airliner. On a school outing, he’s missing on a Scottish mountain. Ryan infiltrates a rescue team to lend his knowledge of the area and his skills. The team took him at his word, until the schoolteacher leading the outing recognizes Ryan.

With Ryan’s identity revealed, he escapes and works his way up the mountain. Climb with him as he scales steep cliffs until he finds the boy. I read this one even faster than the first one; I was so enthralled with the plot. For those who love thrillers, the Ryan Kaine is a series not to miss!

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.

Reader’s Abode – Check out the bi-weekly blogs from the site’s group of international writers (including yours truly). Plenty of new things to read no matter what genre you prefer. Click on the events tab to learn about our exciting book give-away! My interview with Kerry Donovan is now posted (along with the reviews listed above of his Ryan Kaine series).

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. I won’t say any more just now as my review will be posted next week. It’s a great story and one not to miss. Available now on Amazon.com.

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!

© 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.