It’s been a busy week with the Xmas market still underway. We’ll be participating through Monday, while some of the vendors will remain through Christmas Eve.
We received a fantastic Christmas present on Thursday–Craig arrived from Washington, D.C., for three weeks! It’s great to have him with us.
Here’s this week’s quote (Compliments of http://www.wisdomquotesandstories.com/): “In Life, it’s not where you go. It’s who you travel with.”
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 19th, the third Sunday of the month. (Compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):
Su Tung-p’o, China, poet/essayist/painter/calligrapher; William Bowyer, English printer; Manuel Breton de los Herreros, Quel Spain, poet/comic playwright; Italo Svevo, Trieste Austria, Italian novelist (La Coscienza di Zeno); F S Flint, translator/poet (imagist movement); Ingeborg Refling-Hagen, Norwegian author/poet (Loke Saar Havre); Maurice Roelants, Flemish novelist and poet (Komen en gaan, Prayer for a Good End); Oliver [Hazard Perry] La Farge, American anthropologist and novelist; Theo Harych, German writer; H Allen Smith, Ill, humorist/author (Low Man on Totem Pole); Jean Genet, French novelist (The Thief’s Journal, Our Lady of the Flowers) and playwright (The Balcony, The Maids); Jose Lezama Lima, poet/novelist; Adriaan van der Veen, Dutch writer (Sister at Sea); Benedict Freedman, novelist and mathematician (Mrs Mike); Michel Tournier, French writer (Friday, or, The Other Island); Tankred Dorst, German playwright; James Booth [David Geeves], British actor and screenwriter (Zulu, Keeping Mum); Howard Sackler, American screenwriter; Salvador Elizondo, Mexican writer; Jean-Patrick Manchette, French thriller writer (3 to Kill, The Prone Gunman); Michelangelo Signorile, American writer; Jon Smith, British writer; and Patrick Casey, American screenwriter and actor.
Any names familiar to you? I admit I didn’t find anyone I knew. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!
My Published Work
All of my novels are participating in a Thrilling Christmas promotion, running from now through Christmas Day. With ninety novels available, there’s bound to me something for that special someone on your Christmas list or even for yourself, but you’ll have to hurry!
My Work in Progress
With all of the time at the Christmas market, I haven’t had much time to write. However, I began working on a new manuscript for Frozen Conquest. More about this one in the future. A total of bube chapter reviews came in this week, bringing the total to 442. Definitely some great comments to enhance my writing.
Here’s another snippet:
Yusuuf escorted Ajit and Imran into the living room, returning moments later with a plate of sliced fruit and cups of tea.
After exchanging pleasantries, Vladimir motioned for them to sit. “What can I do for your today?”
Ajit sipped his tea and set the cup down. “First, our apologies for the incident during our meeting by Bahawalpur. We thought it best to come to you here to continue our discussions.”
“The council agreed we would speak on their behalf, and they would accept whatever arrangements we make.” Imran picked up a mango slice and took a bite. “We are uncertain how the attackers found out about our meeting, but we shall find out. Even if it was one of our own, he will be dealt with.”
Vladimir waved a hand in dismissal. “In our line of work, there are always interruptions. Nothing to be concerned about.” He stared at Ajit and Imran in turn. “I believe there might be a way to bring India and Pakistan together to resolve the Punjabi situation. However, there will be bloodshed.”
Ajit leaned closer. “What do you propose?”
“First, we begin with peaceful protests on either side of the border. These will become more intense as time passes. Minor attacks will take place, escalating until the military forces of each country are involved.” Vladimir stared at the ceiling. “We’ll need someone to organize peace talks between India and Pakistan, but this can be arranged later.”
“India and Pakistan are always talking and making threats.” Ajit pursed his lips. “Why should this be any different? Kashmir is still a disputed territory without a resolution in sight. Why should they agree to resolve the Punjab situation?”
Mishka tapped the side of his nose. “We’ll make them.”
“How?” A puzzled expression creased Imran’s face. “I don’t understand.”
“We have a weapon which will wreak havoc on Pakistan and India’s financial centers. If they do not agree to our terms, we will destroy their economies.”
Imran glanced at Ajit. “What is this weapon?”
“It will be revealed to you only if the situation requires its use.” Vladimir crossed his arms and leaned back on the sofa.
Ajit nodded. “This is agreeable to us. When shall we begin?”
“Mishka will take a team into India. Please provide the name of a contact in Chandigarh, so we can coordinate the protests. I will lead the team here—we’ll set up in Lahore.”
“We have such a contact—Vedant Mohdi. He works in Chandigarh’s civic administration but believes in uniting Punjab.” Ajit smiled. “He is one of my wife’s cousins and can be trusted.”
“Excellent.” Vladimir tilted his head. As if any of them can be trusted—we’ll have to be alert for treachery. “I think we’re in agreement. We’ll move our teams into position within ten days.”
More next time.
This brings us to an end for another week as I need to get ready for today’s market. I hope you found something of interest. 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 hope you drop in again. Merry Christmas to all!
© Copyright 2021 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
Sylvia Grace’s debut book, 
Sylvia Grace’s debut book, 
A bit more news about Carnage in Singapore. It is now on the official semi-finalist list for the 2019 Chanticleer International Book Awards, competing in the global thriller category.
Editing work continues on A Cartel’s Revenge, although I mentioned last time the title would be adjusted. It’s now called Colombian Betrayal (A Bruce and Smith Thriller: Book 1) which is more fitting for how the story has actually turned out.
Thus far this year, I’ve concentrated on editing A Cartel’s Revenge. My first edit pass is almost completed, and I’ve added around 3,000 words to the story. I’ve lined up seven beta readers, too. They’ll receive a copy as soon as the first edit is completed so I can adjust the story based on their feedback.
of the first six chapters have been completed. To date, they’ve received sixty-six reviews on the two online subscription writing sites I use. Excellent suggestions as always to enhance my stories.