Tag: Short Stories

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Randall’s Ramblings, June 3, 2018

Randall Krzak

Another month has passed us by. Hard to believe how fast times speeds by. The end of May brought us superb temperatures, reaching up to 88F/31C. However, the hot weather didn’t last long. Yesterday was only 59F/15C. While this would have been fine back in April, with a drop of twenty-nine degrees in just a day or so required the use of a sweatshirt to keep warm outdoors. Oh well–Michigan weather!

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):

Sydney Smith, preacher/reformer/author; William Hone, author/bookseller (Every-Day Book); Eugeen van Oye, Flemish writer/poet (Morning Twilight); Detlev [Freiherr Friedrich A von] Liliencron, German poet; Rosa Chacel, spanish novelist; Gerard den Brabander, [Jan G Jofriet], poet (Nothing New); Louis Simmonds, bookseller; Wilfred Thesiger, explorer/writer; Pedro Mir, Dominican Poet Laureate; David Richard Holloway, literary editor; Gerhard Zwerenz, writer; Allen Ginsberg, American beat poet (Howl);  Marion Zimmer Bradley, American sci-fi author (Storm Queen); Larry McMurtry, US scriptwriter (Lonesome Dove, Pulitzer 1986); Melissa Mathison, American screenwriter (E.T.); and Lawrence Lessig, American lawyer and author.

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

My Work in Progress

My plans to finish the cast of characters for Dangerous Alliance this week didn’t work out as planned. Once again, 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. I also plan to bring another snippet or two.

Books I’m Reading

Even my evening reading and reviewing suffered this past week. All being well, I’ll be back to normal and continue providing my thoughts on the various works I’ve been 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.

Michael Kent – check out Michael’s crime novels–well worth a read.

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, 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, 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, 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, January 21, 2018

Randall Krzak

Another week has passed. At least the weather warmed up and the snow is beginning to melt. Not sure how long the above-average temperatures will last, but we’ll take what we can get.

It’s great looking out toward the lake and seeing all of the trails the deer have made in the snow. Crisscrossing every direction, it seems like a herd might have visited.

My Work in Progress

The Kurdish Connection ended up fourth in the thriller category of the 20th annual Preditors and Editors reader’s poll, sponsored by Critters / Critique.org. Not bad! If I get Dangerous Alliance released this year, then it’ll be eligible for next year’s contest.

dangerousalliance02.jpgAs promised, here is the cover for Dangerous Alliance.

I’ve now transferred reviewer comments for all forty-eight chapters. Still plenty of editing to do, but things continue to progress.

What’s the novel about?

United Nations’ sanctions are crippling North Korea. China has turned her back on her malevolent partner. The North Korean military machine is crumbling, unable to function. Oil reserves are minimal and the government seeks new alliances.

Cargo and tourist ships are disappearing along the Somali and Kenyan coastline at an alarming rate. Speeches abound in the United Nations, but inaction emboldens al-Shabaab to seek their next prize: Kenya. The terror organization controls land but requires weapons.

Soon after Bedlam Bravo is called upon to disrupt their plans, a VIP’s son is kidnapped while on a mission to aide refugees. Can they manage to disrupt the North Korean-al-Shabaab axis and save the kidnapped son?

Team leader Colonel (Ret.) Trevor Franklin leads the small international team into East Africa. Tempers flare as the team is embroiled in a political quagmire. The axis must be stopped to avert an international crisis but will it be at the expense of the VIP’s son?

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

Books I’m Reading

I  recently finished a number of novels. I’m still collating my thoughts and hope to bring you two or three reviews next time. I’m also continuing to collect new novels to read from a number of authors, so I’ll have plenty of material to share with you.

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.

MD Neu – writer and published author, Follow MD’s writing journey and check out his interviews with other authors.

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’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 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, December, 17, 2017

Randall Krzak

It’s been a snowy and cold week, causing the birds and deer to hit our feeders harder than normal. Glad to see all of the wildlife, even though we know they struggle when the ground’s covered, making it difficult for them to forage.

Even our indoor-outdoor cats have rarely ventured outside. One looks at us like we’re crazy when we open the door for him to go out. He’ll sit and stare outside, but any attempt to usher him outside is met with a quick dash to warmer areas of the house. At least the next few days are supposed to be warm enough to melt some of the snow. The ice that had formed at the shoreline began breaking up yesterday, and once again we could hear the waves crashing.

My Work in Progress

My final giveaway of The Kurdish Connection ends tonight at midnight, PST. This event is hosted on Goodreads and if you don’t have a copy, head over and enter the contest.

This week I concentrated 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.

I also did some additional research for the next chapter of Carnage in Singapore. As with all of my stories, I try to get the settings as accurate as possible, and when I haven’t been to a specific location or know someone who has, online research tools come into play.

Here’s a snippet from Carnage in Singapore:

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.

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’ve been reading a number of books but haven’t collected my thoughts yet. I hope to have one or two reviews posted next week.  In the meantime, I had the opportunity to read a short story by up and coming author, M.D. Neu, which will be released on Amazon tomorrow, December 18th.

A Dragon for Christmas is a lighthearted short story packed with plenty of emotions. Will Carmen get the dragon of her dreams for Christmas? The family and the facility staff are pulling for her, which is especially important given her curse. Like her best friend, Mattie, both use the bond with their dragons as a means to cope with their affliction. Will they always be together?

A perfect story for this time of year-bringing hope out of despair as we watch both girls mature and deal with what life tosses at them. An excellent story told in a way which is suitable for children and adults of all ages. Well done, M.D.!

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.

MD Neu – writer and published author, Follow MD’s writing journey and check out his interviews with other authors. His short story, The Reunion, is now available through Amazon, and his new story, A Dragon For Christmas, will be released tomorrow.

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, December 10, 2017

Randall Krzak

What a hectic week! First, our computer decided to die. This happened a couple of hours after I posted last week’s blog. Nothing I could do brought it back to life. That evening, we had dinner with some friends and sold another copy of The Kurdish Connection. They’ll be giving it as a Christmas present.

On Monday, I tried to have someone pull the data from the dead hard drive–no joy. I bought a replacement computer so we’re back in business. It’s amazing how much rely on them.

On Wednesday, I underwent my very first surgery. Nothing major and obviously I survived. I’m still feeling the effects of the anesthetic and the follow-on painkillers, but this too shall pass. I’m still slow on my feet and can’t lift more than ten pounds for the next six weeks–a good reason to spend more time writing.

My Work in Progress

My final giveaway of the year began on December 8th. I’ll be giving away twenty Kindle copies of The Kurdish Connection. This event is hosted on Goodreads and will run through December 17th,

I didn’t get much editing done on Dangerous Alliance this week, and with the computer crash, I have to rebuild the later chapters. Fortunately, everything is posted on the two subscription writing sites I use, so it’s a case of copying and pasting what I need. Just a hiccup in the process.

Despite the ups and downs of the week, I did manage to edit the first three chapters of Carnage in Singapore and begin working on chapter four. I’ll begin providing snippets next week.

Books I’m Reading

The First Chapter by Michael Maxwell is an interesting collection of short stories culminating in his first novel, The Whistler. I enjoyed following Michael as he shared his earlier work, giving us insight to how even as a novice writer, he clearly exhibited outstanding storytelling skills that have matured as time passed. While this is the first of his work I’ve read, it won’t be the last. Many thanks for sharing your journey with us.

The Romanov Ransom by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell didn’t disappoint. Clive has been one of my favorite authors for years, and this one is another excellent journey by Sam and Remi Fargo. With plenty of twists and turns, lifelike characters and a compelling plot, all Cussler fans should enjoy this one, too.

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.

MD Neu – writer and published author, Follow MD’s writing journey and check out his interviews with other authors. His short story, The Reunion, is now available through Amazon, and his new story, A Dragon For Christmas, will be released this month.

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