Tag: weather

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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, 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, October 1, 2017

Randall Krzak

In the past eight days, we’ve seen the thermometer reach the high for the year (91F) and drop over thirty degrees to yesterday’s 59F. Wave action on the lake has been as varied as the temperature, with three-foot waves crashing against the shore and today’s almost mirror-like calm. At least there’s been on thing consistent–the sunrises have been superb. We began this morning with a brisk 38F and are climbing towards the forecast high of 64F. Plenty of sunshine so it’ll be a good day!

The wildlife continues to visit, seemingly oblivious to these changes. I was sitting in a chair in back of the house yesterday, when a young white-tailed deer buck sauntered by. He couldn’t have been more than twenty feet from me. An incredible sight!

My Work in Progress

I’ve been on fire with my writing the past three or four weeks. I finished chapter 27 of Dangerous Alliance and posted it for review. After spending a bit of time making adjustments to the remainder of my outline, I’ve also started on the next chapter.

We held another garage sale yesterday. As I’ve been doing, I have a small table set up with a couple of my novels, The Kurdish Connection, along with several business cards. I don’t mention anything but most people check the table out. Some make comments such as, “Oh, you’re a writer” while others don’t say anything but take a card. Yesterday, another individual wanted a signed copy. It’s always a great feeling when this happens.

I’m also assisting two writers with editing of their work, so I didn’t do much more on my own. Still, it’s been a good week. I hope it continues so I can achieve my goal of completing the entire first draft by the end of the year.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

Loud engines noises drowned out whatever the man planned to say. Dacar rushed to a window as two military aircraft circled the ship. “I think the Americans called those planes Hornets.”

“What should we do?” The young man’s eyes widen with fear at the mention of the American aircraft. “Go ou—”

***

“They must be satisfied we’re not the missing Zeus.” Dacar laughed. “Good thing we changed the name as quick as we did.”

“Yes. Should I continue searching for the missing crewmen?” Sahid shoved his knife back in its sheath.

“Not yet. I want to speak with Tahliil and ask his opinion.”

***

Three hours ago, U.S. Naval aircraft located an oil tanker proceeding in established shipping lanes towards India. They identified the ship as the Zebu, flying a Bahamian flag. No sign of the Zeus.

Maintain current operation with Greek frigate. Will advise.

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I recently finished reading Loch: A Dane Maddock Adventure, by David Wood. Not sure how I stumbled across this as it’s the ninth in the series when I usually like to start with the first one.

I couldn’t ask for a better adventure story. Two former SEALs turn treasure hunters end up seeking treasure in Scotland. Plenty of action as Maddock and Bones assist others in trying to uncover a treasure, which might be guarded by the Loch Ness monster.

David has created excellent and realistic characters. As soon as I finished reading this adrenaline rush, I did what I should have done before–started with book one. Needless to say, I’m hooked on David’s writing style and his plots. More to come as I continue to read this 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, with everything else going on, I didn’t have an opportunity to check out anything new. Hopefully, I’ll have something to share next week.

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, September 24, 2017

Randall Krzak

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the September or Autumnal Equinox began on Friday. Someone forgot to inform Mother Nature. In the past three days, we’ve had temperatures ranging from 89F to 91F. Certainly not fall weather, but I won’t complain. During the summer, we only had a single day reach 90F, and that was on June 12th!

Today’s supposed to be a bit cooler, only 83F, with more seasonal temperatures returning by the end of the coming week. At least there’s still plenty of sunshine!

My Work in Progress

It’s been another good week regarding my progress with Dangerous Alliance. I completed another chapter (26) and started on the next. Since I hope to complete the entire first draft by the end of the year, this is good news. However, I’ll have to step it up to achieve my goal.

In addition to working on Dangerous Alliance, I spent a bit of time casting characters for Carnage in Singapore, the next novel in the Bedlam series. The initial synopsis is already completed, I know where the Bedlam team will be headquartered, and at least one individual stepped forward to be on the operational team.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

Stavros grinned, his teeth covered with blood. “What’s the matter? Are my men too smart for you?” Stavros spat on the deck to clear his mouth.

Sahid placed the point of his knife under the captain’s left eye. “How did they escape? Where did they go?”

***

“Commander, a signal from the South Africans.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Commander Ben Pierce, commanding officer of HMS Snapdragon, a type-45 destroyer, glanced at the short paragraph before handing the paper back.

“Seems the Somali pirates might be causing problems again, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, sir. Shall we give pursuit?”

Commander Pierce laughed at Lieutenant Smith’s enthusiasm. “Since we don’t know where the Zeus is, how do you propose we give pursuit? Pass the word to Navy Command Headquarters. We’ll wait for orders.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I’ve been on a roll reading novels by Paul Kemprecos. Recently, I finished Death in Deep Water, the third in the Aristotle Socarides series. The college dropout, former Marine, former Boston detective continues to stumble along with his private eye business, at least when Aristotle’s not out fishing.

As with the first two in the series, this is another fast-paced read with plenty of action from beginning to end. This time “Soc” might be in the water over his head, when he’s hired by an aquatic park to clear a staff member of murder. Sounds something made for a private eye–except the supposed culprit is Rocky, a ten-ton killer whale!

With the help of a beautiful dolphin trainer, Soc gets to work. In the background, someone is trying to stop him at all costs. Just when you think you know who is behind the entire plot, another suspect arises. A great story, filled with plenty of twists and turns. I can’t wait to read the next one!

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.

Authors Interviews – Fiona Mcvie interviews the authors she loves to read. This week it’s my turn!

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, September 10, 2017

Randall Krzak

A golden orb hanging in a background of reds and blues sprinkles its rays across the calm waters. Quite a contrast to what’s been happening in the Caribbean and in Florida, not to mention the huge earthquake in Mexico. Let’s hope the other formed hurricanes dissipate without causing any further death and destruction. When you have a moment, please think about those who have been caught up in Mother Nature’s extreme forces.

My Work in Progress

Despite a bevy of activities to keep me busy, I finally completed chapter 23 of Dangerous Alliance and posted it to the two subscription writing sites I use. My readers are being their true selves, letting me know what works and what might need a tweak or too. One did manage to point out what definitely worked: “Wow! That ending … so stunning.”

I’ve already started the next chapter, pulling some threads together from earlier ones. As always, there might me another twist and we learn a bit more about a bumbling character introduced earlier as well as meeting a new pompous one.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

“Yes, sir.” Kim sighed. “I lost him.”

Sung stomped his foot and slammed a fist into the palm of his other hand. “How can you lose him? He’s a pathetic, dumb-witted man. You’re an intelligence officer. Are you saying he’s smarter than you?”

***

“Thank you, Supreme Leader. This makes me happy.” Why does he keep torturing me? He should give my family back.

“Do as you’re told without any further mishap.” Sung stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “You know the penalty.”

***

“You must know, as a senior official for our Supreme Leade—”

“On this ship, I am the supreme leader. You will do as I say. Or, I’ll toss you overboard.”

***

Soo nodded. I hope we don’t get sick on this floating garbage pit. “Lead on, Kim.”

“We must keep a sharp eye on the captain and is crew. There’s something—I don’t trust them.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

Last week I finished reading the sequel to Cool Blue Tomb by Paul Kemprecos. It’s called Neptune’s Eye and was every bit as good as the first story in the series. Aristotle Socarides continues his somewhat meandering approach to life while at the same time delves into a missing person case.

Just when I thought I had figured out the identity of the culprit, Paul throws another wrench into the story. As a result, Aristotle must follow new clues to bring his latest adventure to a satisfying conclusion despite various obstacles.

In my humble opinion, Paul has created a fast-paced yet easy-to-read series. I’m looking forward to reading Aristotle’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. Unfortunately, I don’t have any new links to share with you this week.

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, September 3, 2017

Randall Krzak

Let’s hope the water subsided in Texas and Louisiana so people and pets can begin putting their lives back together. Mother Nature can certainly unleash a storm with a vengeance.

For readers in the U.S., I hope your Labor Day weekend is off to a good start. Considered the official end of summer, children will be heading back to school next week if they didn’t already start during the past few days. 

We had excellent weather yesterday, with more promised for today. Bright skies, temperatures in the low 70s, and just the occasional hint of a breeze–a great way to begin September. Hope the forecasters have it right as we plan to hold another garage sale.

My Work in Progress

My writing has slowed over the past couple of weeks due to unavoidable external circumstances. Therefore, chapter 23 of Dangerous Alliance isn’t quite ready to post for my reviewers to critique. Perhaps over the next few days.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

“Move.” The man pointed to his left, away from the crowds.

***

A hand grabbed his shoulder.

Soo gasped and swung at the unknown assailant.

The man caught Soo’s arm in mid-swing. “Ambassador Soo. What are you doing?”

“I-It’s you.”

“Yes. We were supposed to meet fifteen minutes ago.” Kim gave Soo a glance from head to toe. “Did something happen?”

“No. Yes.” Soo’s shoulders sagged. “T-The men who kidnapped me. They’re here.”

Kim glanced around. “Where?

***

“We must put our story together. Sung will ask why we stayed out of contact for several days. He might ask both of us.”

“I can understand him asking me, Kim, but why you? You’re my aide, nothing more.”

“True, but Sung is devious when he suspects anyone.” If you realized the truth, you’d require more than tea. When do you meet with our leader?”

“In two days.”

Perhaps a bit more next time.

Books I’m Reading

As promised a couple of posts ago, here are my thoughts regarding Neptune Island by Tony Reed. This is a fast-paced adventure, with Mr. Reed’s Lincoln Monk leading the way throughout the adventure. Set on an Asian island, Monk, a former police officer, is embroiled in a billionaire’s plot to lull the world into his way of thinking until it’s too late.

Neptune Island is an easy read, with plenty of action from the first page until the finale. While sometimes, things might seem to be turning worse for Monk and his associates, it’s hard to put this one down.

I also read Cool Blue Tomb by Paul Kemprecos. I’ve already read some of his work when he collaborated with Clive Cussler, but this was the first time I’ve read a novel solely written by Paul. I can certainly understand by Mr. Cussler decided to work his him!

A college dropout, former marine, ex-cop turned private eye, Aristotle Socarides stumbles from one precarious situation to another. Unlike some main characters who never get a scratch, Aristotle is frequently on the wrong end of an altercation. Despite this, he takes us on a journey through Cape Cod as he puts aside his day job as a fisherman to search for buried treasure to uphold his family’s honor. I enjoyed this story so much I’ve already read 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.

Readers Abode – Our second collection of short stories and poetry has now been released. Drop by for a read–there’s bound to be a genre of interest for you!

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, August 13, 2017

Randall Krzak

Today marks the last day of the 15th annual Michigan Yard Sale Trail, spanning more than 200 miles. Although it officially begins on a Friday, many people now start setting up and selling on Thursday.

Friday and Saturday saw intermittent thunderstorms and hail, but Mother Nature couldn’t detract from the large numbers of people out searching for bargains or just having a wander. Today, the weather is supposed to be partly sunny with a high of 75F, a perfect day for checking out the sales.

We’ve met people from throughout Michigan and Canada at our tables. While we do like to sell things, most times the conversations are just as enjoyable. I even sold one autographs copy of The Kurdish Connection!

My Work in Progress

With all of the prep work for the annual sales, I didn’t manage to do as much writing as planned. However, the draft of chapter 22 of Dangerous Alliance is now completed and will be posted in a few days.

The Kurdish Connection recently received its tenth five-start review on Amazon. This one came from Preston Holtry, the author of the Morgan Westphal mystery series and the ARRIUS trilogy.

“The Kurdish Connection delivers a fast paced, Adrenalin charged tale of conspiracy, espionage and terrorism. The plot is diabolical and will keep you on the edge to the very end. Randall Krzak is a writer whose background has given him the knowledge and technical skills to craft a compelling novel requiring a seat belt while you read it. I look forward to more from this author.”

Any author would be thrilled with this kind of feedback. Perhaps you’ll be my next reviewer?

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

Hasan shook Gari. His slumped body slid toward the door, Gari’s head on his chest. When Hasan tried to move him, he pulled his hand back.

Blood.

“Allah, help us!”

Gari groaned as he placed a bloody hand on Hasan. “Time … to … leave—” Gari passed out.

***

Hasan continued out of the city, not stopping until he approached the area where they rested overnight. Of the eight men entering Kismaayo in these two Land Rovers, two fled the scene, battered and bruised, but for now, alive.

They wept.

***

Samatar brought the damaged Land Rover to a halt. He struggled to open the door, which fell off its hinges. Losing his balance, he fell into the sand.

Hasan rushed to his side. “Where are the others?”

Samatar coughed, blood seeping out of his mouth. “Tell … tell them we died with bravery in our hearts.” The man’s head lolled to the side as his body sagged.

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

With yard work and yard/garage sale preparation taking up a good portion of the week, I wasn’t able to prepare my thoughts about the novel I recently finished reading. Next time, I’ll have a review of Jack Du Brul’s The Lightning Stones and Neptune Island by Tony Reed.

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.

Tai Baker – this is a newly established website/blog by a musician and author. On Mondays, Tai will be posting about the various aspects of novel writing and from time-to-time, interviews with other authors. Check it out!

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, July 30, 2017

Randall Krzak

This week saw the waves higher on the beach than at any time since we bought our property four years ago. Fortunately, we just had some of the grassy area cleaned to extend the beach inwards. Otherwise, we would have temporarily lost our entire beach!

KODAK Digital Still Camera

It took about three hours to clear the beach. Too windy to burn the stuff, I had to wait a couple of days for a calmer day. The day after I burned everything we had a minor repeat of the wave action–not as much to clear up. Looking good now!

My Work in Progress

Writing was slow over the past week, so chapter 22 of Dangerous Alliance is still underway. I had to spend time researching different aspects for the chapter, which cut into my writing time. I hope to have it completed and posted to the two subscriptions writing sites I use during the upcoming week. Soo will be making a revelation, so stay tuned for a snippet or two. 

In the meantime, here’s a bit more from an earlier chapter of Dangerous Alliance:

“We’ll leave tomorrow and be in place during the night. We’ll attack at dawn in two days.”

Gari nodded. “Okay, my men will hit Kismaayo at the same time. Two attacks at the same time might cause extra confusion.”

“Perhaps more difficulties if Busuri hits the refugee camp at the same time.”

“Agree, but Busuri does what he wants when he’s ready.” Gari spat out the chewed khat leaves. “Don’t know why Tahliil puts up with him.”

***

Back in the Toyota Land Cruiser, he pulled inside, followed by the other vehicles. A man jumped out of the last SUV, closed the barn doors, propping the poles back in place. He entered through a narrow side door as Harbi inspected the interior.

“Perfect. No one would suspect anyone would be hiding here.” He glanced up and studied the myriad of stars through the rafters. He turned to his men. “One hour rest and we head to our targets.”

The final vehicle remained on the bridge as 3M jumped out of the vehicle, carrying a backpack. Two others joined him, each with an identical bag.

“Come, while the others tend to their attacks, we’ll prepare our surprise.” 3M grinned at the others. “A farewell boom for when we leave Mombasa.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I recently completed Deadly Impulse by Carolyn Arnold. The sixth book in the Madison Knight detective series; this one is one of the best plots yet. Beginning with an elderly dead woman in a wheelchair found near a hospital, Madison and her detective partner Terry strive to identify the woman and how she died. Before long, more bodies appear. Is this the work of one individual or total coincidence?

While hot on the trail of myriad suspects, Terry is anxiously awaiting the birth of his first child. At the same time, Madison is trying to decide if her current lover is getting to close or is it time to finally put aside things which had happened to her in the past and move forward with her social life.

Join Madison and Terry as they deal with their personal situations and begin to unravel the threads connecting the bodies and work their way through multiple suspects. Deadly Impulse is well written and an excellent read, which will keep you guessing about the perpetrators to the very end!

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. With all the extra curricular activities this week, I didn’t have a chance to browse around. I should have something to share with you soon.

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.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

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Randall’s Ramblings, July 23, 2017

Randall Krzak

Yesterday’s rainfall was a welcome relief as it broke the high humidity, which had descended upon us. Today is somewhat cloudy, cool and crisp, although thunderstorms are predicted. Looks like I’ll escape from cutting the grass for at least another day.

Our beach is looking good after having it cleaned as I mentioned last time. The only sign of imperfection is a ragged line of flotsam tossed onto the sand by the waves. A day or so in the sun and it’ll be easy to rake up and use as kindling for a nighttime fire.

My Work in Progress

Despite the continued pressures of summer’s chores and pursuits, I finally completed chapter 21 of Dangerous Alliance. It’s now posted on the two subscription writing sites I used and reviews are beginning to appear.

The next chapter is beginning to take shape. Since I use an outline for my stories, I already had an idea of where I wanted to go next. A bit of tweaking and I’m moving forward.

Writing has continued to take a back seat to other requirements–unfortunately! But it’s important to prioritize things and as a friend used to say, ‘do the needful’ before enjoyment. So I’m still putting the final touches on the next chapter of Dangerous Alliance. While I know my reviewers would be happy to begin reading now, I don’t want to make their work any more difficult than necessary, Of course, they’re always willing to provide their suggestions.

The person I assisted with his draft chapters was delighted with my feedback. He’s already asked if I’ll continue and will be sending me the next three chapters. I’m looking forward to providing further assistance.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

“Where is the captain?” Dacar glanced around the bridge while his men detained the crew.

A small, white-haired man limped forward. “I’m the captain. Don’t hurt my men. What do you want?”

“Simple, Captain. Your ship now belongs to me. Behave, and no one will be hurt—except for the injured man who killed one of mine.”

Dacar pulled a slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to the captain. “Here are the coordinates for your new destination. Take us there. No tricks.” He pointed at the young-looking helmsman. “Or he dies.”

***

“I hope Dacar and Sahid are successful.” Harbi waved an AK-47 in the air. “These are excellent weapons, but we need more firepower and armored vehicles to take on the army.”

“What do you want? Perhaps we can make a trade.” Busuri launched a stream of spit into the shimmering sand where it sizzled in the intense heat.

“We have a few mortars, RPGs, grenades. I want—Hummers.”

Gari stared at Harbi and shook his head. “Dreamer.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I recently read Devil’s Door by AJ Wallace. The second novel in the Sideways Eight series, Devil’s Door picks up where Mindfield left off. Having successfully identified who had been killing little girls, FBI Special Agents Faraday and Murphy are now embroiled in a new case.

Brutal murders are appearing, each with a grisly similarity. The perpetrator is collecting trophies while at the same time leaving a calling card. It’s up to Charley and Sean to put an end to the trail of corpses appearing across the United States. Join them as they uncover clues leading toward the killer. What caused the attacker to commit his crimes? The answer will surprise you. Grab a copy, go to your favorite reading place, and follow our special agents as they attempt to solve another crime spree. You’ll be glad you did!

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 ran out of time this week and didn’t find anything to share with you. I hope to have something next week.

I’m afraid that’s all I have today. Hope you’ve found something of interest.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, June 18, 2017

Randall Krzak

To all the fathers out there, Happy Father’s Day!  I won’t see my son today as he lives in D.C. and came up for Mother’s Day. However, he sent me a great Father’s Day card and also an Amazon gift card. Now, I can buy some more novels to read!

My Work in Progress

The continuing improvement in the weather means more outdoor activities. I wish I could report I was doing something exciting, but I wasn’t. Cutting grass, pulling weeds, and doing some painting don’t qualify as fun, but they are things that do require regular upkeep.  The marigolds are a fantastic splash of oranges, reds, and yellows, and it won’t be long before the daisies and coneflowers will be popping out.

At least I was able to continue writing when time permitted. I haven’t finished the next chapter of Dangerous Alliance yet, but it’s well underway and should be posted to the two subscription writing sites I use by next weekend.

Two nights ago, a plot for another book popped into my head. This one will involved a former D.C. homicide detective and a former DEA agent. Perhaps later, I’ll provide a glimpse into this one.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

“Eat.” Asad stabbed at the roasted meat with a sharp knife. “Take the kibhis and I will cut you a piece of goat.”

With their first nourishing meal since being abducted, the women gobbled the bread and meat, licking the juices from their fingers.

“When you are finished, you may go to the wooden huts. The one on the left is the female toilet.” Asad nodded toward the structures. “Afterward, return to your building. Remain until the sun begins to rise.”

***

Jamiila peeked out the doorway. Men carrying torches gathered at the wall. On the ground, a body lay motionless.

Asad turned around, glaring at the captives. “I told you the penalty for trying to escape.” He kicked the body until it rolled over, face up.

Jamiila gasped—the woman chosen to lead the other group of captives. I never knew her name. She sank to her knees, covering her face. Why?

A wild animal screamed in the distance. Another howled as if recognizing the stench of death.

“Heed my warning. Or you will be like her.”

Perhaps a bit more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I’ve been finishing up a historic thriller for an author so I can provide a pre-release review. Unfortunately, I can’t share anything on this one yet. Next time I have two reviews planned: The Shadows of Terror (Patterns Book 1) by Russell Moran and Wrong Place Wrong Time by David P. Perlmutter.

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. This week, I’d like to share a link to the release of a new crime novel.

Devil’s Door – The second novel by AJ Wallace in the Sideways Eight series was released on June 15th and it’s another winner. Why not grab yourself a copy?

I’m afraid that’s all the time I have today. Hope you’ve found something of interest.  Until the next time, thank you for reading!

© Copyright 2017 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.