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Randall’s Ramblings, May 28, 2017

Randall Krzak

The last Monday of May is Memorial Day–an American federal holiday set aside to honor those who died while serving in the armed forces. Unofficially, the Memorial Day weekend is the start of the summer vacation season and this year was no exception.

Mother Nature played her part in starting the weekend off with good weather, at least along Lake Huron. The sounds of multiple lawn mowers filled the air as ‘fair weather’ owners opened their homes and tackled grass last cut the previous fall. Powerboats and kayaks dotted the water’s edge, while barbecues provided nourishment. Last night, camp fires and fireworks brightened the evening sky.

Today began with a myriad of birds twittering away and sunshine shimmering across calm water. Not sure how long it will last, as multiple thunderstorms are predicted for today. In the meantime, no matter how you spend the weekend, enjoy yourselves.

My Work in Progress

With good weather for the past few days, writing once again had to take a backseat to other activities, such as cutting our grass, giving the beach a proper clean, and staining the deck. I also planted around 100 marigolds, to provide some color while we’re waiting for our coneflowers and daisies to mature and blossom. On tap for today, time on the riding mower as the rains have ensured a steady growth of the green stuff.

Despite the long preparations to prepare our home for the summer ahead, I still managed to continue some writing. The first draft of Dangerous Alliance, chapter twenty, is almost complete.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

Soo hung his head. “T-hey beat me. Asked me questions. If they didn’t like my answers, they hit or kicked me.”

“What did they ask?”

“One man spoke but there were four—all wearing masks. He wanted to know why I came to Victoria. I told him for a vacation. Would you open the window, please? I need fresh air.”

Kim walked to the window, pushed aside the curtains, and shoved against the frame until the window opened. He returned to Soo. “What else did this man ask?”

“He wanted to know the names of who traveled with me—I told him I was on my own.”

“What happened next?”

“Someone gave me an injection and I passed out. I awoke when you found me in the gardens.”

Kim rubbed his chin, gazing at Soo for telltale signs of a lie. He asked a final question. “Did you tell them about me?”

“No.”

“Hmm. I must make arrangements for us to return to Pyongyang. Are you sure you didn’t mention my name?”

“I’m sure. I told them my wife and sons lived in Korea but nothing else.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I’m currently finishing two books, River of Ruin by Jack Du Brul and The Thousand Years War by Angel Medina. I’m not quite finished but should have my thoughts about both books for your 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. 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, May 21, 2017

Randall Krzak

The middle of the past week brought excellent weather to our area, especially for this time of year. On Wednesday, the temperature topped out at 85F/29C, followed by 82F/28C. I thought we were on to a good thing.

The warm weather brought around the first hummingbird of the season. It couldn’t find its normal feeder, which was still in the garage, so I quickly cleaned the container and placed it in the tree. We also had a visit from our first Baltimore oriole–its special swing (where we can place orange slices) is ready to go.

Of course we saw all of our regulars who braved the cold Michigan winter, but the best surprise came on Thursday, with our first sighting since moving here four years ago.

KODAK Digital Still CameraOur first red-headed woodpecker!  What a beauty. We’ve had downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpeckers and an occasional northern flicker, but this one is definitely a keeper!

Then Friday arrived with our old friend, Mother Nature saying hello with a quick reminder of who is in charge. The temperature made it all the way to 48F/9C–brrr! To compensate, it was sunny and a bit warmer yesterday and during the early morning hours we had a spectacular thunder and lightening show!

My Work in Progress

With such great weather for at least a couple of days, writing stopped as I concentrated on outside activities, such as cutting the grass, getting rid of some dead wood, washing the siding, and preparing the deck for its semi-annual staining. I put some old fence posts and warped boards out at the roadside, and within an hour someone stopped by to see if they could have them. Needless to say, my answer was yes. It’s always better to recycle.  

Even with my writing time seriously diminished, I still managed to finish the first draft of Dangerous Alliance, chapter nineteen. Since it’s a rainy day here, I hope to finish and get it posted to the two subscription writing sites I used. There are several reviewers patiently waiting for the next installment.

Someone also sent me a suggestion for a new book. I’ve already come up with a synopsis and tentative title. I shared this with the person providing the suggestion and they like it. Another person suggested I bring a couple of characters from The Kurdish Connection into the story, which seems like a good idea. I won’t share the synopsis just yet, but my tentative title is Forgotten Daughters. Watch this space for more details.

Books I’m Reading

As I promised last week, I finished reading Jack Du Brul’s Deep Fire Rising (Philip Mercer Book 6). I always look forward to reading Jack’s novels, and this one was no exception. Through his main character, Philip Mercer, who insists he be called Mercer (and there’s a story about his reasoning behind this) we’re off on another adventure. His initial summons by the government to check out the collapse of a ‘special’ mine in Nevada leads Mercer on a deadly chase to save millions of lives.

Enter a secret society called the Order, which is reeling from a schism, and Mercer’s life is once again on the line. Only this time, he has the help of a beautiful woman named Tisha. While the premise is a bit far-fetched, I still found Mercer’s actions well-suited for the task at hand. Can the Order really predict natural disasters and will Mercer be able to prevent one before a volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami wipes out low-lying coastal areas, including the eastern coast of the U.S.? Hold onto your hats and climb on board for another action-packed thriller.

I also finished reading Brad Carl’s  Grey Areas – The Saga. This is the first work by Brad that I’ve read and I’ll be back for more. We meet a drifter named Henry who lands in a small town and manages to find work in a local store. He tries to keep to himself but before long he saves the life of an accident victim and is embroiled in a deadly drug plot.

As if he doesn’t have enough problems, his real name is released through a television program, which also stated he was on the run after murdering his boss. If Henry didn’t kill him, who did?  Brad’s created an excellent story, full of twists, turns, believable characters, and his story is hard to put down. I don’t want to be a spoiler, but f you enjoy drama and thrills, grab Brad’s saga and 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. I shared these sites last time, but thought they’re worthy of another mention.

ReadersAbode – Created by a group of writers spread across several continents, there’s sure to be something of interest. Thus far, the site contains short stories and poems written by its members, several blog posts and interviews with established authors. Or check it out on Twitter: @readersabode.

Art Galore – A virtual world of art and books! Whether you’re into art of into finding a new book to read, check out this site.

Lenka’s List – Home of creative people. An excellent website for authors and bloggers to showcase their work.

I’m afraid that’s all the time I have this overcast and rainy Sunday. 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, May 7, 2017

Randall Krzak

Brilliant sunshine bouncing off the one-foot waves this morning created a wall of intense light, making it difficult to see. When my eyes could refocus, not a cloud could be seen. A crisp morning with a slight breeze to be sure, but very welcome after several days with thick, heavy clouds and blustering winds.

And so begins another Sunday on the lake as the waves continue to smooth the sand, having removed the stones which infiltrated over the past couple of weeks. Now there is a smooth beach, untouched by humans, with a thin line of nature’s refuse along the shore. Easy to clean up and make the beach perfect!

My Work in Progress

In case you missed it, The Lakeshore Guardian, a monthly newspaper on the Thumb of Michigan provided a review of The Kurdish Connection. It’s now linked on my publisher’s website, Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLC (just click on their name to link to the article). They also added a worthy sentence: “Randall Krzak’s novel of the Kurd’s struggle against Turkey, THE KURDISH CONNECTION, is so relevant that it reads like today’s headline news.”

Despite a myriad of external tasks this week, I still managed to squeeze in more writing on Dangerous Alliance. The first draft of chapter eighteen is now complete and will be posted in the next couple of days so my reviewers can check it out.  All other works on other projects are on hold until I at least complete Dangerous Alliance‘s overall first draft.

Here’s another snippet for you:

Light filtered through narrow slats nailed across a window. Dust particles shimmered in the sun’s beams, creating a pattern in the air. A body slumped on the concrete floor stirred.

Ooh. Aah.

He pushed himself to a kneeling position. A whimper escaped from swollen lips. Eyes mere slits, black and blue streaks surrounded them. Dried blood crusted his upper lip. He collapsed again.

Soo struggled to his feet. He wrapped the blanket closer and glanced around the room. A closed gunmetal gray door was centered on the wall opposite the blocked window. Near the door, an armless chair, his clothes in a neat stack.

A door slammed. Footsteps. Voices, growing louder.

“What’s the meaning of this? Who are you? Why did you kidnap me?”

Four men, faces hidden behind latex party masks formed a semi-circle in front of him. One retrieved the chair, placing it under the light. “Sit.”

Perhaps more next week.

Books I’m Reading

I finished David L. Golemon’s The Mountain: An Event Group Thriller.  The tenth book in the series, for me this was one of his best. While very different from other books in the series, this one centered on a historical artifact, one of the first obtained by the Group. Set during the Civil War, President Lincoln sends a group of Yankees and Rebels on what might possibly be a total folly.

Experience the intense emotions of the Northerners and Southerners as they steam away from the fighting. Escaping from British and French warships, they eventually end up in the Black Sea. Their destination–Mount Ararat and the fabled Ark. A professor who has witnessed the Ark first hand is sent with the team (along with some foreign spies who infiltrated the professor’s team), which begins to experience untimely and inexplicable deaths, even before landing on the shores of Trabzon.

While a bit slow to start, the pace rapidly picks up and like David’s other books, I couldn’t put it down. This isn’t just a tale about Noah’s Ark but also about the beliefs and devastation the Civil War launched upon the country. A worthy read!

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.

ReadersAbode – Don’t forget to check this site out. Created by a group of writers spread across several continents, there’s sure to be something of interest. Thus far, the site contains short stories and poems written by its members, several blog posts and interviews with established authors. Or check it out on Twitter: @readersabode. The next bi-weekly posting will be out sometime today.

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.

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, April 30, 2017

Randall Krzak

As April draws to a close, Mother Nature certainly pulled a fast one on me! This past Wednesday, the thermometer registered 75F/24C. What a great day to work outdoors! The next day was almost the same, so I managed to rake the beach, cut some grass, and clear a good portion of the bluff.

Imagine my surprise yesterday. I needed a coat and my wool hat to keep warm. I did tackle more outdoor work, but it was very windy with a high temperature of 46F/8C, but with the wind chill, it felt much colder.  So much for spring–being from Michigan I should know better!  Today, it’s already 46F/8C, but with wind-driven rain, dark clouds, and waves rolling across the water, I’m not going to attempt anything outside. Perhaps a good day to write!

My Work in Progress

In the May issue of The Lakeshore Guardian, page three included a review of The Kurdish Connection. The entire article will eventually be posted on my website later this week, either under testimonials or reviews, I haven’t decided yet.  Here’s a bit from the article: “A fast-paced Middle East tale filled with intriguing characters and a plot brimming with such vivid imagery the reader will become engrossed in an adventure on the other wide of the world. He takes his readers on a journey that will leave them wondering if this tale really did happen–or could something similar occur in today’s world?”

Needless, to say, I’m thrilled with the review!

Despite all of the extracurricular activities this week, I did manage to finally finish the initial draft of Dangerous Alliance, chapter seventeen. All being well, I’ll post it to the two subscription writing sites I use and find out what readers think. I’ll post another snippet from Dangerous Alliance soon.

Books I’m Reading

I’m almost finished with David L. Golemon’s The Mountain: An Event Group thriller. You’ll have to check out my comments 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.

ReadersAbode – Don’t forget to check this site out. Created by a group of writers spread across several continents, there’s sure to be something of interest. Thus far, the site contains short stories and poems written by its members, several blog posts and interviews with established authors. Or check it out on Twitter: @readersabode.

I’m afraid that’s it for this time as 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.

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Randall’s Ramblings, April 23, 2017

Randall Krzak

Yesterday, I began one of the season’s rituals–cutting the grass. Aah! Nothing like the scent of fresh-cut grass. Of course, by the time I get the first cut completed, I might be thinking something else.

We’re off to a beautiful start to the day. Brilliant sunshine, almost warm (a light chill in the breeze), and not a cloud in the sky. Long may it last!

My Work in Progress

This week I attended a monthly reading group at one of the district libraries. They purchased ten copies of The Kurdish Connection last month and I joined them to explain about my writing journey, answer any questions, and sign their books.  They came prepared!  Two members had even downloaded maps for Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, and had drawn the routes mentioned in the story.  It was pretty impressive. So were their questions, which came rapid-fire for almost ninety minutes. It was a great experience and they are already looking forward to purchasing the sequel.

By the way, The Kurdish Connection finished fourth in the weekly cover contest held by a website called Author Shout. Not too bad out of fifteen.

Speaking of the sequel, Dangerous Alliance is slowly moving forward. Once again, external forces kept me from the keyboard, but I did manage to add a few words to the chapter. It’s not for lack of trying but lack of hours in the day!

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

“You and Marco go to the refrigerated hold, a container to unload.” Luigi handed Trevor a piece of paper, a number scrawled in block letters.

Trevor and Marco headed into their designated work area to prepare the designated container. Trevor disconnected the cooling pipes from his side, waiting for Marco to finish.

A piercing scream enveloped the hold’s normal noises. Trevor dropped the cable he held, rushing to the source.

Luigi approached Trevor. “What happened?”

“No idea. I disconnected the hose on my side and waited for Marco. The next thing, he screamed.”

“Is there an—” Trevor glanced behind Luigi as he glimpsed a long shadow ascending the stairs in the back of the hold. Wonder who it is?

More next week.

Books I’m Reading

As I mentioned last time, I finished Justified and Sacrifice by Carolyn Arnold. I enjoyed both but didn’t have a chance to craft my reviews. Here are my thoughts:

Justified

Carolyn Arnold has done it again!  Justified continues the crime adventures of Detective Madison Knight and her partner, Terry.  It’s Christmas time, but no rest for the detectives of the Major Crimes Division as a dead body is found. Madison, definitely an A-type personality, gives the crime the same attention as she does with every murder. Focused on identifying the culprit, she is at odds with Terry, her boyfriend, and even her police sergeant. Despite this, Madison believes that everyone deserves her undivided attention.
Who is behind the death of Claire Reeves? There’s certainly no lack of potential candidates, but why was she killed? Love, money or blackmail? Madison and Terry take us on a journey through Claire’s past. For every person cleared new clues point to someone else. Undeterred, Madison forges forward with Terry’s assistance until they find the culprit. A great journey and I couldn’t put it down.  Well done!
Sacrifice
In this third book in the series, Madison Knight goes adrift of the police chief when the son of one of the city’s wealthiest and most influential people turns up dead. Pressure mounts as the police chief denies Madison’s access to the dead man’s father, almost to the point of collusion. This is an intense story, with Terry worry he might be out of a job, especially after Madison is suspended for pushing the boundaries far too much.
Terry carries on as best as he can, until Madison is reinstated. Together, they sift through clues and determine not only where the man was killed but by whom. A great thriller, with plenty of mystery and intrigue as the story unfolds. Another great one by Carolyn Arnold!

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.

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, April 16, 2017

Randall Krzak

Hope everyone has been having a good weekend. For those who celebrate, Happy Easter!

Yesterday’s forecast was for a thunderstorm with a high of 70. The forecasters got it wrong on both. No rain at all, and the temperature reached an amazing 79 degrees! I woke up this morning to brilliant sunshine and already 58 but it’s not supposed to hit yesterday’s temperature. Buds are already popping forth on our trees, the birds are singing away, and we’re off to a glorious day.

My Work in Progress

This week I attended two book signings at district libraries. They gave me an opportunity to share my writing adventure with others as well as answer some questions.  I even sold three books!

One of the best moments was at the beginning of the second session. A woman and her daughter approached me. The girl, who is in the fourth grade, love to write, and when she saw the sign announcing an author would be at the library, she pleaded to attend.  She was too shy to ask me any questions, going through her mother instead. Throughout the time I was there, she sat next to me. I don’t know if she was mesmerized for some reason or if she fell asleep with her eyes wide open, but she seemed to grasp onto every word. What a great experience–for both of us!

A website called Author Shout holds a weekly ‘cover of the week’. I’m pleased to announce The Kurdish Connection is included in this week’s contest and I would be greatly honored if you could take a couple of minutes and vote when the competition begins. You can vote once a day.  Here’s the link: http://authorshout.com/cover-wars/ or click on Author Shout.

The cover with the most votes becomes the book of the week in which Author Shout will promote for one week on their site, shout outs, and in their newsletter.

External events, including yard work, kept me from writing this past week. Hopefully, I’ll be able to resume writing shortly. In the meantime, here’s another snippet from Dangerous Alliance:

“Ag, man. We’re off.” Koning continued to wave at non-existent family members. “Our mission is underway.”

Pun nodded. Assigned to one of the cargo maintenance teams, Koning and Pun squeezed between containers, checking cables and connectors on the port side as Luigi had taught them.

***

“Oi checked out the Pompeii exhibit.” Fergus waved his forkful of spaghetti in the air. “Hard to imagine fleeing from the lava, yet still being caught. A horrible way to go.”

“Agree.” Nate sipped his red wine before popping a green olive in his mouth. “I’d rather die in bed, a beautiful woman at my side.”

“Ag, man. The catacombs are the best attraction in Naples. Imagine how many people visit the site.”

“You have a strange sense of excitement, Koning.” Nate drained his glass as he finished his antipasto salad. “Hope you haven’t warped Pun’s mind.”

Pun speared a piece of meat from his plate and smiled as he shook his head.

***

“Should be quiet until we’re in the Indian Ocean.” Trevor nodded toward the bow, where bolts of lightning crisscrossed the heavens. Deep rumbling followed. “The pirates haven’t attacked in the Mediterranean before, but we must remain alert.”

Perhaps more next week.

Books I’m Reading

As I mentioned last time, I finished Justified and Sacrifice by Carolyn Arnold. I enjoyed both but didn’t have a chance to craft my reviews. I hope to have them for you next week.

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.

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, April 9, 2017

Randall Krzak

On Wednesday, I posted several photos of that morning’s sunrise. It appeared Mother Nature wasn’t happy with me. During the afternoon the winds picked up, blowing east to west, increasing the wave action hitting the beach. Rain accompanied the activity.

I had built a wooden boardwalk across the part of soft sand where the waves normally didn’t reach. Thursday morning, one eight-foot section was missing! Built out of four x fours and deck boards, it was nowhere to be seen. Through the day, the wind increased in intensity and the waves reached farther ashore than we had seen in the four years living here. Rain came down in buckets.

Thursday afternoon, with no signs of the storm abating, forecasters predicted the rain would change to snow, with two-to-four inches overnight. Fortunately, we only received about an inch.  I had an appointment to attend to and when I went to leave, I found a neighbor’s tree blocking most of the driveway. I managed to squeak past but later went out with a chain saw to clear the rest. It was a dead tree, hidden among several evergreens, about a two-foot diameter. Once the ground dries out, I’ll be able to finish removing the tree. 

Friday afternoon, another neighbor, about a quarter of a mile down the beach, called. He found my errant boardwalk, bobbing in the waves and eventually coming ashore on his beach. Now, all I have to do is bring it home. Is there a moral here? Perhaps–don’t tease Mother Nature!

My Work in Progress

Writing a novel is fraught with ups and downs, but for me it’s a great journey. My works allow me to share experiences I’ve had in my many years living overseas. Research broadens my mind, ensuring I’m as accurate as possible in my storytelling. The thesaurus further expands my vocabulary as I try to incorporate different words so sentences don’t become repetitive with excessive use. 

Sometimes, I have writer’s block. But what writer doesn’t? This is always a good time to read and review other works or continue with my research. Suddenly, something will jump into my mind, which smashes through the blockage and away I go.

Despite everyday activities cutting into my writing time this week, I did manage to complete and post chapter sixteen of Dangerous Alliance to the two subscription writing sites I use. It appears to be well received, based on the feedback, and I’m in the middle of the next chapter.

Here’s a bit more from Dangerous Alliance:

A cloudless day, the sun baked everything it touched. Two men hopped from the boat into the bath-like water as they approached the shore. Engine stopped, they helped guide the craft. A third leaped from the bow, pulling a rope with him while a fourth remained aboard, an AK-47 cradled in his arms.

“The Koreans changed our agreement.” Dacar shrugged his shoulders and motioned for Sahid to remain seated. “They want three tankers for each load of weapons. A shipload will be on the way to us soon and before we provide any tankers.”

***

Harbi walked up to the nearest soldier and kicked him in the ribs. The man groaned against the gag, trying to roll away from further jabs.

“Enough, Habri.” Tahliil bent down to examine each soldier. “Treat their wounds. Feed and water. Allow them regain strength.” He stood and glared at Habri. “No further mistreatment. If abused, someone will answer.”

“What’s the point, Tahliil?”

“The point is—” He jabbed Habri in the chest with his hand. “I spoke. Do as told. Must be healthy.” He left the tent, followed by the others.

“They are my trophies. I claim my rights.” Habri thumped his chest. Perhaps time for me to take over, too.

Perhaps a bit more next week.

Books I’m Reading

Over the past week or so, I finished Justified and Sacrifice by Carolyn Arnold. I enjoyed both and will provide my thoughts next time as I didn’t have a chance to craft my reviews.

I have several additional books queued up to read and I’m always looking for me. If you have a favorite mystery, crime, or action adventure, drop me a note and I’ll check it out.

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 overwhelming 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.

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, February 26, 2017

Randall Krzak

On the weather front, it’s been a crazy week, with a forty-degree (Fahrenheit) swing. Brilliant sunshine, lashing rain, blustery snowfall–we’ve had it all, sometimes on the same day. Right now it’s 23F/-3C, well down from the week’s high of 63F/17C, but plenty of sunny weather, and calm lake waters. Several nights this week, before the clouds rolled in, we were able to see a brilliant light in the sky, caused by the alignment of Venus and Jupiter. An amazing sight to behold!

Speaking of amazing sights, did anyone have a birthday over the past week? Does another year make a difference or is it all a mindset?  Here’s a list of folks associated with the writing world who had birthdays. Recognize anyone?

Victor Hugo, French novelist and poet (Les Misérables); Mabel Dodge Luhan, American biographer; Anthony Burgess, English writer (A Clockwork Orange); Wilhelm Carl Grimm, compiler, with his brother, of fairy tales; Mary Ellen Chase, writer from New England; August Derleth, writer (Still is the Summer Night, The Shield of the Valiant); Erich Kastner, German poet, novelist and children’s author (Emil and the Detectives); William Shirer, CBS broadcaster and author (The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich); Edna St. Vincent Millay, poet; Sean O’Faolain, Irish short story writer; Edward Gorey, American writer and illustrator; John Henry Newman, English theologian and writer; Charles Scribner; founded the publishing firm which became Charles Scribner’s Sons and also founded Scribner’s magazine; W.H. Auden, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet (The Age of Anxiety); and Erma Bombeck, author and humorist (The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank).

Happy birthday to all!

My Work in Progress

Marketing and publicity of The Kurdish Connection continued this week. Four district libraries have agreed to host book signing events for me. The dates haven’t been set yet, but will be after the weather settles down. The library directors recommended holding the sessions between April and June. A monthly newspaper, distributed throughout four counties, is currently reviewing my story and will be publishing a review. Stay tuned.:)

 These efforts haven’t stopped me from moving forward with the sequel, Dangerous Alliance. Chapters nine and ten were posted this week on the two subscription writing sites I use. Chapter eleven is already underway.

Here’s a bit of a taster from Dangerous Alliance:

“What is the oil to weapons ratio? I hope you worked a favorable deal.”

“Two tankers for each shipload of arms, Supreme Leader.” Soo continued to rock on his heels. I wish he’d let me sit. Dare I hope he’ll offer me something to eat?

“Generous terms—too generous. Three tankers for each load of weapons. No missiles requiring a mobile launcher, hand-held only. Assault rifles, pistols, ammunition, and grenades. Toss in a few military vehicles.”

“B-But we reached an agreement to—”

Sung waved a hand, silencing Soo. “Make the change. I decide what agreements are approved. Do you presume to question my authority?”

Books I’m Reading

I’m currently reading, Leviathan: An Event Group Thriller by David L. Goleman. Once I’m finished, I’ll post my review.  Next up will be When The Tree is Dry by Alice Hill. I have several more lined up, so I better get busy!

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. I have another one to share today:

The Writing Chimp – follow the writing adventures of G. L. Cromarty, currently living Down Under.

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.

 

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, December 18, 2016

Randall Krzak

Mother Nature decided last weekend’s snowfall, about seven inches, was insufficient to get us started for winter. Between Friday and Saturday, we received another six inches, along with plenty of cold air.

So far I’ve managed to dig us out from both storms without too much difficulty. Just bundled up well, with three layers of clothing, two pairs of gloves, and a thick, hand-knitted hat, and I was up for the challenge.  Hopefully, I’ll get a break now, so I can do some writing!

Now on to our birthday greetings. If you’ve had a birthday during the past few days, you’ve shared it with the likes of: John Greenleaf Whittier, American poet, abolitionist, reformer and founder of the Liberal Party; William Safire, journalist and author; Bob Guccione, publisher; founder of Penthouse magazine; Jane Austen, novelist (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice); Arthur C. Clarke, English science fiction writer (2001: A Space Odyssey); Sir Quentin Saxby Blake, illustrator and children’s writer, received the Hans Christian Andersen Award (2002) and was Britain’s first Children’s Laureate (1999–2001); Nicholas P. Dallis, a psychiatrist turned comic strip writer who created the long-running strips Rex Morgan, M.D., Judge Parker, and Apartment 3-G; and Nostradamus [Michel de Nostredame], French astrologer and physician.  Happy birthday to all!

Why I want to Write–What’s Led Me to This Stage in My Life

Research continues to play an important role in my preparations for continuing with each of my works in progress. Even though I’m writing fiction, I try to keep an element of realism within my writing. This will be particularly true with my first historical work, New World Revolution. While initially planned as a stand-alone story, I now envision this expanding to a maximum of three books, following the Alexander family from their tenant farm in northern England to their life in the New World.

My Work in Progress

Despite the amount of time I devoted to clearing snow this past week, I still managed to do more writing. The next chapter of Dangerous Alliance is underway. Last night I also completed and posted chapter nine of A Cartel’s Revenge to my subscription writing sites. I have a couple of reviews already, but haven’t had a chance to go through them.

Here’s a bit more from A Cartel’s Revenge:

They waited outside a door labeled ‘Nurse Practioner – You’re in My Hands Now.’ Javier held several paper towels against his wound while AJ and Tex stood on either side of him.

A short, rotund woman with spiky orange hair approached. “Tex, you better give me a good reason for waking me up in the middle of the night. This better not be another one of your practical jokes.” She unlocked the door and waved them inside.

“Would a gun shot be enough reason, Ann? My friend got in the way of a bullet.”

“Let’s take a look.” She led them into the examination room and flicked a switch, bathing the room in intense light.

Ann donned latex gloves and checked over Javier’s injury. “Hmm. Where I come from this is a scratch. A few stitches and a tetanus shot, and you should be fixed up.”

“I-I’ll step outside, Ann. I’ve seen you work before and you scare the bejesus out of me.”

More next time.

Books I’m Reading

Recently I finished reading Preston Holt’s third action-packed mystery, Seal of Confession. Set in New Mexico during a period of railroad expansion and the legacy of Spanish land grants, who killed an innocent man? What secret did he stumble across that led to his early demise?

Once again Preston weaves a myriad of characters into his tale, making the reader guess who really is behind the man’s murder. Railway or cattle barons, miners, and even a priest or two all seem to benefit. An excellent portrayal of the times, from the mind of a great writer.  This is worthy of five stars and I’m looking forward to reading 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. This week, though, I didn’t have a chance to check any out. Hopefully, I’ll have a couple of new ones to share next time.

Writing Resources

Each week continues to bring me a step closer to the release of The Kurdish Connection, so a large part of my research time is also devoted to work on my promotion/publicity plan. Hopefully, I’ll have something to share with you 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 2016 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved.

 

 

Blogging 101

Bloggin 101 – Day Thirteen

Randall Krzak

For today’s assignment, I’ve selected ‘Write Anything Wednesday’ from the ‘Community Events Listing’ so I could share some thoughts about where we live.

By The Lake’s Shore

Today is another winter’s day, much like any other. Cold, overcast, snow predictions–a typical winter scenario. This morning when Tyson went outside, he thought he was in heaven–four white-tailed deer peered toward us before turning away, their tails high in the air as they scurried away.  Tyson wanted to give chase, but a command (or two or three) stopped him in his tracks.  He could never catch them, but I don’t want to encourage him.

Looking toward the water, another vision awaits. Because of the clouds reflecting, the water is varying shades of gray interspersed with a few areas of blue. The shoreline has extended upwards and outwards due to the formation of ice. As the waves push forward, the ice piles up. Now it’s about four feet higher along the water’s edge than normal. Beyond that, it looks like miniature icebergs waiting their turn to land.

In anticipation of flurries, the birds are busy pecking away at their seed and suet, while a lone squirrel sits among them, stuffing his cheeks. Three cats went to inspect but decided at 17F/-8C it was better to remain indoors. Old Ollie decided he wanted to go out. I opened the door just as a gust blew in.  He hissed and growled and walked away–not happy that I couldn’t warm things up so he could go outside to play.

Ollie wanders to a deck door, thinking the weather will be better on the opposite side of the house.  Not so, and he sauntered off in disgust.  I looked at the lake, and the clouds have lightened. As a result, the areas icing over toward the horizon have turned white, reflecting the new cloud cover, like floating marshmallows.

A last look inland and what do I see, but those heavy gray clouds bringing their debris. A gust shakes the clouds, and they sprinkle their burden–the flurries have started, and it’s time for a tea.

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Lake Side

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Road Side