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Randall’s Ramblings, December 3, 2023

Randall Krzak

It’s been colder than normal all week. On Saturday morning, we woke up to snow falling. We ended up with just over three inches, which made the morning drive pretty hectic. By the afternoon, the major streets were cleaned but the side streets into housing areas remained snowbound.

Once again there was another decrease in gasoline (petrol) prices this week, with a further three pence shaved off the price to £1.42 a liter. However, with the current exchange rate, the equivalent price of a U.S. gallon dropped eleven cents to $6.80. Meanwhile, diesel dropped a penny a liter to £1.51, but with the exchange rate, this actually led to a decrease of eleven cents a gallon to $7.22.

So far we’ve had a great Xmas market at the local mall. I sold thirty-eight autographed copies of my novels, while Sylvia sold thirty-two of her laminated poetry sheets, thirty-one of her poetry book marks, and four of her poetry books. Let’s hope the second week is as good as this one!

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” –Stephen King.  Compliments of https://www.inc.com/glenn-leibowitz/50-quotes-from-famous-authors-that-will-inspire-yo.html.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 3rd, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Hryhorii Skovoroda, Ukrainian poet and philosopher; Mary Lamb, British author (Tales from Shakespeare); France Prešeren, Slovenian poet (Krst pri Savici); Green Berry Raum, American lawyer, politician, author, and Brigadier General (Union Army); Joseph Conrad, Polish-English novelist (Lord Jim, Heart of Darkness); Herman Heijermans, Dutch writer (Kamertjeszonde, Diamond City); John Urzidil, Austrian-American writer (Die erbeuteten Frauen); Kate O’Brien, Irish writer (Without My Cloak); Nigel Balchin, English author (Business for Pleasure); F. Sionil José, Filipino novelist (Rosales Saga) and Philippine National Artist for Literature; Franz Josef Degenhardt, German poet and author; Mel Smith, author, actor, and comedian (Morons From Outer Space); and Grace Andreacchi, American author.

Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this week. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenThis week, I finished hand wrote chapters twenty-two and twenty-three of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. I still have to type them up and post them to the two online subscription writing sites I use.

Reviewers continue to check out my work and provided another seven critiques this week, bringing the total to 426. As always, there are plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.

Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions to improve the story, please let me know.

Prince Hussein peered through the branches of the date palms at the two young women. That Shatara is a feisty one. She would make someone a decent wife, but that would ruin my plans for her. He sipped from a glass of tea as he watched them.

“Excuse me, Prince Hussein.”

The prince turned and glanced at the young male servant.

The boy held a letter in a shaking hand. “This came for you a few minutes ago by a special rider.”

The prince took the envelope and waved a hand to dismiss the youth. What’s this? He tore open the letter.

My dear Prince Hussein,

Beware. There are eyes on you, which might make things difficult. Tread carefully so you keep below the National Security Bureau’s radar. Otherwise, you might face the same charge as Hamed Kamal Muhammad bin Haydara of being a destroyer of Islam, who was fortunate to avoid public execution.

My friends and I shall do our utmost to protect you and those around you but do not dally in your efforts to advance Saudi interests at the expense of Yemeni peace and prosperity.

A friend.

Prince Hussein tore the letter into small pieces before wadding them together and shoving it into his pocket. Who is this friend? What does he know about my real plans? He shook his head. I must convince Shatara to sign the document accusing her father of supporting Ansar Allah.

He poured the rest of his tea over the balcony and returned to his office.

More next time.

I’m continuing to work on the new project as a co-author with Michael Maxwell, the author of over thirty novels. The tentative title is The Great Rebellion – Finn Harding Book One.  It’s a romantic alternate history of the American Civil War. I’m currently working on a new chapter four when time permits at the Xmas market.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, November 26, 2023

Randall Krzak

It’s been a fairly dry period over the past week. As a result, on Tuesday I was able to clean up a lot of leaves that had fallen but previous rain stopped me from getting outside. On Wednesday, a bit of sun made it an even better day so I put up Christmas lights across the front of the house.

As the week progressed the temperatures temperatures have dropped, with daytime temperature barely breaking 40F (4C) and nighttime going down to 26F (-3C). As I’m typing it’s 32F (0C). I noticed last night none of the hedgehogs inhabiting our property came for their nightly feed. I guess they’ve gone into hibernation.

Once again there was another decrease in gasoline (petrol) prices this week, with a further two pence shaved off the price to £1.45 a liter. However, with the current exchange rate, the equivalent price of a U.S. gallon remained the same at $6.91. Meanwhile, diesel dropped three pence a liter to £1.54, but with the exchange rate, this actually led to a decrease of seven cents a gallon to $7.33.

Here’s the latest inspirational quote for writers: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” — Benjamin Franklin. Compliments of https://www.inc.com/glenn-leibowitz/50-quotes-from-famous-authors-that-will-inspire-yo.html.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on November 26th, the fourth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Princess Catherine of Portugal, Portuguese princess of King Edward of Portugal and his wife Eleanor of Aragon and writer; Pedro de Peralta y Barnuevo, Peruvian poet (Obras Dramaticas); Theophilus Cibber, English actor and writer; William Cowper, English pre-romantic poet (His Task); Charles-Joseph Panckoucke, French publisher (Mercure de France); Georg Forster, German writer, naturalist (A Voyage Round the World) and revolutionary; Herman Gorter, Dutch socialist and poet (May, Tiny Hero’s Poem); Edmond Fleg[enheimer], Swiss-French author (Ecoute Israel); Franz Jung, German writer and political activist; Albert Dieudonné, French actor and novelist (Backbiters, Napoleon); Eugene Ionesco, Romanian-French playwright (Rhinoceros, Bald Soprano); Eric Sevareid, American author and News correspondent (CBS); Frederik Pohl, American sci-fi author (3 Hugo, Gateway, Bipohl); Paul Rodenko, Dutch poet and author (Stolen Lover); Charles M. Schulz, American cartoonist (Peanuts); Marilynne Robinson, American writer (Gilead); Ethan Russell, American photographer and author (photographed covers for the Beatles, Rolling Stones and The Who); racy Hickman, American sci-fi author (Dragons of Spring Dawning); and Nico Slothouwer, Dutch poet (The Man and His Bag).

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me: Charles M. Schulz. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenThis week, I finished chapter twenty-one of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2, and posted it to the two online subscription writing sites I use.

Reviewers continue to check out my work and provided another nineteen critiques this week, bringing the total to 419. As always, there are plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.

Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions to improve the story, please let me know.

Uzza knocked on the door to Shatara’s room before putting the key in the lock. After opening the door, she pushed it open. Where is she?

Moments later, she heard the toilet flush. Oh.

Shatara entered the room and stopped. “Oh! I didn’t hear you come in.”

“That is okay.” Uzza smiled. “I have a surprise for you.”

“What is it?”

“Prince Hussein has given us permission to have our breakfast in the courtyard. We can stay for one hour.” Uzza wrinkled her nose. “Of course, someone will monitor us.” She turned toward the door. “Oh, do not forget your hijab.”

Shatara wrinkled her nose. “If we are just going to be in the courtyard, why must we wear it?”

“You know.” Uzza laughed. “We must protect our modesty from those to whom we are not related.”

Shatara sighed as she placed the white hijab over her head. “Understood. It’s just at home I didn’t have to wear it unless I left the house.” She toyed with the headscarf until her head, neck, and ears were covered. “I’m ready.”

Uzza unlocked the door, and they stepped into the corridor. She pointed to the right. “The stairs to the outside are at the end of the hall.” She walked along the corridor and climbed the stairs.” Cover your eyes—the sun will be bright for you.”

“Yes, thank you.” Shatara pulled the edge of the hijab over her eyes. “Even covering my eyes, it is very bright, and it hurts them.”

“Give me your hand. I’ll lead you to the table, which is protected by the branches of the date palm trees.” Uzza took Shatara’s hand and guided her.

“Oh! I can feel the temperature drop. We must be under the trees.” Shatara uncovered her eyes and glanced around. “What a beautiful courtyard. I love the fountain.”

“The fountain is beautiful but much better when the water is working.” Uzza pointed to a chair. “Please have a seat. I brought the food out earlier, so we’re ready to eat.”

After Shatara sat, she continued to scan the area. “I see there are two guards, but they both appeared to be asleep in their chairs. Their weapons are propped against the wall.”

“Do not tempt fate. If you move toward the wall, they will jump to their feet, grab their weapons and point them at you.”

Shatara grinned. “I was going to ask how easy it would be to climb the wall.”

“Even if the guards were not here and you could climb over it, you still would not be free. Prince Hussein owns the properties on either side of this one and behind it, too.” Uzza pointed to the one over the left wall. “He maintains his office in this building but lives in that one.”

“Have you ever been there?”

Uzza shook her head. “No. I know the prince entertains local dignitaries there, but I’ve never been invited to visit.”

“Hmm.” Shatara studied the wall again. “I am sure I could climb it. As a child, I loved to climb the date palms around our compound and jump onto the wall. I pretended I was climbing a mountain and could see for miles.”

Uzza laughed as she reached for a covered plate. “Let’s eat—I’m hungry.” She lifted the cover. “Shakshouka—one of my favorites.”

“Mine, too.” Shatara smiled. I love how the color of the scrambled eggs is offset by the red tomato sauce. The spicier the shakshouka is, the better for me.”

“I agree.” Uzza gestured toward a covered bowl. “Cook made more masoub to go with it and milk tea for us to drink.”

Shatara loaded a fork with eggs and brought it to her mouth, blowing on the steaming food before taking a tentative bite. “Fantastic!”

“Will you read to me after we eat?” Uzza pushed Shatara’s book across the table.

Shatara’s eyes narrowed. “Where did you get this?”

“While you were in the bathroom, I picked it up. I hope you do not mind.”

“I guess not. But next time, ask me first, okay?”

More next time.

I’m continuing to work on the new project as a co-author with Michael Maxwell, the author of over thirty novels. The tentative title is The Great Rebellion – Finn Harding Book One.  It’s a romantic alternate history of the American Civil War. I recently completed a new chapter three and sent it to Michael for approval, which came quickly. Now, I’m busy with a new chapter four.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, November 12, 2023

Randall Krzak

Over the past week, daytime temperatures have struggled to reach 50F (10C). The past two mornings, we’ve had ground frost. At the time of writing this, it was 28F (-2C), although there was plenty of sunshine.

In preparation for the local hedgehogs to begin their winter hibernation, we cleaned out the three houses they use in the back yard (garden) and filled them with fresh straw. The hedgehogs still come each night for food and water, but it won’t be long before they settle down for a sleep.

The price of gasoline (petrol) dropped another penny to £1.49 a liter.  With the pound dropping  against the dollar, the equivalent price of a U.S. gallon dropped by twenty-six cents to $6.88. Meanwhile, diesel also dropped another penny to £1.59 a liter, resulting is a fifteen-cent drop to $7.33 a gallon.

“There’s no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” — Maya Angelou. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on November 12th, the second Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Juana Ines de La Cruz, Mexican poet, nun and feminist (Primero Sueno); Jacobus Bellamy [Zelandus], Dutch poet; John Burke, Irish genealogist (Burke’s Peerage); Elizabeth Cady Stanton, American women’s rights activist, abolitionist and writer; Oskar Panizza, German writer (Das Liebeskonzil); Ben Travers, British playwright; DeWitt Wallace, American publisher who founded Readers Digest; Abraham van Oosten, Dutch poet and author (His Master’s Voice); Hans Werner Richter, German author (Socially Responsible Cinema, Gruppe 47); Harry Blackmun, American lawyer, jurist and 100th Supreme Court Justice (1970-94) who authored the Court’s opinion in Roe v. Wade; Luc Estang [Lucien Bastard], French writer (Stigmates); Pennar Davies, Welsh poet, author and theologian; Roland Barthes, French literary critic (L’Empire des Signer); Johan Polak, Dutch publisher and publicist (Bloom of Decadence); Michael Ende, German fantasy and children’s writer (The Neverending Story); Tonke Dragt, Dutch children’s author (Towers of February); Michael Bishop, American sci-fi author (Nebula, Stolen Faces); Tracy Kidder, American journalist and author (The Soul of a New Machine); Naomi Wolf, American author and feminist; and Damon Galgut, South African playwright and writer (2021 Booker Prize).

Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this time. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenThis week, I finished chapter nineteen of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2, and posted it to the two online subscription writing sites I use.

Reviewers provided another sixteen critiques this week, bringing the total to 383. As always, they’ve provided plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.

Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions to improve the story, please let me know.

Bashari strode to a nearby table and lifted a set of keys before turning to Sear. “Who will be driving?”

“I will. Any problems if I add another dent or two to the Noah?” He laughed.

Bashari smiled. “If it helps you recover my daughter, you may do what you like with the vehicle.”

“As soon as we collect our belongings from the hotel, we’ll change locations.” Sear pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “Here’s my satellite phone number. I’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.”

Bashari took the paper. “May Allah, in his infinite wisdom, guide you along the correct path.”

Sear nodded as he turned and followed the servant from the room, Malik and Wasim bringing up the rear.

Back at the vehicles, Sear toss the keys to the Hilux to Malik and unlocked the Noah’s doors. “Meet you at the hotel.”

Wasim climbed in beside Wasim. “Do you think it’s safe to move into Bashari’s brother-in-law’s home?”

“Yeah.” Sear started the engine and engaged the clutch. With a lurch, the Noah edged forward behind the Hilux. “We don’t have a choice. While Dabir seems nice enough on the surface, I’m picking something up about him I don’t like.” Sear shook his head. “I might be wrong, but I always trust my gut feelings.”

The servant waved the vehicles into the street.

Sear traced their route back to the hotel, following Malik.

They parked behind the hotel and entered through a rear door.

Dabir stood in his customary position behind the check-in counter. “Good day, Sayyid. Did you meet with Sayyid Bashari?”

“Yeah.” Sear nodded. “He’s offered us a place to stay, so we’re going to move. I’ll be spending more time with Bashari so this’ll cut down travel time.”

“I … see.” Dabir frowned. “But the hotel isn’t far away, so why not remain here?”

“Doesn’t matter—this is my choice.” Sear’s voice hardened. “I always prefer remaining in more private surroundings. Even though there aren’t many occupants in the hotel at the moment, this could change.”

“Oh, okay.” Dabir replaced his frown with a smile. “Do you require any assistance in packing?”

Sear shook his head. “No, since I didn’t bring much with me. Keep my room for me in case I change my mind.”

“Yes, Sayyid.”

Sear, Malik, and Wasim headed up the stairs and collected their meager belongings. Before he left the room, Sear threaded his belt through the holster holding the  SIG Sauer and pulled his shirttail over it. He shoved the two spare magazines into a back pocket. Picking up his bag, he headed back to reception.

Wasim and Malik hovered near the check-in desk, each holding a small duffle bag.

Sear nodded and continued toward the back door with the brothers following and Dabir traipsing along.

Sear, Wasim, and Malik climbed into the Noah, with Sear once again driving. They waved to Dabir as they departed.

A heavyset man dressed in a black thobe and wearing a white dishdasha on his head stepped out of the shadows. Wiping the perspiration from his head, he stopped by Dabir. “So, the infidel has departed. When will he return?”

Dabir turned to the man. “Salam alaikum, Badr. He is moving to a property controlled by Bashari but asked me to keep his room.”

Badr nodded. “Wa alaykum as-salam. Have you notified the others yet?”

“I shall do that now.” Dabir pulled out his cell phone and punched in a text. Infidel relocating. Will have someone keep an eye on him as he can’t get too close to the truth.

He showed the text to Badr before hitting send.

Badr grunted. “When we were with the infidel during the air attack, he never gave an indication he recognized any of us. Let us hope it remains that way.”

“Agreed.” Dabir grinned. “If he gets in the way, he will join his brethren.”

More next time.

I’m also working on a new project as a co-author with Michael Maxwell, the author of over thirty novels. The tentative title is The Great Rebellion – Finn Harding Book One.  It’s a romantic alternate history of the American Civil War. More to follow on this later.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, November 5, 2023

Randall Krzak

While Storm Ciaran battered France and southern England with heavy rain and winds gusting up to 100 mph, the impact in Scotland wasn’t as bad as it was with Storm Babet. There was still plenty of rain in the Tayside and Fife areas, causing localized flooding. We had gusts up to forty mph, which wasn’t unusual for this time of year. Right now, the weather has calmed down and the next week should be better.

There’s been a welcome sign for British motorists as the price of gasoline (petrol) dropped another three pence to £1.50 a liter.  However, with the pound strengthening slightly against the dollar, the equivalent price of a U.S. gallon increased four cents to $7.03.  Meanwhile, diesel dropped another two pence to £1.60 a liter, but increased by seven cents to $7.48 a gallon.

The writer is an explorer. Every step is an advance into a new land.  — Ralph Waldo Emerson. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on November 5th, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Hans Sachs, German composer, playwright, and shoemaker; Philippe de Mornay (or Philippe Du-Plessis-Mornay), French writer; Isaac de Benserade, French poet; John Brown, English writer; Moritz Szeps, Austrian journalist and newspaper publisher; Ruy Barbosa, Brazilian polymath, writer and politician; Ella Wheeler Wilcox, American author and poet (Poems of Passion); James Elroy Flecker, English poet and dramatist (Hassan); William Durant, American author and historian (The Story of Philosophy, The Story of Civilization); Charles MacArthur, American playwright and screenwriter (The Scoundrel); George Sheehan, American doctor, athlete and author (“Running & Being: The Total Experience,” NY Times best seller); Hasan Askari, Pakistani philosopher, critic and writer; John Berger, English art critic and author (Ways of Seeing); Leo Derksen, Dutch journalist (Telegraph/Sunday Newspaper); Clifford Irving, American novelist and investigative reporter (hoax autobiography of Howard Hughes); Christopher Wood, English screenwriter and novelist (Confessions); Sam Shepard Ill, American actor and playwright (Frances, Crimes of the Heart); and Joyce Maynard, American journalist and novelist (Labor Day).

Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this time. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenI was on a roll this week, not only finishing chapter seventeen of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book , but also chapter eighteen.

Reviewers provided another twenty-three critiques this week, bringing the total to 367. As always, they’ve provided plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.

Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions to improve the story, please let me know.

Yusuf gestured with a piece of the flatbread. “Prince Sami will arrive next week. Have you completed the arrangements for his visit?”

Wazir belched as he reached for a cup of mango juice. “Not yet. Most things are ready, but there’s a problem finding suitable ‘applicants’ for him.” Wazir used air quotes when he said applicants.

“So, what’s the problem? Take some beggars off the street and clean them up.”

Wazir shook his head. “I understand he wants someone who can read and write.”

“In Yemen?” Yusuf laughed. “That is a problem.” He tapped a finger against his lips. “Perhaps it is time to pay a visit to one of the wealthy families and see if they have someone who might be suitable.”

“I guess that is possible. But we must do it without Prince Hussein finding out. As far as I know, he is unaware of his younger brother’s nefarious activities.”

Both men laughed.

“Wait. What about the Bashari family? We already have their daughter. They have a son as well.”

Wazir nodded. “Yes, but he is a bit older than Prince Sami likes.”

Yusuf shrugged. “Who cares? This work is becoming more difficult all the time. I wish we were still in Aden, where it was easier to make children disappear.”

“Hmm. I guess you are right. However, we make more money working for Prince Hussein and do not have to work as hard.”

The men finished the last of their meal, wiping the final morsels from their bowls with a piece of bread.

“I suggest we have one of our men set up near the Bashari residence and make note of the family’s activities and how many people visit them.” Yusuf yawned. “We have a few days to set something up before we snatch the boy.”

“Where will we keep him?”

“In the same cell where we held his sister.”

Both men chuckled as they climbed to their feet and headed inside.

“Where have you been?” Prince Hussein glared at both men as they passed his open office door. “I expected you here sooner.”

“Sorry, Prince Hussein.” Wazir gave a slight bow. “We were outside eating and just finished.”

“Well, come inside and sit.”

Both men did as ordered.

The prince studied each man’s face in turn. “My brother, Prince Sami, will be with us next for a three-day visit. Make sure everything is arranged in advance. I also want to throw a small party for him so he feels welcome in Sana’a. The last time he visited we did not do anything, and he felt slighted.”

Wazir and Yusuf glanced at each other.

Yusuf turned to the prince. “Is there anything in particular you would like?”

“Just the usual guests from the diplomatic community and the local government.” He grinned. “Sami mentioned he was looking for a bride—it would be his first. So make sure some chaperoned women are among the guests. The party would be a good time for him to find someone suitable so an engagement celebration can be arranged for his next visit.”

“Yes, Prince Hussein.” Wazir scooted forward in the chair. “Is there anything else?”

Prince Hussein shook his head. “You are dismissed to go about your duties.”

Wazir and Yusuf stood and bowed before leaving the office and headed upstairs to the living area.

Yusuf rang a bell.

Moments later, a young male servant appeared. “Yes, Sayyid?”

“Bring us tea and a plate of dates.”

“At once, Sayyid.” The servant turned and rushed out of the room.

Yusuf glanced at Wazir. “Where will we find suitable women for Prince Sami to consider?”

Wazir laughed. “I’ll think of something. If Prince Hussein didn’t have his eyes fixed on Shatara, she would be a good candidate.”

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, September 24, 2023

Randall Krzak

We had one day this week where the daytime temperature made it to 65F (C). Otherwise, we ranged from 56-62F (13-19C). Meanwhile, the nighttime temperatures continued to drop, ranging from 43-49C (6-10C). For the most part, it’s been a mixed week, with plenty of rain and some cool breezes. As least one day was dry enough to get the fallen leaves raked up, but still more to come.

Over the past week, the price of gasoline (petrol) remained stable at £1.56 a liter. However, the pound continued to weaken against the dollar, and the price of an equivalent U.S. gallon stayed steady at $7.21. Meanwhile, the price of a liter of diesel increased to £1.59 a liter.

“The writing of a novel is taking life as it already exists, not to report it but to make an object, toward the end that the finished work might contain this life inside it and offer it to the reader. The essence will not be, of course, the same thing as the raw material; it is not even of the same family of things. The novel is something that never was before and will not be again.” — Eudora Welty. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 24 September, the fourth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):

Horace Walpole, British horror writer (Castle of Otranto); William Lisle Bowles, English poet (14 Sonnets); Ramón de Campoamor y Campoosorio, Spanish poet (Doloras); Cyprian Norwid, Polish painter, poet and playwright (Wanda); Frances Harper, African-American abolitionist, suffragist and writer (Iola Leroy); James St Clair Morton, American engineer, author, and Brigadier General (Union Army); Pieter Lodewijk Tak, Dutch journalist and politician (The Chronicle); S. R. Crockett, Scottish novelist (The Stickit Minister); Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz, Swiss writer (Le Petit Village); Herman Bouber, Dutch actor and playwright (Sailor’s Wives); F. Scott Fitzsgerald, American author (Great Gatsby, Zelda); Ham Fisher, American comic strip writer and cartoonist (Joe Palooka); Cao Yu, Huaju writer (Peking Man); Ian Serraillier, English children’s books author (The Silver Sword); Margarita Aliger, Russian poet (Zoja); Richard Hoggart, British author (The Uses of Literacy: Aspects of Working Class Life) and warden (Goldsmith’s College London; Ladislav Fuks, Czech writer; Józef Krupiński, Polish poet (Marsz żałobny); Brian Glanville, English journalist and football writer; John Brunner, Britsih sci-fi author (100th Millennium); Jim Henson, American puppeteer, artist, screenwriter and filmmaker, best known as the creator of ‘the Muppets” (Sesame Street, The Muppet Show); Yves Navarre, French writer (Le Jardin d’acclimatation); David Drake, American sci-fi author, veteran and lawyer (Cross the Stars, Rolling Hot); John Logan, American screenwriter and playwright (Gladiator); and Szilvia Molnar, Swedish writer.

Any names familiar to you? There were two for me: F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jim Henson. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenThis week, I completed chapter fourteen  of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. As always, it’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. Reviewers provided another twenty-four critiques this week, bringing the total to 265. As always, they’ve provided plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.

Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions to improve the story, please let me know.

“Understood.” Shatara studied the garment Uzza laid out on the bed. “What lovely clothes.” She reached down and ran a hand over a multi-colored zina. “I love the red and yellow colors in the dress. I just wish there was a version with short sleeves.”

Uzza giggled. “Would you dare to show your arms to someone not your husband?”

“Why not? In many parts of the world, women wear short-sleeved garments. In fact, they choose what they will wear.” Shatara sighed. “At least the green baggy trousers go well with the red, white, and yellow of the zina.”

“I choose the clothing myself.” Uzza grinned. “Later, I will bring you other zinas and Sana’anis. The prince says you may have three of each.”

I don’t want to insult her, as she is trying to help me, but her choice of colors is horrible. “Thank you so much.” Shatara pointed to the hijab. “Must I wear that?”

“Only if you are permitted to leave the building. I use one when I go outside, too.”

Shatara pursed her lips and sighed. “Okay.” She began to dress as her stomach rumbled. “I hope someone will bring food soon—I’m hungry.”

“While you were cleansing yourself, I opened the door and picked up the second container I brought with me. We shall eat together.” Uzza reached on the other side of the bed where she had hidden a wicker basket. “Look—I have a surprise for you. We shall dine on mutabaq, which are filled with scrambled eggs and cheese and some masoub. I made the bread myself and added bananas and honey as I made it.”

Shatara’s stomach rumbled again, this time louder. She laughed as she patted it. “My body is enjoying just hearing about the food.”

“Cook also gave me one zalabia each. I love these pastries and eat them whenever possible because they give me  energy.”

Shatara smile. “There are also fattening. Did you bring anything to drink?”

“Yes, mango juice.” She arranged the food on a small table at the foot of the bed. “Come, let us enjoy our first breakfast together.”

As they ate their breakfast, Uzza reached into the basket and pulled out a small parcel wrapped in brown paper. “This is for you from the prince.”

“What is it?” Shatara took the package.

Uzza smiled. “Open it and find out.”

“Okay.” Shatara wiped her hands on a piece of cloth Uzza handed her.

Uzza clapped her hands. “Hurry. I want to find out as no one told me what it was.”

“Just a minute.” Shatara untied the string holding the package together. Pulling back the now-loosened paper, she gasped. Inside, she found a book: The Poetry of Arab Women from the Pre-Islamic Age to Andalusia. “A book. I told al Mishara I loved to read.”

“What’s it about? Perhaps later, you will tell me what it says?” Uzza glanced downward. “I cannot read.”

“It’s a book of poetry by Arab women. I shall pick some and read them to you.”

“Thank you. I will enjoy that. I shall return before Asr, as we will pray together.”

“Where are you going?”

“The prince instructed me to seek him out after you were settled.” Uzza blushed. “I am not sure what he wants except a report on how you are doing. He’s very interested in you.”

“Yes, I know. He wants me to marry him, but I want to wait until I’m older and choose my husband.”

Uzza laughed. “What is wrong with being a wife to Prince al Mishari? I understand his family is rich, and he’s kind to his wives.” She stood and collected the dishes, putting them back in the basket. “I must go now.” She headed toward the door.

“Wait.”

Uzza turned. “Yes?”

“I just wanted to … say thank you. You have been very kind.”

“You’re welcome.” Uzza left the room, locking the door behind her.

Shatara settled on the bed, opened the book, and began reading.

Before long, she placed the tome next to her pillow, closed her eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.

She felt someone climb onto the bed but couldn’t see who it was because it was dark. Where is Uzza? She said she was returning before Asr prayers.

A man grunted before grabbing Shatara’s zina and ripping it from her body.

She screamed as she struggled against her attacker.

“Hold still. This won’t hurt a bit.” He pushed a cloth over her face. “Take a deep breath.”

Shatara continued to fight against the man’s attempts to hold the cloth tighter. She inhaled and coughed.

Moments later, she lay quiet, unmoving.

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, September 17, 2023

Randall Krzak

It’s been a mainly wet week, with daytime temperatures ranging from 59-68F (14-20C). Nighttime temperatures were also lower, staying between 43-52F (6-11C) There was one day where it was dry enough so I was able to start raking up the leaves. Plenty more have fallen since then, but I’ll have to wait for another dry day to gather them up.

Over the past week, the price of gasoline (petrol) jumped another two pence, bringing it up to 1.56 a liter. However, the pound continued to weaken against the dollar, and the price of an equivalent U.S. gallon fell from $7.26 to $7.21. Meanwhile, the price of a liter of diesel increased to £1.58 a liter.

“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” — George Orwell. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 17 September, the third Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):

Gilbert Burnet, Scottish philosopher and Bishop of Salisbury (History of the Reformation); Durastante Natalucci, Italian historian (specialized in history of Trevi, in Umbria); Gottlieb Rabener, German author (Vom Misbrauch of the Satire); Marquis de Condorcet, French enlightenment philosopher (Condorcet Method) and mathematician; Johann August Apel, German jurist and writer; Edward William Lane, British lexicographer and translator (One Thousand & One Nights); Émile Augier, French dramatist; Edouard Pailleron, French attorney, poet and stage writer; Clemens Baeumker, German historian (Patristischen Philosophie); Hans Müller, German music historian and writer; Owen Seaman, British poet and editor (Punch); Désiré Inghelbrecht, French composer, conductor and writer; Anton Hendrik Blaauw, Dutch botanist (Perception of Light); Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson, 14th Baron Bernes, British composer and novelist; William Carlos Williams, American physician and poet; Bastiaan de Gaay Fortman, Dutch historian and Justice of Curacao; Abel Herzberg, Russian-Dutch Jewish lawyer and writer (Persecution of Jews); Mary Stewart, British sci-fi author (Crystal Cave); Ken Kesey, American author (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest); Mischa de Vreede, Dutch poetess (Our Eternal Hunger); Albertine Sarrazin, French author (L’astragale, La Cavale); Robert Graysmith, American Zodiac killer researcher and author; Lawrence Anthony, South Africa, conservationist and author; Brian Andreas, American writer, sculptor, painter and publisher; Rami Saari, Israeli poet and translator; and Wendy Northcutt, American author of the Darwin Awards.

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me–Ken Kesey. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenThis week, I completed chapter thirteen  of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. As always, it’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. Reviewers provided another nineteen critiques arrived this week, bringing the total to 241. As always, they’ve provided plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.

Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

A light knocking on the door woke Shatara from a restless sleep. Who is that? First person not to barge in. She cleared her throat. “You may enter.”

She listened to a key turn in the lock before the door eased open.

A head peeped around the corner.

Aw, someone who seems younger than me. “Come in, please.”

A petite girl squeezed past the open door, adjusting her traditional Sana’ani, a curtain-style dress in black with red and green trim. Sequins adorned the garment. Upon her head, she wore an Al-Momq, a cotton cloth covering her head. Like the Sana’ani, it was in black but had red and white inclusions. Her long, black tresses flowed down her back. She set a tan canvas bag on the floor.

“As-salam alaykum. I am called Uzza Al-Hammadi. I will be your attendant while you visit us.”

Visit? Does she have any idea what’s going on? “Walaykum as-salam. I am Shatara. How old are you?”

She smiled. “I am twelve years old. Soon, I shall be ready for a husband.”

Shatara shook her head. She has no idea. “What do you have in the bag?”

Uzza glanced down. “A change of clothing for you.” She wrinkled her nose. “But first, you must clean up. I can smell you from here.”

“Yes, I was in a place where I couldn’t keep myself clean.” Shatara sniffed and seemed to recoil from her own body odor. “I hope you brought some shampoo.”

Uzza giggled. “Of course, Shatara. I brought you a shampoo soap bar, which is good for hair growth. It is made with cedarwood, lavender, and sweet orange.”

“Sounds lovely. Where can I clean up?”

Uzza pointed to the interior door as her face beamed. “We are blessed to have modern toilets. There’s one inside, along with a shower hose. Do you need my help?” She picked up the bag and pulled out a bar of soap, along with a square of cloth and a towel, and handed them to Shatara. “When you finish your cleansing, I will have your clothes laid out on the bed for you.”

“Why can’t I take the clothes with me?”

Uzza shook her head. “There isn’t any place to hang them, and they will get wet.”

“Oh.” At least I can protect my modesty with the towel. “Let me go now. I’ll feel better when I’m clean.”

“Oh, yes. And smell better, too.” Uzza covered her mouth as she blushed. “I am sorry if I have insulted you.”

“You’re correct. I’ll be back soon.” Shatara opened the bathroom door and stepped inside. In addition to the toilet, there was a small sink with a cracked mirror above it. In the corner, a hose was connected to two taps via a mixer tube. The water will flow across the floor. Oh, well. At least I’ll be clean again.

Shatara put the towel on the toilet seat, stripped off her clothes, grabbed the soap, and turned on the water.

“Oh!” A burst of cold water caused Shatara to shudder. She adjusted the taps, and the water warmed. “That’s better.” She scrubbed her entire body before lathering her hair. When she finished, she wrapped herself in the towel, knocked on the door, and entered the bedroom.

Uzza smiled. “How was it? I think you enjoyed your showering as I listened to you humming.”

“It was fantastic.” Shatara grinned.

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, September 10, 2023

Randall Krzak

It’s been a mainly dry and partially sunny week, with daytime temperatures getting as high as 69-81F  (21-27C). However, last week’s cooler evenings have impacted on the leaves, at least on our birch trees. Most of the have yellowed and are starting to fall. Won’t be long and I’ll need to starting raking them up.

Over the past week, the price of gasoline (petrol) increased again, going up another penny, bringing it up to 1.54 a liter. However, with the pound weakening against the dollar, the price of an equivalent U.S. gallon fell from $7.33 to $7.26. Meanwhile, the price of a liter of diesel dropped to £1.565 a liter.

“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” — George Orwell. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 10 September, the second Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):

Thomas Sydenham, English physician and author of “Observationes Medicae”; Hannah Webster Foster, American author (The Coquette; or, The History of Eliza Wharton); Charles Peirce, American scientist and philosopher known as “the father of pragmatism”; saac Kauffman Funk, American publisher (Funk & Wagnalls); Jeppe Aakjær, Danish poet and novelist (Bondens Søn); Georgia Douglas Johnson, African American poet and playwright (Autumn Love Cycle); Euphemia “Phemia” Molkenboer, Dutch author and poster artist; Berthold Altaner, German Catholic church historian (Patrologie), and educator; Carl Van Doren, American literary critic and biographer (“Benjamin Franklin” – Pulitzer Prize, 1939); Hilda Doolittle, American poetess (Imagist movement); Franz Werfel, Austrian-Bohemian novelist, playwright, and poet (Mirror Man, The Forty Days of Musa Dagh); Viswanatha Satyanarayana, Indian Telugu writer (Ramayana Kalpa Vrukshamu, Veyipadagalu); Georges Bataille, French writer; Toivo Pekkanen, Finnish writer (Wegwerkers); William Oliver Everson, American poet; Franfo Fortini [Franco Lattes], Italian poet; Miguel Serrano, Chilean author, diplomat and fascist (Esoteric Hitlerism); Lex van Delden [Alexander Zwaap], Dutch composer and writer (Canto della Guerra); Leo P. Kelley, American sci-fi author (Dead Moon, Vacation in Space); Bo Goldman, American Academy Award-winning screenwriter (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; Melvin and Howard), and playwright; Mary Oliver, American poet (1984 Pulitzer Prize); Jared Diamond, American biologist and author (Guns, Germs and Steel); Stephen Jason Gould, American paleontologist and popular science writer; Neale Donald Walsch, American author (Conversations with God); Zhang Chengzhi, Chinese writer (History of the Soul); Gerry Conway, Marvel comics writer (Punisher); Chris Columbus, American film writer/director (Mrs Doubtfire, Nine Months); and Anurag Kashyap, Indian film director, writer, producer and actor (Gangs of Wasseypur, Satya, Black Friday).

Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this time. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenThis week, I completed chapter twelve  of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. As always, it’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. A further twenty-one reviews arrived this week, bringing the total to 222. As always, there are plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.

Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Sear joined Wasim and Malik in the hotel’s dining room after Maghrib prayers. There were four other people in the restaurant, all locals based on how they were dressed. They sat at the same table, away from Sear and the others.

Wasim and Malik sat at a square table covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth. In the center were three unlit candles. Both men stood.

Sear chuckled and waved them back into their seats. “I’ll be looking over my shoulder to see who you’re rising for.”

A man wearing a stained apron approached. “Good evening, my friends. Dabir told you about me, yes?”

“Yes.” Sear nodded. “What should we call you?”

“Cook is sufficient, and if you enjoy the meal afterward, you may call me Chef.” The man cackled.

“Okay, Cook. Dabir says your sayadieh is excellent, so we want to try it.”

The cook grinned. “Of course, Sayyid. Might I suggest naqe’e al zabib, a raisin beverage for now, and after your meal, perhaps you might have qishr, a traditional Yemeni drink that we use instead of coffee because it is less expensive.”

Sear, Wasim, and Malik nodded.

“Excellent. I shall return soon with your meals.”

Ten minutes later, the cook returned with their meals. He served them and departed, returning with their drinks.

Lights flickered.

One of the other patrons pulled out a lighter and lit the candles on their table.

Sear followed suit as the lights flickered again.

The roar of low-flying aircraft shook the building and rattled the windows.

A bright light in the distance lit up the sky as the planes dropped bombs on part of the city before turning away.

Sear glanced at Wasim and Malik. “Someone’s getting hammered.” He continued to eat his fish and rice.

The brothers nodded.

Dabir rushed into the dining room and approached their table. “Is everyone okay?” He smiled. “Another Saudi-coalition raid on the city, no doubt.”

“How often does it happen?” Sear finished his fish and put his fork down.

“It seems like every night bombs go off, but some will be by those sacrificing themselves. Not often, but on occasion, we have a quiet evening. At least our part of the city hasn’t been targeted.”

A low-intensity rumble rolled through the sky, growing louder as aircraft returned once again.

“I hope you didn’t speak too soon.” Sear grinned. “Is there an air raid shelter?”

Dabir nodded. “Come this way. We do not want to tempt fate any more than necessary.” He handed out flashlights.

As Dabir led them through a doorway and down a flight of stairs into the basement, the whistling of falling munitions filled the air.

Ka-Boom! Ka-Boom!

“Hurry, everyone!” Dabir shined his light on the steps.

They joined the four locals huddled inside a room reinforced with steel girders as the building continued to shake.

Smash! Crunch! Crack! Tinkle!

Hotel windows broke under the concussion from the nearby explosions.

Why can’t I get a mission to a peaceful country?  Sear shook his head. Perhaps somewhere in the mountains, like a chalet overlooking Lake Lucerne, Switzerland?

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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September 3, 2023

Randall Krzak

Happy Labor Day weekend for those celebrating! It’s hard to believe the summer has shot past.  We’ve finally had a few consecutive sunny days and the temperature has made it into the low 70sF (21C). Gone are the early morning sunrises and late sunsets, and the evenings are cool enough now to put the heat on.

Over the past week, the price of gasoline (petrol) increased another penny, bringing it up to 1.53 a liter. With the current exchange rate, this kept an equivalent U.S. gallon at $7.33. Meanwhile, the price of a liter of diesel rose to £1.56.

Friday saw the start of our latest small business market, with today the final day. So far, I’ve sold ten autographed novels, while Sylvia has sold three of her poetry books, thirteen of her new poetry book marks, and sixteen of her laminated poetry sheets. Hopefully, today will be another good day!

“A book is made from a tree. It is an assemblage of flat, flexible parts (still called “leaves”) imprinted with dark pigmented squiggles. One glance at it and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, the author is speaking, clearly and silently, inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people, citizens of distant epochs, who never knew one another. Books break the shackles of time–proof that humans can work magic.” ― Carl Sagan. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 3 September, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):

Adriano Banchieri, Italian organist, composer, poet, and monk; Francisco Acuña de Figueroa, Uruguayan poet (Toraidas); Sarah Orne Jewett, American author (Country of the Pointed Firs); ean Jaurès, French socialist (L’Humanité, Les Preuves); Wilhelm Bousset, German theologist and historian; Sally Benson, American writer (Meet Me In St. Louis); Willem Kooiman, Dutch theologist and church historian; Loren Eiseley, American anthropologist and natural science writer (The Unexpected Universe), and poet ((Another Kind of Autumn); Alison Lurie, American novelist (Pulitzer Prize – Foreign Affairs); John Robert Jones [John Dalmas], American sci-fi author (White Regiment, Lizard War); Cherry Barbara Grimm [Lockett], New Zealand sci-fi author (Nearest Fire); Caryl Churchill, English playwright; Eduardo Galeano, Uruguayan journalist and writer; Sergei Dovlatov, Russian writer; Mick Farren, English sci-fi author (Synaptic Manhunt, Citizen Phaid); Peter Morris, English historian of France; Spike Feresten, American television writer (Seinfeild); and Noah Baumbach, American, director, writer and filmmaker (The Squid and the Whale).

Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this time. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenThis week, I completed chapter eleven  of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. As always, it’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. A further twenty-four reviews arrived this week, bringing the total to 201. As always, there are plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.

Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Footsteps of someone running echoed off the nearby buildings.

Sear turned, leading with his pistol. He relaxed when he spotted Dabir rushing toward them.

“Allah … be … merciful.” Dabir struggled to catch his breath. “And may His justice strike down those responsible.”

Sear stepped in front of him to block access to the scene. “Don’t look—he’s dead.”

Dabir strained to see around Sear. “Perhaps it is someone I know. Please let me take a look.”

“Okay.” Sear stepped aside. “Be it on your head.”

Dabir gasped. “I-I recognize that man from somewhere. Are you sure he’s dead?”

“Positive. The piece of metal poking into his chest extends through his body and out the back.”

“Oh. May Allah have mercy on him.” Dabir held prayer beds in his right hand. “The police will come soon—I called them. Of course, soon might be two or three hours, or even longer.” He glanced around. “They will ask fewer questions if you and your friends aren’t here.”

“Can we stay in my room?” Sear scratched his stubble.

“Of course.” He pulled two keys from his pocket and handed them to Sear. “These are for your friends. Their rooms are next to yours.”

Sear beckoned Wasim and Malik. “Let’s clear the area and go to my room.” He turned and headed toward the hotel.

The brothers followed him.

Once inside the hotel, they climbed the stairs.

Sear handed each of them a key. “Check out your rooms and make sure no one is inside.” He pointed to his door. “Join me afterward, and we’ll try to plot our next move. Bring a chair with you as there’s only one in the room.” He left the door open for them.

Minutes later, Wasim and Malik entered carrying chairs.

After handing out bottles of water, the three men sat.

“So, what do we know?” Sear, who had met both men when they worked at the American embassy as investigators for the regional security office, and he was assigned as a junior case officer, glanced at each one in turn.

 “I remember when we worked in the RSO office, Bashari gave a lecture to the American community about Yemen’s historical sites.” Malik pursed his lips. “I think at one time he served as Yemen’s cultural attaché.”

“Yes. I remember.” Wasim glanced at Malik. “He was assigned to the embassies in the UK, France, and Germany, before returning to Yemen. He’s continued his efforts to preserve Yemen’s heritage, in particular, with the UNESCO cultural world sites.”

Sear nodded. “Do either of you have any idea where he lives now?”

“Yes.” Malik shifted in his chair. “Not the specific property, but Borak said Bashari lived in the Haddah area of the city.”

“That’s where wealthy people live.” Wasim grinned. “One day, we’d both like to live there.”

Sear scratched his itchy facial hair. “Any way to find out the exact location?”

“I know someone in the Political Security Organization. Let me give him a call.” Malik yanked his phone from a pocket in his thobe. He punched in a number from memory after putting it on speaker. “Hello, Tariq. This is Malik. I have a favor to ask.”

A deep voice chuckled. “I told you before my sister isn’t ready for marriage.”

Both men laughed.

“I was supposed to meet with Abdullah Bashari, the archeologist, but I lost the paper with his number and address.”

“Yes, I know of him. Let me check.” Fingers clicking on a keyboard sounded through the speaker. “Ah. No phone number, but I have an address. I’ll text it to you.”

“Thank you, my dear friend.”

“No problem, but lunch is on you next time.” Tariq chuckled as he broke the connection.

Moments later, a ping sounded on Malik’s phone. He glanced at the text. “Haddah Street, in the al Khorafi residential area,  not far from the Jordanian embassy.”

“Excellent.” Sear smiled. “I think we should send someone with a note to tell Bashari I’m here and ready to meet with him.”

Wasim nodded. “I’ll do it.”

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, July 9, 2023

Randall Krzak

Another week of mixed weather is behind us. We had plenty of showers with the occasional burst of sunshine. Now that we’re past the summer solstice, the nights are already coming in sooner and some evenings the temperature necessitated the use of the heat to keep the dampness at bay. At least right now, the sun is shining and we’re at 60F (16C).

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.” – Norman Vincent Peale. Compliments of: https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/55-motivational-writing-quotes

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 9 July, the second Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):

John of Saint Thomas [Juan Poinset], Portuguese theologist; Alexis Piron, French dramatist (La Métromanie); Johann Nikolaus Götz, German poet (Die Mädcheninsel); Ann Radcliffe, English Gothic novelist (The Mysteries of Udolpho, The Romance of the Forest); Johanna Schopenhauer, German writer and mother of Arthur Schopenhauer; Matthew Lewis, English novelist (The Monk); Johan Philip van der Kellen, Dutch stamp cutter, lithographer and writer; Franz Boas, German-American anthropologist and linguist (Mind of Primitive Man); Samuel Eliot Morison, American historian (Admiral of the Ocean Sea); Gerard Walschap, Flemish writer (Mary, Revolt in Congo); Barbara Cartland, English romance author (Camfield #69); Gerhard Pohl, German writer (Crazy Ferdinand); Beene Dubbelboer, Dutch writer (Secret Resistance); Mervyn Peake, British writer and illustrator (Gormenghast books); Oliver Sacks, English Neurologist and author (Awakenings); June Jordan, Caribbean-American playwright and poet (His Own Where); Hermann Burger, Swiss poet and writer; Glen Cook, American sci-fi author (Shadowline, Star’s End); Dean Koontz, American sci-fi author (Star Quest, Beastchild); Thomas Ligotti, American author (Songs of a Dead Dreamer); Fred Norris [Nukis], American comedy writer (Howard Stern Show), singer, guitarist, and actor; Paul Merton, British writer, actor and comedian (Room 101); Tim Kring, American writer and producer; Lars Gyllenhaal, Swedish author; and Masami Tsuda, Japanese manga author.

Any names familiar to you? There were three for me this week: Barbara Cartland, Dean Koontz, Paul Merton. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

New Release

Frozen-Conquest-eBook-Cover-HRIn case you missed the notification, my eighth novel, Frozen Conquest, is now live on Amazon.

For anyone who is interested, here is the international buy link. Frozen Conquest is available in Kindle and paperback formats, and participates in Kindle Unlimited. https://books2read.com/u/bwNDVP

Here’s the blurb from the back of the book:

An international criminal gang, known as Diablo Corps, plans a series of devastating attacks to take over the G7 countries unless their demands are met. Secure in their hidden headquarters in Antarctica, they possess the means to disrupt the leading world economies. The CEO wants what other power-hungry people want—more power.

Will the G7 bend to the will of these rogues or will evil triumph? Diablo Corps believes their previous infiltration of the international banking system and world stock exchanges will allow them to risk all on a single gamble.

The Scandinavian Protection Agency joins forces with Bedlam to thwart the efforts of the group and restore faith. Will Antarctica become a smoking ruin or will the world suffer an economic meltdown?

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenThis week, I completed the first two chapters of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. Both chapters have been posted to the two online writing sites I use and they’ve received twenty reviews. As always, plenty of recommendations for me to consider.

Here is the first snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Shatara scurried forward as a chunk of bread and an apple dropped through a slot. Moments later, the door inched open, and a fresh bucket of water was shoved inside before the door slammed shut.

She studied the stale bread. Larger than normal. Makes up for the bruised apple. Oh well. She broke off several small pieces of the crust and put them in the corner. Here, Bushra, you may eat when you are ready.

Shatara scooped dead flies from the top of the new water bucket. Stomach rumbling, she broke off pieces of the bread and dunked them in the tepid water before shoving them into her mouth. After finishing the bread, she bit into the apple. She shook her head at the bitter flavors while she savored the juice trickling down her parched throat.

After finishing her meager meal, Shatara leaned against the wall opposite the window. She could make out a few stars appearing, as well as a sliver of a new moon. They were soon blotted out. The sounds of the wind picking up whistled through the bars as sand splattered the outside of the building, as noisy as if it were a tropical storm.

She crept back to the water bucket and dipped her hand into the tepid liquid, cupping her fingers as she brought a small handful towards her mouth. After wetting her lips, she spat it out and returned to her blanket.

With the cooler breezes because of the approaching storm, she spread the chador across the blanket to give greater warmth. Before long, she fell asleep.

***

Shatara tossed and turned for hours. At one point, she reflected on her family. Tears formed as she thought of her parents and her brother, Zahid. I miss them so much. Will I ever see them again?

At long last, she drifted into a troubled sleep, the blanket and chador tight around her body.

***

The morning call to prayer woke her from a restless night. Body aching, she stretched to work out some of the kinks. What will today bring? Will Baba find me and take me home? She began her preparations for the Fajr, or the first prayer of the day.

“Aaaaaaaah!”

An ear-piecing screech filled the air, which was abruptly cut off.

What is happening? She dashed to the blanket and tugged on her chador.

Rather than the clip-clop sounds of the jailer, the measured footsteps of someone else echoed in the corridor.

Shatara hurried to don the chador.

The key turned in the lock, squealing as normal.

The door opened, and a man dressed in a white full-length loose-fitting garment with long sleeves known as a thobe and a red and white checkered kaffiyeh stepped inside. “Well? Are you ready? I demand your answer—now. Speak with great care, or it could be your undoing.”

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, July 2, 2023

Randall Krzak

4thofjulyHappy 4th of July to all of my American readers.  I hope everyone enjoys themselves, whether watching parades, fireworks, baseball games, joining friends and family for picnics and barbeques.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers. ~ Ray Bradbury. Compliments of https://www.writerswrite.co.za/motivational-quotes-on-writing/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 2 July, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):

Samuel Penhallow, English-born American colonist and historian; Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, German poet (Der Messias); George Law Curry, American newspaper publisher and Governor of Oregon; Henry Eugene Davies, American writer, public official, lawyer, and Major General (Union Army); Lily Braun, German feminist and socialist writer (Im Schatten Titanen); Hermann Hesse, German-Swiss novelist and poet (Steppenwolf, Nobel Prize for Literature 1946); Cor Hermus, Dutch actor, director and writer (Bleeke Bet, William of Orange, Jantes, A Mother); Tyrone Guthrie, British actor, producer, writer and director; Rex Alston, English sports broadcaster and author (BBC radio); H. G. Adler, German writer (The Journey); Diego Fabbri, Italian playwright and leader (Vatican movie bureau); Bert Decorte, Flemish poet; Pierre H. Dubois, Dutch literary and critic; Jean Craighead George, American writer (Julie of the Wolves); Eliseo Diego, Cuban poet; Wislawa Szymborska, Prowent, Polish poet referred to as the ‘Mozart of Poetry’ (Nobel 1996); Rick Besoyan, American singer, actor, playwright, composer and director (Little Mary Sunshine); Octavian Paler, Romanian writer, journalist; Pavel Kohout, Czech director and author (Poor Murderer); Ed Bullins, American playwright; Alexandros Panagoulis, Greek politician and poet; M[ichael] A[nthony] Foster, American sci-fi author (Gameplayers of Zan); Larry David, American actor, comedian and screenwriter (Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm); Terry Rossio, American screenwriter; Evelyn Lau, Canadian author; and Darren Shan, Irish children’s author.

Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this week. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

New Release

Frozen-Conquest-eBook-Cover-HRI’m pleased to announce the release of Frozen Conquest.  Due to social account issues with hacking and/or unauthorised suspicious activity, I had to close my Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts. As a result, I didn’t meet my publisher’s submission guidelines.

Since I have a number of local followers waiting for autographed copies of Frozen Conquest, I decided to self-publish it rather than wait until such time as I’m back on social media, which likely won’t be until January 2024. Here’s the back-of-the-book blurb:

An international criminal gang, known as Diablo Corps, plans a series of devastating attacks to take over the G7 countries unless their demands are met. Secure in their hidden headquarters in Antarctica, they possess the means to disrupt the leading world economies. The CEO wants what other power-hungry people want—more power.

Will the G7 bend to the will of these rogues or will evil triumph? Diablo Corps believes their previous infiltration of the international banking system and world stock exchanges will allow them to risk all on a single gamble.

The Scandinavian Protection Agency joins forces with Bedlam to thwart the efforts of the group and restore faith. Will Antarctica become a smoking ruin or will the world suffer an economic meltdown?

For anyone who is interested, here is the international buy link. Frozen Conquest is available in Kindle and paperback formats, and participates in Kindle Unlimited. https://books2read.com/u/bwNDVP

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenI’ve started work on Mission: Yemen, book two in my Xavier Sear Thriller series.  Here”s what it’s about:

Xavier Sear is thrust into a new adventure when he accepts an under-the-table assignment from a longtime friend, Ron Vincent. A former CIA operative, Sear takes on any and all missions, which appeal to his sense of justice.

Abudullah Bashari, a retired Yemeni geologist who dabbles in archeology is embroiled in the bitter struggle between the Houthis and the government. He reaches out for help to save his family. A wealthy man, he offers to reveal a damaging secret Saudi Arabia is trying to keep hidden.

Life-threatening danger abounds as Sear visits Yemen and creates a plan to help Bashari’s family escape. However, Hussien Khan al Mishari, a young Saudi prince, threatens to undo Sear’s intervention in pursuit of his own deadly game. Who will be victorious?

I hope to complete chapter one this week and get it uploaded to the two online subscription writing sites I use. More to follow next time.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved