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Randall’s Ramblings, June 4, 2023

Randall Krzak

After  another week of dry weather, we’ve had to start watering some of the shrubs and flower pots so we don’t loose the plants. The forecast for the next week is mainly sunny days. We’ll see what happens.

The June small business market began on Friday. While the foot traffic was light in the mall, it did pick up yesterday and hopefully it will be good today. So far, I sold ten of my autographed novels, while Sylvia sold one of her poetry books and thirteen of her laminated poetry sheets.

Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good. ~William Faulkner. 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 4 June, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):

Apollon Maykov, Russian poet; Servaas Daems [Peeter Klein], Flemish writer (Lute & Flute); John Blair Scribner, American magazine and book publisher; Mabel Lucie Attwell, English children’s author and illustrator; Daan Boens, Flemish poet (Man who sold his Wife); Jacques Roumain, Haitian writer (Gouverneurs de la Rosée); Patience Strong [Winifred Emma May], English poet and journalist; Willy-August Linnemann, Danish writer and journalist; Maurice Shadbolt, New Zealand writer (Season of the Jew); Robert Fulghum, American author (All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten); Joyce Meyer, American Charismatic Christian author and speaker; Daniel Topolski, British writer and rowing coach; Charles Dickinson, American author (Waltz in Marathon); Wendy Pini, American comic book writer (Elfquest); and Paul Stewart, British writer (The Edge Chronicles, Far Flung Adventures).

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me: Patience Strong. 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

Slide1This week, I completed chapters the final two chapters (forty-three and forty-four) of Frozen Conquest. As always, I posted them to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Now the hard work begins–getting the manuscript ready to submit to my publisher!

Frozen Conquest received seventy-one reviews this week, bringing the total to 781!  Once again, there are plenty of good suggestions to improve my story and I’m greatly appreciative of the continued support.

Here’s another snippet:

Brown’s phone rang. Another interruption. Don’t these people realize I’m busy? He picked up. “Yes, what is it?”

Sawyer Johnson, head of Brown’s security team, chuckled. “Sorry to bother you, Mister Brown, but you wanted to be notified when the new demolitions expert arrived.”

“Show him to my office in thirty minutes.” Brown glanced at the clock. “No, make it an hour.”

“Uh … sir, he’s a she. I mean, the bomb expert is a woman.”

“So? I still want to meet her.”

“Yes, sir.”

An hour later, Sawyer knocked on Brown’s door.

“Come in.”

Sawyer and a petite brunette with large brown eyes and shoulder-length hair stepped into Brown’s office. “Sir, this is Madeleine Fingerhut.”

Brown remained seated, reached over his desk, and shook hands with the young woman. He gestured toward a visitor’s chair.

Sawyer stood back and leaned against the door.

She took the seat. “Please, call me Maddie.” A timid smile creased her face.

Brown nodded. “Is this your first visit to Antarctica, Madeleine—I mean Maddie?”

“Yes. I find it hauntingly beautiful.”

“I remember thinking something similar when I first came here. Just remember when you’re outside, Antarctica is very dangerous, especially on the ice.”

“Yes, sir.” She smiled. “I’m looking forward to working here. If I may ask, what happened to your previous explosives expert? I understand his departure was rather abrupt.”

A thin smile creased Brown’s face. “I guess you could call it an abrupt departure—he blew himself up.”

“Oh!” Maddie’s right hand covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

Brown shrugged. “What are you sorry for? Did you know Samson?”

“Oh … well … no.” Her face reddened. “That’s what people say at unexpected news.”

“Hmm.” Brown picked up a folder from his desk and extracted two sheets of paper. “You have a very interesting resume, working in various exotic places around the world.” I know that people say 1 page is good for a resume. If she has a REAL interesting resume, then turn it into a curriculum vitae – “Wow, interesting pictures! How many people died in that one?”, “Newspaper articles. Very good! How high was the rubble?” “You took out how much of the government? With only one blast! Impressive.” George

“Yes, sir. For the past six years, I’ve spent most of my time outside the U.S.”

“I see.” Brown rubbed his chin. “Any boyfriends, a husband, or significant other? Who’s your next of kin?”

Maddie shook her head. “No, sir. Why do you ask?”

“Never mind—not important.” He waved a hand. “Just wondered who we should notify if something should happen to you.”

Maddie gulped. “I-I shall take all necessary precautions when I’m working.”

“It’s not just the ice which is dangerous.” Brown stared at her. “Danger comes in many forms.” He stood and extended a hand. “Welcome to Antarctica. Do a professional job, and we shall get along just fine.” He turned to Sawyer. “Escort her around the premises and show her to her quarters.”

“Yes, Mister Brown.” Sawyer opened the door to allow Maddie to leave first.

“One more thing, Maddie.”

She stood. “Yes, Mister Brown?”

“Sawyer will point out areas that are off-limits to all but a select few employees. These areas are marked with skull and crossbones signs. For your own safety, never venture inside unless you are summoned. If you require entrance, Sawyer will escort you.” He studied her. “It could be very devastating—for you.”

More next time.

Promotions

Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, and Ultimate Escalation are participating in a Murdrs, Mysteries and the Paranormal promotion, running until the end of June for Mystery & Suspense / Paranormal, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Mystery & Suspense / Women Sleuths. There are currently ninety-four novels participating. Why not check it out?

https://books.bookfunnel.com/murdermysteriespromo3/f3fke10rs2

All of my novels are participating in June’s MAYHEM & MOTIVES: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Reads. There are 234 novels to choose from. Please stop in when you have a chance. You could find your next best author!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/mysthrillsus-jun/nwprjw7ql4

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, April 9, 2023

Randall Krzak

Happy Easter to all who recognize today as a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. (compliments of Wikipedia)

Weather-wise, it’s been a mixed week, although mainly dry with lots of sunshine. We were able to get more done in the front flower beds and made a start in the back. Still plenty more to do before thing are ready.

“There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That was invented by people in California who couldn’t write.” – Terry Pratchett 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 Easter Saturday, 8 April, compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/:

Phineas Fletcher, English poet; Johann Christian Gunther, German poet; Thaddäus Weigl, German-Austrian composer, publisher, and conductor; Dionysios Solomos, Greek poet of the Greek national anthem; Elizabeth Bacon Custer, American author, public speaker and wife of George Armstrong Custer; Margaret Ayer Barnes, American playwright and writer (Years of Grace); ohn R. Hicks, British economist (Value and Capital), (Nobel Memorial Prize for Economic Science 1972); Hans Scherfig, Danish artist and communist writer (Idealists, Stolen Spring); Helen Joseph, South African anti-apartheid activist and writer (Side by Side); John Fante, Italian-American author and screenwriter (Wait Until Spring, Bandini, Ask the Dust, Full of Life); Emil Mihai Cioran, Romanian born writer and aphorist; Glendon Swarthout, American novelist (Where The Boys Are; The Shootist); Frédéric Back, German-born Canadian short film director and screenwriter; Seymour Hersh, award-winning investigative reporter (NY Times); Eduard Visser, Dutch writer (Fyffes are now called Chiquita); James Herbert, English horror writer (The Rats); Christoph Hein, German writer and translator; Barbara Kingsolver, American novelist (The Poisonwood Bible); Jim Piddock, English actor, writer and producer (Best in Show); Craig Mazin, American scriptwriter and film director (Chernobyl, The Last of Us); and Nnedi Okorafor, Nigerian American writer (Binti books).

Any names familiar to you? There were two four me: Elizabeth Bacon Custer  and James Herbert. 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

Slide1I recently completed chapter twenty-eight of Frozen Conquest and posted it to the two online subscription writing sites I use.

Since my last update, fifteen reviews have been added, bringing the total to 528.  As always, plenty of good suggestions to improve my story and I’m greatly appreciative of the support.

Here’s another snippet:

 Carina stood at the stern of the ship, gazing out to sea. Nothing but darkness. She tugged her coat tighter around her to ward off the penetrating cold. She pulled her lined woolly hat down to cover the tops of her ears. I’m glad Rufus suggested this headgear.

She turned and worked her way along the aft side of the ship before returning inside. Joining her other team members, she scooted into an empty seat next to Bertelot. “Could I make my weekly satellite call now? Before we departed, my favorite cousin was hoping to land a new job, and I want to find out if he was successful.”

Bertelot sipped his Coke. “Okay. What job was he going for?”

“I’m not sure.” She tapped the side of her nose. “Something spooky, I think. He’s a former SEAL.”

Bertelot pulled the satellite phone from his backpack and handed it to her. “No more than fifteen minutes, or you’ll pay the extra.”

“C’mon, Bertelot.” Carina batted her eyes at him. “I’ll be as quick as possible.” She stood and headed toward the exit. “I’ll be right back.”

He laughed. “Sure you will.”

After zipping up her parks, which she had loosened when she joined the others, she donned her hat again and stepped back on deck.

Following the procedures Bertelot taught the team for using the phone, Carina located the appropriate satellite and punched a series of numbers. She smiled when the phone began ringing.

A male voice answered. “Hello?”

“Hi, Rufus. Carina here. How are you doing?”

 “Hey, Cuz. Glad to hear from you. Where are you calling from? Are you on your way to Antarctica?”

“Yes, and your recommendation about the woolly hat is already paying dividends.” Carina chuckled. “Too bad you couldn’t come with me, you being a SEAL and all.”

“Hardy har har! This SEAL doesn’t want to play with the seals you’ll meet. But, I suppose you’ll find it quite an adventure.”

“If you change your mind, I’ll talk with Bertelot, our team leader. So did you get the job you were after?”

“Yes. An admiral made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. The pay isn’t as good, but the potential growth is much better than being a contractor.”

“Can you tell me about it?”

“I can’t reveal much, Carina, but I’m now working on an American base in Germany.”

“Are you I charge?”

“Of the base—no. Of my unit? Yes. The only other thing I can mention is we’re a quick reaction team, so we can get sent anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.”

“Even to Antarctica if I run into trouble?”

Rufus laughed. “as long as my boss gives me the word to go ahead.”

“I’m onboard the research vessel RV Aquavit, and we’re in the Southern Ocean. I better give you the Scandinavian Protection Agency’s number.”

“Already have it. When you called, I recognized you were using a satellite phone—impressive. Your number is in my phone’s log.”

“It’s not my phone, Rufus. It belongs to the SPA, and our team leader allows each of us one call a week, but only for fifteen minutes due to the cost. The one we’re using costs two dollars a minute.”

“Ouch. Pricey. I feel honored you chose to call me.”

Carina chuckled. “You’re my only living relative, so who else would I call? I don’t have a boyfriend—at least right now.” She sighed. “I better go for now. Take care, Rufus. Speak to you next week.”

“Sure thing, Cuz. Watch out for those seals—and the penguins.”

More next time.

Promotions

The Kurdish Connection, Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, and Revenge are participating in Revenge promotion, running through the end of April for Action & Adventure, Romance, and Sci-Fi & Fantasy / Urban Fantasy. There are currently sixty-seven novels participating. Why not check it out? You might find your next new author.

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, March 26, 2023

Randall Krzak

British Summer Time began today with plenty of sunshine and seasonable temperatures, although the clouds have rolled in. With a couple of windy and dry spells this week, we were able to start preparing the front flower beds for the upcoming season, but plenty more to do when it’s a bit warmer.

Here is today’s inspirational quote, especially for writers: “Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.” William Faulkner. 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 March 26th, the fourth and final Sunday of the month, compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/:

Nathaniel Bowditch, American mathematician, astronomer and author (Marine Sextant); Louise Otto-Peters, German suffragist, women’s rights movement activist and author (The Wandering Star); Ernst Engel, German statistician and economist (Law of Engel); Eliza Laurillard, Dutch vicar, poet and writer; Betsy Perk [Christina Elizabeth], Dutch journalist, writer and pioneer of the Dutch women’s movement; Edward Bellamy, American author (Looking Backward) and socialist; A. E. Housman, English poet (A Shropshire Lad); Robert Frost, American poet (Mending Wall, Road Not Taken); Duncan Hines, American restaurant guide writer (Out of Kentucky Kitchens); Jozef Arras, Flemish writer; Mahadevi Varma, Indian poet and freedom fighter; Betty MacDonald [nee Bard], American humor writer (The Egg and I); Tennessee Williams, American playwright (A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof); Elizabeth Jane Howard, British novelist (After Julius); G. Harry Stine, American science fiction writer; Gregory Corso, American beat poet (Happy Birthday of Death, Long Live Man); Colin Webb, British fleet street editor and journalist (Press Association); Erica Jong [Mann], American author (Fear of Flying); Bob Woodward, American author and investigative reporter (Watergate, CIA crimes); Patrick Süskind, German novelist and screenwriter (“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”); Dorothy Porter, Australian poet (The Monkey’s Mask), librettist, (The Eternity Man), and lyricist (The Fiery Maze); Natsuhiko Kyogoku, Japanese writer (Mōryō no Hako); Martin McDonagh, Anglo-Irish playwright, screenwriter and film director (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri); Anaïs Mitchell, American singer-songwriter and playwright (Hadestown – 2019 Tony for Best Musical); and Ramy Youssef, American comedian, writer and director (Ramy).

Any names familiar to you? I did well this week with four: Robert Frost, Duncan Hines, Tennessee Williams, and Bob Woodward. 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

Slide1I recently completed chapter twenty-seven of Frozen Conquest and posted it to the two online subscription writing sites I use.

Reviews continue to trickle in. Since my last update, sixteen reviews have been added, bringing the total to 513.  As always, plenty of good suggestions to improve my story and I’m greatly appreciative of the support.

Here’s another snippet:

“Just hacking into the email account of the bank’s president. I want to find out if there’s any reaction.” He pulled up the president’s email. “Yep, he’s panicking. Customers are trying to withdraw funds using various ATMs, and they’re getting notices their accounts are empty. When word gets out about the bank crashing, major currencies might go into a freefall, at least the Swiss franc, the euro, and the dollar. This could have a detrimental impact on inflation rates, something you wanted.

“Yes, yes. But when does the money get to my account?”

“Patience is a virtue, Mister Brown.” Emmanuel pointed to the lower screen. Once at zero, the numbers began to rapidly change, finally ceasing at ten billion dollars.

“I thought you said there was more money in that bank. Where’s the rest of it?”

“Yes, there is, but I wanted to do a second text to see if I could clean them out later if I’m interrupted.” He turned and snapped his fingers.

The subordinate who began the initial withdrawal nodded and began typing.

“The rest of the money will be on its way soon, Mister Brown. Before long, the Valkyrie Bank won’t have a penny in its accounts.”

“Excellent.” Brown stood and slapped Emmanuel on the back. “Keep at it. In the meantime, I’m going to send an email to the Washington Post.”

“Yes, Mister Brown.”

* * *

Brown returned to his office, logged into his computer, and stared at the keyboard. Did Emmanuel use his keylogging software and firmware on my computer? Brown shook his head as he began to type.

To: Editor-in-Chief, Washington Post

From: Nightmare

An open letter. Please publish this as soon as possible.

If you have paid any attention to the temporary outages in Albany and the major international stock markets, you will heed this final warning.

If I don’t begin seeing drastic changes related to the current climate crisis within fourteen days, what I did to the Valkyrie Bank AG in Liechtenstein will be like a human crushing a bug. I will begin shutting down all major G7 banks, taking their money for the good of humanity and the planet. The same will happen to the stock markets. Afterward, I’ll tackle any infrastructure attached to the internet.

As I previously told the G7 central banks, failure to comply will result in the destruction of your way of life as you know it. The world cries out for truth, and I will be the sword of justice.

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, January 22, 2023

Randall Krzak

After a week of heavy frost and temperatures not climbing out of the upper 20s (negative celsius) it was a great surprise this morning, when I found out it was 40F/5C) and all the frost in sheltered areas had finally melted. Of course, with the colder temperatures we did have a fair amount of sunshine and now we’re back to the normal gray skies.

For those of you who were following me on Twitter, my new account is @rjkrzak1. Hope to see you there.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on January 22nd, the fourth and final Sunday of January compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/:

Francis Bacon, English statesman, Lord Chancellor (1617-21) and philosopher (Novum Organum); Richard Blackmore, English physician and writer; Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, German critic and dramatist (1st ever dramaturge); Lord Byron, English romantic poet (Don Juan); Ludger Duvernay, Canadian printer and publisher; Hermann Lingg, German poet and playwright; Ferdinand Christian Wilhelm Praeger, Dutch-British pianist, composer, composer, and writer (Wagner As I Knew Him); Constance Collier, British actress and writer (Rope, Stage Door, Whirlpool); Francis Picabia, French avante-garde artist, writer and typographist (Amorous Parade); Helen Hoyt, American poet; Charles Morgan, English writer (Fountain); Ben van Eysselsteijn, Dutch writer and playwright; Arkady Gaidar, Russian children’s writer; Robert E. Howard, American pulp fiction author (Conan the Barbarian); Carl F. H. Henry, American theologian and publisher; Harilal Upadhyay, Gujarati Author, Poet, Astrologist (Gujarat is a State of India); Herwig Hensen [Flor Mielants], Flemish poet and playwright; Piet Van Lishout, Flemish writer (Eva & I); Howard Moss, poet/editor (New Yorker); Tom Blackburn, writer; Joseph Wambaugh, American police writer (“The Onion Fields”); Joe Esposito, American author and friend of Elvis; Michael Cristofer, actor/writer (Little Drummer Girl); Francis Wheen, English writer & journalist; and Subhash Ram Prajapati, Nepalese writer.

Any names familiar to you? There were two for me: Francis Bacon and Lord Byron. 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

Slide1As i mentioned last time, in early January, I took a tumble down the stairs. I ended up seeing a sports massage therapist and have my third and final session tomorrow. In the meantime, my writing has been disrupted and not at my normal amount, but I have been back at it, with the first twenty-one chapters completed.

Since the last update,  there were another twenty-four reviews, bringing the total to an even 400. As always, plenty of good suggestions to improve my story and I’m greatly appreciative of the support.

Here’s another snippet:

Maddie and Reginald climbed out of the Sno-Cat. After they pulled their tools and explosive packs from the cargo compartment, they trudged across the tundra to a line of stakes they had placed earlier in the day.

Breathless, Maddie dropped her tools onto the ice and gently sent the explosives down. “This is hard work, Reginald. I thought it would be easier—just drive up to a spot, drill a couple of holes, drop in the fireworks—and bang; you’re done.”

“In your dreams.” Reginald laughed. “The only thing easy about this job is picking our way across the ice back to the facility.”

As Maddie placed an explosive package into the first hole, she studied the terrain. Always peaceful, but there’s an underlying danger to being here. Satisfied with her placement, she moved to the next spot.

Without warning, the ice gave way.

Yeeeeah!

Maddie clawed at the surface as she slid toward the gaping chasm.

“Reginald! Help!”

Her feet dangled over the side as she tried to stop her momentum. She screamed again.

Just as she was about to disappear, two hands grabbed her.

“Hold on, Mad—”

Reginald tugged on the straps of her backpack, pulling her back from the chasm. “I—I got you.” He fell backward as he yanked her clear from impending death or serious injury.

Back on his feet, he inched Maddie further back from the hole until they were both a safe distance away.

Maddie threw her arms around Reginald. “Thank you so much for saving me. I thought I was going to die!”

“Aw shucks, Maddie. Can’t have you doing that.” Reginald grinned. “Besides, I’m enjoying being out here with you.” He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a squeeze. “You going to be okay?”

Maddie pulled out of the embrace and nodded. “Yes. It was a bit scary, but I’m okay now—thanks to you.”

“Think nothing of it. Besides, you’d try the same for me if the situation was reversed.”

“That’s true, but I still owe you.”  She adjusted her sunglasses and grinned. “Perhaps I can buy dinner tonight?”

He smiled. “You’re on.” He pointed to the next hole. “Ready to continue?”

More next time.

Promotions

Five of my novels (all but Revenge and Ultimate Escalation) are participating in the January Mayhem & Motives: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Reads. This one allows five books per author and there are currently 206. novels participating. Why not check it out? You might find your next new author.

https://books.bookfunnel.com/mysthrillsus-jan/x889tdt70j

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, May 29, 2022

Randall Krzak

It’s been a mixed week with rain, clouds and sunshine, sometimes all at the same time. For the past couple of days, though, there hasn’t been any rain. However, the wind shifted and is coming from the north, making it difficult for the temperature to get into the mid-50s. At least the blooms are continuing to pop out and of course, the grass needs a cut every week.

Over the past week, the price of petrol jumped five pence a liter. Now it’s up to £1.71, which makes it the equivalent of $8.33 for a U.S. gallon at the current exchange rate. This is a jump of thirty-four cents a gallon since last week.

Here’s this week’s quote (Compliments of http://www.wisdomquotesandstories.com/):

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on May 29th, the fifth and final Sunday of the month:

Johann Heinrich von Mädler, German astronomer (published the most complete map of the Moon of the time, Mappa Selenographica, 4 vol. with Wilhelm Beer); G. K. Chesterton [Gilbert Keith], English writer (Man Who Made Gold); Oswald Spengler, German historian and philosopher (Decline of West); Erwin Finlay-Freundlich, British astronomer (theory of relativity); Alfonsina Storni, Argentine poet (La inquietud del rosal); George L. Funke, Dutch botanist (Flower Physiology); Ronald Russell, British journalist, author and Conservative politician; Sebastian Shaw, British actor, director, playwright and poet (High Season, Ace of Spades, Caste); T. H. White, English novelist (England Have My Bones) and author of the King Arthur novels; Desmond Shawe-Taylor, British critic and writer (co-author of The Record Guide); Neil R. Jones, American sci-fi author (Space War, Twin Worlds); Jan Hanlo, Dutch poet (Go to the Mosque); David Jenkins, Welsh librarian (National Library of Wales); Dick Hillenius, Dutch biologist and writer; Paul R. Ehrlich, American biologist and author who founded the group Zero Population Growth; and André Brink, South African writer (Dry White Season).

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me: T. H. White. 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

Slide1Work continued this week on my next WIP, Frozen Conquest. The second chapter has been posted to the  two online subscription writing site I use. So far, the two chapters have received nineteen reviews, some from long-standing reviewers while others came from new people.

Here’s the next snippet:

Walter Brown, the eighty-year-old founder and CEO of the privately held Diablo Corps, gazed out the office windows on the top floor of the Diablo headquarters in downtown Miami. Although dwarfed by much taller buildings, Brown normally enjoyed the skyline view toward the ocean.

As one of the world’s richest men, he could have lived anywhere. Few knew his name, and even fewer could boast of meeting the recluse.

Rain lashed the windows as an intermittent storm disrupted the otherwise hot and sunny day. He turned back to a sixty-four inch-monitor. Blinking red and green lights signified his worldwide operations.

When his phone rang, he stabbed at the console and put the call on speaker. “What?”

“Sir, Reginald here. Both tests were completed.”

“Excellent Have the accountants arrived yet?”

“Yes, sir. They came yesterday and are getting acclimated now. Several began work this morning, but ….”

“What’s wrong?”

“Uh … your nephew. He was caught on an ice floe after the second test. He’s still missing.”

Walter closed his eyes and pursed his lips. “Very well. Keep searching, but I doubt he’ll still be alive. However, my sister will want to give him a proper burial.”

“Yes, sir. When will you be returning?”

“I should finish what I need to do here by tomorrow morning. Expect me to arrive in the evening. Tell Chris to make sure everything is ready for me.”

“Yes, sir.”

Walter broke the connection and changed the monitor presentation. Blue lights signified the locations of major banking and investment institutions and the world’s leading stock exchanges. “Soon, we shall make our requirements known. If the G7 doesn’t bend to our demands, the might of Diablo shall disrupt their economies.”

He stepped to a self-service bar in the corner of his office and poured himself a large single malt whiskey. After taking a sip, he logged onto his computer and created a message:

To: The Chairmen and Governors of the G7 Central Banks

From: Nightmare

Stand by for my demands, which will be released soon. Failure to comply will result in the destruction of your way of life as you know it. The world cries out for truth, and I will be the sword of justice.

More next time.

The final chapters of Ultimate Escalation have now been uploaded to the two online subscription writing sites I use. My manuscript received another seven reviews this week, bringing the total to 873. Slide1

The editing process is going well. I just started my third edit pass through the manuscript, which currently stand at 77,926 words. I’ve decided that six of my foreign characters will not use contractions when they speak, to separate them from those who do.

Now it’s a case of checking for missing or incorrect punctuation, misspelled or incorrect words, and making adjustments to anything else I think needs a tweak. I’m on schedule to send the manuscript to my beta readers by the middle of June. Depending upon their feedback, I’ll be submitting it to my publisher the beginning of August.

Book Promotions

6 Novels

My novels are participating in two Bookfunnel promotions this month:

THE USUAL SUSPECTS: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Reads group promo. There are 168 novels to choose from:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/b…

May the First Book – Mystery Thriller Suspense group promo. There are 44 novels in this one:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/m…

Please support author such as myself by checking out these promotions. Thank you.
 

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 2022 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

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Randall’s Ramblings, May 15, 2022

Randall Krzak

As we hit the middle of the month, things have greened up nicely and the hydrangeas are getting ready to produce their blooms. Each evening we have a visit from two hedgehogs. It’s always a treat to see them scamper across the back patio to a dish of small animal munchies and another filled with water. Sometimes, though, there will be a punch-up as one insists it’s getting to whichever dish first.

Here’s this week’s quote (Compliments of http://www.wisdomquotesandstories.com/): “What we are today is a result of our own past actions; Whatever we wish to be in the future depends on our present actions; Decide how you want to act now. We are responsible for what we are, whatever we wish ourselves to be. We have the power to make ourselves.”

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on May 15th, the third Sunday of the month:

Mary Wortley Montagu, English essayist, feminist, eccentric; Martinus W van der Aa, author/Dutch head-editor (The Time); Eduard von Keyserling, Baltic German writer (Dritte Stiege); (Lyman) L. Frank Baum, American children’s book author (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz); Arthur Schnitzler, Austrian playwright/novelist (La Ronde); Albert Verwey, Dutch poet/literature historian (Motion); Katherine Anne Porter, American novelist (Ship of Fools); David Vogel, Russian-born Hebrew writer (Huwelijksleven); Mikhail Bulgakov, Russian playwright and novelist (The Master and Margarita, Black Snow); Xavier Herbert, Australian author; Max Frisch, Swiss architect/writer (Stiller, Biedermann); Alexis Kagame, Rwandan philosopher, historian, poet and Tutsi intellectual and cultural leader; Jakucho Setouchi, Japanese writer and Buddhist nun; Jaime Garcia Terre, poet/essayist; Anthony Shaffer, Engish playwright (Sleuth); Peter Shaffer, English playwright (Equus, Amadeus); Donald [Anthony] Moffitt, American sci-fi author (Jupiter Theft); and Harve Brosten, American comedy writer (All In The Family, 1975-77).

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

My Published Work

6 Novels

My novels are participating in three Bookfunnel promotions this month:

May Mayhem: A Kindle Unlimited Promo group promo. There are 105 novels to choose from:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/m…

THE USUAL SUSPECTS: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Reads group promo. There are 168 novels to choose from:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/b…

May the First Book – Mystery Thriller Suspense group promo. There are 44 novels in this one:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/m…

Please support author such as myself by checking out these promotions. Thank you.

My Work in Progress

Slide1While I’m still editing Ultimate Escalation in preparation to send it out to my beta readers, work is underway on my next WIP, Frozen Conquest. I’ll be posting the first chapter later today to the two online subscription writing sites I use.

Some of you might have read earlier postings where I’ve included the synopsis. I’ve tweaked it a bit, so here it is again:

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. Walter Brown, the Diablo Corps CEO want what other power-hungry people want—ultimate 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.

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

The final chapters of Ultimate Escalation have now been uploaded to the two online subscription writing sites I use. My manuscript received another forty reviews this week, bringing the total to 855.Slide1

Here’s the penultimate snippet:

Major Bangash muted the television after the third review of the chaos in Lahore. He picked up the phone and dialed.

“Alo?”

“Good evening. This is ISI Major Bangash. Connect me to Captain Fazli Khan at once.”

“At once, sir.”

While he waited, Bangash heard the switchboard operator speak to someone in the background.

“Good evening, sir.” The low-pitched voice appeared to be in the room rather than across the country.

“Fazli. How are you doing? I’m sure you’re busy with the hooligans in Lahore, but I wanted to get an update.”

“Yes, sir. It has been complete chaos here. We do not yet know the identities of the perpetrators of this outrage. But we shall.”

Bangash clicked his teeth. “Understood. The scenes on the television showed a lot of violence and destruction.”

“At least twenty police officers were taken to the hospital with injuries. In addition, the miscreants destroyed more than a dozen vehicles before the army arrived to calm the situation.”

“Do you have an estimate of the number of protestors?”

“Yes, sir. We estimate over one thousand five hundred people joined in. At least seventy were arrested while fifty are being treated for cuts, bruises, and broken bones.” Fazli sucked in a breath. “Seventeen people died at the scene–including three children.”

Bangash frowned. “I see. Well, I won’t keep you any longer, Fazli. Send me regular reports on your investigation.”

“Yes, sir. May I ask why?”

“There might be a link to someone I’m monitoring here in Peshawar.”

“Understood.”

“I expect to hear from you soon.” Bangash broke the connection. He slid his chair over to his private laptop, logged in, and began typing:

I cannot be certain, but it appears our Russian ‘friend’ is somehow connected to the pro-Punjab reunification protest in Lahore today. I fear this is just the beginning A colleague posted to Lahore will keep me apprised of any further developments.

On an unrelated matter, I have learned from a contact at the Governor’s House that the Tehrik-i-Taliban are expecting further attacks from the army in the FATA region. I shall use my influence to warn the tribal elders.

Bangash pulled a forbidden bottle of whiskey, obtained through an American contact, and took a large gulp. Finished, he put the bottle back in its hiding place. What will happen next?

I’ll bring you the final snippet of Ultimate Escalation next week.

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 2022 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, April 24, 2022

Randall Krzak

Overall, the weather’s been good this week. Little rain, plenty of sunshine, but a chilly breeze. We went to DeVilla Forest twice for long walks and of course, plenty of chats with dog walkers we met.

Unfortunately, we also made a trip to the emergency room Friday night. When I was asleep, Sylvia woke me up. She was fully dressed and said she was going to A&E because she was having heart palpitations. Sylvia never mentioned they had been occurring for the last six weeks but they weren’t stopping last night. I took her to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. After an EKG, chest xray, blood work, etc., they decided to keep her overnight as their tests revealed she had a previously undiagnosed heart murmur. The consultant said Saturday afternoon they’d be keeping her in until they sorted things out. Sylvia will be receiving a pacemaker. She said after her recovery, she planned to go snowboarding in the Alps and bungee jumping in the Himalayas. I better get some rest!

Here’s this week’s quote (Compliments of http://www.wisdomquotesandstories.com/): “Most people are stronger than they know. They just forget to believe in it sometimes.”

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on April 24th, the fourth and final Sunday of the month:

Robert Bailey Thomas, American journalist and founder (The Farmer’s Almanac); Nikolaj Bestuzhev, Russian Navy officer, writer and painter (Decembrist revolt); Karl Leberecht Immermann, German writer; Vicente Fidel López, Argentine historian (La Novia del Hereje); Anthony Trollope, English novelist and poet (Barchester Towers); Carl Spitteler, Swiss poet (Prometheus & Epimetheus; Nobel 1919); Eduardo Acevedo Díaz, Uruguayan writer (Ismael, Grito de Gloria); Jaroslav Hašek, Czech writer (The Good Soldier Švejk); Kurt Pinthus, German-American writer; Robert Penn Warren, American poet and novelist (All the King’s Men, Pulitzer 1946); Clement Freud, British writer, radio personality, and politician; Patricia Bosworth, American actor, journalist, writer, and biographer; Sue Grafton, American author of detective novels (“A” Is for Alibi); Eric Kripke, American television writer, director and producer (Supernatural); and Siarhey Balakhonau, Belarusian writer.

Any names familiar to you? There were four for me: Robert Bailey Thomas, Anthony Trollope, Robert Penn Warren, and Sue Grafton. 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

Slide1Earlier in the week, I was on a roll with Ultimate Escalation, completing the final seven chapters, bringing the first draftg to forty-seven chapers and 73,414 words. My manuscript received another twenty-five reviews, bringing the total to 724. Once again, plenty of suggestions to enhance my writing. I’ve also added three beta readers to my list.

Here’s another snippet:

They were soon escorted to Steve Wright’s office. After handshakes, they took chairs around a small conference table. Steve, his bald head shining, poured coffee for his guests. “It’s not every day the secretary of state contacts me to do a favor for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Whatever you need, Trevor, it’s yours.”

“Thank you, Steve. We have a two-fold mission. I assume you’re aware of the recent turmoil in Punjab?”

“Yes, my counterpart in Lahore keeps all of the mission in Pakistan apprised of unrest—we all do. No telling if or when it might spread to other factions—this country’s a powder keg waiting to explode.” Steve sipped from his cup.

“I’ve been cleared by the chairman to fill you in on the purpose of our visit. We suspect several former Russian Spetsnaz soldiers were involved in the Punjabi unrest. Another of our teams is heading to India now to verify activity there.”

Steve nodded. “There’s a rumor circulated by the Pakistani intelligence services regarding this. Don’t know if they’re trying to cover up something they did and it got out of hand, or whether it’s a valid concern.”

“It’s definitely a concern.” Trevor pursed his lips. “Imagine two nuclear powers embroiled in a bitter conflict over losing some of their territory. It’ll be worse than the continuing feuds over Kashmir. The chairman is worried they might resort to the use of weapons of mass destruction to hang on to their land.”

Steve pulled a business card from a pocket and scribbled on it. “Here are my official contact numbers. My personal number is on the back.”

“Thank you, Steve. We’ll keep you in the loop while we’re in Karachi.”

“Sure thing. What the other matter?”

Trevor glanced at the rest of his team. “Three of our multi-national group were following Russians from Dubai to Karachi. After they arrived here, we soon lost contact.”

“Hmm.” Steve rubbed a finger across his smooth chin. “Our nurse was contacted by one of the local hospitals. They said an American was in critical condition after being caught up in a terrorist attack at one of our hotels. They want all foreign hotel chains to leave the country. You might recall Sheraton pulled out years ago after a series of attacks.” Steve waved a hand in the air. “I’m getting sidetracked. The hospital reported the American had a broken arm and leg and multiple lacerations, including a deep wound on the side of his head. He’s been in a coma, but this morning he regained consciousness. We haven’t identified him yet. There weren’t any documents on his person when medical personnel took him to the hospital.”

“One of our team following the Russians was an American. Would it be possible to visit him? If he’s our colleague, we’ll recognize him.”

“Of course. “Steve spoke briefly on the phone before returning the instrument to its cradle. “The nurse will call the hospital now and clear the way for you. We’ve also reserved an armored vehicle for you during your stay.”

“Outstanding, Steve. I’ll let the chairman know you’ve gone out of your way to accommodate us. I’m sure he’ll contact the secretary of state.”

Steve’s face beamed. “Thanks, Trevor. If there’s anything else I can do, just name it.”

Trevor stood and shook hands. “We’ll be in touch.”

“I’ll take you to the motor pool, so you can collect your ride.”

Another snippet next week.

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 2022 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, March 27, 2022

Randall Krzak

Happy Mother’s Day to those celebrating today. Hope you enjoy your special day!

We’ve had quite a run of sunshine this past week. Today, it briefly ended with plenty of fog although the sun is still trying to make an appearance. With all of the sunshine, we were able to get the flower beds at the front of the house ready for planting–even managed to get a few violas in!  We also found an excellent place for walking–Devilla Forest. It’s not far from the house and there are six walking paths through the forest. We took advantage of the sunny and relatively warm days  to go a couple of times. The clocks also jumped ahead an hour today, into what’s called British Summer Time.

During the first part of the week, the price of gasoline (petrol) increased by two pence a liter to £1.64. However, the Chancellor’s spring announcement saw a decrease in duty by five pence. I was definitely surprised to see the price actually dropped at our local station by six pence, down to £1.58, which makes it the equivalent of $8.03 for a U.S. gallon at the current exchange rate.

Here’s this week’s quote (Compliments of http://www.wisdomquotesandstories.com/): “Blowing out the other person’s candle does not make yours shine brighter.”

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on March 27th, the fourth and final Sunday of the month: Benjamin Neukirch, German poet (Herrn von Hofmannswaldau); Michael Bruce, Scottish poet (Elegy written in Spring); Franz Xaver von Baader, German philosopher and theologist; Alexander Csoma de Kőrös, Hungarian Tibetan scholar (first Tibetan-English Dictionary); Alfred Victor, Comte de Vigny, French musketeer and writer (Moise, Chatterton); Adolf Glassbrenner, German satirical writer; Heinrich Mann, German novelist and essayist (Professor Unrat); Marie Under, Estonian author and poet; Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoglu, Turkish writer and translator; Thorne Smith, American sci-fi author (Topper, Rain in the Doorway, Stray Lamb); Karl Mannheim, German sociologist (Ideology & Utopia); acques [Izaak] den Haan, Dutch writer (Dangerous Book); Golo Mann, German-American historian (Antisemitism); Ai Qing, Chinese poet; Budd Schulberg, American novelist and screenwriter (On the Waterfront); Stefan Wul, French sci-fi author (The Temple of the Past); Louis Simpson, Jamaican-American poet (Good News of Death); Shūsaku Endō, Japanese writer (Sea & Poison, Silence); John Bayley, English academic and writer (Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch); Frank O’Hara, American writer and poet; Anthony Lewis, American columnist (NY Times) and author (Gideon’s Trumpet); Bob den Uyl, Dutch journalist and writer (Bird Watching); Istvan Csurka, Hungarian politician and writer; Abelardo Castillo, Argentine writer and novelist; Michael Jackson, British writer and journalist; Walt Mossberg, American journalist, the highest-paid journalist at the Wall Street Journal; Russ Conway, American sports journalist (Eagleson NHL scandal); and Patrick McCabe, Irish novelist (The Butcher Boy).

Any names familiar to you? I struck out 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 Published Work

6 Novels

All of my novels are participating in a Mystery & Suspense / Mystery, Mystery & Suspense / Suspense, and Mystery & Suspense / Thriller promotion called Mayhem and Motives. Why not stop by and check it out? There are 100 novels to choose from:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/m…

Colombian Betrayal and Revenge are also participating in a separate Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense / Mystery, and Mystery & Suspense / Women Sleuths promotion entitled March Fun Reads. There are 99 novels available in this one:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/c…

My Work in Progress

Slide1This week I completed chapter thirty of Ultimate Escalation. My manuscript received a whopping thirty-four  reviews, bringing the total to 634. Once again, plenty of suggestions to enhance my writing.

Here’s another snippet:

After they passed the accident, Raj turned to the taxi driver. “Find a place where we can monitor the traffic. I want to photograph the license plates of the two Tata trucks.”

“Yes, sahib. In a few kilometers, the road bends, and there is a hidden spot where the police wait for speeding motorists.”

“Excellent. Pull into that area and wait for them to pass us.”

* * *

Mishka’s two-vehicle convoy continued along the highway. He yawned as he studied the arid landscape. Good thing for us it’s not the monsoon season. Would be more difficult to travel. He reached down, picked up his water bottle, and sipped.

“Sahib.” Bikram studied the side mirror. “A yellow taxi approaching. What should I do?”

Mishka glanced in his mirror and spotted the vehicle. “Let’s see if it’s the same one. If it is, lose him.”

Bikram grinned. “Yes, sahib. No problem. I do not like taxi drivers. They think they own the roads.” He allowed the truck to slow.

The taxi drew abreast as they passed a steep ravine. The lone passenger stared at them.

“It is the same one, sahib.” Without warning, Bikram yanked the wheel and swerved toward the taxi.

Bang! Screeeech!

The side of the taxi caved in as Bikram continued to force the vehicle off the road. He gave a final nudge.

The taxi crashed through a rusted guardrail and sailed over the embankment.

More next time.

Books I’m Reading

Now that Michigan State and Michigan have been knocked out of the 2021 NCAA March Madness basketball tournament, I hope to resume my normal evening reading. Within the next week or two, I’ll resume posting my reviews.

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 2022 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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Randall’s Ramblings, December 26, 2021

Randall Krzak

We had a good Christmas market, with plenty of books and poetry sheets sold, as well as some knitwear. Our next small business market will be on 7-9 January. In the meantime, we’re taking a rest and catching up on things with our son.

On Christmas Eve we went to a nearby hotel for dinner. As with the first two times we did this (2018 and 2019) it was another excellent meal. We spent a quiet Christmas Day at home–no snow in our area but the weather maps showed snow to the north and south of us. Today, we heading out on the Firth of Forth for a cream tea cruise under the three bridges, stopping at Blackness Castle, the backdrop for the Outlander series and the Outlaw King.

Here’s this week’s quote (Compliments of http://www.wisdomquotesandstories.com/): “Always end the day with a positive thought. No matter how hard things were, tomorrow’s a fresh opportunity to make it better.”

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

Peter Schenck, German/Neth engraver/publisher; Thomas Gray, English poet (Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard); Jean François de Saint-Lambert, French poet; Friedrich Melchior, baron von Grimm, German writer; Heinrich J von Collin, Austria dramatist/poet (Regulus); E. D. E. N. Southworth, American novelist; Dion Boucicault [Dionysus Lardner Boursiquot], Irish actor and playwright (Rip van Winkle, London Assurance); Martinus Nijhoff, Dutch publisher (Van Dale) and founder (Martinus Nijhoff Publishers); René Bazin, French novelist; Alexander Amfiteatrov, Russian-Italian journalist, newspaper editor, novelist, and historian; Harry Redman, American composer, writer, and artist; Isaiah Bowman, American geography/co-founder (Geographical Review); Henry Miller, American author (Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Sexus); Jean Toomer, American writer; Willie Corsari [Wilhelmina A Schmidt], Dutch writer; Alenjo Carpentier, Cuban/French writer (Guerra del Tiempo); H. A. Gomperts, Dutch writer (Duck on Attic); Steve Allen, American comedian, composer, writer and TV host (Tonight Show, Steve Allen Show); Elizabeth Kostova, American author (The Historian); and Robert Muchamore, English children’s author.

Any names familiar to you? The only name I know is Steve Allen. 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

Slide1I didn’t get a chance to do any writing this week, but a short break doesn’t hurt. Ultimate Escalation received another seven chapter reviews, bringing the total to 449. Plenty of suggestions to enhance my writing.

Here’s another snippet:

After eating a dinner of chicken chili dry and masala fried rice, Vladimir and Mishka waited for their final guest of the day. They sat on the rear balcony, sipping on child vodka as they enjoyed a slight breeze, cooling the warm air.

“May I join you?”

Vladimir and Mishka pulled pistols from the pockets as they turned, relaxing when they recognize their visitor.

“Major Bangash—please join us. Would you care for some vodka? Vladimir lifted a bottle from an ice bucket.

“Just tea for me.”

“Of course.” Vladimir gestured toward a chair. “Please have a seat. Yusuuf brought a pot of tea for you.” He stood, picked up a teapot, and filled a cup before handing it to Bangash.

“Thank you.” He sipped the warm drink. “I have two pieces of information to share with you.”

“Please go ahead.”

“My contact in Dubai said three Westerners asked bout you.”

“Anything we should be concerned about?”

Bangash shook his head. “No. These men will soon be in Karachi. They will be followed, and when the time is right, they will meet with an untimely accident.”

“Do you know their names?’

“No. But my contact said they are native English speakers, if that helps.”

Vladimir tilted his head. “It does.” Which Western intelligence agency do they represent? “Don’t do anything to them until I give the word. They might be useful.”

“As you wish.” Bangash took another sip of his tea. “The other information will be of more interest to you. ISI captured two Russian agents over the weekend. They wanted to know your whereabouts. There’s a price of two hundred fifty thousand euros on your head—dead or alive, but dead is the preferred option.”

“Is that all?” Vladimir chuckled. “Must be Putin who set the price. He’s always been a miser. Where are these agents? I assume they work for the GRU?”

“I believe so.” Bangash nodded.

“Where are they?”

“Yesterday, I arranged for their departure.” Bangash grinned. “I told them if they didn’t leave Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within twenty-four hours, they’d be taken to Afghanistan and turned over to the Taliban.” He finished his tea. “Last I heard, they’re on tonight’s flight to Dubai.”

“Excellent.” Vladimir handed an envelope to Bangash. “Here’s your monthly retainer.”

“Thank you, Colonel. Your generosity allows me to keep my wife in the style she has become accustomed to.”

A smile creased Vladimir’s face before his eyes hardened like lumps of coal. “As long as you don’t double-cross me, you’ll be able to continue doing so. Otherwise, you’ll learn firsthand about Spetsnaz retribution.”

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week as I need to get ready for the river cruise. 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. See you again in 2022!

© Copyright 2021 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
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Randall’s Ramblings, December 19, 2021

Randall Krzak

It’s been a busy week with the Xmas market still underway. We’ll be participating through Monday, while some of the vendors will remain through Christmas Eve.

We received a fantastic Christmas present on Thursday–Craig arrived from Washington, D.C., for three weeks! It’s great to have him with us.

Here’s this week’s quote (Compliments of http://www.wisdomquotesandstories.com/): “In Life, it’s not where you go. It’s who you travel with.”

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 19th, the third  Sunday of the month. (Compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Su Tung-p’o, China, poet/essayist/painter/calligrapher; William Bowyer, English printer; Manuel Breton de los Herreros, Quel Spain, poet/comic playwright; Italo Svevo, Trieste Austria, Italian novelist (La Coscienza di Zeno); F S Flint, translator/poet (imagist movement); Ingeborg Refling-Hagen, Norwegian author/poet (Loke Saar Havre); Maurice Roelants, Flemish novelist and poet (Komen en gaan, Prayer for a Good End); Oliver [Hazard Perry] La Farge, American anthropologist and novelist; Theo Harych, German writer; H Allen Smith, Ill, humorist/author (Low Man on Totem Pole); Jean Genet, French novelist (The Thief’s Journal, Our Lady of the Flowers) and playwright (The Balcony, The Maids); Jose Lezama Lima, poet/novelist; Adriaan van der Veen, Dutch writer (Sister at Sea); Benedict Freedman, novelist and mathematician (Mrs Mike); Michel Tournier, French writer (Friday, or, The Other Island); Tankred Dorst, German playwright; James Booth [David Geeves], British actor and screenwriter (Zulu, Keeping Mum); Howard Sackler, American screenwriter; Salvador Elizondo, Mexican writer; Jean-Patrick Manchette, French thriller writer (3 to Kill, The Prone Gunman); Michelangelo Signorile, American writer; Jon Smith, British writer; and Patrick Casey, American screenwriter and actor.

Any names familiar to you? I admit I didn’t find anyone I knew. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Published Work

6 Novels

All of my novels are participating in a Thrilling Christmas promotion, running from now through Christmas Day. With ninety novels available, there’s bound to me something for that special someone on your Christmas list or even for yourself, but you’ll have to hurry!

My Work in Progress

Slide1With all of the time at the Christmas market, I haven’t had much time to write. However, I began working on a new manuscript for Frozen Conquest. More about this one in the future. A total of bube chapter reviews came in this week, bringing the total to 442. Definitely some great comments to enhance my writing.

Here’s another snippet:

Yusuuf escorted Ajit and Imran into the living room, returning moments later with a plate of sliced fruit and cups of tea.

After exchanging pleasantries, Vladimir motioned for them to sit. “What can I do for your today?”

Ajit sipped his tea and set the cup down. “First, our apologies for the incident during our meeting by Bahawalpur. We thought it best to come to you here to continue our discussions.”

“The council agreed we would speak on their behalf, and they would accept whatever arrangements we make.” Imran picked up a mango slice and took a bite. “We are uncertain how the attackers found out about our meeting, but we shall find out. Even if it was one of our own, he will be dealt with.”

Vladimir waved a hand in dismissal. “In our line of work, there are always interruptions. Nothing to be concerned about.” He stared at Ajit and Imran in turn. “I believe there might be a way to bring India and Pakistan together to resolve the Punjabi situation. However, there will be bloodshed.”

Ajit leaned closer. “What do you propose?”

“First, we begin with peaceful protests on either side of the border. These will become more intense as time passes. Minor attacks will take place, escalating until the military forces of each country are involved.” Vladimir stared at the ceiling. “We’ll need someone to organize peace talks between India and Pakistan, but this can be arranged later.”

“India and Pakistan are always talking and making threats.” Ajit pursed his lips. “Why should this be any different? Kashmir is still a disputed territory without a resolution in sight. Why should they agree to resolve the Punjab situation?”

Mishka tapped the side of his nose. “We’ll make them.”

“How?” A puzzled expression creased Imran’s face. “I don’t understand.”

“We have a weapon which will wreak havoc on Pakistan and India’s financial centers. If they do not agree to our terms, we will destroy their economies.”

Imran glanced at Ajit. “What is this weapon?”

“It will be revealed to you only if the situation requires its use.” Vladimir crossed his arms and leaned back on the sofa.

Ajit nodded. “This is agreeable to us. When shall we begin?”

“Mishka will take a team into India. Please provide the name of a contact in Chandigarh, so we can coordinate the protests. I will lead the team here—we’ll set up in Lahore.”

“We have such a contact—Vedant Mohdi. He works in Chandigarh’s civic administration but believes in uniting Punjab.” Ajit smiled. “He is one of my wife’s cousins and can be trusted.”

“Excellent.” Vladimir tilted his head. As if any of them can be trusted—we’ll have to be alert for treachery. “I think we’re in agreement. We’ll move our teams into position within ten days.”

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week as I need to get ready for today’s market. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again. Merry Christmas to all!

© Copyright 2021 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

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