Tag: writing

Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, February 22, 2026

Randall Krzak

In the past, today would be celebrated as the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Now it’s celebrated as President’s Day, the third Monday of February, to recognize all presidents.

We’ve seen a rise in temperatures this week, hitting a high of 81 degrees on Friday. We also had a couple of brief downpours, and the pansies we planted last year are now producing seedlings.

The Detroit Pistons have come out of the All Star break picking up where they left off, winning two more games and increasing their record to 42-13. They are in first place in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division, seven games ahead of second place Cleveland.

The Michigan Wolverines briefly moved into first place in the NCAA rankings. Although they won another game this week, they lost 68-63 to 3rd-ranked Duke. The Wolverines are now 25-2 on the season. Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans, who had dropped to 15th in the rankings, improved their record to 21-5 with a win over UCLA.

“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, WD. Compliments of https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/72-of-the-best-quotes-about-writing.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on February 22ns, the 8th Sunday of 2026 and the fourth and final one in February. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Rashi, French rabbi who wrote commentaries on the Talmud and Hebrew Bible; Tahmasp I, shah of Iran (1524-76) and author (Tazkire-i Shah); Louis-Georges de Bréquigny, French historian; Alexander Campbell, Scottish composer and writer (associate of Walter Scott); Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher (“The World as Will and Representation”) known for his philosophical pessimism; Józef Kremer, Polish philosopher, art historian and psychologist; Oskar Kolberg, Polish ethnographer, folklorist, and composer (Lud); James Russell Lowell, American poet, critic and diplomat (Biglow Papers); James Barnet Fry, American historian and Brevet Major General (Union Army); Robert Alexander Cameron, American soldier and newspaper publisher (Union Army); Francis Pharcellus Church, American editor and publisher (The New York Sun – “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus”); Leon Vanderkindere, Belgian historian and mayor (Ukkel); Aldredo de Escragnolle Taunay, Brazilian writer (Inocencia), musician and politician; Karen Hulda Garborg, Norwegian playwright (Mot Solen/Eli; Jules Renard, French writer (Poil de Carotte; Zitkala-Sa, also known by her Anglicized and married name, Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, Native American (Yankton Dakota) writer, violinist, librettist (The Sun Dance Opera), educator, and political activist; Yme Schuitmaker, Frisian-Dutch potato merchant, actor, and playwright (Maerteblom (Snowdrop); Lysbet); Norman Lindsay, Australian artist and novelist (The Magic Pudding); Alfred Wikenhauser, German RC exegetist (John-Apokalyps); Hugo Ball, German playwright and social critic (co-founder Flametti, Dada); Robin G. Collingwood, English philosopher. historian (“The Principles of Art”; “The Idea of History”) and archaeologist (Roman Britain); Edna St Vincent Millay, American poet, dramatist and feminist (Harp Weaver-Pulitzer Prize); Victor Raúl Haya de la Torre, Peruvian politician and author (founder of Peruvian Aprista Party); Paul Van Ostaijen, Belgian-Dutch poet, writer and critic (Occupied City); George O’Hara, American silent era screenwriter and actor (The Sea Beast, The Grapes of Wrath); Giorgos Seferis [Georgios Seferiades], Greek poet (Nobel 1963); Seán Ó Faoláin [John Whelan], Irish short story writer (Murder at Cobbler’s Hulk); Stefan Lorant, Hungarian-American writer, photojournalist, filmmaker; Morley Callaghan, Canadian author and radio personality (Toronto Star, Native Argosy); Edward Robb Ellis, American diarist and journalist who is the most prolific diarist in the history of American letters with an estimated 22 million words; Jane Bowles, American writer; Wayne Booth, American literary critic; Edward Gorey, American author and artist (The Curious Sofa, The Gashlycrumb Tinies); Gerald Stern, American poet, (The One Thing in Life), essayist (Some Secrets), and educator; Paul Dooley, American character actor (Sixteen Candles; Strange Brew; Grace Under Fire), comedian, and screenwriter (The Electric Company); Jules van Neerven, Dutch economist, journalist, and editor (Limbourg Daily); oanna Russ, American sci-fi author (Hugo, Female Man, Alyx); Ishmael Reed, American author (Last Days of Louisiana Red); Felice Picano, American publisher, memoirist and novelist (The Lure, Like People in History); and Richard Greenberg, American playwright (Take Me Out, Three Days of Rain).

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

Work slowly continues on Temples of Abydos as multiple external activities are consuming most of my time. Over the past week, there was one additional chapter review, bringing the total to seventy. As always, plenty of positive suggestions to improve my writing.

Here’s the next snippet:

Ali led them to the same vehicle he used the night before. “Our chariot awaits.”

Once everyone climbed inside, Ali tapped the dash. “We are at peace today. Our conveyance will take us where we want to go.”

As promised, the engine fired on the first try without the black smoke.

He pulled out of the parking spot and plunged into the traffic without a glance at other vehicles.

While some drivers blew their horns, most just gave way to another Cairo driver.

“It will take much longer to reach the warehouse than coming from the airport. Traffic is very bad, so I must go slow. However, the warehouse is exactly what we will need to prepare for our excursion to Abydos.”

“How is the money holding out?” Charles attempted to keep his hand away from the panic strap, although he did grab it from time to time. He kept working imaginary brakes whenever he thought they might collide with another vehicle.

“Your benefactor was most gracious with his funds. I have used no more than half of what he sent. Of course, I shall inform you right away if I need more.”

“Excellent.” Charles glanced at Sylvia. “I shall let him know in due course. After our visit to the warehouse, I’d like you to take us on a drive around the city and point out some of the tourist spots. We will want to visit some of them before we head to Abydos.”

“Yes, Professor. When would you like to put the charms of Cairo behind us?

“How soon can we be ready?”

“If I am not so mistaken, we could depart the day after tomorrow. If it is permitted, I would like to take Sylvia and Finley to the nearby pyramids.”

“Aye. Good idea. I wonder how much has changed since I was here five years ago?”

Many more tourists, along with those who prey upon them.” Ali slammed on the brakes as he blew the horn.

Ahead, a bus and a truck had collided, blocking both lanes. A horde of people surrounded both vehicles, yelling and shouting, with some making threatening gestures with their hands.

“I am thinking everyone should hold on.” Ali twisted the wheel, turning around in the narrow street. “We shall go a different way, as this could be blocked for many hours. Even longer if fights break out among the onlookers.”

He made a right at the first crossroad. Rows of three and four-story buildings lined each side of the street. Various shops, including pharmacies, family-owned grocery stores, and clothes merchants, occupied the ground floor of each building, with apartments on the upper ones.

“I think—”

An overloaded truck trundled through the next intersection, the load careening toward them. The driver ignored the horn of Ali’s smaller vehicle and continued by, forcing Ali to give way.

“Driving in Cairo can be challenging at the best of times. It is not for those with a faint heart.” He grinned. “But this is what makes Cairo a special place to live.”

For the next thirty minutes, Ali weaved and swerved around pedestrians, mopeds, and cards, the van rocking in time with his movements. He glanced in the rearview mirror. “Keep an eye on the car behind us—he might try to squeeze between us and the parked vehicles.” He shook his head. “That driver is crazier than I am.”

“Watch out!” Charles pointed through the windscreen as he mashed on the imaginary brakes at his feet. “Camels!”

Metal crunched and crumpled as Ali sideswiped a parked vehicle blocking part of the street. He managed to dodge the camels. “Whew! I thought I would be buying someone a camel.”

“What about the car you hit?” Charles jerked a thumber over his shoulder.

“It is the cost of doing business when parking on Cairo streets.” Ali shrugged. “Besides, the driver tried to park in a spot half the size of his vehicle. It is his fault.” He gestured forward. “Our turn will soon be upon us.”

* * *

Two teenagers grabbed the ropes attached to their camels. As they managed to calm the skittish animals, a car sped toward them.

“Hurry, Omar. They’re getting away!”

“Relax, Pisir. He gunned the green Ford Fiesta’s engine and aimed for a small gap between the lead camel and the car Ali sideswiped. Omar yanked the wheel, crashing into the rear side panel of the vehicle, which blocked part of the street.

Both men slammed forward with the impact, their heads meeting the dash.

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 2026 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, August 3, 2025

Randall Krzak

We saw the temperature gradually decrease from last Sunday’s high of 100 to 95 on Friday. Yesterday, we had a welcome respite from weeks of heat with a drop of 21 degrees to 74!  That’s the forecast for today as well, although we’ll see a gradual increase of temperature up to 84 by next Friday. Some light rain also helped keep the heat at bay, although we had a two-hour thunderstorm on Wednesday that also kill the high temperatures.  At least this is bearable.

As is the norm, there’s plenty of wildlife stopping by. Friday night just before dark was the best when a buck, six doe, and two fawns put in an appearance. After they stayed for awhile, they all disappeared, melting back into the trees and brush.

The Detroit Tigers played eight games over the past week and have rebounded somewhat, winning five and losing three. Their record now stands at 65-47 and they’re still at the top of the American League Central Division with an eight game lead over second place Cleveland. Still loads of baseball to come this season, but I’ll be hoping to see the Tigers fight their way into the playoffs.

“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.”― Beatrix Potter. Compliments of https://www.nicolemgulotta.com/blog/25-inspirational-quotes.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on August 3rd, the thirty-first Sunday of 2025 and the first one in August. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Étienne Dolet, French scholar and printer; Paulus Adrianus Daum, Dutch writer, founder and editor (Batavian Newspaper); Vernon Louis Parrington, American author (Romantic Revolution, Pulitzer 1928); Eugène Baie, Belgian author (Sub rosa et sub umbra); Rupert Brooke, British WW I poet (Lithuania, The Soldier); Ernie Pyle, American journalist and war correspondent during WW II (Pulitzer Prize, 1944); Clifford D. Simak, American sci-fi author (Hugo, Empire, Way Station); Leonhard Huizinga, Dutch journalist and writer (Adriaan & Olivier); Mel Tolkin, Ukrainian television comedy writer; Sal Santen, Dutch writer (You Are Jewish People); Shakeel Badayuni, Indian poet and lyricist; James MacGregor Burns, American political writer (The Lion & the Fox); Hayden Carruth, American poet (The Crow and the Heart); Robert Sumner, American evangelist and author; Roger Foulon, Belgian writer (Un été dans la Fagne); ames Komack, American writer, director, and actor (The Courtship of Eddie’s Father; Chico and the Man; Welcome Back, Kotter); Leon Uris, American novelist (Exodus; Topaz; QB VII); Cécile Aubry, French actress (The Black Rose), author (Belle et Sébastien), television screenwriter and director; Diane Wakoski, American poet (Motorcycle Betrayal); Reed Waller, American adult comic book author (“Omaha” the Cat Dancer); and Frank Schaeffer, American author (Crazy for God).

Any names familiar to you? There were two for me this week: Ernie Pyle and Leon Uris.  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

I’m almost finished editing chapters in the manuscript of Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion based on reader feedback, with just a couple more to go.Then the real work will begin!  All chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were another four new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 272. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

Day after day, Finn returned to his lookout and didn’t find Mosby and his men. Are they attacking Union encampments? He stretched, rubbed his right knee, and pushed back through the grass before reaching his horse. He mounted and headed into Middleburg to the Chinn Ordinary.

Inside the tavern, he was greeted by Earl. “Welcome back, Finn. I’m bettin’ you found the Colton place all right.”

“Yes. You were right, there was some damage to part of the roof where a tree fell on it. Just the same there are still two rooms in suitable condition. I’ve set up in them.”

Earl nodded. “I wondered if you’d be back. You missed Colonel Mosby and some of his men. They came a day or so after you was here.” He leaned close to Finn. “Mosby sent a raiding party after some Yankees near Warrenton. I heard him mention he would be leading another raid, but this time, he’ll have support.”

“What kind of support?”

“Jefferson Davis assigned an engineer to work with Mosby. I hear tell he can control birds and squirrels, and they’ll eat out of his hand.”

Must be the guy I saw with the bird at the farm Finn thought. “Do you know his name? Sounds like a fella I heard about.”

Earl shook his head. “Never did hear it mentioned. They jest referred to him as the engineer.”

***

Latimer entered the tent being used by Colonel Mosby. He stepped to the campaign table and unrolled a sheaf of images.

Mosby appeared a few minutes later. After acknowledging Latimer’s presence, he studied the photographs. “Excellent work again, Latimer. We should be able to sneak up on the Yankee camp.”

Thank you, Colonel.”

“We will raid them tonight when they are least expecting us. I’ll inform you tomorrow of our success.”

The following day, Mosby met with Latimer. “Your images were perfect in showing how the Yankees were deployed. There was a mix-up, however, and we engaged the enemy sooner than expected. After a fierce firefight, we took six prisoners and sixty horses. It was unfortunate, but we lost six men. Overall, it was a successful raid.”

“Glad to hear it, Colonel. What do you want me to do next?”

Head back to Oakham Farm. We will rest a spell before planning our next raid. The Yankees seemed to be waiting for us, so I want to wait a bit before going after them again.”

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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, July 13, 2025

Randall Krzak

It’s been another steamy week. While there were a few episodes of thunder, there wasn’t enough rain to break into the heat cycle. The upcoming week is supposed to be 88-94, which thunderstorms predicted on four days.

Deer and wild turkeys continue to visit, along with the regular retinue of birds and squirrels. Yesterday, there was a young buck staring at the house and in the background we could seen a fawn hiding with the other does.

Over the past week, the Detroit Tigers played six games, winning three and losing three. Their record now stands at 59-37, and they’re still in first place in the American League’s Central Division, with a 11.5 game lead ahead of second place Minnesota. Today, Detroit plays their final game before the All-Star break. After a well-deserved rest, I hope they roar back!

“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.” ―Beatrix Potter. Compliments of https://www.nicolemgulotta.com/blog/25-inspirational-quotes.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on July 13th, the twenty-eighth Sunday of 2025 and the second one in July. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Wilhelm Heinrich Wackenroder, German writer (Fantasies about Art); John Clare, English poet (Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery); Gustav Freytag, German writer and playwright (Debit and Credit); Isaak Babel, Russian writer, playwright and journalist (Red Calvary); Kenneth Clark, English art historian (Civilisation); Charles Scribner IV, American literary publisher; David Storey, British novelist and playwright (This Sporting Life); Peter Gzowski ‘Mr Canada’, Canadian broadcaster, writer and reporter; Wole Soynka, Nigerian playwright and poet (Road, Kongi’s Harvest-Nobel 1986); ean-Pierre Plooij, Dutch writer and playwright (Duvelsmoer verhalen; Patience; Bird House); Cameron Crowe, American journalist (Rolling Stone), film director (Almost Famous; Jerry Maguire), and screenwriter (Fast Times at Ridgemont High); and Ian Hislop, British writer, satirist and editor of Private Eye.

Any names familiar to you? There were two for me this week: John Clare and Charles Scribner IV.  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

This week, I continued editing chapters in the manuscript of Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion based on reader feedback. All chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were another eight new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 259. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

Latimer, Lester, and Amos entered the grounds of Oakham Farm near Middleburg, Virigina. Lester and Amos each drove a team of horses pulling supply wagons while Latimer rode with Lester.

An armed guard near the gate raised a hand. “What can I do you for?”

“We are here on behalf of President Davis.” Latimer studied the guard’s face. “Colonel Mosby is expecting us.”

“Any who are you?” The guard chewed on his tobacco and spat.

“My name is Latimer.” He gestured to Lester and Amos. “The brave Confederate boys are my aides.”

“Why didn’t you say so? The colonel is likely in the parlor in the main farmhouse.”

“Thank you.” Latimer motioned Lester forward.

Amos followed.

At the farmhouse, Lester and Amos stopped near the steps leading to the porch.

“Wait here.” Latimer climbed down, dashed up the steps, and knocked on the door.

Moments later, the door swung inward.

Another armed guard stood at the entrance. “Are you “Latimer?”

“Yes.” Latimer gestured toward the wagons. “My aides are waiting for me.”

“The colonel is waiting for you in the parlor. Second door on the right. Just go right in.”

Latimer nodded and headed where he was directed.

Tall, with a trimmed beard and wavy black hair, Mosby noticed Latimer and waved him forward. “Welcome, Latimer. The president and General Lee have told me wonderful stories about your machines. Will they really help the South win the war?”

“You will still require intelligence from your spy network, but, yes, I will be able to tell you what the Yankees are doing.”

Mosby approached Latimer and clasped him on the shoulder. “Welcome to Mosby’s Raiders.” He chuckled. “We are formally called Rangers, but I prefer the term raiders cuz that is what we do.” He led Latimer to a sofa and gestured for him to sit.

Latimer did as instructed, leaning forward after sinking in the soft cushions.

“We have a raid planned near Chantilly in a few days. One of our sources in Washington informed us about Union-mounted pickets from the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry in the area. If we are lucky, we will chase them away while grabbing their horses and weapons.”

Latimer nodded. “I can launch one of my birds and check on the pickets.”

“Excellent.” Mosby grinned. “No need for a demonstration now. Just do your work when the time comes.”

“You must realize I cannot provide details as the fighting unfolds. Once I recover one of my birds, I must develop the film and print the images before I can share them with you.”

Mosby pursed his lips. “How long do you reckon that will take?”

“Not long—perhaps two hours.”

Mosby sighed. “Okay, if that is what it takes, I will welcome your information, and we will respond accordingly.”

Two days later, Latimer developed the film from one of his birds.

Mosby studied the images as he stroked his pointed beard. “I reckon at least nine Yankees are milling about.” He turned to one of his aides. “Deploy the men.”

After a brief encounter, Mosby’s Raiders captured nine Yankees and made off with their horses and weapons before fading back into the woods.

The following day, Latimer reported a large force of Yankee cavalrymen were approaching Middleburg. “Appears to be around two hundred men.”

“We will stay out of the town until they leave. Once they depart, we will attach from the rear.”

After a brief clash, Mosby and seven of his men left the area. Both sides had captured three of their opponents.

***

President Davis grinned as he read the telegram handed to him by Confederate Secretary of State Judah Benjamin.

Dear President Davis,

I am pleased to notify you and Secretary of State Benjamin about our resounding success on January 31st in scattering the Union fleet off Charleston. The CSS Chicora and CSS Palmetto State slipped out of the harbor and attacked the Union blockade. While inflicting severe damage to some Union ships and minor damage to others, both of our ships returned to the harbor unscathed.

The Charleston ‘iron-clad’ fleet is a force to be reckoned with. 

General P.G.T. Beauregard

Davis stood and paced his office before returning to his desk, facing Benjamin who sat across from him. “This is the naval victory we needed. I shall announce to foreign powers, especially England and France, that the Confederate Navy stopped the Union blockade of Charleston. Perhaps this will convince them to support us in our time of need as we require their assistance with equipment and supplies. I hope England and France will not use Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation against us.”

Benjamin nodded. “I shall do my utmost to gain their official recognition. I do not believe any other countries will help us unless they agree first.”

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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, June 29, 2025

Randall Krzak

It was a sweltering week, with temperatures ranging from 93-99. On Wednesday evening, there was a thunderstorm overhead for twenty-five minutes. When it started to move away, thunder could still be heard in the area an hour later. A similar storm hit on Thursday, but shorter–only about forty minutes and not overhead. On Saturday afternoon, we had another one. Overhead, it was clear blue sky but the rumbling of thunder could be heard for over an hour. There was rain associated with the first two storms, but it remained dry on Saturday.

The Detroit Tigers had a better week, winning four games and losing two, bringing their record to 52-32. The extended their lead over second place Cleveland to 10.5 games. Way to go Tigers!

As we prepare for the upcoming 4th of July weekend, I thought I’d remind readers of the significance of the date. It commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.  Here are some patriotic quotations beginning in 1775. You might recognize the quotations and/or the authors. Compliments of https://www.americanrevolution.org/quotes/.

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” – Patrick Henry, 1775

“Stand your ground; don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.” – Captain John Parker, 1775

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Declaration of Independence, 1776

“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”– Benjamin Franklin, 1776

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” – Thomas Paine, 1776

“I have not yet begun to fight!” – John Paul Jones, 1779

Enjoy your week and the festivities you plan to participate in!

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on June 29th, the twenty-sixth Sunday of 2025 and the fifth and final one in June. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Giacomo Leopardi, Italian poet and philosopher (The Poems of Leopardi); John Newton Brown, American publisher and Baptist teacher; James Harvey Robinson, American historian (Ordeal of Civilization); Francis Brett Young, British physician and writer (White Ladies); Virginia Pope, American fashion editor (New York Times); Antoine de Saint-Exupery, French writer, poet and pioneering aviator (The Little Prince), born in Lyon, France; Manuel Altolaguirre, Spanish poet and publisher (La lenta libertad); Paul Lebeau, Flemish writer (Last Rose, Xanthippe); John Toland, American political writer (Rising Sun, Pulitzer 1971); Frédéric Dard, French writer (San-Antonio); Vasko Popa, Yugoslavia-Serbian poet (Heaven is a Side Issue); Don Rosa, American comic book writer and illustrator (Scrooge McDuck, Donald Duck); Matthew Weiner, American television writer and producer who created Mad Men; and Colton Dunn, American comedian, writer and actor (Superstore).

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

This week, I continued editing chapters in the manuscript of Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion based on reader feedback. All chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were only two new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 248. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

Elizabeth joined Mary in the small sitting room adjacent to Mary and Abraham’s bedroom.

Mary sat at a writing desk situated in a corner between two windows. The desk held two rows of pigeonholes for incoming and outgoing correspondence. “Welcome back, Elizabeth.”

She smiled. “Thank you. President Davis sends his compliments to you.” She handed Mary a letter.

My daring Mary,

Thank you for entrusting your friend to be a conduit between us. Your information has been vital in the Confederacy securing victories we might otherwise not have won. However, I must caution both you and Elizabeth to be very circumspect in your endeavors, as I would not want anything untoward to happen to you. Nor do I want to come between you and your husband.

Your friend, Mary O’Neill Greenhow, sends her greetings. I had the splendid opportunity to share a meal with her and her daughter, Little Rose, upon her exchange for several Union soldiers, and she is residing in Richmond. I have called upon her to handle a mission of great import to the Confederacy, and she has agreed. Next summer, she will embark on a diplomatic mission to France and Britain to garner support and funds to aid our efforts.

One day, the war between the North and the South will be over. I hope at that time to dine with you and thank you in person for your support of our cause during these perilous times.

With great admiration,

Your servant,

Jefferson

Mary turned to Elizabeth. “Did you read it?”

“Yes. President Davis let me read it before he sealed the envelope.”

“Should I have the opportunity to dine with him in the future, I insisted you must be in attendance, too.”

Elizabeth smiled. “Thank you, Mary. You are a dear friend.”

“And so are you.”

***

Mary reread the letter she had received from her half-sister, Emilie Todd Helm. Tears dripping down her face, she crumpled the single sheet of paper into a ball and tossed it into the fire.

As she watched the letter brown before bursting into flames, she thought about her half-brother, Alexander Humphreys Todd. What a waste of a previous life and to be snuffed out by friendly fire during the Battle of Baton Rouge. May God have mercy upon his soul.

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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, April 27, 2025

Randall Krzak

It’s been another wet week, with mainly light rain, although there were a couple of thunderstorms. I still managed to get some painting done on our shed, which hadn’t seen a lick of paint in years as the wood was weather beaten. Now it looks pristine.

Over the past week, the Detroit Tigers played six games, winning four and losing two and raised their record to 17-10, the best in the American League. They’re currently in first place in the Central Division, with a game and a half league over second place Cleveland.

The Detroit Pistons played two more games in their best-of-seven against the New York Knicks, splitting the games. The Knicks are 2-1 up against the Pistons, with game four scheduled for later today.

“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them. ” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. 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 April 27th, the seventeenth Sunday of 2025 and the fourth and final one in April. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Mary Wollstonecraft, English writer and feminist (A Vindication of the Rights of Woman), mother of Mary Shelley; Alfred Julius Becher, Austrian journalist and composer; Herbert Spencer, British philosopher (Social Statics) and sociologist; Gerben Colmjon, Frisian linguist and publisher; Jules Lemaître, French critic and dramatist; ohan Skjoldborg, Danish writer (Dynaes-Digte); André Baillon, Belgian-French author (Un homme si simple); Hubert Harrison, West Indian-American writer and freedom fighter; Walter Lantz, American cartoonist (Woody Woodpecker’s creator); Frank Belknap Long, American writer (Rim of the Unknown); Cecil Day-Lewis, Irish poet (British Poet Laureate 1968-72) and detective writer (Nicholas Blake); Julian Stryjkowski, Polish journalist and writer known for his radical leftist leanings; Yórgos Theotokás, Greek novelist (Leonís); Muriel C. Bradbrook, English writer (That Infidel Place); Georges Dargaud, French publisher (Astérix, Tintin); Franz Weyergans, Belgian writer and translator (Les Gens Heureux); Albert Soboult, French historian; John Alfred Scali, American journalist and diplomat; Edwin Morgan, Scottish poet (At Eighty); Martin Gray, Polish-born American writer, holocaust survivor; John Burningham, English author and illustrator of children’s books (Mr Grumpy’s Outing; August Wilson, American Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (Fences; The Piano Lesson); and Russell T. Davies, Welsh TV writer and executive producer (Doctor Who, Queer as Folk).

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

I’ve put work on Vendetta, the sixth novel in my Bedlam series, on hold to concentrate on Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion.

This is the first novel in a three-volume series that I’m collaborating with Michael Maxwell, the author of over thirty novels. It combines action, romance, and sci-fi in an alternate reality of the American Civil War. All being well, the first novel will be released in the fall and compete in the 2025 Chanticleer Internal Book Awards in their Laramie Awards for Americana, Western, Pioneer & Civil War, North American Historical Fiction.

I’ve posted the first twenty chapters to the most active of the two online subscription writing sites I use. The posts are coming faster than my readers normally critique, but so far the story has received  eighty chapter reviews. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s a bit more about the story.

Chapter one begins with Johann, a Swiss watchmaker. His hobby is creating completely mechanical animals and machinery. The chapter closed with my moving to North Carolina, where he sets up his watchmaking shop. He is visited by Barnabas Latimer, who spots Johann’s mechanical animals and is intrigued, as he envisions a use for them in the pending American Civil War.

Chapters two through six are a whirlwind run through the war, showing how Latimer uses his cunning to create additional animals and machinery to aid the South. We meet Union Captain Finn Harding (hence the title, Harding’s Challenge) in chapter four. In chapter six, the war comes to and end with a twist.

The remainder of the story centers around Latimer (who turns out to be an evil man), Finn Harding, and Latimer’s daughter Evie. Finn and Evie meet in chapter seven and it turns out they have something in common: hatred for Latimer. As story unfolds, they plot Latimer’s demise, become romantically linked. I had planned to post the first snippet today, but it’s delayed until 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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, March 6, 2025

Randall Krzak

We had plenty of rain and thunderstorms at the beginning of the week, but more thunderstorms are forecast for today, along with hail. The past couple of days the temperatures rose into the upper 80s, making it feel quite steamy.

Michigan State lost to Auburn 70-64 in the NCAA Elite Eight, ending their season. Perhaps next year they’ll go all the way!

Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons have been splitting games, with their record now 43/35. They’re still on track to make it to the post season, and are currently in the sixth and final position for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. There are only a few games left in the regular season, so they’ll still be in the playoffs.

After losing the first three games of the MLB season, Detroit has bounced back and are currently 4-4. Despite a .500 record, they are in first place in the American League Central Division, with Kansas City, Cleveland, and Minnesota all a game behind with 3-5 records. Chicago is in the bottom of the division with a 2-6 record.  Detroit and Chicago play again today.

“The secret of it all is to write… without waiting for a fit time or place.” – Walt Whitman. Compliments of https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/inspirational-quotes-writing/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on April 6th, the fourteen Sunday of 2025 and the first one for April. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Johann Kuhnau, Bohemian composer (Biblical Sonatas), kapellmeister, novelist, and lawyer; Jean-Baptiste Rousseau, French playwright and poet (Sacred Odes & Songs); James Mill, Scottish philosopher and historian (History of British India); John Pierpont, American poet (Airs of Palestine), Unitarian minister, abolitionist and reformer; Aaron Bernstein, German Jewish writer (Young Germany; Alexander Herzen, Russian writer; Aasmund Olavsson Vinje, Norwegian poet and journalist (Travel Memories from Norway 1860); Johann Scheler, Belgian librarian and man of letters; Joseph Medill, Canadian newspaper editor, owner and politician (co-owned Chicago Tribune, Mayor of Chicago 1871-73); Karl Binding, German jurist whose writings were used to justify the Holocaust; Joseph Lincoln Steffens, American muckraker and investigative journalist (Shame of the Cities); Erich Mühsam, German author and political anarchist; Daniel Andersson, Swedish poet and writer (Svarta Ballader); Willis Hall, British screenwriter and dramatist (Torn Curtain; Billy; Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure); ohn Pepper Clark, Nigerian poet (A Decade of Tongues; Mandela), playwright (Song of a Goat), and magazine editor (The Horn), often published as J.P. Clarkl Homero Aridjis, Mexican poet and novelist (Mirándola dormir, The Child Poet); Hans W Geissendorfer, German director, writer and producer (Lindenstrasse, Soliloquy, In the World You Are Afraid); Jack Canfora, American playwright; and Ilan Hall, Israeli-American chef, producer and writer (Food to Get You Laid, Knife Fight and Guy’s Grocery Games: All-Star Invitational).

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

I completed chapter seventeen of Vendetta, the sixth novel in my Bedlam series this week. It’s now been posted to the two online subscription writing sites I use. There were another six reviews this week, bringing the total to 235. As always, plenty of suggestions to improve my writing.

Here’s another snippet:

After Mongo and Akin departed, Obasi turned to the others. “Black Shadow is one of the largest groups in Nigeria. Some call us criminals, but like Robin Hood, we take from the rich and give to the poor—ourselves.”

Everyone laughed.

“As you probably surmised, Mongo is the leader of Black Shadow, and I am his deputy. We engage in drug dealing, smuggling, kidnapping, and extortion across the country and are a prime target for Nigerian law enforcement and intelligence organizations.”

“Cool!” Musa blushed.

Obasi glanced at Musa. “You’re right. It is cool—and also dangerous. We met not long ago with the leaders of the four groups we are in competition with and have formed an alliance called the Council of Vengeance. Your roles at UNIBEN will be to push our influence with the student body and faculty and find like-minded individuals who think like we do. We want to create chaos between those targeting us and have them chasing their own tails.”

“Count me in.” Ibrahim pursed his lips. “I know just the person to target—my father. He’s a member of the National Intelligence Agency and tries to get me to spy on other students.”

Obasi nodded. “Yes, he and others like him will make excellent targets. While we’re concentrating on UNIBEN, where Black Shadow started back in the seventies, the other members of the Council of Vengeance will be doing the same in different cities.” He drained his chapman. “Together, we shall create mass mayhem as we continue to flourish.”

***

Freedom Park

Lagos

At the same time as Mongo and Obasi’s meeting took place at the Euphoria Lounge Bar, two other members of the Council of Vengeance met at the Freedom Park in Lagos.

Kelechi Bello, leader of the Renegade Kings, and Chinaka Zabu, the leader of the Crimson Fangs, sat at a table in the deserted picnic area.

Each man brought one armed guard with them.

Kelechi studied Chinaka’s face. “Since you wanted to meet, I assume you feel the same about Mongo’s Council of Vengeance as I do.”

“Yes.” Chinaka nodded. “It sounds like a good idea. However, what if this is a ploy by Mongo to expand his operations by preying on us? I propose we go along with what he wants, but we must be vigilant and watch for anything that might be our undoing.”

“You speak wise words for someone new to our way of life.” Kelechi tilted his head. “I agree with your sentiments. But what should we do if we catch Mongo or his Black Shadow trying to distract us and take over?”

Chinaka laughed. “I can think of only one solution—death.”

“So be 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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, March 16, 2025

Randall Krzak

It’s been a dry and warm week, at least until early this morning when we were hit with a couple of thunderstorms. Tornadoes are in the forecast for the east of South Carolina. Meanwhile, during the week I did get a fair bit of yard work done, but will have to wait for things to dry out before doing any more.

Michigan and Michigan State played last Sunday. State won the game, 79-62 and upped their record to 26-5 while Michigan dropped to 22-9.  This was Michigan State’s 11th regular season championship under coach Tom Izzo, and they inched up to 7th in the Top Twenty-Five, while Michigan tumbled to 22nd.

Both teams played on the 14th in the Big Ten Conference Championship. State was the number one seed and played Oregon (8) while Michigan (3) played Purdue (6). State won their game and played Wisconsin (5), losing 77-74. Michigan beat Purdue 86-68 and went on to beat Maryland (2) 81-80.  Michigan will play Wisconsin on Sunday for the Big Ten Conference Championship.

The Detroit Pistons won one game this week, while dropping two. They’re are now 37-31, but still in contention for the Eastern Conference playoffs, as long as they return to winning ways.

I watched my first Detroit Tigers spring training game this week. They won 5-1. As of yesterday, they are  in 2nd place in the AL Central Division with a 9-9 record plus one tie.

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.” – George Bernard Shaw. Compliments of https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/inspirational-quotes-writing/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on March 16th, the eleventh Sunday of 2025 and the third one for March. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/). 

Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, Dutch historian and writer; Gerbrant Bredero, Dutch poet and playwright (Klucht van de Koe); Michael Franck, German composer, poet, and baker; Madame de La Fayette [Marie-Madeleine Pioche de la Vergne], French novelist (La Princesse de Clèves -1st historical novel in French); Bengt Lidner, Swedish poet (Medea, Yttersa Domen); Anna Atkins, English botanist, photographer and the 1st person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images; Peter Ernst von Lasaulx, German philosopher and writer; Ernest Feydeau, French author, friend of Flaubert (Fanny); Sully Prudhomme, French poet and the 1st winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1901; F. A. Forbes, Scottish author; Ethel Anderson, Australian poet; César Vallejo, Peruvian-French poet and novelist (Los Heraldos Negros; Trilce; Russia in 1931); Francisco Ayala, Spanish writer; Samael Aun Weor, Colombian writer; Sid Fleischman, American author, and screenplay writer (The Whipping Boy; Blood Alley: The Abracadabra Kid); Geoffrey Freeman Allen, English railway writer; Harding Lemay, American writer (head writer for soap “Another World”; Don Richard Carpenter, American writer (Hard Rain Falling); Don Richard Carpenter, American writer (Hard Rain Falling); Kate Worley, American comic book writer (Omaha the Cat Dancer); and Lauren Graham, American actress and author (Gilmore Girls, Parenthood).

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

Since I concentrated on outdoor work this week, I didn’t finish chapter sixteen of Vendetta, the sixth novel in my Bedlam series. I’ll get it finished this coming week and post it to the two  online subscription writing sites I use. There were another eight reviews this week, bringing the total to 220. As always, plenty of suggestions to improve my writing.

Here’s another snippet:

Five hours later, the three-vehicle convoy reached Panama City. Bob weaved through the crowded streets to the American embassy on Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue, Clayton. Rufus and Trevor followed.

“Sir, wake up. We’re here.” Bob blew the horn to notify the Panamanian guards of their arrival.

After Bob showed diplomatic ID to the guards, they opened the gate, and the three vehicles entered. Bob continued to the motor pool area, where the Suburban and the Toyota Land Cruisers were handed over to the maintenance team. He told the maintenance chief about Jim’s body.

Bob led CC and the others up the hill to the six-story chancery. Once again he showed his ID, this time to a Marine standing inside a bullet-resistant booth.

The Marine asked for CC, Evelyn, Rufus, and Trevor’s ID. Upon viewing Trevor’s, the Marine came to attention and saluted.

Trevor smiled as he returned the salute.

The Marine pointed to a table to the left of his booth. “Please sign in. Once you’ve done so, Bob can take you inside. Admiral Blakely and the ambassador will join you soon.”

Fifteen minutes later, Bob escorted them into a conference room adjacent to the ambassador’s office. Everyone grabbed a seat at the rectangle table for twelve as a steward brought in a trolley laden with tea, coffee, water, juice, and pastries.

After they had something to eat and drink, they relaxed until the door leading to the ambassador’s office opened.

In strode the ambassador, followed by Admiral Blakely.

Everyone jumped to their feet.

The ambassador laughed as he took his seat at the head of the table with the admiral seated next to him. “Welcome back from your excursion into the Darien. I’m Charles Sanderson, the ambassador to Panama, at least as long as the president allows me to be here. But you can call me Chuck.”

Everyone smiled at the ambassador, who resembled the fictional character used in the KFC commercials—white hair, a white goatee, black-rimmed glasses, and dressed in a white suit with a red bowtie.

“Aye, Ambassador. Thank you for the loan of the vehicles.” CC grinned. “I’m afraid we added a few dents and scrapes to them.”

“Don’t worry about it. Can’t be helped when you go into the jungle.” The ambassador turned to Admiral Blakely. “Richard, it’s your show, so please take over.”

The admiral nodded. “I’ll expect a full report by the end of the day. In the meantime, I want to inform you about your next assignment.” He glanced around the room, stopping when he reached Trevor. “At a request from Ambassador Sanderson, we will be sending Bedlam Bravo sans Trevor, back to Yaviza to keep an eye on the Embera-Wounaan.”

“I was asked by the Panamanian president if we could assist in supporting their indigenous tribes in the Darien given the recent increase in crime originating in the area.” Chuck stroked his goatee. “Since I concur with the president’s request, I tried to hoodwink Richard in providing support.”

“I spoke with Sir Alex and Harrison yesterday evening, and both agreed to the use of Bedlam Bravo for this mission.”

Trevor raised a hand. “Sir, if I’m not going with my team, who will lead them?”

“Good question. Sir Alex, Harrison, and I had a lengthy discussion about this. We’d like Rufus to take over as Bravo team lead on a temporary basis. August will assume command of the quick reaction force until Rufus returns.”

“Aye, Admiral.” CC gestured toward Evelyn and Trevor. “What do you have planned for us?”

“I spoke with the president of South Africa while you were running around the jungle. At last, he’s agreed to have Bedlam Delta positioned in the country. You’ll be meeting with the State Security Agency. The director general of the SSA will become the overseer for Bedlam Delta.” The admiral frowned as he glanced at Trevor again. “He’s driving a hard bargain as he wants a South African in charge of the team. You know what that means.”

“Understood, Admiral. We only have one experienced South African in our existing teams—Gerhard Badenhorst. I’m confident Gerhard is up to the task.”

The admiral nodded. “He’ll remain with Bedlam Bravo pending our finding a suitable replacement for him. In the meantime, our existing Bedlam team leaders will head to South Africa to establish the groundwork for setting up our newest team. I’ll speak with Gerhard and explain his promotion. Keep him posted as much as you can.”

“Aye, Admiral. Anything else?”

“As a matter of fact, there is, CC. We still need to discuss your transition to my deputy and your replacement as Alfa’s team lead.” The admiral shook his head. “We might need to go on a snatch-and-grab with the military and intelligence communities for volunteers.”

“Och aye, Admiral. Things have a way of working out.”

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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

Uncategorized

Randall’s Rambling, February 23, 2025

Randall Krzak

The wild turkeys put in appearances almost every day during the past week. Most times, it was just a group of 15-20 females, but on a couple of occasions, they were accompanied by a tom.  While the females pecked at the ground, the gobbler remained in the background as if keeping watch over the group. They usually departed en masse about twenty minutes after arriving.

This week we received a list of our next participation in the local farmer’s market. We have eight confirmed dates (all Sundays) between the beginning of May and the end of August. In addition, we’re wait listed for the other Sundays. Some time during this period, we should also receive word about our inclusion for September through the end of the year.

On Wednesday and Thursday morning, we had a few snow flurries–no real accumulation except a bit in sheltered areas. However, the temperature was sufficient so even this accumulation didn’t hang around long. It was funny hearing people in the stores talk about the flurries as if a major storm was going to hit us. It didn’t.

Turning to college basketball, Michigan won last Sunday and moved up to 12th in the Top Twenty.  Michigan State also won on Tuesday, but slid to 14th. On Friday, the two teams played each other in Ann Arbor. Michigan State won, 75-62, raising their record to 22-5, while Michigan dropped to 21-6.

The Detroit pistons won their first game after the All-Star break. This was their 5th consecutive win, and they are now 30-26. They play again tonight.

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” – Stephen King. Compliments of https://copyblogger.com/inspirational-quotes-for-writers/.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on February 23rd, the eight Sunday of 2025 and the fourth and final one for February. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Samuel Pepys, English navy administrator and Member of Parliament famous for his Diary of the English Restoration period; Wilhelmus Schortinghuis, Dutch theologist (Profound Christianity); Richard Price, Welsh philosopher; John Walter II, English newspaper owner (who made The Times into an important newspaper, 1812-47); Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk, Dutch philologist (Tobasch’ Grammar); W.E.B. Du Bois, American civil rights activist, writer (Souls of Black Folk) and co-founder of the NAACP; B. Traven, German novelist (“The Death Ship”; “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”) who is cloaked in mystery and whose identity, real name and birthplace is disputed; Erich Kästner, German writer; Mien van ‘t Sant, Dutch author (Mieke serial); William L. Shirer, American journalist and historian (Rise & Fall of 3rd Reich); Walter Allen, English writer and literary critic; Heinrich Schirmbeck, German author and activist (Das Spiegellabyrinth); David Wright, South African-British poet (Deafness: A Personal Account; Gery Florizoone, Flemish poet; Gerry Davis, British screenwriter (Dr Who); Jef Geeraerts, Flemish writer (Black Venus) and crime novelist; Donna J. Stone, American poet (Wielder of Words); Bernard Cornwell, English historical novelist; John Sandford, American novelist; and Doug Moench, American comic book writer known for his work on Batman and “Master of Kung Fu”.

Any names familiar to you? There were two for me this week: Bernard Cornwell and John Sandford. 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

I finished chapter thirteen of Vendetta, the sixth novel in my Bedlam series this week. It’s now posted to the two  online subscription writing sites I use. There were another seven reviews this week, bringing the total to 188. As always, plenty of suggestions to improve my writing.

As previously mentioned the cover is a filler, as the final cover won’t be done until the entire first draft is completed.  Here’s another snippet:

“Mis amigos, later today, I shall meet with a representative from a Nigerian group interested in purchasing more of our product as they try to increase their influence in Africa. I’ve been in discussion with them for several weeks, and yesterday, we reached an agreement.”

“Well done, Jefe.” Carlos grinned. “what will be our profit?”

“That is something we will settle during today’s negotiation. While we only receive about one thousand eight hundred dollars a kilo in Colombia, I hope to get at least half of what we earn in Estados Unidos, or about eighteen thousand a kilo.”

Diego rubbed his jaw. “B-But, J-Jefe, why the l-lower p-price?”

“Call this an introductory price.” Andres laughed. “When they realize the quality of our product, they will be willing to pay more, perhaps as much as twenty-nine thousand dollars a kilo.”

Carlos whistled. “Dios mío, Jefe!” We shall be richer than ever.”

“Sí and we shall give the church her due to worship God.” Andres clapped his hands.

A servant hovering in the background brought him fresh coffee.

After sipping on the hot brew, Andres glanced at his watch. “Felipe should be arriving soon from Yazivi to give us an update about the men he sent to deal with the outsiders.”

“J-Jefe, you m-mentioned last t-time that I w-would become the deputy j-jefe for Carlos and Felipe. W-When will I s-start?” As normal, Diesgo struggled with his words, caused by a stutter he developed in childhood.

“Do not worry, mi amigo.” Andres smiled. “After you discuss your duties with Carlos and Felipe, I shall pick a start state that is convenient to everyone.”

Diego nodded. “G-Gracias, J-Jefe.”

The door opened, and Felipe stormed in. He walked past the buffet and joined Andres and the others. “Sorry, Jefe. It took longer for me to return than I expected.”

“What happened?” Andres turned and waved a hand at the servant.

The servant brought a pot of coffee and an extra cup. After refilling Andres, Carlos, and Diego’s cups, he poured one for Felipe before returning to his station near the buffet.

Felipe took a sip of the steaming brew. “When I arrived at Yaviza, I expected to find our men were victorious.” He shook his head. “Much to my amazement, three of them were dead and the other three had suffered minor injuries. Arturo, the man I put in charge of the team, suffered the most serious injury, with a puncture near his heart. I brought him back with me, and he’s been taken to the hospital for treatment.” Felipe shrugged. “If he does not survive, there are other men who want to go.”

Andres crossed his arms as he grimaced. “So, who are these interlopers who dared to enter our territory?”

“I do not know, Jefe. But, they must be seasoned warriors.”

“Find out. This is an outrage, and their interference cannot be accepted.” Andres slammed a fist on the table, causing cups to spill. “I have an important meeting today. If details of this indignity were to get out, it might disrupt our expansión plans and make me a laughing stock among the other cartels.”

“Sí, Jefe.” Felipe started to rise.

“Sit.” Andres glared at Felipe. “I will tell you when to go. You must be famished. Eat first and return to Yaviza. Find out who dared to challenge us and get rid of them. If you must take additional men with you, do so.”

“Sí, Jefe. With your permission, I will arrange for more men to return with me. Afterward, I shall eat.”

Andres remained silent as he waved a hand in dismissal.

After Felipe departed, Andres glanced at Carlos and Diego. “Seems we have more work to do. I cannot believe Norteamericano federales are behind this. Must be someone else—perhaps their CIA?” Andres shook his head. “In any event, we must show we are powerful and not someone to be trifled with.” He jumped to his feet. “I’m going for a ride and will return in a couple of hours, in time for my meeting. You are dismissed. Adios.” He left the dining room, slamming the door behind him.

Carlos and Diego climbed out of their seats and echoed Andres’s farewell.  They looked at each other and shrugged.

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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, January 19, 2025

Randall Krzak

I looked outside yesterday morning, expecting to see a few deer finishing off the corn . There weren’t any deer, but we did have other visitors. If I counted correctly, and I think I did, there were sixteen wild turkeys finishing off the corn and the squirrels’ food. It was great to see the turkeys as it was only the second or third time we’ve seen them since moving in last May.

The Detroit Lions played the Washington Commanders last night in the NFC Divisional playoffs. Detroit’s season ended with a 45-31 loss, while next Washington will play the winner of tonight’s LA Rams-Philidelphia Eagles game for the NFC Championship. It was disappointing to see the Lions stumble so close to the finish line, but now they’ll have to watch the rest of the season from the bench.

Last Sunday, Michigan and Michigan State won their basketball games, raising their records to 13-3 and 14-2, respectively Michigan is now ranked 20th in the Top Twenty-Five, while Michigan moved up to 12th.

They both played again during the week, with Michigan State improving to 15-2.  Michigan lost a heart-breaker at the buzzer in overtime when the score was tied 81-81. A Minnesota player sank a three-pointer to clinch the win. Michigan is now 13-4 and will likely drop out of the Top Twenty-Five. Both Michigan and Michigan State have games today.

“When you get in a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the time and the place the tide will turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe. Compliments of https://www.aspiringwriteracademy.com/45-motivational-quotes-for-aspiring-writers.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on January 19th, the third Sunday of 2025. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

 

Noel Alexandre, French controversial theologian and historian; Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, French writer (Paul et Virginie); Isaiah Thomas, American journalist, editor and historian (Massachusetts Spy; Per Daniel Amadeus Atterbom, Swedish romantic poet (Blommorna (The Flowers), Lycksalighetens Ö (The Island of Bliss)) and historian (Svenska Siare och Skalder); Auguste Comte, French philosopher and father of sociology (A General View of Positivism); Edgar Allan Poe, American writer, poet and critic (The Pit and the Pendulum) considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre (Murders in the Rue Morgue); Carlos Guido y Spano, Argentine poet (Mexico, canto epico); Eugene Brieux, French playwright (Blanchette, Lesson Avaries); Gustav Meyrink, Austrian writer (The Golem); Hans Erich Blaich [Dr. Owlglass], German writer (Simplicissimus); Fráňa Šrámek, Czech poet, novelist, playwright, and anarchist; Boris Savinkov, Russian writer; Alexander Woollcott, American critic and short story writer (The Man Who Came to Dinner); Heinrich Schmidt-Barrien, German author (Moorkeerl); Phyllis Flowerdew, English school reading text author (Wide Range Reader series that sold over 7 million copies); Roh Ogura, Japanese composer and writer; John H. Johnson, African-American publisher (Negro Digest, Ebony, Jet); Patricia Highsmith [Plangman], American novel writer (Strangers On A Train; The Talented Mr. Ripley; The Price of Salt); Jean Francois Revel, French philosopher and author (Ni Marx ni Jesus); Nina Bawden, English author (“Afternoon of a Good Woman”, “Carrie’s War”); Libera Carlier, Flemish WWII resistance fighter, sailor, and author (Action Station Go!); Soumitra Chatterjee, Indian actor, playwright and poet (Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy); Julian Barnes, English writer (Before She Met Me, The Sense of an Ending); and Edwidge Danticat, Haitian-American author.

 

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week:Edgar Allan Poe. 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

Frozen-Conquest-eBook-Cover-HRI found out this week that Frozen Conquest is now a finalist in the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards from the long list for global thrillers. There’s still plenty of competition, with fourteen other finalists in addition to Frozen Conquest, including David Wickenden, who has been a finalist in the past. Click on finalist to see the list.

First in category winners and category grand prize winners will be announced on April 5th.  Good luck to all the finalists as we wait for the end results.

 

 

My Work In Progress

Work continues on Vendetta, the sixth novel in my Bedlam series. I posted chapter nine this week to the two subscription writing sites I use. There were another eight reviews this week, bringing the total to 128. Plenty of suggestions to improve my writing.

As previously mentioned the cover is a filler, as the final cover won’t be done until the entire first draft is completed.  Here’s another snippet:

Five men sat around a pentagonal wooden table in the back room of Jake’s Bar. Faint music drifted in from the bustling main area, packed with patrons and prostitutes. Despite diverse backgrounds, the men shared a unified purpose: gaining control over drug dealing, smuggling, kidnapping, and extortion across the country.

This was their first meeting as the Council of Vengeance. Their faces were in shadow as the only light came from a flickering oil lamp centered on the table. Wisps of smoke curled upward from the lantern. A pitcher of Nigerian Legend stout sat near the lamp, with full glasses in front of each man. 

A waiter placed small dishes of chin chin or fried dough, akara or bean cakes, and fried plantain chips within easy reach. A separate dish held coconut candy, while a large platter had Nigerian suya. The spicy aroma of the beef shish kebabs wafted through the air.

The men remained silent until the waiter departed. They cast uneasy glances at the others as they were regular and deadly competitors—in a cut-throat business. To avoid drawing attention, they wore  Western-style jeans, multi-colored t-shirts, and a mixture of Nike and Adidas sneakers, as did many of the bar’s patrons.

Ten armed men leaned against the walls of the room, bulges in their clothing suggesting hidden weapons.

Mongo Abara, a heavy-set man with gray around his temples who served as the presumptive leader of the council, brought the meeting to order. He began speaking in Yoruba before switching to English. “E kaabo. My heart is joyful with the sight of my colleagues and competitors.”

Everyone nodded as they echoed Mongo’s welcome.

“After several weeks of negotiation, we are at last together to discuss how we will put an end to the violence we receive from the Nigerian authorities.” Mongo grinned. “Of course, we will continue to use whatever means necessary to achieve our collection objectives, including extortion, bribery, kidnapping, and murder.”

Everyone chuckled before sipping their beer.

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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 
Uncategorized

Randall’s Ramblings, December 29, 2024

Randall Krzak

This morning we were awakened by an emergency signal from the cell phone, warning that our area was under a tornado warning. It’s over now, lasting thirty-five minutes, but there are still wind gusts and heavy rain forecast for the next hour or so.

Happy New Year to all as we approach the beginning of 2025! May everyone have a healthy and prosperous new year!

The University of Michigan Wolverines didn’t play this week, but they dropped out of the top twenty-five rankings. They play again this evening.  The Michigan State Spartans also didn’t play, but their 10-2 record was sufficient for this to climb another two spots in the rankings to eighteenth. They play again tomorrow night.

The Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears last Sunday, raising their record to 13-2, the first time in franchise history that they’ve won thirteen games in a single season. I’m hoping they’ll continue their winning ways tomorrow night when they play San Francisco.

“The only limits to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt. Compliments of https://www.aspiringwriteracademy.com/45-motivational-quotes-for-aspiring-writers.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 29nd, the fifth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Francisco de Moncada, 3rd Marquis of Aitona, Spanish diplomat, soldier, and writer; Sir Archibald Alison, 1st Baronet, Scottish historian (History of Europe); Albert Pike, US attorney, soldier, writer, and freemason (Brigadier-General in the Confederate Army); Adam Badeau, American author, Union Army officer, and diplomat; Elisabeth of Wied [pseudonym Carmen Sylva], Queen consort of Romania and poet; om Weir, Scottish climber, author and broadcaster (The Scots Magazine, Weir’s Way); Charles L. Harness, American sci-fi author (Paradox Men, Wolfhead); Robert Ruark, American writer (Something of Value); Dobrica Cosic, Serbian writer and President 1992-93); William Gaddis, American novelist; Forough Farrokhzad, Iranian pre-eminent poet and film director; Brigitte Kronauer, German author (The Scheik of Aachen); Paul Rudnick, American screenwriter and playwright; and Danny R. McBride, American actor, writer, and producer.

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 Published Work

The results of the 2024 Global Thriller Awards were announced yesterday. Frozen Conquest was the sole finalist (fourth place) for the action-adventure category, while Ultimate Escalation won the bronze medal for the suspense-political category. Needless to say, I’m thrilled!
Awards

 

 

 

 

 

My Work In Progress

Mission- YemenEditing of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2  is moving along nicely. I only expect two or three more reviews, but with this being Christmas week, the total remained at 645.   As always, I’ve been working hard going through the reviews, and have picked out what I think will improve the story from 505 of them, leaving 140 more to check over. I didn’t get through as many as I had planned, but our son was here this week, so writing and editing took a back seat.

Here’s another snippet:

Sear glanced at the tray of snacks Qadir carried and waved him away. He sipped on his qishr as he studied the faces of the others.

Abdullah sat next to Yasmin and held her hand, his face unreadable.

From time to time, Yasmin sniffled as she wiped tears away with a hand-embroidered cotton cloth.

Omar and Rahman sat on a sofa opposite Abdullah and Yasmin. Their faces were a total mask, not betraying any emotions.

In response to a ping, Rahman picked up his phone from the table next to the sofa. He showed it to Omar, who nodded.

“That was a text message from one of my sons.” A smile glimmered across Rahman’s face. “Our sons will be here soon.”

Sear cleared his throat as he looked at his watch. “Excellent. It’s still early, so once they arrive, we can begin our hunt for Shatara.” He looked at Abdullah and Yasmin. “We’ll do everything we can to bring her home—and Zahid, too.”

Abdullah half-raised a hand and gave a brief smile to Sear’s words.

A chime sounded throughout the house.

Moments later, Qadir returned to the living room, accompanied by four young men.

The first two approached Sear. A young man with a scraggly beard, wearing a stained thobe and worn sandals, pointed to himself. “I understand you’re going to search for my cousins, and we want to help. I am Majid. Omar is our father.” He pointed to his double, dressed like he was.” This is my twin brother, Naji. We know the city as we’re both taxi drivers.”

Naji smiled. “Yes. Our taxis are old but reliable Peugeot 504 four-door saloons.”

Sear shook hands with both men. “Welcome to the party. We’ll need your knowledge of the city, so shukran for joining us.”

Naji and Majid stepped aside, finding seats on another sofa.

Two tall men with bulging muscles stepped forward, one slightly taller than the other. The taller man spoke first. “I am Timin, and this is my younger brother, Usman. Our father is Rahman. We also want to help and we both drive Toyota Tundra pickups. Our work as vendors in one of the markets allows us to meet people from all over the city. We will begin asking questions.”

Usman turned to Abdullah. “Uncle, do you have photographs of Shatara and Zahid we can show to customers? Perhaps someone might have spotted them.”

Abdullah nodded. “Yes.” He turned to Yasmin. “Bring some pictures they can use.”

She stood and left the room without a word.

“We now have plenty of people to begin canvassing the city.” Sear pursed his lips. “I suggest we break into three teams. Omar, you and your sons will be team one. Rahman, you, Timin, and Usman will be the second team. Qasim and Malik will join me, and we’ll be team three.”

Abdullah glanced at his brothers. “What about me?”

“Stay by the phone.” Sear crossed his arms. “The kidnappers might call, and even if they don’t, Yasmin needs your support. If we find something noteworthy, I’ll come and get you.”

Abdullah frowned. “I suppose you are correct, Sear. However, I would rather be searching for my daughter and son.”

“I understand.” Sear uncrossed his arms. “I promise if we find out anything at all, I’ll call you.” Just hope we don’t find any bodies.

“Okay, but I still think I should be with you.”

“No, it’s better for you to give Yasmin the support she requires.”

At that moment, Yasmin returned, holding a large envelope. “Here are all the photographs I could find of Shatara and Zahid. “She handed it to Sear. “Please bring back my children.”

He took the envelope and peered inside before nodding. “I promise we shall leave no stone unturned to find them.” Sear turned toward the others. “Let’s go.”

The penultimate snippet will be posted next week.

While going through the reviews of Mission: Yemen, I’m also working on Vendetta, the sixth Vendetta Draft Cover story in my Bedlam series. The first six chapters are now finished and posted to the two subscription writing sites I use. There were another fourteen reviews this week, bringing the total to eighty-five.

The cover is a filler, as the final cover won’t be done until the entire first draft is completed.  I’ll post another snippet of this story after I finish posting snippets for Mission: Yemen.

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 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved