Randall Krzak's Blog, page 2

Randall’s Ramblings, June 22, 2025

Happy Belated Summer Solstice and Happy Summer! Friday was the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s also the first official day of summer.

The past week has seen temperature continue to rise into the low nineties with high humidity. There has been a few thunderstorms and showers, sometimes both. Unfortunately, the rain doesn’t seem to temper the humidity. The next week is supposed to see ever hotter temperatures, approaching 100 degrees. Starting today and for at leas the next eight days, it’ll feel like it’s 101-106. Yikes!

The Detroit Tigers had a mixed week, with only two wins and four  losses, bringing their record to 48-30. Fortunately, the other teams in the American League Central Division didn’t fare much better, so Detroit still has an eight game lead over second place Cleveland. Fingers crossed that the Tigers can roar back this coming week!

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” – Robert Frost. 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 June 22nd, the twenty-fifth Sunday of 2025 and the fourth one in June. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Jacques Delille, French poet and translator (The Gardens’: A Poem); Henry Rider Haggard, British author (King Solomon’s Mines, She, Dawn); Frank Damrosch, German-American author and music teacher (founded NY Musical Institute of Musical Art, later Julliard); Franz de Backer, Belgian writer (White Enemy; Ruben’s Daughter); Erich Maria Remarque, German novelist (All Quiet on the Western Front); Willem Jacobus du Plooy Erlank (Eitemal), South African poet and professor in Afrikaans and Dutch literature at the University of Stellenbosch; Anne Morrow Lindbergh, American author and aviator (Gift from the Sea); Lilo Hardel, German writer; Cicely Saunders, English nurse, physician and writer who founded the first modern hospice; Abbas Kiarostami, Iranian author and director (Under the Olive Trees, Close Up, Taste of Cherry); Octavia E. Butler, American sci-fi author (Hugo, Wild Seed); Danny Baker, English writer and radio DJ; and Dan Brown, American author of thriller fiction (The Da Vinci Code).

Any names familiar to you? There were two for me this week: Erich Maria Remarque and Dan Brown. 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’ve been busy 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 eight new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 246. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

Mary Todd Lincoln, a native of Kentucky, clutched the newspaper in her hand. She reread the article before tossing the paper in the fire, turning to one of her closest friends, black seamstress Elizabeth Keckley. “I cannot believe the audacity of that newspaper. Imagine saying my stepbrother died at the hands of my husband’s mercenaries. Instead, they paint me as a vulgar person trying to mimic European fashions. Little do they know my heart still belongs to the South.”

“Which stepbrother were they referring to, Mary?”

“Samuel. He joined the Confederate Army when the war began and served in the 24th Louisiana Infantry.” She wiped tears from her eyes. “He was killed in action at the Battle of Shiloh.”

Elizabeth stepped forward and took Mary’s hands. “I am so sorry for your loss.”

A look of steely determination crossed her face. “I must do what I can to help the South, even if it means going behind Abraham’s back.”

“What will you do?”

Mary shook her head. “I do not know—yet. I will never betray my husband or the Union. But there must be something I can do for the brave Confederate soldiers. Perhaps ‘Wild Rose’ may have an answer.”

“But, Mary, isn’t Rose Greenhow still in the Old Capitol Prison?”

May nodded. “Yes, she is. However, Abraham let it slip one evening that Rose will be exchanged for several Union prisoners of war. I believe her network is still operational, so there might be someone who can help us.”

“I think I know just the person.” Elizabeth smiled.

“Who?”

“Me.”

“What are you saying, Elizabeth?”

“Mary, I carry messages for you to President Davis, if that is your wish.”

“I-I must think about this. I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

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

Randall’s Ramblings, June 15, 2025

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers. Did you know there are several countries where father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.  In addition to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and Mexico celebrate today. The use of the third Sunday in June was inspired by a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd in 1910, who wanted to honour her father, a single parent who raised six children. She believed that just like Mother’s Day, fathers too deserved recognition. June was chosen because it was the birth month of Sonora’s father. compliments of https://www.fluorescentstudios.in/blogs/fluorescent-stories. I hope all fathers have an enjoyable day!

The past week has seen temperature in the upper eighties with high humidity. There has been thunderstorms and showers almost every day or evening; sometimes both. Unfortunately, the rain doesn’t seem to temper the humidity. Another thunderstorm is predicted for this afternoon. 

The Detroit Tigers continue their winning ways, with four wins and two loses this week, bringing their record to 46-26. As a result, they are now nine games ahead of second-place Minnesota in the American League’s Central Division. Keep going, Tigers!

“Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” – Barbara Kingsolver. 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 June 15th, the twenty-fourth Sunday of 2025 and the third one in June. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Hiob Ludolf, German orientalist (Historia Aethiopica, Grammatica Aethiopica); François-Xavier Garneau, French Canadian notary, poet, and historian (Histoire du Canada / History of Canada; Konstantin Balmont, Russian writer; Ramon Lopez Velarde, Mexican poet (La Sangre Devota); Wilbert Awdry, British Anglican cleric and children’s writer (Thomas the Tank Engine); Cees Bantzinger, Dutch cartoonist and illustrator; Hilda Terry [Theresa Hilda D’Alessio], American cartoonist (Teena) and first female member of the National Cartoonists Society; Saul Steinberg, Romanian-American cartoonist and illustrator (The New Yorker); Marshall Field IV, American newspaper publisher (owned Chicago Daily News); Amy Clampitt, American poet (The Kingfisher); Erland Josephson, Swedish actor, dramatist and author (The Sacrifice, Utflykt); aime Sabines, Mexican poet (Tarumba, Maltiempes); Ray Coleman, British author (biographies of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Brian Epstein, and Phil Collins), and music journalist (Melody Maker); Brian Jacques, British author; Xaviera Hollander [de DeVries], Dutch call girl, brothel keeper, and author (The Happy Hooker); Robert Keppel, American detective and author (Signature Killers); and Adam Rapp, American playwright and author (Red Light Winter).

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Wilbert Awdry. 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’ve 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 eighteen new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 238. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

President Lincoln stared at the man seated in front of his desk. “I issued a war order in January authorizing the Army of the Potomac to launch a unified attack against the Confederacy under your command. Why have you not done this?”

General George McClellan cleared his throat. “I—I, Mister President, may I remind you that at the time, I recommended a two-month postponement before I attacked Richmond.”

“You overstep yourself, sir. Of course, I remember. However, the two months have passed, and I’m unaware of any movement toward the Confederate capital.” Lincoln stood and gazed through the curtains outside. “I’m disappointed that the insurgent leader still roams as a free man.”

Lincoln sighed as he returned to his desk, picked up a letter, and handed it to General McClellan. “Sir, you try my patience. Do as I order in that letter, or you shall be replaced forthwith.”

“Yes, Mister President.” McClellan jumped to his feet and saluted. “By your leave, sir.” He dashed from the room.

***

Latimer stood on the banks of Newport News, Virginia. He glanced at the crowd of Confederate supporters assembled to witness the first naval engagement between ironclad ships and shook his head. They’re liable to be victims if the ships miss each other and the rounds fly through the air.

He launched one of his birds and directed it toward a scuttled Union frigate, the U.S.S. Merrimac, now rechristened as the C.S.S. Virginia.

The battle ensued between a new Union ironclad ship, the U.S.S. Monitor, and the Virginia. Smoke filled the air, blocking sight of the two ships.

Latimer’s bird circled the Monitor, taking photos of the revolving turret housing two eleven-inch Dahlgren guns. These blasted away at the Virginia, firing its three nine-inch Dahlgren bow guns.

Later, when Latimer retrieved his bird and developed the film, he found neither ship had caused much damage to the other. After hours of shelling, both ships retreated, with the Monitor heading to the Union-held Fort Monroe while the Virginia steamed toward her home port at the Gosport Naval Yard in Portsmouth.

Although Latimer’s bird did record hits on the Monitor’s armored pilothouse, it was still battle-worthy. “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” He continued to study the image of the Virginia and found it had suffered some damage with a number of loosened armor plates and a riddled smokestack, which reduced her speed but she was still ready for a fight.

Stepping to the tent flap, Latimer opened it. “Lester, come here.”

Lester stepped inside the tent. He lost the lower part of his left arm in the First Battle of Bull Run to a Yankee cannonball. Still short of his eighteenth birthday, assisting Latimer was his way of remaining in the fight against the Yankees. “Yes, suh?”

“Please begin loading the wagon. As soon as my new images are dry, I want to head to Richmond and give them to President Davis.”

“Yes, suh. Right away.”

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

 

Randall’s Ramblings, June 8, 2025

It’s hard to believe, but exactly fifty-two years ago today, I graduated from high school. Where have all the years gone?

It’s been getting warmer each day over the past week, hitting 91 degrees before a thunderstorm came into the area last night and cooled things a little bit. More rain and another thunderstorm is predicted for today, along with high winds.

The Detroit Tigers played seven games this week, winning four and dropping three. Their record is now 42-24. Despite a lack luster week, they’ve clung onto first place in the American League Central Division, with a seven-game lead over 2nd place Minnesota. For now, Detroit also has the best record in MLB. Go Tigers!

“I get a lot of letters from people. They say, ‘I want to be a writer. What should I do?’ I tell them to stop writing to me and get on with it.” – Ruth Rendell. 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 June 8th, the twenty-third Sunday of 2025 and the second one in June. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Robert Schumann, German pianist, composer (Humoresque), and music critic (Neue Zeitschrift für Musik – New Journal for Music); Charles Reade, English novelist (Cloister & Hearth); ohn G. Bennett, British scientist and author; H. J. Friedericy, Dutch author (Last General); Albe [Renaut A. Joostens], Flemish writer (Andalusian Diary); Gerrit Cornelis Berkouwer, Dutch theologist (Dogmatic Studies); Marguerite Yourcenar, French-American novelist (Memoirs of Hadrian, The Abyss); Brian Coffey, Irish poet (Avent); Aleksandr Tvardovsky, Russian poet and editor in chief (Novyj Mir); John W. Campbell, American sci-fi writer (Moon is Hell); David Cox, British medievalist, historian and mountaineer; Kurt Barthel [KuBa], German writer and political activist; Gwen Harwood, Australian poet (The Lion’s Bride); Malcolm Boyd, American Episcopal Priest, author and civil rights activist; Kate Wilhelm, American fiction author (Hugo Award: Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang); Ivan V. Lalić, Serbian poet; Hans G. Helms, German writer and composer; Elizabeth A. Lynn, American sci-fi author (Watchtower, Red Hawk); Sara Paretsky, American crime writer (V. I. Warshawski novels); and Scott Adams, American cartoonist (Dilbert) and author.

Any names familiar to you? There wasn’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!

Cover Reveal

I received the cover for Mission: Yemen this week from http://www.darngoodcovers.com and I’m very thrilled with it. Within the next month or so, Mission Yemen will go live on Amazon. In case you’ve missed it in the past, here’s what will be on the back of the paperback:

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

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

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

My Work In Progress

This week, I’ve been busy 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 twenty-seven new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 220. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

Latimer processed the latest images taken by two of his birds. He shook his head as he began counting Confederate soldiers being led away. “Must be over six hundred.” He wiped the tears from his eyes. “I must get word to President Davis.” He prepared a dispatch for the president and called for a rider.

***

Minor skirmishes continued between the Union and Confederate soldiers. The first year of the war came to a close as snow fell.

Latimer pulled his coat tighter, trying to ward off the extreme cold. He stood and stomped his feet to warm himself as he glanced around his temporary lodgings with the Confederate troops. Opening the tent flap, Latimer launched one of his birds. Might as well get some images for President Davis.

The bird soared above the bivouac.

Latimer directed it over the camp, bringing it back to him after several photographs were taken. He processed the film and studied the results.

Some soldiers were busy with close-order drills pushed on them by their officers. Others stood around small fires trying to warm themselves.

Latimer sat at his small writing desk and wrote a letter.

Dear Mister President,

I enclose several images of our brave Confederate soldiers as they endure the winter hardships. Cold, deep mud, rain and snow are their constant companions. Their silent response to the conditions bring me to tears. These are tears of pride as our men’s dedication to the cause does not waver.

Yours respectively,

Latimer

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

Randall’s Ramblings, June 1, 2025

After going through a few weeks with hardly seeing any deer and wild turkeys, they must have found their way back. Each day, we now see multiple deer and turkeys, not in the numbers we used to, but still there’s as many as eight deer and about 8 turkeys. Of course, the squirrels and birds are still visiting in their normal numbers. It’s always a treat to see the wildlife.

The Detroit Tigers had a better week. They played another six games over the past week, winning five while only dropping one. Their record is now 38-21. They are still on top of the American League’s Central Division with a six game lead over Cleveland and Minnesota. Kansas City if another game behind, while the Chicago White Sox are in the cellar, 19.5 games out. Roll on Tigers!

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein. Compliments of  https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writin....

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on June 1st, the twenty-second Sunday of 2025 and the first one in June. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Francesco Scipione, marchese di Maffei, Italian archaeologist and dramatist (Merope); Ferdinand Raimund, Austrian actor and playwright (The Spendthrift, The Maid from Fairyland); William Wilfred Campbell, Canadian poet (Beyond the Hills of Dream, Ian of the Orcades); António Feijó, Portuguese poet and diplomat; John Masefield, British writer and poet (Salt-Water Ballads), Poet Laureate (1930-67); John Drinkwater, English poet and playwright (Abraham Lincoln); Charles Kay Ogden, British writer, philosopher, and linguist (Basic English, The Cambridge Magazine); John Van Druten, English playwright (I Remember Mama, I am a Camera); Bill Deedes [William Francis Deedes], British politician, journalist, and editor of The Daily Telegraph (1974-86); Povel Ramel, Swedish singer, pianist, author, composer, and comedian (Ratataa or Staffan Stolle Story, The Great Amateur); Dilia Díaz Cisneros, Venezuelan teacher and poet; Christopher Lasch, American historian and author (The Culture of Narcissism); Philo Bregstein, Dutch writer and film director (The Past that Lives, In Search of Jewish Amsterdam); Gerald Scarfe, British illustrator (The Sunday Times; The New Yorker: Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”); Tom Mankiewicz, screenwriter (Diamonds are Forever); Ralph Morse, British actor, singer and writer of historical dramas; Ahron Bregman, Israeli author, journalist, and Arab–Israeli specialist (The Fifty Years War: Israel and the Arabs; A History of Israel); and Amy Schumer, American comedian, writer and producer (Inside Amy Schumer).

Any names familiar to you? There was one  for me this week: Amy Schumer. 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

Things are going full steam ahead with Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion. All chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were twenty-three new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 193. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

As planned, the following morning Stringham’s ships opened fire on Fort Clark.

Before long, Confederate forces fled from the fort and raced down the beach to Fort Hatteras, leaving Butler’s soldiers and marines’ unfettered access.

During the previous evening, Flag Officer Samuel Barron, Chief of Coastal Defenses in Virginia and North Carolina. He watched the 7th NC Volunteers abandon the fort without a fight and shook his head. He turned to one of his aides. “Take as many of our men as possible and proceed to Fort Hatteras.”

“What about you, sir?”

“As soon as we spike the guns with nails, we will follow.”

Before long, the Union fleet turned their attention to Fort Hatteras. A heavy bombardment began, lasting for three hours.

Flag Officer Barron adjusted the bandage on his arm, which covered a wound caused by shell fragments. “Will someone put up a white towel or a sheet to signal our surrender? I can’t bear to see any more of our brave men suffer the consequences of this folly.”

“I think we should hold onto the fort.” Captain John Thomas Cohoon, commander of Fort Hatteras, frowned. “I informed Colonel Martin earlier that we required more men to man the cannons and attack the Yankees.”

“Pray tell, where is the good colonel?”

Cohoon swallowed. “He went onto the mainland earlier to request aide form Portsmouth.”

“I see.” Barron gritted his teeth. “As the senior officer, I’ve decided we will surrender. See to it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Shelling continued throughout the day. Eventually, a white flag was raised.

Barron called a council of war. “How many men have we lost?”

Cohoon studied his feet. “Four dead, sir. Another thirty have severe injuries.”

“Very well.” He wrote a note and handed it to Cohoon. “Have someone take this to the Yankees.

“Yes, sir. I shall take it myself.” Cohoon saluted and left.

When he approached the Union positions, he was halted at gunpoint. “I have a note of surrender from Flag Officer Barron. I’m Captain Cohoon. Who’s in charge here?”

“General Butler.”

“Take me to him.”

Two Union soldiers stepped forward, aiming their weapons toward Cohoon. They marched him to where General Butler sat inside a tent.

“General, a Reb wants to see you. Says he has a surrender note.”

The general waved the man forward and held out his hand. “Give me the message.”

Cohoon handed the note to the general, saluted, and stepped back.

Butler read the note before crushing it into a ball. “No. Tell your commander only unconditional surrender is acceptable.”

“Yes, sir.” Cohoon saluted again before he was led away.

***

Latimer processed the latest images taken by two of his birds. He shook his head as he began counting Confederate soldiers being led away. “Must be over six hundred.” He wiped the tears from his eyes. “I must get word to President Davis.” He prepared a dispatch for the president and called for a rider.

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

Randall’s Ramblings, May 25, 2025

Happy Memorial Day weekend to those celebrating. Did you know that Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day, because it was when people went to local cemeteries and decorated the graves of military personnel who had died in the line of duty. It was first celebrated in 1868. One hundred years later, Congress changed the observance to the last Monday in May, but the name wasn’t changed to Memorial Day until 1971.  Memorial Day endures as a holiday which most businesses observe because it marks the unofficial beginning of summer.  No matter what your traditions are for this weekend, have an enjoyable one!

The Detroit Tigers played another seven games over the past week. They won three of them and lost four, including three losses in a row. Their record is now 33-20. They are still on top of the American League’s Central Division with a three game lead over Cleveland and Minnesota.

“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” – Anne Frank. 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 May 25th, the twenty-first Sunday of 2025 and the fourth and final one in May. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Claude Buffier, French philosopher and historian; Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist and philosopher (Concord Hymn); Jacob Burckhardt, Swiss cultural historian; Jules de Geyter, Belgian poet (International); Naim Frashëri, Albanian poet and writer; Johann Baptist Singenberger, Swiss composer, music teacher, editor and publisher of liturgical music; William Maxwell Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook, Canadian English newspaper publisher (Daily Express); Elsa Maxwell, American writer (Jack Paar Show); Miles Malleson, British stage and screen actor, and writer (Kind Hearts and Coronets; Postman’s Knock); Robert Willem Pieter Peereboom, Dutch editor in chief (Haarlem Newspaper); Dirk Vansina, Flemish playwright (Verschaeve Gives Evidence); Bennett Cerf, American publisher (Random House) and panelist (What’s My Line); Gustav Regler, German writer; Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bengali poet, musician, revolutionary and philosopher; Theodore Roethke, American poet (Words for the Wind); Dan Wolf, American journalist, writer, and editor (founder of The Village Voice); John Weitz, American author and fashion designer (Friends in High Places); Rosario Castellanos, Mexican poet (Balún Canán); Robert Ludlum, American spy novelist (Bourne Identity); John Gregory Dunne, American writer (Up Close & Personal, True Confessions); Raymond Carver, American poet and short story writer (Furious Season); David A. Hargrave, American game designer and writer known as The Dream Weaver (Arduin); David A. Hargrave, American game designer and writer known as The Dream Weaver (Arduin); Bob Gale, American screenwriter (Back to the Future); Eve Ensler, American playwright (The Vagina Monologues); Edward Lee, American writer (Mr. Torso); Dorothy Straight, American 4-year-old author (How the World Began); and Poppy Z. Brite [Billy Martin], American author (Lost Souls, Drawing Blood).

Any names familiar to you? There were two  for me this week: Ralph Waldo Emerson and Robert Ludlum. 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

Things are progressing nicely with Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion. All chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were thirty-four new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 170. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

The following morning, Latimer set up his makeshift workshop. After storing his automatons, spare parts, and his supplies, he turned to his new assistant. “Private Jameson. Please find us a barrel of water. Also, if you can rustle up some coffee, I sure could use some.”

“Yes, sir.” Jameson rushed from the tent.

The tent flap rustled as someone shoved it aside.

Latimer glanced up and stood when he saw General Beauregard. “Good morning, General.”

“Do you have everything you need?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Excellent. I think it’s time to get one of your birds in the air. A picket reported he heard enemy movement.”

“Right away, General.”

Three hours later, Latimer handed four images to General Beauregard. “Sir, the Yankees are amassing. Here’s proof.”

Beauregard studied the images. “I wish you could provide images faster.” He sighed. I suppose that isn’t possible, is it?”

“No, General.” Latimer shook his head. “Even what I have created is far beyond anything else available at the present.”

“Okay, Latimer. Keep ‘em coming. In the meantime, we shall begin deploying our forces and go after the Yankees.”

For the next four hours, cannon fire and rifle fire echoed across the river. Thick smoke filled the valleys, making it difficult to see. The battle ebbed and flowed, with both sides giving ground and taking from the enemy.

Late that afternoon, Colonel Stuart and his cavalry entered the fray. They threw the Yankees into disarray and confusion, causing chaos among the mass of Union regiments. Before long, the Yankees turned tail and headed back to Washington.

The Confederate troops cheered, and fired their weapons into the air, as they celebrated their first victory of the war.

General Beauregard returned to his command tent. He surveyed his commanders, many who were covered with bandages and blood splatters. He nodded. “Well done, gentlemen. We made the Yankees chase their tail. However, at what cost?”

General Johnston stood. “Sir, I believe we suffered almost one thousand seven hundred casualties. But, the Yankees lost even more.”

The tent flap was thrust aside.

President Davis stepped inside and approached Beauregard. “General, what are your men doing here? Why didn’t they chase the Yankees clear back to Washington while you had the chance?”

“I—”

“We must learn from this first encounter with the enemy. I fear it will not be the last one.” A grim smile creased his face. “At least this will show the Confederacy is a force to be reckoned with.”

“Yes, sir, Mister President.”

Later, the Confederate press would label the Yankee retreat as the, “Great Skedaddle.”

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

Randall’s Ramblings, May 18, 2025

On Thursday morning about two a.m., I happened to look out the window of the back bedroom. There were seven deer grazing in the moonlight. Although their coats are brown at this time of year, they appeared to have silvery coats in the moonlight. It was a great treat to see.  On Saturday morning, just before eight a.m., there were deer foraging. Tommy, one of our three rescue cats, was busy watching them from our enclosed deck when a loud clap of thunder disturbed the calm setting. Like a bolt of lightning, Tommy scampered inside and ran into the garage to hide. He didn’t re-appear for at least an hour. Poor Tommy! Is this where the term, scaredy-cat, came from?

The Detroit Tigers played another six games over the past week. They won four of them and lost last twot. Their record is now 30-16. Not only are they on top of the American League’s Central Division with a four game lead over Minnesota, right not they have the best record in the MLB. Go Tigers!

“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/writin....

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on May 18th, the twentieth Sunday of 2025 and the third one in May. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Omar Khayyám, Persian mathematician (cubic equations), astronomer (Jalali calendar, basis of the Persian calendar), poet (quatrains), and philosopher; Stefano della Bella, Italian printmaker; Nicolas-Marie-Charles Barbier de la Serre, French soldier, invented the use of raised dots for writing (Louis Braille later used); John Wilson, Scottish writer and literary critic; Sydir Vorobkevych, Ukrainian composer, poet, newspaper editor, and Orthodox priest; William Heinemann, English publisher (Heinnemann); Franiska [Franny] zu Reventlow, German writer and feminist; Ernst Wiechert, German writer (The Simple Life); Gunnar Gunnarsson, Icelandic writer (The Church on the Mountain); Rudolf Carnap, German American philosopher (German Logical Positivist); Juan José Domenchina, Spanish poet and interpreter (sombra desterrada); Michael Berry, Baron Hartwell, British newspaper proprietor, journalist and editor in chief of the Daily Telegraph (1954-85); Charles Wintour, English journalist (The Evening Standard; Francois Nourissier, French journalist and writer (Un petit bourgeois; La crève); Barbara Goldsmith, American author (Little Gloria…Happy At Last); Fred Saberhagen, American sci-fi author (Book of Swords; Berserker stories); Olzhas Suleimenov, Kazakh poet, writer and anti-nuclear activist (Nevada-Semipalatinsk); W. G. Sebald, German-born writer (Austerlitz); Stuart Gannes, American writer (Fortune); and Diane Duane, American sci-fi author (Door into Fire).

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Omar Khayyám. 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

All gears are going full steam as progress with Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion continues. All chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were twenty-eight new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 136. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

In mid-July, Brigadier General Beauregard brought his horse to a halt near the bivouac his men had laid out. He jumped off and tossed the reins to an aide before strolling into his command tent.

Several men sitting around the able jumped to their feet.

He waved them to their seats as he studied a map of the Manassas area. He pointed. “I want a defensive position laid out along the south bank of the Bull Run River. We’ll guard a stone bridge on the left, since we’re only about twenty-miles from Washington.” Beauregard glanced around the table. “Where’s Brigadier General Kirby Smith? Hasn’t he arrived yet with the 4th Brigade?”

A tall, thin man with thick busy chops extending to either side of his mouth, stood. “Sir, I’m Colonel Francis Bartow. General Smith is still with Brig. Gen. Joseph Johnston and the other brigade commanders. They will arrive within twenty-four hours.”

Beauregard nodded. “Thank you. How come you’re already here?”

The general wanted me to support Colonel. J. E. B. Stuart’s arrival. He brought about three hundred Virginian cavalrymen with him.” He pointed toward the tent’s entrance. “They are bivouacked out yonder.”

“Excellent.” Beauregard glanced at the others. “Gentlemen, you are dismissed. See to your commands and prepare for battle. We shall attack the Yankees as soon as General Johnston arrives. I expect the Yankees will outnumber and outgun us, but our Southern ingenuity and our bull-headedness will see us win the battle.”

After the officers departed, a civilian remained seated. “Excuse me, General. President Davis asked me to speak with you.”

“And you are?”

The man stood. “Sorry, General. I’m Barnabas Latimer. I’ve designed some machines—I call them automatons—which you might find of some interest.”

The general waved Latimer to a seat and sat across from him. “I did hear a rumor about this. Can you show me?”

Latimer nodded. “Of course, General.” He picked up a pouch and extracted a ten-inch by ten-inch image.” I used one of my machines to capture your arrival.” He slid the image across the table.”

As Beauregard studied the image, his jaw dropped. “How in tarnation did you manage this, Latimer? I didn’t spot anyone following me.”

Latimer reached back into the pouch and extracted a palm-sized bird from it. The bird sat on the table chirping and flapping its wings before taking flight, flying around the tent before landing near the general’s hand.

“Sir, you are a genius!” Beauregard chuckled. “How many of these critters do you have?”

“I made six, General, along with some mice.”

The general nodded. “With your—what did you call them?”

“Automatons.”

“With your automatons, we’ll be able to track the Yankees and learn their plans.”

“Yes, General. Except, I need to be nearby to control them and print out what they capture with their onboard cameras. To do this, I shall require a tent, some supplies, and an assistant.”

The general rubbed his hands together. “Give me a list of what you require and you shall have 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

Randall’s Ramblings, May 11, 2025

Happy Mother’s Day to all who are mothers! Did you know there are a number of countries who celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May? Here’s just a few of them: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Japan, and South Africa. Moms–hope everyone enjoys your special day.

We haven’t had any deer visitors recently, but we’re rewarded with a visit by at least six of them at dusk yesterday. On Friday, there was a large tom turkey strutting around the back yard. I took several photos, but from the distance they all came out a bit blurred. Hopefully, he’ll pay us another visit and I’ll be able to get better photos.

The Detroit Tigers played six games over the past week. They won five of them and lost last night. Their record is now 26-14, and they are on top of the American League’s Central Division with a two and a half game lead over Cleveland. Go Tigers!

“I get a lot of letters from people. They say, ‘I want to be a writer. What should I do?’ I tell them to stop writing to me and get on with it.” – Ruth Rendell. 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 May 11th, the nineteenth Sunday of 2025 and the second one in May. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Jean Mairet, French dramatist famous for tragedies (Sophonisbe) and comedies; Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle, French soldier, author and composer (La Marseillaise); Johann Peter Hebel, German writer (Allemannische Gedichte); Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback, American politician and publisher (1st African American governor – Governor of Louisiana (R) 1872-73); James, Bryce, Irish-British historian and politician (ambassador to the United States, 1907–13); James Gordon Bennett Jr., American publisher (thought to have inspired the phrase “Gordon Bennett”); Benito Pérez Galdós, Spanish novelist (Episodios Nacionales); van Cankar, Slovene author, poet, novelist and playwright (Erotika, The Bailiff Yerney and His Rights); Fritz von Unruh, German expressionist playwright (Jurgen Wullenweber, Zero); Karl Barth, Swiss Protestant theologian (“The Epistle to the Romans”; “Barmen Declaration”; “Church Dogmatics”); Olaf Stapledon, British philosopher and sci-fi writer (Star Maker); (Jacobus) “J.C.” Bloem, Dutch poet (Sintels – Embers); Ariel Durant, Russian-born American writer (Story of Civilization); Anatole Litvak, Russian-born American film director, writer and producer (Mayerling, Anastasia, The Snake Pit); Joachim Prinz, German-American Zionist leader, author and Rabbi of Berlin (1926-37); Angus Paton, English civil engineer (wrote economic and infrastructure reports for Canada and Syria, hydroelectric dams); Bel Kaufman, American author (Up the Down Staircase); Harold Myers, British film journalist (Variety); Monica Dickens, British author and founder of the Samaritians in the US; Nayantara Sahgal (née Pandit), Indian author (Prison and Chocolate Cake); June Knox-Mawer (née Ellis), Welsh novelist (Sandstorm), and radio host (World of Islands); Ettore Scola, Italian director and screenwriter (A Special Day); Barbara Taylor Bradford, British novelist (A Woman of Substance, Cavendon Hall); Jayne Cortez, African-American poet and activist (I Am New York City); Arthur Kopit, American playwright (‘Wings’, ‘Nine’); Wayne Dyer, American psychologist and author (Your Erroneous Zones; Universe Within You); Jim Abrahams, American comedy screenwriter and director (Airplane!; Hot Shots; Top Secret; The Naked Gun; Caroline Cooney, American young adult author (The Face on the Milk Carton, Code Orange); Thomas Tessier, American horror author (The Nightwalker, Finishing Touches); Mbongeni Ngema, South African playwright, lyricist, composer, and theatre producer (Sarafina!); Suzan-Lori Parks, American playwright and writer (Topdog/Underdog Pulitzer Prize 2002); Jon Ronson, British journalist and author (So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, Frank); ohn Scalzi, American science fiction writer (Old Man’s War, Redshirts); Rob Malda, American internet writer and editor who co-founded Slashdot; Katori Hall, American playwright and actress (The Hot Wing King); and Jeremy Gable, English-American playwright (Carpenter George, Go Ahead).

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Barbara Taylor Bradford. 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

Things continue to progress with Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion. Chapters twenty-four to twenty-six were posted this week  to the two online subscription sites I use. There were eleven new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to 108. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s the first snippet:

Latimer reined his horse in after he stopped by a hitching post in Richmond, Virginia, in May 1861. Jumping down, he threw the reins over the post, reached into his saddlebags, and retrieved an oilskin package.

He rushed up the steps onto the porch attached to the front of the two-story structure, the temporary capital and residence of Jefferson Davis, the newly elected president of the Confederate States of America.  He glanced at the ‘Stars and Bars’ hanging from the front of the building before he approached two armed sentries barring the entrance.

“Stand aside. I’m Barnabas Latimer and I have important business with President Davis.” He slapped a hand on his clothes to remove some of the dust.

The sentries shared a glance before moving to each side of the door.

One of them pushed it open. “Please, go ahead, Mister Latimer. The president is expecting you. Turn left and his office is the second door on the right.”

Latimer pushed between the men and turned left.

At the second door, another sentry stood. Alerted to Latimer’s arrival at the main door, he immediately opened the inner one.

Latimer strode into the office, stopping in front of President Davis’ desk. “Let me be one of the first to congratulate you on your formal election, Jefferson.”

Davis smiled. “Thank you, Barnabas.” He shrugged. “It was a foregone conclusion. Who else has the charisma to hold the Confederacy together?”

Both men laughed.

Davis stood and moved to a table near the window, beckoning Latimer to follow him.

A crude map lay in the center of the table, depicting the Confederacy.

Davis pointed to several locations. “We are small but growing every month. So far, eleven states have joined the Confederacy: South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.”

Latimer pursed his lips. “Do you think any other states will join us?”

“I’m not sure.” Davis frowned. “The western counties of Virginia refused to commit, preferring to remain tied to the Union. Although they support slavery, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri are still on the outside. I figure they’ll receive enough pressure from the Union to support the Union, despite their loyalties. So, it might just be the eleven states taking on the Union boys.”

Davis sighed. “We’ll be in the battle of our lives. That upstart, slave-loving Abraham Lincoln stated he would try to keep the Union together without warfare but look what he did with Fort Sumter. Tried to trick us into believing his pack of lies. He wants to dictate to the Southern states and not allow us to abolish federal laws that interfere with our rights.” Davis chuckled. “Fate shined upon the Confederacy and the fort surrendered to us. We might not be so lucky next time. I suspect it will be a brutal war.”

“That’s why I requested an urgent meeting with you. I might have something that will turn the tide in our favor.”

Davis studied Latimer’s face. “Pray tell.”

“Machines.” He grinned.

‘Davis gave a puzzled look to Latimer. “Please explain yourself, sir.”

“It’s quite simple. You might recall, a few months ago I mentioned this very fact to you. We could use machines to spy on the Union. I believe I have perfected the process whereby my machines will turn the tide of any war in our favor.” No need to tell him who came up with the idea—it’s mine now.

Latimer opened the oilskin package, extracted a ten-inch by ten-inch photograph, and handed it to Davis. Although somewhat grainy, the identity of the two individuals was still recognizable.

“Why … that’s Varina standing next to me! What magic did you use to create this?”

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

Randall’s Ramblings, May 4, 2025

Mother Nature decided to give the forecasters a break. We were supposed to have multiple thunderstorms overnight-only had one brief storm. Supposed to be a rain-free day today, and I hope that bears out as we’ll be at a local farmer’s market.

The Detroit Pistons won gave five of their best-of-seven series with the New York Knicks, but lost game six, ending their season. Hopefully, Detroit will bounce back when the new season begins.

The Detroit Tigers played seven games over the past week, winning four of them. Their record is now 21-13, and they are still in first place in the American League Central Division, with a game and a half lead over Cleveland.

“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.” – Octavia E. Butler. 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 May 4th, the eighteenth Sunday of 2025 and the first lone in May. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Richard Graves, English writer; Friedrich Arnold Brockhaus, German encyclopedia publisher; Horace Mann, American educator, author, abolitionist and politician who pioneered public schools; William H. Prescott, American historian; Joseph Whitaker, British publisher (Whitaker’s Almanac); Mynona [Salomo Friedlaender], German-Jewish philospher and writer (The Creator); Ramiro de Maeztu, Spanish writer (Don Quixote & Celestine); Wilhelm Lehmann, German writer; J. W. F. Werumeus Buning, Dutch poet (Daily Bread); (Nicolaas) “Cola” Debrot, Dutch lawyer, doctor, author and politician (Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, 1962-70); Lincoln Kirstein, American writer and impresario; Jeroom Verten [Jozef Frans Vermetten], Flemish playwright; Emmanuel Roblès, Algerian-French novelist and playwright (Lesson Hauteurs); Jane Jacobs, American-Canadian author and urbanologist (The Death and Life of Great American Cities); Peter Blum, Afrikaan poet (Capricorn; Gerlind Reinshagen, German novelist, children’s book author, and playwright (Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth)); Carlos Monsiváis, Mexican writer and political activist,; Amos Oz, Israeli author (My Michael); Robin Cook, American physician and novelist; Monika van Paemel, Belgian writer (Accursed Fathers); Narasimhan Ram, Indian journalist (The Hindu); Graham Swift, British author (Waterland, Last Orders); and Ishita Bhaduri, Indian (Bengali) poet.

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

Things are moving forward with Harding’s Challenge: The Great Rebellion. The first twenty-three chapters are now posted to the two online subscription sites I use. There were eighteen new chapter reviews this week, bringing the total to ninety-eight. As always, plenty of feedback to improve the story.

Here’s the first snippet:

In the spring of 1848, Johann Spreckler, a tall, thin man in his early thirties,  maintained a small workshop in the Jura mountain region of Switzerland. A watchmaker by trade, his true passion was trying to create completely mechanical animals and machinery. Using the tools and parts from his trade, he developed the inner workings of life-size mice that would move about his worktable with amazingly realistic movements.

In his delight, he shared his little toy mouse with his friend, Carl Ludden. His friend was astounded at the machine.

The shiny brass rodent moved about the desktop but, eventually ran off the edge and crashed to the floor.

“I must find a way to control the movement,” Johann said.

That was where his troubles began. For ten years he worked late into the night after his shop closed, trying to develop a mechanism to control his various machines. If he was to control the workings of his creations, he needed a power source other than winding the mechanism as you would a clock.

One night, Johann was overcome by fatigue and rested his head on his workbench. In a dream, he saw the materials needed to create not only a power source, but a signal that would give the machines the ability to move on their own naturally. When he awoke before dawn he set about forging the materials needed to create the power source.

It took another three years for the ‘accumulator’ to be perfected. To his amazement, the creatures took on near-perfect behaviors. They no longer ran off the edge of his bench, but would scurry about the floor avoiding chair legs, hopping onto the rugs. To Johann’s astonishment, the smaller versions would crawl up his sleeve and rest on his shoulder while he worked. Something magical, even mystical occurred in the accumulator’s wiring.

Johann didn’t understand what he had created but was thrilled at the results.

He thought his toys to be innocent fun. He prepared a dozen mice, a small palm-sized bird that would fly about the room, and a miniature man who would sweep the floor with a small straw broom. He planned to offer his wondrous toys for Christmas.

In his shop, he allowed two of the mice to scurry over the counter.

The bird sat on the shelf chirping and flapping its wings. Without any command, it would take flight, circle the room, and come back to the shelf.

When a customer reacted, Johann would proudly tell them the creatures were for sale and quote the price. To his utter and complete disappointment, no one was interested, and in a lot of cases, the customers were terrified of his creatures and fled the store.

The snow was drifting and piled against the front of Johann’s watch shop the morning the mayor, the town elder priest and a rich landowner came into the shop.

From their scowls, Johann knew it wasn’t a cordial visit. He welcomed them. “Good morning, gentlemen.”

It was at that moment the bird lifted from the shelf and looped around the shop.

The priest made the sign of the cross.

The landowner turned to the mayor. He whispered, “See, what did I tell you?”

“Where did you get that creature?”

Johann smiled broadly. “I made him.”

“How can a man create something that is alive?” the priest asked.

‘It does imitate a bird, but I would not say it was alive. After all, it doesn’t eat, drink, or breathe.”

“Satan is the ultimate imitator,” the priest replied. “He has his way of imitating all things that are true and pure in God’s creation.”

“How did you learn to make these creatures?” the mayor asked.

Johann didn’t fully reflect on the way his answer would sound.  “It came to me in a dream.”

The priest turned to the major. He spoke in a soft voice. “De profundis clamavi ad te. (Evil calls for help from evil).”

“Do you renounce Satan and all his work and ways?” The landowner acted as if he was performing an exorcism.

“I think you misunderstand my work gentlemen. I am a watchmaker. The toys are but machines. Is a clock or watch a thing of the devil?” Johann tried to hide his fear of where the conversation was going.

The priest could barely contain his anger. “All day long they distort my words. All their thoughts are against me for evil.”

“I am not evil. I am a simple watchmaker and inventor. Why do you see me as doing something against God? He doesn’t enter into this work. I have made innocent toys.”

The landowner slapped his hat against his palm. “To lead children astray. To remove God’s creation with imitations.”

“This will not do,” the mayor said. “I cannot let this distraction from the Church go on in my city. I order this shop closed. I will send the chief magistrate to lock and secure it.”

“You can’t!” Johann protested.

“I can and I have,” the mayor snapped.

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

Randall’s Ramblings, April 27, 2025

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

Randall’s Ramblings, April 20, 2025

Our son flew in Friday morning for a short visit. While he had to return to Washington, D.C. on Easter Sunday, it was still great to spend a couple of days with him.

The Detroit Tigers are clinging to a slim lead in the American League’s Central Division, with a record of 13-8. Meanwhile, The Detroit Pistons lost the first game in a seven-game series to the New York Knicks. The Pistons won an incredible 30 games more than in the previous year, ending the regular season with a 44-38 record.

“Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.” – Ray Bradbury. 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 20th, the sixteenth Sunday of 2025 and the third one in April. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

William Bartram, American naturalist and writer (1st naturalist to document tropical forests of Florida in “Bartram’s Travels”); Aloysius Bertrand, French poet (Gaspard de la Nuit – Gaspard of the Night), and playwright; Dinah Craik, English writer (John Halifax, Gentleman); Hermann Bang, Danish writer; Robert Lynd, Irish writer and critic (Pleasures of Ignorance); Hermann Ungar, Moravian writer; Martinus Nijhoff, Dutch poet and linguist; Soewarsih Djojopoespito, Indonesian writer (Toe the Line); Richard Hillary, Australian Spitfire pilot and author (The Last Enemy); Paul Van Buren, American theologist (Theological Explorations); Peter S. Beagle, American novelist and screenwriter (The Last Unicorn); Jan Cremer, Dutch writer (I, John Cremer); Pilar Miró, Spanish screenwriter and director (Wether; Beltenebros); Joni Evans, American publisher (Simon & Schuster, Random House); Ian Watson, British sci-fi author (Book of Being, Whores of Babylon); Andrew Tobias, American journalist and author (The Best Little Boy in the World); Sebastian Faulks, British novelist (The Girl at the Lion d’Or); Wim Drees, Dutch philosopher, editor (Zygon – Journal of Religion & Science) and professor (Leiden University); and Pete Correale, American comedian, writer, and broadcaster.

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

I found out this week that Frozen Conquest, the fifth novel in my Bedlam series, was one of the winners in the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards in their Global Thrillers category. This marks the seventh consecutive year that one of my novels was awarded first place.

Frozen Conquest also received a five-star editorial review from Chanticleer Reviews. Here’s the link if you’re interested in reading the review.

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’ll post the first 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 2025 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved