Randall Krzak's Blog, page 38

Randall’s Ramblings, June 10, 2018

Another week has sped by. Hard to believe how fast time passes. A couple of days ago, it was forty-five years since I graduated from high school. It does seem awhile ago, but I didn’t realize how long.

Temperatures are still on the cool side, but I think it’s better than having a heatwave. Much easier to complete outdoor tasks without feeling like I was in a sauna!

Are you celebrating a birthday today? If so, here’s a few people from the writing world you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Esprit Fléchier, French writer and bishop; Edwin Edwin Arnold, English writer (Light of India); Jacques F H Perk, Dutch poet (Iris, Wood Song); Mrs. Leslie Carter, American actress and writer (Rocky Mountain Mystery, The Heart of Maryland); Louis M A Couperus, Dutch poet/writer (Eline Vere); Gustave Vanzype, Belgian literary/headed La Gazette; Margit Kaffka, Hungarian writer (Colors and Years); Leo Weismantel, German writer (Der Reiter der Apocalypse); Paul J M Lindemans, Flemish agricultural engineer/author; Immanuel Velikovsky, writer (Worlds in Collision); Henri Bruning, Dutch literary; Saul Bellow, Canadian-born American author (Mr Sammler’s Planet, Nobel 1976); Nat Hentoff, columnist/novelist (Village Voice, The Cold Society); Willem Oltmans, Dutch journalist (Outlawed, Free as a Bird); Maurice Sendak, American author and illustrator (Where The Wild Things Are); Simon Jenkins, editor (Times); and Mensje F van Keulen-van der Steen, Dutch writer (Bleeker’s Summer).

Recognize anyone? Even if you don’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

My Work in Progress

At last I finished my cast of characters for Dangerous Alliance. I didn’t write anything new this week as I concentrated on several reviews for people who had helped out with this novel. In addition, I finished a beta review of a 43,000-word story for a new writer.

It’s been awhile, but here’s a snippet from New World Revolution:

Abraham continued driving the horses along the street. “Not too far dat way,” he used his crop to point to the left, “is da North Church. Dat’s where da master an’ mistress take da children.”

He stopped the wagon when they entered a large square. “Dis is Clark’s Square. Master and Mistress Sutton live on da other side—dat two-story brick building.”

The entire family gawked at the house. Black shutters guarded each of the four windows on both floors. An imposing door stood in the center, while a brick chimney towered above the roof.

“His lordship must be wealthy to build such a home,” Thomas whispered in awe.

Abraham laughed. “Master Sutton isn’t a lord an’ he didn’t build da house. He’s da third merchant to own da building.” Abraham coaxed the horses onward. “Many merchants an’ doctors live around the square. You’ll learn who dey are.”

***

“‘Tis enough, I reckon.” William turned to Abraham. “What’s kept on the second floor?”

“Anything dat can be stored in a dry place. Some feed for da animals an’ food, too. Da next building is where Ruth an’ I live. You’ll live in the bigger house on da other side of ours.” He pulled up in front of the Alexander’s new home. “Ruth, come out an’ meet our new neighbors.”

A short, rotund, dark-skinned woman with a flawless complexion stepped from the Alexander’s, her face beaming. “Welcome to Boston. I made tea for you.”

William helped Mary from the wagon, while their children jumped down. Everyone lined up and introduced themselves.

“I’ll take the horses to the barn an’ return.” Abraham brought the wagon around and rumbled away while Ruth led the new arrivals inside.

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

Author Alan Kemister’s first novel, A Body in the Sacristy (Barrettsport  Mysteries Book 1) is a well-crafted story with realistic characters, making it very difficult to put down as I kept turning the pages to find out what happened next.

Set in Nova Scotia, Detective Simon Goodyear’s first case in Barrettsport involves an infant found inside a sealed cabinet by a carpenter. Simon sets out identify the baby and the parents, immersing himself into the founding families of the town. What secrets have they managed to keep hidden over the years? Alan has weaved an intriguing mystery, with plenty of possibilities. I thoroughly enjoyed following Simon’s search for the truth. I won’t provide a spoiler alert but suffice to say, Alan is on a winner here and I can’t wait to read the next installment.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites.

Alan Kemister – Follow Alan’s blog to learn more about him and his writing adventures.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, June 3, 2018

Another month has passed us by. Hard to believe how fast times speeds by. The end of May brought us superb temperatures, reaching up to 88F/31C. However, the hot weather didn’t last long. Yesterday was only 59F/15C. While this would have been fine back in April, with a drop of twenty-nine degrees in just a day or so required the use of a sweatshirt to keep warm outdoors. Oh well–Michigan weather!

Are you celebrating a birthday today? If so, here’s a few people from the writing world you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Sydney Smith, preacher/reformer/author; William Hone, author/bookseller (Every-Day Book); Eugeen van Oye, Flemish writer/poet (Morning Twilight); Detlev [Freiherr Friedrich A von] Liliencron, German poet; Rosa Chacel, spanish novelist; Gerard den Brabander, [Jan G Jofriet], poet (Nothing New); Louis Simmonds, bookseller; Wilfred Thesiger, explorer/writer; Pedro Mir, Dominican Poet Laureate; David Richard Holloway, literary editor; Gerhard Zwerenz, writer; Allen Ginsberg, American beat poet (Howl);  Marion Zimmer Bradley, American sci-fi author (Storm Queen); Larry McMurtry, US scriptwriter (Lonesome Dove, Pulitzer 1986); Melissa Mathison, American screenwriter (E.T.); and Lawrence Lessig, American lawyer and author.

Recognize anyone? Even if you don’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

My Work in Progress

My plans to finish the cast of characters for Dangerous Alliance this week didn’t work out as planned. Once again, too many external requirements meant I did very little with my works in progress. Hopefully, the next week will be more promising and I can get back to writing. I also plan to bring another snippet or two.

Books I’m Reading

Even my evening reading and reviewing suffered this past week. All being well, I’ll be back to normal and continue providing my thoughts on the various works I’ve been reading.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites.

Michael Kent – check out Michael’s crime novels–well worth a read.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, May 27, 2018

Happy Memorial Day!  Originally an American public holiday to honor veterans who served in the armed forces, it’s morphed into the unofficial start of the summer holiday season. Friends and family join together to open up vacation homes, relax, fire up barbecues, and enjoy the long weekend.

The weather is certainly giving a summer feel to the weekend, with temperatures in our area reaching as high as 86F/30C. Of course, with the high temperatures comes the threat of thunderstorms. There were a few scattered thunderclaps yesterday afternoon, but no rain in our area.

Are you celebrating a birthday today? If so, here’s a few people from the writing world and the Civil War you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Julia Ward Howe, American author/lecturer (Battle Hymn of the Republic); Henry Parkes, British journalist/premier of Australia; John Gray Foster, American Major General (Union Army); Edwin Gray Lee, Brigadier General (Confederate Army); Robert Frederick Hoke, Major General (Confederate Army); Luigi Capuana, Sicilian author/critic (Roccaverdina); Georges Eekhoud, Belgian writer (Jeune Belgium); Arnold Bennett, English novelist/ playwright/critic (Great Babylon); Richard von Schaukal, Austria poet/writer (Eros Thanatos); Ferdynand Antoni Ossendowski, Polish writer; Rudolf Pannwitz, German writer; Max Brod, Czech-born Israeli composer, writer and biographer of Kafta; Erich Kuttner, German journalist/historian (Vorwarts); Dashiell Hammett, detective novelist (Sam Spade, Maltese Falcon); Louis-Ferdinand Céline, French writer (Die Nacht); Uładzimir Zylka, Belarusian poet; Rachel Carson, American marine biologist, conservationist and writer (Silent Spring); Torolf Elster, Norwegian journalist/writer (Frihet och demokrati); John Cheever, writer (Wapshot Chronicle); Herman Wouk, American novelist (Caine Mutiny, Winds of War); Sidney AK Keyes, English poet (Iron Laurel); Tony Hillerman, American writer; Jan Blokker, Dutch writer/journalist (VPRO, People’s Newspaper); John Barth, novelist (Sot-Weed Factor); Harlan [Jay] Ellison, American sci-fi author (7 Hugos, Doomsman, Babylon 5); Adriaan Venema, Dutch journalist/author (Mussert); Norma Jean Almodovar, American author (Cop to Call Girl); and Rebekah Brooks, English journalist.

Recognize anyone? Even if you don’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

My Work in Progress

I had hoped to finish my cast of characters for Dangerous Alliance this week. However, too many external requirements meant I did very little with my works in progress. Hopefully, the next week will be more promising and I can get back to writing.

Books I’m Reading

As mentioned a week or two ago, I finished another novel fro David Wood’s Dane Maddock’s adventure series. I hoped for another intriguing plot and Buccaneer didn’t disappoint. I’m sure many of you have heard of the Oak Island money pit. Used as the primary setting for Buccaneer, David created a whirlwind of a story, with treasure maps, Templar churches and a secretive organization trying to revive an ancient kingdom.

As with all of David’s novels in the series, Dane Maddock leads us on a roller coaster ride with plenty of twists and turns and plenty of realistic characters to aid readers in finding the treasure. This is one of those novels I just couldn’t put down and look forward to the next one in the series.

I had also hoped to provide a review of A Body in the Sacristy (Barrettsport  Mysteries Book 1) by Alan Kemister but will do this next time.

 

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time this week to find new sites to share with you. Perhaps next week.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

Randall’s Ramblings, May 20, 2018

I was almost finished with today’s post when I accidentally wiped it out. Nothing I could do to recover. What a bummer!

My Work in Progress

Most of this week was spend outdoors getting the yard into shape. However, I did manage to work a bit on the cast of characters of Dangerous Alliance. I should be able to complete it this week.

I have some news to share regarding Dangerous Alliance. In March, I submitted the first ten thousand words for the 2018 Breakthrough Novel Awards sponsored by The Book Khaleesi and Books by Ken Fry.  This week I found out that Dangerous Alliance is one of five finalists. The winner will be announced around June 15th.

Books I’m Reading

I had planned to share a review of another novel from David Wood’s Dane Maddock’s adventure series but didn’t finish my comments. My bad! This review, plus one or two others, will be provided next Sunday.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time this week to find new sites to share with you. Perhaps next week.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

Randall’s Ramblings, May 13, 2018

Happy Mother’s Day to those who are honored by their families and friends on this special day. I know some countries celebrate Mother’s Day on a different day, but in several counties, including the U.S. and Canada, it’s today. Hope you have a great day!

I wasn’t able to post my ramble last weekend. Not that I didn’t want to, but a power outage from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon got in the way.

The Friday started out fine with plenty of sunshine and blue sky. By mid-morning, we were into a windstorm the forecasters accurately predicted. No rain, but gusts up to 65MPH for almost six hours. The result: dozens of tress knocked down or snapped in two. Power and telecommunications lines were severed. A neighbor who still relies on a landline borrowed an old cell phone as he was informed his landline might not be fixed until May 24th.

I’m still picking up branches from our trees so I can finish mowing the grass. Should get this done today, which is a good thing as the grass is growing quickly in our sunny days with moderate temperatures and just the right amount of rainfall.

Are you celebrating a birthday today? If so, here’s a few people from the writing world you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Adrian Loosjes Pzn, publisher/writer (Mauritius Lijnslager); Alphonse Daudet, French writer (Tartarin of Tarascon); Jos Panhuysen, author; Alfred Earle Birney, poet; Daphne du Maurier, English writer (Rebecca, Parasites); Wallace Breem, British author; Adolf Muschg, Swiss writer (Gruppe Olten); Roger [Joseph] Zelazny, sci-fi author (6 Hugos, Chronicles of Amber); Roch Carrier, Canadian novelist (The Hockey Sweater); Bruce Chatwin, England, writer (On the Black Hill); Betsy Finley Ashton, broadcast journalist/author/lecturer; Armistead Maupin, American author; Stephen R Donaldson, American sci-fi author (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Lord Foul’s Bane); and Kathleen Jamie, Scottish poet. Recognize anyone? Even if you don’t, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

My Work in Progress

Editing of the paper copy of Dangerous Alliance was finished yesterday. All I need to do now is create a cast of characters to aid readers. Here’s what a recent reader and author had to say about Dangerous Alliance: “An exciting roller coaster of emotion, action, and a kinship borne of dedication against impossible odds. This tale will not let you down. An exciting and suspenseful story of strong men and iron women committed to the truth and each other in a battle to preserve the world from those who take life without thought.”

Stay tuned for more information regarding the release of Dangerous Alliance. In the meantime, I better get cracking on Carnage in Singapore, A Cartel’s Revenge, and New World Revolution. Look for a snippet from one of these works in progress next time.

Books I’m Reading

Last weekend’s power outage stopped me from finishing a review of another novel from David Wood’s Dane Maddock’s adventure series. This review, plus one or two others, will be provided next Sunday.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites.

End of The Lime; The Beginning – a website dedicated to poetry by J.S.T. Louise.

Texas Outlaw Poet – check out this site by poet/author Jeff Callaway.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, April 29, 2018

As another month heads to its finale, the weather still hasn’t settled. While most of the past week wasn’t bad, the hour of snow flurries yesterday was definitely an unwanted addition. At least the temperature was warm enough the flurries melted almost as fast as they hit the ground.

Is your birthday today? If so, here’s a few people people from the writing world you share with (compliments of http://www.onthisday.com/today/birthdays):

Taliesin, Welsh poet; John Arbuthnot, Scottish writer (Alexander Pope); Charles Nodier, French writer; Edouard Rod, France/Swiss writer (Mishel’ Tes’e); Louis William Stern, German/US philosopher (Intelligence of Children); Rafael Sabatini, Italian/British writer; Egon E Kisch, Czech writer/journalist (Rasende Reporter); Walter Mehring, writer; Bernard Verhoeven, Dutch poet (Pleidooi near een non); Jack [Stewart] Williamson, American sci-fi author (Cometeers); Terence de Vere White, novelist/critic; Walter Kempowski, German writer (German Chronicle); Rodney “Rod” McKuen, American poet; Jill Paton Walsh, English writer; David Icke, English writer; and Robert J. Sawyer, Canadian writer. Recognize any names?

My Work in Progress

Not much to mention regarding my work in progress. Editing of the paper copy of Dangerous Alliance is moving along, with about half of the 102,425 words completed. Some corrections and a few changes, but overall, things are still looking good!

In addition to editing, I’m also assisting a writer with a review of his 43K-work as well as providing reviews of those who have done the same for me on Dangerous Alliance.

Books I’m Reading

I’ve almost finished another novel from David Wood’s Dane Maddock’s adventure series. My review will be posted next week.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time this week to find new sites to share with you. Perhaps next week.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

Randall’s Ramblings, April 22, 2018

This morning I woke to a calm lake, with plenty of sunshine shimmering across the water. In the background, the low throttle of engines from a passing freighter actually added to the serenity, along with the occasional song provided by myriad birds.

After last weekend’s severe ice storm, the past three days have been the same: blue skies with occasional clouds, still water, and brilliant sunshine. While the temperatures are still a bit below the average for this time of year, things are finally warming up. Spring is here!

My Work in Progress

Not much to mention regarding my work in progress. Editing of the paper copy of Dangerous Alliance is moving along, with about a quarter of the 102,425 words completed. Some corrections and a few changes, but overall, things are looking good!

Here’s another snipped from New World Revolution:

William turned to the boys. “Collect our possessions and we’ll wait here.” In a rare show of fondness, he took his wife’s hand. “Take a good look around, Mary. This is our new home.”

He bowed his head, closed his eyes, and prayed in silence. By the time he finished, Thomas and George returned, struggling to carry a heavy, wooden trunk. They set it down and disappeared, returning a short time later with five bags made of wool.

“Is this all, lads?”

Breathless, Thomas and George nodded.

William glanced over the meager assortment, a grim reminder of their life in England. “‘Tis everything, I reckon.” He took Mary and Hannah’s hands. “Come, the New World beckons.” He led them ashore, Thomas and George following with their bundles.

 Once his family were seated in the back of the wagon and the possessions stowed, William climbed upon the seat with Abraham. The wagon jolted forward as Abraham flicked the reins over the horses’ backs. As they departed, William glanced back at the Wester. We’ve made our way thus far. What are the Lord’s plans for us?

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

This week I finished two novels from David Wood’s Dane Maddock’s adventure series: Quest and Icefall. In both stories, Dane and his business partner and friend, Bones, are off on new adventures. As always, David does an excellent job of blending historical facts and myths into his plots, making for quick-paced and exciting reads.

In Quest, the daring duo (Dane and Bones) help the daughter of their former naval commander in a search for the daughter’s boyfriend who disappeared in the Amazon.  With plenty of thrills and near mishaps, they travel through dangerous terrain, made all the more sinister as they run up against an organization searching for the missing professor. Without giving away secrets regarding the success or failure of their trek, I think it’s sufficient to say that adventure seekers will enjoy the action-packed plot and larger-than-life characters David has created. Highly recommended!

Icefall introduces readers to another thrilling plot, this time set in Europe. Dane and Bones, along with a couple of their friends, have traveled to Germany for Christmas. This is a shorter story than David’s other novels in the series, but still provides plenty of ups and downs for the group during their visit to a German cathedral. Once again, David does an excellent job of mixing history and legends together. You’ll have to grab a couple to find out what happens, but this novella is filled with plenty of high octane to keep you reading through the night!

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time this week to find new sites to share with you. Perhaps next week.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

Randall’s Ramblings, April 15, 2018

You know the phrase, ‘April showers bring May flowers?’ Do you suppose the same holds true for ‘April ice storms bring May flowers?’ 

I thought the harshness of the winter was over when we had a beautiful 71F/21C temperature with blazing sunshine on Thursday. Friday was almost as warm, but plenty of clouds. The weather forecasters predict rain for Friday night, turning to sleet and a wintry mix with winds up to forty-five mph through Sunday at noon.

They were correct. The rain came as predicted, and beginning about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, the sleet began. Hours later, it stopped, only to begin again this morning. The winter storm warning has been extended until 4 p.m.

When I look toward the lake, all I see is blurry patterns as every window and deck door are iced over. The good news–no outside work. The bad–yesterday’s Tigers’ baseball game was cancelled and rescheduled for today as part of a double-header. It appears both games today will be cancelled, too. Oh well!

My Work in Progress

I finished my first edit of Dangerous Alliance. It’s currently at 102,425 words and yesterday I began reading a paper copy of the story, going word by word and making changes and corrections, which will be transferred to the manuscript when I finish. With the storm and cancelled ball games, no guessing what I’ll be doing today.

Here’s a bit more from New World Revolution:

Sails dropped as the Wester rocked on the gentle waves. After seven weeks crammed into the hold, surviving on foul water and inedible hard tack and salt pork, dozens of immigrants from throughout England and Scotland pushed onto the deck, hopeful for a glimpse of their new land.

Hannah ducked beneath outstretched arms and reached the railing. She gazed at the spectacle as her mother joined her.

“Mama, ‘tis so different from home. So many people and buildings—how will we find our way?”

***

A tall, black man stood to the side, his hand blocking the sun’s rays as he watched the stream of humanity, hugging a few possessions to their chests, making their way down the narrow gangplank. Jostled by two new arrivals, he bowed his head, and stepped out of their way, as they shoved past. William and his sons hurried up to him. He stared at the man before putting out his hand. “You must be Abraham. My name’s William, and these are my sons, Thomas and George. Master Sutton described you in a letter to his brother.”

Abraham removed his hat and shook his head. “No offense to you, but ‘tis better not to shake my hand in public. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Why is that?”

“Der’s a law in Boston dat says if a black man hits a white man, he receives a severe whipping. I don’t touch white folks so der’s no mistake. I keep myself to myself, don’t need no trouble.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

This week I finished reading Shark Bait, the eight novel in the Aristotle Socarides series by Paul Kemprecos. As with his previous stories, Paul has created another fast-paced plot. “Soc” finds himself in trouble with criminals through no fault of his own. After he loses his vehicle and his boat is already down due to engine problems, he answers a call for a boat captain to work on a film set.

What could go wrong driving a boat while a movie is being made? As always, problems seem to escalate when Soc is around. I won’t spoil the story, so no more about what happens. However, I must say, once again Pauls’ larger-than-life characters and riveting plot had me turning the pages far into the night. I look forward to reading Soc’s next adventure.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites.

Charlie De Luca – check out Charlie’s blog and learn more about life, his writing, and horses!

Michael Kent – If you love crime stories, Michael has a great selection for you to read!

That brings us to the end for another week. I hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing and reading.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

 

Randall’s Ramblings, April 8, 2018

What crazy weather we’ve been having! On Thursday we had rain, hail, more rain, thunder, lightning, and even snow. It was a very light and fluffy snow, and because the temperature was above freezing it didn’t stick. Overnight, there was more of the white stuff, about two inches but within the space of a couple of hours, most of it melted away.

Brilliant sunshine followed, at least for a few hours. Then the heavens darkened to the point I needed to turn on lights. A white-out took over, so thick I could see the water’s edge. Cell coverage terminated as the snowfall thickened. Before long, this also passed.

Now we’re getting plenty of sunshine but temperatures below average for this time of year. At least most of the snow has disappeared once again. I hope that’s it for the season. I’m waiting to get outside and begin cleaning up from the winter. Branches to pick up, grass to rake, trees to trim, and flower beds to prepare. Hurry up, spring!

My Work in Progress

I’m about two thirds through my first edit of Dangerous Alliance. Won’t be long before I’ll be printing the entire manuscript and going word by word, checking for punctuation, grammar, word usage, etc. I did this with The Kurdish Connection and was pleased with the outcome. Since it helped, this is now part of my editing routine.

Work also continue, albeit at a slow pace, on chapter ten of A Cartel’s Revenge. I hope to post the chapter in the next week or so. I read through chapter four of Carnage in Singapore, the follow-on novel to Dangerous Alliance. Although I didn’t add any words, I known where the chapter is going.

Here’s another snippet from New World Revolution:

Tobias sighed, his shoulders drooping. “William, his lordship is demanding full payment. Parliament keeps raising his due and he’s suffering too. He’s been in arrears since the 1765 crop failure, and now this. I must have all of it, or I will be forced to evict tenants so some of the land can be sold.”

Tears dribbled down William’s face. Tobias turned away, giving him time alone.

“I’m sorry, Master Sutton. It’s been so difficult. What are we to do? I looked for work in Alnwick and Berwick-Upon-Tweed, but no one wants to hire a tenant farmer.”

Tobias’s expression softened. “There might be another way, William.” He released a pent-up sigh as he appeared to reach a decision. “Yesterday, I received a letter from my brother, Matthew, a tea merchant in Boston. He needs extra hands and asked if anyone I could vouch for their honesty and industry, would take a chance on a new life. He’ll pay the costs of your transport, but you’d be indentured for five years.”

***

Mary nodded from time to time, while Hannah stared wide-eyed as William explained the offer from Tobias. She gazed into his eyes and each of the children’s, before turning back to her husband.

“You are the head of the family. You and the Lord have always provided for us. Do what you believe is right.”

William bowed his head and prayed in silence. Lord, thank you for sending us this opportunity and for a biddable wife and children. We place our lives in your hands. Finished, he gazed at his family for a few moments. “We’re going to the New World.”

Perhaps more next time.

Books I’m Reading

I enjoy reading novels by authors who are forging their way with their works. Not long ago I finished reading Deception by Bill Ward. Although the first novel I’ve read by Bill, it definitely won’t be the last.

Deception, set in England, had everything I could ask for: mystery, intrigue, well-crafted characters, and a superb plot, guaranteed to keep you turning the pages. The CIA and MI6 are conspiring to change the thinking of the British public, while ISIS is planning to bring further terror to the streets of the country.

Our MC, Powell is caught in the middle as are his friends. Will he be able to extricate himself from the quagmire, save his friends, while helping to break the CIA-MI6 conspiracy and thwart ISIS terror attacks? With plenty of action scenes, this is a fast-paced read. If this is the genre you enjoy reading, you won’t be disappointed with Deception. I can’t wait to read more of Bill Ward’s novels!

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites.

Sideways Eight Series – Join author AJ Wallace as she spins the tales of Charley and Murphy, two FBI agents. Two novels have been published so far (Mindfield and Devil’s Door), with two more to follow. Well worth the read!

MD Neu – writer and published author, Follow MD’s writing journey and check out his interviews with other authors. He’s also released The Calling, an excellent sci-fi story, plus several others.

B. Douglas Slack – A newly published author, Mr. Slack provides an interesting style as he brings us a romance spanning the globe–an American man and a Japanese woman. Follow their story in You Only Love Twice.

Room With Books – Check out the book reviews and more by author Patricia S. Green.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing and reading.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

 

 

Randall’s Ramblings, April 1, 2018

Last night I watched a thrilling Final Four basketball game between one of my favorite, the University of Michigan, and Loyola Chicago. Although Michigan jumped out to a lead, Loyola quickly fought back and twice led by ten points. However, the Michigan team proved too tough and eventually clawed back, winning by a twelve-point margin. Commiserations to Loyola and congratulation to Michigan!

The final game of the 2017-2018 NCAA men’s basketball season will determine this year’s national champion. Will it be Michigan or Villanova, who blew past Kansas? It should be an exciting finish to the season.

This past Thursday was supposed to be the season opening for the Detroit Tigers. However, Mother Nature had something to say about baseball being played in March in Michigan. The game was delayed until Friday. Although the Pittsburgh Pirates were the victors 13-10, it was a great game.

Mother Nature came back yesterday, delaying the game until today, when the two teams will play a double-header to close out their only meeting of 2018. I hope she lets them play!

My Work in Progress

Not much to say about Dangerous Alliance as I continue to edit. My current plan is to complete the editing process by the middle of May and begin submitting to a number of publishers.

As promised last week, here’s a snippet from one of my other works in progress, New World Revolution:

“Mary, I—” William placed his hands on the table’s patterned woodgrain surface and lowered his head.

“What is the matter?” Mary’s eyes widened. “Has something happened?”

“The crops—I don’t know what we will do.” He lifted his head, tears brimming. “We work hard on our land each year to provide our due to Tobias Sutton, and still have enough left for us to live on and perhaps sell a bit to buy what we might need. This year, we can’t even pay Tobias.”

Mary gathered her apron in her hands, twisting the stained cloth into knots. “There must be something. Talk with Sir Percy’s agent. We’ve been faithful tenants. Perhaps he’ll help.”

“Yes. I’ll seek him on the morrow at the castle and explain our problem. I must make him understand.”

Mary stood and walked over to William, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Husband, you’re a good man. This must be a test from the Lord. You’ll see us through.”

***

“William, what can I do for you today? Is this Thomas? He’s growing into a fine young man, your double.”

“Thank you, Master Sutton. I’ve come because, er, ah well, I have a problem.”

“Most of the tenants have troubles this year. A blight or whatever pestilence is causing payment shortages.” Tobias stared at William. “’Tis the same for you?”

He nodded, ashamed to look Tobias in the face. “Yes, most of the wheat and turnips are spoiled.”

“An issue for everyone. In normal times, I can help out the better tenant farmers, but this year … I can’t make any promises.”

“I—I understand, Master Sutton. I wanted you to know. The boy and I will bring you the best of the crops and try to sell the rest at the market. I hope we can meet our due.”

“Bring what you can in three days’ time. If suitable, they will be used in the castle. Otherwise, I’ll be at the market with you.”

Perhaps more next week.

Books I’m Reading

I recently finished Stoddard’s Gold by John Rose Putnam. Set during the mid-1880s, we join John’s well-crafted characters in the California mountains, searching for the elusive shiny metal–gold.

This novella has everything–good guys, bad guys, a possible budding romance, with plenty of intense drama. For me personally, the story was too short, but John could easily make this into a full novel and create even more intrigue. This was the first story I’ve read of John’s and it won’t be the last.

Blogs/Author Pages/Writing Sites I’d Like to Share

I’ve expanded this section from being only about blogs that I follow but also introduce you to some new authors and a few writing sites.

Moran Communications – The Write Stuff – the author of numerous fiction and non-fiction works, check out his blog, books, and his suggestions for writers.

That brings us to a close for another week. Hope you’ve found something of interest or at least useful for your own writing and reading.  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.

© Copyright 2018 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved