Randall Krzak's Blog, page 5

Randall’s Ramblings, December 22, 2024

A belated Happy Winter Solstice to everyone. Yesterday marked the shortest day of the year and the astronomically beginning of winter.

This coming week marks Christmas and the start of Hannukah. Hope everyone enjoys the holiday season. We certainly will, as our son arrived on Christmas Eve for a few days.

The University of Michigan Wolverines loss another game this week, dropping their record to 8-3. They also dropped in the rankings fourteenth to twenty-four. Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans won two games, improving their record to 10-2, and climbing one spot in the rankings to twentieth. Michigan’s next game is today, and Michigan State doesn’t play again until the 30th.

In the NFL, the Detroit Lions lost their second game of the season, dropping their record to 12-2. At the same time the Minnesota Vikings won another game, improving to 12-2. At this point they are tied in the NFC North, with three games each to play before the regular season comes to an end.  Detroit is still top of the division, due to an earlier win against Minnesota. They play each other again on the 5th of January. Detroit plays Chicago today. I hope they can repeat their earlier win against the Bears.

“A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” – E.B. White (1899-1965) American writer. Compliments of https://www.aspiringwriteracademy.com/45-motivational-quotes-for-aspiring-writers.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 22nd, the fourth Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Jean Racine, French dramatist (Phèdre, Athalie); Johann J Dillenius [Dillen], German botanist (Historia Muscorum); Hermann Samuel Reimarus, German philosopher and writer; Johann Sebastian Welhaven, Norwegian poet; Justin M’Carthy, Irish politician and novelist (Miss Misanthrope); Mark Rutherford [Hale White], English writer; Erich Schaeder, German theologist (Theocentric Theology); František Xaver Šalda, Czechoslovakian literary critic; Edwin Arlington Robinson, American poet (Richard Corey); Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, Italian-French prose writer, novelist, poet, and dramatist (Futurism e Futurista); Mikha`il Na’imah, Lebanese playwright; Nikolay Semyonovich Tikhonov, Russian poet and writer; Kenneth Rexroth, American poet and translator & critical essayist (Birds in the Bush); Anthony Barber Doncaster, English bookseller; Calder Willingham, American novelist and scriptwriter; Lee Salk, Russian-American child psychologist and author; Charles de Lint, Canadian sci-fi author (Moonhear, Mulengro, Yarrow); Heather Donahue, American writer and actress; Chris Adler, American writer; and Brian A. Alexander, American screenwriter and director.

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Lee Salk . 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 has moved from the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards slush pile to the long list for global thrillers. There’s plenty of competition as all members of the long list slug it out to make it onto the short list. Afterward, the competition will heat up as the semi-finals, finals, first in category winners, and category grand prize winners are still to come.

In a separate announcement, Frozen Conquest is now a finalist in the 2024 Global Book Awards for action-adventure. It’s joined by Ultimate Escalation. The gold, silver, and bronze medals winners will be announced on December 28th.

My Work In Progress

Editing of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2  is well underway. Since my last blog post, three more more reviews have trickled in as most of my faithful readers have already provided their input, so the total is now  645.  As always, I’ve been working hard going through the reviews, and have picked out what I think will improve the story from 465 of them, leaving 180 more to check over.

Here’s another snippet:

Sear sipped on the tea provided by Qadir and studied the faces of Bashari and his brothers. They aren’t faking. Zahid didn’t run away like I thought. They are really concerned about who might have kidnapped him.

Bashari turned to Sear. “What should we do now?”

“We need to wait to see if my colleagues learned anything from Tarik that might help us pinpoint a location for Shatara. It’s possible the same people took Zahid, which would make things easier for us.” Sear pursed his lips. “Otherwise, we will have a daunting task in front of us. However, I won’t rest until we recover your children.”

A half-smile creased Bashari’s face. “Thank you, Sayyid Sear. Your words are a comfort to me. But I am realistic. I know it will not be easy to do this.”

“I have located other missing people in the past where it seemed impossible to do so. I plan to be successful this time, too.” I just hope Shatara and Zahid are still in Yemen and not squirreled away by human traffickers.

Qadir returned carrying a folded, sealed envelope. With shaking hands, he gave it to Bashari.

He broke the seal and reached inside. Bashari pulled out a photograph and collapsed back in his seat, letting the picture fall to the floor.

Sear picked it up and stared at a photo of Zahid with a bloody nose and a black eye. Next to Zahid’s head was an Al-Bayyinah newspaper from Aden with the current date. Is he in Sana’a or Aden? Sear shook his head as he handed the photo to Bashari’s brothers.

He turned to Bashari. “Contact Yasmin’s late husband’s brothers and notify them. They can begin scouring Aden.” He turned to Omar and Rahman. “Bring your sons here. We can’t wait any longer—we must commence our search of the city—as soon as possible.”

More next time.

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

The cover is a filler, as the final cover won’t be done until the entire first draft is completed.  I’ll post another snippet of this story 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 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Rambling, December 15, 2024

I found out this week that the Michigan Wolverines (7-5) will play the Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) on 31 December in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Needless to say, I’ll be recording and watching this one along with plenty of the other bowl games, especially those in the College Football Playoffs.

With the college football season over except for the upcoming bowl games, my attention at the collegiate level has switched to basketball. Michigan is currently 8-2 and ranked fourteenth in the nation, while the Michigan State Spartans have a matching record and are ranked twenty-first. They play again on the 17th, and Michigan’s next game is on the 18th.

Today will be big game for the Detroit Lions. They take their 12-1 record up against the Buffalo Bills (9-3) in Detroit. Throughout their franchise history, Detroit has never won thirteen games in a single season. Fingers crossed, they’ll rewrite the history books today!  I’ll also be watching the Minnesota Vikings take on the Chicago Bears Monday night as the Vikings are nipping at the Lions’ heels with a 11-2 record.

“Write while the heat is in you. The writer who postpones the recording of his thoughts uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with. He cannot inflame the minds of his audience.” – David Thoreau. Compliments of  www.aspiringwriteracademy.com/45-moti....

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 15th, the third Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Charles Cowden Clarke, English editor and Shakespearean critic; Henry Charles Carey, American economist (Principles of Poli Economy); Edmond Picard, French-Belgian lawyer and writer (La forge Roussel); Emilio Jacinto, Filipino poet and revolutionary; Ferdinand Hardekopf, German writer and journalist; Hans Carossa, German writer; Pieter Geyl, Dutch historian (History of the Dutch Tribe); Artturi Leinonen, Finnish journalist and writer (Kati); Maxwell Anderson, American dramatist (Winter Set, High Tor); Betty Smith, American novelist (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn); Nicholas P. Dallis, American psychiatrist and comic strip writer (Rex Morgan, M.D.); Muriel Rukeyser, American poet (The Book of the Dead); Isabel Crook (née Brown), Canadian-British anthropologist, author (Prosperity’s Predicament), and professor (Beijing Foreign Studies University. 1947-81); Shan-ul-Haq Haqqee, Pakistani Urdu linguist and writer; Ida Haendel, Polish-British-Canadian child prodigy violinist, teacher, and author (Woman with Violin); Edna O’Brien, Irish novelist and short story writer (The Country Grils; Girl with Green Eyes; Casualties of Peace); Elaine Barkin (née Radoff), American composer, educator, music writer and editor (Perspectives of New Music, 1964-85); (Thomas) “Tim” Conway, American Emmy Award-winning comic actor and screenwriter (McHale’s Navy; The Carol Burnett Show, 1975-78; The Apple Dumpling Gang); Donald Woods, South African journalist, anti-apartheid activist and author (Biko; Asking for Trouble); John Sladek, American sci-fi author (Tik-Tok, Bugs); Michael KIng, New Zealand historian and author (Penguin History of New Zealand); J. M. DeMatteis, American comic book writer; and Rohini, Indian actress, screenwriter and director (Stri).

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Thomas”Tim” Conway . 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

Editing of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2  is moving along nicely. Since my last blog post, three more more reviews have trickled in as most of my faithful readers have already provided their input, so the total is now  643.  As always, I’ve been working hard going through the reviews, and have picked out what I think will improve the story from 374 of them, leaving 269 more to check over.

Here’s another snippet:

Sear followed the others as Abdullah and Yasmin led the way through the house.

Each time they entered another room, Yasmin glanced around in apparent panic. “Zahid. Where are you?” She clutched Abdullah’s arm when there wasn’t a response.

As they reach the last room of the house, Sear pointed toward another door. “Where does that lead?”

Abdullah turned to see what Sear was referring to. “Outside. We installed that years ago to make it easier for Shatara and Zahid to enter the courtyard without disturbing us.”

“I understand.” Sear tried the handle.

The door opened.

Along one edge of the frame, a reddish-brown smudge cascaded down the wood.

Sear knelt and examined the frame, wiping his hand across the smudge. He stood and rubbed his fingers together before raising them to his nose. “Blood.”

“Oh!” Yasmin gasped.

Sear pushed the door wide and rushed down four steps into the courtyard. He glanced around and pointed to additional smudges leading away from the house. “Can’t be certain, but it appears someone took Zahid this way.”

Omar and Rahman rushed past Sear and around the corner, brandishing their weapons.

“Here!” one of them shouted.

Sear yanked out his pistol and hurried to join Abdullah’s brothers.

The main compound gate stood open.

In the sand outside the gate, tire tracks and footprints marked the passage of three people and a vehicle.

The three men raced into the street, looking both ways.

No vehicle in sight.

Omar ran to the right, toward the nearest cross street. His arms flailed as he came to a stop. He bent over, panting. Looking both ways, he shook his head and trudged back to Rahman and Sear. “No sign of anyone. What do we do now?”

Rahman clamped his hand on his brother’s shoulder. He glanced at Sear and frowned. “We must inform Abdullah and Yasmin. This is something I do not relish doing, but it must be done.”

Sear pursed his lips as he tucked his SIG Sauer away. “While you talk with them, I’ll return to the Rashid residence and wait to speak with my colleagues. They joined their PSO contact and a few of his colleagues to search some properties in the Bir-al-Azab area of Old Town where foreigners might be living outside the law.” He sighed. “It’s time to stop wasting time and amp up the search for Shatara and Zahid.”

More next time.

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

The cover is a filler, as the final cover won’t be done until the entire first draft is completed.  I’ll begin posting snippets of this story soon.

Here’s the first snippet:

Evelyn stared at the corpse without a hint of emotion. She nudged the body with her foot to ensure the person was dead and not faking. Satisfied, she scanned the area for additional intruders before holstering her SIG Sauer P226.

Snap!

She spun, yanking out her pistol as she sought the source of the noise.

“Whoa!” CC raised his hands. “I’m on your side, remember?”

Evelyn grinned. “You should know better than to sneak up on anyone, especially a woman living on the edge.” She chuckled. “And one who beats you every time in the kill house.”

“Aye.”

She returned her weapon to its holster as she limped forward.

“I see your leg hasn’t improved any.”

Evelyn shrugged. “Can’t do anything about it, but I can still keep up with you.”

“Aye.” CC chuckled. “C’mon, let’s find the others and clear the area. The admiral, Sir Alex, and Richard will be waiting for an update on the secure system.”

“Lead on, Sir Galahad.”

He bowed and pointed. “That way, my fair lady.”

Evelyn smothered a laugh as they worked their way through the dense foliage.

Snap! Snap!

Evelyn and CC turned, pulling their pistols as they did so.

They chuckled.

A mother coatimundi and two babies waddled out from under the thick foliage. They scurried past Evelyn and CC, heading underneath additional bushes.

CC gestured. “Where do you suppose—”

Crack! Pop! Crack!

Static burst from CC’s radio. He pulled it from his belt and keyed it. “This is Haggis. Come again?”

“Ha … this is …”

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 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, December 8, 2024

Neither of my NCAA teams, the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans, had football games over the weekend. In fact, Michigan State is finished until the 2025 season begins. While Michigan eked out enough wins (7-5) to warrant a bowl game, the selections haven’t been announced yet.

I forgot the Detroit Lions were playing on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers. It was shown on Amazon Prime and then replayed the following day, where I was able to watch it. The game seesawed, making it unclear who would be victorious. The score was tied 31-31 with two seconds remaining, when Detroit kicked a thirty-five yard field goal to clench the victory and improve to 12-1. The win guaranteed a playoff spot, but with four games to go and Minnesota at 10-2 behind them, anything can happen, although I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Detroit to continue their winning ways.

“There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it’s like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.” – Ernest Hemingway. Compliments of https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/32-inspirational-hemingway-quotes-to-get-you-writing.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 8th, second Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Horace, Roman Republican poet (Odes); Jan Althuysen, Frisian vicar and poet (Frisianche rymlery); Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, Norwegian author “Pa Guds Veje” and Nobel laureate 1903; Georges Feydeau, French playwright (La Dame de Chez Maxim’s); Padraic Colum, Irish novelist and poet (Collected Poems); Hervey Allen, American writer and poet (Anthony Adverse); James Thurber, American humorist, playwright, and cartoonist (Men, Women & Dogs; The Male Animal; The Secret Life of Walter Mitty); Kitty Muggeridge, British author and translator; Richard Llewellyn, Welsh novelist (How Green Was My Valley); Nikos Gatsos, Greek poet and lyricist; Jura Soyfer, Austrian political journalist and cabaret writer; Delmore Schwartz, American poet, short story writer and critic (Shenandoah); Ernest Lehman, American screenwriter (North by Northwest); George Scheuer, Austrian writer and journalist; Carmen Martín Gaite, Spanish author; Joachim Fest, German historian and journalist (Hitler biography, Speer: The Final Verdict); Ulric Neisser, America psychologist (Intelligence: Knowns and Unknowns, Bell Curve task force head); Goffredo Parise, Italian writer (Il padrone); John Morressy, American sci-fi author (Starbra;t; Greymantle; Kingsbane); Jim Morrison, American singer-songwriter (The Doors) and poet; John Banville, Irish novelist and journalist (2005 Booker Prize for “The Sea”); Kati-Claudia Fofonoff, Skolt Sámi poet and writer; Roscoe Nance, American sportswriter (USA Today; Mississippi’s first African American sportswriter at mainstream newspaper); Bill Bryson, American British author (Notes From a Small Island); and Ann Coulter, American author, political commentator, and attorney.

Any names familiar to you? There were five for me this week: James Thurber, Ernest Lehman, Jim Morrison, Bill Bryson, and Ann Coulter. 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

Editing of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2  continues at a good pace. Since my last blog post, eight more more reviews have trickled in as most of my faithful readers have already provided their input, so the total is now  640. I’ve been working hard going through the reviews, and have picked out what I think will improve the story from 274 of them, leaving 366 more to check over.

Here’s another snippet:

Yusuf corkscrewed to a stop, facing back the way they came.  Black rubber patches marked where he drove. Yusuf put the vehicle in park, raised his feet, and kicked out the remnants of the shattered windshield. He turned to Wazir. “Do the same on your side while I check on Prince Sami.”

Wazir nodded and replicated Yusuf’s actions.

Before long, the windshield was gone—replaced by a slight breeze.

Yusuf climbed into the back beside the prince. He checked his wound—blood flow was diminishing. He reached into the cargo area and pulled out an emergency trauma kit, which they always carried in the event of hostilities.

He yanked out a bandage, removed the protective wrapper, and slapped it over the prince’s wound.

“Owe! Be careful, will you?”

“Sorry, Prince Sami. I want to ensure you’re okay.”

“I am, thanks to you and Wazir recommending I wear the bullet-resistant vest.” Prince Sami fingered two holes in the vest and located the bullets underneath. “Without this, you’d be taking my body to my brother.” He moved his shoulder and winced. “The area where the bullet  perforated near my shoulder blade hurts.”

Yusuf chuckled. “At least you are still counted among the living, Prince Sami. Praise be to Allah.”

“Yes.” The prince winced again as he shifted his body. “Now what?”

Yusuf glanced out the back window. No one coming—yet. He heard gunfire in the distance. He began to climb back into the driver’s seat. “We better get moving—someone is bound to discover what happened to us.” He grinned. “Wazir and I were lucky, or perhaps it was Allah’s intervention. Three bullets passed between us and only managed to hit you.”

“Where to now?”

“We will continue our journey to Sana’a.” He reached under the seat and pulled out three pairs of plastic goggles. He passed one to Wazir, tossed another to Prince Sami, and donned the third pair. “We learned long ago to bring these glasses with us. We will need them as the wind will whistle through the remains of the windshield, making it difficult to see without them.”

Wazir pointed behind them. “I fear a vehicle is coming. We better go.”

“Agreed.” Yusuf engaged the automatic transmission and sped down the road as fast as the conditions allowed. He fishtailed over the ruts and bumps but managed to keep heading north.

The vehicle behind slowed and soon turned around.

“We are in the clear, Yusuf.” Wazir gestured behind them.

“Yes, but what will we face in front of us? Will there be more Houthi bandits?” Yusuf shook his head.

As the road undulated through the mountains, Yusuf drove as fast as he dared, keeping one eye on the highway in front of them and the other on his rearview mirror.’

Wazir climbed in the back and reached into the cargo area. “Anyone for water?” He passed out bottles as he climbed back in front. He broke the seal on his and took a deep drink. “How much longer to Sana’a?”

“Less than an hour.” Yusuf pursed his lips. “We will be in Hezyaz within fifteen minutes. Prince Hussein’s residence is another twenty-one kilometers beyond.”

As they approached Hezyaz, the topography changed. There were more buildings butting against the road and additional traffic. In the distance, they spotted the Hezyaz power station, which provided some of Sana’s much-needed electricity.

Many of the two and three-story buildings were constructed of unpainted cement blocks, while others were whitewashed or painted in pastel shades. Cell towers dotted several of the taller buildings.

Other structures were damaged as a result of Saudi aircraft attacks on the capital.

As they approached 48th Street, Yusuf slowed.

Ahead of them, four vehicles blocked the intersection. Standing behind them were six armed men. Each wore once-white thobes and Western-style jackets. Stuck in their waistbands were the traditional Yemeni daggers. They held AK-47s.

One of the men motioned Yusuf to a stop.

Yusuf complied and turned to Wazir. “What do they want?”

“Perhaps more money or to find out if we support their cause. It is always the same.” Wazir shrugged.

The leader approached, his weapon aimed toward Yusuf. “Salam alaikum.”

Yusuf nodded. “Wa alaykum as-salam. How may we help you?”

“We are looking for traitors to the Houthi cause.” He stared first at Yusuf, then at Wazir.

“I think I recognize you.” The leader aimed his AK-47 at Yusuf’s head. “God is Greater, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam.”

Both Yusuf and Wazir recited the Houthi slogan.”

The man frowned and aimed his weapon at Prince Sami. “Does he not support our cause?”

“Please, he is a visitor from outside Yemen. He does not know our ways.”

The man grunted as he continued to stare at Prince Sami.

After several tense moments, the leader motioned for them to continue. “Teach your friend our ways. We might not be so generous next time.”

Yusuf nodded and pulled through a gap that opened between the vehicles.

Wazir pointed ahead to the left. “There’s the Yemeni-Chinese Friendship Hospital. Should we take Prince Sami and have his wound looked at?”

“No.” Yusuf shook his head. “It is too close to the Houthi roadblock. Better to head straight to Prince Hussein’s and have someone treat him.

“Okay.” Wazir pulled out his cellphone and dialed Prince Hussein’s number.

Perhaps more next time.

As previously mentioned, mynext novel will be Vendetta, the sixth story in my Bedlam series. The first three chapters are now finished and posted to the two subscription writing sites I use. There were another fifteen reviews this week, bringing the total to forty-three.

The cover is a filler, as the final cover won’t be done until the entire first draft is completed.  I’ll begin posting snippets of this story soon.

Here’s the revised description in case you haven’t seen it:

The Bedlam organization proceeded with their plans to create a fourth operational team, based in Pretoria, South Africa. The existing team leaders, Craig Cameron, Col Trevor Franklin ®, and Lady Evelyn Evinrude are sent to assist the designated advisor with team member selections.

What should be a routine deployment is anything but as they’re targeted by unknown assailants. Who or what organization is after them, and why?

While assisting with the creation of the new team and searching for those trying to eliminate them, Craig, Trevor, and Evelyn are given a new operational mission.

The Council of Vengeance, controlled by an extremist militant group, seeks to overthrow the Nigerian government through a culture of urban violence, political corruption, and juridical impunity. Extortion, bribery, kidnapping, and murder are part of the group’s modus operandi as they surge forward toward their objectives.

How will the Bedlam teams fare in the face of adversity? Or will the militants’ efforts be rewarded?

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

© Copyright 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, December 1, 2024

Happy December to one and all! For those who just celebrated American Thanksgiving Day, hope you and yours had an enjoyable holiday.

My favorite football teams had mixed results over the past week. The Detroit Lions did well, winning their game last Sunday, and raising their record to 10-1. On Thanksgiving Day, they played the Chicago Bears and squeaked through 23-20, to up their record to 11-1. They don’t play again until December 8th.

Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines took their 6-5 record to Ohio as they faced the 2nd ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. This is an annual clash and both teams take it seriously. Fortunately, the Wolverines prevailed, beating the 10-1 Buckeyes 13-10. Since they won at least six games in the regular season, they are eligible for post season bowl games.

Unfortunately, the Michigan State Spartans didn’t fare as well against Rutgers, losing 41-14 in a snowstorm in East Lansing Michigan. Since the Spartans didn’t win six games during the regular season as they ended up 5-7, they aren’t eligible for post season play.

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” – Ernest Hemingway. Compliments of https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/32-inspirational-hemingway-quotes-to-get-you-writing.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on December 1st, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Anna Comnena, Byzantine princess and historian (Alexiad); Anna Louisa Karsch “Die Karschin”, German poet; Eggert Ólafsson, Icelandic explorer, writer (Reise igiennem Island – Travels In Iceland), and language conservationist; Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin, Russian writer; Valery Bryusov, Russian poet; Pierre Kemp, Dutch poet (Fugitives & Constants); Rex Stout, American mystery writer (Nero Wolf novels); Ernst Toller, German playwright, President of Bavarian Soviet Republic (1919); Henry Williamson, English author (Tarka the Otter); Charles G. Finney, American fantasy author (Circus of Dr Lao); Jan Koplowitz, German writer; Harold Strachan, South African writer, anti-apartheid activist, and explosives expert; Joachim Hoffmann, German historian; John Crowley, American sci-fi author (Deep, Beasts, Novelty); Peter Kalikow, Queens real estate developer/publisher (NY Post); Daniel Pennac, French writer; Tahar Ben Jelloun, Moroccan writer (L’Enfant de Sable (The Sand Child)); Norbert Wójtowicz, Polish historian and theologian; and Brently Heilbron, American satirist.

Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Rex Stout. 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

Editing of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2  is well underway. Since my last blog post, a few more reviews have trickled in as most of my faithful readers have already provided their input, so the total is now  632. I went through over 100 reviews and picked out what I think will improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

A servant escorted Sear back into the Bashari residence into the same room where he previously met with Abdullah and Yasmin. He shook hands with Abdullah and acknowledged Yasmin’s smile with a slight bow.

Abdullah beckoned two men forward. “These are my brothers.” He pointed to the one on the left. “This is Omar, and the other is Rahman.”

The two men, both taller and broader than Abdullah, with graying hair and beards, stepped forward, hands outstretched.

Sear shook their hands, wincing as he pulled his hand back. “I’m pleased to meet you.

“Likewise, Sayyid Sear.” Omar’s deep voice resonated throughout the room.

“I agree with my brother.” Rahman spoke in a higher-pitched voice.

Abdullah waved both men back to their sofa. He sat next to Sear on another while Jasmin sat in her customary chair.

“So, we must begin our hunt for Shatara.” Sear pursed his lips. “Two of my long-time colleagues are meeting with a member of the PSO to learn anything the organization might have uncovered.”

The brothers glanced at each other but couldn’t hide their apparent look of alarm.

“Not to worry—these men used to work in the embassy’s security office and can be trusted. I will meet with their PSO contact later.”

Omar smiled. “If Abdullah trusts you, then who are Rahman and I to challenge his opinion? We shall do the same.”

“Shukran.  I shall do my best to uphold my promise to find and recover Shatara.” But I won’t die in the process—that’s for fanatics. Sear rubbed his thickening beard. “So with my two colleagues, myself, Abdullah, and you two, that makes our team six. A good start, but I wonder if it’ll be enough? I think we’ll have to scour Sana’s and perhaps Aden, as well as any other areas our efforts lead us to.”

The brothers exchanged glances again and nodded.

“I speak for both of us.” Omar pointed at Rahman and himself. “Between us, we have four adult sons. They want to participate for the honor of the family.”

Sear smiled. Great. How many more rookies will we attract? “Thank them for me.”

Yasmin raised a hand. “Please do not forget my late husband’s family. They want to help as well. He had four brothers, and they have some grown-up sons who want to help.”

Sear rubbed his thickening beard. “Where are they now?”

“Like my late husband, they are all fishermen, so they live in Aden.”

Sear nodded. “If we head to Aden, they will be a welcome addition.” The more, the merrier. How did I allow Vincent to talk me into this? “Okay, first things first. I assume since you live in or near Sana’a, you know your way around the city. What about weapons? Have any of you fired them in the past?”

Omar and Rahman laughed.

“We grew up with weapons in the family.” Rahman smirked. “However, of the three of us, I am the best shot.”

Sear studied their faces. “Have you ever fired at a human and killed them?”

“Well … no. But we must protect the family’s honor and do whatever it takes.”

“Understood.” Sear nodded. I hope these amateurs won’t be my downfall. I definitely need to have an in-depth discussion with Vincent before accepting any other jobs.

“Okay. Any particular areas around the city you think we should search first?”

Rahman scratched his nose. “Outside the city walls is where I suggest we begin. For years, there have been rumors about children taken from the streets and hidden there before they are smuggled into Aden and where they are turned over to human traffickers.”

“Oohhhh!”

A gasp came from Yasmin. She wiped at tears beginning to stream down her face. She clutched a hand to her chest. “I hope this has not happened to my beloved daughter.”

Abdullah gritted his teeth. “If we find whoever took Shatara, I swear before Almighty Allah they may meet him sooner than they expect.” He shook a fist in the air. “I promise I will kill them!”

One of the servants entered the room. “Excuse me, Sayyid Abdullah. I went to bring Zahid to the meeting as you had requested. I have searched every room and outside.” The man swallowed. “I cannot find him anywhere?”

“Not even in his favorite tree in the courtyard?”

“I checked there as well. It is as if he has disappeared.”

Abdullah and Yasmin raced out of the room, calling for Zahid.

No response.

Sear studied Omar and Rahman’s posture. They don’t seem concerned. Do they know something about the boy’s disappearance, or are they just good poker players?

Omar and Rahman finally stood. Both men pulled weapons from under their thobes.

Rahman raised his. “We better help search for Zahid. We cannot and will not allow another member of this family to fall into the clutches of villains.”

More next time, I think.

My next novel will be Vendetta, the sixth story in my Bedlam series. The first two chapters are finished and posted to the two subscription writing sites I use. To date, there have already been twenty-eight reviews.  The cover is a filler, as the final cover won’t be done until the entire first draft is completed. When I was going through the reviews of chapter two, I realized I needed to make a change to the location of the Council of Vengeance. Here is the revised description:

The Bedlam organization proceeded with their plans to create a fourth operational team, based in Pretoria, South Africa. The existing team leaders, Craig Cameron, Col Trevor Franklin ®, and Lady Evelyn Evinrude are sent to assist the designated advisor with team member selections.

What should be a routine deployment is anything but as they’re targeted by unknown assailants. Who or what organization is after them, and why?

While assisting with the creation of the new team and searching for those trying to eliminate them, Craig, Trevor, and Evelyn are given a new operational mission.

The Council of Vengeance, controlled by an extremist militant group, seeks to overthrow the Nigerian government through a culture of urban violence, political corruption, and juridical impunity. Extortion, bribery, kidnapping, and murder are part of the group’s modus operandi as they surge forward toward their objectives.

How will the Bedlam teams fare in the face of adversity? Or will the militants’ efforts be rewarded?

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

© Copyright 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, November 24, 2024

Forty years ago, Sylvia and I were married in the Hilton Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. Where has the time gone? After all the years, we can safely say, “We’ve done it!”  We’ll be having a low-keyed day, but received a phone call from our son, which meant the world to us.

Last week, I mentioned that my two favorite college football teams, the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans, were having subpar seasons. However, both teams won their games yesterday, with Michigan improving to 6-5, while State is now 5-6.

I made a mistake last week when I said the Kansas City Chiefs were 10-0.  In fact, they were 9-0 and were beaten last Sunday. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions improved their record to 9-1, rolling over Jacksonville 52-6. Fingers crossed the Lions improve to 10-1 today!

“All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was. If you can get so that you can give that to people, then you are a writer.” – Ernest Hemingway.Compliments of https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/32-inspirational-hemingway-quotes-to-get-you-writing.

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

Charles, Duke of Orléans, French poet; Juan de Jáuregui, Spanish poet, scholar and painter of the Spanish Golden Age; Laurence Sterne, Anglo-Irish novelist and satirist (Tristram Shandy); Thomas Dick, Scottish scientific teacher and writer; Ludwig Bechstein, German poet; Carlo Collodi, Italian author (The Adventures of Pinocchio); Frances Hodgson Burnett, British-American playwright and children’s author (“The Secret Garden”; “Little Lord Fauntleroy”); João da Cruz, Brazilian poet; Margaret Caroline Anderson, American publisher; Dale Carnegie, American writer and public speaker (How to Win Friends & Influence People); Cissy van Marxfield [Setske Beek-de Haan], Dutch author of children’s books; Paul Faucher, French author and pioneering children’s publisher (Père Castor); Ward Morehouse, American theater critic and newspaper columnist; Harry Kemelman, American detective author (rabbi-omnibus); Hotze de Roos, Dutch youth book author (Chameleon); Forrest J. Ackerman, American literary agent and writer who invented the term “sci-fi” (Famous Monsters of Filmland); Captain Stubby [Tom Fouts], American author and comedian (Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers); John Silverlight, British journalist (The Observer); Alun Owen, Welsh playwright and screenwriter (The Rise Affair, A Hard Day’s Night); William F. Buckley Jr, American conservative author and commentator (National Review, Firing Line); Ahmadou Kourouma, Ivorian writer; Spencer Johnson, American author (Who Moved My Cheese?); Eric Wilson, Canadian children’s author; Claudia Dreifus, interviewer/author; Jules Deelder, Dutch poet (T of Vondel); Spider Robinson, Canadian sci-fi author (3 Hugo, Callahan’s Secret); Gregory Pardlo, American poet (“Digest” – Pulitzer Prize for Poetry 2015); Marlon James, Jamaican writer (A Brief History of Seven Killings); and Thomas Kohnstamm, American writer.

Any names familiar to you? There were two for me this week: Dale Carnegie and William F. Buckley, Jr. 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

Editing of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2  is now underway. Chapters forty and forty-one were completed and posted to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Since my last blog post,  the story has received another thirty-one chapter reviews, bringing the total to 630. Now the fun continues as I work through the reviews and pick out what I want to use to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

When Sear returned to the Rashid residence, Qasim and Malik sat in the kitchen. They dipped pieces of malawach into a bowl of shakshouka.

Qasim waved a soaked piece of bread at a platter holding mandi, pieces of grilled chicken with fragrant basmati rice. “Help yourself, Sear.”

He sat and studied the food. “Who made it?”

“Parvez, of course. But we supervised to ensure he didn’t add anything he shouldn’t.”

“In that case, pass over a plate.”

Malik filled a dish with the mandi and slid it across the table to Sear.

He followed the brothers, using some malawach as a spoon to scoop up the rice. He picked up a chicken leg and chewed. “Tasty. Has a slight tandoori flavor.”

The brothers nodded. Wasim picked up a leg and tasted it. “Yes, Parvez used a light coating of the seasoning.” He patted his stomach.

“So, how did your meeting with Tarik go?”

Qasim glanced at Malik.

He nodded, indicating he wanted Qasim to answer.

“Well, it was one of our normal hush-hush meetings with him. We met in a burned- out building, so no one he knew would recognize him or us. Tarik is trying to track down subversives who want to weaken or destroy the government. In particular, he’s searching for foreign operators.”

Sear nodded. “Makes sense. Does he think I’m one?”

“No.” Malik shook his head. “At least for now, he’s accepting our vouching for you. We explained you’re here to search for Sayyid Bashari’s missing daughter. He said as long as you stick to that and stay clear of anything which might be construed as subversive, you are free to remain in Yemen.”

“Good. The next time you speak with him, you can reassure him I want nothing to do with the strife between the Houthis and the Saudis.  Once I recover Bashari’s daughter, I plan to leave on the first available flight.”

Malik grinned. “We shall make sure you find the daughter and leave, Sear. We would hate to have you in a Yemeni prison—no telling what you might say about us.”

“You guys are safe with me.” Sear spooned more rice into his mouth and chewed. “Anything to drink?”

Qasim passed over a jug and a glass. “Just almond milk. But, at least it’s cold.”

“Okay.” Sear poured a glass and downed it in a single gulp. “Excellent. So, what else do you have planned for today?”

Qasim took over. “We will join Tarik and some of his colleagues to search some properties in the Bir-al-Azab area of Old Town. He received information some foreigners are living in the area against the law.”

“Okay. After we finish, I’ll head back to the Bashari residence. I’m supposed to meet some of Bashari’s relatives later. They want to be involved in the search for Shatara. Since there are only the two of you and myself, I think we might need their help.”

“You can count on us, Sear. We will do whatever we can.” Malik glanced at his brother.

Qasim nodded. “I agree. Someone took her, and we must find them.”

Sear tightened his jaw. “Yes. And we must bring her back—alive.”

More next time.

My next novel will be Vendetta, the sixth story in my Bedlam series. The first chapter was completed and posted to the two subscription writing sites I use. In the short time since it was posted, there have been eight reviews.  The cover is a filler, as the final cover won’t be done until the entire first draft is completed.

Here’s what Vendetta is about:

The Bedlam organization proceeded with their plans to create a fourth operational team, based in Pretoria, South Africa. The existing team leaders, Craig Cameron, Col Trevor Franklin ®, and Lady Evelyn Evinrude are sent to assist the designated advisor with team member selections.

What should be a routine deployment is anything but as they’re targeted by unknown assailants. Who or what organization is after them, and why?

While assisting with the creation of the new team and searching for those trying to eliminate them, Craig, Trevor, and Evelyn are given a new operational mission.

The Council of Vengeance, an extremist militant group seeks to overthrow the government of a country sympathetic to Western cultures and values. Extortion, bribery, kidnapping, and murder are part of the group’s modus operandi as they surge forward toward their objectives.

How will the Bedlam teams fare in the face of adversity? Or will the militants’ efforts be rewarded?

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

© Copyright 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, November 17, 2024

While my two favorite college football teams, the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans, are having subpar seasons, the same can’t be said for my favorite NFL team, the Detroit Lions. The Lions have the second-best record in the NFL at this point, 8-1. Only the Kansas City Chiefs have a better record at 10-0. All being well, the Lions will improve today to 9-1. Fingers crossed!

The exodus of leaves from the trees has continued. Fortunately, since we hired someone this year to maintain our lawn, I didn’t have to spend hours raking them up.  Yesterday was a sunny and dry day when he came, and he made short order of the leaves, using one of his machines to mulch them.

The deer, squirrels, birds, and wild turkeys continue to feast on the offerings we put out for them. I saw a young buck yesterday evening, and yesterday morning eleven turkeys dropped by. Of course, the squirrels and birds visit throughout every day. It’s great to see the wildlife!

“You know that fiction, prose rather, is possibly the roughest trade of all in writing. You do not have the reference, the old important reference. You have the sheet of blank paper, the pencil, and the obligation to invent truer than things can be true. You have to take what is not palpable and make it completely palpable and also have it seem normal and so that it can become a part of experience of the person who reads it.” – Ernest Hemingway.  Compliments of https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/32-inspirational-hemingway-quotes-to-get-you-writing.

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

George Grote, British historian (History of Greece); August Wilhelm Ambros, Austrian Czech musicologist (History of Music); Petko Slaveykov, Bulgarian revolutionary writer, poet and politician; Voltairine de Cleyre, American anarchist, writer and speaker; Crane Wilbur, American director and writer (Bat, Canon City, Yellow Cargo); Gregorio López y Fuentes, Mexican author of the Mexican Revolution known for “El Indio”; Roger Vitrac, French poet and dramatist (Coup of Trafalgar); Adam Ważyk [Adam Wagman], Polish poet and author (Eyes & Mouth); Gerald Savory, British actor playwright and TV producer (Heart of the Matter); Ellis Hillman, British Labour party politician, lecturer, and writer (London Under London); Dahlia Ravikovitch, Israeli poet and translator; Auberon Waugh, British author and journalist (Private Eye); Steven E. de Souza, American scriptwriter and producer (Die Hard, Commando); Mark “Chopper” Read, Australian criminal and crime author (Chopper: From the Inside); and Christopher Paolini, American novelist known for “The Inheritance Cycle”.

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

The first draft of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2  is now finished. Chapters forty and forty-one were completed and posted to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Since my last blog post,  the story has received another twenty-one chapter reviews, bringing the total to 599. Now the fun begins–going through the reviews and picking out what I want to use to improve the story.

Here’s another snippet:

As Prince Sami stopped to study the small village, Wazir nudged him. “Prince Sami, we must return to the vehicle—now!”

“Why so soon? I want to stretch my legs more before we continue.”

“Did you not see the four men with AK-47s?”

“Yes, but I thought it was a common sight given the situation in Yemen.”

Wazir sighed. “They were Houthis. You are well-dressed for this part of Yemen, and therefore, you might be kidnapped for ransom. Hurry, we must go.”

“Oh.”

They rushed to the vehicle and climbed inside.

Yusuf glanced at them from behind the steering wheel. “Houthis?”

“Yes.” Wazir gestured over his shoulder. “Four of them.”

Yusuf put the SUV into gear and pulled out on the highway. “Keep an eye out for them following us.” As he drove, he reached under his seat and pulled out his AK-47.

Wazir did the same. “Prince Sami, there is a weapon under your seat. I assume you know how to use one?”

“Of course.” He scoffed. “One doesn’t grow up in Saudi Arabia without learning to protect oneself—even if they are forbidden.”

Yusuf glanced in the rearview mirror. “So far, no one is following us.” He continued following the road, now crumbling in parts. “So, did you find something to eat?”

“Just a minute, and I will give you something.” Wazir scooped a portion of the food into a smaller bag and handed it to Yusuf. “Here is yours. Do you think we should stop to eat?”

Yusuf shook his head. “Perhaps in a few miles. I want more distance from Al Milah before pulling over.” As he rounded a bend, he slowed.

Ahead, four Houthi men brandished weapons as they manned a checkpoint. Dressed in civilian clothes, signs behind them held Houthi slogans: God is Greater, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam.

Yusuf inched forward, coming to a halt beside one of the men.

“Salam alaikum.”

Yusuf nodded. “Wa alaykum as-salam.”

“Why are you on this road?”

“We are returning to Sana’a from Aden.”

The terrorist frowned. “Who is with you?”

“My cousin.” Yusuf gestured toward Wazir. “And a friend of ours who just returned from overseas.”

The man grunted. “There is now a tax for using this road. You must pay two hundred rials per person.” He reached out a hand.

“Just a minute.” Yusuf pulled out the envelope, counted the money, and handed it over.

After counting the notes, the terrorist nodded. “You are short. I said two hundred per person, but there is also a tax for the vehicle—another two hundred.”

“But …” Yusuf sighed as he counted out another two hundred rials. “May we go now?”

“Yes. There are other checkpoints as you drive north. Some of our friends might not be so generous as I have been and will want to inspect your vehicle.”

“Yusuf nodded. “Shukran.”

The man waved them forward.

Yusuf drove ahead, gathering speed as they left the checkpoint behind. “Keep your weapons handy. I have a bad feeling.”

An hour later, they continued climbing in elevation as they approached Ad Dali.

Prince Sami wrapped his thobe tighter around his body. “It is getting cold.”

“Yes. Ad Dali is at about one thousand five hundred meters.”  Wazir gestured behind the prince. “If you are too cold, there should be a blanket in the rear.”

The prince turned around and rummaged in the back. “Yes, I found one. Shukran.”

They passed through Ad Dali without incident, although they had to drive slower due to the myriad of animals and people on the road.

North of the city, Yusuf once again picked up speed. “We will be in Sana’a within two hours.”

Prince Sami yawned. “Good. I am tired from this long and boring drive.”

“At least we made it through the check—”

Three bullets smashed through the windshield, with shards of glass peppering Yusuf and Wazir.

Prince Sami slumped in his seat, blood spreading across his left shoulder, staining his thobe a bright red.

Perhaps 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 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, November 10, 2024

As the days pass, the number of leaves turning color and falling have gone from a trickle, to a mass exodus from trees. Unlike in Scotland, where the fallen leaves almost immediately begin to decay, we’re seeing them remain crisp and crunchy, ready to be raked up. What a difference!

I’ve been recording and watching numerous college football games. One of my favorite teams is the Michigan Wolverines, who aren’t doing too good. Last year at this time they were 10-0. Right now, they’re 5-5. Oh well!  At least the Lions are roaring through the opposition in the National Football League. Right now, they’re top of their division with a 7-1 record. Long may it last!

“I learned never to empty the well of my writing, but always to stop when there was still something there in the deep part of the well, and let it refill at night from the springs that fed it.” Ernest Hemingway. Compliments of https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/32-inspirational-hemingway-quotes-to-get-you-writing.

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

Martin Luther, German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation; Laurentius Paulinus Gothus, Swedish theologian and astronomer; acob Cats [Father Cats], Dutch grand pensionary and poet (Houwelyck); Anne “Ninon” de l’Enclos, French patron of the arts, courtesan and writer; Oliver Goldsmith, Irish novelist and dramatist (She Stoops to Conquer); Frederich von Schiller, German poet and lyricist (Ode to Joy); Vladimir Dal, Russian lexicographer (Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language); Dobri Voynikov, Bulgarian teacher, playwright and journalist (The Phoney Civilization); Jose Hernandez, Argentine poet (MartinFierro); Henry Eyster Jacobs, American Lutheran theologian; Winston Churchill, American author (Crisis, Crossing); Nicholas Vachel Lindsay, American poet (Gen William Booth enters Heaven); Patrick Pearse, Irish poet, nationalist and political activist; Aart A. van Schelven, Dutch church historian (Willem of Orange); Jan van Nijlen, Flemish poet and author (Bird Phoenix); Arnold Zweig, German Jewish anti-fascist and author (Erziehung vor Verdun; Der große Krieg der weißen Männer); ohn P. Marquand, American writer (The Late George Apley); Murk Daniel Ozinga, Dutch art historian (Monuments of Curacao); John Moore, English author (Portrait of Elmbury, Brensham Village and The Blue Field); Paweł Jasienica, Polish historian; Álvaro Cunhal, Portuguese writer and politician (Communist Party Secretary-General, 1961-92; Assembly Member, 1976-87); Oda Blinder [Yolanda Corsen], Curaçao-Dutch poet (Doorstep); Russell Means, Native American activist, actor, writer, and musician; Debra Hill, American screenwriter and film producer (Escape from New York); James Chapman, American novelist (Stet); Neil Gaiman, English writer of graphic novels, films and fiction (American Gods, The Graveyard Book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane); Magnús Scheving, Icelandic athlete, writer and producer (LazyTown); and Sean Hughes, Irish stand-up comedian, writer and actor.

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

My Work In Progress

Work is moving along on Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2  Chapter thirty-nine was completed and posted to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Since my last blog post,  the story has received another twelve chapter reviews, bringing the total to 578.

Here’s another snippet:

Yusuf sat behind the wheel of the late model Toyota Landcruiser. White with black trim, it blended in well with other vehicles on the road.

“When will we arrive?” Prince Sami stared out the backseat window, studying the sparse vehicles and pedestrians as they rushed along the highway. He was a thin, short man with a high-pitched, reedy voice. As with most Saudis, he wore a white thobe. A ghutra, a white and red checked headdress with a double black cord known as an agal, covered his head.

Yusuf glanced at Wazir, sitting in the front passenger seat.

Both men rolled their eyes but remained silent.

“Yusuf—when will we get to Sana’a?”

“Sorry, Prince Sami. I didn’t hear you. It will take about five hours—longer if you want to stop and eat on the way. Of course, it will depend on how many checkpoints we come across. Our first stop for food and fuel will be in Lahej if you are hungry. It is only forty-five kilometers from Aden. Otherwise, I suggest we wait until we reach Al Milah, about ninety kilometers.”

“How long will it take before we arrive in Al Milah?”

“About two hours, Prince Sami. But it would be a better place to refuel and eat.”

“Do it.” He closed his eyes.

“Of course, Prince Sami.”

Yusuf gripped the steering wheel tighter as he accelerated around two slow-moving trucks.

When they headed out of Aden, the number of dwellings and shops diminished. The occasional business with farm machinery and broken-down vehicles lined some of the road, while sparse vegetation and vast swathes of sand became the prominent sights.

They continued along the road, with the men apparently lost in their own thoughts.

As they approached Lahej, Yusuf stomped on the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a halt.

Prince Sami grabbed the back of Yusuf’s seat. “What—what is the problem?”

“Ahead—checkpoint.”

“Can we go around it?”

“No, Prince Sami. Any deviation from the road will be suspicious. Most of the guards at the checkpoints just ask questions.” Yusuf yanked an envelope stuffed with money from above the visor. “Let us see what they want.”

Yusuf changed gears as the vehicle in front of them moved forward. With a lurch, the Landcruiser rocked as Yusuf drove over some rocks placed on the road as an impediment.

When their turn came, Yusuf stopped near two soldiers.

One of them stepped to the window while the other remained in position, his AK-47 pointed at Yusuf.

The one who stepped forward stared at Yusuf. “Where you come from?”

“Aden.”

“Where you go?”

“Sana’a.” He gestured over his shoulder at Prince Sami. “We are taking this important visitor to meet with his brother.”

The man frowned before holding out a hand.

Yusuf smiled as he slid several Yemeni rial notes from the envelope and handed them over.

The man counted the money and smiled. “You may go.”

Yusuf nodded. Once again, the vehicle lurched as he put it in gear, and they continued their journey.

Once they gained some space from the checkpoint, Yusuf slowed. “See, Prince Sami? No problem.” Yusuf picked up speed. “We should be near Al Milah in about forty-five minutes.”

“Good. I am ready to eat.”

More next time.

During the past week, I also finished editing chapters 8-10 of The Great Rebellion, and sent them to my co-author for review. I won’t be posting the cover or any of the chapters here, per the desires of my co-author.

Once the first draft of Mission: Yemen is completed, I’ll begin work on Vendetta, the sixth novel in my Bedlam series. More of this later.

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

© Copyright 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, November 3, 2024

As the clocks roll back, signifying we’re well and truly in autumn, the leaves continue to turn colors and fall. On October 31st, we had  balmy weather, making it a fun time for the forty-nine trick-or-treaters who descended upon us to grab some treats. Since we’re new in the area, several parents stopped by to welcome us to the neighborhood.

On a separate note, the deer are still dropping by. Didn’t see any turkeys this week, but we did hear them. Meanwhile, the squirrels continue to harvest nuts from the walnut and acorn trees and preparing for winter, while a slew of birds, particularly cardinals, swoop in to check out the seeds on offer.

“Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.” – William Faulkner. Compliments of http://www.getfreewrite/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 November 3rd, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Lucan, Roman poet (Bellum Civile); Renatus Rapinus [René Rapin], French Jesuit theologian and poet (Hortorum libri IV); August Gottlieb Meißner, German Enlightenment author who helped develop the detective story genre in German literature; William Cullen Bryant, American poet (Thanatopsis); Karl Baedeker, German publisher (known for guidebooks for tourists); John Mitchel, Irish nationalist (Jail Journal); John Esten Cooke, American novelist (The Virginia Comedians) and Confederate States Army; Ignatius Donnelly, American politician, writer, and amateur scientist; Johann Peter Kirsch, Luxembourg church historian and archaeologist; Nat Fleischer, American boxing writer (established Ring Magazine); Samuil Marshak, Russian-Soviet writer, translator and children’s poem poet; André Malraux, French novelist and art historian (La Condition Humaine); James Reston, American journalist (New York Times); Dean Riesner, American film and television screenwriter (Bill and Coo); Jesús Blasco, Spanish comic book author (Cuto); Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Australian Aboriginal political activist and writer (We Are Going); Dieter Wellershoff, German author (Minotaur); Osamu Tezuka, Japanese ‘the godfather of manga’ (Kimba the White Lion); Jean Rollin, French fantasy director and screenwriter, known for “The Night of the Hunted”; Terrence McNally, American playwright (Kiss of the Spider Woman); Anna Wintour, English-American magazine editor (Vogue); Massimo Mongai, Italian science fiction writer, known for “Memorie di un cuoco d’astronave”; Felix de Rooy, Afro-Curaçaoan poet, artist and filmmaker; Kevin Murphy, American writer, actor, and puppeteer (series Mystery Science Theater 3000); and Hal Hartley, American film director and screenwriter (Henry Fool).

Any names familiar to you? There were 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

My work on Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2 continues to be my primary focus. Chapters thirty-seven and thirty-eight were posted to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Since my last blog post,  the story has received another twelve chapter reviews, bringing the total to 566.

Here’s another snippet:

Dabir stood behind the check-in desk, rearranging items along the counter as he dusted. He reached underneath and pulled out a small, black box.

Inside, he located the Ruger LCP Max Vincent gave him the last time he was in the city. Designed for 380 auto caliber, it felt snug in Dabir’s hand. Will I be able to use it? I have never killed anyone before. He placed the pistol back in the box and shoved it to the rear of the shelf.

“Salam alaikum.”

Dabir jumped at a man’s voice. He glanced up and relaxed. “Wa alaykum as-salam, Badr. You startled me.”

Badr Habra al-Houthi grinned. “Yes. I noticed you were preoccupied. Is something the matter?”

“No, no. Why do you ask?” Dabir wiped the beading perspiration from his forehead with the back of his sleeve.

“You are sweating. Are you not well?”

“I-I am fine.”

“Hmm.” Badr studied Dabir’s face. “Okay. I shall take you at your word.” He turned and whistled.

Three men, all dressed in beige thobes and white turbans, appeared through an archway. Each man carried an AK-47, with a jambiya shoved into a wide ornate belt. The daggers were protected inside sheaths of exquisite carving, gems, precious metals, and ornamentation.

Badr gestured toward his colleagues. “We shall have qishr along with a plate of dates. Will you join us in the dining room? We have an important matter to discuss.

As if I have a choice. “Of course, Badr. I shall join you in a few minutes.”

Badr clapped his hands—once. “Excellent.” He turned and headed toward the dining room, the other men following.

Ten minutes later, Dabir pushed a laden trolley into the dining room, stopping at the table where the four men sat. He placed cups of qishr in front of them, along with two plates of dates and a serving dish holding sambusas, triangular pastries stuffed with potato, onion, parsley, and spices.

After passing cloth napkins to his guests, Dabir took the remaining seat, putting a glass of naqe’e al zabib in front of him. He took a sip of the raisin drink as he waited for Badr to speak.

Badr picked up a sambusa and bit into the snack. “Hmm. I love these.” He wiped his right hand on a napkin and then cleansed his face. “So, Dabir. Things are moving forward. Ansar Allah requires your assistance. We need somewhere to hide at least ten men who are coming from the north to create further attacks in the city.”

Dabir nodded but remained silent.

“We know you do not have many paying guests staying in the hotel, so—”

“The rooms are already spoken for, Badr.”

He grinned. “Ah, yes. By a foreign devil who does not care what happens in our country. The new men will take rooms, and since you have already been paid, you will not receive extra funding.”

“But ….”

Badr raised a hand. “This will be your gift to support our movement. Or, are you having second thoughts about where your loyalties should be?”

“No, Badr.” Dabir closed his eyes. What more trouble will I be in?

“The men from the north are led by Usamah Saddam al-Houthi. He is my cousin and we are from the same village. As a favor to me, do whatever he asks as if the requests came from me.”

One of Badr’s men lifted his AK-47 and pointed it at Dabir. “Perhaps he is in need of some persuasion?”

“That will not be necessary.” Badr waved a hand in dismissal. “Will it, Dabir?”

Dabir swallowed. I do not see any other option. “Yes, Badr. I mean, no. I am willing to assist in any way I can. When will they arrive?”

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 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, October 27,2024

There’s been progress regarding the issues that hit our area with Hurricane Helene. The bridge that has been out on a road I use is now back in service. Also, the internet outage in the area is over–that’s the good news. We still don’t have internet service despite rebooting the router multiple times as recommended, and the soonest a technician will be able to make a house call is the  5th of November. At least the mobile hotspot we purchased is giving us the connectivity we need.

On a separate note, the leaves are changing as we go through autumn. We see deer on a regular basis coming for the shelled corn we put out, and a couple of days ago we were visited by eleven wild turkeys. Meanwhile, the squirrels are harvesting the nuts from the walnut and acorn trees and preparing for winter.

“For your born writer, nothing is so healing as the realization that he has come upon the right word.”—Catherine Drinker Bowen.  Compliments of http://www.nicolemgulotta.com/blog-25-inspirational-quotes.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on October 27th, the fourth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Christopher Columbus Andres, American diplomat, newspaperman, author, and Brevet Major General (Union Army); Emily Post, American authority on social behaviour and writer (Etiquette); Henry Tate, Australian composer and poet; Enid Bagnold, British novelist (Chalk Garden, 1956 Award of Merit); Graciliano Ramos, Brazilian author (Vidas Secas); Victor E. van Vriesland, Dutch poet (Mirror of Dutch Poetry); Joseph Medicine Crow, Native American chief and historian; Dylan Thomas, Welsh poet and writer (Child’s Christmas in Wales); Kazimierz Brandys, Polish essayist and writer; Babs Gonzales [Lee Brown], American be-bop jazz vocalist, poet, and songwriter (“Oop-Pop-A-Da”); Warren Allen Smith, American gay rights activist and writer; Nawal el-Saadawi, Egyptian feminist writer and activist; Sylvia Plath, American poet (The Colossus; Three Women), novelist (The Bell Jar), and posthumous Pulitzer Prize winner (Poetry, 1982); Maxine Hong Kingston, American author (The Woman Warrior); Terry Anderson, American journalist, US hostage held in Lebanon (1985-91); Robin Miller, American motorsports journalist (Indianapolis Star, Autoweek, Car and Driver, ESPN, Speed, NBCSN); Fran Lebowitz, American author and actress (Resident Alien); aq D. Hawkins, British author, occultist and lecturer; and Anthony Doerr, American writer (All the Light We Cannot See – Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2015).

Any names familiar to you? There were three for me this week: Emily Post, Sylvia Plath, and Terry Anderson. 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

My work on Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2 continues to be my primary focus. Chapters thirty-seven and thirty-eight are almost ready to post to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Since my last blog post,  the story has received another twelve chapter reviews, bringing the total to 554.

Here’s another snippet:

“But his love for both fields led to his selection as Yemen’s cultural attaché and our eventual move to Europe.” Yasmin’s face beamed.

Bashari glanced at his wife and smiled. “Our tenure in Europe resulted in changes in the family. We picked up several Western ideas and values. Our children learned them as well, which is why Shatara is more outspoken than most Yemeni women.”

“It is good for her to have an open mind. Likewise, it will help Zahid to blend into other cultures.”

Bashari nodded. “As always, you’re wisdom speaks volumes, Yasmin.” He frowned. “However, the current situation in Yemen is not one used to people speaking their minds.”

“What are your plans now?” Sear tapped the side of his head. “ I mean once we recover Shatara?”

“I shall return to work. I’ve been asked to spend more time preserving Yemen’s heritage. Many of the locations are now identified as UNESCO world cultural sites, although the fighting stops everyone except those who are the bravest to visit them. I am hoping Zahid will work with me. There are many spots which haven’t received the UNESCO linkage but are still of importance to the country.”

Sear nodded. “Who do you think is holding Shatara, and where?”

“As with many Yemenis who do not agree with the fighting between the Saudis and the Houthis, I have made enemies. It is possible some of the Houthis, especially those embedded with Ansar Allah, might have taken her to teach me a lesson. I refuse to aid them in their cause, which I believe is counter-productive as they are pro-Iranian. They want to take over all of Yemen and attack the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. While I do not subscribe to the tenets followed by the Saudis and Israel, we need to learn to live together in peace, not aggression. Moderation is the key to living together, not just here but everywhere.”

Sear pursed his lips. “Do you find your opinions in the minority?”

“Yes, I do. However, this is something I believe in, and I shall do my best to assist my country in becoming a prosperous nation where people with differing opinions can still share viewpoints without killing one another.”

“I hope I don’t offend you, Bashari, but don’t you think you have a rather simplistic viewpoint of the world?”

Bashari glanced at his wife and laughed. “Yes, I support I do. However, living in Europe taught both of us it is better to live together with mutual respect rather than always fighting.”

Sear nodded. “I suppose you’re right. So where do you think those who kidnapped Shatara are holding her?”

“I have given this some thought, and I believe they will be found in the more remote areas. Of course, I could be mistaken.” He studied Sear’s face. “I hope you will do whatever you can to bring our daughter back to us. “He glanced at Yasmin. “Alive.”

Sear nodded. “I will do everything possible to bring her back to you.” But I’m not sure what I can do by myself, and Vincent said no foreign support given the current situation in-country. He rubbed his stubble. “I might need some assistance. Do you know where I can find some guys experienced with fighting?”

Bashari and Yasmin glanced at each other and smiled.

“My late husband’s family wants revenge for his death. He had four brothers, and they have some grown-up sons who will want to help.”

“Okay.” Would prefer qualified fighters, but I can’t be choosy. He glanced at Bashari. “How about you?”

“I have two older brothers. They both have two sons, and all are experienced fighters.” He put up a hand and counted fingers as he stared at the ceiling. “I can also count on eight cousins.”

“Where do they live?”

“They are all in the Aden area—they’re fishermen. But I know they will help.”

At least eighteen. Will it be enough? Sear studied Bashari and Yasmin’s faces. “Should it be necessary for you and your family to leave Yemen once I find Shatara, will you be able to do so?”

“Yes. I shall do whatever is necessary to keep my family together. I made many friends in Europe, and I am sure they will help us begin a new life.” Bashari sighed. “Compared to most Yemenis, we are considered wealthy. But wealth brings its own dangers. I also know a secret that might be useful as a bargaining chip.” He stared at Sear. “But it might be dangerous.”

“What is that?”

“There is a Saudi faction living in Yemen. They are trying to keep a damaging secret from the rest of Saudi Arabia and moderates in Yemen. If their secret is revealed, the truth will pit family against family, brother against brother, until the sands are colored with blood.”

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 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved

Randall’s Ramblings, October 20, 2024

We’re finally back on the internet via a mobile hotspot after Hurricane Helene passed through our area. We were fortunate as we only had numerous branches fall and no rain/water damage.

One neighbor had a near-miss when an oak tree split in two and just missed the back of their house. Another neighbor lucked out when an uprooted evergreen land just a few feet from the front of their house. Throughout the area, numerous trees and power lines crisscrossed multiple roads, making them impassible until crews could clear the debris. One bridge is still out and two other roads had to be repaired before traffic could use them. Crews are still hard at work to restore things.

“I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.” — James Michener. Compliments of nicolemgulotta.com/blog-25-inspiratio....

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on October 20th, the third Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Giovanni Rucellai, Italian humanist and poet (The Bees – one of the 1st famous poems in blank verse); Belle van Zuylen, Dutch-Swiss writer (Three Women); Karl Andree, German geographer and journalist (founded journal Globus); Thomas Hughes, English politician and author (Tom Brown’s School Days); Alphonse Allais, French humorist and author (Pass the Bile); Arthur Rimbaud, French poet and adventurer (The Drunken Boat, Illuminations); John Dewey, American philosopher, educational theorist and writer (learn by doing); Robert Lochner, German journalist (help JFK with “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech); Dov Noy, Polish-born Jewish scholar of Jewish folklore; Pierre Laporte, Canadian journalist and politician (kidnapped and murdered while Vice-Premier of Quebec); Joe Minogue, British journalist (Guardian); Robert Craft, American conductor, writer and friend of Stravinsky; Art Buchwald, American columnist and author (Have I Ever Lied to You); Oskar Pastior, Romanian-born German writer (Oulipo); Emma Tennant, English writer (Pemberley: or, Pride and Prejudice Continued); Robert Pinsky, American poet and Poet Laureate of the United States; Elfriede Jelinek, Austrian novelist, poet, and playwright (Nobel Prize for Literature, 2004 -The Piano Teacher); David Profumo, English novelist (Bringing the House Down); and Lynn Flewelling, American fantasy author (Nightrunner series).

Any names familiar to you? There were three for me this week: John Dewey, Art Buchwald, and Emma Tennant. 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

My work on Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2 continues to be my primary focus. Just before Hurricane Helen came through I posted chapter thirty-five to the two online subscription writing sites I use, and yesterday I posted chapter thirty-six. Since my last blog post  story has received another seventeen chapter reviews, bringing the total to 542.

Here’s another snippet:

Sear glared at Parvez. “Who were you talking with on the phone?”

“No one—at least no one you would know, Sayyid.”

Sear turned at the sound of feet approaching.

Wasim and Malik rushed through the door onto the roof. They hurried to Parvez’s side and grabbed his arms.

“Check his phone.” Sear pointed to Parvez’s pocket. He was talking with someone and won’t say who it is.”

“Hold him, Wasim.” Malik yanked out Parvez’s phone and accessed the call list. As he scanned the numbers, he relaxed. I recognize the last number called—it’s Tarik’s.” He glanced at Parvez. “Why were you talking with him?”

Parvez jerked his arm free from Wasim as he glared at Malik. “It is not any of your business, but I talk with Tarik from time to time—letting him know when there are strangers, especially foreigners, in this area.”

“You better be telling me the truth. I will ask Tarik the next time I see him.”

Parvez nodded. “Go ahead—he will vouch for me.”

Sear glanced at Wasim and Malik. “Let him go.”

“Do you still want me to cook?” Parvez stared at Parvez.

“Perhaps later. For now, just more tea and coffee.”

“As you wish, Sayyid.”

Sear turned and stepped through the doorway, down the stairs, and returned to the divan.

After frowning at Parvez, Wasim and Malik followed Sear.

Malik sat across from the others and patted his rumbling stomach. “What about food? I am hungry.”

“Do you think we can trust Parvez not to poison us?” Sear rubbed his chin.

“Of course.” Malik grinned. “I will stand next to him in the kitchen to ensure nothing untoward happens.”

In that case, I’m hungry, too.”

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 2024 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved