Randall Krzak's Blog, page 9
August 20, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, August 20, 2023
It’s been another week of topsy-turvy weather, in part from Storm Betty, which is lashing the UK with strong winds, lightening, and as much as a month’s worth of rain. In our area, we did manage to get some decent weather for a couple of days, although for the most part it’s been below par. At least there were some brights spots which allowed me to cut the grass before it got any longer.
Over the past week, the price of gasoline (petrol) increased another three pence, bringing it up to 1.51 a liter. With the current exchange rate, this increases an equivalent U.S. gallon up to $7.26. Meanwhile, the price of a liter of diesel rose to £1.52.
“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.” — Henry David Thoreau. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 20 August, the third Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
Peter Opmeer, Dutch church historian and humanist (Historia Martyrum); Thomas Corneille, French playwright (Timocrates); Bolesław Prus, Polish writer (The Outpost); Innokenti F Annenski, Russian poet and interpreter (Laodania); Jakub Bart-Ćišinski, Sorbian writer; Edgar Albert Guest, English-American poet and newspaperman; Dino Campana, Italian poet (Canti orfici); Paul Tillich, German-American theologist (Die sozial Entscheidung); H. P. Lovecraft, American horror writer (At the Mountains of Madness, Weird Tales); Tarjei Vesaas, Norwegian poet and author (Det Store Spelet); Vilhelm Moberg, Swedish author (The Emigrants) and historian; Salvatore Quasimodo, Italian poet, critic and translator (Nobel 1959); Jean Gebser, German-born author, linguist, and poet; Jeanne Stern, German screenwriter (The Condemned Village); Jacqueline Susann, American author (Valley of the Dolls); Vasily Aksyonov, Soviet-Russian novelist (The Burn); Greg Bear, American sci-fi author (2 Hugos, Eon, Eternity); Greg Egan, Australian science fiction and hard science author; and Marcus Mastin, American author.
Any names familiar to you? Once again, there weren’t any for me. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!
My Work In Progress
This week, I completed chapter nine of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. As always, it’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. A further twenty-six reviews came in this week, bringing the total to 159. Once again there are plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I’m always appreciative of the time and effort people put into my work.
Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
After al Mishari departed, Shatara ripped the chador from her body and tossed it on the blanket. She leaned against the wall, sliding down to a sitting position with her knees up and her arms around them. What is to become of me? How will Baba ever find me?
As tears threatened to spill once again, a look of steely determination caressed her face. I will never betray Baba, but if I pretend to change my mind about marriage, will al Mishara allow me more freedom?
Shatara closed her eyes, thinking about the day she was whisked from her home. I was enjoying tea by the pool with Omm, sharing a dish of fasolia and khubz. I dipped the bread into the spicy pepper sauce and scooped the beans and tomatoes into my mouth.
Without warning, two men rushed around the pool, one on either side. They shoved Omm out of the way and grabbed me. One yanked my head back to stop me from escaping, and the other pushed a needle into my arm.
Oh, I hope Omm wasn’t hurt.
Shatara opened her eyes and began to pray, the only sane part of her captivity.
The lightbulb popped on, signaling the paltry rations would be delivered soon.
Despite losing weight on the simple diet, her stomach rumbled in anticipation of her daily meal.
Moments later, the hatch slid open, and two small pieces of bread and a banana fell to the floor.
Allah be praised! My first banana since I was kidnapped. Shatara pushed the bread aside and peeled the banana, savoring every bite of the bruised fruit. After she finished, she broke the crust off the bread. No fresh water tonight. She dunked the bread in the remains of yesterday’s scummy water and shoved it in her mouth, gagging at the stench from the water.
Still hungry, she crawled onto the blanket and used the chador as a pillow. She cried herself to sleep.
She eventually woke. The light was no longer on, but there was moonlight filtering through the bars on the window. She spotted a shining star and focused on it. Oh, Baba. I hope this is you keeping watch over me.
Measured footsteps thudded along the corridor.
Shatara struggled into the chador seconds before the door was shoved open.
Two men stepped inside the cell, both gangly, with dark hair and scraggly beards.
One was slightly taller than the other and addressed Shatara. “I am Wazir and this is my brother, Yusuf. We are to take you to a new location.”
Yusuf pinched the end of his nose. “This place stinks. You are a mess.” He held out a black hood. “Put this on.”
“I have no control over the smell.” She pointed toward the waste bucket. “It is only emptied every two or three days.”
Yusuf shook his hand holding the hood. “I said, put this on.”
“Why? I have already seen your faces.”
“Do you always talk back?” Yusuf sighed. “If you must know, we do not want you to see where you’ve been held or where we are taking you.”
“It is for your own protection, should you be released.” Wazir pointed to the hood. “Take it—now.”
Shatara took the hood and pulled it over her chador. “I can’t see.”
“Good. That is the purpose of the hood.”
“How will I be able to walk?”
Yusuf grabbed one of her arms. “We will guide you.”
More next time.
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
August 13, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, August 13, 2023
Not much change over the past week with our local weather patterns. We still have below normal temperatures and rain/showers on most days. We did have a brief reprieve for about forty-eight hours when the temperature hit 72F (22C) with only one shower. Right now, we have overcast skies with more showers in the forecast, and the temperature is 59F (15C).
It took several months for the price of gasoline (petrol) to drop from a high of £1.67 a liter which we experienced in October 2022 to £1.41. Over the past three weeks, the price began increasing again, and is now up to £1.48 liter. With the current exchange rate, this make an equivalent U.S. gallon $7.10. The price is expected to increase further.
“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” — George Orwell. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 13 August, the second Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
William Caxton, English printer and translator, 1st to print in the English language (Histories of Troy); William Wotton, English theologian and scholar; John Dyer, Welsh painter and poet, (Grongar Hill); Nikolaus Lenau, Hungarian-German poet (Faust, Die Albigenser); Vladimir Odoevsky, Russian philosopher & writer; Joseph Alberdingk Thijm, Dutch poet (Dietsche Warande); Goldwin Smith, English historian and journalist; Rodolphe Bresdin, French visionary engraver and lithographer (Le Bon Samaritain); Rudolf Georg Binding, German songwriter and writer (Legenden Der Zeit); William Alexander Craigie, Scottish lexicographer (Skotlands Rimur); Jacqueline Reyneke van Stuwe, Dutch author; Howard Marks, British drug dealer and author (Mr Nice); Tom Perrotta, American novelist (Little Children); Amélie Nothomb, Belgian writer (Fear and Trembling); Will Clarke, American novelist (The Neon Palm of Madame Melançon); Kamila Shamsie, Pakistani British writer (Home Fire); and Ibram X. Kendi, American author and anti-racist activist.
Any names familiar to you? There weren’t any for me this time. 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
This week, Frozen Conquest received its second Amazon review–another five star! Here it is:
Awesome Cold Thriller
From his Antarctica-based outpost an arrogant billionaire, whose real motivation is power, hacks into the world’s banking systems and threatens anarchy. I’m on my second reading; great book.
Many thanks, Des, for taking the time to leave a review.
My Work In Progress
This week, I completed chapter eight of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. As always, it’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. A further nineteen reviews came in this week, bringing the total to 133. As always, plenty of recommendations for me to consider.
Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Prince Hussein Khan al Mishari, a minor member of the House of Saud, crossed his arms as he stared at Shatara. “So, what is your answer?”
She stared at him before lowering her head. “Sir, I … I cannot marry you—at least not yet. I am only sixteen. I had hoped to wait until I was more than eighteen like my mother did.”
“Nonsense.” He waved a hand to dismiss her response before recrossing his arms. “Most females in Yemen marry before they are eighteen, some as young as eight or nine. Why should you be any different?”
She glanced at the dirty stone walls and floor of her prison before pointing to the waste bucket in a corner. “Sir, it is hard for me to contemplate my future with anyone when I’m kept in such horrible conditions. Even the rats refuse to eat the food I am given.”
“Sabberny ya rabb.” al Mishari shook his head. “I definitely need Allah to give me the patience to deal with you.”
“Someone kidnapped me off the street at least three weeks ago. I’m the one who needs the fortitude to handle this situation.” She wiped her hand down the chador. “As you can see, this is dirty, and so are my clothes underneath. This never happened at my home. I’m also bored—there’s nothing to do but pray. Can’t I have a book or two?”
“You are a very impertinent, young lady.” He glared at her. “It is clear you were not taught proper manners by your parents.”
“They did so—they just believe in allowing my brother and me to express ourselves. Although they are Muslim, they’ve experienced life in other cultures and have an open mind to how things should be.”
He frowned. “Well, if you were my daughter or one of my wives, you would be taught to show proper respect.” He shook his head again. “It might be easier for both of us if you sign the document.”
“No. I told you before I would not lie about my father and sign your false statement condemning him. Nor do I want to marry you.”
al Mishari glanced around the cell. “Perhaps you would have a different opinion of me if you were kept in better surroundings. I do admit this is rather bleak.”
Shatara smiled. “At least you are showing some common sense. But I would rather be back in Haddah, enjoying my family’s mansion.”
He tapped a finger against his lips. “When I first came to Sana’a, I acquired a number of properties. I shall arrange for two of my men to move you late this evening when the streets are quiet.”
“Where will they take me?”
“It is not important where you will be as you will still be under guard at all times. We will speak later” He turned and opened the door. After locking it, he marched away.
More next time.
My Published Work – Promotions
The Kurdish Connection, Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, Mission: Angola, and Frozen Conquest are participating in a Thrillers and Suspense promotion through the end of August. There are seventy-eight Mystery & Suspense, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Romance / Suspense novels to choose from, so when you have a moment or two, please check it out.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/summerthriller2023/lnaoktuo7uFrozen Conquest and Colombian Betrayal are participating in an August ebook sales, deals & steals for mystery, suspense, thrillers and mayhem. Only two titles were allowed per author. There are fifty-eight books to check out in this one.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/mystery-romance2/6e3yxv7hc5
Here’s another promotion, called Vengeance. The Kurdish Connection and Dangerous Alliance are two of the sixty-nine participating titles.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/r…
And, finally, all of my novels are involved in a Heart-Pounding Reads promotion. There are 119 novels to choose from in this one.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/h…
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
August 6, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, August 6, 2023
The days and weeks keep rolling by. Here we are already in August–where has the summer gone? Despite the calendar ticking over, we’re still getting plenty of rain and lower-than-normal temperatures. However, the forecasters are predicting we’ll be receiving above average temperatures soon.
“In my later years, I have looked in the mirror each day and found a happy person staring back. Occasionally I wonder why I can be so happy. The answer is that every day of my life I’ve worked only for myself and for the joy that comes from writing and creating. The image in my mirror is not optimistic, but the result of optimal behavior.” — Ray Bradbury. Compliments of https://selfpublishing.com/writing-quotes/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 6 August, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
François Fénelon, French Roman Catholic theologian and writer (Playing for Time); Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues, French writer; Alfred Tennyson, British Poet Laureate of Great Britain (The Charge of the Light Brigade); Thomas Alexander Browne, Australian writer (Robbery Under Arms); Fernando Canon, Filipino revolutionary general, poet, and the Philippines 1st National Chess Champion; Paul Claudel, French poet and playwright (L’Otage-1909); Emanuel Querido, Dutch author and publisher (N.V. Em. Querido Uitgeversmaatschappij); Charles Fort, American writer and researcher (specialized in anomalous phenomena); Louella Parsons, American gossip columnist; Scott Nearing, American sociologist, pacifist and author (The Good Life); John Middleton Murry, English poet and literary critic (Between Two Worlds); James Lees-Milne, English writer and architectural historian; Christa Reinig, German poet and writer (Idleness is the Root of All Love, The Tightrope Walker); J[anet] O[pal] Jeppson [nee Janet Asimov], author (2nd Experiment); Norman Wexler, American screenwriter; and Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob, UK, sci-fi author (Chthon, Phthor).
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Alfred Tennyson. 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
This week, Frozen Conquest received its first Amazon review–a five star! Here it is:
If searching for a fun read full of action, adventure, and intrigue, Mr. Krzak’s Frozen Conquest is a must choice. The story moves quickly and for those who like clues, a few of those gems for you, too. Oh, did I mention humor? The author efficiently slides that in there rather cleverly I might add.
As I read the story, what came to mind is how fragile security is. At any given moment scammers, plotters, villains are out there seeking to destroy and disrupt lives. And for counterpoint are those zealously seeking to prevent evil from conquering in the end.
Most of us go through our daily lives without much thought to it. So much is out of our direct control with the advances in technology and methods of warfare.
Even better, hopefully, the author writes a sequel to further explore the character of Mr. Brown. He’s kind of an enigma. Does he do what he does to save humanity and the planet, or, for more selfish motives? I highly recommend this gem. Enjoy.
Many thanks to Cherry Blossom for this review!
My Work In Progress
This week, I completed chapter seven of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. As always, it’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. A further eighteen reviews came in this week, bringing the total to 114. As always, plenty of recommendations for me to consider.
Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
“Ah, yes, Sayyid Sear. We have been expecting you.” The man lifted a key from beneath the counter and pushed it toward Sear. “Don’t let the condition of our fine hotel fool you. For over two years, Sayyid Vincent has paid for every room, and he mandated the condition he wanted the hotel in to keep prying eyes away. Some of the rooms are occupied from time to time by people like you, while others use this as a transit point away from the fighting.”
Sounds like Vincent. “Shukran. Where is my room?”
“One floor up. There aren’t any rooms on the ground floor. However, there is an outside exit near your room.” The man pulled a small package from under the counter. “Vincent said you might need this.”
Sear nodded. “What is your name, so I can tell Vincent how helpful you’ve been?”
The man smiled and dipped his head. “My name isn’t important, but my parents called me Dabir.”
“Nice to meet you, Dabir. I’ll go to my room and relax. I’m expecting two visitors.”
“Yes, Sayyid. One of them was here earlier with the package from Vincent.”
Must have been Malik. “Shukran. I will speak with you later.”
Dabir pointed. “Take the stairs to the first floor, and your room is to the right.”
Sear picked up the package and headed to the stairs. When he reached his room, he used the old-fashioned skeleton key to unlock the door. Inside, a single bed, a small chest of drawers, and a bedside table. He opened an interior door and stuck his head inside. Whoa! Someone forgot to clean this. Worse than using a hole dug along the Zambezi River.
His phone beeped. He pulled it out and glanced at the text.
We’re on the hotel’s street—three motorcycles. Be outside in three minutes.
Sear responded, shoved his phone in his back pocket, and opened the package.
Excellent. A SIG Sauer P-226, three magazines, and a holster. I won’t feel naked. He attached the holster to his belt and loaded the pistol, putting the other two magazines in a small backpack he pulled from his carryon luggage. Satisfied he was ready, Sear left the room and headed through the side exit.
Outside once again, Sear headed to the street and looked both ways. From the right, he spotted three motorcycles and a car heading in his direction.
As the vehicles approached, the car nudged the rear motorcycle.
The motorcyclist swerved out of the way.
The car pulled alongside.
Boom!
More next time.
My Published Work – Promotions
The Kurdish Connection, Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, Mission: Angola, and Frozen Conquest are participating in a Thrillers and Suspense promotion through the end of August. There are seventy-eight Mystery & Suspense, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Romance / Suspense novels to choose from, so when you have a moment or two, please check it out.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/summerthriller2023/lnaoktuo7uFrozen Conquest and Colombian Betrayal are participating in an August ebook sales, deals & steals for mystery, suspense, thrillers and mayhem. Only two titles were allowed per author. There are fifty-eight books to check out in this one.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/mystery-romance2/6e3yxv7hc5
Here’s another promotion, called Vengeance. The Kurdish Connection and Dangerous Alliance are two of the sixty-nine participating titles.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/r…
And, finally, all of my novels are involved in a Heart-Pounding Reads promotion. There are 119 novels to choose from in this one.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/h…
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
July 31, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, July 30, 2023
We had a great visit with our son, but as normal, it was way too short. He’s back in Washington, D.C now, but he’ll be back again at Christmas. We already miss him!
The past three days were the latest small business market at the local mall. We did very well. I signed nineteen copies of my books, while Sylvia sold eighteen of her laminated poetry sheets, eight of her bookmarks, and four of her poetry books. The next market isn’t until the 1st of September, and we’re already looking at adding some additional bookmarks to the table.
“A book is made from a tree. It is an assemblage of flat, flexible parts (still called “leaves”) imprinted with dark pigmented squiggles. One glance at it and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, the author is speaking, clearly and silently, inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people, citizens of distant epochs, who never knew one another. Books break the shackles of time–proof that humans can work magic.”
― Carl Sagan. Compliments of https://www.inc.com/glenn-leibowitz/50-quotes-from-famous-authors-that-will-inspire-yo.html.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 30 July, the fifth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
Giorgio Vasari, Italian painter and art historian (Vasari’s Lives); Samuel Rogers, English poet (Italy, a poem); Emily Bronte, English novelist (Wuthering Heights); Helena Blavatsky, Russian occultist, philosopher, and author (co-founded Theosophical Society); Richard Haldane, British viscount and lord-chancellor (Life of A Smith); Thorstein Veblen, American economist (Theory of the Leisure Class-1899); Robert R. McCormick, American editor and publisher (Chicago Tribune); Blanche Knopf, American publisher, president of Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. and wife of publisher Alfred A. Knopf Sr.; Jacques de Kadt, Dutch politician and writer (Fascism is War!); Salvador Novo, Mexican writer and poet; C. Northcote Parkinson, English historian (Pursuit of Progress); Karl Guttmann, Austrian-Dutch playwright and director (Albee/Pinter); Michael Morris, 3rd Baron Killanin, MBE, TD, Irish journalist, author, sports official (6th President International Olympic Committee 1972-80); Berniece Baker Miracle, American writer (My Sister Marilyn) and half-sister of Marilyn Monroe; William H. Gass, American novelist and philosopher (Omensetter’s Luck); Peter Trevenen Thwaites, British Brigadier General and playwright (Love or money); Tony Lip [Frank Anthony Vallelonga], American author and actor (Sopranos, Donnie Brasco, Good Fellas); Patrick Modiano, French novelist (Nobel 2014); and Deacon Lunchbox [Timothy Tyson Ruttenber], American poet and performance artist.
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me this week: Emily Bronte. 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 – Promotions
The Kurdish Connection, Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, Mission: Angola, and Frozen Conquest are participating in a Thrillers and Suspense promotion through the end of August. There are seventy-eight Mystery & Suspense, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Romance / Suspense novels to choose from, so when you have a moment or two, please check it out.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/summerthriller2023/lnaoktuo7uMy Work In Progress
This week, I completed chapter six of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. As always, it’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. A further twenty-three reviews came in this week, bringing the total to ninety-six. As always, plenty of recommendations for me to consider.
Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Sear waited until several passengers had disembarked before following. The intense heat hit him as he left the plane. When they entered the one-story terminal building, the heat only slightly dissipated.
Holding up the temporary UN credentials he had been given by Vincent, he nodded to an official near the exit.
The man glanced at the documents and at Sear’s face before waving him on.
Outside again in the oppressive heat, Sear searched for a taxi. He spotted two yellow and white vehicles parked near a taxi sign, with the drivers leaning against the doors. On top of each car was a yellow sign with black Arabic script indicating they were taxis.
Sear, who spoke Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, French, and Spanish, approached them. He spoke in Arabic. “Salam Alaikum.”
Both men responded. “Wa Alaykum as-salam.”
“Do you know the Al Bilad Hotel?”
The first driver shook his head.
The second one nodded and smiled. “Yes, I know where it is, Sayyid. I will take you.”
Sear climbed into the back seat of the taxi, breathing through his mouth to avoid the stench of something rotten inside. He rolled down the window as they departed, and the breeze of the moving vehicle seemed to help with the smell.
The driver kept looking in the rearview mirror. “Sayyid, are you here for business? Not too many tourists come to Sana’s right now because of the fighting.”
“Yes. I’m here to assist a friend.”
“Yes, Sayyid. If you need to find your way around the city, I am Cemal, and I will take you.”
“Shukran.” Sear smiled. “My friend is from Sana’a, so I will be in good hands.”
“Understood, Sayyid.”
Sear pulled out his cell phone and checked for messages. There were two:
Meet you at the hotel. Bringing your favorite weapon. Malik
On my way to the hotel, accompanied by a representative of your friend. Wasim
Sear grinned. Great. Things are falling into place. I’ll feel better being armed. Assume Wasim is bringing someone who knows how to contact Bashari. After acknowledging both texts, he slipped the phone into his pocket and gazed out the window.
More next time.
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
July 23, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, July 23, 2023
It’s been another wet week, with rain five of the past seven days. Sometimes there were light showers while at other times there were heavy downpours. The temperatures are also lower than normal. Right now, it’s 54F (13C) but feels like 44F/7C. Of course, the wind coming from the north is keeping the temperatures down.
We’ve had a great week despite the weather as our son, who lives in Washington, D.C., arrived on Monday for a ten-day visit. On Thursday, one of the dry days, we went to Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace was one of the principal residences of the monarchs of Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries, but was burned out in 1746. However, it’s still worth a visit if you’re in the area.
“Read, read, read. Read everything – trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out. If it’s not, throw it out of the window.” – William Faulkner. Compliments of https://www.inc.com/glenn-leibowitz/50-quotes-from-famous-authors-that-will-inspire-yo.html.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 23 July, the fourth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
Francis Blomefield, English topographer (History of Norfolk); Coventry Patmore, English poet and critic (The Angel in the House); Edmund John Armstrong, Irish poet; Salvador de Madariaga y Rojo, Spanish diplomat and writer (Englishmen, Frenchmen, Spaniards); Gluyas Williams, American cartoonist (Fellows Citizen); Raymond Chandler, American-British mystery novelist and screenwriter (Farewell My Lovely; The Long Goodbye; The Big Sleep); Elspeth Huxley, English author (The Flame Trees of Thika and The Mottled Lizard); Michael Foot, British politician (L) and writer, Leader of the Opposition (1980-83); Ronald Ridout, English school textbook author (English Today); Cyril M. Kornbluth, American sci-fi writer (Space Merchants); Gavin Lambert, British-American screenwriter (Inside Daisy Clover); Ludvik Vaculik, Czech writer (Two Thousand Words); Hubert Selby Jr., American author (Last Exit to Brooklyn); Guy Fournier, French Canadian author and screenwriter; Nicholas Barrington, British high commissioner (Pakistan) and author (A passage to Nuristan: exploring the mysterious Afghan hinterland); and Carl Phillips, American poet (“Then the War” – 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry).
Any names familiar to you? There were two for me this week: Michael Foot and Nicholas Barrington. 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 – Promotions
The Kurdish Connection, Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, Mission: Angola, and Frozen Conquest are participating in a Thrillers and Suspense promotion through the end of August. There are seventy-eight Mystery & Suspense, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Romance / Suspense novels to choose from, so when you have a moment or two, please check it out.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/summerthriller2023/lnaoktuo7uMy Work In Progress
This week, I completed chapter five of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. It’s been posted to the two online writing sites I use. A further twenty-two reviews came in this week, bringing the total to seventy-three. As always, plenty of recommendations for me to consider.
Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
A man with salt and pepper hair and dark brown eyes sat in a window seat on the United Nations flight as it circled Sana’a International Airport as it prepared to land. Squashed into the seat by the huge man sitting in the middle, he gazed out the window as he rubbed the three-day growth on his face. He grabbed the armrests as the aircraft rocked in the slight turbulence. I hate airplanes. Why couldn’t I have driven in? Although I suppose a UN flight might be safer than one of the resumed commercial flights.
His real name long forgotten, the man now known as Xavier Sear continued to study the digital file provided by Ron Vincent. Sear received the file while attending the twentieth wedding anniversary of long-time friends, João and Catarina Regaleira. João had convinced him to help rescue an Angolan doctor who had been kidnapped by guerillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo while working for the Christian Aid Mission. Sear met up with Vincent while in Lisbon and received his latest mission.
Once a member of the CIA’s Special Activities Division (SAD), responsible for covert and paramilitary operations, Sear now worked as a free-lance contractor. While he could accept or reject any assignment, he usually agreed to those Vincent recommended. Hope this one is as easy as the one in the DRC. Not that any of the missions Vincent gives me are easy.
He clicked a button to return to the beginning of the file. The first item was a series of photos depicting the Bashari family: Abdullah; his wife, Yasmin Rashid; sixteen-year-old daughter, Shatara; and fourteen-year-old son, Zahid. A lovely looking family. Their love for each other is apparent in their expressions throughout the pictures.
The plane rocked again as the landing wheels locked into place.
Sear closed the file, removed the thumb drive, and shut down his iPad before stowing it in his carryon bag, shoved between his legs. He inched the drive into his front pocket. Don’t want to lose this.
The aircraft bounced once as it landed before the pilot leveled off and rocketed toward the terminal.
Sear clung onto the armrests. Can’t blame the pilot for hurrying. We’re a sitting target and could be caught up in the fighting between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis. I hope Malik and Qasim received the message I’m arriving today. If not, I’ll have to go to ground until I can contact them.
More next time.
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
July 16, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, July 16, 2023
It’s been a wet week, with rain almost every day. Sometimes there were light showers while at other times there were heavy downpours. Last night on the news during the weather segment, the announcer stated July was a wetter-than-normal month and it’s expected to continue for at least the next week.
“Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” – Barbara Kingsolver. Compliments of: https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/55-motivational-writing-quotes
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 16 July, the third Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
Marc René, Marquis de Montalembert, French military engineer and writer; da B. Wells (-Barnett), American journalist, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the NAACP; George A. Birmingham, Irish clergyman and novelist; Lambert McKenna, Irish editor and lexicographer; Larry Semon, American silent film actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (The Wizard of Oz (1925)); Maurits Dekker, Dutch novelist and playwright (Merkteken; Boots In Jail); Edward Miller, British historian and Master (Fitzwilliam College Cambridge); Trevor Illtyd Williams, scientific writer; Shirley Hughes, English author and illustrator (Dogger); Anita Brookner, English novelist (Hotel du Lac) and art historian; Robert Sheckley, American sci-fi author (10th Victim, Mindswap); Lady Caroline Blackwood, British journalist and writer (The Last of the Duchess); Tom Rosenthal, British publisher and broadcaster; Marion Pitt, social worker/writer; Reinaldo Arenas, Cuban poet and novelist (Pentagonia); Esther Friesner, American sci-fi author (Witchwood Cradle); Tony Kushner, American playwright and screenwriter (Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes); Alexandra Marinina, Russian writer (Igra Na Chuzhom Pole); Johnny Vaughan, English writer and broadcaster (Capital Breakfast); and Will Ferrell, American Emmy and Raspberry Award-winning comic actor and writer (SNL, 1995-2002; Anchorman; Elf; Step Brothers); Larry Sanger, American co-founder of Wikipedia.
Any names familiar to you? There were three for me this week: Will Ferrell. 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 – Promotions
The Kurdish Connection, Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, Mission: Angola, and Frozen Conquest are participating in a Thrillers and Suspense promotion through the end of August. There are seventy-eight Mystery & Suspense, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Romance / Suspense novels to choose from, so when you have a moment or two, please check it out.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/summerthriller2023/lnaoktuo7uMy Work In Progress
This week, I completed chapters three and four of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. Both chapters have been posted to the two online writing sites I use. A further thirty-one reviews, bringing the total to fifty-one. As always, plenty of recommendations for me to consider.
Here’s another snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Shatara scurried forward as a chunk of bread and an apple dropped through a slot. Moments later, the door inched open, and a fresh bucket of water was shoved inside before the door slammed shut.
She studied the stale bread. Larger than normal. Makes up for the bruised apple. Oh well. She broke off several small pieces of the crust and put them in the corner. Here, Bushra, you may eat when you are ready.
Shatara scooped dead flies from the top of the new water bucket. Stomach rumbling, she broke off pieces of the bread and dunked them in the tepid water before shoving them into her mouth. After finishing the bread, she bit into the apple. She shook her head at the bitter flavors while she savored the juice trickling down her parched throat.
After finishing her meager meal, Shatara leaned against the wall opposite the window. She could make out a few stars appearing, as well as a sliver of a new moon. They were soon blotted out. The sounds of the wind picking up whistled through the bars as sand splattered the outside of the building, as noisy as if it were a tropical storm.
She crept back to the water bucket and dipped her hand into the tepid liquid, cupping her fingers as she brought a small handful towards her mouth. After wetting her lips, she spat it out and returned to her blanket.
With the cooler breezes because of the approaching storm, she spread the chador across the blanket to give greater warmth. Before long, she fell asleep.
***
Shatara tossed and turned for hours. At one point, she reflected on her family. Tears formed as she thought of her parents and her brother, Zahid. I miss them so much. Will I ever see them again?
At long last, she drifted into a troubled sleep, the blanket and chador tight around her body.
***
The morning call to prayer woke her from a restless night. Body aching, she stretched to work out some of the kinks. What will today bring? Will Baba find me and take me home? She began her preparations for the Fajr, or the first prayer of the day.
“Aaaaaaaah!”
An ear-piecing screech filled the air, which was abruptly cut off.
What is happening? She dashed to the blanket and tugged on her chador.
Rather than the clip-clop sounds of the jailer, the measured footsteps of someone else echoed in the corridor.
Shatara hurried to don the chador.
The key turned in the lock, squealing as normal.
The door opened, and a man dressed in a white full-length loose-fitting garment with long sleeves known as a thobe and a red and white checkered kaffiyeh stepped inside. “Well? Are you ready? I demand your answer—now. Speak with great care, or it could be your undoing.”
More next time.
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
July 9, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, July 9, 2023
Another week of mixed weather is behind us. We had plenty of showers with the occasional burst of sunshine. Now that we’re past the summer solstice, the nights are already coming in sooner and some evenings the temperature necessitated the use of the heat to keep the dampness at bay. At least right now, the sun is shining and we’re at 60F (16C).
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.” – Norman Vincent Peale. Compliments of: https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/55-motivational-writing-quotes
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 9 July, the second Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
John of Saint Thomas [Juan Poinset], Portuguese theologist; Alexis Piron, French dramatist (La Métromanie); Johann Nikolaus Götz, German poet (Die Mädcheninsel); Ann Radcliffe, English Gothic novelist (The Mysteries of Udolpho, The Romance of the Forest); Johanna Schopenhauer, German writer and mother of Arthur Schopenhauer; Matthew Lewis, English novelist (The Monk); Johan Philip van der Kellen, Dutch stamp cutter, lithographer and writer; Franz Boas, German-American anthropologist and linguist (Mind of Primitive Man); Samuel Eliot Morison, American historian (Admiral of the Ocean Sea); Gerard Walschap, Flemish writer (Mary, Revolt in Congo); Barbara Cartland, English romance author (Camfield #69); Gerhard Pohl, German writer (Crazy Ferdinand); Beene Dubbelboer, Dutch writer (Secret Resistance); Mervyn Peake, British writer and illustrator (Gormenghast books); Oliver Sacks, English Neurologist and author (Awakenings); June Jordan, Caribbean-American playwright and poet (His Own Where); Hermann Burger, Swiss poet and writer; Glen Cook, American sci-fi author (Shadowline, Star’s End); Dean Koontz, American sci-fi author (Star Quest, Beastchild); Thomas Ligotti, American author (Songs of a Dead Dreamer); Fred Norris [Nukis], American comedy writer (Howard Stern Show), singer, guitarist, and actor; Paul Merton, British writer, actor and comedian (Room 101); Tim Kring, American writer and producer; Lars Gyllenhaal, Swedish author; and Masami Tsuda, Japanese manga author.
Any names familiar to you? There were three for me this week: Barbara Cartland, Dean Koontz, Paul Merton. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!
New Release
In case you missed the notification, my eighth novel, Frozen Conquest, is now live on Amazon.
For anyone who is interested, here is the international buy link. Frozen Conquest is available in Kindle and paperback formats, and participates in Kindle Unlimited. https://books2read.com/u/bwNDVP
Here’s the blurb from the back of the book:
An international criminal gang, known as Diablo Corps, plans a series of devastating attacks to take over the G7 countries unless their demands are met. Secure in their hidden headquarters in Antarctica, they possess the means to disrupt the leading world economies. The CEO wants what other power-hungry people want—more power.
Will the G7 bend to the will of these rogues or will evil triumph? Diablo Corps believes their previous infiltration of the international banking system and world stock exchanges will allow them to risk all on a single gamble.
The Scandinavian Protection Agency joins forces with Bedlam to thwart the efforts of the group and restore faith. Will Antarctica become a smoking ruin or will the world suffer an economic meltdown?
My Work In Progress
This week, I completed the first two chapters of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2. Both chapters have been posted to the two online writing sites I use and they’ve received twenty reviews. As always, plenty of recommendations for me to consider.
Here is the first snippet. Please keep in mind that since these are first-draft chapters, things will likely be changed once I get to the editing phase. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Shatara scurried forward as a chunk of bread and an apple dropped through a slot. Moments later, the door inched open, and a fresh bucket of water was shoved inside before the door slammed shut.
She studied the stale bread. Larger than normal. Makes up for the bruised apple. Oh well. She broke off several small pieces of the crust and put them in the corner. Here, Bushra, you may eat when you are ready.
Shatara scooped dead flies from the top of the new water bucket. Stomach rumbling, she broke off pieces of the bread and dunked them in the tepid water before shoving them into her mouth. After finishing the bread, she bit into the apple. She shook her head at the bitter flavors while she savored the juice trickling down her parched throat.
After finishing her meager meal, Shatara leaned against the wall opposite the window. She could make out a few stars appearing, as well as a sliver of a new moon. They were soon blotted out. The sounds of the wind picking up whistled through the bars as sand splattered the outside of the building, as noisy as if it were a tropical storm.
She crept back to the water bucket and dipped her hand into the tepid liquid, cupping her fingers as she brought a small handful towards her mouth. After wetting her lips, she spat it out and returned to her blanket.
With the cooler breezes because of the approaching storm, she spread the chador across the blanket to give greater warmth. Before long, she fell asleep.
***
Shatara tossed and turned for hours. At one point, she reflected on her family. Tears formed as she thought of her parents and her brother, Zahid. I miss them so much. Will I ever see them again?
At long last, she drifted into a troubled sleep, the blanket and chador tight around her body.
***
The morning call to prayer woke her from a restless night. Body aching, she stretched to work out some of the kinks. What will today bring? Will Baba find me and take me home? She began her preparations for the Fajr, or the first prayer of the day.
“Aaaaaaaah!”
An ear-piecing screech filled the air, which was abruptly cut off.
What is happening? She dashed to the blanket and tugged on her chador.
Rather than the clip-clop sounds of the jailer, the measured footsteps of someone else echoed in the corridor.
Shatara hurried to don the chador.
The key turned in the lock, squealing as normal.
The door opened, and a man dressed in a white full-length loose-fitting garment with long sleeves known as a thobe and a red and white checkered kaffiyeh stepped inside. “Well? Are you ready? I demand your answer—now. Speak with great care, or it could be your undoing.”
More next time.
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
July 2, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, July 2, 2023
Happy 4th of July to all of my American readers. I hope everyone enjoys themselves, whether watching parades, fireworks, baseball games, joining friends and family for picnics and barbeques.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers. ~ Ray Bradbury. Compliments of https://www.writerswrite.co.za/motivational-quotes-on-writing/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 2 July, the first Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
Samuel Penhallow, English-born American colonist and historian; Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, German poet (Der Messias); George Law Curry, American newspaper publisher and Governor of Oregon; Henry Eugene Davies, American writer, public official, lawyer, and Major General (Union Army); Lily Braun, German feminist and socialist writer (Im Schatten Titanen); Hermann Hesse, German-Swiss novelist and poet (Steppenwolf, Nobel Prize for Literature 1946); Cor Hermus, Dutch actor, director and writer (Bleeke Bet, William of Orange, Jantes, A Mother); Tyrone Guthrie, British actor, producer, writer and director; Rex Alston, English sports broadcaster and author (BBC radio); H. G. Adler, German writer (The Journey); Diego Fabbri, Italian playwright and leader (Vatican movie bureau); Bert Decorte, Flemish poet; Pierre H. Dubois, Dutch literary and critic; Jean Craighead George, American writer (Julie of the Wolves); Eliseo Diego, Cuban poet; Wislawa Szymborska, Prowent, Polish poet referred to as the ‘Mozart of Poetry’ (Nobel 1996); Rick Besoyan, American singer, actor, playwright, composer and director (Little Mary Sunshine); Octavian Paler, Romanian writer, journalist; Pavel Kohout, Czech director and author (Poor Murderer); Ed Bullins, American playwright; Alexandros Panagoulis, Greek politician and poet; M[ichael] A[nthony] Foster, American sci-fi author (Gameplayers of Zan); Larry David, American actor, comedian and screenwriter (Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm); Terry Rossio, American screenwriter; Evelyn Lau, Canadian author; and Darren Shan, Irish children’s author.
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!
New Release
I’m pleased to announce the release of Frozen Conquest. Due to social account issues with hacking and/or unauthorised suspicious activity, I had to close my Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts. As a result, I didn’t meet my publisher’s submission guidelines.
Since I have a number of local followers waiting for autographed copies of Frozen Conquest, I decided to self-publish it rather than wait until such time as I’m back on social media, which likely won’t be until January 2024. Here’s the back-of-the-book blurb:
An international criminal gang, known as Diablo Corps, plans a series of devastating attacks to take over the G7 countries unless their demands are met. Secure in their hidden headquarters in Antarctica, they possess the means to disrupt the leading world economies. The CEO wants what other power-hungry people want—more power.
Will the G7 bend to the will of these rogues or will evil triumph? Diablo Corps believes their previous infiltration of the international banking system and world stock exchanges will allow them to risk all on a single gamble.
The Scandinavian Protection Agency joins forces with Bedlam to thwart the efforts of the group and restore faith. Will Antarctica become a smoking ruin or will the world suffer an economic meltdown?
For anyone who is interested, here is the international buy link. Frozen Conquest is available in Kindle and paperback formats, and participates in Kindle Unlimited. https://books2read.com/u/bwNDVP
My Work In Progress
I’ve started work on Mission: Yemen, book two in my Xavier Sear Thriller series. Here”s what it’s about:
Xavier Sear is thrust into a new adventure when he accepts an under-the-table assignment from a longtime friend, Ron Vincent. A former CIA operative, Sear takes on any and all missions, which appeal to his sense of justice.
Abudullah Bashari, a retired Yemeni geologist who dabbles in archeology is embroiled in the bitter struggle between the Houthis and the government. He reaches out for help to save his family. A wealthy man, he offers to reveal a damaging secret Saudi Arabia is trying to keep hidden.
Life-threatening danger abounds as Sear visits Yemen and creates a plan to help Bashari’s family escape. However, Hussien Khan al Mishari, a young Saudi prince, threatens to undo Sear’s intervention in pursuit of his own deadly game. Who will be victorious?
I hope to complete chapter one this week and get it uploaded to the two online subscription writing sites I use. More to follow next time.
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
June 25, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, June 25, 2023
Most days during the past week we’ve experience plenty of sunshine, although Wednesday was a rainy day. That was okay as the ground needed a good soaking and that’s what we had. The temperatures have dropped a bit, but still made it to 72F (22C). The common hedge between us and next door has grown out of proportion, so it was a good time to give it a trim.
Doing it all the time, whether or not we are in the mood, gives us ownership of our writing ability. It takes it out of the realm of conjuring where we stand on the rock of isolation, begging the winds for inspiration, and it makes it something as do-able as picking up a hammer and pounding a nail. Writing may be an art, but it is certainly a craft. It is a simple and workable thing that can be as steady and reliable as a chore. ~ Julia Cameron. Compliments of https://www.writerswrite.co.za/motivational-quotes-on-writing/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 25 June, the fourth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
Georges Courteline [Moineau], French playwright; Hans Marchwitza, German writer and communist; Kay [Katherine Linn] Sage, American painter and poet; I. D. du Plessis, South African writer and director (3rd World); George Orwell, British author (Animal Farm, Nineteen Eighty-Four); Philip Toynbee, British journalist and writer (Savage Days, Barricade); Dorothy Gilman, American mystery writer; Nicholas Mosley, British novelist, biographer and son of Oswald Mosley; Ingeborg Bachmann, Austrian author and poet (Gott von Manhattan); Eric Carle, American illustrator, collage artist, and writer of children’s books (The Very Hungry Caterpillar); Larry Kramer, American playwright and AIDS activist; Paul Nowee, Dutch writer of children’s and youth books (Eagle’s Eye); Marabel Morgan, American author (The Total Woman); A. J. Quinnell [Philip Nicholson], English writer (Man on Fire); Michel Tremblay, Canadian novelist and playwright (Les Belles-Sœurs); Labi Siffre, British singer-songwriter and poet (It Must Be Love); and Ariel Gore, American journalist and author.
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me: George Orwell. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!
My Work In Progress
This week, my personal editing of Frozen Conquest continued. I’ve now gone through all 825 chapter reviews it’s received and incorporated the suggestions I wanted to use into the manuscript. I’ve also completed the third and fourth edit passes, and I’m a third of the way through the fifth one. I normally do seven edit passes, so I’m well on my way.
Here’s the penultimate snippet:
Douglas Walliams, president of the World Bank, rifled through the stack of mail dropped off by his secretary. Nothing worth reading. He switched on his computer and skimmed his new messages. Routine, routine. Why can’t I receive something exciting?
He deleted the spam and filed trivial reports in their respective folders. The one-word subject of the next message from an unknown email address piqued his interest. What’s this?
Douglas opened the message labeled Beware and studied its contents.
To: Douglas Walliams, World Bank President
From: A concerned citizen of the world
Behold the beast, for he wants to destroy the world. He will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Seek him where glaciers abound.
Douglas scratched his chin. Is this some kind of a joke? Why send it to me? He picked up the phone and dialed.
A deep male voice answered after the first ring. “Hello.”
“Hey, Jonny. Douglas Walliams here. I received a strange email today. It might be from a crackpot, but with recent viable threats against the stock markets, I thought you might be interested.” He forwarded the message to Jonny. “Just sent it to you.”
“Got it. Hmm. Just a minute—I’ll be right back.”
Douglas listened to the classical hold music performed by an orchestra while he waited.
Moments later, Jonny came back on the line. “Sorry about that. I wanted to compare what you sent me with some earlier information that came in. I just forwarded your email to an organization already looking into this issue. If you receive anything else, just send it to me and we’ll look into it.”
“Will do, Jonny. Should I be worried?”
“You can share what you received with your counterparts in Japan, China, Germany, and the U.K., as they have the most voting power after the U.S. However, I recommend against sharing it with your executive directors and vice presidents. If I recall, that would push the word out to over fifty more people, and I think we should keep it contained—for now.”
“Understood.”
“Anything else, Douglas?”
“Not today. We need to arrange another outing on the Chesapeake.”
“As soon as a quiet period appears on my schedule, I’ll let you know.”
The final snippet will be provided next week.
Promotions
Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, and Ultimate Escalation are participating in a Murders, Mysteries and the Paranormal promotion, running until the end of June for Mystery & Suspense / Paranormal, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Mystery & Suspense / Women Sleuths. There are currently ninety-four novels participating. Why not check it out?
https://books.bookfunnel.com/murdermysteriespromo3/f3fke10rs2
All of my novels are participating in June’s MAYHEM & MOTIVES: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Reads. There are 234 novels to choose from. Please stop in when you have a chance. You could find your next best author!
https://books.bookfunnel.com/mysthrillsus-jun/nwprjw7ql4
This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.
© Copyright 2023 Randall Krzak. All rights reserved
June 18, 2023
Randall’s Ramblings, June 18, 2023
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers around the world. I hope you enjoy your special day. This year, Father’s Day also coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.
After the light rain we had last Sunday, Mother Nature decided we needed some more sunshine. Every day since has been filled with plenty of sun and the temperatures have soared into the upper 70s with a high of 79F (26C) on Wednesday. Heavy rain is predicted for late this evening as we appear to be returning to our normal weather patterns.
If you’ve ever felt blocked, or felt that you’re not good enough as a writer, check this out: We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master. ~ Ernest Hemingway. Compliments of https://www.writerswrite.co.za/motivational-quotes-on-writing/.
So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on 18 June, the third Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):
Ottaviano Petrucci, Italian printer; Gabriello Chiabrera, Italian poet; Thomas Overbury, English poet (A Wife) and essayist; Ivan Goncharov, Russian novelist (Oblomov); Pavel Annenkov, Russian literature historian (Zametsjatelnoje desjatileti); Edward Wyllis Scripps, American publisher who organized 1st US major chain of newspapers (The E. W. Scripps Company); José Trindade Coelho, Portuguese writer (Os Meus Amores); George Essex Evans, Australian poet; Philip Barry, American dramatist (Philadelphia Story); Raymond Radiguet, French journalist and writer (Le diable ouch corps); Sylvia Porter, American financial writer (Sylvia Porter’s Money Book); Bert Schierbeek, Dutch writer and poet (Cross Roads); Aster Berkhof [Louis Van de Bergh], Flemish writer (Furious Christ); Rex Collings, English publisher (Rex Collings); Tom Wicker, American columnist (covered assassination of JFK for NY Times) and author; John Phillipps Kenyon, English historian; James Bishop, English editor (deputy editor of The Times); Geoffrey Hill, English poet; Gail Godwin, American author (Perfectionists, Odd Woman); Russell Ash, British author (‘the human Google’); Chris Van Allsburg, American author and illustrator; William Randolph Hearst III, American publisher and editor; Richard Powers, American novelist (The Overstory – Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2019); and Christopher Largen, American author.
Any names familiar to you? There were two for me: Sylvia Porter and William Randolph Hearst III. 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
Over the past week I’ve had more suspicious activity on my social media accounts. As a result, I have deleted by Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts, so this is the only way you’ll get updates from me for the foreseeable future. Once I set up new accounts, I’ll put a note here.
In the meantime, every Thursday I will send out a separate post dedicated to my published novels, which will include the blurb from the back of each book, any awards, and the latest mockup banners I’ve received from http://www.allauthor.com. Please share these posts with your mailing lists. Allauthor will also continue to issue their regular Twitter notifications.
My Work In Progress
This week, my personal editing of Frozen Conquest continued. I’ve now gone through all 810 chapter reviews it’s received and incorporated the suggestions I wanted to use into the manuscript. I’ve also completed the first two edit passes, and will begin the third one later today.
Here’s another snippet:
The Scandinavian Protection Agency had chartered the RV Aquavit as a floating platform for their venture to Antarctica, complete with an experienced crew and a scientific staff.
Carina and Gunner joined the rest of the six-person SPA team, which would conduct their experiments on the mainland. They entered the mess and found their teammates: Ailsa Dahl, a petite blonde project manager who was game for anything; Bertelot Gulbrandsson, the team leader and an engineer by training; Eggert Falkenberg, another engineer and a blond giant of a man with a quiet nature; and Rona Lundgren, a statuesque blonde well over six feet tall. Carina and Ailsa were climatologists while Rona was a meteorologist.
“Where did you two go? Checking out the sights—or each other?” Bertelot chuckled.
Carina’s face reddened. “If you must know, I was studying the landscape above the city. It’s the last time we’ll see anything but ice until we return.”
“Should have taken some photos to remind you.” Bertelot maintained a straight face.
Everyone laughed.
Rona stood. “Anyone for coffee? I’ll put on a fresh pot.”
After a round of “yes” from the rest of the team, she headed into the galley.
Another whistle blew.
A vibration ran through the deck as the engine engaged. The ship swung away from the pier, heading in a southerly direction.
Rona returned a few minutes later carrying a tray with a fresh pot of coffee and cups. After everyone had a refill, she raised her cup in the air. “Here’s to our next adventure—Antarctica, here we come!”
Eggert spoke in a deep bass voice. “I am looking forward to my first time on the ice. I have dreamed of this since I was a child.”
“Too bad you missed our Arctic excursion.” Carina smiled. “What a time to come down with chickenpox.”
“Yes, but it was a mild case since I was vaccinated as a child. They were a present from my niece.” He thumped his chest and coughed. “But I am in perfect shape now.” He coughed again.
“Take it easy, Eggert.” Bertelot grinned. “We don’t have a doctor aboard—just a nurse.”
“Is she attractive?”
Bertelot chuckled. “I guess you could say so. The nurse’s name is Tim.”
“Oh.”
Everyone laughed as they stood.
“See everyone here in about three hours.” Bertelot pointed at Rona. “We have a guest chef tonight.”
Rona touched a finger to her cheek. “Oh. Not sure about being a chef, but I make fantastic spaghetti and meatballs.”
“I’m heading out on deck. Anyone care to join me in bidding Ushuaia farewell?”
Ailsa nodded. “I’ll join you, Carina.”
More next time.
Promotions
Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, and Ultimate Escalation are participating in a Murders, Mysteries and the Paranormal promotion, running until the end of June for Mystery & Suspense / Paranormal, Mystery & Suspense / Thriller, and Mystery & Suspense / Women Sleuths. There are currently ninety-four novels participating. Why not check it out?
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All of my novels are participating in June’s MAYHEM & MOTIVES: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Reads. There are 234 novels to choose from. Please stop in when you have a chance. You could find your next best author!
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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.
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