Randall's Ramblings, April 30, 2023

Randall Krzak

May 1

April showers should bring May flowers as the saying goes. Don't know about that, but the weeds are certainly sprouting! Plenty to clear up after a week of mainly rainy days. After we add a few new bedding plants and remove the weeds, everything should look fantastic!

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song." - Maya Angelou 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 30 April, the fifth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/):

Mathurin Jacques Brisson, French zoologist and naturalist (Ornithologie); Alfred Berger, Austrian playwright; Frans Netscher, Dutch writer and journalist (Studies of nude model); Juhan Liiv, Estonian poet (I Saw Estonia Yesterday); Max Nettlau, German anarchist and historian; Cyriel Verschaeve, Belgian priest and writer (Maria Magdalena - 1928); Nine van de Schaaf, Dutch author (To the Invisible); Jaroslav Hašek, Czech writer (The Good Soldier Švejk); John Crowe Ransom, American poet and critic (God Without Thunder); Watze Cuperus, Frisian author (Swart mar leaflik); Philippe Panneton, Canadian physician, diplomat and writer (Trente arpents); Luise Rinser, German writer (Prison Journal); Valeer van Kerkhove, Flemish writer (De Bungalow); George Byatt, Scottish playwright (The Clyde Is Red); Edmund Cooper, British sci-fi author (Seed of Light, All Fool's Day); Hugh Hood, Canadian author (White Figure, White Ground); Larry Niven, American sci-fi author (5 Hugo, Neutron Star); Annie Dillard, American writer (An American Childhood); Claude van de Berge, Flemish writer (Graph Theory); Paul Gross, Canadian actor (Constable Benton Fraser - Due South), director, and writer (Passchendaele); W. Thomas Smith, Jr, American author and columnist; John Boyne, Irish novelist (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas); and Kunal Nayyar, British-Indian actor and writer (Dr. Raj Koothrappali - The Big Bang Theory).

Any names familiar to you? There weren't 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 Work in Progress

This week, I completed chapters thirty-three and thirty-four of Frozen Conquest and posted them to the two online subscription writing sites I use.

Twenty-two reviews came in this week, bringing the total to 602. As always, there are plenty of good suggestions to improve my story and I'm greatly appreciative of the support.

Here's another snippet:

Emmanuel frowned. "Okay. I understand. In the meantime, I'll keep covering for you and won't let Brown or Sawyer know what you're doing. At the same time, you'll need to keep quiet." He grinned. "Otherwise, I know where your accounts are located and can wipe them out without hesitation."

"No need to make threats. We both realize what's best. While I agree with Brown's desire to combat climate change, how he' going about it is wrong."

"Agreed. He keeps billions stashed in various secret accounts around the world. He could donate thirty or forty billion to help impoverished countries tackle climate change without missing a penny."

A buzzer sounded as a red light flashed.

Chris smiled. "Speaking of the devil, I've been summoned. Wonder what he wants now?"

"Best not to keep him waiting. Why not join me for dinner in the canteen—say around 19:00?" Emmanuel stood.

The buzzer sounded a second time.

"Sure thing. I better go."

"See you tonight."

Chris slipped through the inner door into Brown's office. "Yes, sir?"

"What kept you? I don't like to be kept waiting."

"Sorry, sir. It couldn't be helped—I was in the bathroom."

"Well, I hope you washed your hands. Make me an Americano and bring some of those Jaffa Cakes I brought with me."

"Yes, sir. Right away."

Chris returned to his office and began preparing Brown's snack. Wonder if I should add a little extra to his coffee? Perhaps some of the arsenic crystalline Pierre brought back with him? Chris shook his head. Not yet—need to coordinate with Emmanuel.

After he finished making an Americano, Chris took it and a package of Jaffa Cakes into Brown's office and set them on the corner of his desk. "Will there be anything else, sir?"

"What? No. You're dismissed. I don't want to be interrupted for the rest of the day—unless there's an emergency. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." Chris left Brown's office, resisting the urge to slam the door.

* * *

Just after the agreed-upon time, Chris entered the canteen. He glanced around, spotted Emmanuel at a table in the far corner, and approached. "What's the specials tonight?"

"Pierre's meatloaf or salmon with radish and orange slaw." Emmanuel pointed to his plate. "I decided on a burger and fries."

Chris laughed. "Let me get something—be right back." He walked over to the hot food line. "I'll take the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and peas."

The server nodded and dished up the food.

Chris returned to Emmanuel's table and sat. "I've always enjoyed meatloaf since I was a kid. Pierre's is far better than my mother's."

"Enjoy." Emmanuel sipped on his Coke. "So what was so urgent for the high and mighty?"

"What? Oh. Brown wanted a coffee." Chris shook his head. "One of these days … I'll do the unthinkable and poison him."

Emmanuel laughed. "Don't do it yet—wait until we steal some of his money."

More next time.

Promotions

The Kurdish Connection, Dangerous Alliance, Colombian Betrayal, and Revenge are participating in Revenge promotion, running until the end of May for Action & Adventure, Romance, and Sci-Fi & Fantasy / Urban Fantasy. There are currently sixty-six novels participating. Why not check it out?

https://books.bookfunnel.com/revengetales/idh13vx4rm

All of my novels are participating in May's MAYHEM & MOTIVES: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Reads. There are 235 novels to choose from. Please stop in when you have a chance. You could find your next best author!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/mysthrillsus-may/34otud00o2

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.