"You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page. Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write." --Annie Proulx. 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 January 7, the first Sunday of the month and of 2024. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).
Sebastian de Covarrubias Horozco, Spanish lexicographer (Treasury of Castilian or Spanish Language); James Harrington, English author and political theorist of classical republicanism (The Commonwealth of Oceana);Pavao Vitezovic, Croatia, writer and historian; Johann Heinrich Zedler, German publisher; Theodor Aufrecht, German linguist, Indologist and translator (Rigveda's Hymns); Zora Neale Hurston, American writer (Their Eyes Were Watching God); Albrecht Haushofer, German geographer and writer; Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Pakistani poet; Hugh Kenner, Canadian literary critic; William Peter Blatty, American scriptwriter and author of The Exorcist; Edward) Hunter Davies, Scottish-British journalist, author (The Beatles: The Authorised Biography), and broadcaster; Jann Wenner, American magazine publisher (Rolling Stone); Shobha De, Indian columnist & novelist; Frans Kellendonk, Dutch novelist (Bouwval (Ruin); Mystiek lichaam (Mystical Body); Giuliano Ferrara, Italian politician, journalist and founding editor (Il Foglio); Katie Couric, American journalist & author (Today); Nicholson Baker, American novelist; Donna Rice Hughes, American author & speaker; and Georgi Gospodinov, Bulgarian writer (Time Shelter - 2023 International Booker prize).
Any names familiar to you? There was one for me, Katie Couric. 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
As I mentioned last time, I penned chapters 22-30 of Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2 during the Xmas market. This week, I typed up and posted chapter twenty-two to the two online subscription writing sites I use. I also did about half of chapter twenty-three.
Reviewers provided another ten critiques, bringing the total to 452. As always, they've provided plenty of recommendations for me to consider, and I'm always appreciative of the time and effort people put into reviewing my work.
Here's another snippet:
Prince Hussein sat behind the desk and pulled out an iPad from a drawer. After logging in, he checked for new emails. There was one:
Hello, brother! I will be with you in two days. I hope you are planning a good party for me.
Prince Hussein grimaced as he typed. I hope so, too. But you better start following the plan.
Someone knocked on the door.
Now what? "Come in."
Yusuf entered. "Excuse me, Prince Hussein. I wanted to give you an update on the attendees for Prince Sami's party."
"Hmm." Prince Hussein frowned. "Go ahead."
"Many of those in the diplomatic community are afraid to attend because of your connection to the Saudi royal family. They believe their attendance will indicate approval of what Saudi Arabia is doing in Yemen."
"As expected. Continue."
"China, Pakistan, and Malaysia have all accepted the invitation. I expect to hear from Russia and some others soon."
Prince Hussein nodded. "What about local dignitaries?"
"So far, only the chief of police has accepted. But I'm still waiting for word from some of the cabinet. Of course, the prime minister declined, as expected."
"What about the entertainment?"
Yusuf grinned. "Wazir and I have secured several young people who will perform as required."
"That should please Prince Sami." Wish he'd get over his predilection for public orgies. "Do what is necessary to give him a pleasing show—but not too graphic." He waved a hand in dismissal.
"As you so order, Prince Hussein." Yusuf bowed and left the office. He walked along the corridor and joined Wazir. "Everything is going to plan. If we are fortunate, Prince Sami will be indebted to us and grant us the favor we desire."
Wazir nodded. "To be free of the tragedies befalling Yemen would be most pleasing. However, do you think things would be better for us in Saudi Arabia?"
"No way to know for sure. But if Ansar Allah finds out we are helping Prince Hussein, they will execute us after we are flogged to within an inch of our lives." Yusuf's body shook. "Then our bodies will be paraded through the streets as a warning to others."
More next time.
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