INTERVIEW with Randall Krzak author of The Bedlam Series an Action, Adventure Thriller Series. FEATURING TODAY BOOK 1 The Kurdish Connection

Welcome toⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ. As you write thrillers I will boldly begin with a pointed question. 

If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

With my wife, son, and pets.

I agree, I would stay with my husband, son and pets. 

Is there an writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?

There are several—Clive Cussler, Ian Rankin, and Brad Thor, to name a few. Why? There work as inspired me and I’d like to learn more about their approach to writing, research, and how they come up with their ideas.

Great choices. I met Ian Rankin at Murder on the beach Mystery Bookstore in Delray Beach , Florida  it was fascinating how he shared where he got his ideas.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

In no particular order, Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Ian Rankin, Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, David L. Golemon, Robert Crais, Jack du Brul, Dan Brown, and Mark Greany. It would take too long to make a top-ten list of books but they would all be from these authors.

You have great taste! My Mystery Writers of America Chapter hosts SleuthFest every year, you might want to join us in  March of 2020.

How long have you been writing?

 I started fiction writing in 2011. Prior to that, I had thirty years experience doing expository writing. They’re definitely different!

 They are!

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

A few characters come to be initially and as the story progresses new ones crop up.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

 It depends. Sometimes, I use physical books from a book store, but most of my research is done online research.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I grew up in a large family, so noise doesn’t bother me. My preference is for silence or light background noise—definitely not head-banging music!

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

At the moment, I’ve actively working on two novels, have two others in the beginning chapters, and synopses for five more (if only there were more hours in the day!) One of the novels I’m actively working on is the first in a new series. The second one is my first attempt to coauthor a novel, which seems to be working well. More details about my works-in-progress are covered in my blog: Writing by Randall @  randallkrzak.com which generally comes out on Sundays.

Pen or typewriter or computer?

I gave my typewriter away years ago to someone who didn’t want a computer. I still use a pen/pencil, but only when something spring to mind and I need to jot it down. Otherwise, the computer is my friend. I can only imagine how writers finished a manuscript when everything had to be typed!

A day in the life of the author? 

Unlike some authors who set daily or weekly word count goals, it’s the quality of the words, not the amount for me. I’m usually at the computer in the early morning hours (early being a relative term, depending on individual perspectives) for 2-4 hours. This will include writing, research, reviewing any chapter feedback, which came in overnight, and editing. For now, writing  is still a hobby, but who knows what the future may hold. The rest of the day is spent on other activities and I may or may not do a bit more in the evening.

Advice they would give new authors? 

Research, write, edit. When you finish, edit some more. Whether you plan to self-publish or seek a traditional publisher, make your work as error-free as possible. But above all, don’t give up—writing is a journey!

Describe your writing style.

 I’m a plotter and keep things barebones. What do I mean by a plotter? After I come up with a draft synopsis, I build an outline to get me from the beginning to where I anticipate the end to be. My outline is more fleshed out at the beginning, tapering off toward the finale, as I know things will change as I progress. I regularly review my outline and make changes as necessary to keep me on point.

About barebones—you won’t find pages and pages of narrative in my stories. In fact, I’d be surprised if there is a full page anywhere before dialogue comes back in. Some people have commented I seem to write screenplays. Perhaps something to consider in the future.

What are they currently reading?

 I complete a novel about once a week, sometimes sooner, depending upon the length. I just downloaded five more novels to read, beginning with Five Weeks, by David P. Perlmutter.

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?

 I usually decided on a tentative synopsis and then decide how I want to begin and end. An outline follows to lead me through the story.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Assuming you don’t make mistakes and unwilling to listen to constructive criticism. It’s hard to be objective about your own work.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

Getting it right. Chapter reviewers let me know if I have something wrong, and usually suggest various options to make it right.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

From time to time I’ve experienced a slowdown, but when that happens I switch to another work-in-progress and keep going forward. This helps me keep things fresh.

Thank you very much for your candor and for taking the time to answer so many questions, best wishes on the greatest success in your writing, and thank you for your service.

KURDISH SCAVENGERS UNCOVER A CACHE OF NERVE GAS IN IRAQ AND OFFER THEM TO KURDISH FIGHTERS IN TURKEY. THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS BEDLAM ALPHA TEAM MUST SECURE THE WEAPONS BEFORE THEY CAN BE USED.

In their daily struggle for survival, Iraqi Kurdish scavengers uncover a cache of chemical weapons. They offer the weapons to Kurdish rebels in Turkey and Syria to assist in their quest to free an imprisoned leader and create a unified homeland. After receiving a tip from an unlikely source, the newly formed Special Operations Bedlam team is called to arms. Can the team recover the weapons before it’s too late?

“The Kurdish Connection—a compelling read. A story of friendship, danger and intrigue.”—Ann Everett, Amazon Best Selling Author.

“... Randall's authentic voice adds a powerful push to keep a reader turning the pages.” —Janet Taylor-Perry, author of The Raiford Chronicles, The Legend of Draconis Saga, and April Chastain Intrigues.

“Topical - Engaging - Intriguing – Powerful ... A real page turner.”—Rikon Gaites, author of Mummy's Little Soldier and Darius Odenkirk.

“... Randall Krzak brings his wealth of experience living in this troubled part of the world and his military knowledge to bear in this exciting story...”—John L. DeBoer, author of When the Reaper Comes.

"... a journey full of history, suspense, intrigue, and action...a MUST READ for all!”—Les Stahl, Retired NSA Executive.

“... Readers need to fasten their seatbelts for a fast-paced tale made believable by a writer who knows what he’s writing about.”—Preston Holtry, author of the Morgan Westphal mystery series and the Arrius trilogy (forthcoming).

“A behind the scenes story, ripped from today’s headlines deepening the reader’s understanding of an ancient strife ... filled with the sights and smells of the market place and secret meetings, the reader is admitted to the secret heart, the desperate longings of those that must fight and win, or see continued subjugation by their masters...”—Oliver F. Chase, author of Camelot Games, Levant Mirage, Blind Marsh, and Marsh Island.

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Dangerous Alliance
The Bedlam Series Book 2

United Nations’ sanctions are crippling North Korea. China has turned her back on her malevolent partner. The North Korean military machine is crumbling, unable to function. Oil reserves are minimal and the government seeks new alliances.

Cargo and tourist ships are disappearing along the Somali and Kenyan coastline at an alarming rate. Speeches abound, but inaction emboldens Al-Shabab to seek their next prize: Kenya. The terror organization controls land but requires weapons.

Bedlam Bravo team leader Colonel Trevor Franklin (Ret.) leads the small international team into East Africa. Tempers flare as the team is embroiled in a political quagmire. The axis must be stopped to avert an international crisis but at what cost?

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Carnage in Singapore
The Bedlam Series Book 3

Terrorist groups such as Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah have flourished in recent years with new recruits joining them and ISIS-affiliates at an alarming rate. Blended operations by various Asian countries have forced the groups to work together to identify a new operational base.

They seek an island nation to call home, one where they can plot against countries who oppose their ideals. They found a target, a small nation-state, perfect for their needs: The Republic of Singapore.

Before anyone can respond, the ambassadors of the United States, Great Britain, and Australia are kidnapped from their residences in Singapore. Right index fingers of each victim are sent as a warning. Any attempt to recover the ambassadors will result in the removal of additional body parts.

Bedlam Charlie team leader, Evelyn Evinrude, leads the group to rescue the ambassadors and capture the local leaders of Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah. Can Bedlam succeed or will events escalate, resulting in more deaths?

**Releasing Fall 2019!!**

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I'm a U.S. Army veteran and retired senior civil servant, spending thirty years in Europe, Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. My residency abroad qualifies me to build rich worlds in my action-adventure novels and short stories. Familiar with customs, laws, and social norms, I promote these to create authentic characters and scenery.

My first novel, The Kurdish Connection, was published in 2017, and the sequel, Dangerous Alliance, was released in November 2018. Both placed in the 2018 Global Thriller Book Awards sponsored by Chanticleer International Book Awards, with The Kurdish Connection finishing as a semi-finalist and Dangerous Alliance being selected as one of seven first in category winners. I recently signed a contract for the third novel in the series, Carnage in Singapore. Work on my fourth novel in the series, Ultimate Escalation, is underway, as is the first book in a new series, A Cartel's Revenge.

I also penned A Dangerous Occupation, a winning entry in the August 2016 Wild Sound Writing and Film Festival Review short story category.

I hold a general Master in Business Administration (MBA) and a MBA with an emphasis in Strategic Focus, both from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland. My wife, Sylvia, six cats, and I currently reside in Dunfermline, Scotland. I'm originally from Michigan, while Sylvia is a proud Scot.

In addition to writing, I enjoy hiking, reading, candle making, pyrography, and sightseeing. 

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