Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

August 9, 2019 · by John W. Howell · in TGIF · 84 Comments

“Okay Dad. Lucy doesn’t want to play tug of war. It is up to you.”

Another Friday (YAY). This week has been pretty standard around here. It seems odd not to have workers or furniture disrupting the day. Well, we are certainly glad for that situation.

The weather here in Austin has been in the 100’s all week. We are told by the local weather forecaster that it is going to be this way for another two weeks. There was no discussion about what happens after that, so who knows how long it will last.

I managed to keep my 1000 words a day goal. I’m now sitting at over 41,000. This book is a strange one for sure. Let me tell you about it. The protagonists are both dead and on a trip to the eternal home. They were allowed to choose some learning stops, so they went to Dodge City, Kansas in 1874 and ended up in the Longbranch Saloon. Then to Tombstone Arizona in 1881. It seems James (The protagonist) had an interest in Wyatt Earp. From there they ended up at the Alamo in 1836 but this time it wasn’t a destination they requested.

Apparently, they witnessed the devil taking a soul at the OK Corral in Tombstone, and now the devil wants to chat. He sent a text to James (His reply number 666), but he and Samantha (The other protagonist) decided to ignore it. So now the devil is manipulating their agenda. He definitely wants to strike a deal so that James and Samantha won’t be letting souls know about his personal visits at the time of death.

The devil thinks it might be bad for business if people knew the devil himself would be ushering wicked souls to hell. He thinks people might not damn themselves if they knew a personal meeting was the result. The devil believes it would be a good idea if James and Samantha joined his team. Joining him would guarantee their loyalty and silence. He decides to show them what it would be like being a devil’s disciple.

Their first stop is Wimbledon where James beats Roger Federer for the 2019 title. Next for James is the Normandy landing on D-day 1944. James is leading a company of troopers headed for Omaha Beach. James has no idea what to do and worse, not sure he can get back to the Bellagio in Las Vegas. That is where he and Sam were having dinner with the devil before he was willed to France. Stay tuned.

Today’s JohnKu talks about imagination. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

Imagination,

In the hands of a writer. . .

Can be a good thing.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, fiction favorites, Haiku, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, JohnKu, My GRL, Our Justice, TGIF, The Contract with Gwen Plano

84 comments

Jill Weatherholt · August 9, 2019 - 5:34 am ·

Wonderful JohnKu! No doubt it’s nice to have things quiet once again. Obviously it’s good for your writing. Enjoy the weekend!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:49 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jill. It is good to be back in the swing. Moving is such a distraction.
  
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Gwen M. Plano · August 9, 2019 - 5:54 am ·

Imagination in your hands unearths discoveries that no one expected. Can’t wait to read your latest and greatest! Stay cool and have a great weekend. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:47 am ·
  
  Thank you, Gwen. Stay cool yourself. We have 105 forecasted for today. (Whew)
  
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GP Cox · August 9, 2019 - 5:55 am ·

Well now, that is unique! Kind of like the Beettlejuice dead couple “go on the road.”

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:46 am ·
  
  I like that, GP. I’ll use it for my Hollywood producer pitch (if ever there is one)
  
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aFrankAngle · August 9, 2019 - 5:59 am ·

Had to come by one more time to see the Dynamic Duo before the blog break. Good luck with those time travelers! Stay cool.

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:45 am ·
  
  You as well, Frank. Enjoy. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
quiall · August 9, 2019 - 6:05 am ·

OOOH!! That is intriguing! I’ll read it for sure!

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:44 am ·
  
  Thank you, Pamela.
  
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Billy Ray Chitwood · August 9, 2019 - 6:19 am ·

Quiet is good! Your ‘newbie’ sounds like a winner! ♥♥

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:44 am ·
  
  Thank you, Billy Ray. 😊
  
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Dan Antion · August 9, 2019 - 6:38 am ·

A very good thing indeed!

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:43 am ·
  
  😁
  
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roughwighting · August 9, 2019 - 6:51 am ·

IMAGINATION is key for a writer, and I’d say you have it in spades. Isn’t it fun, when we let it go? I like your synopsis here, John, Keep going!

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:43 am ·
  
  Thank you, Pamela.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Yallowitz · August 9, 2019 - 7:30 am ·

That sounds like a really cool story. Pretty unique too.

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:42 am ·
  
  Thank you, Charles.
  
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Dale · August 9, 2019 - 7:35 am ·

You been smoking that funny stuff? If not, well, don’t start! Your imagination has gone wild with this one and I can’t wait for more.
Have a fabulous weekend, John. I’m off! But I’ll come back to snoop…

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:41 am ·
  
  Good deal. Have a great time. Take photos (like you wouldn’t right?)
  
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  1. Dale · August 11, 2019 - 3:56 pm ·
    
    Had a great time. No WiFi!!! Talk about feeling cut off 😉
    Lots of pics to show in a post coming up, though 😉
    
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    1. John W. Howell · August 11, 2019 - 4:31 pm ·
      
      Welcome back. Glad you have photos
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Dale · August 11, 2019 - 4:37 pm ·
      
      I do! One of which shall make it to WW on Marc’s Sorryless 😉
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · August 11, 2019 - 8:10 pm ·
      
      YAY
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Marie A Bailey · August 9, 2019 - 7:46 am ·

Oh, my, so this is what happens when you can write in peace and quiet! Happy Friday, John 😘

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 8:38 am ·
  
  Thanks, Marie. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie · August 9, 2019 - 8:45 am ·

With all that’s going on in your world, you’re still managing to get 1,000 words a day day?!? I’m totally impressed, John — well done! By the way, did you end up taking a break to play tug-of-toy with Twiggy??

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:46 pm ·
  
  I play tug-of-war at least five times a day. She loves me to drag her around the floor while she holds on to the toy with a bulldog grip.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Debbie · August 9, 2019 - 5:51 pm ·
    
    Strengthens her jaws. (And gives the writer an excuse for a break!)
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 7:45 pm ·
      
      All good reasons. Thanks, Debbie.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Staci Troilo · August 9, 2019 - 9:01 am ·

This one sounds like it would be a blast to write. Wishing you all the best with it.

Try to stay cool.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:44 pm ·
  
  Blast and a lot of research.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Staci Troilo · August 9, 2019 - 1:18 pm ·
    
    I love research. But I might be in the minority on that one.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 4:09 pm ·
      
      I think so. 😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · August 9, 2019 - 9:06 am ·

Funny how projects weave together. Those historical top tens seem to be influencing you. Sounds like a winner, too.

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:44 pm ·
  
  I think you are right. I was a history minor in college and have always liked it.
  
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  1. coldhandboyack · August 9, 2019 - 3:21 pm ·
    
    I’m a history buff myself. We should pat each other on the back.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 4:06 pm ·
      
      Yes. It is true.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Teri Polen · August 9, 2019 - 9:09 am ·

You’ve got plenty of imagination, John – and that’s a good thing! Try to stay cool.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:37 pm ·
  
  You as well, Teri.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · August 9, 2019 - 9:13 am ·

Boss,

This story sounds so damned good!

You’ve got imagination, in bushels.

Happy Friday!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:37 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Marc.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · August 11, 2019 - 9:10 am ·
    
    Thank you good sir.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · August 11, 2019 - 4:51 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
The Coastal Crone · August 9, 2019 - 9:25 am ·

Wow and wow! Austin’s weirdness is getting to you. These are wild characters that are pushing that word count. Stay cool!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:37 pm ·
  
  The characters are pretty wild, Jo. Yes keep me weird.
  
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Teagan R. Geneviene · August 9, 2019 - 10:00 am ·

John, my jaw dropped as you continued to describe this story! It’s going to be fantastic! A lovely Johnku as well. TGIF hugs!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:36 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Teagan. I hope it is a good one.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
guyportman · August 9, 2019 - 10:44 am ·

Another apt John ku, John. Pleased to hear that you are on course with your writing.

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:34 pm ·
  
  Thak you, Guy. Happy weekend to you.
  
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D.L. Finn, Author · August 9, 2019 - 12:08 pm ·

I’m loving the sound of this story John. Nice blend of history and paranormal. Makes sense the devil doesn’t want people to know what he’s up to. Have a great weekend

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:32 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Denise. 😀
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
robertawrites235681907 · August 9, 2019 - 12:14 pm ·

It really is hot, John. I think we are going to have a very hot summer too. So unbearable. Our winter is gone and it is already in the high twenties and it is still technically winter and not even sprint.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 12:31 pm ·
  
  Yeah, global warming is like that. Thanks, Robbie.
  
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Jan Sikes · August 9, 2019 - 2:15 pm ·

What a great premise for a story, John. It’s like a combination paranormal time travel book! I can’t wait to read it. I love the JohnKu!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 4:09 pm ·
  
  I guess it is a paranormal time travel story. I’ll have to figure out what genre it is when I’m done.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Vashti Q · August 9, 2019 - 3:44 pm ·

A great imagination is a necessary thing for a writer and boy do you have one. The fundamental premise of your story is fascinating, John! I’m very intrigued. Happy writing! 😀

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 4:05 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Vashti.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
shoreacres · August 9, 2019 - 4:09 pm ·

I can’t help wondering if you’ve ever tuned in to a late night AM radio show called Ground Zero. It’s hosted by a guy named Clyde Lewis, and on the oddness scale, it’s right up there. I don’t know how you could fit it into the plot of your new work, but believe me — it would make the Devil himself seem like an innocuous suburbanite!

Stay cool, and enjoy your weekend!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 4:16 pm ·
  
  I have never heard the show. I’m not to worried about the oddness scale. I usually tip it to the max. Thanks, Linda.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. shoreacres · August 9, 2019 - 4:19 pm ·
    
    I must say, the tipping you’ve done so far is intriguing. It will be fun to see where it leads.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 4:33 pm ·
      
      😀
      
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Luanne · August 9, 2019 - 4:34 pm ·

That sounds like an interesting story, John!

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 4:58 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Luanne.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · August 9, 2019 - 4:54 pm ·

Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
I am leaving you tonight with a teaser from John Howell about his new book…I will give you a clue.. the Devil is in the detail.. I have enjoyed all of John’s books to date and I am sure this will be no exception to that rule.

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1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 4:58 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Sally
  
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dgkaye · August 9, 2019 - 7:13 pm ·

What an eclectic mix of time frames. You have my attention John, lol. Stay cool! 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 7:44 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Debby.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. dgkaye · August 10, 2019 - 12:19 pm ·
    
    Pleasure John 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Mae Clair · August 9, 2019 - 7:20 pm ·

I’d say your JohnKu is perfect considering your latest WIP. Your imagination is soaring with this one, John. I love the different time frames. Happy writing!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 9, 2019 - 7:44 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Mae.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Na'ama Yehuda · August 9, 2019 - 9:16 pm ·

Well, at least they ain’t none of them gettin’ bored along the way. … 🙂
What a fun photo, and teaser, and just … well … fun.
Stay cool!!!
It’s been warm in NYC earlier in the summer but not as warm now (and yeah, we ain’t in the 100s so no complaints!) 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 10, 2019 - 8:45 am ·
  
  Yes, boredom is not part of the plot. Thank you for the visit and comment.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Na'ama Yehuda · August 10, 2019 - 8:56 am ·
    
    🙂 You’re welcome, John! 🙂
    
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Jennie · August 10, 2019 - 6:56 am ·

Now, that is a fascinating story line(s). Keep us posted! Wonderful JohnKu!

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1. John W. Howell · August 10, 2019 - 8:25 am ·
  
  Will do for sure. Thanks, Jennie.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jennie · August 10, 2019 - 8:31 am ·
    
    You’re welcome, John.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
circadianreflections · August 10, 2019 - 3:54 pm ·

Hope the heat doesn’t last too long!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 11, 2019 - 8:31 am ·
  
  Me too. Looks like at least a week.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Robert Matthew Goldstein · August 11, 2019 - 1:20 am ·

John I hope the weather cools soon, and I wanna read that story. It’s sounds rich.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · August 11, 2019 - 8:20 am ·
  
  Will be out in early January. Thanks, Rob
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Robert Matthew Goldstein · August 11, 2019 - 8:00 pm ·
    
    That’s good news, John. Maybe we can update your feature or do a different feature for the release. I’ll send you an email.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · August 11, 2019 - 8:04 pm ·
      
      Sounds good.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Robert Matthew Goldstein · August 11, 2019 - 8:24 pm ·
      
      I get that out tomorrow morning.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person