“Go ahead and ask.”
“Ask what?”
“If it’s Friday?”
“Is it Friday yet?”
“Nope still Monday.”
“Lucy your nose is growing.”
Friday is here again, and I’m sure Twiggy is delighted. For whatever reason, she is always pleased to see the weekend roll around. I mean, it’s not like The Producer, and I are working full time or are not chained to the house. So I guess it is not our presence but something else.
I was blown away by the number of volunteers for the launch of Eternal Road – The final stop. I’m so grateful to everyone and am looking forward to the start. Thank you all again.
The e-book and paper formatting is done, so now it is a matter of going on to KDP and setting up the books. This is my 6th rodeo, and so far, I’m still in the publishing saddle. Not sure if I’m going to do preorder or not. I do know the initial price for the e-book will be $0.99. That price will last for 30 days, then it is up to $2.99. I believe the lowest cost should be at the intro to reward the folks who buy early. I tend to grit my teeth when I rush out and pay full price for a book only to have the author run a $0.99 sale shortly after launch. Yes, there may be discounts down the road, but I double-dog guarantee none for at least a year. I know this may fly in the face of conventional wisdom, but I think it is the right thing to do.
There is not much more to say about the virus. We now have a full-fledged mess on our hands, and I hope someday it will prove to be temporary. Leadership is nonexistent. In case you think I’m talking about one party or another, I’m not. I’m talking about anyone even remotely connected to the political process. Yes, Democrats and Republicans, I’m talking about you. I am so tired of hearing how the other side has mishandled everything that I think it’s time for you to get a grip and do something to help. None of us give a crap about blame anymore. There is enough to go around. How about taking the initiative and doing something to help? Yeah, I get it. Too much work, and it may look like you have turned sides.
Today’s JohnKu talks about finger-pointing. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.
Blame by John W. Howell © 2020
We should remember,
Someone pointing a finger. . .
Has three pointing back.
Fiction Favorites 
I’m with you on this topic. It’s become so ugly that I fear what lies ahead. Folks like me resort to silence and prep…for the unthinkable. If ever there was a time for prayer, it is now. Hug your pups, they have more wisdom than the collective. ♥ At least we can look forward to your latest/greatest. 🙂
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Thank you, Gwen. I hope people wake up and demand that leaders grow up. I think prayer is the only way here. Maybe if enough pray for adult leadership it will happen. Have a great weekend. ❤️
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Great haiku today, John. I wholeheartedly agree with all you’ve said. My rule of thumb is that before you complain or apportion blame, see if you have an answer yourself. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Have a great weekend 🙂
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You are a rare person, Harmony. We can only hope more get to that spot before it is too late. Have a super weekend as well. 😁
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Terrific JohnKu today, John. I totally agree. No matter the party, these politicians want to run on issues rather than try to resolve anything. It’s so sad. I’m with Gwen…we need to pray for our country. On a lighter note, I love the caption under the girl’s photo. 🙂 Happy Friday!
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It is there to balance the opinion of this post. I’m thinking of asking Twiggy and Lucy to run for Congress. They would be a definate improvement. Thanks, Jill. Have a super Friday as well. 😊
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It’s definitely a mess. School plans are starting to be made around here. Looks like I’m going back in full-time with no remote days like other districts. Needless to say, I’m really nervous about September now.
Congrats on all the volunteers.
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I would worry too. Take a half gallon jug of sanitizer with you. Good luck. 😊
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I’ll have a small one in my pocket. Just really hope those making the plan are right.
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I hope so too.
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A mess indeed, and sadly no apparent end in sight. Still, the weekend brings a bit of joy…old habits die hard. 😉
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Joy is where you find it, Lori. Thanks. 😊
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I truly think that a book collection of all your JohnKus would be a bestseller.
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Thank you, Lynne. Might be time to consider that for sure. 😁
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Couldn’t agree more! 😊
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Hahaha. Thank you, Harmony. ❤️
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Every Friday makes you closer to the elections, dear John. Lucy & Twiggy will participate in voting together with their friends & their own party will win. How strange to correlate the concept “a party” -a feast & “a party” – a political party… ! 🙂
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I have often wondered how the words political and party got together. Parties are all about joy and celebration. Certainly not connected with anything political. Thanks, Maria.
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Oh well, my dear friend…for them they are joy & celebration. 🙂 Absurdity rules the world nowadays. 🙂
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Yes it does, Maria. Thanks.
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I, too, agree with you about the mess we’re in. Watching these [expletive deleted] play politics with people’s lives is beyond abhorrent.
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I so agree, Liz. Thank you. 😊
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You’re welcome.
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Your opinion of the politicians is spot-on, John!!
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Thanks, GP. This whole assault (disease and otherwise) on our country makes me sick.
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You are not alone!
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Thanks, GP.
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Excellent! John, you are right on target with this. So many people are pointing out what others aren’t doing. It’s maddening.
I hope you all enjoy the weekend as much as Twiggy.
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I hope you enjoy your weekend as well, Dan. 😊
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It seems your WIP is doing well, John. We just finished another 10-day lockdown here. Have a great weekend. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. You as well.
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True through and through, John — post and Johnku. It’s exciting that you have another book launch nearly here! I hoped to be doing final edits to my November novel by now… In stead I’m only about halfway through the writing. Oh well — there are those 3 fingers pointing back at me. 😉 Hugs on the wing.
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I have found that you need to take all the time necessary and be kind to yourself, Teagan. Hugs.
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Well said, John – I completely agree.
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Thanks, Teri
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Looking at the comments, most seemed to overlook your release plans. I like your idea about 99¢ for 30 days and may try it myself. It will be weird to raise it, because I’ll have to change the royalty section, too, but it sounds worthy.
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Yeah, you have to go through that change but I think it is the right thing to do. Thanks, Craig. My big question now is pre-order or no pre-order. 😊
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I’ve had mixed results, and don’t see the value in the long run. It gives you a one day spike on release day. Maybe if I pre-sold a million copies that would be helpful.
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Dave Chessen has written an article on this. I have to find it and read it.
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Outstanding JohnKu, and so very true! I think we’re ALL tired of this whole mess by now. Politicizing it doesn’t help. Yes, it’s an election year, but the choices aren’t ideal, are they? Cleaning the swamp seems like the only solution — and that means every last politician. Sacrifice the good for the greater good, or something like that. Thank you *bowing down from my soapbox* (Best wishes on the launch!)
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Yes the choices are the devil you know or the devil you don’t. A very scary situation.
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Oh my goodness, John! You nailed it. I am sick of both parties and am DONE with anything relating to politics. It’s all a bunch of BS, but it’s affecting every life. When will they wake up and actually SEE what they are doing to our beautiful country? Great JohnKu and Congrats on the new launch! I think you’ve got a winner with “Eternal Road!” Oh yes, and I agree about the 99 cent launch.
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Thank you, Jan. Gotta wonder where we are headed.
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All well said!
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Thanks, Billy Ray
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Blaming gets no results. What seems like common sense to me isn’t being talked about or acted on. Hate and fear is promoted. Its depressing…and hard to take in.
Congrats on your upcoming releae, John. Excited for you!
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Thank you, Denise. 😁
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I’m excited about the launch of Eternal Road, John! I love your JohnKu! It’s so true. I’m tired of this situation too. Have a great day! ❤
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Thank you, Vashti. ❤️
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Your JohnKu is perfect and something I often say.
And yes. FFS already. Stop finger-pointing and start doing! We don’t care which party does. Actually, why don’t you do a crazy thing and work together? There is power in numbers and the time wasted doing nothing is just making things worse.
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I think the hatred for Trump has all but neutralized the Democrats. It’s been going on for four years and as a result nothing gets done. The retaliation of the Republicans has put them in the same position. It is a sad thing for sure. Thanks, Dale.
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Neither side seems to realize we are all in this together. Great john-ku. TGIF to you and all your girls! Cheers!
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Thank you, Jo. Have a super weekend.😁
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Congrats on the coming book, John, and great point about pricing. I have one coming out in August (yikes) and will be doing the same with the $.99 ebook. And we’ve been watching the tragic news about Texas as our numbers go up too. My heart goes out to your state. Stay safe and have a peaceful weekend with the pups.
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Stay safe as well, Diana. Thanks for the encouragement.
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My Aussie heart aches for all of my friends caught up in the revolving nightmare. I’m thankful each day that we have had such strong and united leadership here. There will always be those that think only in the moment and give zero consideration to the possible repercussions of their reckless behavior. I pray for all of us.
On a brighter note, I agree 100% on the 30 day $0.99 cent pricing to launch the eBook. The launch of a new book is always such an exciting time. I look forward to learning more about Eternal Road.
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I’m glad your leaders know what they are doing Soooz. Yes the discount up front make sense.
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I finally decided to watch news after days of avoiding it, and had to turn it off because of the finger pointing. I wish the powers-that-be would just unite to the benefit our country. Guess I’ll be avoiding news again for the foreseeable future. 😦
Congrats on all you’re accomplishing with The Eternal Road. I’m looking forward to the release. Have a great weekend, John!
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Like I never look at my stock portfolio, I don’t watch the news. I am so happy in my fat and dumb profile. Thank you for the nice words on the launch.
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Another apt Johnku, John. We have ongoing concerns about the virus over here too. I’m worried about another Lockdown. As for the US, it’s evidently utter chaos for the most part as you predicted. I think your 99c launch idea is a good one; I’m going to do the same thing. Look forward to getting my discounted copy of ‘Eternal Road’.
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Thank you, Guy. Eternal Road has a quirkiness that you might like.
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Hi John, I’m also sick of the blame game and hate politics for that very reason. And of all times, now it’s only made things a million times more difficult. Your John-ku is excellent.
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Thank you, Barbara. I wish I had an answer.
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Excellent JohnKu, John, and I totally agree with all you said. People are so quick to blame, and yet they offer no solution. It’s a mess out there, and sadly, I think we’ll be in this state regarding the virus for another year. Even when the vaccine comes out, everyone won’t have access. Then there are those who will choose not to be vaccinated. So many nuances. I’m happy you received an abundance of support for your book and look forward to reading and helping. Happy weekend regardless!
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Thank you, Lauren. Have a super Sunday.
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After the initial overwhelmed release of my book, I really love the idea of your pricing structure on your 6th rodeo. A 99c start then up the price. I did the opposite (because I was advised by KDP and I knew shit going in), but now I’m really sad that my actual LOYAL friends and readers had to pay full price, while casual-Larry may end up getting it on sale one day. Yours – to me – seems a very fair, rewarding strategy.
So glad to hear a bit about the virus over there. Here in Aus (especially in my state – Victoria) we don’t get much news about the rest of the world because we’re smack bang in the middle of our second wave. In fact, it’s tipped we’re about to head into Stage 4 restrictions again in Victoria next week. Doesn’t bother me. My job is safe, and it just means I can get some reading/writing done in peace.
Stay safe my friend.
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Yeah I had to figure this out on my own. The 99c intro gived the author a lot of leeway. You would be surprised how many folks hold off because authors tend to run a free or 99c deal within a couple on months of launch. Stay well given your ramped up virus, Jessica.
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I’ll give it a try next release 😊
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I’m also trying to figure out pre-order or not pre-order and how to keep my feet safe from my own bullets. 😁
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If you figure out either, let me know 😏
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It is looking like the pre-order path has some downside if you are not famous, have a large following , or are a marketing guru with an unbeatable launch plan. More later.
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Yeah, I can see it would work really well if you’re Stephen King Jnr… maybe not so much Jessica Bakkers…
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Or John Howell.
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🙂
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Your JohnKu is brilliant. I need to remember it. Our founding fathers would be appalled at politics. That could be a long laundry list. Shame on both parties. As for the pandemic, I just read an article that reminds people this is much like the polio scare in the late 40’s. Everyone had to stay inside, and the cause was a mystery. I remember much of this. I hope the vaccine will be as successful and important as the polio vaccine.
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Yes. Late August was a time when we were not allowed to go swimming. I remember those days as well. Thanks, Jennie.
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I remember being in the first wave of children to get the polio shot. The long line, oh the long line. The swimming in late summer was a big scare for everyone. Best to you, John.
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It was a scare for sure. I think I got my polio vaccine in a sugar cube. I was pre-shot. Kids in 1955 got shots.
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I was the shot kid in 1955. But, the sugar cube came a few years later. I remember that well, too. They came to the schools.
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Ah. You are right. Clouded memory.
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I say that about myself often. 🙂
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Hahaha.
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🙂
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