It works this way. I open a book at random and point to the page. The word or words closest to my finger becomes the prompt. Today I opened The Last Drive randomly to page 49. My finger was closest to the word ‘was.’ Since it was part of a quote, I decided to use the whole sentence.
Was He Young or Old? by John W. Howell © 2023
“How do I know?”
“Let’s not make this more difficult.”
“I don’t know anything.”
“Look, you were the only one there when the store was held up. Surely you can give me that simple description.”
“Sorry, but I didn’t get your name.”
“Detective Simpson.”
“Okay, detective. Have you ever looked down the barrel of a 357 magnum?”
“So that was the kind of gun he was using?”
“The point is, sir, I’m not even sure it was a he let alone old or young.”
“Yeah can be pretty scary. Was the face covered?”
“All I saw was the sight on the front of that gun, and I emptied the register and got on the floor like he said.”
“So it was a male.”
“Now that I think about it, the voice sounded like a male.”
“Young voice or old voice?”
“Youngish, I guess.”
“About your age, do you think?”
“I suppose.”
“Was he a friend of yours?”
“What makes you ask that?”
“The security company just sent me the video feed and you two look pretty friendly.”
“Vido feed? I thought the system was down.”
“Your boss wanted you to think that. He’s suspected you of petty theft for a while. So now it looks like grand larceny. Who is your accomplice?”
“You have the video. You find him.”
“Won’t be hard.”
“Why’s that.”
“Looks like he dropped his driver’s license in all the excitement. According to his address you and he are roommates.”
“I want a lawyer.”
“I think you’re going to need one.”
Fiction Favorites 
That took a turn. I think. Heard a lot of stories about criminals leaving their ID at crime scenes.
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I know. What is up with that?
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In modern America this is completely believable.
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Everyday. Thanks, Craig.
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Awesome.
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Thank you, Lauren.
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Maybe he could argue it was a fake ID?
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That’s a good one, Jill. I’ll pass it on to his lawyer.
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing, Michael.
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So it happend. 😉 xx Michael
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Yup. 😁
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Ah, the old inside job. I love, John.
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I’m fond of you, John, but that was supposed to be, “I love it, John.”
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You know I read it as “I love it.” Funny what the eye does. Thanks, Dan
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Always the best, kind
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Gotta love such a well-executed plan, right? lol
Nicely done, John.
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Yes you do. Thanks, Staci. 😁
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Some people just don’t think things through. I think he is going to see some jail time.
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He and the roommate. Thanks, Michele.
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Oooh, what a great way to decide on an excerpt. (I always have trouble with that.) And what an amazing one you landed on. I did not see that twist coming when I started to read. Man, I need to bump this book up higher on the teetering TBR pile. (Can eBooks be said to “teeter?”)
REALLY enjoyed this one, John! And learned a great new trick, too. Thanks! 😀 ❤
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Yes, e-books can teeter. Thanks, Marcia.
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What a twist, John, like a mountain road! Good one!
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Thank you, Tim. Glad you liked it.
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Goes to show.. you give ’em enough rope to hang themselves, they will! Excellent and fun story created out of that one line, John!
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Thank you, Dale. Glad you liked it.
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Very much so!
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😊
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Time to negotiate a better deal than the robber gets!
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Might be time to put on the rat suit.
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Oh dear! Always check the camera
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If you are going to steal, a good idea.
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love how it works John! ❣️
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Thank you Cindy. I’m glad you like it.
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Good story! I’ve heard it said for years that crooks are dumb. It’s true in this story. 🤣 I’m not sure a lawyer is going to help that much.
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Well…maybe a plea deal.
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Very clever detective, not so smart criminal. A good one, John.
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Thanks, Karen.
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Ha! Ha! Yep. Better call Saul!
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Yes indeed.
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Ha! Good one, John — and most likely it has really happened too.
I think I’ll try your prompt method. I haven’t been able to write for 5 days, and the next serial episode has to be written. Hugs.
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Go back to that stream of consciousness you wrote and do a recap. (A so called level setting exercise)
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I actually did something similar last week (and scheduled it for a post tomorrow) before I wrote that comment. So I worked a bit of that into the post. No writing today, but the kitchen sink is busted again. Third time…
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That is a shame.
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LOL!!! Haha, and you know what? That isn’t fiction! Police chased a guy into our front yard. He got out of his car and ran to the backyard (over the gate) and then over the wall to escape. He left his wallet behind on the ground . . . . (we were not home)
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Goodness. What a dope.
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I know. Or drunk.
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Ha ha ha
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Great story, John. I love the twist at the end. Well done! 😄
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Thank you, Gwen. 😁
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Oh, the arrogance of youth. There’s probably an app for that.
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I’m sure there is. Thanks, Pam
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Someone is ALWAYS watching.
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Always.
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Oops . . . Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
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Yes it did.
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Brilliant, John! Had me laugh aloud by the end 😁 Bravo! Hugs 🤗💕🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. Glad you liked it.😁
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Oh, boy. John, you nailed this prompt!
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I’m glad you liked it, Jennie
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😀
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