A Message from Me to You

June 25, 2025 · by John W. Howell · in A Little Personal · 74 Comments

Photo by Lucas van Oort on Unsplash

I have been blogging for thirteen years and have loved every minute. I originally started because I needed a platform to showcase my novels. Well, I have published eight of them and must confess that I have seldom used this blog to showcase them. Yes, when a blog tour came up, I focused on presenting those gracious enough to host me, but I have resisted the continuous “buy my book” message.

I can honestly say that my blog has been primarily for reader entertainment, not book promotions. So, with that in mind, I’m not going to change my basic blogging philosophy, which is Laughs Are Us. Instead, I have partnered with BookBub and established an Author website. There, I can brag all I want about my fine writing and talk about needing a new pair of shoes without worrying about offending my regular readers.

The site also allows me to trade free stuff for emails, leading to more free stuff and hopefully terrific information.

If you feel inclined here is the link to my author place. https://johnhowellauthor.com/ If you also feel inclined to sign up for my gossip sheet, there is a free Writer’s Digest award-winning short story in it for you. So, come see what it looks like, and sadly, there are no free drinks, but that could change someday.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Detour - On the eternal Road, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, The Last Drive

74 comments

Dan Antion · June 25, 2025 - 6:55 am · Reply→

I’ve never found your site to be advertising heavy, John and I appreciate the fact that you pay for this site, which prevents WordPress from littering it with ads that Bitdefender usually flags on other sites. I have thought about setting up a blog like the one your are beginning. I’ll follow you there, and I look forward to learning about your experience.

LikeLiked by 5 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:12 am · Reply→
  
  It was so easy. BookBub did the heavy lifting. Thanks, Dan
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
A Message from Me to You | Legends of Windemere · June 25, 2025 - 7:03 am · Reply→

[…] A Message from Me to You […]

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:33 am · Reply→
  
  Thank you, Charles.
  
  LikeLike
Darlene · June 25, 2025 - 7:10 am · Reply→

A good idea. I checked it out and it looks good.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:33 am · Reply→
  
  Thank you, Darlene.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jane Dalton · June 25, 2025 - 7:14 am · Reply→

Your blog has never felt ‘salesy’, John, and your BookBub site looks really good. Go, John, and may see you see some sales from this. Much love to you all. Xx 🩷

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:13 am · Reply→
  
  Thank you, Jane. You are very encouraging. 😀
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
lois · June 25, 2025 - 7:41 am · Reply→

But you will still be blogging, right? I mean Laughs Are Us is one of my favorites!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:34 am · Reply→
  
  Yes, still blogging. Thanks, Lois.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
T. W. Dittmer · June 25, 2025 - 8:09 am · Reply→

Very interesting, John. Your blogging is so nice that I always enjoy it.

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1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:34 am · Reply→
  
  So glad, Tim. Thank you.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. T. W. Dittmer · June 25, 2025 - 10:03 am · Reply→
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Geri Lennon · June 25, 2025 - 8:16 am · Reply→

Awesome. Lovely page. G

Geri A. Lennon

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:36 am · Reply→
  
  Hey Geri. So good to see you. 😀 Where can I get in touch?
  
  LikeLike
Susannah Bianchi · June 25, 2025 - 8:40 am · Reply→

I’d miss the girls to be sure.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:36 am · Reply→
  
  They will be here as usual. I’m just taking my selling kit on the road.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Susannah Bianchi · June 25, 2025 - 1:11 pm · Reply→
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 8:06 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLike
Dale · June 25, 2025 - 8:50 am · Reply→

You could never offend any of us. And nice page! Of course I signed up 🙂

I’ll keep seeing you here and whatever you share there.

Win, meet Win!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:37 am · Reply→
  
  Thank you, Dale. So nice to know. 😀
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dale · June 25, 2025 - 11:14 am · Reply→
    
    Of course mon ami! 🤗😘
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 8:09 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Tails Around the Ranch · June 25, 2025 - 8:55 am · Reply→

Brag away sir. We’ll follow you here, there, everywhere. Your writing is fabulous and we’d follow you through the summer heat in Texas-your writing is that good. Kudos and best wishes for continued success, John.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 9:38 am · Reply→
  
  Venturing into the Texas heat is a sacrifice that I truly appreciate, Monika. 😀
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Tails Around the Ranch · June 25, 2025 - 9:40 am · Reply→
    
    Just a testament to how much I enjoy your writing.
    
    LikeLike
equipsblog · June 25, 2025 - 10:12 am · Reply→

Wonderful to hear, John. Will need to check out the new site.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 8:39 pm · Reply→
  
  😀
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
equipsblog · June 25, 2025 - 10:25 am · Reply→

Congratulations on being picked up by Chris the Story Telling Apem. Great share.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 8:38 pm · Reply→
  
  Thank you, Pat. 😀
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Colleen Chesebro · June 25, 2025 - 10:29 am · Reply→

This is a fabulous idea, John. I should join BookBub and do the same thing. Your site looks fantastic!!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 8:30 pm · Reply→
  
  Thank you so much, Colleen.
  
  LikeLike
Jennie · June 25, 2025 - 10:31 am · Reply→

I think this is win-win. Now you have the best of both worlds.

LikeLiked by 2 people
Jacqui Murray · June 25, 2025 - 10:32 am · Reply→

I’ll check it out.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 8:10 pm · Reply→
  
  😀
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
GP · June 25, 2025 - 1:07 pm · Reply→

Great site, John; and thanks for the free story, “Cold Night Out”!!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 8:07 pm · Reply→
  
  Thanks to you for signing up. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. GP · June 26, 2025 - 6:14 am · Reply→
    
    👍
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 26, 2025 - 6:40 am ·
      
      😀
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
thomasstigwikman · June 25, 2025 - 2:15 pm · Reply→

I did not even know about your author blog. I saved it to my list of important links, but I did not see a way to follow like you can follow your blog. I have not visit Book Bub enough times to know how it works.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2025 - 8:05 pm · Reply→
  
  I have to check on how someone can follow. Thanks, Thomas
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Annette Rochelle Aben · June 25, 2025 - 5:00 pm · Reply→

Check you out, setting the standard and raising the bar!! Wishing you every good fortune with your new site.

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petespringerauthor · June 25, 2025 - 8:31 pm · Reply→

I’m pretty sure that you’re already familiar with the 80/20 rule, where 80% of your content is dedicated to entertainment or education, versus the 20% that is reserved for promotion. The blogs or websites that turn me off the most are those that violate this principle by constantly promoting their products. I appreciate that you’re not one of those types, John. Best of luck on Book Bub.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 26, 2025 - 6:37 am · Reply→
  
  I even went to 90% or less, as I so agree with you. Thanks, Pete.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Swamigalkodi Astrology · June 25, 2025 - 9:17 pm · Reply→

Interesting

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coldhandboyack · June 26, 2025 - 6:32 am · Reply→

Signed up, shared, that kind of thing. Hope it brings you positive results.

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1. John W. Howell · June 26, 2025 - 6:47 am · Reply→
  
  Thank you, Craig. I appreciate the support.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Teri Polen · June 26, 2025 - 7:04 am · Reply→

You worried me, John – I was afraid you were going to stop blogging! Off to check out the new site now.

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1. John W. Howell · June 26, 2025 - 9:08 am · Reply→
  
  No. I just need to get more airtime on the books without interfering with my regular posts.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · June 26, 2025 - 3:50 pm · Reply→

Phew!

For a minute there, I thought you were bidding us adieu!

The new joint looks great, I bookmarked it. And free drinks? You don’t need to bribe us with free drinks my man!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 26, 2025 - 4:04 pm · Reply→
  
  No way, Jose. Just need to shed a little light on my books without becoming a pain to my readers.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · June 26, 2025 - 4:10 pm · Reply→
    
    You’re never a pain. You’re always great company.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 26, 2025 - 4:13 pm ·
      
      If I yelled “Buy My Book” enough, I would be a pain. Not happening.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Sorryless · June 26, 2025 - 5:04 pm ·
      
      Hahaha!
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · June 26, 2025 - 6:04 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Traci Dowe/Kenworth · June 26, 2025 - 7:38 pm · Reply→

Signed up, John! Good luck! I’m always interested in books!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 27, 2025 - 6:44 am · Reply→
  
  Thank you, Traci. 😊
  
  LikeLike
The Coastal Crone · June 27, 2025 - 2:49 pm · Reply→

I signed up for your gossip sheet. Happy to know you will still be blogging. Good luck!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 27, 2025 - 3:19 pm · Reply→
  
  Thank you, Jo. 😊
  
  LikeLike
Traci Dowe/Kenworth · June 27, 2025 - 4:28 pm · Reply→

Great story, everyone! Not at all what I expected, not the “great” part but the story itself is just–unpredictable.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 27, 2025 - 5:46 pm · Reply→
  
  Thank you for your endorsement, Traci.
  
  LikeLike
Lauren Scott, Author · June 27, 2025 - 5:25 pm · Reply→

Great idea, John, and your site looks great! I try not to promote too often for the reasons you mentioned. I like Pete’s 80/20 rule. But I don’t have time for two sites either. So, it’s about finding a balance. Glad you’re not leaving blogland. 🙂

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 27, 2025 - 5:53 pm · Reply→
  
  Thanks, Lauren.
  
  LikeLike
kethuprofumo · June 29, 2025 - 8:38 am · Reply→

My congratulations, dear John! A good site is essential nowadays. Besides, WordPress policy is strange ricently. To get a good plan is getting expensive. I have also made another site for my articles. I’m very happy. It looks serious, doesn’t depend on Etsy & has the SEO. I apologize for a stupid question: how can I follow you? Is it the newsletter to subscribe? Good luck & good sales. Please, keep in mind, Google Ads. It should work for you.🍾🥂👍🌞🍻🍤🍤🍤

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 29, 2025 - 9:59 am · Reply→
  
  It is a static site, Maria. One cannot follow. Yes, the newsletter is a way to stay in touch with author stuff. But if you’d rather, my regular site is enough.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. kethuprofumo · June 29, 2025 - 11:13 am · Reply→
    
    I shall join the newsletter. I’m studying the digital marketing now, so I know that this is important for the site promotion. 😎😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 29, 2025 - 11:28 am ·
      
      Yes, it is. We’ll see what happens.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Resa · June 29, 2025 - 3:40 pm · Reply→

Okay.. well, I will check out the new site for book bragging.

John, not sure what I’ll do about it, but I will always be here!

OX

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · June 29, 2025 - 3:55 pm · Reply→
  
  You get a free story for signing up for a newsletter.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. Resa · June 29, 2025 - 9:45 pm · Reply→
    
    I have it!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 30, 2025 - 6:50 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLike
July 7, 2025 – Loleta Abi Sweet, Suspenseful and Fantasy Romances · July 8, 2025 - 6:00 am · Reply→

[…] 2. Fiction Favorites: https://johnwhowell.com/2025/06/25/a-message-on-a-wednesday/ […]

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1. John W. Howell · July 8, 2025 - 7:35 am · Reply→
  
  Thank you for the link, Traci.
  
  LikeLike
2. John W. Howell · July 8, 2025 - 4:52 pm · Reply→
  
  Thank you for the link, Traic
  
  LikeLike