About

About this blog – I established this blog to provide a forum for the free exchange of information and ideas on fiction favorites. The primary goal of this blog is to entertain the reader with short items daily. The week has the following structure:

Sunday is a View of the Neighborhood, during which I present some photos of my community that may be interesting.

Monday is the Top Ten Things Not to Do, a list of things we should never do under the circumstances described.

Tuesday is for Anything Possible and is usually reserved for a story prompt where I point at a page in a book and the word closest to my finger is the prompt.

Wednesday is my day off

Thursday is A Little Personal. I discuss an item that is personal to me and for the last seven years it has been featuring my Dogs

Friday is a celebration of good news, and there is a haiku.

Saturday is a prompt from Linda Hill, titled, Stream of Consciousness Saturday.

I want to clarify that Fiction Favorites is a blog dedicated to humor. The stories are told in dialog without tags so the reader can become part of the action. Not everyone can read and appreciate these kinds of stories, but hopefully, you can.

About the header picture – It changes from time to time. It is currently a photo of Lake Travis taken from the end of my street.

About your comments—You can see them by clicking on the comment section of a particular subject. Please feel free to leave a comment. If you don’t want others to see it, please mark it private; otherwise, I will assume it is okay to post. I have also added a comments section on the front page to make the last five comments visible. If you don’t see yours, please go to the individual post, and it should be there.

About John W Howell – I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in particular areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling fiction stories. I have authored eight novels. I also write short stories and have had some published. My short story Cold Night Out won an honorable mention in the Writers Digest Popular Fiction Contest. I dabble in poetry and have published a few. I am trying new forms and will sneak out of the dressing room and into the water once I think one is worth reading. I am primarily a Haiku fan, and my weekly Haiku was named a JohnKu due to its lack of seasonal convention.

e-mail johnhowell.wave@gmail.com

I will continue to write; hopefully, this blog will provide entertainment and interesting thoughts.

I live in Lakeway, Texas, with my wife and our spoiled rescue pets.

 

218 comments

  1. Dina's avatar

    Thanks for visiting and following too, I really appreciate it!
    I wonder if you are very far away from my friend Pit in Karne City, in the near of Port Aransas?

    http://pitstexasexpatblog.wordpress.com/

    best regards,
    Dina

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Karne city is about one hundred Miles from me.

      Like

  2. Klausbernd's avatar

    Well, I tried hard finding a way commenting your Bram Stoker article, no way. Am I blind?
    Thanks for following my blog. I like reading your blog in the mornings after breakfast, it`s my morning treat.
    Greetings from the sunny North-Norfolk coast
    Klausbernd 🙂

    Klausbernd

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Klausbernd,
      I am sorry you had some trouble with a comment. The comment section on each post should work (at the bottom). I’ll look into it since I did get comments on Bram Stoker. It could be that WordPress has something against North-Norfolk Coasters :-). I see that you have a daytime temperature of about 15 degrees C. In South Texas we have a daytime temperature of 26.6 degrees C. Thanks for writing.
      John

      Like

  3. Klausbernd's avatar

    Hi, John,

    today it works fine because the temperature is 2 C only 😉 I like cold weather what we usually don`t have at the North-Norfolk coast.

    Thanks for your answer.
    Take care
    Klausbernd 🙂

    Like

  4. James McAllister's avatar
    jumeirajames · · Reply

    John– thanks for liking my post on Thomas Pynchon – it meant a lot to me. Seeing that you live in the Gulf was a pull-through to the stream of consciousness blog on V.
    I wrote the entire piece in one and posted it. The idea behind it is simple – there are some books that cannot be critiqued, you can only react to the work. V is as I described exactly – messy, sensual, violent, dirty and extraordinary. The only unreadable book you will ever need to read.
    Benny Profane needs to know.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Jim, I enjoyed the fresh approach; Joyce, Mailer, Miller, and scene build. Bennie Profane finds out what he needs to know. thanks for the comment and visit. John

      Like

      1. James McAllister's avatar
        jumeirajames · · Reply

        Yeah, I reckoned that a normal type of critique wouldn’t work for Pynchon’s books.

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I reckon you reckoned right. good job!!!

          Like

  5. Gwen Bristol's avatar
    minisculegiants · · Reply

    Hi, I just wanted to let you know I’m passing the Versatile Blogger Award on to you. Here’s the link to the post where I blogged about it: http://gwenbristol.com/2013/01/13/698/

    Thanks for a really great blog!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much for the honor. I will try to live up to your nomination – John

      Like

  6. Ionia Froment's avatar

    John–You won the blog contest on Readful Things:) I shall require your address so I may send you your gift card as soon as it arrives at my doorstep. You may email me at readfulthings@gmail.com

    Like

  7. sabina khan's avatar

    Hi John,

    Thank you for liking my post and for following my blog. I look forward to reading your posts.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Let me hope you enjoy. I certainly will yours.-John

      Like

  8. ileneonwords's avatar

    Hi John: Thanks for visiting my site today. I’m glad you enjoyed the posting for National Poetry Month!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I did enjoy it and will look forward to more. Thanks for the visit as well.-John

      Like

  9. ileneonwords's avatar

    Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you as well. I always enjoy your posts

      Like

  10. Kelly Hibbert's avatar

    I don’t do poetry well either, John. Some people seemed to like mine. Maybe you should put one of yours on display and see what people think?!
    Kelly.

    Like

  11. melissajanda's avatar

    John, thanks for the follow. I was immediately drawn to your post on Austin Boxer Rescue. A woman who worked for them found our beloved boxer, Scout, while we were at work. He had gotten out and ventured onto the highway near our property. He was struck in the head by a passing vehicle. It killed him instantly. I just blogged about him earlier this week since the 22nd was the anniversary of his death. 9 years later and it’s still so painful. I will be forever thankful to the woman from ABR because we may not have ever known what had happened to him and been able to bury him. Must stop now, too many tears to see the screen.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Oh Melissa,
      I totally understand. I am so sorry for your loss and believe me time has no relevance to grief. I see so many boxers that have not had the love that you obviously gave yours. I hope you can find peace in the fact that Scott had a good home and was doing what all Boxers do. They want to see the entire world and won’t let a fence or door stand in the way. It is so tough sometimes.

      Like

      1. melissajanda's avatar

        He definitely had a zest for life. He found enjoyment in the little things. Makes me smile just thinking about all the silly things he did. We can learn a lot about how to live from our pets 🙂

        Like

  12. Magpie's avatar
    Aashuli · · Reply

    thankyou to u too for following my blog, i am really enjoying your posts!

    Like

  13. Magpie's avatar
    Aashuli · · Reply

    my fav fiction is Pride and prejudice by jane austen and Fontain Head by Ayn rand!!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Both in my favorite category as well. (I read them many years ago but still am reminded of their power

      Like

  14. Magpie's avatar
    Aashuli · · Reply

    true, they are my all time favourite and they are classics too 🙂

    Like

  15. […] I mentioned that I needed a vacation after the school holidays. A massive thank you to John (my hero) because now I’m off to the Gulf […]

    Like

  16. melissajanda's avatar

    Hi John! I nominated you for the Best Moment Award. Please stop by my blog and check out the details. Here is the link:
    http://melissajanda.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/the-best-moment-award/
    Congrats!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Melissa,
      Thank you so much for the nomination. I will comply with the rules unless it involves cleaning stalls. Congrats to you as well

      Like

  17. redshortcomings's avatar

    Thank you for stopping by my blog! It’s great to see you reading!!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      And writing. Thanks for the comment and visit

      Like

  18. Barbara's avatar

    Have you ever had the occasion to read any of Diana Galbaldon books? The Outlander series is the best writing I have ever come across. She is so descriptive that you actually feel like you are standing in the picture. My mother 90 is right behind me in this series and she too is mesmerized with her storytelling abilities. I have lots of favourite authors but currently this is # 1 on my list. I have read now all 10 of her books and waiting for the next one.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have not but will try to fit her in when I have some time. Currently running way behind

      Like

      1. Barbara's avatar

        It is hard to get to read everything out there especially if you are writing books yourself. Good Luck with your new one.

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          48,000 words and rising

          Like

  19. Katie Sullivan's avatar

    Compelling has to be one of my most favorite words to describe what I want to do, or how I want to participate (in life, groups, what-have-you). I look forward to reading more of your posts, and thank you for stopping by the D/A Dialogues, too! I feel very welcome to the RCC!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks as well. Participation is key.

      Like

  20. Sanoj Jose's avatar

    Good Posts..
    Sanoj Jose (Author, My Day Out With An Angel)

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for stopping by. Will try to get to My Day Out With An Angel

      Like

      1. Sanoj Jose's avatar

        Thank you very much for taking your valuable time to visit my humble page too.
        Peace & Love, Sanoj

        Like

  21. The Savvy Senorita's avatar

    Hello John, many thanks for dropping by ‘The Savvy Senorita’ and following my blog. I appreciate it! Bex
    P.S: I too work on fiction short stories, and also have a novel I have been working on since I left University! No publisher, though to be fair I haven’t tried to secure one – tough road isn’t it?!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is. I do have a publisher but have not finalized the contract yet. They need to sign and return. Hopefully they will

      Like

      1. The Savvy Senorita's avatar

        Well, good luck!!!!

        Like

  22. Daniel Budiarto's avatar

    Hi there. Melissa (Janda) nominated your blog so I’m here to check it out! I’m off to check your posts. 😉

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for stopping by. Went over to see you as well.

      Like

  23. words4jp's avatar

    Hi there – I am so behind – but finally wrote a thank you – for the lovely sweets!

    A Super Shining Big Thank you


    Kimberly xx

    Like

  24. Tebo's avatar

    Hello. Thank you for visiting and following my blog. I’m really looking forward to reading your material.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My pleasure. Thank you as well

      Like

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you as well

      Like

  25. Chris The Story Reading Ape's avatar

    John,
    Did you get to see my photo yet?
    I was trying an experiment to import photos from another site I have, but although I could see it, you couldn’t, so I’ve uploaded it onto my blog and everyone is seeing it OK now 🙂

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes I just answered your comment from this morning. I apologize but I need to go away from the computer *gasp*

      Like

  26. HAD A GOOD TIME BLOGGING's avatar
    prayingforoneday · · Reply

    Please accept this “Best Moments Award”
    http://prayingforoneday.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/best-moment-award-4/
    Shaun

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you. I will try to be worthy 🙂

      Like

      1. HAD A GOOD TIME BLOGGING's avatar
        prayingforoneday · · Reply

        ha ha ..
        You will do good mate..

        Like

  27. storiesbyfrances's avatar
    storiesbyfrances · · Reply

    Hi John,
    thanks for stopping by my blog. I really liked what Mae said about comments and being an asshole, don´t you?
    Guess I´ll browse through your posts now…

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I did very much. I see so many bloggers go off the path that it is good to remind folks about being kind. Thanks for the comment. Please stay as long as you wish. Care for some tea?

      Like

      1. storiesbyfrances's avatar
        storiesbyfrances · · Reply

        And a cookie, please.

        Like

  28. Allison Helps Cats's avatar

    Thanks for the visit to my blog! I enjoyed reading your bio.

    I love the water, being originally from Newfoundland. My husband loves rainstorms.

    For the past several years, my husband and I have been visiting dogs and cats in a No-Kill shelter to help socialize them. Several have gone on to be adopted! This year, we also embarked on our first fostering of a dog.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good for you. We have fostered a number of Boxers and it is really rewarding. To see them happy in a forever home after they leave you is priceless

      Like

  29. Infoplaze.Com's avatar

    Helloo sir 🙂 You are certainly one of those that has made my blog what it is. Please accept this little gift of…..SEVEN AWARDS !!! God bless you. Check it out @ justmikemon.wordpress.com/2013/07/03/yet-another-bouquet-of-awards-seven-awards/….Congratulations to you sir and have a splendid day 🙂

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tank you for this as well.

      Like

  30. Infoplaze.Com's avatar

    You’re welcome sir and tanks again 🙂

    Like

  31. Just Patty's avatar

    I nominated you for the Most Creative Blogger award!

    Award Shower! Big Time!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well thank you very much. I will try to be worthy.

      Like

      1. Just Patty's avatar

        You are welcome. And you are already worthy my friend! Hugz

        Like

  32. N. E. White's avatar

    Nice to meet you, John. 🙂

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nice meeting you as well. 🙂

      Like

  33. thelmalouisegoouttoeat's avatar
    mdog32 · · Reply

    Thanks for the follow!! Looking forward to reading more of your posts too!

    Like

  34. Dave's avatar

    Hi John. Thanks for the follow. Looking forward to reading your blog …

    Enjoyed your “About Me”, especially:

    “The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room.”

    Yeah, that’s right, that’s where my first novel belongs. I have a couple of copies. Maybe I should go stick one in front of the laundry room door 🙂

    “I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.””

    Ha ha ha ha … I have a piece of poetry that I want to post, but it I’m afraid it might meet with the same response. Oh well. I think I’ll post it anyway 🙂

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah go ahead and post. I have eliminated my self consciousness and am now actively creating. Thanks for the visit Dave.

      Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much. I will try to be worthy 🙂

      Like

  35. wepoetsshowit's avatar

    Thank you so much for dropping by wePoets. It’s much appreciated. 🙂

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nice place to visit

      Like

      1. wepoetsshowit's avatar

        Thank you we’re glad to have you here. 🙂

        Like

  36. xbox2121's avatar

    Thanks for the follow, I will do the same. Just keep in mind I am off from blogging on Wednesdays and Thursdays but I always catch up when I return 🙂

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Will do. Thanks

      Like

  37. Unknown's avatar

    […] as much time in Tuscany as Debra. The thought of writing a fictional book as Carrie, Rose, TBM, John Howell, Maddie, and H.E. Ellis is outside of my scope. I certainly won’t attempt a story of my life like […]

    Like

  38. Charlotte Hoather's avatar

    Hi John, I have really enjoyed reading through your posts. It is great to get so many great writing tips as I am only just starting out and I need all the help that I can get 🙂

    Best wishes
    Charlotte

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are so nice to say so. Welcome to the world of the insane. If I can ever help just let me know.

      Like

  39. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    I’ve learned so much and have only just now stopped by. I’ll be reading more soon. Blessings!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you. Come back soon

      Like

  40. Adrian B's avatar

    John thank you for following my blog and I am looking forward to read your blog. Please stop by my blog from time to time. Thank you Adrian B.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the message and for stopping by. I will be sure to visit often

      Like

  41. willowdot21's avatar

    Just read your gravatar …. be brave put some poetry on here , no will laugh…. if they do I will bash them, or failing that I shall send in my friend Vlad to sort them , he is an immortal Vampire bear !…….. you don’t get many of them to the pound!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much for offering Vlad. I actually have started letting folks see some poetry. I am doing Haiku primarily. In fact there is one coming up on Friday. Thanks again for the offer. You never know….

      Like

      1. willowdot21's avatar

        I shall look out for it ! 😉

        Like

  42. HAD A GOOD TIME BLOGGING's avatar
    prayingforoneday · · Reply

    John, mate, bud, I let the man team down…
    I AM SO SORRY 😦

    I AN DEEPLY SORRY!!
    This started as a joke…
    Now I have to nominate 10 people…
    ..10 men to the SISTERHOOD OF BLOGGERS 😦
    Please try and accept, it is fun, and blogging can be fun
    Here:
    http://prayingforoneday.wordpress.com/2013/11/17/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award-2/

    AGAIN, I AM DEEPLY, DEEPLY SORRY!!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I don’t know why you should be sorry. I’ll do my best.

      Like

      1. HAD A GOOD TIME BLOGGING's avatar
        prayingforoneday · · Reply

        DOING IT FOR THE MEN!!!
        Taking one for the team!!

        What a guy 😀

        lol

        Like

  43. Unknown's avatar

    […] so, John W. Howell, now you know why I have replaced my avatar. As glamourous as Miss Handbasket might have been, the […]

    Like

  44. Christina's Words's avatar
    Christina's Words · · Reply

    Figured I’d stop by to say hi after seeing Cayman write such nice things about you. I can see why he’s so fond of you.
    Wishing you all good things,
    Christy

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much. That Cayman is a prince.

      Like

  45. Jayde-Ashe's avatar

    Hi John,
    Just wanted to swing by and say a huge thank you for your support of The Paperbook Collective in 2013. It has been an honour to publish your incredible pieces, and to see what you come up with each month. It is always bound to be fantastic.
    It has been great getting to know you as a writer. I look forward to seeing more of your work in 2014!
    Happy holidays,
    Jayde.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much. You are an inspiration given the energy and dedication you have to the project. Really like to be near this kind of influence.

      Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nice. Marie you are the best

      Like

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