Author: John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. 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.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

Book Review: The Last Drive by John Howell

~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

I was surprised and so pleased by Tim Dittmer’s excellent review of The Last Drive that I want to share it with you. Tim has written one of the best books I have read, Valley Walker. It is a fantastic blend of adventure and mystical fiction. It would be worth checking out. Thank you so much for this review, Tim.

T. W. Dittmer's avatarT. W. Dittmer

I recently finished reading John Howell’s The Last Drive and was so impressed I wanted to share my review.

The Cover

Here’s my review:

This sequel to “Eternal Road the Final Stop” is engrossing, with an absorbing plot and a great ending.

James and Sam (Samantha) are angels. At the request of the Archangel Michael, they take on the task of rescuing two souls on the Eternal Road who have disappeared. The two lost souls are newly deceased Ryan Sanders, a heroic Air Force fighter pilot, and his guide Eddie Rickenbacker, the famous World War I fighter pilot.

As in Final Road, their task takes them on a journey to many renowned events in history and into the future. The historical events are thoroughly researched and presented artfully. The group also comes face to face with the Devil, who is determined to take their souls into…

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Saturday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Check the Plants

~ John W. Howell ~ 132 Comments

“Little One. Did you see this Fig tree?”

“Yeah. It’s getting some new leaves.”

“Well, that’s not good. There’s more cold coming.”

“Don’t you think the fig knows what it’s doing?”

“I’m not so sure. These crazy winters have most plants confused.”

“These begonias seem to be doing sorta okay.”

“Yeah, for now. Wait till a freeze hits.”

“These roses are getting new leaves too.”

“I sure hope they aren’t sorry. I’m going over to the patio.”

“What’s over there?”

“There were a bunch of flowers in pots. I want to make sure they aren’t budding as well.”

“If they are, what are you going to do?”

“Well, they’re not, so your question doesn’t need an answer.”

“Lucky for you, ’cause I don’t think you had an answer.”

“You may be right. How about we play in the yard.”

“I see a bud here, Lucy. What are we going to do?”

“You know everyone dislikes a wise guy.”

“Good thing I’m a girl, then.”

“How about a game of hide and seek?”

“Great, you’re it.”

“One one thousand, two one thousand….”

“No peeking.”

The Last Drive Tour with Teri Polen

~ John W. Howell

Teri Polen is helping spread the word about The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

As most of you know, Teri is the host of Bad Moon Rising a blogging event held in October. Teri has four books published by Black Rose Writing. She is also one of thirteen authors in a short story anthology. You can get more information about her books at her Author Page on Amazon.

A little more about Teri in her words.

Several years back, a friend told me I should read the Harry Potter series – I think the third one was out by then.  I laughed, saying they were for kids, but she convinced me to give them a try, and for that, I’ll always be thankful.  Reading YA opened up a whole new world for me, and I haven’t looked back.

Some of my favorite things in life are books (no romance), music (preferably alt/rock and absolutely no country), movies (rarely chick flicks), red wine (no merlot), and dark chocolate (please don’t add any fruit to what is already perfection).   On the flip side of that, I strongly dislike the color pink and loathe shopping – unless it’s in a bookstore or someplace I can buy movies, music, wine, or chocolate.  That being said, it’s pretty evident why my female friends think I’m a  little strange.

Teri’s latest – Click for Amazon.

Thank you, Teri, for helping spread the word.

I have closed comments to keep your comments on Teri’s post as original as possible.

The Last Drive Tour with Gwen Plano

~ John W. Howell

I am excited to talk about The Last Drive with Gwen Plano today. You can visit Gwen’s Post HERE.

I have known Gwen since we were paired to do interviews and inspirational discussions on Blog Talk Radio. During our association, Gwen and I decide to take a crack at writing an action thriller. We wrote one, and then Gwen went on to write two more. These books became known as The Contract Series. Before The Contract Series, Gwen wrote her award-winning memoir, Letting Go Into Perfect Love. You can read more about her books on Gwen’s Amazon page.

Here is also some interesting information from Gwen’s bio in her words.

As for my professional background, I am a retired educator. I taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. My academic background is a bit unusual, but it has served me well. I graduated with honors in nutrition from San Diego State University. I was awarded a master’s degree in theology from the University of the State of New York’s Maryknoll Seminary and then received a master’s in counseling from Iona College. Finally, I earned a doctorate in higher education from Columbia University.

Gwen’s latest – Click for Amazon.

Thank you for supporting the launch of The Last Drive, Gwen.

The comments are closed so you can deliver truth and light on Gwen’s post without having to remember what you wrote on mine.

The Last Drive Tour with Staci Troilo

~ John W. Howell

Today I’m with Staci Troilo, who has graciously given me the opportunity to talk about my latest book, The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

 

 

I have known Staci to be an excellent blogger and author. She is also a member of Story Empire, and that association gave me insight into Staci’s big-heartedness and sense of humor, as well as her desire to help her fellow authors. I understand she calls on her Italian heritage to produce killer recipes.

Here is her bio in her own words.

I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, writing stories and poetry in my free time, so no one was surprised when I became a writing major in college. After receiving creative and professional writing degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, I went on to get my Master’s Degree in Professional Writing, and I worked in corporate communications until I had my children. Now I’m a freelance writer and editor and spend many of my days happily immersed in fictional worlds.

Staci is also a prolific novelist who has 23 titles to her credit. You can see them all on her Amazon Page

Staci’s Latest -Click for Amazon

Thank you, Staci, for having me today.

I have closed the comments so that all your words will be conserved for Staci’s post.

The Last Drive Tour with Jan Sikes

~ John W. Howell

I am pleased to be hosted by Jan Sikes today on The Last Drive tour. You can visit Jan’s post HERE.

 

Jan and I have been colleagues and friends since we published our debut Novel. I first met Jan in an author’s club and was taken by her passion for writing. Now that she has seventeen titles, she has never lost that passion. You can go to her Amazon page and see all her books.

Here is Jan’s bio in her words

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. I still remember the excitement that surged through me the first time I realized I could decipher words. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.

Oddly enough, I never had any ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music to match the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.

Wrong!

The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain.

I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.

I am a member of the Author’s Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, Story Empire, and the Paranormal Writer’s Guild. I am an avid fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.

Jan’s Latest -Click for Amazon

Thank you, Jan, for helping spread the word about The Last Drive.

I have closed the comments so that all your fine words can be spent on Jan’s post.

Top Ten Things Not to Do On Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday

~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments
Photo by Clay Banks – Unsplash

 

It has been 95 years since Martin Luther King Jr was born. Today we celebrate his birth, although the actual day was January 15th. Today’s Top Ten is focused on just one thing not to do. Do not hate your neighbor, and learn from Dr. King’s non-violent approach to change.

I wish for a day of peace that will become so comfortable that it extends into a week, then a month, then a year. Who knows? It could last a lifetime.

Let’s hope Dr. King’s example serves to guide our behavior going forward.

Views of the Neighborhood – GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT – Part I

~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Today we are going on a scavenger hunt sponsored by Lakeway Parks and Recreation. It is titled the GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT, and here is a description by the city. Happy New Year, Lakeway! It’s a “good time” to celebrate the start of 2023 with Parks & Recreation! As you walk the lower level of Lakeway City Park, you will find 26 clocks along the trail. Each clock has a letter and number that corresponds to the hidden answer key. Solve the secret message and win a prize!

We are being catered by Canje Caribbean of Austin. Our entertainment is Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing.

Menu

Striped Bass

Tamarind, Rum Butter, Green Mango, Papaya 

Acorn Squash

Coconut Choka, Passion Fruit, Black Beans

Curry Wagyu Beef

Rutabaga, Coconut Milk, Chili Oil 

Wild Boar Pepper Pot

Cassareep, Orange Peel, Ginger 

Grilled Pork Guisado

Berkshire Pork Chop, Tomato, Tomato 

Jerk Chicken

½ Heritage Chicken, Ginger Pineapple Glaze

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get rolling. We only have time for half of the alphabet when we get there. We will be hunting the clocks in order, starting with the odd numbers (yes, we are making it difficult), and then we will fill out the key at the end of today. After next week we should have the puzzle solved.

Okay, here’s the first one.  Letter H.

The number three. Letter Q.

Five and V.

Seven is J

Nine equals A

Eleven S. The wind blew this one to the ground.

Lucky thirteen is a K.

Fifteen a D and another grounder.

Seventeen a lazy Z.

Nineteen a Y. Y? because we like you. (not too many of your know where that came from)

Twenty-one is an I.

Twenty-three a W.

Twenty-five, the last for today is a G.

So here is our Key filled out.

Any guesses?

Now that you have worked so hard sit back and enjoy the food and the show.

 

 

The Last Drive Tour with Dan Antion and a Word from Lucy and Twiggy

~ John W. Howell ~ 3 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. What gives? Where’s dad? He’s supposed to be taking photos of us for a Saturday feature.”

“I know he promised a move to Saturday during the book tour, Little One, but he got an invite to Dan Antion’s bar.”

“He’s over there, and we are left high and dry?”

“You know how he is about more than one post a day. He put us here to let everyone know they should go over there.”

“So we should tell everyone to go to the bar?”

“Yup. He’s talking about The Last Drive with Dan, David, and Skippy, the bartender. We’ll be back next week.

Here is the link to Dan’s Post. 

In my mind, Dan is a jack of all trades. His professional life was all things IT in the business world, with a stint as a Cabinet maker. He also is the DYI master of all masters. His tool supply is something to lust after, and he has shown us how skilled he is with home projects. He is the consummate blogger and is now the captain of the popular Thursday Door feature.

At long last, Dan has also published his Dreamer’s Alliance Series.

Here is the Series Page on Amazon

Thank you, Dan, for helping spread the word on The Last Drive.

I have closed the comments so you can enjoy a drink with Dan.

The Last Drive Tour with Marie Ann Bailey

~ John W. Howell

I am grateful to be with Marie Ann Bailey today. She is helping launch The Last Drive. Here is the link to her post. https://1writeway.wordpress.com/2023/01/13/guest-post-the-last-drive-by-john-w-howell-newbook/

When I started blogging, Marie and I followed each other right away. That was in 2012. I guess you could say we have been buds since that time. Marie also created the concept and co-authored the Top Ten Things Not to Do on my blog for over a year in 2013 and 2014. Marie also is a very creative reviewer. I have been pleased to have two books reviewed by her. Here is a link to other reviews.https://1writeway.wordpress.com/book-reviews/

More about Marie in her words

I am a writer living in the southeastern United States with three cats, more yarn than I can knit up in a lifetime, and a dear husband who doubles as my best friend.

My writing career started in the fourth grade when I was asked to read aloud a story I wrote. Since then, I’ve taken creative writing classes whenever possible, joined writing groups and literary guilds, and participated in readings. Still, in spite of the support I received from mentors and fellow writers, lack of self-confidence made it easy for me to give up on writing. Once I got a “real” job (in an office with a biweekly paycheck and benefits), it was hard to argue with anyone that I should or could expect to do better by writing.

I’ve made a lot of detours in the past thirty years, trying to become a Professional whatever (social worker, data analyst), trying to believe in careers and working in offices and 401k’s. But now that I’m retired, I’ve woken up to the fact that those things–career, working in an office, going to meetings, conferences–has little value for me. My writing has picked up, as have my publications.

In my ideal world, I’m always dressed for yoga, writing until I’m empty of words, knitting down my stash, reading up my leaning tower of to-be-read books, and cuddling with my husband and kitties.

Marie also has her work published. You can access it HERE.

Thank you so much for helping spread the word, Marie.

Comments have been closed so your thoughts can be pure at Marie’s place.