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.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

December 24, 2021December 23, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Two widowed penguins seemingly comfort one another as they gaze upon Melbourne’s lights. St Kilda, Australia. Tobias Baumgaertner, Finalist Community Choice Award

An excerpt of a story by By Margherita Cole on December 29, 2020, in My Modern Met. For the whole story, click on Margherita’s name.

In 2019, photographer Tobias Baumgaertner snapped a romantic shot of two widowed penguins overlooking a pier in Melbourne, Australia. He shared the photograph on his Instagram during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to help lift people’s spirits, and it quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes, comments, and shares. So, it’s only fitting that Baumgaertner’s photo, nominated for the Community Choice Award in the 2020 Ocean Photography Awards, won the title by popular vote.

“I posted this image of these two Fairy penguins a little more than half a year ago, and since then it has circled the globe, it has been seen by millions, and I have received thousands of messages and comments of how these two little guys have touched and mended broken hearts, brought joy, hope, and love into your lives,” Baumgaertner said on his Instagram. “It has become a symbol of togetherness and love. Times are still not easy for many of us, [so] I repeat what I wrote back then. During times like this, the truly lucky ones are those that can be with the person/people they love most.”

The German wildlife photographer spent three nights with the Fairy penguin colony in St. Kilda in hopes of attaining the perfect picture. Although the conditions were difficult, and he wasn’t able to use any lights, his patience finally paid off when he captured two penguins comforting each other in front of the pier. “A volunteer approached me and told me that the white one was an elderly lady who had lost her partner and apparently so did the younger male to the left,” Baumgaertner wrote. “Since then, they meet regularly, comforting each other and standing together for hours watching the dancing lights of the nearby city.”

Today’s JohnKu talks about Christmas Eve. A very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.

Christmas Eve by John W. Howell.

Tis the day before,

We celebrate Christ’s birthday . . .

Peace on Earth to All.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy in Photos

December 23, 2021December 23, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. I thought you didn’t like sweaters.”

“Mom wants a photo with me in it.”

“Wow. You are barely in it.”

“I know it’s a little tight.”

Hey Mom. Lucy’s sweater is too tight.”

“It will be fine for one photo.”

“Thanks anyway, Little One. Might need a Supreme Court ruling.”

“Tell you what, Lucy. Just roll around, and maybe you can wipe it off.”

“Better quit that, Little One. Mom’s calling us to the fireplace.”

“I wonder if we have to smile?”

“I think we just stand here and try to look intelligent.”

“How do we look intelligent?”

“Don’t ask me. I always look goofy. I think something is going to be good at dinner, though.”

“OMG, Lucy. You are so gross.”

“Don’t you smell that? Okay, the faster I look intelligent, the quicker this will be over.”

“Looks like we are in for a long night.”

“I’m trying, Little one. But, it might be easier if I could breathe.”

#newbook Wreck of the Lanternfish by C.S. Boyack

December 22, 2021December 10, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

I am so pleased to welcome Lisa Burton back to my blog today. Lisa is the assistant to Craig Boyack, the author of the Lantern series, and so much more. Lisa is here to tell us about Craig’s new book, The Wreck of the Lanternfish, which is the last book in the Lanternfish Trilogy. I have read the other two and enjoyed them very much. I expect this will be as exciting and entertaining as the other two. So welcome, Lisa.

***

Oh, my gosh! Thanks for having me back today, John. It’s so nice to get out of the writing cabin and visit with real people. You can imagine my world recently has been a gathering of Craig’s strange creatures. I’ve had everything from root monsters to a talking hat to hang out with for the past year.

I’m here today, because Craig is wrapping up the Lanternfish Trilogy. He’s having a hard time with this, because he’s spent so long with these characters. He never thinks of me, but I’ve also spent a long time with them. If you include the supporting book about Serang’s origin story, there are four volumes here. I’ve had to feed them, house them, clean up after them, and take them to photo shoots.

I love animals, so that part’s a labor of love. The anvil bird makes small appearances in all three Lanternfish books. He’s sweet, and talks. I give him grapes. There’s a horselike creature called a snubhorn down in the lower level at the cabin. He’s nice, too, and isn’t a picky eater. Leftovers suit him just fine. When Craig isn’t watching I ride him around the meadow.

Then we come to the Omcrom. These little guys are more like cavemen than anything else. Let me tell you, getting them into a vehicle so we could drive to a photo shoot was a trip. Root monsters yell, “Yay!” then climb right in. These guys are suspicious of everything.

The Fu were simple enough. They come with a medallion that summons them when we need them. They’re kind of like big kitties, and purr when they’re happy. They even earned a happy ending in Wreck of the Lanternfish, and that makes robot girls all gushy inside. You’ll have to read the book to find out what it involves.

There were some gigantic creatures we couldn’t do much with. They showed up for scenes, but had to stay outside the cabin. Things like Fēngbào, the bringer of storms, or Waltus who attacked the ships one day. There’s the moving reef, and even the Grandelor monster who’s still wandering the wilderness in Hollish somewhere.

It takes an effort to write a trilogy. I don’t deny that, but I have to say goodbye to all of them, too. I think readers are going to like the way it all wraps up, and I encourage everyone to check it out.

It’s been a joy talking with your fans today. I should probably get back and clean the cabin from top to bottom before whatever Craig comes up with next shows up. I think he can afford to let me go shopping for a day. Maybe even get my nails done. Lisa needs a new pair of shoes to show off that pedicure.

Wreck of the Lanternfish purchase link

Trilogy link

***

Blurb:

James Cuttler created a peaceful spot for he and his wife to settle down. Far from the war that ravages their homeland, far from the reputation he earned as the notorious pirate Captain Bloodwater, and far from responsibility.

A royal Prelonian houseguest is a constant reminder of what’s at stake half a world away, of the friends he put ashore to fight the war. He lives in a dream world that’s temporary, at best. It’s only a matter of time before his guest is identified and the black assassins come for her.

He mortgages his precious vineyard to pay for repairs to his ship. If nothing else, Lanternfish will be one of the most powerful ships in the war, if he’s not already too late.

James will have to merge the skills of commander and con man into something new to make this work. He’ll need to avoid those on his own side who would hang him for piracy.

Serang is half a world away, leading her army of mercenary swordsmen toward the Fulminites. Mistrusted by both sides of the war, she appears as a third combatant on the battlefield. She may eliminate the mysterious order, only to succumb to the demons of her own tragic past.

Strap on your swords and hoist the colors one more time as the thrilling Lanternfish Trilogy comes to an end.

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Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #340 by Keith Channing.

December 21, 2021December 20, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.combefore 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo.

“So listen, Bud. It’s my turn to select the program.”

“Says who?”

“Sez me.”

“And what army.”

“Big talk for a little punk.”

“I’ll wipe the floor with ya.”

“I could take you sitting here without even getting up.”

“When I’m through with you, that’s about all you will be able to do is sit.”

“Yeah, right. Go get some friends. You’ll need them.”

“Hey, you two.”

“What, Trevor?”

“Yeah, Trevor. Don’t try to save this big dumbass’s ass.”

“I’m just wondering why you go through this every time we watch TV?”

“Huh? We do?”

“Yes, and it’s getting boring.”

“Okay, then, smartypants, tell us how to resolve this dispute.”

“You both like Animal Planet, right?”

“Right.”

“You both like UK’s Funniest Animals, right?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Well, then just trade-off. Watch one and then the other. You both will get your way.”

“You know what, Trevor?”

“What?”

“You should run for Parliament. What a great idea.”

“Why, thank you.”

“What do you like to watch?”

“Naw, forget about me.”

“No, I insist. You get the next choice.”

“How nice.”

“So, what is it?”

“Yellowstone.”

“Huh?”

“What?”

“I told you to forget me.”

“Who are you?”

Top Ten Things Not to do During the Holiday Season.

December 20, 2021December 11, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

This post originally ran on December 22, 2014. I think it still might give you a smile today.

* * *

This list is inspired by the holiday season and is a result of watching the behavior of folks as we get nearer to the final day. As with all my lists, there is not much redeeming value here but are designed to (maybe) get a smile. Also, some of these items may seem contrary to the spirit of the season, but I can assure you they are.

Top Ten Things Not to do During the Holiday Season.

10 During the holidays, do not invite strangers to your home even if the spirit moves you. If you do, at best, you may have an awkward moment or two. At worst, you might just wonder what happened to the house full of furniture which was there when you went off to church. (You wanted to redecorate anyway, right?)

9 During the holidays, do not accidentally drop more money than you intended into the Salvation Army kettle. If you do, at best, you will have given to a worthy cause. At worst, you will have to explain to the family about the lack of presents due to your generosity somewhere else. (Yeah, they will understand.)

8 During the holidays, do not think you have to buy everyone you know a gift. If you do, at best, you will undoubtedly earn the cheerful giver award. At worst, you may create an identity crisis with those who did not buy a gift for you, causing them to rush out and get you something, or even worse, re-gift the gift you gave them last year. (You thought that tie looked familiar)

7 During the holidays, always remind yourself that self-medication is not a wise thing during times of stress. If you don’t, at best, you will get off easy with a nip of egg nog. At worst, you will find yourself saying some of the dumbest things to those you barely know and what you think are the most brilliant things to those who no longer call you friends. ( You learned to never mention hair color under any circumstances)

6 During the holidays, do not put off your shopping to ‘get into the season.” If you do, At best, you may have to pay more for items that are in short supply. At worst, all the gifts you were going to buy are no longer in stock, so you will have to make last-minute substitutions that will be second-rate and not at all what anyone can remotely appreciate. (Gas station beef jerky, for example)

5 During the holidays, do not touch anything outside your home. If you do, at best, you will come down with a cold from a germ left on that innocent door handle. At worst, you will be quarantined by the CDC because whatever you picked up is not currently identified and is assumed to result from a terrorist attack. The upside here is the CDC has a lovely assortment of Christmas carol CDs that they are happy to play repeatedly. (Never knew Santa Claus is Coming to Town was recorded by 250 artists, did you?)

4 During the holidays, do not think you can pick up that holiday turkey on your way home on Christmas eve. If you do, at best only the twenty-five pounders will be available. At worst, the only thing left in the meat department is a package of Hog Maw leftover either from Thanksgiving or the butcher’s hunting trip. (You’ll never convince the family that hog maw and beans tastes like turkey.)

3 During the holidays, do not think you need to have an old-fashioned Christmas by subjecting your neighbors to your family’s off-key carols. If you do, at best, you will get polite smiles and some hot chocolate. At worst, you and the family will need to run for your lives as the neighbor yells, “Don’t worry. Bruno already ate.” (Man, that dog is big.)

2 During the holidays, do not try to attend every event. If you do, at best, you will be sleep-deprived and will have lost the spirit of the season. At worst, you will need to consume copious amounts of caffeine, which will lead to an unnerving appearance that might cause holiday revelers to actually believe the story of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” (Or even worse, think the Christmas tale of the Zombie is real.)

1 During the holidays, do not despair over small things that you forgot. If you do, at best, things will seem worse as a result. At worst, your family will undoubtedly be forced to look forward to the coming of spring when the state promises to review your case again. (A gas station hold-up is never the answer.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Christmas Decorations

December 19, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Since this is the last Sunday before Christmas, I thought it would be fun to cruise the neighborhood and take in some decorations. Also, since we are going out at night, I thought it would be good to have desserts. We are being catered by Spot in New York City. Our entertainment is Bruce Springsteen.

Choose from the menu

So hop on the bus and let’s go.

First, a stop at the Little Library, which is all decorated.

A giant figure in the front yard.

Probably CEO of the electric company.

A multicolored display.

A unicorn and color-coordinated lights.

Santa and elves. One in a helicopter.

I took this in the daytime. Pretty bland.

Look at it at night. A wowzaa.

Here is the purple house which you have seen many times decked out for the holiday.

A night view of the purple house.

Here is the gate decoration of a big ole single-family house.

A night view of the decoration. Notice the red nose on the longhorn.

That’s it for this year.

The Producer, Twiggy, Lucy, and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Now relax, have some food and listen to Bruce sing Santa is Coming to Town.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Opposites

December 18, 2021December 17, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Figuring it would be a good idea to get out of the chest, I found purchase on the sides and, with some effort, lifted myself out. It was a shortfall to the ground, and with some degree of grace, I landed softly on my face. Unhooking my feet from the rim of the chest, I made an effort to get up. Looking more like a crab than a human, I managed to finally stand.

As I approached the chest, the cover slammed shut, blocking any opportunity to see what was inside. Feeling grateful none of my fingers were on the edge when the lid fell, I tried the key in the lock once more.

This time it didn’t turn. Instead, there was a clicking sound like something electronic attempting to disengage the lock. I could almost imagine the same action as two magnets coming together exert their force field and as opposites repel, turn away from one another. Maybe that was what was happening inside the lock.

As I was standing there waiting for something to happen to the lock, I noticed what I thought was a butterfly overhead. On further observation, it turned out to be an envelope turning over and over as it drifted down toward my backyard. I reached up and snatched it from the air.

The lock clicked, and the chest popped open. I stood in wonder as a bright light hit me in the face, and confetti shot from the chest and rained down. A spring-loaded sign exploded up and away from the chest. It was still attached but waved back and forth like a figure just released from a jack in the box. The sign had a message that when the waving stopped, I could read.

Peace on Earth. Goodwill to Humankind is what it said. Music came from the chest, and after a few bars, I recognized the carol “Silent Night.”

I looked down at the envelope and tore it open. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “opposites.” Use the word “opposites” or write about things that are opposites. Have fun!

If you want to have, fun visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2021/12/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-18-2021/

“Talk about opposites.”

“What?”

“How I think a story s going to end and how you end it.”

“You don’t like a holiday story.”

“It’s not that, but I was expecting some treasure in that chest.”

“You don’t think what was in there is a treasure?”

“It’s not gold or jewels.”

“Some would say it is better than gold or jewels.”

“You know Peace on Earth is never going to happen.”

“Unless enough wish it to happen.”

“Yeah, okay.”

“You sure don’t have the holiday spirit today.”

“Maybe you are right. I need to get with it.”

“I know what helps.”

“What?”

“A nice cup of eggnog.”

“Does sound good.”

“That sounds like a segway to the pub.”

“Where we always like to end this post.”

“Yeah. Let’s go. First, a Happy Holiday wish to all.”

“I’ll drink to that, but I don’t have anything to drink.”

“We are going already.”

Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Fri-Yay Good News

December 17, 2021December 17, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 102 Comments

Here is a story from the Good News Network. Retired couple Avril Rowlands, 75, and her husband Christopher, 76, from Inkberrow, Worcestershire, have decorated their giant Christmas tree, which they planted as a sapling more than 40 years ago. This vast 60ft Christmas tree lights up an entire neighborhood over 40 years after being planted as a sapling. Avril Rowlands and her husband Christopher stuck the 6ft fir in their front garden after enjoying their first Christmas at their new home in 1978. The tree purchased for £6 from a local garden center now towers above their four-bedroom detached property, and the couple hired a cherry picker to decorate it with more than 1,000 lights.

They planted the 6-foot tree in the front garden and took a photograph to commemorate the occasion.

The tree took root and thrived.

Today it towers, 43 years later, over the village of Inkberrow, Worcs.

With its 17th-century pub that inspired The Bull in Radio 4’s The Archers, the village is one of the darkest places in the UK as one of the only towns without any street lights.

The Little Tree That Could, 1979 – SWNS

But last week, its 2,000 residents turned out to see the switching-on ceremony, which lit up the giant tree that can be seen from miles around.

“The switching on of the lights has become quite a village tradition,” said Avril. “A lot of people in the village say that it’s the start of their Christmas.”

This year was quite remarkable because last year, the Rowlands had to do the switch-on by themselves due to Covid restrictions.

“We had fireworks, too, this year, plus a friend who brought down a trailer that had Christmas music on.”

The tree has grown so big that a cherry picker is needed to help the couple decorate it with 3,000 lights ahead of the big unveiling.

“It’s been wonderful to see so many people enjoy the lights this year,” said the 75-year-old retired TV writer.

And, since the tree is getting more and more attention, they decided to ask people to donate to a Cancer Research charity online in memory of a close friend who died this year.

The couple says they are still stunned by the size of the tree, which grows more than a foot each year: “We had no idea just how big it would grow. It’s absolutely huge now and towers over our house.”

Drone aerial view of the giant Christmas tree in 2019 –SWNS

Avril swooned, “We even get cards addressed to the tree, which is quite sweet.” Good news indeed

Today’s JohnKu talks about the holiday spirit. I hope you all have a terrific week.

Is the spirit real?

It seems to be growing strong . . .

Could be peace on Earth,

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s New Toy

December 16, 2021December 15, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 105 Comments

“What’s that, Little One?”

“My new toy. It’s called a green stick.”

“What’s it taste like?”

“Humm. Let me see.”

“Well?”

“I think it tastes like a margarita.”

“Wait a minute. You have never had a margarita.”

“I know, but I’m thinking a margarita would taste like my green stick.”

“I wonder if the big shots at the toy company know that?”

“Well, if they don’t, then someone ought to tell them.”

“Ya hear that you big shots at the toy company. Marketing pro Twiggy says your green stick should be sold as a margarita flavor.”

“Would get a lot of new users, I’ll bet.”

“I think I’ll stick with the bacon flavors.”

“Of course you will. When the next big thing comes along, you’ll still be taking a nap.”

“Hmmm. Now that you mention it. Hey mom. Open the door, please.”

#Newbook War of Nytefall – Eulogy by Charles E. Yallowitz

December 15, 2021December 8, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

I am so glad to be able to have Charles E. Yallowitz here on Fiction Favorites. Charles and I have been blogging friends for as long as I have been blogging. He is a master at the art of weaving a fantasy tale. He is here to introduce his latest book. So Charles the blog is yours.

Thanks, John.

On the eve of Clyde’s dream becoming reality, his life will be torn asunder.

As his dream of peace becomes a reality, Clyde faces his darkest challenge.

With the Dawn Fangs’ existence exposed, the time for negotiations has begun. Mortal rulers and the council of Nytefall gather to discuss terms, but chaos is already stirring. It does not take long for Clyde’s dream to become a nightmare as villages are slaughtered by a Dawn Fang who is rumored to be the newly crowned Vampire King. Bodies of friends and enemies pile up as this mysterious imposter reveals why mortals should fear Clyde. Will Clyde’s final adventure see his dream of peace fail before it is realized?

The truth is more horrifying than the Dawn Fangs ever imagined.

*****

Curiosity piqued? Check out this teaser!

The Truth?

Coming to the windmill, Magrus coats his body in a protective shell and carefully climbs to the top of the broken structure. Slowly turning in a circle, he scans the area to get a full sense of the remaining magic. He ignores the auras of the guards, who are sifting through the wreckage to find more bodies. Those who have been located have already been moved to the outskirts where they are being prepared for transport. Peering down the narrow road, he can see an oxen-driven cart is getting closer and sighs at how it will not be enough to collect all of the dead. Magrus considers warning the lieutenant, but he fears it will lead to a long conversation and waste more of his precious time. He turns to where the man is helping to prop up a wall, which has crushed a family of four. Shaking his head, the Zarian climbs down from his perch and uses his staff to help him navigate his way out of town. Nothing catches his interest, but he stops momentarily to send a few more lost souls to the afterlife.

“Let us see what really happened,” Magrus whispers as he reaches the woods.

Turning back to the village, the man plunges his staff into the earth and grips it tightly to prevent himself from falling over. His eyes develop a rainbow shimmer over the gold as he wavers on his feet. Fighting through the looming fatigue, the priest lets his magical vision change from what is in front of him to revealing phantoms of the past. Transparent buildings rise back into place and ghostly figures go about their lives even though he can still sense a little of what is truly there. Magrus scowls at the sight of a black-haired figure landing a few feet away, the puff of dirt revealing an illusion covering the small crater. Within seconds of appearing, the man rushes at the town and begins destroying everything in sight. Using only his fists and feet, he breaks houses and shatters people. The attacker’s speed is almost too much for the Zarian to follow, so he focuses on examining the phantasmal carnage for clues. He spots bite marks on several necks and sees the chickens were devoured in the blink of an eye. Torches and candles are knocked over to start the fires, which explode into an inferno connected to the illusionary plume of smoke. Magrus is not sure what caused the sudden blast since the attacker had been tearing the local blacksmith in half at the time. Deciding he has seen enough, the man freezes the vision before falling to his knees from the exertion. He is able to hold the image for another second before it disappears, but it still gives him a clear view of the rampaging figure.

“This cannot be shared,” Magrus says as he takes out a piece of paper. He mutters a spell to transfer the image of a black-haired man with a corn-shaped necklace from his brain to the parchment. “It would appear that Clyde of Nytefall is not as big a fan of peace as one would believe. Yet, I still see mysteries here. The fires grew without his influence and I see no reason why he would want this place discovered. I have many questions, Lady Zaria, so I cannot purify the Vampire King until I have answers. There has never been a man or monster who has escaped my thorough investigations. This one will be no different. I swear on my goddess’s crimson hair that Clyde and the Dawn Fangs will be judged. Then, if necessary, they will be punished.”

Click here for your copy of the Dawn Fangs’ final battle for
99 cents on Amazon!
Help spread the word by adding it to your Goodreads ‘To Read’ List!

*****

New to War of Nytefall?Grab all 8 Volumes for 99 cents each ($8 total)!

Interested in more Windemere? Then don’t forget to check out Charles E. Yallowitz’s first series: Legends of Windemere

About the Author:

Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After spending many years fiddling with his thoughts and notebooks, he decided that it was time to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house with only pizza and seltzer to sustain him, Charles brings you tales from the world of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and drawing you into a world of magic.

Blog: www.legendsofwindemere.com
Twitter: @cyallowitz
Facebook: Charles Yallowitz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyallowitz/