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.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Another Hole.

July 8, 2021July 8, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

“Every time I turn around, somebody’s doing something.”

“What’s wrong, Twiggy?”

“There’s a big old hole here in the yard. I knew this would happen.”

“What do you mean, ‘I knew this would happen?'”

“I tried to bark those guys to St Louis, and Mom put me inside.”

“What guys?”

“The guys with shovels and a jackhammer. Those guys.”

“You better be careful and not fall in that hole.”

“Twiggy? Where are you? Did you fall in?”

“No, I’m over here.”

“I don’t see you. Where is over here?”

“You have to be kidding. I’m on the porch.”

“Why does your voice sound like it’s coming from that hole?”

“Okay, I’m coming over there, so the old lady doesn’t have a stroke.”

“Here’s Dad. He can explain the hole.”

“I can, Twiggy. That is for my Birthday present.”

“Why the hole Boss?”

“Because, Lucy, my present is a Magnolia tree, and it needs a hole to live in.”

“Well, that explains that. Come on, Twiggy. Let’s play.”

“A tree lives in a hole?”

“You can see how it works next week.”

“Story of my life, Dad.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 7, 2021July 6, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Pretty nice for a Wednesday huh Little One?”
“Yeah, I have to agree. Friday’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose.”
“You and Janis?”
“Soul sisters.”

It’s Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we overheard as Cortez told Larry that he plans to take all the hostages with him and needs a second car. Cortez’s decision does work into the plan to get a delay. Unfortunately, having all the hostages around him will make the job of the sniper more difficult. Larry and Andrew are putting their heads together. I think we ought to get back, so we won’t miss any of the planning. Our boys have an hour to figure something out.

“Okay, Larry, you have a plan?”

“I think we should pull the car we came in into the drive. I could inadvertently forget to leave the keys too.”

“What would that do to help?”

“Cause a little confusion and give our sniper a chance for a shot.”

“Okay, that might work. We have to make sure that when the snipe hits Cortez, all the other hostages are protected.”

“I think the only way to do that is to get more a couple more snipers. Hey Mike.”

“Yes, Larry.”

“You guys have any more snipers?”

“One more that’s equipped.”

“Why don’t you get him in position. We are going to need some pretty rapid-firing once Cortez goes down. The idea is for those guys to take out any of Cortez’s thugs that are still covering a hostage.”

“I’ll call and arrange it. Good thinking.”

“So, Andrew.”

“Yes, Larry.”

“I still want to try and talk Cortez out of this madness.”

“I think if he gave himself up, we could save a lot of bloodshed.”

“I know, right?”

“I think I’m going to ask Cortez for a meeting.”

“You crazy? He’s not going to do that.”

“Remember how nice he was when we first met. I’ll bet this whole thing got sideways when his thugs showed up at his house. I’ll bet he would like an honorable way out of this mess.”

“Maybe it would work. Who the hell knows.”

“I’m calling him now. Hey Joachim. Yeah, I know time’s a-wastin’ We have the car. I’m going to put it in the driveway. Yes me. Also, I want to ask you a question. Yeah, thanks. How about if I come in there and you and I can have a chat. I really think there might be a better way out of this mess than you having to make a run to the airport and all. I’m serious. I’ll come in with no weapons, and you and I can talk. If nothing changes, then no harm, no foul. I just think I can help out, is all. Okay? Aw, I’m glad to hear that. I’ll be pulling a black sedan into the drive. I’ll get out with my hands in the air and approach the house. No tricks. Okay then. See you in a minute.”

“I can’t believe that.”

“I told you. I think he wants to make some kind of a deal.”

“Well, good luck. I hope you won’t regret it.”

“What’s to regret? A couple of guys having a conversation. I sure hope he has some water in there. I’m parched.”

“Hey, Larry.”

“Yeah, Mike.”

“The shooter is heading for a spot. They both have their orders. So you are really going in there.”

“I am.”

“See if you can get eyes on how many are in there and if the hostages are okay.”

“Will do, Mike. Your keys in the car?”

“No, I have them right here. Andrew, pass them to Larry, please.”

“Okay, guys, wish me luck.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #310 by Keith Channing

July 6, 2021July 5, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 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.com before 6pm next 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 Monday.”

The photo.

“Control. Wolfman.”

“Go ahead, Wolfman.”

“We are circling the target now.”

“You are clear to execute.”

“Roger that control. I have a question.”

“A question, Wolfman?”

“Roger control.”

“Go ahead.”

“You guys sure about this?”

“What do you mean.”

“This doesn’t look like a terrorist camp.”

“Let’s check coordinates. We have you at 225 West Delta sector.”

“Affirmative control. My DME is the same.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“The visual on the target looks very much like a convent.”

“A convent?”

“Affermative.”

“Impossible.”

“Any unfriendly fire?”

“Negative. Also, no visible ground to air emplacements.”

“Intel says the place is thick with anti-aircraft installations.”

“That’s what I was told at the briefing.”

“Your call. Wolfman.”

“Roger that control. Wingman and I will make one more pass over the target, but I’m of a mind to return to base.”

“Roger Wolfman. Your discretion. Control standing by.”

“Coyote?”

“Yeah, Wolfman.”

“You see anything.”

“Negative.”

“We are going to do one more pass, and my guess is someone screwed up on the intel.”

“Right with you, Wolfman.”

“Let’s do a 180 on my mark. Three, two, one. Execute. Control, Wolfman.”

“Go, Wolfman.”

“Wingman and I are turning a 180 to observe. We’ll report what we see.”

“Roger that, Wolfman. Control standing by.”

“Roger Cont—”

“You broke up there, Wolfman. . . Wolfman? Control over. Wolfman? Coyote. Do you read? Wolfman, Coyote, Wolfman, do you read. Control calling. Please come in.”

Top Ten Things Not to do at a School Reunion

July 5, 2021July 4, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

This post was originally run on July 6th, 2015. Since several reunions are going on this summer, I thought you would enjoy it again.

Top Ten Things Not to do at a School Reunion

10 If you attend a school reunion, do not pose for photos that you don’t know where they will be published. If you do at best, the photos will only be traded among classmates. At worst, they will end up on the “what the not to wear, eat, or drink” website. (Which will go viral, and you’ll be getting calls from the Today show to appear on their segment called EXCESS)

9 If you attend a school reunion, do not pretend to be what you are not. If you do, at best, your little fib will be seen as a joke. At worst, your profile on the class newsletter will be featured under the title Most Successful Grad. (Which will be picked up by the news services and published by your hometown newspaper. It does make your job cooking fast food burgers seem more important, though.)

8 If you attend a school reunion, do not bring a date that you do not know simply because they are beautiful. If you do, at best, your charade will be found out early with no consequences. At worst, your date will discover the true reason you brought them and make an exit and a scene remembered for the next five reunions. (Only you passing away will halt the storytelling)

7 If you attend a school reunion, do not rent an expensive car for your grand entrance. If you do, at best, you will look overly anxious to impress and get the opposite reaction. At worst, the valet will take your rental car for a spin and inadvertently leave the side chrome on the street, fleeing a hit-and-run accident. (Which you will easily be able to explain to the judge)

6 If you attend a school reunion, do not try to hide the fact that you don’t remember everyone’s name. If you do, at best, you will look like a fool trying to check name tags without being caught. At worst, you will call someone by a different name, and the name will be associated by that person to an old flame or rival. (You will have a bunch of points on that one)

5 If you attend a school reunion, do not take this time to argue fine points about your grades with your old teachers. If you do, at best, the teachers will wish they had flunked you. At worst, one of them may remember you failed to turn in that assignment in the eleventh grade that will require you to repeat the course and nullify your high school diploma. (Try explaining that to your boss)

4 If you attend a school reunion, do not think your old flame wants to begin where you left off just by smiling at you. If you do, at best, you will be embarrassed to learn they are happily married. At worst, you will be a little too forward thinking all is forgiven. The icing on the cake will be you arrested as you leave the building for assault. ( Gotta remember no means no)

3 If you attend a school reunion, do not assume the free drinks at the bar carry no consequences. If you do, at best, you may exhibit a little tipsiness that everyone will think is cute. At worst, you will have the honor and resulting infamy of passing out on top of the Congratulations Class cake. (The clothes you’re wearing belong to your roommate as well.)

2 If you go to a school reunion, do not offer to be part of the planning committee for the next one. If you do, at best everyone will forget your offer. At worst, you will be appointed chairperson with all the rights and responsibilities to make the next one the best ever. (You will also want to get a Xanax prescription)

1 If you go to a school reunion, do not tell everyone you meet that “we must get together.” If you do at best, they will all wonder if you are having a breakdown. At worst, the ones you least want to see will stay in touch long enough to cop a free overnight on their way through your town. (Plus, they have some kind of foot infection that requires you to burn your sheets when they leave)

Views of the Neighborhood – Fourth of July Parade

July 4, 2021July 4, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Here is the schedule of events for the Fourth. Today we will be going to the parade. Since the City of Lakeway is buying hot dogs, chips, and drinks, we won’t need to cater for this event. Also, there are a few bands in the parade, so we won’t need outside entertainment. The parade is going right by us too, so we won’t even need the bus. How easy is that? One disclaimer. There were so many entrants in the parade I had to make judgment calls on who to include. I hope you enjoy it, and Happy Birthday to The United States of America.

The first responders presented the colors.

Reserve military band

World War Two Veteran recognition. A replica of the monument in the Freedom Park

Cheerleaders

The bookmobile.

Rolls Royce

Native American recognition.

The drumline.

Lake Travis Mountain Bike Team.

The cub scout float.

A flyover by some local pilots and being joined by a jealous bird.

I can’t even tell you why dinosaurs were in the parade.

Here are the hot dogs getting grilled.

Here is where we can sit down to eat the hot dogs. So make yourself comfortable, and I hope you have a fun holiday.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Contains IGH

July 3, 2021July 2, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

I had just finished my coffee and was looking at an enormous weed that had grown overnight on the lawn. All of a sudden, a little shadow was starting to spread around the weed. Looking up, I could see a still small square getting larger by the second. My brain finally clicked and realized it was an object descending from on high toward the Earth. Taking a glance around, I could see the shadow growing exponentially in four directions with me at the center. I willed my feet to move just as the large ACME fireworks box embedded itself into the ground. When the dust and scraps of lawn settled, I realized that I could have been squashed by the substantial box. The good part was I realized the weed could not have survived the landing.

Gently I removed the cover, and among the rockets and pouches of explosives, I found this:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “contains ‘igh.’” Find a word that contains the letters “igh” in that order and use it in your post. Enjoy!

Clearly, Linda Hill has found a new delivery service. I did call Wil E. Coyote to come to pick up his stuff. If you would like to have fun like this, visit Linda’s blog and find out how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2021/07/02/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-3-2021/

“Why so glum—”

“Don’t say, chum.”

“Okay. What’s the problem as if I couldn’t guess?”

“It’s this prompt. It has me buffaloed.”

“Not a hard thing to do.”

“Come on.”

“Okay, sorry. Why are you buffaloed?”

“Words with igh? Someone is pulling my leg.”

“I can think of high. You could do a diary of our pub work.”

“Nobody is going to be interested in that.”

“I think they would be delighted.”

“Hey, you got one.”

“See, not so hard.”

“Do another.”

“Light bulb, but it doesn’t have anything to do with anything.”

“The rules don’t say it has to mean something.”

“Well, then you and I might be in the right place.”

“We have four so far, right?”

“Five.”

“I want to tighten up and win this.”

“You now have six. Why not stop now before you become bigheaded.”

“I would really like to have eight words with igh. That would be swell.”

“You made it. There are eight.”

“Let’s hit the highway then. Our job is done here and the pub calleth.”

“People might think we are shallow. All we do is prompts and beer.”

“Have a highball then. At least you’ll look sophisticated.”

“Forget it. Who needs to go to greater heights anyway?”

“I agree. Certainly not us. Let’s go.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 2, 2021July 1, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Before we begin I just want you to know I have a story published on Vocal Media. It is titled The Last Hum – Before the end. If you visit and like the story you can hit “like.” Here is the link https://vocal.media/fiction/the-last-hum

Yes, it is Friday again. Always nice to see it. I think everyone is looking forward to the Fourth of July holiday. Makes for a nice long weekend.

The City of Lakeway has reinstated the Fourth of July parade, so I’ll be there. It is being held on Saturday, so I will bring it to you on Views of the Neighborhood on Sunday. I always enjoy a Fourth of July parade. So I hope you will stop by.

Today’s JohnKu talks about our Country’s birthday. I hope you all enjoy the weekend.

One more year older,

The Democracy cradle . . .

Happy day to you.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy in a Construction Zone

July 1, 2021June 30, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

“What the heck is all this mess?”

“I don’t know, Little One, but I suspect the Boss has been watching a do-it-yourself video.”

“This trench is all filled with water. That can’t be right.”

“I would agree. Where is the Boss anyway?”

“I don’t know, but it looks like a lot of dirt that needs putting back.”

“I suspect the Boss dug that out of the trench.”

“Hey, Dad. What’s up with the skinny swimming hole?”

“That is a trench for the downspout extension, Twiggy. That black hose will be connected to carry the water away.”

“Why the extensions?”

“We are getting ready for some new turf, Twiggy. Artificial turf, so the nightmare of the lawn will be over.”

“OOOOkay, but I suspect something went awry here.”

“You are brilliant. After I dug the trench and before I could connect the hose, a downpour came and filled the trench with water.”

“Can we play in it? Hey, I think I see something.”

“No, it is muddy water, and you don’t want to get dirty. What you see is probably your reflection.”

“I know my reflection, and I also know I don’t have a dorsal fin.”

“Wait, a minute, Little One. Let me see that.”

“There. Right there. Did you see it move?”

“I hate to say this, Twiggy, but I hear the themes music from Jaws in my head.”

“Lucy, wait for me. Why’d you run off?”

“I figured whatever was in there would like an appetizer before the main course.”

“That’s pretty funny.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

June 30, 2021June 29, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy talking — “This is a pretty nice day for a Wednesday.”
“It is Little One. Maybe you can enjoy it.”
“Still not Friday.”
“Sheesh.”

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week, we heard Cortez say he would throw out a body an hour until his safe passage to the airport demand is met. He gave our team an hour before the first body. That at least gave Larry and company some time to figure out a move. I think they are planning something so let’s get over there and see what is going on.

“Okay, Andrew, I think I’ve got it.”

“Let’s hope so cause this situation is getting direr by the moment.”

“Hear me out. How about we say to Cortez that it will take some time to get a vehicle that can accommodate all the hostages. Maybe we make a suggestion that if he let most go, we could get a car here faster.”

“I think that is worth a try. I would also ask for more time.”

“Good idea, Mike. How about you, Andrew. Any suggestions?”

“That sounds okay. Do we know how many he has in there?”

“Not really.”

“I think he is just going to say he’ll take the Escalade.”

“We know there were only five in the Escalade when they left the Highway Patrol headquarters. So, if Cortez is extra, then there is Carolyn as well. So that makes seven. Pretty tight for that model.”

“Why don’t you ask Cortez if he needs another car.”

“Brilliant, Andrew. Then if he says, yes, we can stall a little.”

“He could also agree to release some of the hostages and then take the Escalade. What is the next step assuming he releases some of the hostages.?”

“I guess we follow him to the airport and have a sniper in position to take him out.”

“I don’t know. I don’t see Cortez showing himself at the airport. He probably has a jet there and will go directly into the hanger. I don’t think the airport is the place.”

“Where is the place?”

“If we encourage him to take the Escalade, he will have to show himself when he goes to get in since It is sitting in the drive.”

“I don’t see a spot for a sniper around here, though.”

“Why don’t you call the SWAT team and find out if there is a sniper here and if he can spot a good place.”

“Let me do that.”

“Ok, Mike, you make the call. So, Andrew, it sounds like the excuse about the car won’t work.”

“I would just tell him you will arrange safe passage if he lets most of the hostages go. You can ask him if he needs a car. That might sound like you are actually making a plan.”

“You always keep things simple, Andrew.”

“Hey, Larry.”

“Yes, mike.”

“We do, in fact, have a sniper. He thinks he can access the roof on the house across the street for a clear shot of the Escalade. He’s heading there now. It’s going to take a few minutes since he will have to check to make sure he doesn’t spook the homeowner.”

“A man in black with a big gun? Why would a homeowner get spooked? We still have 15 minutes, so while he’s getting in a position, I’m going to call Cortez.”

“Yeah, Great.”

“It’s ringing. Hey, Joachim how’s it going? Okay, okay. I’m trying to arrange a passage for you. I have a question. Are you going to need a second car? Oh, I see. Okay, well, how about you release most of the hostages. That way you won’t need a second car. It’s just an idea, Joachim. No need to get upset. It is going to take a while to get a car here. Okay, I’ll check back.”

“That didn’t sound good.”

“He’s a little jumpy. He gave us another hour to get a car here. It looks like he intends to take the whole crew with him.”

“That is going to make the rescue even more difficult given he has those other two thugs as well.”

“Yeah, I know. We need to figure this out. This is why we make the big bucks.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #318 by Keith Channing

June 29, 2021June 28, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 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.com before 6pm next 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 Monday.”

The Photo

“Why did you let them go through?”

“They didn’t look like someone I wanted to know.”

“That has nothing to do with it. We are running a business.”

“Yes, but the business has to have a heart.”

“You let too many go through, and we’ll be out of business, let me tell you.”

“Ah, it was only two. More will come along.”

“What made you decide to et them through?”

“Like I said, they didn’t look like people I wanted to know.”

“What’s to know? You just collect the money, and then they are on their way.”

“I like to have a little discussion with ’em.”

“Discussion? I can’t imagine what you have to discuss.”

“Okay, you pretend to be one of them, and I’ll show you.”

“Fine. Seems stupid, but I’ll do it.”

“Okay, ready. You are at the entrance to the walkway.”

“Got it.”

“And I’m in my regular spot.”

“Yes, yes. Come on, show me.”

“My first line is friendly. Ahem. Here it is.”

“For heaven’s sake, get on with it.”

“WHO DARES APPROACH THE WALK OF THE TROLLS.”

“Sounds okay so far.”

“Thanks. Next, I do a variation on the Fe Fi Fo Fum bit.”

Let’s hear it.”

“Okay. ‘FE, FI, FO, FUM. WHERE ON EARTH ARE YOU GIRLS FROM.'”

“Now, wait a minute. You are supposed to say something like ‘I smell the blood of an Englishman'”

“But these are girls, and they are Americans. See what I mean? It becomes difficult.”

“Just tell them they need to give the troll a toll.”

“Some giggle.”

“What?”

“Yeah, right to my face.”

“Do you have your scowling face on?”

“Yup, and they laugh.”

“Maybe we need a new approach.”

“Like what.”

“Um, let me think. Okay, I got it.”

“This should be great.”

“FE FI FO FUM. PAY THE TOLL, OR I’LL TELL YOUR MUM.”

“I’m sure they’ll be shivering by then.”

“You have something better?

“Well. How about FE, FI, FO, FUM. PAY THE TOLL, OR I’LL SPANK YOUR BUM.”

“For heaven’s sake. We are trolls, not perverts. Kill that one.”

“How about just simply putting up a sign that. says Troll toll. Pay what you want.”

“What about those who refuse to pay?”

“Yeah, good catch. How’s this, Troll toll. Pay what you want or be eaten.”

“Nice ring to it.”

“So, in reality, the ones you let through didn’t look good enough to eat?”

“Bingo. They looked all tough and stringy.”

“Oh, I hate that.”

“Me too.”