Project life by John W. Howell © 2018
It all begins fine,
The Gremlins put in two cents . . .
The timeline heads South.
Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF
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 – Getting Ready for a Book Fair
“This is the life, Bailey.”
“Mmmff. Huh?”
“Ah never mind. Oops, there goes the boss again.”
“You know the boss has been a little busy today. I’m going to ask what is going on.”
“Okay, Lucy. You do that. I hope you don’t mind me getting a little more shut-eye.”
“Yeah stay there. I’ll yell at him.”
“What is it, Lucy?”
“Bailey and I think you are moving way too fast for an old guy.”
“Oh is that right. Well, I’m preparing for the Galveston Book Festival On March 24th is all.”
“The what?
“Come inside, I’ll show you.”
“Whoa. What the heck is that?”
“That’s my banner. It goes behind my table, so people know who I am.”
“Thrillers by John W. Howell. Who’s that?”
“Can you help, Bailey?”
“That is Pop’s real name.”
“Jeez, Boss. I never hear anyone call you John W. Howell.”
“I know. Lucy.”
“So, I see cases of books. This one is opened.”
“Yes, I was just checking them to make sure I have some of each.”
“Oh, I get it. Those are big pictures of your books up on that banner.”
“There you go. I think you have it now.”
“What about this table, Pops.”
“That’s where mom is putting bookmarks together.”
“Bookmarks? What are those?”
“People who read books like to remember where they left off, so these little things help do that. I will be giving them away. Along with Swedish Fish and some Library cards.”
“You can’t sell these?”
“I’m selling books. These are just gifts to readers.”
“Let me look closer. Oh, I see now.”
“They are just a little gift of appreciation.”
“Hey Lucy, you see these?”
“Yeah, I saw them. I think I’ll curl up with a good book now.”
Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day
Wednesday Story Day again and last week we saw Frank Plano visit Lucas with the thought of being able to talk to Trish, his sister. Lucas didn’t have her phone number so the best Frank could do was leave his card with Lucas and hope that she gives him a call. I see Frank left the hospital and look who is pulling into visitor parking. None other than Trish herself. She must be coming to see Lucas. Frank pulled out of the parking lot without seeing her. She didn’t see Frank either and is now going into the hostel. Let’s get to Lucas’ room to see how Trish reacts to Lucas telling her about Frank’s visit. Don’t you just love it when folks get put on the spot?
“Hey, big brother. How you feeling today?”
“Hi, sis. I feel great. Looks like I’m going to be released soon.”
“Oh, that’s great. I want you to know you live like an animal.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Your place looks like a bear cave that’s had too many bears living in it.”
“Yeah, I’m not the neatest.”
“Neatest? You make neat sound like a swear word.”
“Ha ha ha. You sure know how to make me laugh.”
“Well anyway. I cleaned up the mess and moved my stuff into your spare bedroom. Too bad you only have one bathroom though.”
“I’m sorry. I guess that’s why the rent is so low.”
“Nice one, Lucas.”
“I couldn’t help myself, sis. Now I feel like shit for bringing the subject up.”
“Naw, forget it. It was a good joke and true. I really should give you money, but I don’t have any.”
“I know that. You’ve got a few million coming. You can pay rent then.”
“Live with you when I have millions? That is a laugh and certainly shows your arrogance.”
“I suppose it does. I am the best roommate after all.”
“You are still my brother, and I don’t fancy having you around every night.”
“I could say the same. And that reminds me. Frank Plano asked that you give him a call.”
“Frank Plano? He’s that PI right?”
“That’s the one.”
“What the hell does he want?”
“He asked me when you and Jason McDonnell met.”
“When we met? What did you tell him?”
“That I introduced you here in the hospital.”
“Okay. That is the truth.”
“So why are you upset?”
“I’m not upset I just don’t like people asking questions about me to someone other than me.”
“So you’ll call him? He wanted to get the information directly rather than through me.”
“Damn.”
“What?”
“I’m telling you. I hate it when others get up into my business.”
“Come on Trish. It’s no big deal.”
“I have to go, Lucas. I’ll check with you later.”
The Gemini Connection by Teri Polen – Cover and Advance Order
The Gemini Connection
by Teri Polen
Paperback Release Date: May 31, 2018
E-book Release Date: June 7, 2018
Young Adult > Sci-Fi/Fantasy > Thriller
Teen twin brothers Evan and Simon Resnik are fiercely loyal to each other and share an unusual bond-they experience each other’s emotions as their own and can sense where the other is.
On their dying planet of Tage, scientists work tirelessly on its survival. Like the twins’ parents, Simon is a science prodigy, recruited at a young age to work with the brilliant creator of Scientific Innovations. To the bitter disappointment of their parents, Evan shows no aptitude or interest in science. As a Mindbender, he travels into the minds of scientists to locate buried memories, connect ideas and concepts, and battle recurring nightmares.
When Simon mysteriously disappears, Evan is plunged into a world of loss and unbearable guilt. For the first time, he can’t ‘feel’ Simon-it’s like he no longer exists. Evan blames himself. No one knows that he ignored his brother’s pleas for help on the night he went missing.
A year later, Simon is still gone. Evan lost his twin, but Tage might have lost its last hope of survival when it’s discovered that Simon’s unfinished project could be its salvation. Evan is determined to find him-somewhere-and bring Simon home. Their unusual connection might be more extraordinary than they know, and the key to locating Simon.
The Gemini Connection paperback is available for preorder at the following locations:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
And for a discount at Black Rose Writing
You can find Teri at the following locations:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Goodreads / Amazon
Tuesday – Anything Possible -Kreative Kue #165 by Keith Channing
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 – pingbacks don’t often work.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.
The photo.
“So before our next record by the New Dellys, I want to introduce you to a person I have in the studio with me today. Welcome, Aakanksha.”
“Why thank you, Aditya. It is a pleasure to be with you today.”
“I know our listening audience needs no introduction to you. I don’t think there is a person on Earth who does not know of you.”
“My goodness, you certainly are making me blush.”
“You deserve every accolade. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”
“No, of course not. I’m so excited to be on your show. Ask anything you want.”
“I see by my notes you were born and raised in New Delhi.”
“Yes. I am one of the fortunate ones in that I had the opportunity to attend school and go on to university.”
“Was it in the university that you learned your craft.”
“Oh yes. I took extensive training and worked hard to be the best. We formed a group in my freshman year and have been together since.”
“Well, that certainly paid off. I think you are recognized as the foremost expert in your field.”
“You favor me with such nice words, Aditya. I have to believe there are others who are just as talented as I.”
“Yes, but none have achieved your notoriety.”
“I attribute that to being in the right place at the right time.”
“You certainly have starred in a lot of videos, Aakanksha.”
“I have had a lot of help along the way.”
“Now turning to the future. What can you tell us about your future projects?”
“Aw, Aditya you know my projects are surrounded by super secret security. I ‘ll give you a hint though.”
“That would be swell. Listen up folks you are going to get a hint about the next Aakanksha project. Okay, what is the hint?”
“I’ll give you one word, Brinks.”
“OMG, you talking about hitting the Brinks organization.”
“That’s all I can say for now. Your fans will be reading about a spectacular bank job shortly.”
“Wow. That’s all the time we have today. I want to thank Aakanksha the most notorious Robin Hood hold up artist in all the country.”
“Thank you, Aditya. It was a pleasure to be with you. Goodbye folks.”
Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Are Called for Jury Duty
The inspiration for this list was reading about Dan Antion’s experience with being called for jury duty. I asked Dan if he wouldn’t mind sharing what it was like. He graciously sent the rules of jury duty for my review. I have to tell you, Dan is the kind of guy who would never do any of these.
10 If you are called for jury duty, do not ignore the summons. If you do, at best the sheriff will greet you before you go to work. At worst, your co-workers will be entertained by the process known as the “perp walk.” (Who takes official papers seriously, Dubhgan? looks like the courts do.)
9 If you are called for jury duty, do not forget to wear your “jurist badge.” If you do, at best someone may confuse you with a lawyer. At worst, Tiny the WWF champ and newest member of the sheriff’s department will have you on the floor with your hand’s zip-tied behind you. (You do look good in that jumpsuit, Dughall. I know, it would have been kind of Tiny to ask who you were but he had a job to do.)
8 If you are called for jury duty, do not forget to check in with the clerk when you go on breaks or leave for the day. If you do, at best you’ll be marked absent and will have to serve again. At worst, an overzealous judge will think you are ignoring your duty and issue a summons for your arrest for contempt of court. (Now that past due parking ticket takes on a new meaning right, Duran? BTW what is a SWAT team doing at the front door with that battering ram?)
7 If you are called for jury duty, do not park anywhere but in the designated juror parking lot. If you do, at best you might get a ticket or be towed. At worst, you’ll return to your car and find it up on cement blocks. (Why are courthouses in the worst neighborhoods, Dusty? Oh look your engine is gone too.)
6 If you are called for jury duty, do not think being excused early means you don’t have to return to work. If you do, at best your boss will get a report of the hours. At worst, while you are celebrating the half day off in your favorite place, your boss and the boss’ boss all come in for lunch.(Kinda hard to explain why you are not at the courthouse, Devyn. Especially since it is after 1:00 and ten miles away from here.)
5 If you are called for jury duty, do not turn on the news in the juror’s lounge. If you do, at best the burley bailiff will turn it off. At worst, you will be singled out as the person responsible for the motion by the defense for a new trial. (Of course, the trial has been going on for four weeks, and now all your fellow jurors have you to thank for the huge waste of time, Dixon.)
4 If you are called for jury duty, do not forget to turn off your cell phone. If you do, at best you’ll get no calls. At worst, just as the defense has concluded an emotional final argument, your phone goes off blaring your custom ringtone by the Who. (That long serious silence the defense was counting on just evaporated in laughter, Daegan. I’m not sure how they will feel about that move. I do know the judge just pounded the gavel head into sawdust.)
3 If you are called for jury duty, do not forget to bring your lunch. If you do, at best there will be a vending machine. At worst, there will be a vending machine but no way to make change. (You can still use that fiver, Dallen but I agree, five bucks seems like a lot for a Snickers bar.)
2 If you are called for jury duty, do not ignore the rules for walking around the courthouse. If you do, at best you may wander into the wrong court. At worst, you may go through a door that closes and locks behind you. (This is great, Damak. You have entered the private chambers of the judge and are being asked your name and what you are doing there. I think the next step is forced removal by that burley bailiff. Yup here he comes.)
1 If you are called for jury duty, do not think you can leave without filling out the attendance report. If you do, at best you’ll have to serve again. At worse, you won’t have proof you spent the last three weeks as a juror to give to your employer. (You thought the bureaucracy was terrible during jury duty. How about the red tape at the unemployment office, Danhy?)
Views of the Neighborhood – Spring Break
Walking the pups on Saturday, it looked like the day was going to be overcast. Secretly I was hoping the fog would stay since it is spring break time.
Well, no such luck. As you can see the first day of spring break was beautiful. Kites in the sky told me there were people on the beach.
Looking North my worst fear was confirmed.
The ground view did not show any improvement.
Camps were set up.
The Beach Patrol was on the prowl.
The kids were getting warmed up for a good old-time. (to be read drunk)
State Troopers were there with drug-sniffing dogs. We witnessed an interrogation and search of a suspect.
The crazies were out with their motorized equipment, lawn chair and carpet.
The pelicans were keeping formation in spite of the chaos below.
The blue heron was keeping watch over his mile marker perch.
To support law enforcement who come from all over during spring break, our neighborhood volunteered to fix two-weekend meals for the officers, EMTs and support staff.
Saturday night was Chili night. Debbie Robertson organized the event, and our community is Beachwalk II.
There were about 72 meals served.
The meal gave the officers a little time to relax and share stories.
Here are the volunteers of Beachwalk II. My Producer is one of the volunteers.
Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “So Far.”
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “so far.” Linda Hill advises that we can use it any way we wish. If you would like to tease your brain, come join us. Go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.
So Far by John W. Howell © 2018
“So what do you have so far?”
“Dear Mr. President.”
“Yes well. Ahem. Dear Mr. President.”
“You already said that.”
“I know, I know I’m just trying to warm up.”
“Why not a couple of laps around the building.”
“I mean to the subject. Not actually a physical warm-up.”
“Fine. You’re the boss.”
“Now, where was I?”
“Dear Mr. President.”
“Oh yeah. Ahem.”
“Don’t say ‘Dear Mr. President’ again.”
“For heaven’s sake. How am I ever going to get this letter dictated if you keep interrupting?”
“It is a challenge I’ll admit.”
“Okay, I’m going to ignore you and just go through it.”
“The last time you ignored me remember what happened?”
“When was that?”
“Yesterday.”
“I can’t recall. What happened?”
“I told you to turn left on Forest Avenue and what did you do?”
“But there was a no left turn sign.”
“Ah, so you do remember. Tell everyone what happened next.”
“Em, we went straight ahead.”
“To what end.”
“The road it ended.”
“Yup and how much did it cost to have the car towed?”
“Wait a minute I never told you that.”
“You used your debit card. All I had to do was look at the transaction.”
“Can we get back to the letter?”
“Tell the folks how much.”
“Two hundred bucks.”
“Now don’t you feel better?”
“I’ll tell you what would make me feel better, Siri. Stay away from my debit card.”
“Not gonna happen boss. Okay, so far you have, ‘Dear Mr. President.”‘
Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF
Friday is here again. (yay) This week has been busy. I’m doing a beta read, and it is an excellent book. My only problem is getting enough time to sit and read. I think we all know what that’s like. I usually read at night before going to sleep, but the timetable on this book is such that my average pace is a little too slow. So it will be a photo finish. I’ve planned to wrap my day as fast as possible to spend quality time with this piece.
The Contract came back from the editor and so now it is time to do the fine tooth comb read to make the decisions necessary on the excellent suggestions. What I like is we plan to publish the book in June so we can take the time to do the job right. This reminds me to pen a JohnKu that talks about doing the job right. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Question by John W. Howell © 2018
A job worth doing,
Is worth doing the right way. . .
So which way is right?
Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Bailey in Exile.
“Hey, Lucy. You look down. What’s going on?”
“Aw, Boss. We’ve been stuck on the lower level for years. It is getting tiring.”
“It’s been a week and five days. It just seems like years.”
“I’m sure sick of Candy Crush, Pops.”
“You guys want to go and check the progress?”
“Whoa, Pops. Now you’re talking.”
“Okay follow me. We’ll have to take the elevator.”
“My goodness. Look at this. Where’s the food bowl?
“It is still downstairs, Lucy. What do you think, Bailey?
“Let’s just say I’ve seen bigger messes but can’t remember where.”
“Come on you two. This is the new floor. It was a bigger mess before the baseboards were put back and painted.”
“Yes, Pops. We expected everything to look like it did before.”
“Yeah, I can see that. Well, it is going to be a while. The floors need washing and furniture moved back.”
“What is all that, Boss?”
“A shop vac, tools and some trash.”
“Geeze, Pops. Looks like this stuff will be here forever.”
“Well, it might be the weekend. But certainly not forever.”
“Hey, Baily. The day is beautiful. Let’s go out.”
“Uh. You should see the stairs, Lucy.”
“Oh yeah. What’s the problem?
“Come see for yourself.”
“Check it out.”
“OMG. You know what that rough surface can do to your mani-pedi?”
“Ladies. We will take the elevator down. No mani-pedi needs to be disturbed.”
“Boss you are such a Mensch.”
