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.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #158

January 23, 2018January 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

yIn Keith’s Words. “Using this photo 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 keith@channing.info 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.

“I don’t have a coat on my arm.”

“You don’t need one.”

“I don’t have a beard.”

“You don’t need one.”

“I don’t have a white checkered shirt.”

“You don’t need one.”

“Blue jeans?”

“Nope.”

“What kind of apprenticeship is this anyway?”

“You are a photographer’s apprentice.”

“Sounds impressive.”

“Of course it is.”

“I don’t have a camera.”

“You’ll grow into one.”

“So what should I do other than use this phone?”

“Forget the phone. Make clicking noises.”

“Clicking noises?”

“Yes like this, click, click, click. Every time you take a picture make the noise.”

“I should take pictures?”

“You need to practice. Make the noise.”

“Click, click, click.”

“Not so fast, you need to rewind after every shot. Like this, click, whrrrr. Got it?”

“Click, whrrrr. Click, whrrrr. Click, whrrrr.”

“That’s it. Now let me see the photos.”

“What photos?”

“The ones you just took.”

“I didn’t take any.”

“Why not?”

“No camera.”

“Are you going to take this apprenticeship seriously or not?”

“Okay, here they are.”

“Hmmm. Could use a little more light. Try again.”

Ten Questions Not to Ask an Author

January 22, 2018January 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 117 Comments

The inspiration for this list was preparing myself to attend four book festivals this year. I was making a list of items that I needed, and it occurred to me that I should prepare some answers to obvious questions. One thing leads to another, and the list is born.

10 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you make a lot of money writing?” If you do, at best you might get a chuckle in reply. At worst, you might have to listen to a long diatribe about the meaning of art as opposed to monetary considerations. (Wow. You didn’t realize just how little the author made from his books did you, Dylan?)

9 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “How does your spouse feel about your writing? If you do, at best you’ll get a two-word answer, “They’re Fine.” At worst, you may have to support a sobbing author on your shoulder. (Hopefully, the author is not getting your shirt wet. Right, Diego? Bu the way, you make a lovely pair.)

8 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “So what is the difference between traditionally published and an indie?” If you do, at best you’ll get a solid objective answer. At worst, you will ask Tiny, the WWF champ, who has just received his 100th rejection letter from a traditional publisher. I imagine you hit a sore spot with Tiny, Drake. I think it is time to test those new running shoes. Yes, right now.)

7 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Is your book well written?” If you do, at best you will get a confused look. At worst, you may get a question in return to the effect of wondering if you have just arrived on the planet Earth. (Man, these authors are sensitive aren’t they, Douglass?)

6 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What do you do all day?” If you do, at best you’ll get a smart reply like, “Drink bourbon.” At worst, you have to listen to a detailed reiteration by the fifteen-minute segment on the entire twenty-four hour day. (The bodily function and romance parts you could have done without hey, Dean?)

5 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Have you written anything that I might have read.?” If you do, at best the author will ask you what you have read. At worst, you will be left standing in the middle of the room with a “Kick Me Hard,” sign on your back. (So you thought you were engaging huh, Dennis?)

4 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you really like to write?” If you do, at best the author will offer you a cookie. At worst, the sound of crickets will lead you to quickly determine the crashing stupidity of your question. (I guess if authors didn’t like to write they might do something else. Don’t you agree, Dexter?”

3 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you have any bestsellers? If you do, at best the author does. At worst, you will have probably opened a wound that the author has been trying to work around. (Seems strange to witness a complete meltdown doesn’t it, Drew?)

2 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What do you really do?” If you do, at best the author is a trust fund baby. At worst, the author’s response will be delivered at a decibel level designed to shatter glass. (Don’t just cover your ears, Duke. I would make plans to leave soon.)

1 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What makes you write?” If you do, at best you’ll get a “little voices in my head,” answer. At worst, you’ll be pressed to explain what makes you breathe, eat, and sleep. (You gotta wonder if that author had been drinking don’t you, Desmond? He sure was spirited.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Rockport Texas

January 21, 2018January 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Rockport Texas is a town close to Port Aransas and was hit by Hurricane Harvey as well. Since the sun was out for the first time in ten years, the Producer and I decided to drive there and check up on how my books fared in the bookstores. Although we didn’t locate any books we found a number of things to look at.

This is a shot of a multi-tiered boat storage facility.

Here is one a little closer. This facility was packed with boats when the Hurricane hit.

Here is a shot of old town Rockport. (Excuse the sun glare) The brick gallery (Estelle Stair) is one place where my books are. The gallery is closed. The other place where my books were offered for sale is a bookstore which was blown away.

Here is a photo of across the street. You can see the blue tarp on the building.

I took this photo to give you an idea that Rockport is indeed on the water. This is one of the marinas.

This is a shot of the veteran’s memorial. There are names of Rockport residents who gave their lives in all the wars from 1914 on.

This is the Maritime Museum.

Unknown to us, the Rockport Fulton Market Days was in full swing. A number of pop-up with all kinds of crafts. We had to go look.

Attendees can visit this display and take what they need at no charge.

Here is a “look through” shot showing other displays

A festive occasion.

Terrific yard art

A beautiful Airstream full of clothes

Must have a food stand.

For Dan Antion, I had to take a picture of the soft pretzel booth

Let me leave you with a picture of the bay and beautiful sculpture.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “OC”

January 20, 2018January 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Occupying my post today is Stream of Consciousness Saturday. So true. This weeks prompt is “oc.” That is correct, and the rules as laid down by the dungeon master, Linda Hill is to find a word that starts with “oc,” and use it. There are bonus points redeemable for a new Tesla if one starts and ends the post with an “oc” word. So now you know why the goofy opening. If you have some kind of desire to grapple with reality, go to Linda’s blog to find out how to attach your own electrodes. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2018/01/19/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-20th-2018/

“Occasionally I like to indulge in some creative writing.”

“As a person who occupies space in your life, I didn’t know this.”

“Well, it’s true. I like to dabble in the occult.”

“Have you any experience with an occult occurrence?”

“No. I like to make up the story. I’m not an occultist.”

“So you like to scare yourself. Do you do it to occlude a brain leak?”

“Can I just enjoy a leisure occupation without causing a major inquisition?”

“Well, I could see you being an oceanographer and writing about the sea.”

“What makes you say that? Is your octogenarian mind having a crisis?”

“No. I just think it would be nice to read about oceanfronts and the animals of the sea.”

“I see nothing wrong with an occasional story about the sea.”

“Now you are talking. What kind of ocean story to do you in mind?”

“I can see a group of whales who decide to hold an ochlocracy gathering.”

“Why would they hold a political meeting? Not enough octopus available?”

“Very funny. No, they want to start a coven of Occult Orcas.”

“Cute. I suppose you’ll find a way to work in Occult Orcas octupling?”

“I think you should be heading off into the ocaso.”*

*Spanish for sunset.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

January 19, 2018January 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Another work week down. This one was quite chilly. We had temps in the 80’s on Monday. By Wednesday we were in the 30’s, and the schools were closed due to sleet. I think I have said we are not built for this kind of weather. Today is supposed to rain with a high in the fifties. We can use the rain so no complaints here.

The week saw a continuance of editing The Contract with Gwen Plano. We are so fortunate to have some outstanding Beta readers. They have given us meaningful input, and we are sure the story will be better as a result.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the weather. I hope you have a super weekend

The forecast is rain,

Then snow, sleet, below zero . . .

Can’t they choose just one?

Finally, A New Book From Don Massenzio

January 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

Don Massenzio has put up his new book on preorder. Check out his trailer and blurb. It looks like a winner.

Don Massenzio

blood match front cover 2017 was a tough year. My blog grew by leaps and bounds and I finished two books, but didn’t get either one edited or published. Most years I’ve published 2-3 books, but in 2017, I published none.

But, enough of that doom and gloom. My latest book, Blood Match, is now available for pre-order on Amazon. It will be formally published on February 2nd.

You might remember that this book was a Kindle Scout candidate and it performed well lasting on the Hot List for 209 of 720 hours or some part of 11 out of 30 days with over 4,000 views.

Here is a blurb about the book:

Intelligence analyst Jake Balrich boards his Monday morning flight, as he has so many times, for routine field work. When the plane lands, a passenger fails to wake up. Jake soon realizes that the death was not accidental and is…

View original post 108 more words

Thursday – A Little Personal – Housebound

January 18, 2018January 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. Do you want to come up here on the couch you look a little down.”

“To tell you the truth, I wish there was something to play with.”

“I know it is boring when you can’t go outside.”

“Yeah, why can’t we go out?

“For heaven’s sake, Lucy. Can you take a look at the thermometer? It is 30 degrees F out there.”

“Whats that in centigrade?

“You tire me out, Lucy. You really do. We can’t go out there even in our blankets.”

“Why’s that?”

“Pops says the wind chill is too much for his old bones. Look at him. He looks zonked.”

“I heard that. I’m not zonked. Just resting my eyes. Mom is going to take care of you two.”

“What is that, Mom? Looks like a hedgehog.”

“These are pigs you two. Now go and have fun.”

“Hold on Mom. Not sure about this.”

“Okay, I’ll set it on the poof. You take your time.

“Hey, Bailey. Come sniff this thing.”

“Hmm. I don’t know about this funny looking thing. Look at the color.”

“Also check out those beady eyes. The thing gives me the creeps”

“Well, Bailey, there is only one thing to do.”

“What is that, Lucy?”

“Pounce, grab, shake, and kill it”

“Boy, you are an animal for sure.”

“Grrrr.”

“Mowaufff.”

“There, there, little piggy. I’ll protect you from the big bad Great White Shark. Can you oink for me?”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

January 17, 2018January 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Sheriff Seth Gibson storming out of Jason McDonnell’s office because he was thwarted from interviewing Lucas without the permission of Lucas’ doctor. My assumption is Jason will talk to the doctor and then get in touch with Seth. We really have to get back to Harriet Murphy’s house. As you will recall, Frank Plano the private eye was on Mrs. Murphy’s porch the last time we were there. The beauty of a serial like this is these characters are frozen until we get back to them. Oops as I sit here chatting Mrs. Murphy is opening the door. Let’s hurry.

“Mr. Plano. Please come in.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Oh no. After all, Alice called you. Would you like some coffee?”

“I sure would. It has been a while since I had my last cup and I could use the pick me up.”

“Very well. Follow me to the parlor. Oh, Here’s Alice. You remember Mr. Plano don’t you?”

“You can call me Frank. It is nice seeing you again.”

“Thank you, Mr. Plano. Why don’t we sit while Mrs. Murphy gets your coffee.”

“Thank you. When we talked on the phone, you mentioned that you and Mrs. Murphy were wanting to tell your side of the story before I turn in my report.”

“Yes, that is true. We think there has been a lot of misinformation and want to set the record strains.”

“I think that is a good thing, Mrs. Weston. Do you mind if I take notes and do you want to wait for Mrs. Murphy?”

“No I don’t mind, and we can go ahead.”

“Okay then. What is it you want to tell me.”

“First of all. . . Wait here is Harriet with the coffee.”

“Hello, all. I took the liberty of putting a plate of scones on the tray. Please help yourself.”

“Oh, my this coffee is delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it. Now here is what we want to say.”

“Shouldn’t you let the poor man enjoy his coffee, Alice?”

“For heaven’s sake Harriet. He can drink and listen at the same time.”

“Very well, I just don’t want to be rude is all.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy, but Mrs. Weston is right. I can listen while I enjoy your fabulous Coffee. Did you make these scones?”

“No, they are from the bakery.”

“Well, they are indeed tasty. Now, what did you want to know?”

“Well, Harriet and I believe we know who killed the Severides.”
“Seriously? Now, who would that be?”

“Well you know we were at their house the night they were killed.”

“Yes, of course.”

“We were trying to score some smack. Well, I was trying to score some smack. Dear Harriet doesn’t believe in such stuff. I shot up and spilled some blood from pulling the needle out. I cleaned it up, and we left.”

“The Severides were alive when you left.”

“Absolutely. Mrs. Severide gave me the paper towels to clean up.”
“So now you are starting to get high.”

“That’s right. I told Harriet that we should get to the car before I nodded off.”

“So you left. Then what?”

“We got in the car which was down the block and then saw a person go into the house.”

“Could you recognize the person?”

“Yes. It was Seth Gibson.”

“You sure about this?”

“Pretty hard to miss him, Mr. Plano.”

“Could you swear to this in court.”

“Absolutely.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #157

January 16, 2018January 15, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 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 keith@channing.info 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.

“Why are you on top of that box?”

“Are you kidding? Do you know how many shoplifters are out there?”

“What good does it do to stand up there?”

“I can look over the crowd and spot them before they can rob us.”

“Sounds good in theory. How is it working so far?”

“Right now there is a pickpocket checking out a guy’s wallet.”

“Where?”

“See that’s the problem with you a slouched in that chair. You can’t see anything. He’s over to the left. he looks like a shark ready to have a meal.”

“That guy in the olive colored jacket?”

“Yes, the one with the mustache.”

“That is a police officer, you idiot.”

“He sure doesn’t look like one.”

“He is undercover looking for thieves.”

“I guess you have to look like one to catch one.”

“Yeah, he is even carrying a baby so as not to stand out. Now come down from there before you hurt yourself.”

“Where would you get a baby?”

“Are you serious.? Quit with the questions and get down.”

“Wait there is a guy with a backpack.”

“All the way across the aisle. I don’t think he is a threat.”

“By the way. Do you see that set of stairs on top of Omar’s tent over there.”

“I see them. So what?”

“I think I’m going to ask Omar if I can borrow them.”

“What for?”

“To make it easier to climb up on my box.”

“You and that box ought to run away with each other. You know that?”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a City Tour

January 15, 2018January 14, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

The inspiration for this post was thinking about super cities and the possibility of taking tours of them. There are not necessarily guided tours but just touring in general.

10 If you are touring Chicago, do not wear your Yankee baseball cap. If you do, at best people will believe you have just been released from the mental hospital. At worst, the police will arrest you for unlawful assembly. (The crowd that gathered trying to convince you to burn your cap did get out of hand right, Cnute?)

9 If you are touring New York City, do not hire Tiny the WWF champ as your tour guide. If you do, at best the only tour stop will be Golds Gym. At worst, you and Tiny will get into a principal argument about going to the 100th floor of the Empire State building. (You had no idea Tiny was afraid of heights did you, Colla? Now it doesn’t matter cause you all you are seeing now is the inside of Bellview Hospital Center.)

8 If you are touring San Francisco, do not shut the cell door on Alcatraz Island. If you do, at best you’ll hear no click. At worst, you will have picked the only cell that automatically locks when the door is closed. (The bad news is the guard with the key retired ten years ago. Yelling won’t help, Conell. Maybe the fire department can figure out a way to release you.)

7 If you are touring London, do not try to make the guard at Buckingham Palace smile. If you do, at best someone will ask you to leave. At worst, you are the 100th person to try today, and the guard’s Zoloft dose has just worn off. (So much for your ugly American imitation, Cruz. Now you have to run.)

6 If you are touring Berlin, do not try to cut to the front of a line. If you do, at best you will be politely told about your rudeness. At worst, you may be rewarded with a knuckle sandwich served without mustard. (I know you are used to doing that, Cyril. Here that is a big no-no.)

5 If you are touring Paris, do not walk down the street eating a croissant. If you do, at best you’ll collect a bunch of stares. At worst, passers-by will mistake you for someone who is mentally challenged and call the medics. (That straight jacket is only for your own protection, Cydney. Might as well relax.)

4 If you are touring Rome, do not speak loudly or in other ways draw attention to yourself. If you do, at best the locals will scowl. At worst, the police will mistake you for a Russian spy. (You can guess how this will turn out huh, Christiano?)

3 If you are touring Madrid, do not mention Francisco Franco, the dictator unless you know the people well. If you do, at best you’ll be forced to listen to a three-hour lecture on the evils of his regime. At worst, you might be mistaken for a follower and end up in a duel.(Why didn’t someone warn you, Crey? Well one would have thought you knew enough to avoid politics with people you don’t know.)

2 If you are touring Cairo, do not bring flowers to your host’s dinner. If you do, at best someone may tell you to dispose of them. At worst, the host will think you are offering condolences or wanting to get married which are the only reasons to bring flowers in Egypt. (Looks like you are getting hitched, Conyn since no one has passed away. Good luck.)

1 If you are touring Moscow, do not keep your seat on the bus if an elderly person has to stand. If you do, at best someone will give up their place but glower at you. At worst, you might be helped off the bus two miles before your stop. (You need to pay better attention to the local rules, Coltrane.)