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.

Views of the Neighborhood – Edinburgh Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

Today’s views are of the neighborhood that I have been in since Monday.  There have been so many things to see and here is a sample of the city.

Edinburgh

The requisite view of the surrounding countryside as we come in for a landing.

Edinburgh

This is a shot of street where the apartment we stayed is located. The entrance is below grade through the gate which is just after the stairs.

Edinburgh

This is a view of Edinburgh taken from Calton Hill. It was taken at 9:45 pm and the sun was just beginning to set.

Edinburgh

This is a photo taken at Edinburg Castle. The young, serious, well dressed, military man is in charge of shooting the 1:00 cannon (which is done daily) which you can see in the background. The other guy looks like a writer or homeless person to me.

Edinburgh

This is a shot of the castle. The day was spectacular.

Edinburgh

A view of Edinburgh from the castle. The Firth (inlet of the sea)  of Forth is in the background

Edinburgh

The botanical gardens in Edinburgh are vast and interesting. Here is a photo of giant lily pads.

Edinburgh

This is Hoyroodhouse, the ceremonial palace of Queen Elizabeth.

Edinburgh

The Holyroodhuse Abby ruins. This Catholic church was destroyed in 1133.

Edinburgh

This is my attempt at art. A shot of the Edinburgh Castle taken at night with a view of an old town street.

Edinburgh

St Giles Church which is the home church of Scotland.

Edinburgh

An inside photo of St. Giles.

Edinburgh

The National Gallery of Scotland.

Edinburgh

A shot of a typical street.

Edinburgh

The Lord Nelson memorial.

Edinburgh

The National Monument. (which was never finished)

I hope you enjoyed the tour.

 

 

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – rain/rein/reign.

~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is rain/rein/reign. Linda Hill says we can use all the words or just one or two and can use them any way we want. If you would like to join in, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 24/17

Rain/Rein/Reign by John W. Howell © 2017

“Rain, rain go away. Come again another day.”

“Hey rein yourself in Buster. We need the rain.”

“Oh come on, these rhymes never work.”

“Why tempt the fates? I mean there was a reason they made up these sayings.”

“In the days of the king’s reign, someone thought it was a good idea to make up rhymes to cover certain circumstances.”

“Okay. Give me an example that makes sense to you.”

“Well besides the rain, rain go away thing, there’s Jack Sprat could eat not fat, and his wife could eat no lean. Betwixt the two of them, they licked the platter clean.”

“So what does that have to do with anything.”

“I guess it was a warning for two people to be synergistic. You know if they ignored the warning something could happen.”

“Like what?”

“What if both could eat no lean? It would be chaos.”

“I still don’t get it.”

“There wouldn’t be enough food available, and maybe both would starve.”

“Now I get it.”

“You do?”

“Yes. You’re nuts.”

Friday – John – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Friday here in the UK and eight hours from now it will be Saturday eve in the US. Been real busy seeing everything Edinburgh has to offer and will be moving up North to Port Soy. Port Soy is the home of my maternal grandmother and we will get an idea of where she spent her youth. Our MacKay family history on my mother’s side is steeped in tradition. Clan MacKay can trace its history back to 1210 when the first recorded chief was born. Since that time it has been a matter of clan wars, land gained, land lost, castles built, castles sacked, and service to various kings and queens once the British conquered Scotland. Here is the Tartan, Crest, and Coat of Arms

Mackay Tartan
Clan Mackay tartan

 

Clan Mackay Crest

Manu Forti means “With Strong Hand.”

 

Clan Mackay Coat of Arms

Today’s JohnKu speaks of history. I hope you have a great weekend

History by John W. Howell © 2017

We think about now,

There is a past worth finding. . .

To enrich your life.

***

I am still out of the country and apologise if I don’t get to your comment in a timely manner

Thursday – A little Personal – Stella

~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

 

Stella

“Hello Reader.”

Hello, Stella. What’s up?

“You know John is out right?”

“Yes, I know. Do you need something?”

“Come in here and look at these two.”

Lucy and Bailey

“Lucy and Bailey? Looks like they are playing.”

Yeah, on my turf.”

Stella

“This is my rug and my office.”

“I thought it was John’s.”

Stella

You are joking, right? He borrows it from me.”

“Oh, I didn’t know.”

“And those two keep coming in here. Rolling around and making a mess.”

Lucy and Bailey

“It certainly looks like they are having fun.”

“I need to find someone who understands.”

Stella

“Wait, Stella. I understand your problem.”

“You do?”

Stella

“Well  then, go lay on that couch and I’ll knead your stomach”

“I really have to go.”

***

I am out of the country and will try to respond when I can.

 

Help a robot girl out

~ John W. Howell ~ 2 Comments

Here is a great way to have some fun and innovative way to promote your character. My characters have been interviewed and told me they would do it again in a heartbeat. Check it out.

coldhandboyack's avatarEntertaining Stories

Lisa Burton Radio exists to help authors promote their books to a new audience. This spot has worked well for over a year now, but we need guests to keep it going. Here is a little data about how it works, and some past posts to browse to see what you’re getting into.

Tell your friends, maybe one of them needs a place to post.

Drop me a line at coldhand (dot) boyack (at) gmail (dot) com. Let Lisa promote your books for you.

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Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we witnessed Alice and Harriet decide to go off to dinner while Lucas wakes up. I think I don’t want to miss this dinner. How about you? Okay, let’s go then.

“What looks good to you?”
“My goodness, this menu is huge.”
“It is isn’t it. I think I’m going to have the Red Snapper.”
“My dear. We are here in the midwest. You think that fish is fresh?”
“I’ll just ask the waiter.”
“Ha ha ha. Alice my dear. What do you think he will say?”
“I guess you are right. I wonder how the lamb is tonight?”
“I think that will be an excellent choice. I’m having the filet.”
“I think a nice Cabernet will go well with both, don’t you?”
“You are speaking my language. I would like a martini before though.”
“My that sounds delicious. I will too.”
“Ladies, have you made up your mind?”
“Yes. We’ll both have a martini to start.”
“Very good. Would you like an appetizer with that?”
“Alice?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Why not bring a little bread with the drinks. We don’t want to get loaded.”
“Yes, ma’am. Have you picked your entrée?”
“Yes Alice will have the lamb, and I will have the filet.”
“Very good, A house salad comes with that.”
“Excellent.”
“I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
“Super. So Alice what are we going to do with our Lucas?”
“I’m not concerned about Lucas. I want to know what we are going to do with each other.”
“That nonsense is over. Oh, look our drinks.”
“Here you are, ladies.”
“Don’t rush the main course. We may have two of these.”
“Yes, ma’am just tell me when you are ready.”
“Here is to you Alice and the hopes you move on.”
“Well here is to you Harriet and I hope you reconsider.”
“My that is good.”
“You took a big enough drink.”
“Aw who cares. I’m going to enjoy this dinner. That gin sure warms the heart doesn’t it?”
“He he he. It does. I would slow down a little.”
“Tastes So good. Let’s have another. Oh boy.”
“Harriet shush. You are too loud.”
“Now what were you saying about moving on and reconsider?”
“I just think you and I were happy once and it’s not too late to be happy again.”
“Hmm. This olive is fantastic. I don’t like this chair. I’m moving next to you. You mind?”
“N-no not at all. I love having you close.”

***

A little reminder. I am out of the country and so I may be delayed in responding. Thanks

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #128 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

Keith’s own words. “On to this week’s challenge: 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 keithkreates@channing.ino before 6 pm 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.

Kreative Kue #128

Left by John W. Howell © 2017

“Sir but it looks like you missed the boat.”

“Excuse me. I was deep in thought. What about the boat?”

“It appears you’ve missed the boat.”

“Yes, sadly. I was preoccupied and did miss it.”

“Preoccupied? What were you doing?”

“Well, the ducks were having a disagreement and needed some advice.”

“And you gave them the advice.”

“I tried, but they were so headstrong in their beliefs that I found I was wasting my time.”

“So what did you do?”

“What every red-blooded Russel Terrier would do.”

“Which was?”

“I chased them into the lake.”

“Ah, and we find them there still.”

“I have been waiting for them to come back and finish the discussion but they are still out there.”

“No offense but do you blame them?”

“They owe me a trip across the lake. Because of them, I missed my boat.”

“Do you hear yourself?”

“What?”

“What self-respecting duck is going to come on shore to face an irate Russel Terrier?”

“I would think those two.”

“How can you think that way?”

“Why not. They are my brother and sister.”

“From a different mother, I would say.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I must be going. I wish you the best.”

“Know anyone with a net?”

“Bye now.”

***

I am currently out of the country so responses to your comments may be delayed.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on an Overseas Flight

~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Top Ten Thing Not to Do

 

The inspiration for this post is the fact that I am held captive on a flight to the UK. The beautiful part is I will have landed by the time it is published.

10 If you are on an overseas flight, do not wander up and down the aisles like a zombie. If you at best, everyone will be able to sleep through your wandering. At worst, Tiny the WWF champ, who just graduated from Marvel’s Zombie Hunters School (With honors)  will use you as a practice dummy.(Notice how easy your arm comes off, Dope.)

9 If you are on an overseas flight, do not remove your shoes if you have foot problems. If you do, at best your neighbors will think the in-flight meal is mac and cheese. At worst, the captain will be forced to land due to a perceived threat of poisoned gas attack. (Those Marshalls look a little upset, Dudley.)

8 If you are on an overseas flight, do not think alcohol will help you cope with boredom.  If you do, at best you will pass out. At worst, you might end up in chains after trying to start a karaoke competition in First Class. (Those rich folk have no sense of humor do they, Bunkey?)

7 If you are on an overseas flight, do not think you are in a five-star restaurant. If you do, at best you will learn your mistake quickly on the first bite. At worst, you will get a visit from a grumpy crew member the first time you attempt to send the entrée back for “additional finishing.” (My goodness these people are sensitive about constructive criticism aren’t they, Buford.)

6 If you are on an overseas flight, do not try to make conversation with your seatmate if they are not interested. If you do, at best it is hoped you get the hint. At worst, your seat mate will finally get tired of your interference and call the crew for relief. (You are talking fast, Tex but I don’t think these guys believe you will mind your manners. Those handcuffs they are pulling out sure look uncomfortable.)

5 If you are on an overseas flight, do not over study the emergency procedures card in the seat back pocket in front of you. If you do, at best your neighbors won’t think anything of it. At worst, you will raise suspicions that you are going to do something funny during the flight. (Do you wonder why that big guy exchanged seats with your seatmate, Doofus? I wouldn’t make any sudden moves right now.)

4 If you are on an overseas flight, remember that you can’t hear how loud you speak with your earphones on. If you forget, at best,  those around you are wearing earphones as well. At worst, you will continually wake up those around you until one decides to take your earphones. (He the biggest guy you’ve ever seen huh, Brad? Just let the earphones go.)

3 If you are on an overseas flight, do not tell your seatmate the ending of the movie that you have already seen. If you do, at best the seatmate wanted to nap anyway. At worst, you have no made an enemy of someone you will be sitting with for the next eight hours. (Don’t close your eyes, Buster. No telling what they will do.)

2 If you are on an overseas flight, do not think you are the only passenger on the plane. If you do, at best you will be set straight sooner rather than later. At worst you will have alienated enough people to get you self a deluxe seat in the hold. (Pretty cold down here huh, Putz?)

1 If you are on an overseas flight, do not tell anyone you are an author. If you do, at best you’ll be ignored. At worst, you will have to sit through an eight-hour description of the story that your seatmate is sure will make a great book. (There is a simple answer to the question, “What do you do?” Just say you are a professional car thief, Pal.)

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Pole Vaulting

~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Yes, the headline is correct. Every year Port Aransas host a major pole vaulting event. Pole vaulters come from all over Texas to spend two days here testing their skills. The event draws college athletes as well as Olympic team members. The whole idea is for the students and athletes to get together and participate in some wholesome, friendly rivalry. This event took place yesterday, and I was certainly glad I went. I hope you enjoy it.

This first photo gives you an idea of the track and the contestants lining up. Also, you can see the number of poles at the ready

Pole Vaulting in Port Aransas

Here is a shot of one of the two tracks being used. This also gives you an idea of the spectator base.

This shot was interesting to me since it shows how high the bar is in relation to the size of the athlete. She is just talking off.

Here is a different athlete going over the bar

And then the long way down.

In this shot, you can see a contestant getting ready for her vault.

Pole Vaulting in Port Aransas

This young person is an Olympian.

Her starting run shows how every muscle in her body becomes employed.

Here is a shot of the bar.

On the second track, the bar was a little lower. Here an athlete makes it over

Back to the big bar. Here is an athlete who gets tangled in the bar. It is designed, so the athlete does not get tangled.

Of course, the Hot Dog Lady would not miss this event.

I like this next shot because it shows the pole vaulting equivalent to the soccer mom. It takes a trailer to cart those poles.

I love this shot since it shows all these young people getting ready to vault. You can never doubt the future with a picture like this showing their interest.

Here is a final shot of the venue which is one of Port Aransas’ parks

***

By the time you read this, I will be on my way overseas. If my response is delayed it is because I have run into a WiFi dead spot. Otherwise, I will have pretty good connections today.