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’s possible – Kreative Kue #102

~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

As you know, I like prompts, and Keith Channing has one I enjoy. Here’s the deal in his own words. “Using this photo (Below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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 picture

Kreative Kue 102

Work by John W. Howell © 2016

“I know you’re in there Pradeep.”

“Mmmumble.”

“I can’t understand you.”

“Quambackltr.”

“What are you saying. It is time to go to work.”

“Why can’t I catch a break?”

“I heard that. It’s almost nine o’clock. You need to get going. I’m paying for this cab, and it is not for sleeping but for earning money.”

“All right, all right. You don’t have to yell. I’m getting up.”

“Why do you sleep in this cab anyway? Isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“Better than on the park bench. Did you bring coffee?”

“Coffee? Do I look like I’m running room service? I’m your boss for heaven’s sake.”

“Doesn’t hurt to ask.”

“It does show a lack of respect.”

“Oh I’m sorry. I’ll bet that means no donut either.”

“That’s it. You’re fired.”

“Oh dear me. Whatever will I do? Here take the keys. You going to drive the cab now?”

“I’m the boss. Bosses don’t drive the cabs. Bosses own the cabs.”

“Okay boss. Good luck.”

“Where’er you going?”

“I don’t know.”

“Need a job?”

“Why yes. Yes, I do.”

“Want to drive a cab?”

“Sounds fun.”

“You’re hired.”

“Do I get coffee?”

 

Top Ten Things Not to do At The Dining Room Table

~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Dining room table

The inspiration for this list came from the just completed Thanksgiving feast. I was very observant and did not see any of these things at our dining room table. I hope you enjoy the list.

10 At the dining room table, do not burp out loud. If you do at best, you can recover with an “excuse me.” At worst, all the relatives will now have verified evidence that you are an animal. (They long suspected it was true and you just gave them confirmation, Ferd)

9 At the dining room table, do not help yourself to food from someone else’s plate. If you do, at best you’ll be told to stop. At worst, your cousin Tiny, the WWF champ, will demonstrate a new hold. (Quit whining. That hand will be okay once you get a cast, Bunky)

8 At the dining room table, do not chew your food with your mouth open. If you do, at best you will gross out your family. At worst, grandma will take the opportunity to lecture everyone on proper manners. (Nothing like a two-hour tutorial on chewing with your mouth closed to put everyone on edge)

7 At the dining room table, do not assume your hostess meant for you to eat the fruit and nasturtiums out of the centerpiece. If you do, at best you will be thought of as odd. At worst, your hostess will calmly advise everyone that the centerpiece is to be donated to the local old folks home and she would appreciate it if there was something left to give. (Your face and the red table runner are the same color, huh Wheezer)

6 At the dining room table, do not talk about sex, politics, or religion. If you do, at best no one will follow suit. At worst, you will be the root cause of a donnybrook that does not have a good ending. (Those police officers are here to escort you to the station, Bud. It seems your brother-in-law didn’t take kindly to the wine bottle bonk.)

5 At the dining room table, do not insist on rolling in the TV to watch football. If you do, at best this will be your last invitation to dinner. At worst, your table mates will shout to each other above the noise of the game, and it won’t be worth the hassle. (Did you ever think you should be on a deserted island, Buster?)

4 At the dining room table, do not text or otherwise use your phone. If you do, at best your family’s looks should make you stop. At worst, someone will finally pluck the phone from your hand. (If you’re lucky they won’t dump it in the gravy bowl)

3 At the dining room table, do not make any Earth-shattering announcements. If you do, at best the long silence will be a killer. At worst, everyone will be thrown into disarray and will surely be sorry for whatever they said in reaction later. (Surely you could have waited to announce you were running away to join the circus, Chum)

2 At the dining room table, do not do your best imitation of a strong silent type. If you do, at best the conversation will be on everything but your interests. At worst, your table mates will believe something is bothering you and won’t let it rest until you come clean. (They were sure surprised to learn that  what they see is what they get )

1 At the dining room table, do not think you need to race everyone to the finish. If you do, at best you’ll be waiting a long time for others to finish. At worst, the general impression will be that you haven’t had a good meal for a while. (That sure flies in te face of all that success bragging you were doing before dinner, huh Bruce?)

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

This week I went out yesterday to get some shots of the various parks in Port Aransas. I have to admit I have too many photos for one post. I will continue next week. Today I’m going to concentrate on one of the main parks in the city. The Community Park

Port Aransas Parks

This photo is of a softball field.

Port A parks

And a basketball court.

Port A parks

Now to step it up a notch it  is the baseball field house

Port A pParks

And the field. Yes, that little yellow sign says 352 feet.

Port A Parks

There is also a skate park. (It is the mother of skate parks)

Port A parks Port A parks

Here is the favorite of Lucy And Bailey.

Port A Parks

Here are Lucy and Bailey doing their cow imitation

Lucy and Bailey

Now to action

Bailey and Lucy

Back to rest

Bailey and Lucy

There is a pool. (Water is a little chilly)

Port A Parks

Photo of the pool was difficult since it doesn’t open until noon. I managed one before the police arrived..

Port A Parks

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Pretty”

~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

 

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again. This week’s prompt is “pretty.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. That’s pretty clear I guess. If you want to engage in this effort, please visit Linda’s blog and read up on the rules. (Not very many) Here is a link to her site.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Nov. 26/16

Pretty by John W. Howell © 2016

“Pretty damn nasty if you ask me.”

“What’s pretty damn nasty?”

“The way that pretty girl in the pharmacy wouldn’t look at me.”

“Why should a pretty girl look at you?”

“What? Are you kidding? I have a pretty face. That’s why.”

“Who told you about your pretty face?”

“My Mom told me I had a pretty face.”

“Your mom? Come on she had to say you had a pretty face.”

“Uh uh. She only told the truth about my pretty face.”

“I’m getting pretty fed up with you and your pretty face.”

“But why wouldn’t that pretty girl look at me?”

“I would say she is pretty smart.”

“And I would say you are pretty mean.”

“Oh, don’t be like that I’m pretty sure she didn’t know you were in the store.”

“See. Just as I said pretty mean.”

“I don’t get why you think I’m pretty mean.”

“If a pretty girl doesn’t know I’m in the store, then she has a problem, and it is not nice to say things about someone with challenges.”

“This is now getting pretty weird. You are saying that you are so beautiful you can’t escape notice unless a person has some sort of challenge?”

“Pretty good. I couldn’t have said it any better.”

“I’m pretty sure you need professional help.”

“I’m pretty sure your face is not pretty.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m leaving.”

“In fact, I am pretty sure your whole body is not pretty.”

“Pretty soon I’ll be out of earshot of you.”

“Pretty sure you can still hear me.”

“Pretty please stop talking.”

“Oh look the pretty girl is looking at me and smiling.”

“Pretty sure she has gas. Bye.”

 

 

 

 

Friday John Ku – AKA – Black Friday

~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Black Friday

Well, here we are on Black Friday. Since most of the working folks have been off since yesterday, the day has new meaning.  It is our civic duty to get out there and spend till we drop. Never mind the lines, the crowds, surly clerks, fistfights, and mayhem. WE CAN SAVE SOME BUCKS TODAY. Isn’t that what it is all about? (What? You say Black Friday has been running all month? I say so what. Get out there and duke it up.) Today’s John Ku talks about tradition.

Black Friday by John W. Howell © 2016

Thanks the day before,

Armor and mace for today . . .

Love our traditions.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Day again. This week’s episode is sponsored by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene and her excellent blog Teagan’s Books which can be found at this link. https://teagansbooks.com This episode is being dedicated to Teagan since she guessed (pretty much) the ending of the story. So, last week, we left the gang getting ready to go out into the world. Alexis and Trudy told Ralph they weren’t going. Ben said the same but changed his mind after Ralph threatened a bullet to the kneecap. So back we must go. This may be the last time on this journey.
“All right then. Are we ready to go.”
“Mr. Worthe?”
“What Ben.”
“Do I really have to go out there?”
“Yes Ben. Also, I’m going to force Trudy to go as well.”
“You what? Listen to me Ralph Worthe. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“You going to stay and face the music?”
“The music as you say is all on you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I fixed it so you’ll take the fall, Ralph. That’s what.”
“Oh, do tell.”
“Not in front of these witnesses.”
“Oh come on Trudy. You know as well as I do we are all going to be dead before the day is over. In fact if it were up to Dan Anton we all would have been dead six weeks ago.”
“Who the hell is Dan Antion?”
“Forget him. Tell me now or I will put one through your left eye.”
“Daddy no.”
“Shut up Alexis. Tell me Trudy.”
“Okay. Yes I was the one who took the money offshore and sold explosives to the underworld. I made it look like you did it. You had no idea and in fact had you left well enough alone we would already be in the Cayman’s having a drink by the pool.”
“So you acted alone?”
“Yeah. Who would want a dumbass like you in on the take.”
“Mom?“
“Shut up, Alexis. This doesn’t concern you.”
“Yes, Alexis your mother has pretty much stepped in it. Lightfoot? You hear enough?’
“I sure have.”
“Ben. you got it all.”
“Yes sir I do. My phone recorded everything.”
“Alexis, you as well.”
“Yes, Daddy. Mom confessed to everything.”
“Okay then Lightfoot do your duty.”
“Yes, sir. Trudy Worthe, you are under arrest for money laundering and conspiracy to commit felony coercion and black mail as well as unlawful possession of explosives.”
“You can bite me Lightfoot. Why are you listening to Ralph, that worm Ben, and my daughter.”
“Alexis and Ben have been given immunity and will be happy to testify at your trial. Ralph has been an undercover agent for the last ten years. We have been trying to break this ring and now have you dead to rights.”
“You’ll never make it stick. After this bogus charge is thrown out I’ll sue you all for everything you have. You will owe me big time for this.”
“Trudy. I have always tried to be civil to you over the years in spite of your hateful personality. So I’m going to ask Agent Lightfoot to read you your rights and in the meantime offer you a big cup of shut the fu*k up. Commander we are coming out.”

Well, that is it for the Worthe’s Ben, Lightfoot, and Alexis. I hope you enjoyed the series. Don’t forget to visit Teagan at https://teagansbooks.com. The in next week for a new story

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #101 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

Here is what it is all about in Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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.”

Here is the photo.

Prompt

Just Thinking by John W. Howell © 2016

“So I was wondering. Would you like to go to the movie with me? I know it is forward of me to ask, but I have admired you from across the bazaar. I have been watching you for weeks now and think I almost know you. You don’t have to answer right now. I can come back. I was thinking we could go to the movie but grab a little dinner first. I know this beautiful place that has killer appetizers. It is a very public place, so you won’t have to feel uncomfortable. The movie is rated PG, so there will be no embarrassing, funny stuff on the screen. After the film, we could get some dessert. There is a lovely bistro that serves the best eclairs. Oh, maybe I misspoke. You may not like eclairs. That’s okay you can have anything you want. Their menu is quite extensive. Then after dessert, I will walk you home to make sure you arrive safely.  So what do you think? ”

“Excuse me. Are you talking to me?”

“Uh. Yes, I was.”

“I’m sorry I was deep in thought. Please excuse me.”

“Not a problem. I was rambling anyway.”

“Rambling about what?”

“Oh, nothing much. You know the weather and such.”

“Yes, it is quite lovely today.”

“It is. Well, I won’t keep you. Have a pleasant afternoon.”

“You as well.”

“Bye now.”

“Goodbye.”

 

 

Who’s That Indie Author? John W. Howell

~ John W. Howell ~ 4 Comments

Book Club Mom has an interesting blog for Indie authors. I am so pleased to be profiled on her “Who’s That Indie Author” feature. Jump over and look around. You’ll be glad you did. My Thanks to Barbara Vitelli (Book Club Mom) for the opportunity.

Book Club Mom's avatarBook Club Mom

Who's That Indie Author pic

john-howell
Author name:  John W. Howell

Genre:  Fiction Thrillers

Books:  My GRL, His Revenge, Our Justice

my-grl     his-revenge     our-justice

Bio:  John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories.  His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016.  All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. John lives in Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.

Favorite thing about being a writer: My favorite thing about being a writer is being allowed to be responsible for the quality of my work. I do not have to rely…

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