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.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ex”

~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

 

The instructions are simple, “Find a word with “ex” in it and use that word as the base for the post. In case you are confused about what I’m writing, I’m describing another Stream of Consciousness prompt by the fiendish  lovely Linda Hill. If you want to join in go to this link and read all about it. https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-616/

EX by John W. Howell © 2016

“So what’s the prompt?”

“Ex.”

“Huh? What ya mean X?”

“No not X. Ex.”

“X what? X-Men?”

“I said not X as in X-Men but Ex as in exfoliation.”

“Exfoliation? What the heck does that mean?”

“My goodness man. Did you go to school?”

“Yes I did, and I graduated an expert.”

“Now who is confusing who? An expert in what?”

“Getting through school with no expectations.”

“I see. This still brings me back to ex.”

“Your ex?”

“No, not my ex. We need to find a word with an ex in it and make it the subject of this post.”

“Oh, now I see. How about execution.”

“You know with help like you give I don’t need any enemies. That’s not exactly a great subject for a post.”

“Okay, then. How about exercise?”

“Hey, I think you are on to something at last. We could examine all the aspects of exercise.”

“Naw. Go ahead without me. I’m exhausted.”

“I’m sure you are. You don’t exhibit much energy in the first place, and I’m sure all this mental work has been challenging.”

“Excuse me? Look who’s talking? You haven’t left that chair in over two hours.”

“I’m the boss of this outfit, and you are an exclusion.”

“Oh, Yeah? You want to expand on that statement?”

“Yeah, and since you want exactness, you’re nothing.”

“You know what Mr. Executive?”

“What Mr. Expendable?”

“You say you’re the boss and I’m nothing, and I have to say, ‘big deal boss over nothing.’ Examine that boss man.”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

Friday

 

Another Friday to celebrate. YAY. This week has been a productive one. Got my paperback of Our Justice onto CreateSpace with little or no trouble. I’m waiting for the proof copy to arrive and then will go after the Kindle addition. I have the Kindle file ready to go, but don’t want to put it up until I’m sure te paper edition looks good. I hope you all have had a good week and like me looking forward to the weekend. Today’s JohnKu talks about looking forward to something nice.

Something Nice by John W. Howell © 2016

When the task is hard,

And it almost seems too much. . .

Think of a nice thing.

Fascination sample pdf — 🆓

~ John W. Howell ~ 1 Comment

So Kevin keeps promises. Here is the PDF sample for you to try. If you like it you can have the whole thing on August 8th

Kevin Brennan's avatarWHAT THE HELL

Cover smallClick for pdf

As promised, today you can download the first chunk of pages from my new novel, Fascination. It features a couple of photos, which run through the whole text, so when you buy this book you get something to look at every now and then — in addition to some high-quality prose, if I don’t say so myself.

Click the cover above to download the pdf. Or, hell, just click here if you don’t want to move your cursor.

In case you haven’t heard, the only way you can get Fascination is to purchase it directly from yours truly, starting Monday, 8.8.16. I personalize each copy. And if you have any trouble with the pdf file on your device, I’ll work with you to get it the way you want it.

How’s that for service?!

And don’t forget, you pay anything you want for Fascination, as long…

View original post 29 more words

Thursday – A little personal – A Photo on the Beach

~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

Cinnamon Shore

Here is a photo taken from the beach of an upscale neighborhood named Cinnamon Shore. The day was a little overcast, and this picture was snapped at about 8:00 am while walking the dogs.

Why would I  take a photo of a neighborhood you ask? I just had to provide some context for the next shot. You see I find flip-flops on the beach all the time. I can never guess why folks leave one flip-flop. I make up stories in my mind that usually involve a couple who have had too much to drink. “Oh dear I dropped my flip-flop,” is a piece of imagined dialog. “Aw let it go. We’ll get another pair,” is the made up response.

Usually, the flip-flops are from places like Old Navy or Wal-Mart, so I can see the reluctance to go back for it. (I have, in my imagination, these folks in the back of a pick-up truck on another beer run to town.) So, I was quite surprised to spot this in front of Cinnamon Shore.

Tory Burch

This photo is a Tory Burch sandal. I can hear it now, “Oh dear I dropped my Tory Burch sandal.” The reply, “Don’t worry darling we are late for the Smythes reception and no time to go back. I’ll get you a new pair at Neiman’s next week.” I see this couple in a custom golf cart making their way off the beach while trying to juggle two crystal flutes of Cristal champagne and a black labrador.

Blurb your enthusiasm

~ John W. Howell

So here is some more detail about Kevin Brennan’s new book Fascination.

Kevin Brennan's avatarWHAT THE HELL

Cover cropFascination is a curious little book, and I wouldn’t want you to buy a copy without knowing what you’re getting yourself into. It’s part picaresque, part morality play, and it covers plenty of territory across our great land. Route 66 looks like a cul de sac compared to the voyage of our heroes, Sally and Clive.

Stay tuned for a sample of the book tomorrow, and you’ll be able to land your own personalized copy on Monday.

Meanwhile:

Fascination!

It’s a road picture (with pictures)…

It’s the novel you buy straight from the author …

It’s a novel about self-realization and vengeance …

It’s a novel about the pointless journey of a grieving young widow — Sally Pavlou — and a lovestruck private investigator — Clive Bridle — looking for the dead man who done Sally wrong …

It’s a novel about postponing the inevitable and rushing to…

View original post 93 more words

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

Funny college

 

Wednesday Story Day time again. Last week we left Trudy and Ben in an icky situation where Ben is trying to convince her he is sincere about his passion and Trudy is doubting every word. Although I would rather open a beer and sit in the sun, I’m afraid I’ll have to go back and see what’s going on. You can stay here with your feet up. Oh, yes, help yourself to something in the cooler. I won’t be too long, after all, I can only hold my nose and breath so long. Are you coming with me? Well, don’t say you haven’t been warned. Here put some of this Vick’s Vap-O-Rub under your nose. It will help.
“I’m not getting into that bed with you. I know what you are up to Benjamin.”
“So tell me, Trudy. What am I up to now?”
“You want to get me to relax and then start spilling the beans about our operations.”
“That is ridiculous. Who told you that lie?”
“I believe it is true, and no one said anything. I figured it out on my own. Why else would a young man like yourself want to bed an older woman.”
“Cause you’re sexy?”
“Come off that crap. You want something, and I demand to know what it is.”
“Trudy you have me all wrong. Here come under the covers and I’ll show you.”
“Put those covers down. I don’t need to be bothered with likes of you.”
“Now where did that come from? I’ve been nothing but kind to you.”
“Yeah, and that’s what bothers me.”
“Trudy please trust me. I only want what is best for you.”
“Okay prove it.”
“How?”
“Get out of that bed. Get dressed. Meet me in the kitchen.”
“Kitchen? You’re not going to pull a knife are you.”
“Trust me if I wanted to pull a knife I would already have one, and your thumb would be in the wastebasket.”
“Lovely thought.”
“I’m leaving. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Well, you are acting like a school marm.”
“Just do it. See you there.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #88 By Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Another photo prompt from Keith Channing. In his words, he can explain. “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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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.

Kreative Kue #88

The Catch by John W. Howell ©2016

“So when you set the trap didn’t you wonder that it was a little big?”

“I didn’t think about it at the time. I was worried that I would get caught in it myself.”

“How on earth did you get those trap jaws separated and set?”

“That was tricky. I had to get a tree limb and leverage the jaws open. I then jumped for my life hoping the trigger would hold.”

“Who put you up to this anyway?”

“Old Trapper John. He sold me the trap and told me I would be in National Geographic and get a reward if I caught the thing.”

“How did you get the trap into the woods. It weighs a ton.”

“Old John has a tractor, and he hauled it in for me.”

“Why didn’t you call anyone for help?”

“What? If I did that, I would have to split the reward.”

“How about now? You’ve got us all hauling this thing out of the woods. You didn’t think twice about asking for help after the trap was sprung.”

“Well I figured since there would be no reward Y’all would take pity on me and help.”

“You know we are all right here. Why tell us to our face that we are fools?”

“I didn’t mean that. I’m very grateful for the help.”

“Why no reward?”

“I didn’t trap the right thing.”

“Well, this is big and heavy enough to be the right thing. What’s the problem.”

“Take a look. What you are hauling isn’t an animal it’s a hot air balloon. The damn balloon came down right on my trap.”

“What happened to the occupants?”

“They all scattered, and that’s why I called you guys.”

“If this isn’t an animal why do you have to haul it out of the woods?”

“Cause the pilot said he would beat my butt if I didn’t.”

“Hmmm. The pilot definitely has an idea.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a GYM (or Workout Club)

~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

 

Workout Meme

Having been a member of a gym for some years, I managed to observe some annoying habits of other attendees. Since I no longer have access to a fitness facility I want to dedicate this blog to y’all. (you know who you are)

10 If you are working out, do not leave the equipment covered in sweat. If you do, at best you’ll earn the club gross-out award. At worst, you might have a discussion with Tiny the club rules enforcer. (Tiny tends to talk with his fists, and you could be looking at an incoming knuckle sandwich.)

9 If you are working out, do not do your stretches in a way that blocks others use of a machine. If you do, at best you may find yourself blocked at some point. At worst, a brave soul may only knock you out of the way and use the machine. (You would argue but it looks like they outweigh you by 100 pounds and they are wearing a WWF champion belt)

8 If you are working out, do not wear week-old workout clothes. If you do, at best you’ll have plenty of workout space to yourself. At worst, the membership will take up a collection and present you with the “Sponsor a homeless person”  check for twenty-five dollars. (Pretty embarrassing getting into your BMW after the ceremony isn’t it.)

7 If you are working out, do not drop the bar of weights on the floor. If you do, at best the population will take cover thinking an earthquake is in progress. At worst, you happen to hit the floor weak spot, and you and the bar of weights wake up in the basement. (You have to wonder why no one seems to care that you are missing.)

6 If you are working out, do not sing along to the music in your earbuds. If you do, at best the rest of the club will think you’ve lost your mind. At worst, Someone will call 911 thinking you are in excruciating pain and are in the throes of a heart attack. (You might as well go with the EMT’s since they are trained to subdue crazies who resist.)

5 If you are working out, don’t brag about your weight loss. If you do, at best those who might have considered being a friend are long gone. At worst, you will brag to the wrong person who has a medical condition coupled with a psychotic episodes triggered by the word “loss.” (Running fast was never your strong suit was it?)

4 If you are working out, do not flirt with the instructor. If you do, at best the instructor will do their best to stay away from you. At worst, the instructor will think you may be the love of their life. (Only now do you find out the instructor is on a work release program after an episode with a former student.)

3 If you are working out, do not try to hoard as many clean towels as you can fit in your locker. If you do, at best others will know and treat you like a thief. At worst, security will pay you a visit just as you open your towel stuffed locker. (Talking fast doesn’t seem to help does it?)

2 If you are working out, do not make grunting noises as you do your reps. If you do, at best the room will think you’re obsessed. At worst the management will send Tiny to discuss proper decorum in the gym. (Seems a lot of folks thought your grunts were a little too personal.)

1 If you are working out, do not make a habit of filling up more than one water bottle at the fountain. If you do, at best the long line will consist of those who have come to hate you. At worst, the tall guy behind you will cease to be able to control his desire to act on an urge to drown you in the very same fountain. (Wow! “Where did that come from?” You ask.)

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Another big oil drilling rig has come to Port Aransas on Thursday for refitting.

Big Rig

This platform is the Noble Jim Day, and it has moved from the Gulf of Mexico to its mooring on Harbor Island in Port Aransas. The Nobel Jim Day is owned by the Nobel Corporation with offices in London and Sugarland, Texas. The unit is a semi-submersible and capable of operating in 12,000 feet of water and can drill to 37,000 feet. She was built in 1999 and retrofitted in 2010. She was primarily deployed in North America.

You can see in the background another rig The West Sirus that was parked back in July of 2015. This shot shows how the tug boats push and pull the deepwater drilling rig into place.

big rig

This photo is a shot of the rig nearing Harbor Island. It is now blocking the other apparatus from view. While the platform passed through the channel, all ferry-boat activity was halted.

big rig

Once the platform moved by the ferry-boat landing, the boats began running. You can see the long white ferries in the foreground beginning their crossing.

This photo shows the emergence of Harbor Island to the right as the big rig gets closer. Also, the ferries take on a frenzied appearance.

Big rig

The final shot shows the big rig in its new home.

Big rig