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.

My GRL (John J. Cannon Series, #1) by John W. Howell

~ John W. Howell ~ 10 Comments

Karen Oberlaender has a wonderful blog about books and other interesting things. She is a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and as she describes herself, “A confessing book addict.” Her blog is worth a visit not just because she has posted a lovely review of My GRL, but because there is a ton of good things to read. Thank you, Karen.

Karen's avatarMy train of thoughts on...

My GRL_johnwhowellThe author sent me a copy (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review.

My rating:  5  of  5  stars

Plot
(by Goodreads)

My GRL is the story of John J. Cannon, successful San Francisco lawyer, who takes a well-deserved leave of absence from his firm. He travels to a small Texas fishing town and buys a boat, unaware that his new purchase, renamed My GRL, had already been targeted by a terrorist group. John’s first inkling of a problem is when he wakes up in the hospital. He learns he was found unconscious next to the dead body of the attractive young woman who sold him the boat in the first place. John now stands between the terrorists and the success of their mission.

Genre(s):  Mystery, Thriller

Series:  John J. Cannon Series, #1

Length:  226 pages

Release Date:  2014-01-11

Teaser

It was a 2002…

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20 Questions with Author John Howell

~ John W. Howell ~ 18 Comments

I have been honored by Don Massenzio today on his 20 Questions feature post. Don is one of the most informative bloggers, and if you follow him, you will find a wealth of information about writing and blogging. He is also a talented author so check out his books while you are there. Thank you , Don, for this feature.

Unknown's avatarDon Massenzio

Photo by Tim Burdick

Today we sit down with author and blogger John Howell. He is also my hero of sorts becoming a full-time writer after many years in business. This is something I am working toward in the next ten years or so.

Please enjoy this very interesting 20 questions session with accomplished author and blogger, John W. Howell.

Q1) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I guess the first real desire to be a write hit me in college. I remember my friends and I trying to decide what we really wanted to do. I wrote a few poems and short stories and thought that this would be a great way to make a living. Unfortunately, the practical world rose its ugly head, and I sold my soul to Procter and Gamble.

Q2) How long does it typically take you to write a book?

I write one-thousand…

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Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Property Tax Protest Meeting

~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

 

Property taxes

In Texas, it is that time of the year when all property owners have the constitutional right to contest the property tax assessment delivered by the county. The inspiration for this list was listening to the stories told by my dear wife after her return from her meeting with the tax assessor.  Yes, you read it right. She is the one who does all the research and then the one to confront the tax people. (I fear for their lives)  I hope you enjoy the list. (Oh, by the way, our assessment was reduced.)

10  If you are protesting your property taxes, do not think the personnel will not remember you from last year. If you do, at best they will keep you sitting in the waiting room as long as possible. At worst, they will have held a special boost morale meeting and take up the mantle of a football team taking the field. (You thought that different hair and fake mustache was going to help didn’t you?)

9 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not make jokes about the staff having to work on Saturday. If you do, at best you’ll get polite smiles and no action. At worst, your case worker will find an overlooked loophole and assess your property even higher. (That one joke about government drones finally having to work was the nail hey, Ferd?)

8 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not try to blame your case worker for the high assessment. If you do, at best they will become very defensive and no help. At worst, they will call in the county lawyer and threaten you with a defamation of character lawsuit. (You now see why the lawyer is standing by don’t you Bunkie?)

7 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not show up in your grubbiest clothes trying to look poor. If you do, at best the case worker knows the value of your home and think you a fool. At worst, the guard will stop your entrance into the building thinking you are homeless with no need for a property tax protest meeting. (With only one chance to protest you better hope you have time to run home and change.)

6 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not try to use last year’s photos of your home’s deplorable condition at this year’s meeting. If you do, at best the case worker will excuse you memory lapse since the file contains five years of documentation. At worst, the case worker will put you at a disadvantage by using phrases like “tax fraud,”deception,” and “felony.” (Makes you want to pretend to have a stroke doesn’t it?)

5 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not be outraged when the case worker says, “You should be grateful to pay taxes on such a lovely looking house.” If you do, at best you can kiss any further consideration goodbye. At worst, you’ll hurt some feelings that won’t ever heal. (Remember you’ll need to come back next year and a case worker never forgets)

4 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not think the case worker will be more impressed and influenced by more pages of documentation rather than less. If you do, at best you will have your case worker nodding off. At worst, you case worker will take offense thinking they are incapable of making a decision absent a hundred pages of facts. (This taking of offense will not serve you well in the future.)

3 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not ask to use the caseworkers’ calculator. If you do, at best it might be interpreted that you don’t trust either the calculator or the case worker or both. At worst, the case worker is a germaphobe and will break out in hives just at the thought of you using the calculator. (Now you need a new case worker and all are busy aren’t they Rube)

2 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not raise your voice. If you do, at best your case worker will ask to be replaced by another. At worst, that scared wide-eyed look on the face of the case worker will immediately precede the arrival of the sheriff’s officers. (In addition to hight taxes you now have a court date for assault, Tiger)

1 If you are protesting your property taxes, do not let a spouse say anything to try to help. If you do, at best the spouse will say the wrong thing at the wrong time, and everyone will get confused. At worst, the spouse will add an unnecessary comment that will convince the case worker that your taxes ought to be higher for the next three years. (Gee all that was said is “Who do you think pays your salary?”

Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Today I want to take you on a quick tour of the Marine Science Education Center

 

Pictured is the education center located on the grounds of the Marine Science Institute here in Port Aransas.

The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute is the oldest and most significant marine research facility on the Texas coast. The Institute is dedicated to the three central functions of a major university, research, education, and outreach, as they apply to the Texas coastal zone and other marine environments. As an organized research unit, the primary goal of the Marine Science Institute is to improve understanding of the marine environment through rigorous scientific investigations.

 

This is the plaque at the base of the sculpture titled, Interdependency. The sculpture contains over fifty marine species and symbolizes the interdependent nature of our marine world.

 

 

Inside the Educational Center are a number of interactive exhibits designed to explain the mysteries of the coastal zone.

 

For example here is a game teaching where fish are found in the Gulf. The lighthouse mural on the right is named the Lydia Ann lighthouse.

 

There is a telescope inside the center so that you can look at the Lydia Ann lighthouse. I took a photo through the telescope and you can see it off in the distance.

There are also interactive displays.

 

Here is a fishing boat on the bay with a little pond filled with fish that can be caught with a magnet on a rod (yes,the fish have a metal spot with which you have to connect)

Here’s what the boat looks like loaded with tourists (actually my family – daughters and grandkids)

 

There is so much more to see and feel but we are just about out of time. Here is an aerial view so you can get an idea of how large.

 

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Break/Brake”

~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

 

 

Stream Of Consciousness SaturdayIt is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Break/Brake.” Linda Hill says we can use one or the other or both. I usually go for broke (past tense of break? huh? maybe?) and I will try them both. Wish me luck

If you would like to join in here is the link to Linda’s site, and there you will get all the information you need to make a fool out of yourself.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 21/16

Break/Brake by John W. Howell © 2016

“Okay, gang let’s take a break.”

“Whew, boss its about time to put the brake on overtime.”

“What’s the matter Shultz. A little work will break you?”

“Naw sir. I just think this twelve-hour stuff needs a brake to slow it down for a while.”

“What kind of brake do you have in mind?”

“Well, we could all pitch in and work a little harder and maybe even avoid the afternoon coffee break.”

“Give me a break Shultz. You know the union will kick my ass if I ask y’all to skip a break.”

“Well, it’s been six weeks since I’ve seen my kid. I get up before him and arrive after he’s gone to bed. This kind of schedule will break my home life.”

“You the only one feeling this way? Anyone else need a brake applied to the hours of work?”

“I don’t know, but if we don’ get a break, there will be a massive brake on my love life.”

“Yeah, well we don’t need to go there. Pull the brake handle on that talk.”

“I guess I’m the only one not willing to trade living for money. Okay, break time is almost over, and I can see there’ll be no brake on the work hours.”

“Here’s one for you. Why not take a full-time break? You know cash out.”

“Love to boss, but there’s way too many bills to pay and how do I put a brake on them if I’m on a full’time break.”

“So we are finished with the break/brake discussion?”

“Yup break’s over. Thanks for your concern boss.”

Friday JohnKU – AKA TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

 

Happy Friday

This week was quite unusual. On Sunday night and half of Monday, we had monsoon rains. Our total accumulation for the twelve-hour period was over five inches. The quantity of rain caused a lot of flooding in Corpus Christi. We were lucky when the ponds overflowed their banks, only about six inches of water rose into the street.  None in the house. Of course, the repair that I had done for a leak in the garage will need to be redone. Still leaks. The contractor was very responsive and will redo the repair next week. Beyond that, the week was pretty standard. The pace was fast and the time went like the wind.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the unexpected. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Unexpected by John W. Howell © 2016

Things that are not planned,

Come in without a welcome…

Leave a mess behind.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Interview on RAVE WAVES BlogTalkRadio with Blaire Sharpe #RRBC

~ John W. Howell ~ 8 Comments

Blog talk radio image.unnamed

I am pleased to have as my interview guest on RAVE WAVES “SPOTLIGHT HONORS” Blaire Sharpe the author of Not Really Gone an incredible memoir.

Clip art Blaire

Not Really Gone

The show begins at 11:00 am Central time today. Here is all the information

Welcome to RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB’S BlogTalkRadio Production of RAVE WAVES “SPOTLIGHT HONORS,” where Host, John W. Howell, is joined by AUTHOR, BLAIRE SHARPE. We will be discussing her memoir, “NOT REALLY GONE.” Join us as we explore this book and become better acquainted with the author.

Here is Blaire’s contact information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBlaireSharpe/

Her Website address:   www.blairesharpe.com

Her Twitter Handle: @BlaireSharpe

 

This segment of SPOTLIGHT HONORS is being sponsored by NONNIE JULES, the author of “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC.”

1If Only There Was Music book cover (1)

If you’d like to know how you can get your own recorded commercial to air during one of our shows, please visit the RRBC site.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

College meme

 

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we saw the unthinkable situation where Mrs. Worthe is pretty much taking control of Ben’s life. She insisted that Ben come to her house to recover. The only good thing about this situation is Ben will be able to keep his eye on the family for Father Lightfoot. (Raymond) Let’s go and see how Ben gets settled. (Yes we are jumping right to Mrs. Worthe’s house)

“Now Ben you can consider Mi casa Su casa.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Worthe. I was just wondering.”
“Wondering what Ben dear?”
“I was wondering if Father Lightfoot will be able to visit?”
“Why on earth do you want him to visit? You’re Jewish for heaven’s sake.”
“I know, but he is such a comfort. I think there is only one God after all.”
“You got something going with Raymond?”
“Please, Mrs. Worthe. I’m engaged to Alexis.”
“Yeah well, that may no be for long.”
“W-what are you saying?”
“Alexis is a pretty determined person. She does not suffer losers lightly.”
“Has she said anything?”
“She hasn’t been in to see you has she?”
“No. I thought she was away.”
“Why did you think that?”
“I don’t know. it was the only explanation for not coming in to see me.”
“There you are, Ben. There’s another reason which has escaped your pea brain.”
“She wants to break up?”
“Bingo. We have a winner, winner chicken dinner.”
“Damn. I did not expect that reaction from her.”
“You mean you expected her to hang out with a broke college student who shoots himself?”
“I thought we had a special relationship.”
“Sure you did, Ben. As long as it looked like you may have ten million dollars it was special.”
“Okay, Mrs. Worthe. You win. You win it all. I’m here under your thumb, and my fiancée doesn’t have the guts to come in and tell me we are through. Shows what a loser I am. I need to talk to Raymond and try to find another place to stay.”
“I wouldn’t be mentioning thumb if I were you, Ben. You are going nowhere. Do you have your phone?”
“Huh. Let me check. Where is it?”
“Right here. Now be a good boy and take a nap and maybe later I’ll let you talk to your precious Raymond.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #77

~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

As you know, I’m a fan of prompts. Keith Channing has a prompt each week and in his words here is what it is all about.

“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 #

“Hello, Nanu base. Come in.”

“This is Nanu base. Who is this?”

“This is Rubber Ducky One reporting in.”

“Let me see. Rubber Ducky One. Oh yes, I see you were launched in sub-lunar year six.”

“That is correct, and I have landed.”

“Roger that Rubber Ducky One. That was one hundred lifetimes ago. Do you know where you are?”

“I think I’m on the Earth but can’t verify.”

“What makes you think you are on the Earth.”

“There is a lot of water, and I can see land up ahead.”

“Okay, that could be any planet in the system.”

“How about this. I can see a moon in the sky which is blue.”

“The moon is blue?”

“Negative. The sky is blue.”

“Can you reach land?”

“Yes. I have put on my putter-putter and am heading there now. Oh oh.”

“Is there a problem Rubber Ducky One?”

“There is a creature in the water just ahead of me.”

“Can you identify?”

“I’m going to take a chance and say it is a human.”

“How do you know?”

“I’m looking at my Earth creature identification chart and this creature has a dorsal fin and enormous teeth.”

“And you say it is human.”

“Yes. There is a picture of one here and it is labeled with the term lawyer. In checking the index, lawyers are an occupational subset of the human race.”

“Maybe you could offer food and start a friendly discussion.”

“I wonder what they eat?”

Ten Things Not to Say to a Cocktail Party Guest

~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

 

Cocktail PartyThe inspiration for this list came after attending some parties recently.  Although I’m not a psychologist I can only surmise the individuals I happened to run into were behaving in an abnormal manner. In searching for truth, I Googled social disorders and came upon “Cocktail Party Guest” and the explanation became clear. I hope you enjoy the list. If you are at times, a cocktail party guest know this list is with love.

10 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not say.”How are you?” If you do at best, you will only have to stand for ten or so minutes for the rundown. At worst, you will be forced to take the person home with you since you now are forced into the position of Good Samaritan. (You had hoped they would say, “Fine,” like everyone else didn’t you?)

9 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not admit you are a writer. If you do, at best the person will tell you some stories they are going to write. At worst, you will be forced into a corner and have to admit the person reminds you of Ernest Hemingway. (Of course, maybe one of those stories will be your next novel)

8 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not mention your last vacation. If you do, At best you will have to attempt to get away after the second holiday story. At worst, you will watch your ice melt as you go on a verbal tour of all the continents. (Don’t you wish a trap door would open and drop you ten stories to the furnace room.)

7 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not ask what they do. If you do, at best they will try to convince you they own the city. At worst, they will be in the selling profession and won’t let you go until you sign up for a cleaning product pyramid scheme. (Wasn’t this the project that you read about where all the officers of the company went to jail?)

6 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not ask where they live. If you do, at best they will assume you are trying to type their social/economic status. At worst, the person will believe that you are a cat burglar and have designs on their jewels and money. (In each, case you didn’t get an answer and the latter begs the question,  did you enjoy the police escort home?)

5 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not be the first to mention your kids. If you do, at best, the person has you outnumbered by a factor of two children. At worst, the person you are talking to has just returned from Washington where they witnessed the President giving their child the Student of the Year award. (Man, it could not get any more humiliating than that huh, Bunky?)

4 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not raise a political point. If you do, at best the person is a political science professor at the college, and you are in for a pretty long evening. At worst, the person is a member of a splinter group who have as a mission the destruction of the two-party system. (How do you feel going home with your very own AK 47 gift)

3 If you happen to talk to a cocktail guest, do not admit you know nothing about Doctor No or Marvel Comic characters. If you do, at best you will need to find someone else with which to talk. At worst, the person will take the next three hours providing the background and an in-depth synopsis of every episode or character. (Remember to relax your knees now and then, so you don’t pass out.)

2 If you happen to talk to a cocktail party guest, do not make a negative comment about the party. If you do, at best the person will disagree and then tell the host. At worst, you will make your unfortunate comments to the unknown spouse of the host who just happens to play golf once a week with your boss. (That meeting with the boss on Monday might be a little tense hey Bud?)

1 If you happen to talk to a cocktail guest, do not keep calling them by the wrong name. If you do, at best the fourth correction will verify you are an idiot. At worst, unbeknownst to you, this person has been hired by the company you work for to come in and weed out the deadwood. (You may not be too old to find another job. Yeah Right?)