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.

Authors to Read E-book Giveaway

~ John W. Howell

Brittney Sahin is giving away two books from her “Authors to Read” website. Here is all the info you need to enter and win

brittneysahin's avatarbrittneysahin

Have you checked out the many fantastic books I have listed on my “Authors to Read” page yet?

Would you love to receive a free e-book by one of the authors?

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win your choice of ANY of the e-books listed on my “Authors to Read” page valued at $7.99 or less.

You’re not limited to the images above (I just chose a random selection to showcase an example of what I have listed on the blog).

There will be 2 prizes awarded! If you do not have a Facebook or twitter account, send me an email at authorbrittneysahin@gmail.com & I’ll manually add you to the raffle. Best of luck and if your book is listed on the ‘Authors to Read’ page- spread the word & of course … enter as well & discover a new book!

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Wednesday Story Day – AKA- Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

 

calvin-was-more-right-than-he-knewWednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Mrs. Worthe contemplating hitting poor Ben on the head with a fireplace poker to simulate a hit on the head by the supposed muggers. The resulting effect was to be used with the hospital personnel and police to avoid being detected as liars in any possible investigation. Let’s head to the hospital and see how this pack of lies goes down with the professionals there.
“Thank you for not hitting me on the head Mrs. Worthe.”
“No problem Ben. Just remember to tell them you passed out from fright when the thugs jumped you. Remember also it was four of them and you can’t positively identify anyone. Got it?”
“Yes, I get it Mrs. Worthe. I still think it would be easier just to say I accidentally shot myself.”
“Oh sure Ben. Who will you explain the gun with no license. In fact, you don’t even know where that gun came from. It could have been involved in a murder. You would be up shit’s creek then.”
“I got the gun from Alexis.”
“You shut up now. Here comes the doctor.”
“Hello, Doctor. I’m Trudy Worthe mother of my dear Ben’s fiancee.”
“How do you do I’m doctor Wente. Now looking at the chart, it seems Ben here has a gunshot wound.”
“Yes sir—”
“Shush Ben. You rest I will Talk to the doctor. Yes, he was shot when a bunch of thieves jumped him.”
“Thieves you say?”
“Yes, doctor. Ben here was minding his own business when he was jumped.”
“You know I have to inform the authorities of this wound.”
“Oh, of course, you do. We want to report this as well. We think these people ought to be caught.”
“Let me look at the wound. Will you excuse us ah.”
“Mrs. Worthe. Trudy Worthe.”
“Ah yes, Mrs. Worthe. Could you excuse us please?”
“Can I stay. Ben looks upon me as his mother. Don’t you Ben.”
“Do I have to take my pants off doctor?”
“Yes, I need a good look at your foot as well as your leg.”
“Well, then Mother Worthe I’m afraid I will be too embarrassed to have you here. Why don’t you join Alexis and Dad in the waiting room.”
“I don’t think that is a good idea, Ben.”
“I’m sorry Mrs. Worthe, but my patient wishes come first.”
“Very well Doctor. You behave yourself, Ben. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye Mom. Later.”

His Revenge by John W. Howell #bookreviews #thrillers @HowellWave

~ John W. Howell ~ 16 Comments

Teri Polen is one of the members of Rosie’s Book Review Team and a terrific person. She has given His Revenge a thoughtful, positive, and honest review and I am most appreciative given her reading workload. Check out her website for all things bookish. Thanks again, Teri

Teri Polen's avatarBooks and Such

America loves John Cannon, its newest hero, and the President wants to present him with the highest civilian medal 27257202for bravery for saving the Annapolis midshipman from a terrorist plot to destroy them. While in Washington for the award ceremony, John unwillingly becomes an accomplice in another plan by the same group to attack the credibility of the US President and the stability of the worldwide oil market. There is no way out as John either becomes a traitor to America or causes thousands of innocent people to die if he refuses.

The second John J Cannon Thriller moves from a barrier Island off the coast of Texas to Washington DC, then to Northern California, and finally to Ecuador. John is on the receiving end of an offer he cannot, refuse. His avowed enemy Matt Jacobs now wants John to help him shake the reputation of the US in the…

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Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #62 – by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

As you know, I’m a fan of Keith Channing and his Kreative Kue prompt. Here Keith gives the direction. “Using this photo 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 on 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 seem to be working, and I haven’t yet figured out why.

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’s the photo

Kreative Kue #61

Here is my interpretation.

Thar She Blows by John W. Howell © 2016

“Zimba how many times do I have to tell you. We are pirates, not whalers.”

“I know, but I just love the book Moby Dick and every time I see a bunch of big freighters I just feel like Captain Ahab sighting the white whale.”

“You know how stupid that sounds right?”

“Yeah, Zimba we are a bunch of cutthroats, not fishermen.”

“Aw come on guys. You know as well as I do that it takes guts to be a whaler.”

“Oh please. You mean with those high power boats, sonar, and explosive harpoons. Those guys are wussies.”

“Maybe now but back in the day of Ahab you had to have guts to get in a little boat to battle a whale.”

“I just don’t believe we have a member of our band who reads. Talk about a wuss.”

“Just cause you can’t read doesn’t mean readers are any less manly.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want it to get around the coast that you are going around quoting Herman Melville. Oops.”

“Ah ha.You have read Moby Dick as well.”

“Uh, er, well, yes I have.”

“What the hell is this outfit coming to. A couple of readers for heaven’s sake.”

“All right you blackguards. Stow it. We need to pay attention. Which one do we take?”

“I like that pretty red one.”

“Who cares what you like Mr. Librarian.”

“My AK 47 works as well as yours.”

“Yo men. I said belay it.”

“I love it when he talks like Ahab.”

“Have you read the Scarlett Letter?”

“Oh man. That Hester had it rough.”

Ten Things Not to Do in a Fancy Coffee Chain Store

~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

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The inspiration for this list was a visit to a very busy Coffee chain and then a need to put down in words some of the thoughts that have bothered me since.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in a Fancy Coffee Chain Store

10 Do not try to maintain your individuality by insisting your name be spelled correctly on your cup.If you do, at best your exact words will be handed back to you with your drink. (see above) At worst, the rest of the room will take notice of your insecurity and cover you with eye rolls. (You are bothered by eye rolls, or you wouldn’t have been so particular about your name. Right?)

9 Do not order a fancy drink believing it makes you a superstar. If you do, at best the drink will be wrong. At worst, the drink will be wrong, and you’ll not know it. (Exactly what that twenty-something was counting on when she handed you that regular coffee)

8 Do not look at the pastries while you are standing in the longest line ever. If you do, at best your stomach will announce to those in front and behind that you are an animal. At worst, you pick one up and suffer from calorie and budget overload. (How could something so small cost so much?)

7 Do not offer to pick up something for your co-workers. If you do, at best they’ll order strange coffees and give you money. At worst, they’ll order several breakfast sandwiches and give you enough money to cover about half. (The reaction when you ask for the rest is like you embezzled the funds)

6 Do not go to the drive through with less than a half a tank of gas. If you do, at best you will need to shut the car off several times. At worst, you will forget and run out of gas before you reach the window. (Makes you wonder why you didn’t just go in the first place.)

5 Do not attempt to strike up a conversation with the barista. If you do, at best you’ll realize you are talking to yourself. At worst, the barista will be distracted and make your drink the way the previous person ordered it. (Just try and get that corrected)

4 Do not stand in line and then start thinking what you want when you reach the point of ordering. If you do, at best the audible groan from your fellow fancy coffee drinkers will make you nervous. At worst, you will be the recipient of the kind of insults last heard during the NFL season directed at the commissioner. (You are not making the kind of money to put up with that abuse)

3 Do not pass the tip jar without making a deposit. If you do, at best you will be marked for special treatment next time. At worst, you are still waiting for your drink and everyone behind you has left. (Yes a tip is for good service, but here it is paid in advance much like a toll to the troll under the bridge)

2 Do not take more than one napkin and one stir stick from the condiment bar. If you do, at best you will be reminded to conserve paper. At worst, the environmental enforcer who looks much like the World Wrestling Federation champ will relieve you of the extra. (You  hope he puts you down on your feet after he is through with holding you by the ankles and shaking the napkin free)

1 Do not try to pay for your drink with a gift card that does not have enough to cover. If you do, at best you will be delayed while the difference is figured out. At worst, you will get the feeling that the next move will be the arrival of a SWAT team to take you down for violating what the cashier is sure is a Federal offense. (You have to wonder why you don’t keep the receipt from the previous visit since it clearly states your balance. Silly you.)

Featured Author: John W. Howell

~ John W. Howell ~ 2 Comments

I am so pleased to be featured on Brittney Sahin’s blog today. She is the author of the Romantic suspense series Hidden Truths. Please visit and check out her place. Once there you can visit all her personal sites. Thank you, Brittney

brittneysahin's avatarbrittneysahin

His Revenge front final

I am excited to introduce author John W. Howell. The sequel to My GRL – His Revenge is a new story, continuing where My GRL left off! After reading the blurb to HIS REVENGE, I know it will be a book that I’ll enjoy & I definitely added it to my TBR list!

“I thoroughly enjoyed the further adventures of John Cannon. The fast-paced plot and memorable characters kept me engaged. Endings tie up each novel, yet leave plenty of room for readers to want more.” Bette A. Stevens – Author of Dog Bone Soup.

Blurb:

America loves John Cannon, its newest hero, and the President wants to present him with the highest civilian medal for bravery for saving the Annapolis midshipman from a terrorist plot to destroy them. While in Washington for the award ceremony, John unwillingly becomes an accomplice in another plan by the same group to attack the credibility of…

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “An” #JusJoJan

~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

 

 

Saturday again and time for Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Today’s prompt is “an.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want and has offered a suggestion of starting words with “an” or making “an” the theme of the post. If you would like to know more about this go to Linda’s blog at   http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-jan-3016/  You might mention to Linda that I didn’t find her suggestions helpful in inspiring me to write. Here is my endeavor. (also, look at the year at the end of the link. I knew something was up that’s one hundred years from now.)

The Great An by John W. Howell ©2016

“All hail the Great An.”

“Why thank you, thank you very much.”

“Tell us Great An what does the future hold?”

“If it is anything like last night’s poker game I would say a full house.”

“Seriously Great An it is another new year 3016, and your subjects are curious as to what they can expect from their supreme leader.”

“I would say the subjects can pretty much expect the same kind of leadership as last year. You know. Higher taxes, lower wages, more war, less clean water, not enough to eat. So what’s new?”

“But sire. You averted a full-scale uprising with promises of better conditions.”

“Was I drinking at the time?”

“Come to think of it sire, you were.”

“Well, there you are then. Can a man be held to his word when he’s in the bag?”

“I must warn you, sire the peasants are on the verge of revolting.”

“I can tell you, noble knight given their propensity to avoid bathing I would say they are already there.”

“I cannot be held responsible for what will happen if you don’t reform and improve the living conditions of your realm sire.”

“You have convinced me. Do you have a pen?”

“Yes, sire. Here.”

“Let’s see. Ah yes, a proclamation. Henceforth all citizens will live better or be put to death. There I signed it. Now take it to the printer guy and tell him to make copies to be distributed to every man, woman and child.”

“Yes, sire. You are going to go down in history as an extraordinary monarch.”

“You think so?”

“Yes, you will never be forgotten. Your name will be on everyone’s lips throughout eternity followed by a spit.”

“Followed by what?”

“A kiss sire. Followed by a kiss.”

This post is part of Just Jot it January. If you want to join in here is the link. Hurry the month is going fast. http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/31/just-jot-it-january-2016-rules/

jjj-2016

Friday – JohnKu – AKA- TGIF #JusJoJan

~ John W. Howell ~ 29 Comments

 

It is Friday again and I think I am pretty glad to have some time over the weekend to do nothing. It seems this week has been a blur of putting together a number of guest posts and promotional pieces. I have also been putting the final touches on the final book in the John J. Cannon thriller. I thought I was set to mail to the gracious beta readers when I found some kind of version corruption. Nothing serious but enough to delay the mailing for a day or so. It is also very frustrating when you feel you have everything ship-shape and then some other problem comes in. This just speaks to the fact that we should always double and triple check the file to see if everything is good. I’m glad I did in this case. I could just imagine the reaction to what I would have sent if I hadn’t looked. The subject of today’s JohnKu is care. I hope you like it.

Hair Pull by John W. Howell © 2016

The I’s all have dots,

The T’s all have been crossed too. . .

Typos still survive.

 

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – Call for Beta Readers

~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Uncle-Sam-World-War-2-Poster

UNCLE JOHN NEEDS YOU FOR A BETA READ

I am currently at a point with the third book in the John Cannon thriller trilogy where I would appreciate some input from beta readers. As you may know My GRL, His Revenge and now Our Justice will make up the complete story of John Cannon and his ongoing challenge with the billionaire Matt Jacobs.

Here is the blurb

Matt Jacobs is the money and power behind a splinter terrorist group out for justice to repay atrocities he believes committed by the West on his Palestine homeland and people. Matt despises John for continually thwarting his plans and would like nothing better than to kill him. He comes to realize it is better to use John to help carry out his vendetta. His latest scheme is to use John’s hero status as a conduit to eliminate the President of the United States. John is prepared to give his life to prevent this shocking event from happening.

I am at the point in Our Justice that before I go into professional edit where I need to know if the story holds up and the ending is pleasing to the reader. I would expect to get feedback within a six-week period or no later than March 30th. Here are the questions for which I’m seeking answers.

  1. Are there any confusing or missing parts of the story?
  2. Did you enjoy the story?
  3. Was the ending to your expectation?

Other factors

  • The story has not been professionally edited at this point so there may be some typos or grammar slips. I don’t expect a beta reader to catch these.
  • The book has not been formatted which will be done once the final version is complete
  • I can send the book in a PDF or Mobi Format. Please let me know which you prefer
  • Reading the other two books is not a requirement. I would like to get at lease one reader who has not read My GRL or His Revenge

If you are interested please send me an e-mail at johnhowell (dot) wave (at) gmail.com