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.

Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour – with C.S.Boyack

October 16, 2015October 13, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour

I am very happy to welcome C.S Boyack to Fiction Favorites as part of his 4Wills Publishing The Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour in support of his paranormal tale Will O’the Wisp. The story involves a mildly handicapped girl facing a mysterious threat. The wisp has been killing off Patty Hall’s family for generations, and she’s next on the list. It is suitable for young adult readers. It’s a perfect Halloween read.

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We have a real treat for everyone today. Joining us is an honest to goodness Greek Muse. Lorelei, many of our readers think Muses are simply fables. Why do you think this is a common belief?

Lorelei: There are many Muses, but we are selective about those we inspire. Most people will never encounter a Muse, so we become something of legend.

John: You work with an author, C. S. Boyack. Why did you choose him?

Lorelei: Craig has always been a creative guy. I first approached him in the 1980s. He wrote a few things that showed promise, but he wasn’t committed. I parked him in my watch list for decades, because he wasn’t ready. He needed a wife and children. Those led to a certain comfort level, and that’s when his mind really blossomed.

John: Is this a matter of seasoning, or just available time?

Lorelei: A bit of both, actually. He’s a very driven fellow, almost a workaholic.

John: What inspiration did you provide for Will O’ the Wisp?

Lorelei: Craig doesn’t always get everything the way I provide it. Sometimes I whisper on the breeze or appear in his dreams. He was watching a cartoon with his grandchildren about these benevolent forest spirits. I blew into his ear about the beautiful artwork, and wonders of nature. He came up with a story about witchcraft, survival, and revenge.

John: Does that mean he really doesn’t listen to you?

Lorelei: He listens, but he’s wired a bit differently. He’s a creative fellow, and that’s why I chose him. Some of the things he comes up with are surprising.

John: This book says it’s suitable for young adults. Is that something you helped him with?

Lorelei: No. He doesn’t work that way. He writes stories the way he feels them. If the end product has adult themes, so be it. Will O’ the Wisp didn’t need adult themes and simply came out that way.

John: The story is a first person point of view, and the main character is a 15-year-old girl. How did that come to pass?

Lorelei: I had a lot to do with that. Craig and I chatted about his personal challenge for this book. I always make him push his limits in one way or another. He improves as a writer by trying new things. We came up with the idea of something in first person. He agreed to try it, knowing it was part of his growth as a writer. The readers will decide if he did a good job, or not.

John: I never knew Muses helped with promotion. I think that’s fabulous. Tell us what promotional effort you’re putting into this project.

Lorelei: My job is to inspire. I do it very well. I also take responsibility for Craig’s growth as an author. To be honest with you, I don’t care if he ever publishes something. I want him to grow and improve his skills.

John: Then why are you out stumping for him today?

Lorelei: He’s such a whiner. He thinks I’m more charming than he is, and begs until I give in. It’s true that I have more social skills.

John: Will O’ the Wisp is more than a paranormal story. It’s also a coming of age story. How much influence did you have here?

Lorelei: Quite a bit. When I looked at Craig’s storyboard, it was very meat and potatoes. It told the story, but that’s about all. We shared a drink one night, and I helped him flesh things out.

John: How does this book compare to Boyack’s other novels?

Lorelei: They’re all different in some way. I think they’re all good stories. Will O’ the Wisp is the kind of story that could put him on the map as a writer. If you’ve been waiting to read one of Craig’s stories, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.

John: Thank you for joining us today, Lorelei. Can you tell us what we have to do to attract our own Muse?

Lorelei: Keep working on your craft. You never know when one of my sisters has you on her short list.

***

Patty Hall is perfectly prepared for the wrong problem. She is enamored with the space race, and knows the history of NASA by heart. She is faced with an ancient threat that has been targeting the Hall family for generations. Hampered by an overprotective mother, if Patty can’t figure it all out in time, she may be the next member in the Hall family cemetery plot.

It’s not hard enough to be a fifteen year old girl, and a social outcast. As she watches her friends mature and grow, she has to face the idea of never turning sixteen. Please consider joining Patty on her incredible adventure.

You can pick up a copy on Amazon using your Kindle or a free reading app. Download it here:

North American version: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00UPH6BNS

International version: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00UQNDT2C

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Author Bio I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction. I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet. I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.

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Follow Craig at the following locations:

Follow my blog: http://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com

Check out all my novels here: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00ILXBXUY

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Virgilante

On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9841203.C_S_Boyack

“This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Birds

October 15, 2015October 13, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 21 Comments

This week was one of those times here on the coast where the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds came to mind. For whatever reason, there have been a great number of birds gathering on the beach. It may be the availability of small fish but as a fiction writer I tend to want the motivation to be deeper than just a run of minnows. You know, something sinister like they are all responding to the call to gather and prepare for further instructions from the Leader. (Okay, knock it off. This is not a prompt.)

The first picture is of the pelicans floating out in the water. No diving just sitting. (And watching?)

The next is a whole bunch of seagulls on the beach.

Next comes the call to wing it outta there.

The order is to go to the rendezvous point.

Which is back on the beach (go figure)

I guess it is all okay. No need to call the government and take somebody away from campaigning.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

October 14, 2015October 12, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

Wednesday Story Day again and last time we spent some unpleasant moments with Mrs, Worthe. Ben, and Alexis. It looks like Mrs. Worthe is not going to allow the kids to get the C4 they need to blow up the Student Union until she talks to Alexis’ father. She seems to have it in her mind that this business of blowing things up may be dangerous and her child might get harmed. (never mind anyone else including Ben). Let’s get back to the scene.

“Well yo two kids stay out of trouble and thank you for the pizza.”

“You are very welcome Mrs. Worthe. Come back again.”

“If I thought you meant that Ben I would stay away just to be a pain.”

“I do mean it.'”

“Yeah, right. Give mommy a kiss Alexis. See you soon.”

“Bye Mom.”

“Whew, I’m glad she’s gone.”

“What was that crap about coming back again?”

“I thought I would brown nose her a little.”

“You really fooled her alright.”

“Anyway what if your dad won’t give us the C4?”

“I guess we will have to find some elsewhere. Any other ideas?”

“I think we could make a nifty bomb out of fertilizer.”

“Fertilizer? You nuts?”

“Not at all. The only problem is we wouldn’t be able to carry it in. We would have to put it in a van or something.”

“You are not going to be building a bomb around me out of smelly fertilizer.”

“It’s not smelly. It is granular and quite clean. It’s ammonium sulfate.”

“I don’t even want to hear about it. You say you need a van?”

“Yes we could steal a minivan─”

“Hold it. If you think I’m going to be seen in a minivan, you have really lost it.”

“The whole idea is not to be seen.”

“But we would have to drive it right?”

“No way I’m even getting in a mini-van.”

“Okay, okay. How about a BMW X5?”

“Hmm getting closer.”

“What then?”

“Porsche SUV.”

Tuesday – Anything possible Kreative Kue #46 by Keith Channing

October 13, 2015October 12, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “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 blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

“Well, mom I guess you’ll just have to get used to the fact.”

“My boy I just can’t stand the idea of you having a family before you figure out what you want to do with your life.”

“It’s a little late for that Mom. We already have a child.”

“I know son, but it seems you are not giving yourself or the child a break.’

“What are you saying mother. Give up the child?”

“She said you didn’t need to be involved.”

“I am involved. That’s our child she is holding.”

“Hush. Keep your voice down she’ll hear you.”

“She is standing outside and it’s raining. I don’t think she will hear me.”

“I think you ought to walk away. Look at you. You don’t even have a car. You have that damned motorcycle. That is not a proper conveyance for a baby let alone its mother.”

“Don’t you have any feelings for the baby? She’s your grandchild.”

“How do you know she’s my grandchild? Did you do a paternity test?”

“No of course not. She and I have been exclusive.”

“Seems to me any woman who would engage in sex before marriage is the type to have many partners.”

“Okay, mom. That’s it. I’m through talking. I’m going out to join my family. You can do what you want. This baby is ours and we’re going to be fine. Give my best to dad. Tell him thanks for driving you here.”

“Your father feels the same as I.”

“Yeah, I got the hint with him waiting in the car.”

“Please say you’ll think it over.”

“I’m going outside to wait with my family for the rain to stop and then we’re going home.”

“Goodbye, son.”

“Bye mother.”

#RRBC Spotlight Author Christa Nardi

October 13, 2015October 9, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

I am pleased to Welcome Christa Nardi to Fiction Favorites. She has been honored by Rave Reviews Book Club as a “Spotlight Author”. Please join me in congratulating her.

Christa Nardi

Christa Nardi is and always has been an avid reader. Her favorite authors have shifted from Carolyn Keene and Earl Stanley Gardner to more contemporary mystery/crime authors over time, but mystery/crime along with romance and sci-fi/fantasy are her preferred choices for leisure reading. Christa also has been a long time writer from poetry and short stories to the Cold Creek series, Christa has joined many other reader/writers in writing one genre she enjoys reading – the cozy mystery. The series started with Murder at Cold Creek College; Murder in the Arboretum is the second in the series. Murder at the Grill is expected to be published in November 2015. Christa Nardi is a pen name for a real life professor/psychologist from the Northeast, who is well published in nonfiction and technical venues.

Murder at Cold Creek College

Book Blurb:

Murder at Cold Creek College

on sale 10/12-17/15

Sheridan Hendley is a professor and psychologist at a prestigious college. Although she is not a sleuth, when her colleague Adam is murdered, her department head assigns her to assist the detective and help gather information. Unfortunately, her close friend, Kim, quickly becomes the prime suspect. As Sheridan draws connections between the people in Adam’s life, she realizes many women have a strong motive for Adam’s murder. Slashed tires are the first indication that her involvement is making someone nervous. The next indication is not nearly as subtle.

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Social Media Links:

Twitter: @ChristaN7777

Website: christanardi.blogspot.com

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Christa is our “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR for the week of October 11 – October 17

“WHO’S ON THE SHELF” w/Nonnie Jules (in-depth interview)

*LIVE” BlogTalkRadio Interview: BRING ON THE SPOTLIGHT @ 11am CST

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When you support Christa by visiting each stop of her tour, sharing your comments, etc., you also support our wonderful blog tour hosts, who were kind enough to serve on the tour. They would also appreciate your comments, as well as your tweets and Facebook shares of the post.

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Please support our “SPOTLIGHT” Author by picking up a copy of her book above!

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See below to check out more of the wonderful SUPPORT Christa is receiving as a “SPOTLIGHT” author

https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/spotlight-authors/

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Decide to Self-Publish Your Book

October 12, 2015October 11, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The inspiration for this list is my latest efforts to self-publish the next John J. Cannon story titled His Revenge. Since I had absolutely no experience in publishing the journey was a long winding road marked by plenty of mistakes. I’m sure the trial and error method of my learning is not over yet, but here is some of what I learned. Don’t forget I’m a fiction writer, so some of these lessons have been enhanced with dubious facts to make them more interesting and hopefully humorous. I would, therefore, resist publishing this list on the Huffington Post. (hear that Arianna?)

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Decide to Self-Publish Your Book

10 If you decide to self-Publish your book, do not drink any alcoholic beverages for four weeks before and two weeks after you hit the publish button. If you do, at best those little things you forgot are not necessary. At worst, you find out after six weeks you submitted the wrong cover with the manuscript. (You know the one. It has “fiction” spelled “fuction”).

9 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not try to edit the manuscript yourself. If you do, at best you will have a fool for an editor. At worst, your book will be featured on a blog with the lovely title of “The Poorest Written Books of the Year.” (You are so lucky to have the top position)

8 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not think you don’t need to know how to format the interior. If you do, at best your readers will be treated to several blank lines. At worst, your book will resemble something created by a room full of monkeys on keyboards. (Yeah, it can be done but that one page with only the word “then” on it took the cake)

7 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not think that cute Crayola picture done by your youngest on the cover is relevant to the book. If you do, at best you will miss some sales due to the confusion. At worst, you will get some letters from outraged parents who thought the story of a mass murderer was a kids story. (Ah well, you can always refund the money)

6 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not think you don’t have to follow the instructions on the publishing site. If you do, at best you will finally give in and start over following directions after wasting many hours. At worst, you will be locked out of the site for one hundred years. (Most places have no sense of humor when it comes to messing with their process).

5 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not think the various choices offered by the site are not significant enough to understand the differences. If you do, at best you may end up with a book that does not make you happy. At worst, your book is so expensive to produce you have no royalty or room to promote. (You are independently wealthy Right?).

4 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not think you don’t need to order a proof copy. If you do, at best you will miss some of those little messy typos and double periods. At worst, you totally missed the fact that you mislabeled the chapter headings and now have two of each. (The reviewers will have so much fun pointing out the mirror effect).

3 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not rush the process. If you do, at best there will be something overlooked but no one will notice. At worst, you forgot to include the dedication that you already read aloud to the recipient. (Hard to convince the person you were sincere after this omission).

2 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not think you can skip the marketing. If you do, at best your family and friends will carry you for a couple of sales. At worst, you will be one of several hundred thousand books published at the same time and will be entirely lost in the numbers. (You did expect to sell your beautiful book right?)

1 If you decide to self-publish your book, do not lay awake at night worrying about possible mistakes instead of planning every detail. If you do, at best you will feel out of control. At worst, you will have a lot to worry about since without planning mistakes will happen. (Even with planning there could be some, Nobody’s perfect).

Sunday – Fifty-Two Views of the Gulf

October 11, 2015October 10, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 18 Comments

The view is good. The wind is low velocity and the wave action normal. We had two days of rain and managed to get about an inch and one-half. The only one out there is a jogger.

Last week’s photo.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ing”

October 10, 2015October 9, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week the prompt is “ing.” On top of the prompt, we get extra points for using ing in the first and last word of the piece. You may think these points aren’t important. Well, let me tell you …..hmm. If you would like to know more about this craziness visit Lind’s site and read all about it. Also, there is quite a few clever writers all working hard for the points. http://lindaghill.com/2015/10/09/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-1015/ Here is my interpretation.

“Ing come over here.”

“Yes, boss. What is it?”

“I’ve noticed you have not been using your last name on all your project requisitions. Mind telling me why?”

“Well, boss I think my first name is distinctive and to add my last name would take away from that. Ing Schtingmeister does not roll off the tongue. I’m gaining a rep as the Mighty Ing.”

“I can appreciate that Ing, but company policy dictates a full signature on all project requisitions.”

“Since when has this rule been in effect.”

“I don’t know. Since the beginning of the company I guess.”

“I never heard of such a thing.”

“Well as your boss I’m asking you to comply since I don’t need auditing to come in here and give us some findings simply because your signature is not complete.”

“Is this a legal thing or company nit-picking?”

“No, it is a legal. Here let me quote the rule. All project signatures must be the full legal signature of the requisitioner. So you see you need to use your legal signature.”

“Terrific. No Problem. I changed my name a year ago.”

“Changed it? To what?”

“Ing.”

“Ing?”

“yup. Just Ing.”

“I’ll be darned. Ing?”

“Ing.”

“No more problems then Ing. Use Ing.”

“I was thinking of changing it again.”

“Again?”

“Yup. This time it will be Mighty Ing.”

“You know we may be talking about a firing Mighty Ing.”

“I’ll keep Ing.”

“Smart thing Ing.”

Friday John Ku – AKA TGIF

October 9, 2015October 8, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Friday is here and with it another week of reading writing and arith— No hold that. The only arithmetic I did this week was when I had to buy new stainless steel screws at the lumber yard. That’s a story for another day.

Well, that’s not fair to dangle that one out there is it? Okay here’s the story. I opened one of our outside doors facing the Gulf and one of the hinge plates came away from the wood. The screws that had been holding the plate in place rusted, and the screw heads simply fell off. When I inspected the rest of the doors I found all of them in a similar condition.

What I had to do was drill out the old screws and put wood back in the holes so the new screws would have something to hang on to. A total of eight doors needed to be fixed. Each door had three hinges and each hinge had eight screws. That’s a total of 8 doors x 3 x 8 = 192 screws. I had to have a Brinks Armored Car employee walk me to my car with the 192 screws made of gold…er stainless steel. The process took a while but now it will be my wife’s next husband who will have to deal with this problem again. Here is a photo of one of the hinges finished. I was too perplexed to take a before shot.

Which finally get’s us to this week’s JohnKu that talks about a stitch in time.

Temporary things,

By nature need nurturing. . .

For maximum use.

Thursday – A Little Personal

October 8, 2015October 7, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

For those who wonder, I have a small update on the progress of my venture into the world of self-publishing. So far, notwithstanding the fact I have no hair, I think things are going well. I have been successful in setting up the print version of His Revenge, and the e-book is also ready to go. The imprint of His Revenge is my new publishing company Keewaydin Lane Books. Also not sure I made the right choice but I have signed up for KDP Select for Ninety days. It really means I have to stay with Kindle for the time being. I can go after the 90 days to the other e-book formats if not satisfied.

The only thing holding up publication is I’m waiting for a copy of the book so I can do a physical check on whether the real thing looks like its digital doppelgänger. It is due to be delivered tomorrow. Once confirmed then it is a ready-set-go situation. Before launch, I will be setting up all the various places to announce the book.

I have planned to launch on November 2nd and so far have a bunch of delightful folks who have volunteered plus some guest blog appearances. There have been more interested in helping, but I haven’t received an e-mail. If I don’t get the e-mail, then I suppose a reblog will work. Thank you all.