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.

Friday JohnKu – TGIF

October 24, 2014October 17, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 17 Comments

Yes, it is Friday at last. Seems just a short time ago it was Monday. I know….delusional. Each week gets me closer to the finish of my third book. (Well, really my forth. The first is still holding the laundry room door open) It is this stage of writing that begins to work on the nerves. The ending is clear and all that has to be done is to work up to it in a reasonably organized way. What happens? Some character decides to extend some piece of the story and now there is chaos in the writer’s room. Damn Just when I thought the whole thing was a done deal a new twist pops up. I guess it is better this way than having no way to get to the end. Today’s JohnKu (a term coined by Words4JP) is about surprises. Hope you like it.

Just when it seems done,

A character acts badly. . .

Back to the keyboard.

Wednesday Story Day- AKA Hump Day

October 22, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

Wednesday story day has arrived. Ta Da. (you have to imagine the horn notes here) It is always nice to hit this milestone in the week. One of the reasons I enjoy Wednesdays is it is a day where I can pretty much write exclusively. Other chores on other days keep me away from the keyboard for a time. Wednesdays are pretty clear. I am about 65,000 words into my final John Cannon (who the hell is that you say? Tsk tsk) book in the trilogy. Once done I will be moving into a new story direction and will leave old John to bob on the Gulf with his seven million dollars and new sixty-five foot boat. Today’s story is named My Way and stars our old friend Frank. I hope you like it.

“So here is the thing. We need to get in and out without the alarm going off.”

“I understand that Frank. I just don’t know how we can pull that off.”

“We will do it my way.”

“What way is that?”

“You walk in with your shotgun under your coat. I come in behind you and grab one of the bank’s customers. I put a gun to their head and start screaming for everyone to get on the floor. I’ll throw in some swear words just to make sure they take me serious.”

“Oh, I think they will take you serious, but what’s to stop someone from hitting the silent switch.’

“Here is the beautiful part. You jump up on the counter and blow a hole in the back wall. Everyone will be so scared they won’t dare touch the switch.”

“You mean I have to fire the shotgun?”

“Yeah, what’s the problem?”

“I ain’t never fired it before.”

“Oh man. What the hell. Why didn’t you tell me that before we’re here in front of the bank?”

“I never thought I would have to shoot it.”

“Never have to shoot it. What the hell do you think we are doing?”

“Well, holding up banks.”

“Duh. Did you ever think you might have to shoot someone while holding up friggin’ banks?”

“No. Not really.”

“Crap. Let’s go back to Starbucks. We need a different plan. Maybe one that includes asking please when we order someone to fill the money bags.’

“You’re mad aren’t you Frank?”

“I’m beyond mad. Excuse me ma’am please kindly place all those greenbacks into the bag or I might have to raise my voice at you.”

“Now that sounds nice.’

“Shut up Billy.”

S.K. Nicholls

October 20, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 5 Comments

I’ve read it and it is very interesting and a great read.

Reading Recommendations

S.K. Nicholls

What is your latest release and what genre is it?Red Clay and Roses is a roman a clef in the vein of historical fiction

Quick description:Red Clay and Roses is a fictionalized true story of life in the Deep South during the time of Jim Crow Law, and before Roe vs. Wade. Women were supposed to keep quiet and serve, abortion was illegal, adoption difficult, and racism rampant. The discovery of an old ledger opens a window into the dynamics of the 1950s-60s, when the world was beginning to change. Steeped in history, this novel deeply penetrates the surface of a complex era as the cast of characters grapples with inequality in the Jim Crow South.

Brief biography:
Susan Koone Nicholls is a retired R.N. living in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, Greg, a rocket scientist. She was born, raised and educated in Georgia, where she…

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My Second Book Release

October 20, 2014 ~ John W. Howell

A release worthy of attention, since it is tomorrow.

Looking to God

Tomorrow, my second book in the Ranger Martin series releases. That sentence makes it sound as if something’s about to escape the San Diego Zoo. From what I know, literature doesn’t eat people. At least I don’t think it does. So I wouldn’t worry about wild books named Ranger Martin and the Alien Invasion running rampant in the streets. It’s just not going to happen—although you may encounter a slightly crazed author attempting to sell you his novel. And I use the word “attempting” in the loosest of terms because half the time, I have no clue what I’m doing.

Jack Flacco takes action to a new level.

I mean, I’d rather drive around aimlessly than spare myself the embarrassment of asking for directions. That’s how one year my family and I made it through Maine to Nova Scotia. How else do you think I’ve survived this long? I’m…

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Ten Things Not to Do at a Corporate Team Building Event

October 20, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 17 Comments

This list was inspired by attending over 300 team building events in my corporate career. I hope you like it and find the advice useful for your next team building event. If you are in charge of team building events, I am begging you to stop holding team building events.

Ten Things Not to Do at a Corporate Team Building Event

10 If your company is having a team building event, do not think your team relationships will last. If you do, at best you will be seen as weak and someone to avoid. At worst, the next promotion will go to your new friend who explained to the boss how needy you are.

9 If your company has a team building event, do not fall for the old trust building exercise. If you do, at best your trust will not be reciprocated. At worst, you will place your trust in someone who in the end wants to see you dead.

8 If your company has a team building event, do not get paired with the boss. If you do, at best you will get low grades for being too subservient. At worst, your boss will think you are not made of the stuff originally thought and will introduce you to the meaning of the phrase persona non grata.

7 If your company has a team building event, do not believe the idea is to have fun. If you do, at best you will be the only one. At worst, the note taker will immediately label you as someone who does not take work seriously.

6 If your company has a team building event, do not believe the wearing apparel instructions. If you do, at best you and the company psychologist will be the only ones dressed in jeans and sweatshirt. At worst, the biggest boss on the planet will drop by the exercise to see how it is going and will enquire of your boss, “who’s the other psychologist?”

5 If your company has a team building event, do not try to be the best player in the skill competition. If you are, at best your boss will believe you have too much time on your hands. At worst, your boss will appoint you as team leader for the next team building event.

4 If your company has a team building event, do not think the free food and drinks are on an all you can eat buffet. If you do, at best you will be seen as someone who is obviously lacking self-control. At worst, your boss will wonder if you always take advantage of the company expense account and inform finance to conduct an audit of your expenses.

3 If your company has a team building event, do not think the truth hour is for telling the truth. If you do, at best you and the company psychologist will become simpatico. At worst, your boss will be counting the moments until you and they will be alone so that the longer term franchise you were counting on can be terminated.

2 If your company has a team building event, do not try to bring any new ideas during creative hour. If you do, at best your peers will poke enough holes in your idea to kill it. At worst, thinking outside the box will only convince your boss that perhaps your belongings should be in a similar container and both of you escorted out by security.

1 If your company has a team building event do not sing along when the psychologist puts the Queen CD in the player and “We Are the Champions”starts playing. If you do, at best your co-workers will think you are a throwback to the 80s. At worst, your boss loves “We Are the Champions” and your off note singing is making the neck hair stand up which will be a reminder to ask HR to have you transferred to Guam before the next team building event.

Meet and Chat with Charles E. Yallowitz on October 22nd!

October 19, 2014 ~ John W. Howell

Should be an interesting interview. I’m going, hope to see you there

Legends of Windemere

Get over Hump Day with me as I have my first LIVE interview courtesy of Sally Ember!

The event goes from 10-11 EST and you can click on the banner to go to the site!

For fun, here are some tips I’ve received:

Don’t pick your nose.
Don’t pass out.
Remember to wear a shirt.
Remember your name.
Check what will be behind you on the video.
Disconnect the phones and mute cellphone.
Pray that the son does not get sick.
Put up ‘Doorbell Broken’ sign.
Go to bathroom before interview.
Get a haircut, ya hippie!
Shave and wash your face.
Lose some weight . . . not sure how I’m supposed to accomplish this.
Get a tan . . . I know I’m kind of pale, but I’m not going Oompa Loompa here.
Try not to stutter or make the audience think your webcam froze.
Pay your Internet bill.

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Shape-Stream of Consciousness Saturday Prompt

October 18, 2014October 18, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 16 Comments

Shape is the prompt for this week’s Saturday Stream of Consciousness prompt. You can read all about the torture good fun and join in right here: http://lindaghill.com/2014/10/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-october-1814/ My interpretation of SHAPE is a story named You Don’t Say. Hope you like it.

“Hey, man where you going?”

“Gotta get to the gym.”

“What for?”

“What do you, usually, do at the gym?”

“Play basketball?”

“Uh, man you are the brightest.”

“You don’t say.”

‘Yeah, I do say. I’m going to the Gym to get in shape.”

“What kind of shape do you want to get in? Trapezoid?

“Ah yes, of course. You are doing stand-up on the tonight show right?”

“You don’t say.”

“I do say you are the most annoying person sometimes.”

“So you didn’t answer the question. What shape do you want to get in?”

“I want to look like a pear. Okay?”

“You already look pear-shaped. Why bother?”

“Do you know how to box?”

“No. I’m more of a bag man myself.”

“That’s it, put up your dukes.”

“You don’t say.”

“I do say. Fight or flee.”

“I choose flee thank you. See ya.”

TGIF Friday is Here aaaaattttttttt Last!

October 17, 2014June 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Friday is here again and is the signal to start the relaxing engine. Whoa, we have to wait until after five o’clock, but then we can turn up the throttle to full speed. This week I have been thinking of doing something a little different from the usual JohnKu (a term coined by Words 4jp) I thought this week I would give you some views of the current conditions here on the Gulf. We have had some nice rains and by and large the tourist population has just about disappeared. The temperatures are still in the nineties and as the local radio station says, “now that summer is over we can look forward to three more months of summer.”

The first picture is of a nice storm that blew in from Mexico and was a left over from a tropical storm there. This was taken about 9:30 in the morning.

This next one is of the rainbow that followed the storm. You may see it is a double, but the camera is not the best so it is hard

This is a shot is of our Boxer Lucy standing very patiently while I take a photo of the totally deserted beach which is a complete contrast to how it looked on labor day.

Here is a photo of the Gulf and how it looks today. This was taken from the same spot as the storm photo and about the same time. The camera is aimed a little more North

The final shot is of the Birds of Paradise that are in front of the house. They have been really prolific this season. We have had one plant that has not bloomed in seven years and it has a flower as well.

Hope you enjoyed the change of pace and wish you a very nice weekend.