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.

Guest post – Mae Clair – The Keeping Place #newbook

February 28, 2024February 27, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 106 Comments

I’m very pleased to have the very talented author Mae Clair as a guest. She has a new book and would like to give you the details. If you have read Mae’s work, you know her books are wonderful. If you have not read her work, this might be a good time to start. Thanks for the visit, Mae. The post is yours.

Hi, John! Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today. I’m delighted to be here, sharing my upcoming release The Keeping Place, a dual timeline mystery which is now available for pre-order! Most readers know me as someone who loves weaving urban legends and threads of the supernatural into my stories. The Keeping Place took an entirely different turn.

Well… there is a small thread that does involve an old town legend and a ghost, but nothing that takes center stage as in my other books. The story is more of a “quiet” mystery than I usually write.

In the tale, Nicole Seabrooke returns home after ten years of estrangement from her mother, Glory Larkin, who was once a B-movie-actress. A decade earlier, Nicole’s younger sister, Janie, vanished on a night Nicole was supposed to be looking after her. It’s always been believed Janie drowned in a nearby creek, but Janie’s remains have recently been discovered with new evidence suggesting homicide.

In the excerpt below, Jude Beck, Hornwood’s Chief of Police visits Glory and Nicole to ask about a bracelet he found which bears an unusual inscription. Janie wore a similar one.

EXCERPT:

Jude dug a clear bag from his pocket, placing it on the table. Nicole leaned forward to eye the contents—an old bracelet with tarnished silver links and an engraved plate. Her breath caught when the inscription registered.

“A foot in the past.” A stupid saying, or so she’d once thought. The phrase had never made sense to her, but it mattered to her sister. Heart thudding, she looked from the bag to Jude. “That’s the same line Janie had on her bracelet. I took her to Bottleneck to have it inscribed a few weeks before she went missing.”

Her mom made a soft sound, one trembling hand pressed to her lips. “You told me the bracelet was with Janie when she was found,” she said to Jude.

“It was. This is a different one.”

“Belonging to Hayden.” A hard edge crept into Glory’s voice.

“I don’t think so.” Jude’s expression was thoughtful. “This was clearly designed for a woman. It could be Cora’s, but the matching inscription to Janie’s bracelet throws another red flag in Hayden’s corner.”

“Have you talked to Cora?” Nicole asked.

“Not yet. First, I want to know what the inscription meant to Janie. I checked online, thinking it might have been a popular phrase at the time, or part of a quote, but there’s nothing remotely in the ballpark. She must have talked about it to the two of you.” He glanced between them.

“It was just some phrase she latched onto.” Nicole’s mouth was dry. Why hadn’t she paid more attention? She’d been so focused on the senior party and Vin, she’d barely had time for her little sister. She remembered whining to Glory when her mom insisted she take Janie shopping for the bracelet.

“Glory?” Jude prodded.

“I…” Her mom lowered her head, fingers working at massaging her temple. “I don’t remember anything special about it.” Her mouth drew down, cutting crevasses in the corners. Heavy lines pregnant with shadow that left her skin ashen by contrast. “I was busy with Movie Night, and…”

An unexpected swell of protectiveness flowed over Nicole when she floundered.

Glory Larkin had never been an average mother. She loved the limelight too much, but looking at her now—mussed hair, streaked mascara, and trembling hands—Nicole was overcome by a sharp-edged knot of love and pity. Surprisingly, love was still there, stronger than she’d imagined, buried under years of distance, layers of hurt.

“I wish I knew more.” Glory raised teary eyes to Jude, her mortification evident. “I know a mother should be able to—”

“You have to understand Janie was a collector.” Nicole jumped to her mom’s defense. “She was always latching onto some new idea or trinket. Remember her notebooks?” She talked faster, feeling Glory’s gaze, wanting to lift the burden of embarrassment from her without understanding why. “Janie used to keep lists of things that interested her. And she’d pick up stray baubles. Junk. She used to scour the railbed behind the Boone Line shack looking for cast off trash.”

“What are you saying?” Jude asked.

Nicole wet her lips, conscious that Glory studied her openly. “I loved Janie, but she was peculiar. She might have heard that phrase—a foot in the past—or read it in a book and it became her new mantra. It’s just the way she was.”

++++

As in most dual timeline mysteries, The Keeping Place delivers a mystery in the present as well as the past. I hope the blurb will tempt you further:

Even if it means killing again.

++++

Thanks again for hosting me today, John. I appreciate the opportunity to share The Keeping Place with your readers. I’ve held onto this novel for two years, uncertain how I wanted to publish it. As an author, I naturally like every book I’ve written, but The Keeping Place is my personal favorite—perhaps because it’s so different in tone from my other mysteries.

I still utilize dual timelines, but rather than having centuries between them, my timelines are separated by a mere ten years.

It’s my sincere hope readers will enjoy the story.

RELEASE DATE IS MARCH 5^TH

PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreatie Kue #421 by Keith Channing

February 27, 2024February 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

Here is a link to Keith’s post https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/02/26/kreative-kue-421/

The photo.

“They’re at it again.”

“Who?”

“I’m not sure, but now they come every fifty years.”

“Every fifty years. You have to be kidding me. Who keeps track?”

“Believe me, I do.”

“Alright, since you don’t know who, what are they doing?”

“Walking around up there.”

“On the surface, you mean?”

“Okay, so I forgot the word. Yes, on the surface.”

“And that bothers you, why?”

“It just doesn’t seem right. Not even a courtesy heads up.”

“How can they give a heads up? They don’t know we’re here.”

“I’ll bet they would know if I grabbed one of those tiny feet.”

“Oh, that would do a lot of good. Why not be satisfied that this annoyance doesn’t happen often?”

“Think about it. Half a million years, nothing. Then in the past fifty, twice.”

“Leave it, already. They’ll be gone soon.”

“I guess it is the principle.”

“Let’s change the subject. What are you doing this afternoon?”

“Nothing, why?”

“I thought we would burrow over to that new cave and see what is on the menu.”

“That does sound good.”

“Maybe we can catch a movie.”

“Yeah, what’s playing?”

“Dune.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Bike

February 26, 2024February 25, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

This post first ran on January 20, 2017. Since I’m still riding a bike, I think the advice is still good.

* * *

Top Ten Things Not to Do on a Bike

The inspiration for this list is my three-day-a-week three-mile ride on the single-speed beach cruiser bike. I get some crazy thoughts while moving along, and I thought I would share them with you.

10 On a bike, do not think you are riding a motorcycle. If you do, at best, the hand wave you make to the Hells Angels will be ignored. At worst, the leader of the pack, Tiny (WWF champion), will use you as an example of what happens when you mock the Hell’s Angels. (Don’t worry; he will untie you and let you go to the next town or fifty miles, whichever comes first, Ferd.)

9 On a bike, do not think you can take phone calls. If you do, at best, the other end will hear two out of ten words. At worst, you might be distracted enough to miss your turn and end up with a thirty-mile ride. (You have always warned people about that turn, and now you are the poster child, huh, Bunky?)

8 On a bike, do not think riding on a busy highway is the way to go. If you do, at best, you’ll get used to the horn honks. At worst, that eighteen-wheeler blast of air will knock some sense into you as you go airborne. (You were sure people couldn’t fly, weren’t you Tex?)

7 On a bike, do not insist on exercising your rights to the right of way. If you do, at best, all others will concede. At worst, you’ll confront a passive-aggressive psychopath who has just been told they need to be more assertive. ( That crumpled aluminum mass can be sold for scrap, Buster. Just pick it up and walk the ten miles to the recycle center.)

6 On a bike, do not neglect proper clothing. If you do, at best, the stares by those you pass can be ignored. At worst, the citation for indecent exposure will be seen as a markdown from public lewdness. ( All because of that speedo, huh Ace?)

5 On a bike, do not forget that wet roads are slippery. If you do, at best, a few slides will be a reminder. At worst, that long hill ending at Dead Man’s Curve seems to be a challenge right now because you are going twenty miles an hour straight down. (Brakes are a liability in this situation, aren’t they, Buford?)

4 On a bike, do not forget insects will hit you at the speed you are going. If you do, at best, a couple of moth hits is all you will experience. At worst, you’ll have the pleasure of being dismounted by the most enormous June bug on the planet. (This is not a joust, and there is no princess kiss at the end either, Duke.)

3 On a bike, do not watch the scenery more than the road. If you do, at best, you’ll get a warning to return to your lane. At worst, that lovely cottage and flower garden holding your attention is at the corner of the road and a drainage ditch. (mud and water are easy to get off you. What about the bike, Mike?)

2 On a bike, do not think more about your plot line and less about the double line. If you do, at best, you will get home safely. At worst, your storyline development will be interrupted by a quick ride to the ER. (Now, with your leg in the air, you have plenty of time to do the storyline, huh, Ernest?)

1 On a bike, do not think you can do tricks like you’ve seen on the trick bike championships. If you do, at best, you’ll remember that all those champions are under twenty years old and stop yourself. At worst, you’ll get halfway through a triple spin and realize that your arthritis is no longer your major bone problem. (Enjoy everyone visiting you in the hospital and asking, “What were you thinking, John?”)

Views of the Neighborhood – Brown Bag Concert – The Fiddlers

February 25, 2024February 24, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

Today, we are returning to the Lakeway Activity Center. It is another Brown Bag Concert featuring the Lake Travis High School Fiddlers. We are catered by the Ember Kitchen of Austin. Our entertainment is Charlie Daniels.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Rhymes with Ale

February 24, 2024February 23, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

Waiting for the coffee reminds me of the tale of the turtle and the hare. It is not always the fastest that wins the day. A good rationalization for a petulant machine. Finally, the cup arrives, and it is time to grab the clock. We set it for February 24, 1924. Destination: College Park, Maryland. Duration: two hours. When the plunger is pulled, we find ourselves at College Park Airport near the University of Maryland. We are going to witness a test of the gyrocopter. It’s a machine designed by Henry Berliner and his father, Emile. It is a forerunner of the helicopter and is piloted by US Army Lieutenant Harold R. Harris.

Present are US Navy officials and members of the press. Lieutenant Harris starts the engine and slowly lifts off the ground. The machine rises to an altitude of fifteen feet (4.6m), and Harris demonstrates its tight turning radius of 15 feet. The machine is capable of moving at 40 miles per hour (64km/hr). After one minute and twenty seconds, Harris gently lands the aircraft. The officials call the test a success. The press surrounds the craft and smothers Harris with questions. It was the first successful flight of such a machine.

The alarm rings, and flying the couch is the only event left. My text tone goes off. The text from Linda Hill reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “rhymes with ale.” Find a word that rhymes with ale, regardless of the spelling, and use it in your post. Enjoy!

If you want to see what bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2024/02/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-24-2024/

“Well done on sneaking that rhymes with ale word.”

“You think anyone will notice?”

“Well, you could bold it.”

“It is hard to go back. Those words are like in stone.”

“So, if they miss it, why not do one here?”

“Well, I suppose. Let’s see. Sale, sail, whale, nail, fail, pale.”

“I think that’s enough. There might be one or two more, but you’ve made your point.”

“Okay. At least we covered the prompt.”

“I’m going to suggest one more.”

“I can only guess.”

“VooDoo Ranger.”

“Doesn’t rhyme with ale.”

“Nope, it just is ale.”

“Call Uber.”

“Did. The guy’s over there.”

“That rolling nursery?”

“There’s room.”

“For what? A couple of birds?”

“Oh, come on. The price is right.”

“What about my allergies?”

“A pail of VooDoo ale will fix you right up.”

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

February 23, 2024February 22, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

One of the new species, a female brooding on her eggs – credit, Schmidt Ocean Institute released to the press under CC 4.0.

Today’s good news story comes from The Good News Network

Deep Sea Octopus Nursery With 4 New Species Confirmed by Marine Biologists

Andy Corbley Feb 22, 2024

The Schmidt Ocean Institute recently announced a set of absolutely incredible results from one of their expeditions 2 miles below the seas of Costa Rica.

Near a rocky outcrop called El Dorado Hill, the marine scientists identified four new species of octopus, photographed a rarely-seen octopus hatchery, and documented their life around a series of hydrothermal vents with video and photographs in a zone where the light doesn’t reach.

The first expedition conducted by the Schmidt Institute took place in June of last year, while the second followed in December when the team was able to confirm that these nurseries seem to be active year-round.

At the hatchery, the females were photographed incubating their eggs with their suckers, pointing out as a defense strategy. According to the Smithsonian, it can take years for the eggs to hatch this way, but the water released from the hydrothermal vents warms the area and speeds the process up.

The four species were identified and are currently being described by Dr. Janet Voight, associate curator of invertebrate zoology from the Field Museum of Natural History, and Fiorella Vasquez from the Zoological Museum at the University of Costa Rica. It has already been decided that the brooding species seen in the hatchery will be called the Dorado octopus after the site where it was found.

Mother octopuses brooding over their eggs – credit, Schmidt Ocean Institute released to the press under CC 4.0.

Three other species were identified in the immediate vicinity, but the Dorado was the only one present at the hatcheries.

“Through hard work, our team discovered new hydrothermal springs offshore Costa Rica and confirmed that they host nurseries of deep-sea octopus and unique biodiversity,” said Dr. Beth Orcutt of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in a statement.

An octopus hatchling emerges from a group of eggs at a new octopus nursery – credit, Schmidt Ocean Institute released to the press.

“It was less than a decade ago that low-temperature hydrothermal venting was confirmed on ancient volcanoes away from mid-ocean ridges. These sites are significantly difficult to find since you cannot detect their signatures in the water column.”

The Dorado octopus seems similar to a species found on the California seamount, while two others had traits that placed them reasonably close to other medium-sized members of the genus Muusoctopus. But a fourth had only a single row of suckers per tentacle and other traits that make it seem, at least for now, like an anomaly.

The science team also found a thriving deep-sea skate nursery at the top of another seamount in Costa Rican waters, nicknaming the site Skate Park.

The team also located three hydrothermal springs in the region, 10 to 30 nautical miles from each other. The springs all have different fluid temperatures and chemistries from one another, indicating unique reaction processes are facilitating their formation.

The captured specimens will not be sent back to the US but instead will be given to institutes in Costa Rica to inspire local deep-sea biologists and conservation in the future.

The good news in the article is scientists are continuing to discover that the Earth is resilient and adapts to change. Today’s John Ku talks about resilience. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

We all must be kind,

To our resilient mother . . .

Her gifts have limits.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Goes Hunting

February 22, 2024February 22, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 114 Comments

“I’m ready for our walk, Dad.”

“It is nice and cool, so we can take a long one.”

“Yeah, I need to stretch my legs for sure.”

“Okay, but remember, no barking at deer or cars.”

“I know, I know. Let’s get going. I see movement.”

“Right behind you.”

“The cheetah spots what could be a delicious lunch.”

“You talking to me?”

“The cheetah is downwind of its prey. It suspects nothing.”

“Oh, I get it. You are a cheetah-like the sweater.”

“Dad. For heaven’s sake. The cheetah stalks the buck and gets ready to spring.”

“I don’t know about springing. You are on a leash.”

“Dad, shush. Turning, the cheetah sees more of the herd. Today is a feast day.”

“Whatever.”

“The decision is made. The straggler will be the target.

“You better hurry. That one looks fast.”

“I’m ignoring you, Dad. The deer have taken to the high ground in fear of the cheetah.”

“I think they are laughing at you.”

“The cheetah roars the warning that there will be another day.”

“And the deer shout down, ‘Bring it on, cheetah breath.'”

“Well, that was fun. I liked that last line about bringing it on. You might be able to play after all.”

“I don’t know, Little One. I think you might need someone your own size.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #420 by Keith Channing

February 20, 2024February 19, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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. Thank you for taking part.

Keith’s post link https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/02/19/kreative-kue-420/

The Photo.

“My, don’t you two look cute.”

“Thank you, Miss Elmiria.”

“Where are you going so early in the morning? The sun isn’t even up.”

“We’ve been working on a school project.”

“Is that why your brother has a sting of shallots around his neck?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“You studying cooking?”

“Oh no, Ma’am. It is for English Class.”

“English class? What on Earth could shallots have to do with English class?”

“Well, we are reading Dracula by Bram Stroker—”

“Isn’t that book a little too old for you two?”

“Not at all, Ma’am. We both love it.”

“So why the shallots?”

“We have a report tomorrow, and we want to talk about how to ward off a Vampire.”

“Surely you must know shallots won’t do the trick.”

“We know. We thought we could pretend they are garlic.”

“Everyone’s going to see through that ruse.”

“Yeah, we thought so. Besides, these shallots stink.”

“I have a better idea.”

“Oh, good. We could use the help.”

“Whenever I meet a vampire, I show them this.”

“Eek, that’s a crucifix. Blind your eyes, brother.”

“Thought so. Now, you two run along. The sun will be coming up over those trees soon. Shallots indeed. I have always wondered why you were in night school.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on President’s Day

February 19, 2024February 18, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

This post originally ran on February 15th, 2015. Reading it over convinced me that it was still relevant. I hope you have a lovely President’s Day.

* * *

Today’s list has been created to provide a little satire surrounding President’s Day. (Happy President’s Day) This is a holiday that I have had a tough time getting my mind around. Other than getting a Monday off, I haven’t been able to see the significance of it all. Yes, Lincoln and Washington each have a birthday two days apart, and this may be the only reason. I didn’t mind celebrating each separately. Of course, there have been forty-six presidents, and most have made at least half of the population angry at one time or another. So maybe by lumping them all together after a couple of beers, we might forgive them. It can’t be ignored that President’s Day is used by mattress and car companies as an excuse to have a sale. I’m sure they are happy it exists. Here is a tongue-in-cheek top ten things not to do on President’s Day.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on President’s Day

10 On President’s Day, do not go to Wal-Mart and buy a giant Happy Presidents Day blow up lawn thingy. If you do, at best, your neighbors will think you have a screw loose. At worst, a stiff wind will grab the lawn thingy and drag it, and the tie down through your neighbor’s front window, and there will be no way to call upon the spirit of President’s Day for forgiveness.

9 On Presidents Day, do not plan to receive lots of President’s Day gifts. If you do, at best, you will sit under the cherry tree, a very disappointed person. At worst, all the gifts you bought expecting a big gift exchange will all come due as your credit card company has a new policy on minimum payments required.

8 On President’s Day, do not try to organize a President’s Day office party. If you do, at best, your co-workers will request a transfer. At worst, the HR department will invite you to participate in the employee mental health improvement program, which will include three days in group therapy and an hour in shock treatment.

7 On President’s Day, do not ask your neighbors to donate to a fund for the less fortunate. If you do, at best, you will never have to speak to them again. At worst, the local police will have you in for questioning due to a report on the potential for your request for donations to be taken as a scam.

6 On President’s Day, do not try to sing President’s Day carols in your neighborhood. If you do, at best, there will be a number of slammed doors and no invitations for hot cocoa. At worst, your neighbors might band together to organize an intervention and carry you bound and gagged to the nearest institution.

5 On President’s Day, do not expect a bonus from your boss. If you do, at best, you will be disappointed. At worst, the money you spent in anticipation of your President’s Day bonus will need to be covered before the card company sends a collection notice.

4 On President’s Day, do not organize a picnic at the park to celebrate. If you do, at best, no one will show up. At worst, you will be shoveling three feet of snow just to find the barbecue grill, not to mention the crimp in the volleyball game.

3 On President’s Day, do not shoot off fireworks. If you do, at best, you will be the only one doing so, and your neighbors will know where to send the police. At worst, your massive fireworks display will ignite the neighbor’s roof, and since it is thirty degrees below zero, the fire department won’t be able to pump water, and your neighbor is heading over to your house with what looks like a ball bat in his hand.

2 On President’s Day, do not sit in front of the TV thinking there will be a football game to watch. If you do, at best, your family will seek counsel from the local clergy. At worst, your friends will all come over and start eating your snacks and drinking your beer while placing bets on how long it will be until the ambulance shows up. You might want to get in on the bet since the pot is at one hundred dollars.

1 On President’s Day, do not send Happy President’s Day cards to all your friends, family, and co-workers. If you do, at best, they will not know what to do or say. At worst, next year, some will send you a Happy President’s Day card since you sent one last year. This will cause you to check each off your list and only send a card the following year to those who sent you one.

Views of the Neighborhood – Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

February 18, 2024February 17, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Today, we will witness the second annual Polar Plunge in Support of the Special Olympics at the Lakeway Resort. The idea is to raise money for Special Olympics by committing to a freezing plunge in the pool. The highest individual amount was $3200. We are catered by Intero Restaurant of Austin. Our entertainment is Brad Paisley.

meat & fish

timballo, smoked wagyu brisket, cauliflower,

risotto, grilled quail, marinated apple, kale, hazelnut

wagyu beef sausage, beet panzanella, spring onion, feta

braised pork neck, carrot, fennel, mandarin, basil

grilled gulf redfish, mushroom, kohlrabi, burnt onion, whey brodo

Pizza from our wood-fired oven

arrabbiata, housemade mozzarella, Texas olive oil, oregano

grilled kale, calabrian chile, chevre, cilantro pesto

housemade ham, broccoli, gruyere, farm egg, green onion

Pasta

tortelloni, duck confit, chile butter,

roasted oyster mushrooms, cambozola, caramelized onion, rosemary

rigatoni, roasted rabbit, roasted turnip, brown butter, pecan

ricotta gnocchi, carrot, grilled calcot, romesco, dill

bucatini, broccoli, sottocenere al tartufo, burnt garlic, chive

mafaldine, house bolognese, rosemary, grana padano

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

There is the banner telling us we are here.

Registration for participants.

Hot beverages

The ice-cold pool is where the plunge will take place. The air temp is 75 degrees (23.8 C), so the plunge could have been worse.

A group shot of all the wonderful people who raised money for the Special Olympics and who will be very wet shortly.

The three finalists for the costume competition. The seventies guy on the right won.

Tom Kilgore, the mayor of Lakeway, welcomes everyone.

The Special Olympic torch is carried in. Law enforcement, Fire departments, The FBI, Border Patrol, and other agencies play a unique role in Special Olympic fundraising. The torch is symbolic of their contribution.