Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

August 14, 2020August 13, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

“Go ahead say it.”
“I see Friday.”
“How right you are Little One.”
“Yay.”

Another Friday. YAY, YAY, YAY. Friyay. The weeks seem to fly by. I guess I’m now used to isolation. Not sure I’ll ever go back into society again. (How’s that for a Howard Hughes imitation)

My proof copy of Eternal Road arrived, and I’m quite pleased that the formatting looks great. KDP has an annoying habit of running the proof language right through the title. I’m glad they feel good knowing I can’t sell this copy. Take a look.

The cover is bluer than pictured here. I think the grey shelf threw off the camera a little. You get the idea, though.

The launch plan is coming along. The e-book is waiting for the publish button to be hit. The paper just needs a few tweaks, and it is ready as well.

I am writing individual launch posts for the blog tour. There will be a different excerpt in each. I think readers will get a good idea of what the book is about as a result. I’m not going to reblog each post but will link the day’s post so everyone can find it and provide some recognition to the super folks who offered to host the introduction.

Today’s JohnKu talks about how time behaves. When I first started this book it seemed like time was an unending resource. Well, it is being consumed pretty fast. I hope you all have a healthy and happy weekend.

Time starts out slowly,

We think it’s unlimited . . .

Until it is gone.

Friday JohnKu – AKA -TGIF

August 7, 2020August 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

We have arrived. Another Friday is here, which signals the weekend. Of course, the weekend may not look too much different from the week, but that is beside the point. The point is…..it’s Friday. YAY.

Been a busy week. I’m in the “trying to get ready for a book launch” phase of life. I uploaded the paperback edition and am waiting for the proof. The ebook edition is ready to go, as well. I have decided not to do a pre-order, so the books will be available day one of the launch. After some serious research, I decided pre-order just didn’t fit my profile as an author. The only drawback is the Amazon link won’t be available until the publish button is hit. I plan to publish about three days before the first blog tour post so that I can send the link to the early stops before their post goes live.

Speaking of posts, I am working to have them all done by mid-month August. This will give everyone enough time to set things up, and if a problem comes up, to get back to me. Gotta hope it all works. After September is over, we will all be ready for a vacation. I keep saying how grateful I am for those who have volunteered to help spread the word and continue to feel blessed. Today’s JohnKu talks about trying to make it alone. I hope you all have a super weekend.

Facing a challenge,

You can try going alone . . .

Better to have help.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

July 31, 2020July 30, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Go ahead and ask.”
“Ask what?”
“If it’s Friday?”
“Is it Friday yet?”
“Nope still Monday.”
“Lucy your nose is growing.”

Friday is here again, and I’m sure Twiggy is delighted. For whatever reason, she is always pleased to see the weekend roll around. I mean, it’s not like The Producer, and I are working full time or are not chained to the house. So I guess it is not our presence but something else.

I was blown away by the number of volunteers for the launch of Eternal Road – The final stop. I’m so grateful to everyone and am looking forward to the start. Thank you all again.

The e-book and paper formatting is done, so now it is a matter of going on to KDP and setting up the books. This is my 6th rodeo, and so far, I’m still in the publishing saddle. Not sure if I’m going to do preorder or not. I do know the initial price for the e-book will be $0.99. That price will last for 30 days, then it is up to $2.99. I believe the lowest cost should be at the intro to reward the folks who buy early. I tend to grit my teeth when I rush out and pay full price for a book only to have the author run a $0.99 sale shortly after launch. Yes, there may be discounts down the road, but I double-dog guarantee none for at least a year. I know this may fly in the face of conventional wisdom, but I think it is the right thing to do.

There is not much more to say about the virus. We now have a full-fledged mess on our hands, and I hope someday it will prove to be temporary. Leadership is nonexistent. In case you think I’m talking about one party or another, I’m not. I’m talking about anyone even remotely connected to the political process. Yes, Democrats and Republicans, I’m talking about you. I am so tired of hearing how the other side has mishandled everything that I think it’s time for you to get a grip and do something to help. None of us give a crap about blame anymore. There is enough to go around. How about taking the initiative and doing something to help? Yeah, I get it. Too much work, and it may look like you have turned sides.

Today’s JohnKu talks about finger-pointing. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.

We should remember,

Someone pointing a finger. . .

Has three pointing back.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 24, 2020July 23, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

“Look it is Friday.”
“Gee Lucy you. seem pretty excited.”
“I have to say I do like Friday.”

It is Friday again. In my mind this week went pretty fast. I really can’t explain it other than being really busy. Speaking of busy, I am over at Story Empire today talking about dialogue tags. Yeah, I know exciting stuff, eh? There might be some food for thought is you visit.

If you saw my post yesterday you know I’m getting ready to launch Eternal Road – The final stop. I will be making one more call for volunteers as we get closer to the time. Thanks to everyone who signed up already. If you missed the post here is the cover again.

COVID-19 continues to dominate the news. More cases here in Texas but some evidence that masks are causing infections to level off. I still wear mine. Of course, my going out time is limited.

You have to wonder when life will return to normal. There is turmoil everywhere and it seems we all are becoming more isolated due to questionable leadership, confusing information, and fractured communities. One has to wonder where to look for solid assurance that all will eventually be well. Today’s JohnKu lays out a hint as to where to look. I hope you all have a happy weekend. Stay safe.

When you need comfort,

A voice of authority . . .

Is found inside you.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

July 17, 2020July 16, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Another Friday is upon us. Yes indeed. I hope it means that you will be doing something fun for the weekend. I am wondering these days what that something fun could be?

For us here in Serenityville, it means trying to figure out a photo session for Views of the Neighborhood, which has to be taken on Saturday. It is getting tougher and tougher to find a subject due to the suspension of most of the activities around town. When we finally decide on a topic, it is a rush to get it done and scheduled to run.

The schools here in Texas have been given local authority to decide to conduct classes remotely. There has been a great deal of angst by the teachers on possibly having to go back to the classroom while the virus cases continue to climb. Now the local school boards can decide. Most are leaning toward virtual learning sessions.

Today’s JohnKu talks about local control.

I hope you have a super weekend.

The Feds want power,

To make decisions for us. . .

Local is better.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

July 10, 2020July 9, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 87 Comments

Another Friday and it is my guess that this week seemed long because last Friday was part of the weekend due to the holiday. Happy Friday. (woo woo)

Today starts at least seven days of above 100 degree temperatures. It seems a big ole high-pressure area is moving in from the west coast (where everything is high) and is going to be sitting over Texas for at least a week. For you non-weathercasters, what this means is no clouds, no rain, just pure sun hitting the Earth broadside. Being in the South, it just means HOT. There is no heat like Texas heat. With humidity, a hundred degrees feels like one hundred and ten. Egg fry on sidewalk time.

I just finished formatting my paper edition of Eternal Road – The last stop. Moving to the e-book edition next. Not sure when the cover concepts will arrive, but I have given the artist all the info to start the creative process. I am looking forward to the first concepts.

Texas is in a nosedive virus wise. People love to get together and swap droplets at their favorite bar or cookout. Some idiots have taken to not wearing masks and then being jerks to those who do. I have to wonder about some folks. As for me, I’m wearing mine when I go out. (Just to be clear I go out only when necessary)

Today’s John Ku talks about politics a bit. I hope you all have a safe and healthy weekend.

We know masks can help,

Keep the folks at risk safer . . .

So what’s the problem?

Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 3, 2020July 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Another Friday is here, and I hope it means you will get some time off. For many Friday is the day off in celebration of the Fourth of July tomorrow. That will mean a long three day weekend. Of course, we who are still locked up have no idea what a three day weekend feels like.

Texas is slowly going backward in a rush to open. Bars that have 51% of their revenue have been shuttered. Also, all the parks in our county have been closed. The authorities are trying to keep people from gathering over the holiday. Most firework shows have been canceled for the same reason.

I saw with interest that the beaches at my old home have been closed to vehicular traffic, including golf carts. The hours have been cut as well, so there is no camping. It means if you want to go to the beach this year you have to walk in with all your stuff. I think a lot of folks will take a rain check on that.

I have started to format my WIP and will get the cover design work done. It does not appear that there is agent interest, which is fine. Once done, I will self publish.

Today’s JohnKu discusses the idea of being self-sufficient. I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.

When you need others,

To accomplish your life goals. . .

Have a backup plan.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 26, 2020June 25, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

“What’s that baby doing in our yard, Lucy.”
“I think it wants you to come out and play.”
“Yeah, as if.”

Another Friday and like me, I hope you are looking forward to the weekend. Hmmm. Let me rephrase that. Another Friday and I hope you are able to make it through another weekend.

Things have opened up here in Texas, like other states, and with it are ever-increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases. If you all go back to your statistics courses and run a regression analysis on the data you will find the cases are increasing at an increasing rate. (Who am I kidding. No one is going back to their statistics course. It was almost fatal taking statistics the first time.) It looks like folks are not staying away from each other, and this virus is going to be around a while.

We now have Sahara dust moving into Texas. This stuff drives me half nuts. It is right up there with oak pollen and unfortunately, there is not much that can be done other than to wear a mask (Now that’s novel) and keep the rescue inhaler handy. I’m telling you this has been a crap year for asthmatics. Today’s JohnKu talks about the year. I do hope you have a super weekend.

It seemed nice at first,

Then somehow it got pissed off. . .

The year needs a friend.

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

June 19, 2020June 18, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

It is Friday once again. Hopefully, everyone is safe and well. It is becoming more difficult to stay safe and well for sure.

Today the governor approved a workaround for requiring the wearing of masks here in Texas. A county judge in San Antonio found a loophole whereby the state and local municipalities cand enforce the wearing of masks in retail establishments. It is quite simple. Retailers are now required not to let anyone in the store without a mask. As we all know, social distancing and masks are very effective in stopping the spread of Covid-19. With people jamming into bars and onto beaches the new case and hospitalizations of Covid-19 victims has skyrocketed. So far voluntary compliance has not been effective. Let’s hope the new retail requirement can make a difference. For the life of me, I don’t understand why folks take this disease so casually especially when the young are getting sick.

In other news. There has been no response from the agent community on my queries. I guess I’ll have to send follow up notes to extract a decision.

Today’s JohnKu talks about individual rights in a pandemic. I hope you have a super weekend.

Good health is a right,

Which supersedes most others . . .

Put on the damn mask.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

June 12, 2020June 11, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

“I love Fridays don’t you, Lucy.”
“I do Little One.”
“The yard is nice today.”
“It is.”
“I’ll give you a head start for tag.”
“I appreciate that.”

Friday is here, and so are we. (You. are there, right?) The bars are open, and folks are having a swell time. Here’s a piece of information that should have the word DUH hung on it. Memorial Day was May 26th, precisely 14 days later (yesterday) the number of Covid-19 cases here in Austin reached a new high point.

Here is another DUH statement. The stock market took a dive yesterday because of growing fears of increased Coronavirus cases.

So what did everyone expect? The most effective way of avoiding contracting the virus is to stay away from people. Gather together, and guess what’s going to happen?

The protests will help to ramp the cases as well. All this should come as no surprise to anyone.

Today’s JohnKu gives a hint on staying safe. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Cases decline but,

Start up again when open . . .

Stay away, wear masks.