Thursday – A little personal #RRBC Blog Talk Radio interview with Stuart Hotchkiss

October 22, 2015October 19, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 12 Comments

Today is the day for my monthly RRBC Rave Waves Blog Talk Radio interview show. It is live at 11:00 CDT right here at this link http://tobtr.com/7979979

My guest today is Stuart Hotchkiss the author of a spellbinding memoir Southern Fried Fiction available on Amazon.

Southern Fried Fiction is about Stuart Hotchkiss is at the end of his rope. Underemployment, bankruptcy, and a looming third divorce have worn him down. His mother has died. He’s estranged from his own son. Death seems like a release.

The son of a once significant Southern family, Hotchkiss spent his early life struggling to escape familial expectations and secrets. He paid for his own education and eventually secured a position as president of a national media conglomerate, only to resign a year later and bring senseless litigation that rendered him permanently underemployed.

Southern Fried Fiction is all that a memoir should be—a captivating story, real and raw, with a healthy dose of humor to carry readers through the pain of its author’s loss and past mistakes. Through it, Hotchkiss eloquently exorcises the demons of his climb toward success, capping it off with a spark of hope beyond the veil of his near suicide, one that even the most cynical of us can find inspiration in.

In the vein of Russell Baker’s “Growing Up” and Michael Gates Gill’s “How Starbucks Saved My Life,” Hotchkiss’s memoir is a moving account of one man’s battle to overcome his demons and start over.

Stuart Hotchkiss is a former publishing chief who served as the executive creative director of Time Inc. and the president of Time Home Entertainment Inc. He is also a past president of the Direct Marketing Association of Washington.

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Hotchkiss now lives in Boise, Idaho, where he serves as vice president of the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho’s executive council.

Twitter: @HSHotchkiss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happyhank

Website address: www.stuarthotchkiss.com

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.”

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.

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Watching Football on TV

September 28, 2015September 27, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

The inspiration for this list came on Saturday and Sunday while I had invested some quality time in College and Steeler football. Of course, I had some things to do and tried doing them while watching the games.

Top Ten Things Not to do While Watching Football on TV

10 If you are watching football, do not work on your taxes. If you do, at best you might have to redo the numbers every time an announcer mentions a score on TV. At worst, you could have a problem next April when your refund amount reads first and ten. (sure you can explain that to the investigator)

9 If you are watching football, do not try to carry on a conversation with anyone. If you do, at best you will not fool anyone when you answer the wrong question with the wrong answer. At worst, you could be vulnerable to saying yes to one of those tricky issues relating to vacation destinations or style of furniture. (Hope you enjoy the 24-hour hot yoga class while on vaycay)

8 If you are watching football, do not try to write a post for Monday. If you do, at best you may miss a mistook or two. At worst, the logic and care you put into your writing may be lost as you get muddled in your thought process and try desperately to make a comeback but find yourself fighting out of an awkward place and running eighty yards for a touchdown. (Sure you can watch and write at the same time)

7 If you are watching football, do not try to figure out how to install that iPhone app. If you do, at best you’ll never get your Apple password correct. At worst, you will fail to notice the $99.00 cost of the “Write like Steven King” app you just installed. (You can bet it works too)

6 If you are watching football, do not try to help the kids with their homework. If you do, at best you will demonstrate why they should never ask again. At worst, your help being the impetus for the remedial intervention program in which they become enrolled at the school. (Well you did try hard didn’t you?)

5 If you are watching football, do not try to cook an elaborate meal. If you do, at best the ingredients your forgot won’t be missed. At worst, you will have made a concoction that the government will want to use to undermine the morale of enemy troops. (You thought it was going to be perfect. Right?)

4 If you are watching football, do not try to talk on the phone to your boss. If you do, at best your lack of attention will not be held against you. At worst, your boss will think you are having some cognative problem and will assume you are drinking. (Too bad your boss has been to rehab cause now you are going)

3 If you are watching football, do not answer the door and have visitors drop in. If you do, at best you will ignore them. At worst, you will offend the folks who stopped by not paying attention to them, and they happen to be the people in charge of the pre-school home visit staff. (This was the premier pre-school in your state)

2 If you are watching football, do not assume everyone in your household shares your passion. If you do, at best you will wonder why you are watching the game alone. At worst, you might even find you are home alone, and there is no note telling you where everyone has gone. (Hard to believe not everyone wants to watch twelve hours of Football on a weekend hey Bucky)

1 If you are watching football, do not commit to watching the kids as well. If you do, at best they will not wander out of the house. At worst, you will be investigated by CPS for keeping the kids tied to the couch for a full four quarters. (You might have gotten away with just a half)

Thursday Anything Possible – Rave Waves Blogtalk Radio Spotlight Honors Interview with Karen Ingalls #RRBC

September 17, 2015September 14, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 4 Comments

Today at 11:00 CDT I will be interviewing Karen Ingalls author of Novy’s Son, The Selfish Genius. You can listen to the broadcast by clicking HERE.

Blurb: From his early childhood, Matthew Collins sought love and acceptance from his father, who was raised as the bastard child of a famous artist. He struggled with jealousy toward his younger brothers, and he questioned the morals and values of people around him. As an adult, Matthew lived life his way with years of lying, womanizing, and heavy drinking. Would his high intelligence and his unique philosophy of life help him rise above his demons.

Amazon

Kindle

Bio:

I am a retired registered nurse with a master’s degree in human development. I worked in private practice as a nurse therapist for twenty years, which resulted in the writing of this book challenging the reader to examine the issue of father to son relationships. I counseled many men not too dissimilar from the main character.

I am also the author of the award-winning book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir. My weekly blog at www.outshineovariancancer.blogspot.com offers insight into relationships, spirituality, and a variety of health issues. I concentrate on the word “outshine” because I believe we can outshine or overcome whatever challenge we are facing.

You can visit Karen at:

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Kreative Kue Prompt # 42 by Keith Channing

September 16, 2015February 22, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

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.

“Oh miss Marilyn I’m wondering if it is safe to go outside?”

“Why yes, my dear I think so.”

“But I think the way you look you may call attention to yourself.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Those combat boots, automatic rifle, and camouflage will let the soldiers know you mean them no good.”

“Well, I believe in dressing right for each occasion, and this outfit is for shooting and I’m tired of these occupation troops.”

“True, but do you have to broadcast your intent?”

“Hmm, I see what you mean. let me go and change.”

“Good idea. Try that long Victorian orangish, yellowish one you wore to the costume ball. You know the one with the lace cuffs.”

“Be right back.”

“No hurry. I’ll hold your gun here.”

“I’m back. How do I look?”

“I think you will need a cloak to hide the automatic.”

“This black one seems to do the trick.”

“Now you need a hat. Here try this one with the designer’s name on it.”

“I think I’m ready. Do you think I stand out now?”

“No matter. I would hum a tune, and maybe they’ll believe you are insane.”

“Sometimes it feels that way. See you darling.”

#RRBC Back-To-School Book and Blog Block Party – Interview with John J. Cannon

September 15, 2015September 14, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 122 Comments

Welcome to Fiction Favorites! Today, I am thrilled to be participating in Rave Reviews Book Club’s Back-to-School Book and Blog Block Party from Port Aransas, Texas USA You can visit the entire tour and locations by clicking HERE.

In addition to learning a bit more about me and my book My GRL while you’re visiting, I hope you will leave a comment. If you do, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance at a ten-dollar Amazon Gift Card.

All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment. There will be a drawing, and the winner will be selected at the end of the day on September 15th, and announced on September 16th! For more prize opportunities visit the RRBC website.

Interview with John J. Cannon

Today I am pleased to welcome John J. Cannon to Fiction Favorites. For those of you who are unfamiliar with John let me give you a brief introduction.

John is a litigation attorney who lives in San Francisco. He has taken a leave of absence from the law firm to pursue his dream of becoming a charter boat captain. John currently resides in Port Aransas and is the protagonist in the thriller titled My GRL.

FF: Welcome John to Fiction Favorites

John: Thank you. It is so nice to be here. I’m pleased to be with you.

FF: Let’s dive right into the questions. I know you want to become a charter boat captain but I have to ask why you would give up a successful career in law?

John: I have been practicing for twelve years without a vacation. Honestly, I need a change of pace. In addition, I’m not giving up the law I’m just taking a leave of absence.

FF: Okay glad you cleared that up. We understand your boss is not very happy with you asking for a leave of absence.

John: Yeah, he has expressed a little disappointment but the fact remains it is corporate policy and I have qualified for the leave. I think he is worried about the revenue I won’t be brining into the firm.

FF: So he granted you the time off?

John: To be clear he granted me six months off. I asked for a year.

FF: My goodness sounds like trouble back at the ranch.

John: No. There’s no trouble. I simply have to request another six months when the time is done.

FF: What if he says no?

John: He won’t.

FF: I understand you bought a boat.

John: I sure did it’s a beauty. It is a sixty-five foot Hatteras Sport Fisherman. I named her My GRL.

FF: That must be some boat to navigate.

John: I took some lessons in how to handle her. She’s like an old friend.

FF: How soon will it be before you become a licensed captain?

John: I have about two months in and it takes a year so about ten more months.

FF: So you aren’t making any money yet?

John: Money is not the reason, but you’re correct.

FF: So tell us about the woman who sold you the boat.

John: Gerry’s her name. She was killed by some people who wanted to make a point.

FF: Yes Gerry. I remember you were found unconscious next to her body.

John: Yeah I was.

FF: Did the police think you did it?

John: I think they thought of me as a person of interest rather than a suspect. I had no gunshot residue on me or any other evidence that I was the perpetrator.

FF: Did they find out who did it?

John: There’s not a suspect. Gerry was killed by a professional who is still free so far. We do know who hired the hit, though.

FF: You say we like you were working with the police.

John: Well I did give a little advice and was eventually involved in the case.

FF: So who hired the hit?

John: I don’t have enough evidence to say publicly. I’ve a suspicion but would rather keep it to myself.

FF: You mentioned Gerry was killed to make a point. What was the point?

John: I think she was being punished for talking too much about certain people.

FF: Some that you don’t want to identify.

John: Yes, that’s correct. I wish I had the evidence but I don’t.

FF: Are you in any danger by talking to us in this interview?

John: I don’t see how. I haven’t said anything the police don’t know.

FF: Well that’s good.

John: I would like to say to those people who shot an innocent person, Gerry, that they’ll not get away with it and someday they’ll pay.

FF: Are you married?

John: No I’m not. As I said, I have been working a lot and no real-time for anything else. I suppose I could say my boat is my relationship right now. I guess that’s why I named her My GRL.

FF: You’ve been described as an ordinary guy caught up in unusual circumstances. How do you like that description?

John: Who says that?

FF: Reviewers

John: On one hand I’m flattered since it appears they know my personality. On the contrary, I would like to be seen as a hero. At least one time. Of course, it’s not my choice I’m more of less predestined to be what ever I turn out to be.

FF: Once you get your captain’s license will you keep chartering or go back to the law firm.

John: I really think that is a hard question to answer. Do you know what I mean when I say fourth wall?

FF: Well yeah it’s a term used to describe the fine line between fiction and reality. It’s a term from the theatre. A stage has three walls and on the other side of the fourth is where the audience is.

John: So when I say break the fourth wall you know it is a blurring of fiction and reality.

FF: Yes that’s correct.

John: Okay to answer your question about whether I’ll go back to the law firm you will have to ask the guy who authored My GRL if he has a story line that includes returning to the law firm. You could also ask if I’m going to find love and happiness. I would like to know myself.

FF: I do know him so next time we chat I’ll ask.

John: I appreciate that. I’m not sure he will take suggestions for his precious plot. In the meantime, I’ll keep an eye on those responsible for Gerry’s murder.

FF: John this was an interesting interview if somewhat different. We’re so glad you could spend time with us. Please come again.

John: Yes, it was a pleasure for me as well. Who’s the us you’re talking about?

FF: All of us here at Fiction Favorites including our boss John W. Howell.