The Last Drive Tour with Gwen Plano

~ John W. Howell

I am excited to talk about The Last Drive with Gwen Plano today. You can visit Gwen’s Post HERE.

I have known Gwen since we were paired to do interviews and inspirational discussions on Blog Talk Radio. During our association, Gwen and I decide to take a crack at writing an action thriller. We wrote one, and then Gwen went on to write two more. These books became known as The Contract Series. Before The Contract Series, Gwen wrote her award-winning memoir, Letting Go Into Perfect Love. You can read more about her books on Gwen’s Amazon page.

Here is also some interesting information from Gwen’s bio in her words.

As for my professional background, I am a retired educator. I taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. My academic background is a bit unusual, but it has served me well. I graduated with honors in nutrition from San Diego State University. I was awarded a master’s degree in theology from the University of the State of New York’s Maryknoll Seminary and then received a master’s in counseling from Iona College. Finally, I earned a doctorate in higher education from Columbia University.

Gwen’s latest – Click for Amazon.

Thank you for supporting the launch of The Last Drive, Gwen.

The comments are closed so you can deliver truth and light on Gwen’s post without having to remember what you wrote on mine.

The Last Drive Tour with Staci Troilo

~ John W. Howell

Today I’m with Staci Troilo, who has graciously given me the opportunity to talk about my latest book, The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

 

 

I have known Staci to be an excellent blogger and author. She is also a member of Story Empire, and that association gave me insight into Staci’s big-heartedness and sense of humor, as well as her desire to help her fellow authors. I understand she calls on her Italian heritage to produce killer recipes.

Here is her bio in her own words.

I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, writing stories and poetry in my free time, so no one was surprised when I became a writing major in college. After receiving creative and professional writing degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, I went on to get my Master’s Degree in Professional Writing, and I worked in corporate communications until I had my children. Now I’m a freelance writer and editor and spend many of my days happily immersed in fictional worlds.

Staci is also a prolific novelist who has 23 titles to her credit. You can see them all on her Amazon Page

Staci’s Latest -Click for Amazon

Thank you, Staci, for having me today.

I have closed the comments so that all your words will be conserved for Staci’s post.

The Last Drive Tour with Jan Sikes

~ John W. Howell

I am pleased to be hosted by Jan Sikes today on The Last Drive tour. You can visit Jan’s post HERE.

 

Jan and I have been colleagues and friends since we published our debut Novel. I first met Jan in an author’s club and was taken by her passion for writing. Now that she has seventeen titles, she has never lost that passion. You can go to her Amazon page and see all her books.

Here is Jan’s bio in her words

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. I still remember the excitement that surged through me the first time I realized I could decipher words. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.

Oddly enough, I never had any ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music to match the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.

Wrong!

The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain.

I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.

I am a member of the Author’s Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, Story Empire, and the Paranormal Writer’s Guild. I am an avid fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.

Jan’s Latest -Click for Amazon

Thank you, Jan, for helping spread the word about The Last Drive.

I have closed the comments so that all your fine words can be spent on Jan’s post.

Top Ten Things Not to Do On Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday

~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments
Photo by Clay Banks – Unsplash

 

It has been 95 years since Martin Luther King Jr was born. Today we celebrate his birth, although the actual day was January 15th. Today’s Top Ten is focused on just one thing not to do. Do not hate your neighbor, and learn from Dr. King’s non-violent approach to change.

I wish for a day of peace that will become so comfortable that it extends into a week, then a month, then a year. Who knows? It could last a lifetime.

Let’s hope Dr. King’s example serves to guide our behavior going forward.

Views of the Neighborhood – GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT – Part I

~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Today we are going on a scavenger hunt sponsored by Lakeway Parks and Recreation. It is titled the GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT, and here is a description by the city. Happy New Year, Lakeway! It’s a “good time” to celebrate the start of 2023 with Parks & Recreation! As you walk the lower level of Lakeway City Park, you will find 26 clocks along the trail. Each clock has a letter and number that corresponds to the hidden answer key. Solve the secret message and win a prize!

We are being catered by Canje Caribbean of Austin. Our entertainment is Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing.

Menu

Striped Bass

Tamarind, Rum Butter, Green Mango, Papaya 

Acorn Squash

Coconut Choka, Passion Fruit, Black Beans

Curry Wagyu Beef

Rutabaga, Coconut Milk, Chili Oil 

Wild Boar Pepper Pot

Cassareep, Orange Peel, Ginger 

Grilled Pork Guisado

Berkshire Pork Chop, Tomato, Tomato 

Jerk Chicken

½ Heritage Chicken, Ginger Pineapple Glaze

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get rolling. We only have time for half of the alphabet when we get there. We will be hunting the clocks in order, starting with the odd numbers (yes, we are making it difficult), and then we will fill out the key at the end of today. After next week we should have the puzzle solved.

Okay, here’s the first one.  Letter H.

The number three. Letter Q.

Five and V.

Seven is J

Nine equals A

Eleven S. The wind blew this one to the ground.

Lucky thirteen is a K.

Fifteen a D and another grounder.

Seventeen a lazy Z.

Nineteen a Y. Y? because we like you. (not too many of your know where that came from)

Twenty-one is an I.

Twenty-three a W.

Twenty-five, the last for today is a G.

So here is our Key filled out.

Any guesses?

Now that you have worked so hard sit back and enjoy the food and the show.

 

 

The Last Drive Tour with Dan Antion and a Word from Lucy and Twiggy

~ John W. Howell ~ 3 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. What gives? Where’s dad? He’s supposed to be taking photos of us for a Saturday feature.”

“I know he promised a move to Saturday during the book tour, Little One, but he got an invite to Dan Antion’s bar.”

“He’s over there, and we are left high and dry?”

“You know how he is about more than one post a day. He put us here to let everyone know they should go over there.”

“So we should tell everyone to go to the bar?”

“Yup. He’s talking about The Last Drive with Dan, David, and Skippy, the bartender. We’ll be back next week.

Here is the link to Dan’s Post. 

In my mind, Dan is a jack of all trades. His professional life was all things IT in the business world, with a stint as a Cabinet maker. He also is the DYI master of all masters. His tool supply is something to lust after, and he has shown us how skilled he is with home projects. He is the consummate blogger and is now the captain of the popular Thursday Door feature.

At long last, Dan has also published his Dreamer’s Alliance Series.

Here is the Series Page on Amazon

Thank you, Dan, for helping spread the word on The Last Drive.

I have closed the comments so you can enjoy a drink with Dan.

The Last Drive Tour with Marie Ann Bailey

~ John W. Howell

I am grateful to be with Marie Ann Bailey today. She is helping launch The Last Drive. Here is the link to her post. https://1writeway.wordpress.com/2023/01/13/guest-post-the-last-drive-by-john-w-howell-newbook/

When I started blogging, Marie and I followed each other right away. That was in 2012. I guess you could say we have been buds since that time. Marie also created the concept and co-authored the Top Ten Things Not to Do on my blog for over a year in 2013 and 2014. Marie also is a very creative reviewer. I have been pleased to have two books reviewed by her. Here is a link to other reviews.https://1writeway.wordpress.com/book-reviews/

More about Marie in her words

I am a writer living in the southeastern United States with three cats, more yarn than I can knit up in a lifetime, and a dear husband who doubles as my best friend.

My writing career started in the fourth grade when I was asked to read aloud a story I wrote. Since then, I’ve taken creative writing classes whenever possible, joined writing groups and literary guilds, and participated in readings. Still, in spite of the support I received from mentors and fellow writers, lack of self-confidence made it easy for me to give up on writing. Once I got a “real” job (in an office with a biweekly paycheck and benefits), it was hard to argue with anyone that I should or could expect to do better by writing.

I’ve made a lot of detours in the past thirty years, trying to become a Professional whatever (social worker, data analyst), trying to believe in careers and working in offices and 401k’s. But now that I’m retired, I’ve woken up to the fact that those things–career, working in an office, going to meetings, conferences–has little value for me. My writing has picked up, as have my publications.

In my ideal world, I’m always dressed for yoga, writing until I’m empty of words, knitting down my stash, reading up my leaning tower of to-be-read books, and cuddling with my husband and kitties.

Marie also has her work published. You can access it HERE.

Thank you so much for helping spread the word, Marie.

Comments have been closed so your thoughts can be pure at Marie’s place.

The Last Drive Tour with D. L. Finn

~ John W. Howell

It is always a pleasure to be with Denise, and I’m delighted to be on her post talking about my latest book, The Last Drive. HERE is a link to her post.

I have been following Denise’s blog and writing career since 2014

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

Denise writes fiction, Children’s stories, and poetry. Her books and stories delight and sometimes raise the hair. In all, though, they are well-written and always enjoyable. You can check them out at her Amazon site.

 

D.L. Finn’s latest – Click for Amazon

Thank you so much for hosting me, Denise.

I have turned off comments so that your words on Denise’s post will be original.

The Last Drive Tour with Beem Weeks

~ John W. Howell

I am so glad to be featured on Beem Week’s site. He has graciously allowed me to visit and talk about my new release, The Last Drive. HERE is the link to his post.

Beem and I have been acquainted for a few years now. I think we first met in 2015 when we were part of another writer’s club. Since that time, Beem has published some excellent books and is also involved in the creative side of helping authors reach their potential. His books continually garner four and five stars, and I have found them to be very entertaining. He has six titles, and you can see them on Amazon.

Beem is also a blogger, blog talk radio host, and video/audio producer for Fresh Ink Group, as well as a fellow member of Story Empire.

Beem’s latest – Click for Amazon

Thank you, Beem, for hosting me today. I appreciate your help.

I have turned off the comments so that your originality can be saved for the visit to Beem’s post.

The last Drive Tour with Craig Boyack

~ John W. Howell

I’m very pleased to be with Craig Boyack today. He is helping spread the word about The Last Drive launch. Here is the link to his post. https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2023/01/10/guest-post-the-last-drive-by-john-w-howell-newbook/

Craig Boyack

I first met Craig when we were members of a writer’s club years ago. My tubby Kindle finally handed me one of his stories, and I have been hooked ever since. Craig has an uncanny ability to develop characters you can’t help loving. Among some regular folks, there are root monsters and hats that talk. This is on top of the warriors and mermaids, of which there are plenty.

He also world builds like he has an in with the gods on Mount Olympus. He puts the reader on ships that go to unimaginable places and, on the other hand, puts us on a yak. All of his books are highly creative and enjoyable. You should check out Craig’s Amazon Page if you haven’t read one. There you will find his stories. You can pick any one of them since they are all entertaining.

Craig’s latest – Click for Amazon

Thank you, Craig, for helping me introduce The Last Drive

Comments are closed, so you can use precious words wisely at Craig’s place.