Stream of Consciousness Saturday

~ John W. Howell ~ 11 Comments

 

 

This is Stream of Conscious Saturday and this week’s prompt is FIND. The prompt can be used in any way and included in the post or headline. Go here to read more: http://lindaghill.com/2014/10/03/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-october-414/  My interpretation of FIND is as follows and is titled Found.

Found by John W. Howell ©2014

We were walking on the beach yesterday and came upon an interesting couple from Houston. They were in town for a little rest and relaxation. Like most mornings my wife and I were walking our Boxer Lucy. Lucy loves to go for walks and hopes to run into a number of people since she loves to be adored and admired. Unfortunately for her the beach is really quite deserted this time of year as you can see in the photo. Lucy tends to comfort herself by chasing gulls and plovers, as well as, a stray sand crab or two. She never ever catches anything but still keeps trying.

The couple from Houston were familiar with Boxers and had a number of them. Of course, Lucy was delighted to meet them and showed them all her tricks which number two. They are “sit,” and “give me five.” The subject of age came up since Lucy tends to act like a puppy and where we got her.

The wife of the couple said, “Where did you ever find a white Boxer.”

“Lucy is a rescue,” my wife said. “She was found on the streets of San Antonio.”

“My goodness, she looks so happy.”

“She is happy now. She was rescued by Austin Boxer Rescue and has been with us for three years.”

After a few more comments, we departed company and I was thinking how much I am glad she was found and that she is now with us. Lucy looked at me and I swear her expression was “me too dad.” She then took off after a heron standing in the water. (no she didn’t get near him)

 

How to Promote and Market Your Book – Guest Post – Madi Preda

~ John W. Howell ~ 5 Comments

I am very glad to welcome Madi Preda to Fiction Favorites. Madi is the author of the book How to Promote and Market Your Book, as well as principal of Author’s PR . She has managed the campaigns of over fifty books this year alone. Here’s Madi.

 

 

The most powerful way to market your book

Word of mouth is the best way to amplify your efforts and create interest about your work and it’s free.

All you need for word of mouth marketing is a good book, worthy of sharing, and a strategy to get it into the hands of the right people who will spread the word for you. It sounds simple but is not that easy and requires some time, efforts, and determination.

The best time to design to draw your marketing plan is before you  finished writing your book; draw your audience as you write your book by creating buzz, pos excerpts and generate engagement by asking what one of the characters should do next, guess who is the bad guy or anything else you can think of. When it’s launching time, you’ll already have an audience waiting.

The next step is to get your work noticed and shared by as many people you can get, offer free copies for reviews, write guest posts sharing your writing experience and do interviews.

Focus more on letting people know about your book rather than selling.

There is not a secret that not every strategy will work for every author, so choose what makes sense, adapt to your specific work, and try to come up with some of your own marketing ideas.

Promote and Market

  1. Create a marketing plan and get creative.
  2. Tell your author story and find a hook to keep your audience interested.
  3. Build and develop your email list.
  4. Don’t write only about the book itself but link your articles to trending topics related to your book topic..
  5. If it is possible time the announcement of your new book with an important news event, trade show, movie, a humanitarian campaign, a sports competition.
  6. Tempt your readers with more news about your next book if it is part of a series; you can insert a chapter, a new character description or a new setting at the end of the current book to make the reader follow you.
  7. Add contact author’s details at the end of each of your books and the titles of previously published books.
  8. Promote other authors by having them as guests on your blog, interview them or organize a common event such as the (your genre) weekly debate – on the topic of your book or simply about the writing process of that genre.
  9. Schedule social media. Put every day in your author schedule at least 15 minutes for promotion.(a post on
  10. Nobody can reinvent the wheel, but authors have a huge imagination so surely they will find original ideas and new avenues to bring their work in front of readers.

About the author: , publicizing more than 50 books within a year of launching her first campaign. Her mission is helping authors to gain more exposure and media coverage through her online marketing campaigns. As a result of her experience she decided to write a practical guide for authors, or aspiring writers, in marketing, explaining step by step how to make a book successful from the manuscript stage to wholesale distribution.

Links to order the book:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/440234

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-promote-and-market-your-book-madi-preda/1119611626?ean=2940045962346

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/How-To-Promote-Market-Your/book-0Q6ajrTX3EeMEfGEnozggw/page1.html?s=D1Gdi6tO8EOq8iRIl_DIfQ&r=1

Author’s website: http://authorspr.tripod.com

Author’s Blog    : http://authorspromotion.wordpress.com

Twitter Handle : @AUTHORSPR

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

 

Friday JohnKu TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

Friday at last. This week feels like it has been a long one for sure. I guess whenever I have to travel away from this island the week seems to take forever. I only had a trip to San Antonio on Monday, but for some reason it feels like it was longer ago than just five days. Just shows to go what a little out of the normal activity can do to the perception of time. This week’s JohnKu (a term coined by Words4jp) is about normal. It is titled Routine. I hope you like it

Routine By John W. Howell Copyright 2014

We seldom adjust,

Unless there is something big . . .

Pulling at comfort.

Happy Anniversary to My Blog

~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

 

 

Just got the WordPress two-year trophy. The only thing I can say is thank you to those who have hung in there and I am more than grateful for your visits, comments. and likes. There have been 20,962 views, 6,894 comments and over 500 posts.  It has been a pleasure and I hope for many more. I truly enjoy writing and can’t imagine not sharing my stuff with you all. So here is my celebration toast,” let’s do more of the same.”

Thank you everyone.

Story Day – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

Wednesday has come up pretty fast. It is, usually, a good thing when we realize we will make through the week. Wednesday also means another story. This week I’m going to do something a little different. If you recall last week’s story had Frank seemingly taking the advice of his friend Dave. He admired a flower on the way to rob a bank since Dave told him he needed to enjoy things more. Normally I don’t continue Frank stories from one to another. The reason is Frank stories are not necessarily related to each other, but I will continue this one as if it is a serial. Now that I have taken too much time explaining let me just pick up the story where we left off last week. We join Dave and Frank in a hurry to get to the bank before the automatic lock on the safe engages.  The story is named Smell the Roses part II.

Smell the Roses Part II by John W. Howell ©2014

“Yeah, I promise. Now let’s go. The bank closes in a few minutes and we need to grab the president and clean out the safe before the automatic lock is engaged. Oh, wait Dave. Look at that rose on the bush over there. Man that’s what I call beautiful?”

“That’s it Frank. Well done.”

“You must be kidding Dave.”

“Whadda you mean kidding?”

“That’s it Frank. Well done. You weenie.”

“Weenie? What d’you mean?”

“Here we are on the way to rob a freaking bank Dave. Wake the hell up.”

“I thought you were really appreciating that rose.”

“And if I was, wouldn’t the timing of such crap be a little inappropriate?”

“Not to me. I would think you had some redeeming value.”

“That’s why you are a weenie and I’m the boss.”

“Some boss Frank.”

“Yeah? Now what do you mean?”

“Boss over a weenie? Really Frank?”

“J’you check your gun weenie?”

Yeah, you want to see it?”

“Don’t get smart Dave. We’re here. Oh, look Dave another Rose. Best color I’ve seen.”

“Shut up Frank.”

“Weenie.”

Sisters in Crime Blog Hop Tour

~ John W. Howell ~ 11 Comments

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I want to thank Marie Ann Bailey for including me in the Sisters in Crime blog hop. The fact that Marie and I are not related by blood has no bearing on the fact that we are still sisters. (Notice I moved the gender direction toward the better looking of the two of us). Marie has a fabulous blog  Sisters in Crime blog hop. The fact that Marie and I are not related by blood has no bearing on the fact that we are still sisters. (Notice I moved the gender direction toward the better looking of the two of us). Marie has a fabulous blog  1WriteWay where all things writing and reading can be found. The most notable fact about Marie’s blog is the  outstanding support she gives other authors. One visit there and you will have a tough time finding Marie talking about herself, but plenty about what is going on in the world of writing. Her latest post does provide some additional information which is worth the trip. Thanks again Marie.

The Sisters in Crime Blog Hop ends today so I am charged with wrapping up this segment of the hop. There are a couple of things that need to be done in order to wrap the hop effectively:

First there are seven questions needing answers: So here I go

  • Which authors have inspired you?

I have been inspired by Kurt Vonnegut and how he has used humor and current events to create his stories. Also John Irving for his fantasy view of fiction. Finally by Nevil Shute for his attention to detail.

  • Which male authors write great women characters? Which female authors write great male characters?

The best male author writing a female character is Kevin Brennan in his book Occasional Soulmates. I really believe he is a woman. The best female author writing a male character is Rhani D’ Chae in her book Shadow of the Drill. These guys are tough and brutal but have been given a sense of loyalty and brotherhood that a male would enjoy.

  • If someone said “Nothing against women writers, but all of my favorite crime fiction authors happen to be men,” how would you respond?

I guess I would say just the opposite. All my favorite crime fiction authors happen to be women. I think women have a fine touch for developing a great story which delights the mystery reader.

  • What’s the best part of the writing process for you? What’s the most challenging?

The best part is moving through the story and having the characters and plot develop the way I want. Someone once described this as “words flowing like lava.” The most challenging for me is the editing. I plainly stink at spot on punctuation so I need to be very careful in the editing process and that just isn’t me.

  • Do you listen to music while writing? What’s on your playlist?

I listen to all kinds of music. It helps in keeping me focused on the project at hand. My playlist includes sixties, seventies and eighties with some classic rock thrown in. I also am a big Queen fan so if I’m really against the wall I will listen to Queen exclusively. I have all their CDs

  • What books are on your nightstand right now?

I am reading Inside Room 913 by Bruce A.. Borders and up next is African Me & Satellite TV by Jo Robinson

  • If you were to mentor a new writer, what would you tell her about the writing business?

I would advise new writers not to think they will become rich and famous. If they do become rich and famous that will be great but keep everything in perspective. Writing is hard work and needs to be done by those who love it and for only that reason. Other reasons will lead to discouragement and eventually to quitting. I would  also advise writing every day

Secondly the post must include the Sisters In Crime link:

http://sistersincrime.site-ym.com/?page=134  And their Twitter: #SinCBlogHop In order for them to spread the word.

Thirdly the torch needs to be passed to someone else with an introduction and link to their blog.

Since I am the last one in the chain the person I mention here does not have to take the torch and run with it.

Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie lives in Warrenton, VA with her husband, two cats, and three dachshunds. She’s a middle school counselor, graduate student at Longwood University, (pursuing a degree in School Library Media) blogger, short story and YA novel writer. When she’s not working, she’s traveling or dreaming of traveling.

Kristy is also the author of the YA Thriller Jaded available at Jaded available and the ten short story collection Even in Death Even in Death

Jaded-310x442a cover of evemn in death

So there you have it. Thanks to the Sisters in Crime for a delightful Blog Hop Tour.

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Cooking Dinner

~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Cooking Dinner

This list was inspired by a mishap in the kitchen which was a result of not being fully engaged in the process. I hope you enjoy.

10 If you are cooking dinner do not walk away from that pot of water that refuses to boil. If you do, at best you will return to find a steam-filled kitchen. At worst, you will return to a completely dry pot which is now in the basement through the giant hole in the floor and the volunteer fire department captain writing up the citation.

9 If you are cooking dinner do not try to edit your novel at the same time. If you do, ay best you may find the word asparagus in your final proof. At worst you will not find the word asparagus in the final proof and will have to live with “she reached for him and could feel his asparagus responding to her advance.”

8 If you are cooking dinner do not try to watch the big game while measuring out the ingredients. If you do, at best you will only miss a few spices. At worst you will get teaspoons and yards confused and will find your recipe expanded to enough servings for twenty.

7 If you are cooking dinner do not accept help even if asked. If you do, at best the person helping will alter your recipe to their own desire but it will work out. At worst, the person helping will leave out key ingredients or add something that doesn’t belong and instead of your triumph dish you will be serving a new form of dog food.

6 If you are cooking dinner do not ask people what they would like. If you do, at best you will only get a couple of requests that are different and can make an executive decision which to ignore. At worst, you will have such diverse opinions you will finally give up and throw everyone into the car for a drive through visit.

5 If you are cooking dinner, do not decide you know the recipe by heart. If you do, at best the result will be close to what it is supposed to be. At worst, you will produce what will be known for eternity as “that crap that was supposed to be a lasagna.”

4 If you are cooking dinner do not think everyone likes spicy food. If you do, at best you will only have a couple of people who seem too weak to eat. At worst, you will be alternating between running for water to quell the burning and giving heart palpitations to bring back those affected.

3 If you are cooking dinner do not think everyone on the planet will enjoy your special meal made from stuffed goat intestines. If you do, at best the evening will end early. At worst, you will cause several of your guests to run screaming for their lives, fighting the gag response never to return.

2 If you are cooking dinner, do not try to pass off a Stouffers Mac and Cheese which was in the freezer as homemade. If you do, at best your family might not notice. At worst, the family will expect the same quality the next time and you’ll be stuck with your dirty little secret which will surely be found out sooner of later.

1 If you are cooking dinner, do not sample the food or wine to any great degree. If you do, at best you will be jaded on the meal before it is served. At worst you will not outlast the preparation and will wonder the next day how the dinner went without you or the meal.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt

~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

 

 

It is that time again where I have to sit down and write whatever comes out of my head. This week’s Stream of Consciousness Prompt from Linda Hill is to use an ordinal number. As everyone knows who is an English teacher an ordinal number is words representing position or rank in a sequential order. The order may be of size, importance, chronology, and so on. Examples that come to mind are first, second, and third.  To read about the prompt go here: http://lindaghill.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-september-2714/ My interpretation is the following story titled Caught Between.

Caught Between by John W. Howell © 2014

I ran across a guy the other day who was in deep thought. He was standing next to my car and he looked like he was made of stone. I don’t mean he was the color of a stone, I just mean he was frozen in one spot. He had his hand on his chin and elbow resting on his other arm which was wrapped around his chest. He reminded me of a college professor I had many years ago. The professor would stand in the front of the class in a similar pose and appear to be looking at something on the floor.

I walked up to this guy and asked, ”excuse me. Are you ok?” He did not respond to my question. He didn’t even look up. Thinking he might have some kind of medical problem I decided to look into his eyes and try again. Leaning over and looking up at his face, I could see he was in some kind of trance. “Are you okay?” I said.

He blinked and his eyes caught mine. His mouth tried to form the words, but it was clear he was having trouble getting his thoughts into speech. Fearing he has had a stroke I decided to call 911. Reaching for my phone without breaking the lock of our eyes, I didn’t know how I would call without looking away. I was afraid of looking away since our eyes were the only communication between us.

“Please stop staring at me,” he said.

“W-What? I thought you were in trouble.”

“First I need to explain. I don’t need any help. Second I am really not here so I can’t move until I fully transition to where I’m going.”

“Wait. What are you talking about?”

“Third if you interfere in my transition you will be caught between worlds. Forth you seem like a nice guy so please go away and let me transition in peace.”

So I walked away even though he was preventing me from getting in my car. I didn’t go far but when I turned around the guy was gone. I still don’t have an answer.

Do you?

Friday JohnKu – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

 

Friday is here again and it is definitely time to lift a margarita. Well, we might have to wait until the day is over. I had an occasion to get a comment on another blog to the effect that I had not offered a margarita to this person when they visited. I need to correct that. Just leave a message and I will give you a top shelf tequila, orange liqueur, key lime juice, agave nectar, margarita on the rocks served in a pint mason jar with or without salt. Also, I have available peach salsa, with white and blue corn chips. There is a little cheese dip well. So if any of this interests you step up and place your order. Today’s JohnKu (a term coined by Words4jp) is all about the margarita. It is titled Soothin’ Syrup

Soothin’ Syrup by John W, Howell Copyright 2014

Green sour citrus,

Orange and agave nectar. . .

Kissed by tequila.

Wednesday Story Day aka Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

 

Wednesday story day again. I can’t believe how peaceful it is here at the coast. I was walking on the beach this morning and there was not a person for about as far as the eye can see. The gulls and pelicans are about the only thing moving around. The nice thing also is the water seems to be calmer and is the prettiest shade of blue. We had some nice rain last week and it certainly helped the flowers. I guess all this talk about the surroundings is to introduce the story for this week. This week’s story is all about taking a moment to enjoy the beauty around you. Our hero Frank is not one to be in the moment, but his friend Dave is trying to help him out. The story is titled Smell the Roses. I hope you like it.

“So Frank what did you do today?”

“Not much Dave. Of course, I went to that damn office and when I got there the boss was in a foul mood. He picked everything I did apart.”

“Like what?”

“Well, he wasn’t happy with the take from yesterday.”

“Not happy? My god, we delivered over fifty grand.”

“Tell me about it. Next time you need to drop off the dough. I have had it with the crap he hands out.”

“You know Frank you need to take some time to enjoy the beauty around you.”

“Whaddyamean, beauty?”

“Well, the boss give you crap so you should find something to look at that gives you  pleasure.”

“Pleasure? I really don’t know what the hell you are talking about.”

“Look Frank. Let’s say you get chewed out. You leave the office and you need to find a flower, nice looking shrub or even a cloud to admire. It will give you some meaning in your life.”

“Okay Dave. We need to go.”

“Promise me you’ll try finding something beautiful.”

“Yeah, I promise. Now let’s go. The bank closes in a few minutes and we need to grab the president and clean out the safe before the automatic lock is engaged. Oh, wait Dave. Look at that rose on the bush over there. Man that’s what I call beautiful?”

“That’s it Frank. Well done.”