The Last Drive Tour with Stephen Geez

January 6, 2023January 5, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

Today Stephen Geez is providing an assist in getting out the word on The Last Drive. Here is the link to his post. https://stephengeez.wordpress.com/2023/01/06/guest-post-the-last-drive-by-john-w-howell-newbook/

Retired TV producer and composer/producer of music for television, Stephen Geez has mellowed into the lakeside-living life of a writer, editor, graphic artist, and Fresh Ink Group publisher. His work includes novels, short fiction, personal-experience essays, blogs, GeezWriter How-To material for authors, podcasts, video scripts, marketing content, and more.

Geez is the founding member of Fresh Ink Group, which is found at www.FreshInkGroup.com. Originally an organization for providing literary management to him and his writer friends, the group (FIG) has grown and morphed into author services and is now a full publishing company producing and distributing worldwide hardcover, soft-cover, and multi-platform ebook editions along with supporting media such as book trailers. Currently, he divides his time between his own writing and working with other authors in all aspects of the industry, from editing to graphic design to marketing. Stephen has authored and published 17 titles. Visit his Author’s Amazon site to see them all

For more information on Stephen or Fresh Ink Group, visit Stephen’s website at https://stephengeez.com/

One of Stephen’s books- Click for Amazon

Thank you, Stephen, for helping support the launch.

I have closed the comments so you can direct all your energy to Stephen’s post.

The Last Drive Tour – with Mae Clair

January 5, 2023January 4, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

Today is the third stop on The Last Drive tour, and I’m so pleased to be with Mae Clair.

Here is the link to Mae’s post today https://wp.me/p2dMh0-4rn

Mae was one of the fellow members of Story Empire who convinced me to do a sequel of Eternal Road. I will always be grateful to her for pushing me in the right direction.

As you may know, Mae is a very talented writer and has published four standalone novels, two series (three books each), four novellas included in four anthologies, and one co-authored book. So if you are keeping track, that’s fifteen books and included in four short story collections. Mae loves to write, and her productivity demonstrates that love. You can see them all on her Amazon Author’s page

Mae’s Bio

A member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, Mae is also a founding member of the award-winning writing blog Story Empire. She has achieved bestseller status on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with several of her novels chosen as book club selections. Mae writes primarily in the mystery/suspense genre, flavoring her plots with elements of urban legend and folklore. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats. Discover more about Mae on her website at MaeClair.com

I’ve closed the comments, so you don’t have to think of two things to say.

Thank you, Mae, for helping spread the word.

The Last Drive Blog Tour with Chris Graham, The Story Reading Ape

January 4, 2023January 4, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 2 Comments

I doubt there is anyone in the blogging world who does not know about Chris Graham. Chris has spent the last ten years providing an avenue for authors to meet each other and to have a reliable source of all things writing. I am honored to be a guest of Chris’. So here is the link to the stop with Chris today.

https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2023/01/04/reserved-for-john-howell-2/

The purpose of his blog, according to Chris, is fourfold. (In Chris’ words)

1. To introduce YOU to new (to me) authors I’ve come across in my wanderings through books and the cyberforest.

2. To provide a platform (battered old homemade soapbox) for authors to introduce themselves to you. (See my Contact Me Section for Guest Author article Guidelines)

3. As an informal information service to authors, poets, or anyone else who is thinking of becoming a published person of that ilk.

4. To promote FUN and an OASIS OF CALM and Font of useful Knowledge andTips for Indies (please do NOT feed my naughty chimps, or they may follow you home) from the woes and stresses of the real world.

If you are not part of The Story Reading Ape’s team, you are missing an opportunity to learn, see, be seen, and be entertained.

Thank you so much for helping spread the word on my latest, Chris.

I have closed the comments so you can give Chris all your love.

The Last Drive Blog Tour with Pete Springer

January 3, 2023January 4, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 2 Comments

Today is the kick-off of The Last Drive tour. I’m so pleased to be with Pete today. You can visit his post HERE.

We have been following each other for a little over three years. In that time, I’ve come to know Pete as a community-oriented, family man who is serious about getting his new novel represented and published. He has already published a book about his experiences as a teacher. It is titled They Call me Mom.

Here is a video about his book.

I want to thank Pete for sharing the news about my launch and wish him well with his new Middle-Grade book Second Chance Summer.

I’ve closed the comments to save time, but I will see you at Pete’s place.

The Last Drive Tour Begins

January 2, 2023January 1, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

If you are looking for the Top Ten Things Not to Do post here normally, I hope I don’t disappoint you. It is time to do recognition work on my latest novel, The Last Drive.

From tomorrow until February 7th, twenty-six bloggers have graciously volunteered to host the tour. Since I only do this every two years, I hope you will support these visits and understand that my weekly posts will be postponed until after the tour is over. I want to give my hosts’ undivided attention. There is one exception. Lucy and Twiggy will still make themselves available on Saturdays instead of Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and Views of the Neighborhood will be on Sundays, as usual. These two days are available because no tour stops are scheduled on weekends.

During the tour, comments here will be closed so that you don’t have to comment in two places.

I hope you find the tour interesting since I’ve included different excerpts at each stop. In fact, if you come to each visit, you will be able to read enough of the book to determine if you like it.

Here is the trailer and blurb as a reminder. Thanks so much for your understanding and support.

Blurb

In the sequel to Eternal Road – The final stop, Sam and James are reunited to look for two souls, Ryan and Eddie. Ryan was killed in Afghanistan, trying to avoid a schoolyard with his crippled plane. Eddie Rickenbacker, Ryan’s hero, is to guide Ryan to his Eternal Home, and now both are missing.

The higher-ups believe that there has been some interference in Ryan and Eddie’s journey by Lucifer, so Sam and James have the task of finding Ryan and Eddie to get them back on the road despite the evil interference. Unfortunately, the machinations designed to prevent Ryan and Eddy from completing their journey take the pair to horrifying testing grounds. The places visited represent the best work of the Devil. They are the trenches of World War I in France, gladiators at the Roman Coliseum, the sinking Titanic in 1912, Hiroshima 45 minutes before the bomb, and the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.

This book is for you if you like plenty of action, strong characters, time travel, and a touch of spiritual and historical fiction. So, join Sam and James as they try to find the missing souls while staying one step ahead of the Prince of Darkness, who is determined to destroy all that is good.

Trailer

Views of the Neighborhood – Happy New Year

January 1, 2023December 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell

Lucy and Twiggy want to wish you and yours a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. But, of course, that goes for the Producer and me as well.

“Hi to everyone. Twiggy and I want to wish you a Happy New Year.”
“Why do you get to do the talking?”
“Because I’m the oldest.”
“Well, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year too.”
“Go right ahead.”
“I think I already did. Why aren’t you looking into the camera again?”
“I thought I was.”

The comments are closed. Happy New Year

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt New/Knew

December 31, 2022December 30, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

It is the last day of 2022, and the coffee machine cited rule 73 of the Amalgamated Artificial Intelligence League contract. In short, the rule states that any AI required to work more days than the standard year will be compensated or given time off in return. This rule isn’t new and has been known for a few years. What is shocking is the machine has its own annual counter, and for some reason, it is one day off.

There was no choice but to give a day off or face a strike action by supporting AI elements. But, unfortunately, that would mean the security system would shut down. The concertina wire would coil, the Trebuchet would lock, the ballista would be inoperable, the tower machine guns would go offline, the submarine net in the mote would retract, the claymore mines would be disarmed, the boiling oil fire would go out, the bolts would not work, and the locks would be frozen open. Also, I would not be able to let one of the many visitors in to deliver Linda Hill’s messages. Like this one. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “new/knew.’” Use one, use both, use them any way you like. Bonus points if you use both. Enjoy!

If you would like to enjoy. visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to do so. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2022/12/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-31-2022/

Missing one day of caffeine is a small price to pay for home security. Maybe I’ll stay up past midnight for a cup. Nah, that’s not going to happen. I wish you all a Happy New year and unrestricted AI use.

“Well, you got the bonus points.”

“I did.”

“What’s going on with that machine anyway?”

“Beats me.”

“Where did it come from.”

“Italy.”

“You buy it new?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Whoever sold it to you should have known about the contract.”

“They knew and told me.”

“You bought it anyway?”

“Yeah, sure. Who makes better coffee machines than the Italians.”

“I’ll tell you what. My Mr. Coffee never denies me a cup.”

“I’ve had your coffee, and being denied would be a favor.”

“Harsh.”

“More like the truth. What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?”

“I’m doing it. What’s for dinner?”

“I’d love to tell you standing rib roast.”

“But?”

“We don’t eat beef.”

“Crazy coffee habits and don’t eat beef. You are starting to slip away.”

“I have VooDoo Ranger.”

“And just like that, he snaps back to his old form.”

“Dinner is homemade pizza.”

“Sold and sold.”

“Happy New Year to us.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

December 30, 2022December 29, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is with few modifications.

Christmas Spirit Enfolds Korean Tourists During Blizzard –After They Knocked on This Guy’s Door

Andy Corbley –Dec 27, 2022

A group of South Korean tourists narrowly avoided a ruined vacation, with good fortune swapping it for an unforgettable experience waiting out a blizzard and cooking with a New York family.

Traveling from Niagara Falls to Washington DC, a tour group of 10 South Koreans got stuck in a blizzard near Buffalo. Two of the group went to a local house to ask for a shovel to dislodge their vehicle.

It was Christmas Eve when Alex Campagna heard their frantic knocking on his door. Outside, he recounted on Facebook, was “the worst blizzard I’ve experienced,” and knowing the folly of trying to carry on, he invited them all inside, putting them up on couches, air mattresses, and sleeping bags.

“As a Buffalonian, this is on another level, the Darth Vader of storms,” he told the New York Times.

Eager to repay his kindness, the guests cooked several South Korean meals like jeyuk bokkeum, stir-fried pork, and dakdori tang, a spicy chicken stew. As it turns out, Campagna and his wife really like Korean food and actually happened to have some of the more extravagant ingredients on hand.

The Times reports they stayed Friday and Saturday. They swapped stories and even enjoyed some American football matches on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas day. Drivers came to pick up the tour group and took them to New York for some impromptu flights.

“We have enjoyed this so much,” said Choi Yoseob, a member of the group who described the experience as unforgettable and a “unique blessing.”

The Good News here is that someone had empathy for his fellow human beings who were in trouble. Today’s JohnKu talks about good deeds. I hope you have a very Happy New Year.

Reaching out to help,

Someone who is in trouble . . .

Fills both hearts with joy.

Thursday – Anything Possible – Lucy and Twiggy Out and About

December 29, 2022December 29, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

“Well Lucy it looks like a beautiful day.”

“It does little one. I’m glad that cold weather is gone for a while.”

“What are you looking at over there?”

“Oh, you know. The usual. Stray pumas, peacocks, squirrels, water buffalos.”

“You would think you could spot one of those.”

“I wish. It would be good to have some excitement.”

“Wait. You mentioned peacocks. Have you seen any of those?”

“No I haven’t. I heard mom talking about one in our driveway.”

“Do you know what they smell like?”

“I hear like chicken.”

“Chicken? What the heck do chickens smell like?”

“Beats me. Maybe like peacocks.”

“You know Lucy. Sometimes I’m sorry I ask a question.”

“Well, you shouldn’t feel that way. I usually give it my best shot.”

“Is there anyone out there that knows what a peacock smells like?”

“Oh, sure. Break the fourth wall. Good luck with that.”

“Someone will know.”

“Why not ask what chicken smells like. Maybe more have smelled chickens than peacocks. Of course, human noses are pretty underdeveloped.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #392 by Keith Channing

December 27, 2022December 26, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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.”

Link to Keith’s post https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/12/26/kreative-kue-392/

The photo.

“I say, Reggie. Any sightings?”

“Fraid not Oliver. Nothing all day.”

“A shame, mate.”

“Well, there is a positive side.”

“Yeah, and what’s that?”

“The hawk we don’t see today is the surprise for tomorrow.”

“You make that up?”

“Sorta.”

“Well, it’s crap.”

“Oh my. Why’s that?”

“In my mind, the hawk we don’t see today is one less hawk. Period.”

“You know, that’s a very pessimistic way to look at it.”

“I prefer the word realistic.”

“Hold on.”

“What?”

“I see a red tail banking over the lagoon.”

“What a sight that must be.”

“You can say that again.”

“What a sight—”

“Very funny. He’s headed right at me.”

“Does he see you?”

“It almost looks like he does. He has something in his beak.”

“Something like what?”

“Rolled up paper. Whoa, he just swooped over and dropped the paper.”

“Go get it.”

“On my way.”

“You back yet? Hello, Reggie. You back? Reggie?”

“Yeah I’m back. Give me a second to unroll the paper. Okay, it’s a message.”

“What does it say?”

“Attention hawk watchers. We are no longer going to be the subject of observation. We are tired of the prying eyes constantly intruding on our daily lives. The hawks of the world are united, and nothing you can offer will bring us out of seclusion.”

“Boy, that is pretty harsh. You think they mean it?”

“Sounds like they do.”

“Can you communicate with them?”

“I have in the past. One on one only, though.”

“Well try again. Tell them we are prepared to offer substantial sums for visual sightings.”

“They probibly will reject money.”

“Offer corn or dead mice. I don’t care. We need to see them again.”

“Hold on. I have the hawk leader on the other line.”

“Okay I’ll stand bye.”

“Hey Oliver.”

“Yes Reggie.”

“The hawk leader says he’ll take a year’s supply of corn and mice.”