Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy, Twiggy, and Rain

August 25, 2022August 25, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 113 Comments

It is a lot cooler out here, Little One.”

“It sure is. Something’s wrong.”

“Something’s not wrong. It has rained, is all.”

“Wait. You mean we actually got rain?”

“Yup. Looks like we had a good one too.”

“I can smell it. There is the scent of refreshment in the air.”

“If you say so. I just think it smells like wet.”

“I think your poetic license got suspended. But, yeah, it does look wet.”

“Want to see how much rain we got?”

“How do we do that? It’s all in the ground now.”

“See that little yellow thing on the fence?”

“Yeah. I see it. What is it?”

“It’s a rain gage. It tells us how much rain fell.”

“Well, you can look around and see it is more than we’ve had for a while.”

“You are right, but the gage tells us we had almost nine-tenths of an inch.”

“How can you see that from there? Maybe Dad will give us a close-up.”

“Here you go, kids. The water line is hard to see, but it is just above that crack in the gage where the big 1 is located.”

“I see it now. Thanks, Dad.

“You ready to go and play something?”

“I think I want to enjoy this cool air some more.”

Sŭbmarine-Ër #New Book – Guest Blog by Robert G. Williscroft

August 24, 2022August 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Since my dad was a naval aviator in World War II, I have been interested in all things Navy. I am therefore delighted to have as a guest Robert G. Williscroft, submariner and author of multiple series including The MacMcDowell Missions, The Oort Chronicles, and The Daedalus Files. Robert compiled and edited the true-life adventures of retired US Navy Lt. Commander Jerry Pait in his new book, Sŭbmarine-Ër.

So welcome Robert, who will give us some background on the book.

Thanks, John. So pleased to be here.

Let me begin with Jerry’s enlistment in the Navy. Jerry Pait enlisted on September 15, 1964, was assigned to Fleet Sonar School, volunteered for subs, and ended up on USS Entemedor (SS-340). After Advanced Sonar School, he was transferred as an STS-2 to USS Von Steuben (SSBN 632B) in the Philly yards right after her collision off Cadiz, Spain. I was a newly minted Lt. j.g., fresh out of Poseidon Missile School, having come through the NESEP (Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program) and Univ. of Washington in marine and atmosphere physics. I guess the skipper made me Sonar Officer because I was a former sonar tech.” Jerry and I served together until I left for the Man-in-the-Sea Program and ultimately Operation Ivy Bells, tapping into Soviet underwater communications cables in the Sea of Okhotsk.

Jerry went on to become COB (Chief of Boat) on Von Steuben, served in a senior position in Sonar/Torpedoman School, and then was commissioned as an LDO (Limited Duty Officer) Ensign. He returned briefly to Von Steuben and then served as a division officer on several sub tenders. After that, he was assigned to NOTU (Naval Ordinance Test Unit), supervising underwater ballistic missile launchings for several years, working closely with NASA. He rose to Lt. Cmdr., was selected for Cmdr. But was mustered out on retirement as part of Clinton’s force reduction efforts.

Jerry took a senior field position with the major defense contractor Brown & Root, but during his first year, he fell from 20 feet in a way that fractured his back and cracked his skull. He survived, received a significant settlement, and has struggled ever since to regain as much function as possible.

I was on Jerry’s emailing list. He began to send out periodic stories from his past. They were fascinating, and the response from his list was remarkable. I saw their potential and contacted Jerry—we hadn’t communicated directly with each other in decades. I suggested that I work with him to compile his stories into a coherent whole and that we put out a book. He agreed, so we found a publisher who was willing to work with us on this strange project, and we completed the book last month.

Jerry’s book, Sŭbmarine-Ër: 30 Years of Hijinks & Keeping the Fleet Afloat, will be released on September 15, exactly 58 years after he enlisted. The book is on pre-publication sale right now as an ebook for only 99¢. The ebook price will rise to $3.99 on September 15. Each chapter has a color photo that illustrates the contents of that chapter. The trade paperback printed version has half-tone photos and will sell for $19.95. The hardbound, jacketed edition is in full color throughout and will sell for $36.95. Both will be available for pre-order within two or three days.

Why am I, Robert G. Williscroft doing this? Jerry is our brother—and he’s a genuine American hero. His story deserves to be told far and wide. I’m not here selling books. I’m here asking you to help me preserve the memory of one of the best among us. By purchasing the ebook on pre-order (only 99¢), you will help boost his sales ranking, so that on September 15, the release date, his ranking will shoot up. If you want the trade paperback, or the really cool hardbound, jacketed, full-color version, you can pre-order those as well from Amazon or any other online bookseller, or you can order it from your favorite brick-and-mortar store as well. Should you want an autographed copy, please use the Contact form at FreshInkGroup.com, and I will put you into direct contact with Jerry.

Thanks, John, and all of your readers for your support.

The Book Trailer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PklESG3x-w

Live Interactive Podcast with Pait and Williscroft!

Call (516) 453-9902 or hashtag #FreshInkGroup in tweets during the show to communicate with the studio.

Use this link to join the braodcast.

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/voiceofindie1/2022/08/25/voice-of-indie-episode-108

The Book Blurb!

Lieutenant Commander Jerry Pait’s semi-autobiographical collection of sixty stories recounts his thirty years in and around the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet. Ranging from light-hearted to wrenching, all are poignant inside looks at naval operations rarely seen by outsiders. Topics include the real story behind the shuttle Challenger tragedy, risking his own life underwater, discovering a Soviet spy living across the street, surviving when a DELTA Rocket engine ignites, critical missions, and the everyday lives of men and women of the fleet. Dive into Sŭbmarine-Ër for hijinks and breathtaking adventure with this poignant memoir by a true American hero.

Order Yours!

Digital editions at 99 cents during pre-sale are available in all major ebook formats—Kindle, Nook, Kobo, GPlay, iBooks, and 200+ more—worldwide. In addition, full-color jacketed hardcovers and softcovers are appearing at retailer sites over the next week.

Amazon link right here

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #374 by Keith Channing

August 23, 2022August 22, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo.

“Whoa. That was hard.”

“Tell me why you’re doing this again?”

“Doing what?”

“Going underwater and holding your breath.”

“I thought you understood.”

“I guess the logic of the whole thing kinda slipped away seeing you sputter and cough.”

“You know Two Legs has this passion for hunting.”

“Yeah. Seems dumb, but yeah, I know.”

“Well, he has decided to go after waterfowl.”

“I did not know that. So you are in training to be a retriever?”

“No, not exactly.”

“So what then?”

“You and I are both on the side of protecting the species, right?”

“Of course. Leave that work up to Two Legs, and we all are lost.”

“Exactly. So I’m actually in training to be a bird warden.”

“Bird warden. What the heck is that?”

“When old Two Legs goes hunting, I’m going to be the underwater warning system for the birds.”

“Huh?”

“I’m going to swim to where they are and let them know Two Legs has a gun.”

“So you will be out of sight the whole time?”

“Now you got it.”

“How long do you think you will need to stay underwater?”

“Well, the distance to the birds will mean I’ve got to stay under for four or more minutes.”

“Where are you now?”

“You saw me.”

“Ten seconds? You are at ten seconds?”

“We have to start someplace.”

“There will not be a bird left by the time you get to four minutes.”

“Maybe you are right. Change of plan then.”

“What?”

“I’ll bite him.”

“I’ll bet between he and his gun that will work once.”

“Yeah, let me think a little.”

“I would say you are thinking as little as possible right now.”

“Spoiled sport.”

“Nitwit.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Are a Writer

August 22, 2022August 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

This post was published on November 21, 2016. Still good advice if you are a writer.

* * *

The inspiration for this list is thinking back on all my mistakes while trying to become a writer. Not that I made all of them, but maybe some. I hope you enjoy it.

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Are a Writer

10 If you are a writer, do not kill a child or a pet in your story. If you do, at best, the fallout will blow over in two years or so. At worst, you will be cavorting with some strange characters in your new witness protection plan. (Don’t get cute with a pen name, either. They will find you)

9 If you are a writer, do not show friends and family portions of your work in process. If you do, at best, you’ll pick up some unwanted advice on plot direction. At worst, your family will now wonder how in the world you ever got the experience to write that sex scene. (Just how do you explain that one, Buford?)

8 If you are a writer, do not think you can take a vacation. If you do, at best, your characters will haunt your every moment until you get back to the manuscript. At worst, you’ll suddenly let your insecure inner self convince you to quit and become a McDonald’s employee. (At least the money will be better, huh, Clyde?)

7 If you are a writer, do not tell people at a cocktail party what you do. If you do, at best, they’ll smile and walk away. At worst, you will have to listen to a potential best-selling synopsis that takes over an hour to relate by someone thinking of writing a book. (Like it is the easiest thing to do, Ferd)

6 If you are a writer, do not think your life will end when the manuscript is done. If you do, at best, your story will take on epic proportions. At worst, you may get the heaviest book award from the New Apple Book Awards group. (You didn’t know that was a category? It was established primarily for you. No, your manuscript cannot be returned since the flatbed truck is unavailable.)

5 If you are a writer, do not let your characters take control of the story. If you do, at best, you’ll have a pack of amateurs running the show. At worst, your story will take on the appearance of a three-ring circus (You hadn’t intended to write about entertainment, did you, Ernest?)

4 If you are a writer, do not be in a hurry to get published. If you are, at best, you may have a plot hole that no one will notice. At worst, the grammar, plot, character, and continuity issues might gain you all the one-star reviews you can handle. (Quite a shock, huh?)

3 If you are a writer, do not think you need to do little else. If you do, at best, those few books sold will be gravy. At worst, your status as the great undiscovered but brilliant novelist will remain undisturbed. (Best to write your own eulogy as well.)

2 If you are a writer, do not plan to have your retirement income be solely based on your royalties. If you do, at best, you can cut expenses enough to survive. At worst, you are allergic to the kind of soup at the Salvation Army kitchen. (All your pals are really impressed that you are an author. Right, Bunkie?)

1 If you are a writer, do not argue with your reviewers. If you do, at best, the reviews will not improve. At worst, you may pick on the single reviewer who is classically trained in the martial arts and knows where you live. (Is that Tiny, the WWF champ tearing your front door off the hinges?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Shark Week Scavenger Hunt Part II

August 21, 2022August 16, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Here we are getting ready for the Shark Week Scavenger Hunt part II. First of all, I want to apologize for the quality of the photos. The Producer’s images are sharp and clear; mine look like I developed them in a milk bath. Not sure what happened, but hope you can enjoy them anyway.

We are being catered by Anything’s Baked Potato of Austin, and our entertainment is Coldplay.

Main

Cajun – Shrimp, fried chicken, andouille sausage, corn, and cajun cream sauce loaded onto a baked russet potato

Brisket – Smoked BBQ brisket, beans, cheese, onions, pickles, and sour cream, loaded onto a baked russet potato

Sunny Side – Bacon, andouille sausage, cheese, and sunny side up egg loaded onto a baked russet potato

Portobello Veggie – Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and cajun cream sauce loaded onto a baked russet potato

Salmon & Asparagus – Brown sugar sautéed salmon, asparagus, and Thai chili sauce loaded onto a baked sweet potato

Loaded Baked – Bacon, cheese, sour cream, chives

Chicken Fried Chicken – Buttermilk fried chicken, collard greens, corn, shredded cheese, and country gravy loaded onto a baked russet potato

Chicken & Steak – Buttermilk fried chicken, steak, collard greens, and white cream sauce loaded onto a baked sweet potato.

Dirty Side – Andouille sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, and cajun cream sauce loaded onto a baked russet potato

Stir-Fri Veggie – Stir-fried cauliflower, broccoli, sweet peppers, and onions with teriyaki sauce loaded onto a baked russet potato

Wings & Fries – Honey Hot, Sweet Chili, Golden Fried Lemon Pepper

So don’t miss the bus.

Velvet Belly Lantern shark. Wonder who pet the belly to determine it was velvet?

The Maco Shark loves swordfish and is found wherever swordfish are found. Unfortunately, they are endangered due to fishing.

Bull Shark. All you freshwater fans should know these guys travel the Mississippi River.

Great name Izu Catshark and, as can be guessed, live only around Japan.

A reader had hoped G would be a different name. But, nope, Great White it is. No known predators and found everywhere. Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water.

Whale Shark – Largest 41,000 pounds and 61 feet. Loves tropical waters and eats plankton and small fish.

Angel Shark – Endangered. It is now found in the shelf sediment habitats in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic.

Hammerhead Shark – Hammerheads are found worldwide in warmer waters along coastlines and continental shelves. They range in size from 3 feet to 19 feet and can weigh up to 1300 pounds.

Oceanic Whitetip Shark – The oceanic whitetip is found globally in deep, open oceans, with temperatures greater than 18 °C (64 °F). This shark is aggressive and threatened due to its fins and meat demand.

Port Jackson Shark – Lays eggs and does not need to swim to breathe. Found in the warm waters off the coast of Southern Australia.

So here is where we are on our scorecard and message key. I think by now, you noticed there is no 22. As hard as The Producer and I searched, we could not find it. But, we did figure out its letter. It is T.

Reminded me of the secret decoder ring on Christmas Story. Well, it is time to relax and eat and enjoy Coldplay live from Wembley Stadium on August 13th, 2022

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy in the Yard

August 18, 2022August 18, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 121 Comments

“What are you doing little one?”

“I thought this leaf was a caterpillar, but it’s not.”

“I can vouch for that. It’s not.”

“Why don’t we have any caterpillars?”

“For one it is the wrong time of year. We normally have them in late spring.”

“I just have my mind set on being able to play with a furry one.”

“I think you are just going to be forced to put your mind on something else.”

“Boy life is hard for us isn’t it?”

“Come on. You have everything you want. Think of those poor dogs who have nothing.”

“Yeah I should be a little more grateful I suppose.”

“Now you’re talking. Let’s do a game of tag. You’re it.”

“Wait I think I see a caterpillar.”

“I guess it wasn’t. Oh by the way the Boss is having more cataract surgery today.”

“Geeze. How many is that?” Excuse me gotta run.”

“It’s his other eye. The left one.”

“I can’t hear you.”

He’s going to take a blogging break until Sunday.”

“Okay. I know from the last eye everything goes well. Hey mom. Let us in.”

“Yes, it did go well.”

“I wonder if it is dinner time yet?”

“Not yet, Little one.”

“I guess we should give dad some lovin’ then.”

“I think he would like that.”

Tuesdsay – A Little Personal – Kreative Kue #373 by Keith Channing

August 16, 2022August 15, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The Photo.

“We have to stop doing this.”

“What? Walking the dogs?”

“No, I’m talking about our life.”

“What’s wrong with our life?”

“Maybe a bad choice of words. Not life per see, just how we live it sometimes.”

“I sense you are going to get into something deep.”

“There’s nothing wrong with a deep discussion.”

“Before coffee is hazardous. Is this about us?”

“No, not directly.”

“Okay, go ahead. I’m prepared for the worst.”

“Before we met, I had dreamed of a big house and lots of land.”

“I have heard this before. Now you have to make do.”

“Not make do. That sounds like dissatisfaction. Let’s say adjust my dreams.”

“Doesn’t sound good to me.”

“Let me try a different way.”

“I used to think I would be at a certain level of comfort by now.”

“Okay, that sounds pretty neutral. Go ahead.”

“And here we are.”

“Where are we besides the Rue Cassis?”

“I thought I would have something other than a Cushman to ride.”

“That scooter has been very good to us.”

“Two people, two dogs?”

“We manage.”

“And when there is every hill?”

“Okay, what are you trying to say?”

“We need a more family-type vehicle.”

“Oh, I see. Maybe a minivan?”

“Those things that look like a loaf of bread? No, thank you.”

“SUV?”

“Nope.”

“What then?”

“A nice Harley soft tail.”

“Whew. I thought you had lost it. Let’s get some coffee. What color?”

“Black and chrome.”

“Think of the clothes.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Editing Your Book.

August 15, 2022August 14, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 100 Comments

This post was initially run on November 7th, 2016. However, life is still the same, and I hope you enjoy it again.

* * *

The inspiration for this list is, well, frankly, my latest labor over the editing process. I hope you enjoy the list, and I have done some of these things.

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Editing Your Book.

10 If you are editing, do not think glasses of wine make the work go easier. If you do, at best, you’ll just have to do it over. At worst, you might inadvertently delete several chapters of your book under the belief that you have better ones in mind. (Aren’t you glad you had that backup file Goof-ball?)

9 If you are editing, do not think you can watch the football game while you work. If you do, at best, you will catch all your mistakes on the second go around. At worst, you think you found them all only to discover in reading a review the question, “What does a touchdown have to do with the relationship?” (Hmm, you can explain that, can’t you, Bunkie?)

8 If you are editing, do not decide to change a character’s name with “find and replace.” If you do, At best, you’ll catch the ones missed. At worst, you will have a new character named JerryTinyO.” (That extra space sure made a difference. Oh, and Tiny would like to see you. He’s over at the gym straightening out horseshoes.)

7 If you are editing, do not believe long breaks will enhance your work. If you do, at best, you will be editing this book forever. At worst, your continuity will go out the window, and your book will read like a short story collection. (You had not intended to publish short stories, did you, Ferd?”)

6 If you are editing, do not ask your friends to read the new edits. If you do, at best, the opinions will be so varied you’ll be confused. At worst, you will realize you need new friends and a new book. (You now wish you had just given it to an editor, right?)

5 If you are editing, do not try to do the whole thing in one sitting. If you do, at best, you will be exhausted. At worst, you may stop caring how the stupid book comes out and just want to get the damn thing done. (Your two-star reviews aren’t much of a reward, are they?)

4 If you are editing, do not snack to reduce stress. If you do, at best, you’ll need extra exercise hours. At worst, your snacking will resemble a runaway train from which there is no return. (Getting a grip is much more complicated when more of you, isn’t it?)

3 If you are editing, do not believe the rest of the family understands your pain. If you do, at best, you’ll feel misunderstood. At worst, you will constantly think of ways to take your angst out on your characters. (This book has taken on a sinister air, hasn’t it, Stephen?)

2 If you are editing, do not abandon personal hygiene. If you do, at best, you will be alone. At worst, your family could seek council with the local mental health provider, and you’ll get more help than you need. (You can still type with that white jacket on. Right, Buford?)

1 If you are editing, know when it is time to stop. If you don’t, at best, you will never finish the book. At worst, you will suffer PETS (Post Editing Traumatic Syndrome) and never sleep again. (You need to stop going over the text in your head. It has been published already.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Shark Week Scavenger Hunt – Part I

August 14, 2022August 15, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

This week we are going on a scavenger hunt sponsored by the Lakeway Parks and Recreation. Here is some information about the hunt.

26 shark pages are hidden along the walking trail at Lakeway City Park. One for each letter of the alphabet! You will find them along the sidewalk from the upper level, through the butterfly garden, around the lower level, and across the lookout point. If you want to know more about each shark, just expand the photo.

Use the answer key to unlock a secret message! Simply write the GREEN letter next to the corresponding number on the answer key to begin.

Shark in the Park – Answer Key

Here is an example to follow.

Click HERE to download the answer key!

Send the decoded secret message to events@lakeway-tx.gov and claim your prize!!

We will be catered by Forthright Cafe, and our entertainment is The Kings of Leon.

The menu includes anything you want to drink.

Americana breakfast – two Vital Farms free-range eggs, sourdough toast with house-made seasonal jam, garlic butter herb roasted red bliss potatoes & your choice of bacon, pork sausage patty, chicken sausage patty, or avocado.

Chilaquiles Verde – fried corn tortillas tossed in roasted salsa Verde, cotija cheese, charred poblano peppers, hominy, black beans, pickled red onions & two Vital Farms free-range eggs made sunny-side up.

Hash al pastor – smashed & fried red bliss potatoes, chipotle salsa, al pastor pork, onions, corn, black beans, poblano, blistered tomatoes & two sunny eggs.

Oyster mushroom hash – (v) roasted blue oyster mushrooms, fried red bliss potatoes, onions, corn, avocado, black beans, cherry tomatoes, tossed with chipotle salsa, served with vegan eggs.

JNL benny – smoked pastrami made in collaboration with Ben Lambert of JNL barbecue, two poached free-range eggs,& hollandaise on a toasted English muffin

Biscuits & gravy – fluffy house-made buttermilk biscuits with pork sausage gravy

Chicken & waffles – two boneless fried chicken thighs, honey butter, pecans, maple syrup, powdered sugar

Brunch burger – smash burger on a brioche bun with bacon bourbon jam, American cheese, avocado mash, and fried egg served with french fries.

Breakfast melt – two scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and chipotle mayo on a brioche texas toast served with red bliss potatoes and with your choice of protein; bacon, pork sausage, fried chicken, ham, or avocado.

So jump on the bus.