Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF and Call for Beta Readers

January 3, 2020January 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

“What on Earth are you looking for Twiggy?”
“Friday.
“Friday is already here. Today is Friday.”
“You’re kidding. I thought it was Monday.”

It is Friday again on the calendar, and yet I am so confused as to what day it is really. Yesterday felt like a Sunday because of the mid-week holiday. I had what would typically be a Sunday meal yesterday, so my body still thinks today is Monday. Yes, today feels like Monday but then if it were, tomorrow would be Tuesday and four days before the weekend, and that feels all wrong. So let’s just go with the calendar. TGIF.

My WIP tentatively titled Eternal Road – The Final Stop is now ready for a beta read. This is a different story than the one I usually tell. Here is the blurb.

James and Sam are on a quest to find James an eternal home. You see, James just died today in a car wreck. Sam was taken fourteen years ago in an abduction and not seen since. Now Sam has come to lead James to his eternal home. Yeah, you guessed it. Sam was taken and murdered.

Why is she back? She has been in training all this time for the sole purpose of leading James through the process of selecting his eternal place. The point is, Sam, and James were close in grade school and so Sam was selected to help James cross over to his new life.

It is not easy to determine where to spend eternity. The pair visit a number of times and places and are witness to a number of historical events. The rules dictate that they do no harm to the time continuum while they search. Trying to be careful, they inadvertently come to the attention of Lucifer who would love to turn their souls into his subjects. They also find a core threat to human survival and desperately want to put in place the fix necessary to save mankind. Of course, Lucifer wants nothing of the kind.

The question becomes, will James find his eternal home in grace or lose the battle with Satan for his immortal soul and the future of human life with it? If you like time-travel, adventure, mystery, justice, and a touch of paranormal, this story is for you.

If you would like to beta read Eternal Road – The Final Stop be advised that it will be available in three formats, ePub, MOBI, and PDF. I will be emailing it to you and would like your comments returned by February 21st. My questions are easy.

Did you enjoy the story?
Was the ending satisfactory?
Were there missing or confusing parts?
Did the story flow at a comfortable pace for you?
Were the characters believable?
What if anything would you want to be included in the story?

If you would like to beta read, Please send me an email johnhowell(dot)wave(at)gmail.com. Let me know your format preference. I will be sending the file out when I get your response.

Thank you, All.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the new year

The last one flew by,

Just like the one before it . . .

Make each moment count.

Thursday – A Little Personal – New Year’s Day

January 2, 2020January 1, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy were faced with a decision. Do we continue our routine in spite of the fact that it is cold and overcast? There is one photo that sums up the path chosen. Oh yes, those are my feet.

Lucy and Twiggy

We hope your New Year’s Day was just as exciting.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – New Year’s Day

January 1, 2020December 31, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Think it’s Friday yet, Lucy?”
“It is New Year’s Day and Wednesday.”
“OMG what a night.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again and a brand-new year. Larry, Andrew, Gloria, Micky Lee, The Producer, and I wish you all the best for 2020.

The last time we were together, Larry and Andrew went to the server Jerry Foster’s apartment to question him about the story he told regarding Mrs. Rafferty being with Charles Jenkins his co-worker. If you recall, Charles denied he was with Mrs. Rafferty and then wanted to have his lawyer present.

Well, long story short we all thought poor Jerry would be laying in a pool of blood and were quite surprised when he answered the door. He didn’t seem surprised to see our two at the door and asked if they brought coffee. Let’s get back to Jerry’s place and maybe, (just maybe) we’ll find out what’s going on.

“No, we don’t have coffee. We need to talk to you again.”

“Sure man. Come on in. Take a seat anywhere.”

“Thank you, Jerry.”

“What’s this about?”

“To put it as delicately as possible. Charles says you are full of shit about that story that he spent time with Mrs. Rafferty.”

“I thought he would say that.”

“You are not surprised?”

“Would you be? The guy is with the wife of a guy who is killed. What would you say to the cops? Huh.”

“So, you still maintain he was with her.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Okay, Jerry. It’s time to come clean.”

“What do you mean.?”

“Charles says he was sick that night. He left the party early and has witnesses.”

“Yeah so?”

“Who took Mrs. Rafferty home?”

“Why ask me?”

“If Charles didn’t someone must-have.”

“I think this conversation is over.”

“Why would you even try to finger Charles?”

“Okay, it wasn’t him. I fingered him because I was told to keep my mouth shut.”

“Who told you that?”

“Wentworth.”

“Wentworth? Why would he tell you to keep your mouth shut and maybe, more importantly, why didn’t you?”

“Look. I just work here. I can’t hope to know what goes on.”

“Why did you disable your phone?”

“Huh? I didn’t. It’s right here.”

“Wentworth told us your phone had the battery taken out.”

“Look here. How in the hell could I take a battery out of a smartphone? You guys have been given bad information.”

“Why didn’t you answer Wentworth’s call?”

“Look at my recent calls. There have been none since yesterday.”

“Hey, Larry.”

“What Andrew.”

“I smell a trap.”

“Looks like Wentworth wanted us to come here for sure.”

“I think we ought to either leave quickly or get down on the floor.”

“I hear the elevator. I think the floor option is best. Get down, everyone.”

Tuesday- Anything Possible _Kreative Kue #243 by Keith Channing

December 31, 2019December 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 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 it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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 Monday.”

The Photo

Dear Diary,

I certainly hope someone takes the time to read this message after I’m gone. I will try with the last remaining strength to chronicle the whys and wherefores of my demise. Where to begin? I suppose the best place to start, Dear Diary is in the beginning.

I have to laugh since where else would I start. The ending is quite clear. I’m held captive by this exceptionally strong being who looks like a dog. Let me assure you it is not a dog but some interstellar traveler that I managed to interrupt during one of its experiments.

Where was I? Oh, Yes. It began when I walked into the yard and beheld (I love the term beheld) this monster digging in the turf. I told it to shoo, but instead of leaving, it ran after me and cornered me in my bedroom. After what I would call a sterling resistance by Moi, I finally succumbed to its power. Although it did not speak, what it wanted was clear. Maybe it did a telepathic number on me, but I somehow knew I was to lay in the bed, and it followed.

I tried to get up, but it reached over and secured me by the neck. It is very crafty in allowing me only enough air to marginally meet my needs. Its control is absolute. Even now it sleeps but still has me in its power.

“Keith. Where are you?”

“In the bed, love.”

“Is Ranger with you?”

“Yes. Sound asleep.”

“What are you doing?”

“Oh, just writing a little story.”

“I hope you finish before I get there.”

“Not to worry, my love. I think it is done.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Hormel Party in 1937 Where Canned Meat Spam Got its Name

December 30, 2019December 29, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

On January 1st, 1937, at a party at the Hormel Mansion in Minnesota, a guest wins $100 for naming the new canned meat “Spam.” If you were at that party, you could have won a hundred bucks too. It is still not too late. We can go there but need to have a list to prevent any time continuum tears.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Hormel Mansion Naming Party for Spam

10 If you are at the Hormel mansion, do not snoop in the medicine cabinet in the powder room. If you do, at best, no one will know. At worse, the Hormel’s have a warped sense of humor, and the cabinet door is connected to a siren that alerts everyone of your faux pas. (The big question is Jamar, how do you exit the powder room without being seen since every eye in the place is on the door. That window looks like you could squeeze through.)

9 If you are at the Hormel mansion, do not try to submit two different names in the contest. If you do, at best Tiny, the WWF champ who is in charge of watching the ballot box, will be distracted. At worse, Tiny, who has been given one more chance to prove his worth, will decide to use you as a lesson. (The step over toe hold is nothing, Jareth. Wait until you see the triple body slam. Oh, my mistake. You won’t see it. You’ll just feel it.)

8 If you are at the Hormel Mansion, do not try to take a dip in the pool. If you do, at best, the door to the pool will be locked. At worst, your dive off the board will not end well. (You see, Johnnie. It is 30 degrees below zero in Minnesota right now. I’m sure by now you realize the pool is frozen solid. A little adjustment and your neck will be fine.)

7 If you are at the Hormel Mansion, do not laugh out loud when the winning name is announced. If you do, at best, Mr. Hormel will not hear you. At worst, you will be heard and then escorted out of the rear door. (You have only yourself to blame, Jermain. I would not advise going back in for your coat. You’ll get used to the temperature. They say it is a dry cold.)

6 If you are at the Hormel mansion, do not turn your nose up when the Spam is passed as an appetizer. If you do, at best, you won’t have an appetizer. At worst, to your surprise, Spam is being served at dinner. (So now there is no way out, Jordon. The fact that you are seated next to Mrs. Hormel will make passing on the Spam real tricky. Who knows? You may like it.)

5 If you are at the Hormel Mansion, do not ask for a Spam ingredient list. If you do, at best, no one has it. At worse, the chief research chef hands you a list of ingredients. (Way to go, Johan. Now you are entering the gastronomic Twilight Zone with eyes wide open. )

4 If you are at the Hormel Mansion, do not offer to whip up a barbeque sauce to go with the Spam. If you do, at best, your host will decline. At worst, your offer will be embraced. (What are you going to do now, Jabarl? Do you know how difficult it is to get a sauce right for ham-like products? You’ll be fortunate if nobody dies.)

3 If you are at the Hormel Mansion, do not wear your Minnesota Vikings football jersey. If you do, At best, no one will catch on. At worst, someone will discover you have a shirt for a team that doesn’t exist. (Since the Vikings were formed in 1961, you are now outed as a time traveler, Jabez. Might be time to leave.)

2 If you are at the Hormel Mansion, do not bring up the fact that Paul Bunyan’s blue ox Babe got its horns tangled in Christmas lights in the parade this Christmas. If you do, at best, people will ignore you. At worst, since this event has been recorded as one of the times Minnesota people want to forget, you’ll get the cold shoulder. (You just committed a social blunder, Jabril. There may not be a way out of it. In fact, here comes Tiny now.)

1 If you are at the Hormel Mansion, do not ask why Fortune magazine highlighted in 1935, St. Paul, as the easiest place to hire a hitman in the US. If you do, at best everyone will think you are telling a joke. At worst, you are asking Leonard Barton a member of the Ma Barker gang, the question. (Well, Jace, it looks like Leonard is wondering why you are asking him. May not have been the best person to approach. Ah, now he is accusing you of being a cop. Time to hit the silk.)

Views of the Neighborhood – A Walk in the Smith Greenbelt.

December 29, 2019December 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today we are taking a stroll in the Smith Greenbelt in Lakeway, Texas.

We are approaching the greenbelt. A gentle stream and Lilly pads with a main road in the background.

There is a footbridge ahead and a place to sit.

We have to cross a stream to get to the greenbelt. Love the green mixed with fall leaves.

The trailhead.

Some picturesque trees and fall colors with a backdrop of a stream.

A babbling brook.

I thought this old log was worth a shot.

A footbridge over a stream.

The path leads by a large rock.

Here is a shot of two kinds of trees growing out of a rock. The rock is actually split bu the trees.

Another bridge over untroubled waters.

I wanted to give you an idea of the topography and the numbers of rocks on this hill.

The path ahead with lichens and moss. You can keep walking if you wish, but it is time for these old bones to head back. I hope you enjoyed the stroll.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Year.”

December 28, 2019December 27, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and this week’s prompt is “year.” Yup, that’s right, “year.” Here is what Linda Hill had to say on the subject.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘year.’ Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

If you would like to get in on this enjoyment, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 28/19

Year by John W. Howell © 2109

“Happy New Year.”

“Okay, not that I don’t like the sentiment, what caused that outburst?”

“I’m just filled with excitement looking forward to the new year.”

“Uh-huh. And I’m an elephant. Something else is going on.”

“Aren’t you looking forward to the new year?”

“Of course, I’m looking forward, but it is four days away.”

“You can never plan early enough for a new year.”

“Come on, tell me what is driving this ‘new year’ thing. Oh, wait. Hill right?

“Besides the fact.”

“Oh, sure it is. Let me guess. The prompt is ‘new.'”

“Ha. That’s how much you know.”

“‘Year’ then.”

“You finally stumbled on it. Yes, ‘year'”

“Okay, so you have something written up?”

“Look up there where I said Happy New Year.”

“Yeah, so?’

“What more needs to be written?”

“How about a sign to hang around your neck?”

“Which says?”

“Happy New Year from an idiot.”

“Aw. You say the nicest things.”

“I’m guessing dark sarcasm in the classroom.”

“How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat?”

“Looks like we are off the rails again. Say goodnight Gracie.”

“Goodnight, Gracie.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

December 27, 2019December 26, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

“It’s Friday Let’s ruckus.”
“Okay Little One. I’ll count to five.”

The last Friday of 2019 has arrived. It is hard to believe that 51 of them have preceded this one. The good news is that there are now 52 more getting ready to be issued as soon as the new year turns over.

I hope you all are having or had a great holiday. I managed to keep to a timetable and am just about finished with the final edit before beta read on my WIP. I will be working on a blurb and will send out a call after the first of the year. The beta will be available in three formats, MOBI, ePub, and PDF.

The beta readers will have six weeks to return comments. Since the MS is about 305 pages, this should not be a burden. If you would like to read the story, which I’m tentatively naming The Eternal Road – the Final Stop, look for the announcement on Monday, January 6th.

Today’s John Ku talks about the New Year. I hope you have a great weekend.

New Year by John W. Howell

Always great promise,

In starting over anew. . .

Old habits die hard.