Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #47 by Keith Channing

October 20, 2015October 19, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 21 Comments

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

“Who is that there?”

“Where sir?”

“There on your back. Who is that little person?”

“Excuse me sir, but why do you want to know?”

“We are gathering up all the orphans so we can give them shelter. I’m from the government and here to help you.”

“Oh, I see. Well, we’ll be on our way then.”

“No. I demand you tell me your name and the name of this person.”

“My name is Abioye and this is my sister Mirembe she is mine.”

“And your parents? Where are they?”

“At home sir. They are waiting for us at home.”

“Why would they let you go out alone?”

“We go on our own all the time.”

“Not very responsible.”

“May we go, sir?”

“I still think you should come with me.”

“Our house is right over there.”

“Which one?”

“The one with the largest pole.”

“That’s prince Masego’s tent.”

“My dad.”

“I’ll wait while you go home.”

“Yes, sir. Goodbye.”

“I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

October 19, 2015October 18, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

This list is inspired by going through some boxes recently and coming across some unusual things. Of course, most of what follows is made up, and so I didn’t have these experiences. I would ask the Wall Street Journal to fact check completely before using this story.
Top Ten Things Not to do with Stuff You Find
10. If you find an unopened box don’t open it. If you do, at best you might find someone’s old toss outs or laundry. At worst, you may find the remains of last year’s Thanksgiving dinner that was to be thrown out. (You still can’t get the image out of your brain)
9 If you find a lawnmower at the side of the road, do not pick it up. If you do, at best you will find out why it was thrown away, At worst, you will put it in a garage sale only to have the original owner accuse you of theft. (How he knew it was his is anyone’s guess)
8 If you find a lamp that has washed up on the beach do not rub it. If you do, at best it will turn out to be made in China. At worst, you will be given three wishes by a fierce looking genie, and you won’t get it right. (You thought you would be clever when you asked for a million bucks and now have a deer-feed bill that won’t quit)
7 If you find what you think is a treasure chest in your backyard, leave it where it is. If you don’t, at best you will find it full of smelly dirt. At worst, it will have things inside carrying a Blackbeard curse. (Go ahead and try to spend those doubloons before your hand falls off)
6 If you find what looks like a bomb in your garage, run away. If you don’t, at best it is only a hand made school project. At worst, old man Jones finally made good on his threat to” blow you to kingdom come.” (Suddenly you remember he used to work for a demolition company)
5 If you find a set of golf clubs at a garage sale, don’t buy ’em. If you do, at best you will find they weren’t worth what you paid for them even if it was only a dollar. At worst, once you take up the game, you will find out why they were for sale in the first place. (How’s that high blood pressure medicine working for you?)
4 If you find a washer on the curb of your neighborhood leave it there.If you don’t, at best you will only be successful in relocating it to your curb. At worst, you will spend the time and trouble to hook it up only to maybe find the spin, and empty cycle don’t work.( Soaking wet clothes weigh a ton. Right?)
3 If you find a strange object with colored lights in the woods behind your house, call the police. If you don’t, at best it is only your neighbor testing the outdoor Christmas tree lights. At worst, you will be asked to join the expedition to a funny place where they will run experiments on you and then send you back. (You say no one believes your story? Really?)
2 If you find a note on the kitchen table, pretend not to see it. If you don’t, at best it is an old shopping list. At worst, it a goodbye note with the name of a lawyer at the bottom who is now your only contact.(And you thought being nice was something you didn’t have to do).
1 If you find a large, five-toed animal footprint in the yard, call animal control. If you don’t, at best it is nothing but the neighbors new dog. At worst, it is the long lost Yeti-like drooling, smelly, hairy thing that is now taking up residence in your shed and suddenly has a thing for you. (Just smile and maybe it will go away).

Sunday – Fifty-Two Views of the Gulf

October 18, 2015October 17, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 18 Comments

A bit cooler this weekend. We are getting ready for some rain next week. The white caps are a sign of the increasing presence of a low front that is moving in from the West. Should be here by Tuesday and then if stationary we could get some much-needed rain. (They are saying inches) A lone walker by the water adds a sense of calm much like last week’s jogger. Notice how the sun is lower in the sky as compared to last week. It almost looks as if the photos were taken at a different time. They were taken within minutes of each other. A sure sign of winter.

Last week’s photo

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Still”

October 17, 2015October 16, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week the dungeon master Linda has come up with the prompt “Still.” In her usual magnanimous spirit we poor souls can do whatever we want with the word. (except that Dan) If you would like to join in or learn more go to Linda’s site and all answers will be revealed. (Well, except that, that, and that.) http://lindaghill.com/2015/10/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-1715/ here is my interpretation.
Still by John W. Howell© 2015
“So when is that thing going to be ready?”
“What do you mean by ready?”
“You know. When do we get to drink something?”
“I’m still working out a few bugs.”
“Please don’t tell me your still has bugs. Yuck.”
“Yeah right. As if you would be fussy. No, it is just an expression for kinks.”
“Kinks? In what.”
“Man, you know the buttons to push don’t you. The tubes are copper, and there are a couple of places where the liquid can’t flow because the tube got bent.”
“How could that happen?”
“And still he tortures me.”
“Who’re you talking to?”
“Those thousands of people reading this blog.”
“Thou─ Ha ha ha. Hold still you may be exaggerating.”
“Okay, the three or four. You are still getting on my nerves.”
“I don’t mean to. When do you think the still will be ready to push out some juice?”
“You coming back for some?”
“I would like to if you will still have me.”
“Oh, no problem. The still will be operational in six years. Will you still be coming back?”
“You’re a jerk you know that?”
“Gee I don’t mean to be.”
“You still are. See ya.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF

October 16, 2015October 15, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

It is Friday again and another tense week of proofing the next book. It seems that when you find one mistake there may be three others hiding somewhere in the words, the art, or even in a page number. It amazes me that any book can be written and published error free. I found the word “straffed” sitting in a sentence and keeping a low profile. The profile was so low the spell checker never found it. My eye hit on it, and I did a highlight with the Encarta dictionary. Sure enough one “f” too many. I can see the review now. “If only he knew how to spell strafed.” How the hell it got misspelled in the first place is anyone’s guess. I will now rest easy since I caught it. I have to wonder how many are still in there, though. If you want to really lose your mind put the word kidnaped in your prose. Microsoft hates it. Wants it to be kidnapped, Encarta for North America says kidnaped. So what does one do? Shoot yourself that’s what. Today’s John Ku talks when it is time to relax.

Tense, tight, shoulders hurt,

Worried the work’s not perfect. . .

Need to release now.

Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour – with C.S.Boyack

October 16, 2015October 13, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour

I am very happy to welcome C.S Boyack to Fiction Favorites as part of his 4Wills Publishing The Frighteningly Fun Halloween Tour in support of his paranormal tale Will O’the Wisp. The story involves a mildly handicapped girl facing a mysterious threat. The wisp has been killing off Patty Hall’s family for generations, and she’s next on the list. It is suitable for young adult readers. It’s a perfect Halloween read.

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We have a real treat for everyone today. Joining us is an honest to goodness Greek Muse. Lorelei, many of our readers think Muses are simply fables. Why do you think this is a common belief?

Lorelei: There are many Muses, but we are selective about those we inspire. Most people will never encounter a Muse, so we become something of legend.

John: You work with an author, C. S. Boyack. Why did you choose him?

Lorelei: Craig has always been a creative guy. I first approached him in the 1980s. He wrote a few things that showed promise, but he wasn’t committed. I parked him in my watch list for decades, because he wasn’t ready. He needed a wife and children. Those led to a certain comfort level, and that’s when his mind really blossomed.

John: Is this a matter of seasoning, or just available time?

Lorelei: A bit of both, actually. He’s a very driven fellow, almost a workaholic.

John: What inspiration did you provide for Will O’ the Wisp?

Lorelei: Craig doesn’t always get everything the way I provide it. Sometimes I whisper on the breeze or appear in his dreams. He was watching a cartoon with his grandchildren about these benevolent forest spirits. I blew into his ear about the beautiful artwork, and wonders of nature. He came up with a story about witchcraft, survival, and revenge.

John: Does that mean he really doesn’t listen to you?

Lorelei: He listens, but he’s wired a bit differently. He’s a creative fellow, and that’s why I chose him. Some of the things he comes up with are surprising.

John: This book says it’s suitable for young adults. Is that something you helped him with?

Lorelei: No. He doesn’t work that way. He writes stories the way he feels them. If the end product has adult themes, so be it. Will O’ the Wisp didn’t need adult themes and simply came out that way.

John: The story is a first person point of view, and the main character is a 15-year-old girl. How did that come to pass?

Lorelei: I had a lot to do with that. Craig and I chatted about his personal challenge for this book. I always make him push his limits in one way or another. He improves as a writer by trying new things. We came up with the idea of something in first person. He agreed to try it, knowing it was part of his growth as a writer. The readers will decide if he did a good job, or not.

John: I never knew Muses helped with promotion. I think that’s fabulous. Tell us what promotional effort you’re putting into this project.

Lorelei: My job is to inspire. I do it very well. I also take responsibility for Craig’s growth as an author. To be honest with you, I don’t care if he ever publishes something. I want him to grow and improve his skills.

John: Then why are you out stumping for him today?

Lorelei: He’s such a whiner. He thinks I’m more charming than he is, and begs until I give in. It’s true that I have more social skills.

John: Will O’ the Wisp is more than a paranormal story. It’s also a coming of age story. How much influence did you have here?

Lorelei: Quite a bit. When I looked at Craig’s storyboard, it was very meat and potatoes. It told the story, but that’s about all. We shared a drink one night, and I helped him flesh things out.

John: How does this book compare to Boyack’s other novels?

Lorelei: They’re all different in some way. I think they’re all good stories. Will O’ the Wisp is the kind of story that could put him on the map as a writer. If you’ve been waiting to read one of Craig’s stories, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.

John: Thank you for joining us today, Lorelei. Can you tell us what we have to do to attract our own Muse?

Lorelei: Keep working on your craft. You never know when one of my sisters has you on her short list.

***

Patty Hall is perfectly prepared for the wrong problem. She is enamored with the space race, and knows the history of NASA by heart. She is faced with an ancient threat that has been targeting the Hall family for generations. Hampered by an overprotective mother, if Patty can’t figure it all out in time, she may be the next member in the Hall family cemetery plot.

It’s not hard enough to be a fifteen year old girl, and a social outcast. As she watches her friends mature and grow, she has to face the idea of never turning sixteen. Please consider joining Patty on her incredible adventure.

You can pick up a copy on Amazon using your Kindle or a free reading app. Download it here:

North American version: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00UPH6BNS

International version: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00UQNDT2C

***

Author Bio I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction. I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet. I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.

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Follow Craig at the following locations:

Follow my blog: http://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com

Check out all my novels here: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00ILXBXUY

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Virgilante

On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9841203.C_S_Boyack

“This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Birds

October 15, 2015October 13, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 21 Comments

This week was one of those times here on the coast where the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds came to mind. For whatever reason, there have been a great number of birds gathering on the beach. It may be the availability of small fish but as a fiction writer I tend to want the motivation to be deeper than just a run of minnows. You know, something sinister like they are all responding to the call to gather and prepare for further instructions from the Leader. (Okay, knock it off. This is not a prompt.)

The first picture is of the pelicans floating out in the water. No diving just sitting. (And watching?)

The next is a whole bunch of seagulls on the beach.

Next comes the call to wing it outta there.

The order is to go to the rendezvous point.

Which is back on the beach (go figure)

I guess it is all okay. No need to call the government and take somebody away from campaigning.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

October 14, 2015October 12, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

Wednesday Story Day again and last time we spent some unpleasant moments with Mrs, Worthe. Ben, and Alexis. It looks like Mrs. Worthe is not going to allow the kids to get the C4 they need to blow up the Student Union until she talks to Alexis’ father. She seems to have it in her mind that this business of blowing things up may be dangerous and her child might get harmed. (never mind anyone else including Ben). Let’s get back to the scene.

“Well yo two kids stay out of trouble and thank you for the pizza.”

“You are very welcome Mrs. Worthe. Come back again.”

“If I thought you meant that Ben I would stay away just to be a pain.”

“I do mean it.'”

“Yeah, right. Give mommy a kiss Alexis. See you soon.”

“Bye Mom.”

“Whew, I’m glad she’s gone.”

“What was that crap about coming back again?”

“I thought I would brown nose her a little.”

“You really fooled her alright.”

“Anyway what if your dad won’t give us the C4?”

“I guess we will have to find some elsewhere. Any other ideas?”

“I think we could make a nifty bomb out of fertilizer.”

“Fertilizer? You nuts?”

“Not at all. The only problem is we wouldn’t be able to carry it in. We would have to put it in a van or something.”

“You are not going to be building a bomb around me out of smelly fertilizer.”

“It’s not smelly. It is granular and quite clean. It’s ammonium sulfate.”

“I don’t even want to hear about it. You say you need a van?”

“Yes we could steal a minivan─”

“Hold it. If you think I’m going to be seen in a minivan, you have really lost it.”

“The whole idea is not to be seen.”

“But we would have to drive it right?”

“No way I’m even getting in a mini-van.”

“Okay, okay. How about a BMW X5?”

“Hmm getting closer.”

“What then?”

“Porsche SUV.”

Tuesday – Anything possible Kreative Kue #46 by Keith Channing

October 13, 2015October 12, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

“Well, mom I guess you’ll just have to get used to the fact.”

“My boy I just can’t stand the idea of you having a family before you figure out what you want to do with your life.”

“It’s a little late for that Mom. We already have a child.”

“I know son, but it seems you are not giving yourself or the child a break.’

“What are you saying mother. Give up the child?”

“She said you didn’t need to be involved.”

“I am involved. That’s our child she is holding.”

“Hush. Keep your voice down she’ll hear you.”

“She is standing outside and it’s raining. I don’t think she will hear me.”

“I think you ought to walk away. Look at you. You don’t even have a car. You have that damned motorcycle. That is not a proper conveyance for a baby let alone its mother.”

“Don’t you have any feelings for the baby? She’s your grandchild.”

“How do you know she’s my grandchild? Did you do a paternity test?”

“No of course not. She and I have been exclusive.”

“Seems to me any woman who would engage in sex before marriage is the type to have many partners.”

“Okay, mom. That’s it. I’m through talking. I’m going out to join my family. You can do what you want. This baby is ours and we’re going to be fine. Give my best to dad. Tell him thanks for driving you here.”

“Your father feels the same as I.”

“Yeah, I got the hint with him waiting in the car.”

“Please say you’ll think it over.”

“I’m going outside to wait with my family for the rain to stop and then we’re going home.”

“Goodbye, son.”

“Bye mother.”

#RRBC Spotlight Author Christa Nardi

October 13, 2015October 9, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

I am pleased to Welcome Christa Nardi to Fiction Favorites. She has been honored by Rave Reviews Book Club as a “Spotlight Author”. Please join me in congratulating her.

Christa Nardi

Christa Nardi is and always has been an avid reader. Her favorite authors have shifted from Carolyn Keene and Earl Stanley Gardner to more contemporary mystery/crime authors over time, but mystery/crime along with romance and sci-fi/fantasy are her preferred choices for leisure reading. Christa also has been a long time writer from poetry and short stories to the Cold Creek series, Christa has joined many other reader/writers in writing one genre she enjoys reading – the cozy mystery. The series started with Murder at Cold Creek College; Murder in the Arboretum is the second in the series. Murder at the Grill is expected to be published in November 2015. Christa Nardi is a pen name for a real life professor/psychologist from the Northeast, who is well published in nonfiction and technical venues.

Murder at Cold Creek College

Book Blurb:

Murder at Cold Creek College

on sale 10/12-17/15

Sheridan Hendley is a professor and psychologist at a prestigious college. Although she is not a sleuth, when her colleague Adam is murdered, her department head assigns her to assist the detective and help gather information. Unfortunately, her close friend, Kim, quickly becomes the prime suspect. As Sheridan draws connections between the people in Adam’s life, she realizes many women have a strong motive for Adam’s murder. Slashed tires are the first indication that her involvement is making someone nervous. The next indication is not nearly as subtle.

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Social Media Links:

Twitter: @ChristaN7777

Website: christanardi.blogspot.com

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Christa is our “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR for the week of October 11 – October 17

“WHO’S ON THE SHELF” w/Nonnie Jules (in-depth interview)

*LIVE” BlogTalkRadio Interview: BRING ON THE SPOTLIGHT @ 11am CST

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When you support Christa by visiting each stop of her tour, sharing your comments, etc., you also support our wonderful blog tour hosts, who were kind enough to serve on the tour. They would also appreciate your comments, as well as your tweets and Facebook shares of the post.

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Please support our “SPOTLIGHT” Author by picking up a copy of her book above!

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See below to check out more of the wonderful SUPPORT Christa is receiving as a “SPOTLIGHT” author

https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/spotlight-authors/