Thursday – A Little Personal – Serang – A New Book by C.S. Boyack

November 7, 2019November 6, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

“I see we have Lisa Burton in the house.”
“Yes, kids. So you have the day off.”

I am very pleased to again welcome Lisa Burton who as you know is C.S.Boyack’s Personal Assistant. She is also the host of Lisa Burton Radio on most Thursdays. Here is a link to the last show. Lisa is here to talk about C.S. Boyack’s latest book

So, Welcome to Fiction Favorites, Lisa.

Hi, John. Always a pleasure to visit you during these book tours. Craig has a new book out, and this one ties into the Lanternfish trilogy. But it isn’t part of the trilogy, if that makes sense.

Let me try again. Serang was a popular character in Voyage of the Lanternfish. Her origin is pretty amazing, and Craig decided to turn that into a book. It supports the Lanternfish trilogy, but isn’t part of the trilogy. It also helps quell that urge for more Lanternfish while he finishes writing the remaining tales.

Serang’s father was a fisherman, and he died when she was very young. Her mother abandoned her at a monastery, and she was raised by monks. She learned things she never would have learned otherwise, like reading, writing, and martial arts. She also adopted a lifestyle of service to others and sharing what she has.

Fathers are kind of a driving force behind Voyage of the Lanternfish. James became who he is, because of his father’s actions. Dan also had some father issues he dealt with, and even Mal dealt with some of this from the father’s point of view.

Serang never let go of her father, either. Her memories are limited to the idea that he was a fisherman. She and her master were helping a village, because the Emperor took nearly everything they have for his war. When she stumbled across some old fishing crocks, she used one to reconnect with her father – in a way. The crocks involve a kind of hand fishing, and you can see how they work in my poster.

The Goonch catfish is a real creature living in the waters of Asia. It’s amazing how real creatures were as good as fantasy creatures in this story. Nature is strange and wonderful, and Craig used them where he could. Some of them were enhanced for the fantasy elements of the story, and others are complete fantasy. In the case of the Goonch, he remained as he is in nature.

I thought the scene with Serang and the Goonch was wonderful. I insisted that one of our promotional posters reflect that scene. She wasn’t exactly weepy, but when she became an actual fisherman it was an important event in her life.

I hope your fans enjoy this poster, and feel free to add it to Pinterest or use it for computer backgrounds. And remember, this robot girl is an animal lover, so I practice catch and release.

Thank you, Lisa. This sounds like an excellent read and I certainly enjoyed having you over today. Lucy and Twiggy enjoyed your visit as well and were grateful for the day off.

***

Blurb:

Monastic life is all about duty, service, harmony. For Serang, a young girl abandoned at the temple by her mother after the death of her father, that life becomes all she knows. The monks give her purpose, and become her new family.

When political upheaval causes chaos throughout the land, Serang again loses everything and everyone she loves. Alone, she struggles to survive. She convinces a wandering monk to take her under his wing and complete her training. Thus begins her adventures through strange lands and her trials to become a confident, capable, independent adult.

This is a coming of age story set in a fantasy world. It’s filled with monsters and martial arts, difficulties, and dangers. The serious situations preclude the story from the levity of its predecessor, Voyage of the Lanternfish, but it provides a compelling look at the origin of one of the saga’s most fascinating characters.

Purchase Link http://mybook.to/Serang

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Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

November 6, 2019November 5, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we saw Sanford Wentworth open the hospitality door and arranged to have the room service guys come to the office to talk to Larry and Andrew about Janice’s room service orders. Most of us are not used to having anyone cooperate with our gang, so, of course, we are suspicious of Wentworth’s motivation. Our guys are in the inner office having some coffee. Let’s go join them.

“What do you think Wentworth has on his mind, Larry.”

“Not too sure, but it is nice to get some cooperation once in a while. Also, let’s be careful here. Little pictures on the wall may have big ears.”

“Yeah, okay.”

“Excuse me, gentlemen.”

“Yes, Sanford.”

“The two servers are headed up here. You can use the conference room. Right, this way.”

“Thank you, sir. We certainly appreciate the help.”

“Not a problem, Detective. Please make yourselves comfortable. The guys will. Be here shortly.”

“You sure you have enough coffee, Andrew?”

“Yes, I refilled my cup. Thanks for asking, Larry.”

“I was actually broadly sarcastic, Andrew.”

“And not too subtle at that. Oh, a knock. Yes, come in.”

“Excuse me, but Mr. Wentworth asked me to come here.”

“Please come in. Have a seat. This will only take a minute. I know you are busy. My name is Larry, and this is Andrew.”

“Thank you, sir. My name is Charles Jenkins.”

“Andrew and I have some interest in one of your guests and are wondering if you can remember her.”

“Wow. I have served a lot of guests. When was she here?”

“The Thirteenth of February.”

“That was the week that guy hit a tree and died.”

“You remember that?”

“Who wouldn’t. It was horrible.”

“Okay, so this person had room service served by you.”

“Yeah. You must know I have no idea who I served that week.”

“Yeah, we know. You might remember the order or maybe even the person if you saw a photo.”

“So, what was the order?”

“Let me see. Ah, here it is. An order of fruit and yogurt, rye toast. decaf coffee.”

“That sounds like one hundred orders that week.”

“How about the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle.”

“Okay, I remember that order. I couldn’t find a San Francisco Chronicle and told the women that I tried. She was not nice about it and stiffed me on a tip.”

“So, you might be able to identify her.”

“Oh yeah. I would never forget that face. She was unforgiving and kinda scared me with her rage about a stupid newspaper.”

“Look at this photo.”

“Yeah, that’s her. She looks better than when I saw her, but that is definitely her.”

“You are sure, Charles.”

“Absolutely.”

“Okay, then. Let me have your address and phone number. We may need you to make a statement. You okay with that?”

“Sure. Just let me know.”

“We will be in touch. Thank you for coming.”

“Yes, sir. My co-worker is outside. Should I send him in.”

“Yes, Charles Thank you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 236 by Keith Channing

November 5, 2019November 4, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 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.

“Are you sure no one’s home?”

“At ease, matey. I watched them leave. This time of day, they won’t be back for hours. Now just look at the treasure, will ya?”

“This stuff makes the copper monkey look cheap.”

“That’s right. All we have to do is load this stuff up, and we have made hundreds.”

“Let me drop this drape over here.”

“Good idea.”

“OMG, look at all the nautical stuff on it.”

“This guy must have been a sea captain. Look that these fishing nets too.”

“How do you use em?”

“Well, this one is for hauling in a big fish that you have on the line. It pretty much makes sure the hook doesn’t come out with the weight of the fish.”

“What about this one.”

“I think it is a landing net as well but can be used to scoop fish out of the water.”

“Okay, enough net lessons, let’s get to the copper.”

“Whoa, this desk is heavy.”

“This globe and sailboat are light. I’ll take them out.”

“Wait a minute. Help me with the desk.”

“Take out the drawers, and it will be easier.”

“Well, what are we going to do then?”

“I guess the two of us need to lift it.”

“Not going to happen. I have a bad back.”

“Bad back. Since when?”

“Two minutes ago. Let’s leave it. I say these nets the globe, clock, and sailboat are more than enough.”

“Enough for what?”

“Start our own fishing company.”

“I can’t believe you, and I are partners.”

“I know, right? I’m so brilliant, and you? Well, you are you.”

“Maybe we should think about a boat.”

“There’s a nice one down the street. Let’s go.”

“After you, Einstein.”

“Get that shade will ya.”

Ten Things Not to Do If You Have a Disruptive Neighbor

November 4, 2019November 3, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Top Ten Not to Do

I have listened to folks complain about their neighbors. Most of them would like a violent end to the misery. So I developed this list, which might be helpful in avoiding any unpleasantness when it comes to dealing with the situation. Also, this week in history is all about who won elections, so maybe this diversion will be welcome.

Ten Things Not to Do If You Have a Disruptive Neighbor.

10 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not try to out disrupt them. If you do, at best, they’ll take your action as a compliment. At worst, they will step up their disruptiveness as a one-up game. (That horn you blew at 2:00 a.m.seems tame compared to the explosion your neighbor set off at 3:00 huh, Jerrold?)

9 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not hire Tiny the WWF champ to go and talk some sense into them. If you do, at best, your neighbor and Tiny will only talk. At worst, Tiny, who was just released from his anger management treatment, will take offense to your neighbor’s insults. (I hope you are prepared to explain that pile of rubble where your neighbor’s house used to be, Jervis. I can see the sheriff pulling into your driveway.)

8 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not think playing the noise coming from their house you recorded will have an effect on them. If you do, at best, they will ignore it. At worst, you will have given them an idea. (I hope you like those noise recordings that play 24/7, Jerzy. I know I like Judis Priest’s music at 4:00 a.m.)

7 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not call the police unless they are doing something illegal. If you do, at best, the police will not show up. At worst, the police will give you a ticket for filing a false complaint. (Looks like the minute the police arrived, Jesstin, the neighbors caught a case of the quiets. Now you have really made some friends.)

6 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not run your lawnmower at dawn. If you do, at best, your neighbor doesn’t mind lawnmowing. At worst your neighbor works the graveyard shift and isn’t home. (So there you are, Jestin, lawn all done and your nice new property owner’s association fine for excessive noise.)

5 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not install 25 windchimes in your yard. If you do, at best, your neighbor likes them and installs 26 in his. At worst, you and your family are driven to a deep psychotic break down due to the tinkle of the chimes. (On top of that, Jiri, your Feng Shui is all messed up due to the cacophony of sounds. No wonder you are off-balance)

4 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not set up a giant stage and advertise your place as the next Woodstock. If you do, at best, you may actually go down in history as Woodstock II. At worst, you’ll have a bunch of drunken rockers in your back yard. (The bad news is, Jiro, your neighbors are leading the charge.)

3 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not sign them up for massive amounts of junk mail. If you do, at best, they don’t read their mail anyway. At worst, because of all the junk mail they receive, they are the winners of the $5000.00 a week for life give-a-way. (Lucky you, Joakim, they just bought a new sound system with six speakers on the outside.)

2 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not send all the door to door solicitors to your neighbor’s house with a promise that your neighbor loves whatever the solicitor is offering. If you do, at best, your neighbor won’t catch on. At worst, your neighbor will place orders with each solicitor in your name. (Some of the stuff you can use, Jody, but that week retreat with the sons of Satan may be a problem.)

1 If your neighbor is disruptive, do not plant a for sale sign in their front yard. If you do, at best they’ll never see it. At worst, a drop in looker gives them cash for their house. (Yes you got rid of them, Jobe, but check out to whom they sold the place. We don’t know them but the adult bull elephant in the back yard might be a tip-off that you are now worse off.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Car Show

November 3, 2019November 2, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Last Sunday, there was an auto show in the next town of Bee Cave. It is called the Rolling Sculpture Car Show. The show benefitted the Bee Cave Library, and there were over 120 cars on display. There were antique, custom, restored, and new vehicles. Of course, I can’t post 120 pictures, so here is a representative sample. Also, you must know that was born and raised in Detroit so anything auto is my cup of tea,

A 1958 MGB 1500.

A 1966 Mustang

From left a 1968 Chevrolet Impala, a 1966 Thunderbird, and a 1949 Customized Mercury

1967 Pontiac GTO

1960 Corvette

1953 MG T

1957 Ford Thunderbird

1957 Volkswagen Beetle.

1940 Dodge Convertible

1931 Ford Roadster

1951 Mark V Jaguar

On the left a 1932 Cadillac Roadster. On the right a 1930 Cadillac Towne Car.

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

Something I have never seen before. 1976 Cadillac station wagon

1951 Willy Overland Wagon

A passenger in the Willys since 1951

1946 Ford pick-up in original condition

1932 Ford customized Roadster

1957 Hudson Hornet

1934 customized Ford Roadster.

I hope you enjoyed the walk around today.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Nuts.”

November 2, 2019November 1, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is “nuts.” Linda Hill says to use it any way we want and to enjoy. I have to wonder how many ways there are to use the word, “nuts.” I can think of a few (one of which is not PG-13). So, let’s just go ahead without any further thought. If you would like to join in, visit Linda’s blog, and read how. It is really easy. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2019/11/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-2-19/

“Nuts.”

“What now.”

“I just dropped my screwdriver into the grate.”

“I think Murphy’s law covers that move.”

“Like how?”

“A fallen tool will be retrievable in direct proportion to it’s criticality to the completion of the project. If critical, it’s gone forever.”

“Yeah, well, I need that screwdriver to finish this project.”

“Forget it then. What’s the project?”

“Trying to fix this leaking hose.”

“So you stand above this grate while working on a hose.”

“Yes. What’s wrong with that?”

“Are you nuts? You should be at a spot where you won’t drop things into the city sewer.”

“But, the hose won’t reach my workbench.”

“I can’t believe this. Did you think to detach the hose from the faucet?”

“I did.”

“Why is it still attached.”

“I needed some plyers.”

“So?”

“They fell in the grate.”

“You are nuts.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

November 1, 2019October 31, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Lucy its Friday. Time to play.”
“How about waking me when it’s warm out there.”
“That may be a while.”
“Exactly.”

Here is that beautiful day of the week that traditionally signals an end to the workweek. Only eight more hours and then the weekend is available for maximum enjoyment. I certainly hope you will enjoy yours.

Not too much new around here. We saw the temperatures drop into the 30s, and for next week, it looks like more of below-normal conditions. The daytime highs are expected to be no more than the high 60s and lows in the 50s. This would compare to the ’80s as a high and 70s as a low. So, yes, sweater weather but not subzero. Tonight is the only low in the 30’s. We are due rain next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The WIP is coming along but slowly. I work on it everyday but for me, editing is a much slower task than writing. So far, our heroes have been to Dodge City Kansas in 1878, Tombstone Arizona in 1881 and have just arrived at the Alamo in 1838.

By the way, in case I haven’t mentioned it, these two, James and Samantha, are on a quest to find the best eternal home. They are sampling places and time dimensions to see what fits the best. Along the way, they are seeing plenty of action. If you are a history buff you know some things happened in each of those years. For example, right now they arrive at the Alamo a couple of days before Santa Anna’s attack on the Texas stronghold. Well, more of this later.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the weather which we all seem to find something to complain about no matter what it is.

When it’s hot or cold,

Rain, snow, dead of night or clear . . .

Half want a change now.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Cold, Wet Weather

October 31, 2019October 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

“Twiggy. You awake?”

“Mrufff mumble.”

Twiggy and Lucy

“I think it is getting late.”

“Uh. Where do we have to be?”

“Well, nowhere, but we can’t sleep on the couch the whole day.”

“Mmmmm. I say we can.”

“Where you going?”

“Gonna go ask dad for the time.”

“Wait up. I’ll go with you.”

“Okay.”

Hey, Dad. What time is it?

“Right now, eleven o’clock. Time for you two to go out.”

“What’s the temp out there?”

“Forty-six degrees,.

“Man, this is cold. Lucy, check the patio. Is it dry?

“I’m going Little One. Why am I always the guinea pig?”

“Twiggy, it’s all wet back here.”

“That’s all I need to know. I’m outa here.”

“Mama, mama, mama. We are dying out here.”

“Good one, Twiggy. I’m sure she will come running now.”

“Lucy. The reason you are the guinea pig is you are so much bigger and braver than me.”

“Save the soft soap for Mama. She’s going to be forced to wipe your paws.”

Twiggy and Lucy

“Wake us in a couple of hours, Dad. Not sure that outing was effective.”

“Will do, Twiggy. I stand to serve.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

October 30, 2019October 29, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

“Leggo, Dad. I need to play with Lucy.”
“It’s Wednesday Little One. Lucy is taking a nap.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week our heroes met with Wentworth, and he told them that Mr. and Mrs. Dixon had registered at the hotel while Rafferty was there. Larry recognized that the information is not useful unless he can get a positive ID on the fact that Janice is posing as Mrs. Dixon. He and Andrew decide that maybe someone in the hotel can identify her. They decide to go back to Wentworth’s office while he is still on the phone with the lawyer so that they can short circuit any delay in getting what they want. I think we should rush back there as well. Our pair just went into Wentworth’s office.

“Hi, gentlemen. Bear with me. I’m on hold with the lawyer.”

“That’s good that you are still on the phone with him. We need to get the whole portfolio of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon.”

“Yeah, I’ll ask but not sure that is covered in the warrant. The name Rafferty is clearly spelled out here.”

“I know that. The judge was not comfortable with a fishing expedition, but I swear to you the Dixon’s are a couple of evil characters, and all we need to do is ID the Mrs. as posing as Mrs. Dixon when, in fact, she is Mrs. Rafferty the wife of the guy killed.”

“Tell you what. I’m going to hang up on the lawyer. I need to know that I’m not going to be dragged into anything legal here.”

“I can’t see how you would be.”

“Well, for one thing, if I give you information and then I have to go to court to verify the information, I will be dragged into something legal.”

“Okay, I see that. All we want to know is if Mrs. Dixon had room service and who served her.”

“I’ve disconnected the lawyer. Let me look up the portfolio. I do this with the understanding that you get no copies, okay?”

“That’s fine with us.”

“Ah, yes, here it is. Let me see. Hmmm. I show that there was a room service delivery every morning they were here.”

“Any clue who signed the bill?”

“Sure, here it is. Mrs. Dixon signed two of them.”

“Perfect. Who served them?”

“On one morning, it was Silvester. The other Robert.”

“Can we speak to these two?”

“That should not be a problem. I will ask that you keep your questions informal, and then if they need to make a statement, you can formalize it later. Our company lawyer will want to be there.”

“We really appreciate this, Wentworth.”

“I think justice needs to be served.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I remember Rafferty, and he seemed like a good guy is all. He had a lot of meetings here and was very kind to the staff. We felt pretty bad when he had his so-called accident.”

“Did you see him the night he died?”

“No. sorry. The last time I saw him, he thanked me for a nice meeting.”

“When was that?”

“That morning. He told me he was sorry he wouldn’t be able to stop by after his meeting. He said he needed to get to the airport early, so he came into my office in the morning instead.”

“You mentioned a ‘so-called’ accident.”

“Yeah. He didn’t strike me as a guy who would get loaded and then go on a night ski. Not like him at all.”

“How can we reach Silvester and Robert?”

“Make yourselves comfortable in the outer office, and I’ll get them to come here. It might take a minute or two. These guys are really busy.”

“No problem. Besides, you have some pretty good coffee out there.”

“When they arrive you can use the conference room. It’s right next door.”

“Thank you, Wentworth.”

“Name’s Sanford.”

“Sanford Wentworth?”

“That’s it.”

“Well, thank you, Sanford. Andrew and I are grateful.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #235 by Keith Channing

October 29, 2019October 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 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.

Kreative Kue #235