It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is — wait let’s have Linda Hill describe it. Her words, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “astronomical.” Use it any way you like. Have fun!” There you have it. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to slip off the edge. Here is the link.
“Here we are standing on the precipice of space witnessing the first human beings to—”
“What are you doing?”
“I’m announcing the first humans on Mars.”
“While standing on a chair in the kitchen.”
“Well. I had to simulate being on the precipice of space.”
“The what?”
“Precipice of space. You know where no man has gone before.”
“I think you are mixing your metaphors.”
“What is that in your hand.”
“My microphone.”
“Looks like a whisk to me.”
“Whatever. You are taking the joy out of space travel.”
“From where I stand, you’ve already done that. I suppose that the gauze mask is your oxygen supply.”
“Well, at least you can give me that.”
“Where is your space ship?”
“Out back.”
“Out back?”
“Yes, It’s parked on a crater.”
“Near that old bike?”
“Not a bike but personal Mars rover.”
“Why the mummy wrap?”
“Spacesuit.”
“You are astronomical.”
“Thank you.”
“Not a compliment.”
“Anything with “astro” in it is a compliment. Seems you are getting into the spirit.”
“The only reason I came in here was to get some ice for my spirit. Thanks to you, I will need several sessions with the spirit to get this picture out of my head.”
“Hey, Lucy, its Friday. Want to ruckus?” “After my nap, Little One. After my nap.”
Another Friday is here and thank goodness for it. As you know from last week. I was on a break. It was terrific having mt eldest daughter visit. We did so many things, and she was a delight to have close.
I didn’t do any writing on the break. My goal was to be with my daughter, and that was accomplished. I did get back to work on Wednesday and have managed a thousand words a day since then. So in all, I took a break of six days, and I worked on my WIP for five days. I was at 28,000 words when I last reported, and I’m now at 34,000. That means the days I worked, I did a little over 1000 words a day. You may wonder why I am going through these gyrations? To stay on point is why. If I have to report my output to you guys weekly, then I’m more dedicated. So I think you for keeping my nose to the grindstone.
I am so pleased to welcome Harmony Kent to Fiction Favorites. Besides being an accomplished author, Harmony is also a terrific editor. She describes her new book.
Hi, everyone. Harmony here. Many thanks to John for hosting me today. I have a new book on pre-order called FALLOUT, which is a post-apocalyptic dystopia. This novel started out life by playing a little game. I sat and closed my eyes and imagined an empty room … in that room, a vial appeared. A dull orange plastic thing covered in scratches. It sloshed when I shook it. From that tiny beginning, the world of Exxon 1 and its deadly virus was born.
How come there’s only one vial?
How does the virus and antidote work?
WHEN EVERYTHING FALLS APART, WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The year is 3040.
The location is Exxon 1, part of a six-planet system in settled space.
Determined to avoid the mistakes of old Earth, the surviving humans avoided democracy and opted, instead, for a non-elective totalitarian system.
The new way worked well, until now.
A crazy, despotic president releases a nano-virus on the population.
No one was ready for the fallout. It came anyway.
In this post-apocalyptic world, can you stay safe?
Excerpt
Nobody knew her. And she intended to keep it that way. It’s easy to fool others. All you have to do is believe it yourself, and you make it real. People want to be manipulated. It keeps life simple for them. You watch and learn what their desires are, what their morals are, and what you can give them in return for what you want from them.
For the time being, it worked for Sasha to sleep with Ellie’s husband. And she enjoyed keeping the true nature of the lab project a secret, even from the boss. It was too funny: the lead scientist not having the first clue.
Sasha set up the accident perfectly.
Author Bio
After spending around thirteen years as an ordained Buddhist monk, living in a Zen Buddhist temple, and six years after a life-changing injury following a surgical error, Harmony Kent returned to the world at the tender age of forty.
Now, she is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She’s even won a few awards. Harmony lives in rural Cornwall with her ever-present sense of humour, adorable husband, and quirky neighbours.
Harmony is passionate about supporting her fellow authors.
Twiggy and Lucy don’t like the heat much. They are both sub-snout dogs and shouldn’t be in the weather because it is very hard on them to be able to vent correctly through panting. Does that mean they don’t want to go out? You be the judge.
“Hey, Lucy. Come here.”
“What Little One? I’m busy scratching my ear.”
“Do you see em?”
“I don’t see anything.”
“Look harder. Over there past the lamplight.”
“Sorry Potato, but I don’t see anything.”
“Just turn your head slightly. They are right there.”
“Okay. I still don’t see anything.”
“Maybe we are at the wrong window.”
“So let’s go to the Boss’ office.”
“There. Lucy, Do you see it?”
“Is that a squirrel?”
“Oh, boy lets go get it.”
Not so fast ladies. According to my watch it is 101 degrees out there. You’ll have to wait a little. Also, it looks like the DOW has reacted to the interest rate cut. But that’s not your worry”
“Aw, dad. We just spotted some interesting game. What is a DOW?”
“Never mind the DOW. Besides the temperature, the squirrel is in the front. You never go out front without a leash.”
The man makes sense, Little one. I think I’ll catch 40 winks.”
“Yeah, I could use a few myself. I’ll bet a DOW is something fun to chase.”
“I’m telling you, Twiggy. You can knock all you want but Friday is not going to answer. It’s still Wednesday.”
It is Wednesday story day again, and I am so glad to be back. I had a wonderful time with my oldest daughter, but now it is time to return.
Last week we were surprised to find Christine wasn’t lying dead in her house after offering to speak to Larry and Andrew about Rafferty’s murder. We were also ill at ease with Christine’s lassiez faire attitude once the boys came to her place. She went off to change clothes and asked our heroes to make her a drink. Some of us wondered if she was setting our guys up for a drive-by. I think we better get back there and hope no one comes through the door with a blazing automatic. I see Christine is returning to the living room where Andrew waits with her drink.
“Oh, my goodness this drink is exactly what I need. Aren’t you guys having any?”
“No thanks, Christine. We need to drive tonight.”
“You need to drive Larry. I could use a drink.”
“Yes, Larry. Please let the man have a drink. There’s some nice Willet Special Reserve bourbon over there.”
“Thank you, Miss. Don’t mind if I do.”
“You can call me Christine. So, Larry. Where was I?”
“You were telling us that you thought the reason Alexis was killed is he found out that his wife and a guy named Ned Dixon were in partnership together and out to defraud Cortez.”
“Ah, yes. You have to understand that the reason Alexis was not faithful to his wife is she took up with that Dixon guy. He actually was very upset about that.”
“So he took some comfort with you?”
“Well, in a manner of speaking. He used to come into the bar, and one thing led to another, and we struck up a relationship.”
“When was the last time you saw Mr. Rafferty?”
“The night he was killed. He and I got together, and then he said he had to go to a meeting.”
“Did he tell you who the meeting was with?”
“No, but the way he talked, I assume it was with Cortez.”
“Had he been drinking?”
“No, not at all. Alexis was not a big drinker. He would have maybe a glass of wine, but I never saw him drink more than one.”
“Okay, so he had a meeting with Cortez. Did you see him after?”
“No. He was supposed to come back to my place, but he never showed.”
“Was that unusual?”
“Larry. Take a look at this body. Would you not come back to my place?”
“Er uh.”
“Yes, it was unusual. I stayed up until two o’clock and finally fell asleep. When I got up in the morning, there was no Alexis. I only found out when I got to work what happened.”
“So what makes you think he was killed due to a plot on the part of his wife and Dixon.”
“he was on the phone with his wife before he left my place. He was telling her that he knew about her and Dixon and that her “little Ponzi scheme” wasn’t going to work.”
“Ponzi scheme? Is that what he called it?”
“Yes. Then when he got off the phone, he was agitated. In frustration, he told me that his wife and her lover were going to make a run at getting money from Cortez.”
“Did he say he was going to tell Cortez?”
“Oh, heavens no. Alexis would never do that. He would meet with the wife and threaten to expose her.”
“Is that what he said he was going to do?”
“In so many words.”
“Do you know if they met.”
“I’m not sure, but I have a theory.”
“What’s that?”
“I think he set up the meeting and she and Dixon did him in. Could you make me another drink please.”
Friday is here. I guess it is cause for celebration. A perfect time to let you know I’m going to be away from my post for a few days. My daughter is visiting from Indiana. In fairness to her visit and the quality of the posts, something has to give. I will be taking a social media hiatus to concentrate on her. This will be the first break I’ve taken since I started blogging in 2012. Makes me a little nervous but think in the long run it will be best. I apologize in advance for not visiting your posts, but time will be a premium. I may get there but not as often.
I’ll be back on Wednesday the 31st. I have disabled comments here since I won’t be available to answer. Today’s JohnKu Talks about trying to do too much.
“You know Lucy?” “What?” “Friday is so far from Wednesday.” “Profound Little One. Profound.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were relieved that Larry and Andrew ran into someone who had some information about the Rafferty murder. Christine Bonner knew Alexis Rafferty and his connection to the Cartel boss Cortez. She didn’t want to talk in the bar, so she made an appointment to meet at her place at 7:00. Okay, it’s five minutes after seven. Larry and Andrew are at her door. Let’s get over there quick.
“Did you try the bell?”
“Yes, Andrew, you saw me push the bell.”
“Why doesn’t she answer?”
“You know, Andrew. If I knew that I would go on stage as a mind reader.”
“A very grumpy mind reader I might add.”
“Let me try the door. Nope locked uptight.”
“Should we go around back and see if another door is open?”
“If this were a weekly cop show I would say yes. Since it is just you and I standing here, I would say we have been stood up.”
“If this were a weekly cop show I would say ole Christine is laying in the kitchen deader than a doornail cause Cortez found out she was going to talk to us and we would discover her body by going around back.”
“What body boys?”
“Oh, hello, Christine. Andrew was waxing dramatic.”
“Let’s go inside quickly. Sorry. I’m late. A big bunch of party types and my relief person was late. Stupid stoner.”
“After you.”
“Please, gentlemen, have a seat. Let me get you something.”
“We are good, Christine. I think we should talk and then let you relax for the evening.”
“Very kind of you, detective.”
“Larry. You can call me Larry. So tell me. How well did you know Alexis?”
“Pretty darned well. He and I were having an affair for the last year or so.”
“Affair? Did anyone know about it?”
“We didn’t think so.”
“Okay, so what makes you think he was murdered?”
“The important question is why, Larry.”
“Okay, why?”
“I think he got into a scrape with Cortez. One night he was telling me about some invention that Cortez wanted him to certify as defective. He was pretty pissed that Cortez wanted him to lie.”
“So he thought it wasn’t defective?”
“Yes, that’s right. In fact, he thought it was a wonderful thing. I don’t know too much about the machine, but Alexis was crazy about it.”
“So, Cortez had him killed.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“I guess I should let you tell it then.”
“Thanks. I think the reason Alexis was killed is he found out that his wife and a guy named Ned Dixon were in partnership together and out to defraud Cortez.”
“How did that work?”
“Let me take a minute and just change out of my work clothes. This is a pretty involved story and might take some time. Also, I need a drink. While I’m changing why don’t one of you nice guys make me a tall bourbon and water. You’ll find the makings in the bar over there. While you are at it make something for yourself. I’ll be right back.”
Keith Channing is still not settled in his house in the UK, so his prompt from Kreative Kue will not be done this week. I have substituted the Finger Point prompt. I have chosen the book Circumstances of Childhood from that internationally well-known author John W. Howell. I opened to a random page and pointed. The result is pictured below and is “big smack.” I could have just chosen big but thought it too easy.
This week marked the anniversary of the sale of the first massed produced Ford automobile. It was labeled the Model A Fordmobile (Not to be confused with the model A introduced in 1928) and cost $850.00. (Which is worth $23,404 in 2018 dollars)
If you were there, several precautions would be needed in order not to disrupt the time continuum. If you want to go, Take this list and spare us all from any disruption.
10 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask the salesperson if floor mats are included in the price. If you do, at best they will not know what you are talking about. At worst, the salesperson will tell you, yes and you won’t see the $100.00 charge on the invoice. (You only have yourself to blame, Ilima. They would have never thought of it until you mentioned floor mats.)
9 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not go on a demonstration ride with Tiny the WWF champ. If you do at best, he’ll let you drive. At worst, Tiny who could not pass the driver’s test insists on showing you how fast the Fordmoble can go downhill and in a curve. (Hanging on for dear life is not a sign of cowardice, Illan. It is considered normal behavior under the circumstances. Don’t worry, those knuckles will eventually turn pink again.)
8 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not wait while the salesperson goes and talks to the manager about a better price. If you do, at best the price will be the same. At worst, there will have been a mistake found, and your car is $100.00 more now. (You might eventually get the idea that the price is the price, Imani.)
7 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not take the free cup of coffee. If you do, at best they have run out. At worst at the end of the day, you may discover that cup of coffee was very expensive. (Made you feel beholden to the salesperson, huh Inay? Did you get the story about no shoes for the kids?)
6 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not buy an extended warranty. If you do, at best the company will actually honor it. At worst, the small type at the bottom explains your premium for the warranty is actually a gift to Mr. Ford’s favorite charity. (Fooled you huh, Ingram? Now you have to worry about pushing this thing back home.)
5 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask about gas mileage. If you do, at best, no one will know. At worst, the number will scare you so much you’ll want to leave the showroom. (You should remember that gas costs under a dime a gallon, Inteus. That is about a penny a mile, and even a skinflint like you can do that.)
4 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask about the President’s Day pricing. If you do, at best you’ll get strange looks. At worst, the owner of the agency will take your idea and become a kingpin in the car marketing business. (He’ll add at least 52 other days for an excuse for a sale, Iona. He’ll make millions and you’ll go back home.)
3 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask about the down payment. If you do, at best, no one will take you seriously. At worst, the manager will escort you to the door since buying on credit is an unknown phenomenon (Don’t get your feelings hurt, Iov. “Four flushers” is a term they casually throw around these parts.)
2 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask what color you can choose. If you do, at best, you’ll get a sympathetic smile. At worse, you get the Henry Ford quote, “You can have any color you chose as long as you choose black.” (You knew that was coming. Why you gave the salesperson the satisfaction of saying it is anybody’s guess, Irus.)
1 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask to buy the floor model. If you do, at best you’ll be told you need to order a car. At worst the salesperson will be confused about what you mean by floor model and call the police. ( He thought you were talking about the demonstration person, Iseabail. Good thing you cleared that up.)
