Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

January 24, 2018January 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Wednesday Story Day again and last week we witnessed Alice put the finger on Sheriff Seth Gibson as one who had entered the Severide’s house the night they were murdered. Alice was willing to swear to the fact. Speaking of Seth Gibson, I see he is going into Lucas’ room at the hospital. I see Jason McDonnell the lawyer in the room with Lucas, so obviously the doctor cleared Seth to ask Lucas some questions. Let’s get over there.
“Well hello, Jason McDonnell.”
“Hello, Sheriff.”
“So what are the grounds rules Counselor?”
“ As I said on the phone, you can ask Lucas any question you want, but I will advise him not to answer if I think the question is inappropriate.”
“Yeah fair enough. I want you to know this conversation is on the record and I will be recording it.”
“We understand, Sheriff. We are recording it as well.”
“Fair enough. So this is Seth Gibson, sheriff of Wayfare County. I am speaking with Lucas Severide in the presence of his lawyer Jason McDonnell. Lucas, you understand that anything you say here can and will be entered into evidence as part of an ongoing investigation of the murder of your parents?”
“Excuse me, sheriff. Is my client charged with any crime?”
“Not at this time.”
“So you are not reading him his rights?”
“No, I’m just advising him that this conversation is on the record.”
“Then let me remind you of the statuses around self-incrimination.”
“So noted Counselor. May I proceed?”
“With the stipulation that my client is here voluntarily and is interested in aiding the investigation into the horrific murder of his parents.”
“I understand that, Counselor.”
“You may proceed.”
“May I have your full name?”
“Lucas George Severide.”
“Your address?”
“Sheriff. Sorry to interrupt but my client is a patient in this hospital and has limited energy. Let’s just say his address is a matter of public record and proceed.”
“I’m just following protocol, Councillor. Do you live at 704 Drachma Lane?”
“That’s correct.”
“Do you live alone?”
“Yes.”
“Have you always lived there?”
“No.”
“Where did you live prior to this address?”
“In Kenosha, Wisconsin.”
“With your parents?”
“No, I had my own place.”
“Why did you come to Antion?”
“I believed the person responsible for my parent’s murder lived here.”
“And who might that be?”
“I’m not sure.”
“So you are speculating.”
“Yes.”
“Could it be that you are trying to deflect your own guilt?”
“Okay, Sheriff. That’s enough.”
“Let him answer, Counselor.”
“Lucas. Do not say a word. Sheriff this conversation is over.”
“Not saying anything is an admission.”
“Not in any court that I know of Sheriff. Good day sir.”
“You may think you are so smart, Counselor, but I’m going to nail this little prick and see that he is put away.”
“Don’t forget you are recording sheriff. Your threat is now a matter of the record. I have to believe that due process will wonder about a law enforcement officer with an obvious vendetta.”
“Up yours, Jason. This is not over.”

Ten Questions Not to Ask an Author

January 22, 2018January 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 117 Comments

The inspiration for this list was preparing myself to attend four book festivals this year. I was making a list of items that I needed, and it occurred to me that I should prepare some answers to obvious questions. One thing leads to another, and the list is born.

10 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you make a lot of money writing?” If you do, at best you might get a chuckle in reply. At worst, you might have to listen to a long diatribe about the meaning of art as opposed to monetary considerations. (Wow. You didn’t realize just how little the author made from his books did you, Dylan?)

9 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “How does your spouse feel about your writing? If you do, at best you’ll get a two-word answer, “They’re Fine.” At worst, you may have to support a sobbing author on your shoulder. (Hopefully, the author is not getting your shirt wet. Right, Diego? Bu the way, you make a lovely pair.)

8 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “So what is the difference between traditionally published and an indie?” If you do, at best you’ll get a solid objective answer. At worst, you will ask Tiny, the WWF champ, who has just received his 100th rejection letter from a traditional publisher. I imagine you hit a sore spot with Tiny, Drake. I think it is time to test those new running shoes. Yes, right now.)

7 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Is your book well written?” If you do, at best you will get a confused look. At worst, you may get a question in return to the effect of wondering if you have just arrived on the planet Earth. (Man, these authors are sensitive aren’t they, Douglass?)

6 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What do you do all day?” If you do, at best you’ll get a smart reply like, “Drink bourbon.” At worst, you have to listen to a detailed reiteration by the fifteen-minute segment on the entire twenty-four hour day. (The bodily function and romance parts you could have done without hey, Dean?)

5 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Have you written anything that I might have read.?” If you do, at best the author will ask you what you have read. At worst, you will be left standing in the middle of the room with a “Kick Me Hard,” sign on your back. (So you thought you were engaging huh, Dennis?)

4 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you really like to write?” If you do, at best the author will offer you a cookie. At worst, the sound of crickets will lead you to quickly determine the crashing stupidity of your question. (I guess if authors didn’t like to write they might do something else. Don’t you agree, Dexter?”

3 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “Do you have any bestsellers? If you do, at best the author does. At worst, you will have probably opened a wound that the author has been trying to work around. (Seems strange to witness a complete meltdown doesn’t it, Drew?)

2 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What do you really do?” If you do, at best the author is a trust fund baby. At worst, the author’s response will be delivered at a decibel level designed to shatter glass. (Don’t just cover your ears, Duke. I would make plans to leave soon.)

1 If you meet an author, do not ask the question, “What makes you write?” If you do, at best you’ll get a “little voices in my head,” answer. At worst, you’ll be pressed to explain what makes you breathe, eat, and sleep. (You gotta wonder if that author had been drinking don’t you, Desmond? He sure was spirited.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Rockport Texas

January 21, 2018January 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Rockport Texas is a town close to Port Aransas and was hit by Hurricane Harvey as well. Since the sun was out for the first time in ten years, the Producer and I decided to drive there and check up on how my books fared in the bookstores. Although we didn’t locate any books we found a number of things to look at.

This is a shot of a multi-tiered boat storage facility.

Here is one a little closer. This facility was packed with boats when the Hurricane hit.

Here is a shot of old town Rockport. (Excuse the sun glare) The brick gallery (Estelle Stair) is one place where my books are. The gallery is closed. The other place where my books were offered for sale is a bookstore which was blown away.

Here is a photo of across the street. You can see the blue tarp on the building.

I took this photo to give you an idea that Rockport is indeed on the water. This is one of the marinas.

This is a shot of the veteran’s memorial. There are names of Rockport residents who gave their lives in all the wars from 1914 on.

This is the Maritime Museum.

Unknown to us, the Rockport Fulton Market Days was in full swing. A number of pop-up with all kinds of crafts. We had to go look.

Attendees can visit this display and take what they need at no charge.

Here is a “look through” shot showing other displays

A festive occasion.

Terrific yard art

A beautiful Airstream full of clothes

Must have a food stand.

For Dan Antion, I had to take a picture of the soft pretzel booth

Let me leave you with a picture of the bay and beautiful sculpture.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “OC”

January 20, 2018January 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Occupying my post today is Stream of Consciousness Saturday. So true. This weeks prompt is “oc.” That is correct, and the rules as laid down by the dungeon master, Linda Hill is to find a word that starts with “oc,” and use it. There are bonus points redeemable for a new Tesla if one starts and ends the post with an “oc” word. So now you know why the goofy opening. If you have some kind of desire to grapple with reality, go to Linda’s blog to find out how to attach your own electrodes. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2018/01/19/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-20th-2018/

“Occasionally I like to indulge in some creative writing.”

“As a person who occupies space in your life, I didn’t know this.”

“Well, it’s true. I like to dabble in the occult.”

“Have you any experience with an occult occurrence?”

“No. I like to make up the story. I’m not an occultist.”

“So you like to scare yourself. Do you do it to occlude a brain leak?”

“Can I just enjoy a leisure occupation without causing a major inquisition?”

“Well, I could see you being an oceanographer and writing about the sea.”

“What makes you say that? Is your octogenarian mind having a crisis?”

“No. I just think it would be nice to read about oceanfronts and the animals of the sea.”

“I see nothing wrong with an occasional story about the sea.”

“Now you are talking. What kind of ocean story to do you in mind?”

“I can see a group of whales who decide to hold an ochlocracy gathering.”

“Why would they hold a political meeting? Not enough octopus available?”

“Very funny. No, they want to start a coven of Occult Orcas.”

“Cute. I suppose you’ll find a way to work in Occult Orcas octupling?”

“I think you should be heading off into the ocaso.”*

*Spanish for sunset.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

January 19, 2018January 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Another work week down. This one was quite chilly. We had temps in the 80’s on Monday. By Wednesday we were in the 30’s, and the schools were closed due to sleet. I think I have said we are not built for this kind of weather. Today is supposed to rain with a high in the fifties. We can use the rain so no complaints here.

The week saw a continuance of editing The Contract with Gwen Plano. We are so fortunate to have some outstanding Beta readers. They have given us meaningful input, and we are sure the story will be better as a result.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the weather. I hope you have a super weekend

The forecast is rain,

Then snow, sleet, below zero . . .

Can’t they choose just one?

Thursday – A Little Personal – Housebound

January 18, 2018January 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. Do you want to come up here on the couch you look a little down.”

“To tell you the truth, I wish there was something to play with.”

“I know it is boring when you can’t go outside.”

“Yeah, why can’t we go out?

“For heaven’s sake, Lucy. Can you take a look at the thermometer? It is 30 degrees F out there.”

“Whats that in centigrade?

“You tire me out, Lucy. You really do. We can’t go out there even in our blankets.”

“Why’s that?”

“Pops says the wind chill is too much for his old bones. Look at him. He looks zonked.”

“I heard that. I’m not zonked. Just resting my eyes. Mom is going to take care of you two.”

“What is that, Mom? Looks like a hedgehog.”

“These are pigs you two. Now go and have fun.”

“Hold on Mom. Not sure about this.”

“Okay, I’ll set it on the poof. You take your time.

“Hey, Bailey. Come sniff this thing.”

“Hmm. I don’t know about this funny looking thing. Look at the color.”

“Also check out those beady eyes. The thing gives me the creeps”

“Well, Bailey, there is only one thing to do.”

“What is that, Lucy?”

“Pounce, grab, shake, and kill it”

“Boy, you are an animal for sure.”

“Grrrr.”

“Mowaufff.”

“There, there, little piggy. I’ll protect you from the big bad Great White Shark. Can you oink for me?”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

January 17, 2018January 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Sheriff Seth Gibson storming out of Jason McDonnell’s office because he was thwarted from interviewing Lucas without the permission of Lucas’ doctor. My assumption is Jason will talk to the doctor and then get in touch with Seth. We really have to get back to Harriet Murphy’s house. As you will recall, Frank Plano the private eye was on Mrs. Murphy’s porch the last time we were there. The beauty of a serial like this is these characters are frozen until we get back to them. Oops as I sit here chatting Mrs. Murphy is opening the door. Let’s hurry.

“Mr. Plano. Please come in.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Oh no. After all, Alice called you. Would you like some coffee?”

“I sure would. It has been a while since I had my last cup and I could use the pick me up.”

“Very well. Follow me to the parlor. Oh, Here’s Alice. You remember Mr. Plano don’t you?”

“You can call me Frank. It is nice seeing you again.”

“Thank you, Mr. Plano. Why don’t we sit while Mrs. Murphy gets your coffee.”

“Thank you. When we talked on the phone, you mentioned that you and Mrs. Murphy were wanting to tell your side of the story before I turn in my report.”

“Yes, that is true. We think there has been a lot of misinformation and want to set the record strains.”

“I think that is a good thing, Mrs. Weston. Do you mind if I take notes and do you want to wait for Mrs. Murphy?”

“No I don’t mind, and we can go ahead.”

“Okay then. What is it you want to tell me.”

“First of all. . . Wait here is Harriet with the coffee.”

“Hello, all. I took the liberty of putting a plate of scones on the tray. Please help yourself.”

“Oh, my this coffee is delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it. Now here is what we want to say.”

“Shouldn’t you let the poor man enjoy his coffee, Alice?”

“For heaven’s sake Harriet. He can drink and listen at the same time.”

“Very well, I just don’t want to be rude is all.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy, but Mrs. Weston is right. I can listen while I enjoy your fabulous Coffee. Did you make these scones?”

“No, they are from the bakery.”

“Well, they are indeed tasty. Now, what did you want to know?”

“Well, Harriet and I believe we know who killed the Severides.”
“Seriously? Now, who would that be?”

“Well you know we were at their house the night they were killed.”

“Yes, of course.”

“We were trying to score some smack. Well, I was trying to score some smack. Dear Harriet doesn’t believe in such stuff. I shot up and spilled some blood from pulling the needle out. I cleaned it up, and we left.”

“The Severides were alive when you left.”

“Absolutely. Mrs. Severide gave me the paper towels to clean up.”
“So now you are starting to get high.”

“That’s right. I told Harriet that we should get to the car before I nodded off.”

“So you left. Then what?”

“We got in the car which was down the block and then saw a person go into the house.”

“Could you recognize the person?”

“Yes. It was Seth Gibson.”

“You sure about this?”

“Pretty hard to miss him, Mr. Plano.”

“Could you swear to this in court.”

“Absolutely.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #157

January 16, 2018January 15, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 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 keith@channing.info 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Why are you on top of that box?”

“Are you kidding? Do you know how many shoplifters are out there?”

“What good does it do to stand up there?”

“I can look over the crowd and spot them before they can rob us.”

“Sounds good in theory. How is it working so far?”

“Right now there is a pickpocket checking out a guy’s wallet.”

“Where?”

“See that’s the problem with you a slouched in that chair. You can’t see anything. He’s over to the left. he looks like a shark ready to have a meal.”

“That guy in the olive colored jacket?”

“Yes, the one with the mustache.”

“That is a police officer, you idiot.”

“He sure doesn’t look like one.”

“He is undercover looking for thieves.”

“I guess you have to look like one to catch one.”

“Yeah, he is even carrying a baby so as not to stand out. Now come down from there before you hurt yourself.”

“Where would you get a baby?”

“Are you serious.? Quit with the questions and get down.”

“Wait there is a guy with a backpack.”

“All the way across the aisle. I don’t think he is a threat.”

“By the way. Do you see that set of stairs on top of Omar’s tent over there.”

“I see them. So what?”

“I think I’m going to ask Omar if I can borrow them.”

“What for?”

“To make it easier to climb up on my box.”

“You and that box ought to run away with each other. You know that?”

Book Launch – The Hat by Craig Boyack – Lisa Burton Visits

January 14, 2018January 13, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

I want to welcome Lisa Burton, Craig Boyack’s personal assistant to Fiction Favorites. She is here to tell you about Craig’s latest book. As you may know, I love Craig’s work and can highly recommend his writing. It is always a pleasure to have her join me here on the coast. Hi, Lisa.

Hi, and thanks for having me over again, John. I love getting away from the cabin and promoting Craig’s books on occasion. It’s a long old winter out there, you know? (I know Lisa especially in the company of Craig)

Today, we’re touring around a novella called The Hat. This one is about a girl, Lizzie, who works hard to overcome the trials of everyday life. She winds up with an old hat that belonged to her grandfather, only this is no ordinary hat. It’s a being from another dimension, trapped in the shape of a hat for all time.

The story involves some baby snatchers and one of the victims is the newborn son of Lizzie’s friends. It turns out the hat has a few skills that might let Lizzie recover the missing babies. By acting in concert they are much more capable than acting as individuals.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They rise to the occasion and produce different outcomes. We look up to Superman and all he stands for. We might appreciate The Punisher, but look away because of his methods.

Lizzie and the hat are more like the latter. Without some kind of super strength, or being bulletproof, they don’t have a lot of options beyond hitting first and hitting hard.

It’s a fun story structure, because they start out as strangers, and it doesn’t go too well at first. They bond and form a symbiosis over music of all things. They try to save the children and fail. The important part for all heroes is they try again.

The Hat is humorous, serious, and heroic in its own way. We really hope you’ll give it a chance. It’s priced at 99¢, and since it’s a novella, it will only take an afternoon to read.

Now it’s time for my poster. I like to drop these off with the hosts that invite me. The hat can take the shape of any kind of headwear. This is all spelled out in the story, but there comes a time when the hero emerges from the darkness and steps into the light. This poster is designed to reflect that moment for Lizzie and The Hat.

Feel free to use it as your phone background or whatever you like. I hope in some small way it encourages you to check out The Hat, and maybe even leave a review.

Thanks again for having me today. Now what kind of trouble can a robot girl get into around here?

Blurb:

Lizzie St. Laurent is dealing with many of the struggles of young life. She lost her grandmother, and her living arrangements. Her new roommate abandoned her, and she’s working multiple jobs just to keep her head above water.

She inherits an old hat from her grandmother’s estate, but it belonged to her grandfather. This is no ordinary hat, but a being from an alternate dimension. One with special powers.

Lizzie and the hat don’t exactly hit it off right away, but when her best friend’s newborn is kidnapped by a ring of baby traffickers, Lizzie turns to the hat for help. This leads her deep into her family history and a world she’s never known.

Lizzie gives up everything to rescue the babies. She loses her jobs and may wind up in jail before it’s over. Along the way, she and the hat may have a new way of making ends meet.

Humorous and fun, The Hat is novella length. Wonderful escapism for an afternoon.

Purchase Link: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B078YYCNSF

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Views of the Neighborhood – Crochet Art

January 14, 2018January 13, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

Today’s view of the neighborhood is very unusual. Every year during the holidays an unknown person decorates the bollards that serve to keep cars away from certain parts of the beach. These decorations are hand crochets, and each one is unique. What is surprising is one day they are not there and the next they are. The same goes for when they disappear. I hope you enjoy this mystery. (Where else but in Port Aransas?)

This will give you an idea of what the bollards do. They keep cars from driving on the beach. The building on the right can be seen from a distance as part of the last photo.