Lisa Burton Visits to Talk About C. S. Boyack’s New Book – Viral Blues

October 4, 2019October 3, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

It is always lovely to welcome Lisa Burton to my place for a chat. As most of you know by now, Lisa is the personal assistant to writer C.S.Boyack, and the last time she visited, we talked at the coast. I’m so glad she was able to get through the Austin traffic to join me here today. So welcome Lisa. Have a cup of coffee . . . Oh, wait. You don’t drink coffee or anything else. Well anyway, tell us what you are up to these days.

Thanks for having me over, John. Love the new place, but I kind of miss the beach. Craig has me on the road promoting his newest book, “Viral Blues.” I really enjoyed this one, because I get to be in it.

It started off as a sequel to “The Hat,” and it is, but Craig included a bunch of his existing characters in a kind of team-up story. Lizzie and The Hat are the lead, in that they walk readers in and out of the story, but a lot of us got a second chance to shine. In fact, bear with me while I access the Internet…

To quote an older review, by John Howell, “The Playground… is about a badder than bad badass who has been hired to hunt down a guy who has some code some other guy wants to recover.”

That’s my way of saying that Clovis is also making an appearance in Viral Blues. He’s kind of helpful in his own way. There are times when a robot girl can’t find the data online, and another method is required. There are some pretty handy folks who make up our team, but Clovis was indispensable. He also has a really cute dog, and I’m a sucker for animals.

The story begins when we all got invitations to a cryptic meeting. Gina Greybill is the head of a secret society. They’ve uncovered a plot to tamper with the nation’s vaccine supply. There are supernatural tracks all over this evidence and it’s the group’s job to sort it all out.

I got the chance to do a little corporate spying, and took over a drone to scope out a hotbed of activity. I even managed to do a little shopping along the way.

Lizzie has a pretty weak sense of style, and since she fronts a band, I decided to help her out a little. Her hat is actually a creature from another dimension, and can be any kind of hat she wants. That’s pretty handy from a fashion sense, so I worked from there. The big deal is that Lizzie has to pack heat. She has to drape something to cover her revolvers, so it makes it hard to wear a nice knit dress or anything like that.

Things got a little hairy, even creepy at a couple of points, and while I can’t speak for the others, I had a good time. I think readers will, too. I hope your fans will give it a chance.

Part of being Craig’s spokesmodel is handing out my posters. This one was from “The Hat,” But it’s still appropriate. I’m posing as Lizzie, and this particular hat caused a lot of grief. The hat had never worked with a woman before, and he was kind of embarrassed about it.

Thank you, Lisa. I’m sure this book will be as enjoyable as The Hat. I just started reading it and can say it is a good read so far. Here is the blurb as well as the purchase link. Also, C.S Boyack’s bio and other links are below the blurb.

***

Blurb:

Someone knows about the hat. The creature from another dimension that helps Lizzie fight against the creatures of darkness.

They are summoned to a cryptic meeting with a secret society, where they meet other people with enhanced skills. It turns out someone, or something, has been tampering with the world’s vaccine supply. The goal doesn’t appear to be political or financial, but biblical pestilence.

Can this group of loners come together in time to make a difference when even the proper authorities are obstacles?

Check out Viral Blues, for your dose of paranormal adventure, with a strong sample of dark humor. And in recent superhero style, don’t miss the secret last chapter after the back material.

Purchase link: http://mybook.to/ViralBlues

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Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Promote Charles Yallowitz’s War of Nytefall Series at $0.99

October 3, 2019October 2, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

“Okay, boss. Whats that thing below us there?”

“It is a photo showing all of Charles Yallowitz’s War of Nytefall Series which are on sale for $0.99 each for the month of October.”

“Oh thank goodness. Here I thought it was a bag of some kind of new dog food.”

“Me too, Lucy. Not sure I could handle that.”

“These are Fantasy and Vampire stories, right Twiggy?”

“Not sure Lucy. I think so but I have a hard time holding books.”

“If I didn’t know better I would say you just told a joke.”

“Yeah, I think I did. Where can people who can hold a reader get War of Nytefall?”

“You just gave the link in your question.”

“I did? What’s a link?”

“Please excuse Twiggy folks. She doesn’t get out much.”

“Yeah. I wish Mom would let me out right now.”

“I would rush to get these books at $.99. They are also available for 99 Pence in the UK and discounts at other sites as well. As for me I’ve worked hard enough as a spokesperson. Nap time.

“Currency exchange makes my head hurt, Lucy. Heres the US link again.”

War of Nytefell

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 231 by Keith Channing

October 1, 2019September 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 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

“Alphie come look.”

“What is is m’ love?”

“The rubbish bid has been tipped again.”

“Ack those boys.”

“Yes, and you need to set it right.”

“Me? Why not just let the rubbish blokes take care of it?”

“You know full well those blighters won’t lift a finger to right the thing. They’ll just pass by.”

“Okay but I’m getting distraught with this goings-on.”

“I know, dear, but what can we do?”

“Post a camera out by the bin and catch the little maggots who are doing this mischief.”

“Good idea. Let’s see. A camera and line feed couldn’t be more than two hundred pounds—”

“I get it, Bertie. For two-hundred pounds I can make many trips to the bin.”

“There we are, my smart man. Now pop off and set the bin right and I’ll put the water on for a lovely cuppa.”

“Ah, the shortest distance to getting what you want done, is through a tea strainer.”

“And a wee scone.”

“Be still my beating heart.”

“Now go on with ya and wear your scarf. It looks like a bit of chill in the air.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Gym

September 30, 2019September 29, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

This week in history had some pretty serious things going on, and not one was something I could mock without appearing disrespectful. (I guess Babe Ruth’s 60th home run in 1927 could be an exception, but I have already done a ballpark top ten) So, I have begun going to the gym again (after a broken kneecap), so I thought it would be fun to restate some things not to do if you go to a gym.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Gym

10 If you go to the gym, do not wear your workboots on the treadmill. If you do, at best, they are clean. At worst, these are the same boots you wore to the barn cleaning. (Well now you’ve done it, Jabari. You’ve caked the ellipsis with old Dobber’s straw and poop. I think this might be the last day of your membership.)

9 If you go to the gym, do not point out to Tiny the WWF champ the “Do Not Drop Barbells” sign. If you do, at best he’ll think you are pointing to the water fountain. At worst, Tiny, who just left his narcissist support group, will wonder why you are so rude as to ask him to follow the rules. ( Tiny has a way to handle what he thinks are nasty folks, Jabbar. He takes them for a helicopter spin and body drop, which only hurts for a little while.)

8 If you go to the gym, do not aks the guy who has three hundred pounds pressed overhead for the time. If you do, at best, he will have a sense of humor. At worst, you will break the lifter’s concentration. (Nice going, Jabir. You and he are now in the basement after the drop of the weights took you both through the floor. I would suggest you get up and get out quickly before he comes to.)

7 If you go to the gym, do not forget to wipe off any of the equipment that you sweated up. If you do, at best someone else will do it. At worst, a committee will form to convince you to begin. (Don’t look now, Jaccob but the committee is armed with spray disinfectant, and I think you may be the machine they intend to wipe down.)

6 If you go to the gym, do not carry on a cellphone conversation while working out. If you do, at best, the place will be empty. At worst, those around you want you to die. ( As a second choice, Jacinto you will be able to find your phone in the ten-foot end of the pool.)

5 If you go to the gym, do not finish that hero sandwich while riding the stationary bike. If you do, at best you only had two bites left. At worst, once you really got going the crumbs, lettuce and onion bits are blown everywhere. ( What a sight, Jacky. You look like a confetti machine on New Year’s Eve. Now go get a vacuum machine and clean this stuff up.)

4 If you go to the gym, do not think that wife-beater t-shirt that says “People Suck,” is appropriate exercise wear. If you do, at best, you’ll be totally ignored. At worse, the biggest guy in the gym walks over and says, “I’m a people.” (Well now, Jacobson you have a choice. Fight or flee. I would suggest the latter thank you.)

3 If you go to the gym, do not moan out loud with each lift of the weights. If you do, at best everyone will be listening to music. At worst, everyone will be making faces behind your back. (I hope you are happy, Jacoby. There is an entire mime show going on behind you to the delight of the performers.)

2 If you go to the gym, do not keep wearing the same unwashed exercise clothes. If you do, at best no one is near you. At worst, people keep wondering aloud who is hiding the Limburger cheese. (Normally you wouldn’t care, Jacquin but the pack of dogs following you are becoming a pain.)

1 If you go to the gym, do not work the New York Times crossword puzzle while on the treadmill. If you do, at best, your no hands workout is an accomplishment. At worst, your attempt at no hands treadmill work is a disaster. ( Don’t worry, Jacquelin no one laughed when you went teacart over teacups at the end of the treadmill. Well, almost no one. Okay everyone but the guy eating the hero laughed.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Heritage Wrap Up

September 29, 2019September 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Last week we took a long look at the Leibolt cabin. I checked some previous posts and saw there were some heritage points that I have not shown. So this week completes the heritage collection of Lakeway. I hope you enjoy

The first store in Lakeway called the Country Store built in 1969.

The plaque on the store.

This building was built in 1996 on the site of The Lakeway Land Company headquarters which burned down in 1979.

The marker.

The flagpole on the Live Oak Country Club grounds was the first community flag pole and was the focal point for the beginning of the Fourth of July parade. It was installed in 1977.

The flagpole marker.

The Lakeway Land office where lots were sold for $4000.

The first house built in Lakeway.

Not part of the heritage trail but thought this wind mobile was colorful.

The Blocker Home built in 1964 by one of the founding families of Lakeway.

The Blocker Home marker.

The “Little Grass Shack” built in 1970 and was Lakeway’s largest home at that time.

The Little Grass Shack marker.

The site of the first pay telephone (and first telephone in Lakeway) installed in 1962.

The telephone marker.

I hope you enjoyed the little outing today.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ent, Ten, Net”

September 28, 2019September 27, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt has been conjured up by Dan Antion. Rather than try to paraphrase the prompt here are Dan’s words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ent” “ten” “net.” Use one, use two, or use all three (bonus points for using two, double-bonus points for using all three). As Linda would say, use ’em any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

If you would like to run yourself ragged in the quest for enjoyment, visit Linda Hill’s blog to read how. Here is the link.

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

“What is that pin on your jacket?”

“It’s my personality.”

“You have no personality but for the sake of answering the question, what does ENTJ mean?”

“It’s a score from a test.”

“Okay, now I know a lot more than I did. What test?”

“Meyers-Briggs personality test. Each letter stands for a personality trait.”

“Can you take ten seconds and net it out for me?”

“Sure. ENTJs are natural and decisive leaders. They are analytical, efficient, and hardworking. They live in a world of ideas and have a great ability to debate.”

“Whaaaat???? This does not sound like you at all. Was this one of those things you do on Twitter or the internet?”

“No, it’s more scientific than that. There are a series of questions you answer to the best of your ability.”

“You obviously cheated off the person next to you.”

“Very funny. I’ve taken the test ten times, and it always comes up the same.”

“Is the person next to you the same each time?”

“Okay, you don’t have to recognize my type, but I know I’m a natural leader.”

“What have you led lately?”

“That is beside the point. I know I have the ability now all I need is the opportunity.”

“Okay, I have a leadership opportunity for you.”

“I’m ready.”

“Decide where we go for lunch.”

“Where do you want to go?”

“See my point exactly.”

“Yeah? Well, when we get there, I’ll buy.”

“Now, there is a leader. How much do you have on you?”

“Ten bucks.”

“Net after-tax, ten should be enough.”

“While there, I’ll explain some of my entrepreneur ideas.”

“The tension is killing me. Let’s go and start some networking and maybe enter the Shark Tank competition.”

“You aren’t making much sense.”

“Yeah, just trying to squeeze in more prompt words.”

“Let’s get to lunch before you have a nettlesome ten stage entropic episode.”

“Boom.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 27, 2019September 26, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Today is Friday. Hold on. If that is news to anyone it is definitely time for a relook at your priorities. Yes, it is the last workday of the week. Yahoo. Always nice to recognize Friday.

This week has been pretty typical. I managed to meet my 1000 word a day goal and now my WIP stands at above 89,000. If I do seven more thousand next week the first draft will be done and total 96,000 words. Of course, the conclusion could come crashing in at fewer words but either way it will be done next week. (God willing and the creek don’t rise.)

Then the editing and rewrite will begin at the expense of the few hairs I have left.

I spent some time this week on Amazon ads. There was a weeklong workshop in which I participated. It was informative and gave me some pretty good ideas about Amazon advertising. I have vowed to conquer this beast or die trying. We’ll see how it goes.

I raised some concern about views and the need to maybe change some things on the blog. I took a look this week at visits to my blog in contrast to just looking at views and for the most part the visits are pretty consistant. Long story short I’m going to leave the format alone but continue to keep monatoring.

Today’s JohnKu talks about continued review of our chosen path to make certain it is still relevant. I hope you have a great weekend.

The path well travelled,

Should be evaluated . . .

So you won’t get lost.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy

September 26, 2019September 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

“Hey Lucy. Look at this new material.”

“Yeah. Little one. The others just couldn’t stand up to us.”

“I don’t know what that means. Look a deer.”

“It means that you and I are pretty hard on couches. You know laying around on them and all.”

“What’s that black thing on the floor?”

“It’s a mid century modern accent rug.”

“Why are you standing like a bronze horse in the park? Look another deer.”

“I’m keeping an eye out for mom. Not sure she’s going to appreaciate you on the couch.”

“I think she is fine with it.”

Author Andrew Joyce’s Mahoney On Sale for $0.99

September 26, 2019September 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Today I’m hosting a favorite author, Andrew Joyce to let you know his outstanding book, Mahoney is on sale today through September 30th for $0.99. That is 1/4 the cost of a Starbucks and way more rewarding.

You can buy it HERE

In this compelling, richly researched novel, author Andrew Joyce tells a riveting story of adventure, endurance, and hope as the Mahoney clan fights to gain a foothold in America.

In the second year of a Gorta Mhór—the Great Famine—nineteen-year-old Devin Mahoney lies on the dirt floor of his small, dark cabin. He has not eaten in five days. His only hope of survival is to get to America, the land of milk and honey. After surviving disease and storms at sea that decimate crew and passengers alike, Devin’s ship limps into New York Harbor three days before Christmas, 1849. Thus starts an epic journey that will take him and his descendants through one hundred and fourteen years of American history, including the Civil War, the Wild West, and the Great Depression.

Here is my review of the book which I consider a must-read.

Mahoney by Andrew Joyce

Andrew Joyce has crafted a marvelous story that can best be described as exceptionally well written historical fiction. He has taken three generations of the Mahoney family from the dirt floor of their humble cabin in county Cork Ireland to grand adventures in the United States. Make no mistake, it is a long a perilous journey but filled with exceptional characterizations. The story takes in the time frame from the potato famine in Ireland to the Great Depression.

Mr. Joyce takes in a broad sweep of historical venue in his storytelling. A less talented author would get lost in the details or fail to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Not so with this story. There are historical backdrops which serve to highlight the scenes developed with great care. The history does not overshadow the tale but adds a sense of relevance to what is being told. It is almost like the author intended us to tag along as he laid out what could only be described as world-building at the highest level.

The main characters have an authenticity not usually found in a novel that deals with generations of the family. It would be all too easy to plunk down some stereotypical generational shifts. Here is where Mr. Joyce excels. The three generations live extraordinary lives filled with adventure and a few twists that keep the story interesting. In the end, it is plain that the story of the family Mahoney is epic. There is enough adventure, excitement, and plot surprises to entertain any one reading this book.

If you would like a book that is filled with intriguing characters, fast-moving plot, and writing that sometimes takes your breath away, this one is for you.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 25, 2019September 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

“I can almost smell Friday, Lucy.”
“Better nose than mine Little One.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we got yet another surprise in the form of a billionaire who kindly asked Andrew and Larry to go back to Boston. It looks like whoever is the top dog they are pretty influential in getting a billionaire in their hip pocket. Well, the offer has been made, and the billionaire is waiting for Larry’s response. Let’s hustle cause I think we all would like to know what Larry has to say.

“Do we have a deal, Mr. Nobel? I don’t think so.”

“Uh, Mr. Dunfee, I would think over my offer very carefully if I were you.”

“Excuse me Larry but can you and I have a moment?”

“Mr. Nobel is there a place Andrew and I can talk?”

“I’ll leave, and you can have this room.”

“No offense but we need to talk in private. How about the front porch?”

“By all means. Let me call Terrance to escort you there.”

“No need. We left breadcrumbs.”

“Huh? Oh, I get it a joke. Very well, I’ll wait for you here.”

“Come on, Andrew. Let’s go outside.”

“Right behind you, boss.”

“Okay, we are out of earshot, Andrew. What do you want to say?”

“I think the best course of action is for us to get back to Boston and conduct our investigation from there.”

“What the hell, Andrew. We have a search warrant burning a hole in our pocket, and we are only steps away from proving Rafferty’s wife lied to us and we can hopefully get some proof that she was in the hotel here in South Lake Tahoe when she said she was in Boston.”

“I know, I know. Is trying to prove someone lied worth getting your head shot off?”

“You really think those bozos would do that?”

“Did you look at them?”

“Well yeah, of course.”

“Then yes. I think they could do that.”

“Okay so we go back to Boston. How do we conduct the investigation?”

“I think we get the DA to issue a few warrants and get to the truth that way.”

“That does make some sense.”

“We are on our own here, Larry. You already got a hole in your shoulder, and for what?”

“Justice.”

“Fine we can still get Justice from Boston, and we will be in our own jurisdiction.”

“Okay Andrew. I’m going to take your advice, after all, I’m paying you too much to simply ignore it.”