Tag: fiction favorites

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #180 with Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

In Keith’s words, “Using this photo 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #180

“Hey, Ralphie. Take a look.”
“What is it?”
“It’s one of them boats that goes out in the sound looking for whales.”
“Seems kind of dumb to me.”
“Yeah me too. I can’t see spending all kinds of time on a tub like that when all you have to do is look out toward the horizon and see all the whales you want.”
“Well, maybe those folks want to see a whale up close.”
“I’m suposen’ that could be true alright.”
“For the life of me, I can’t see what is so exciting.”
“I’m with you. You seen one whale you’ve seen them all.”
“Especially those big ole grey things.”
“Can you believe how those rubes ooh and ah when those hulks break the surface in one of those amateur grabs for attention.”
“I guess they think that is a hard thing to do.”
“How about when some dope asks the captain if they can pet a whale?”
“I know right? You would think the whale was a pet dog or something.”
“Well them folks have nothing to fear. Most of those big guys eat Brill and not humans.”
“Yeah. I would like to see some tourist try to pet a shark.”
“They might come away missing a limb for sure.”
“You ever had human?”
“God no. I smelled one and was convinced to stay with my fish diet. Don’t think I could handle that heavy protean. How about you?”
“I was running with a pretty bad crowd and happened on a swimmer. I was tempted but glad I took off.”
“See we are the best.”
“I still don’t see why they call us killer whales though.”
“Yeah. Go figure. Want to follow that boat and put on a show?”
“Might be fun. A couple of jumps ought to do it. Let’s go.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Making a Top Ten Things Not to Do List

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

 

Top Ten things not to do

 

10 If you are making a top ten things not to do list, do not search the internet for top ten ideas. If you do, at best your creativity will be stilted. At worst you’ll start duplicating others work without knowing it. (Looks like that plagiarism charge is going to stick, Elder. There goes the old writing career.)

9 If you are making a top ten things not to do list, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ to preview the ridiculous stuff you wrote about him. If you do, at best Tiny left his reading glasses at home. At worst, Tiny just left his self-esteem support group and is now taking everything you wrote literally. (I wouldn’t worry about getting your shredded paper back, Elia. I think I would begin to make book for the door.)

8 If you are making a top the things not to do list, do not check with a loved one to see if it is funny. If you do, at best you’ll be disappointed with the response. At worst, you’ll get a reminder about how beautiful it would be if you had a real job. (You can’t expect everyone to like your stuff, Ellery. Keep looking maybe you’ll find one person who does.)

7 If you are making a top ten things not to do list, do not stare at people who will eventually end up being on the list. If you do, at best one may ask you, “Are you looking at me?” At worst, you might be taken for a stalker and have to explain yourself. (As you can see the police have no interest in your list making career, Elson.  They just want you to come quietly.)

6 If you are making a top ten things not to do list, do not make the subject so obscure no one will get it. If you do, at best your readership may drop. At worst, you will be explaining your meaning for the next ten years. (So why do you suppose nobody got the Top Ten things not to do in a Barnyard, Emery? I thought it was fascinating.)

5 If you are making a Top ten things not to do list, do not make a list so familiar that everyone will think you did these things. If you do, at best you’ll look like a fool. At worst, the FBI opens a file about you, and you get this strange feeling you are being followed. (Don’t look now, Emilin but there is a black SUV at the end of your block.)

4 If you are making a top ten things not to do list, do not think the subjects will come to you if you drink more. If you do, at best you can run one you published before. At worst, you will actually hit publish without waiting until the morning after to proofread the work. ( You know those seven words George Carlin said can’t be used on the radio? Well, Emrys you used each one in your post. They aren’t allowed there either.)

3 If you are making a top ten things not to do list, do not think you have to be practical. If you do, at best your work will be as dry as unbuttered rye toast. At worst, you’ll get mail from folks more practical than you telling you how your list is impractical. ( just shows to go ya, Endymion, you can’t please all the people all the time. Gotta stick with fiction.)

2 If you are making a top ten things not to do list, do not stop until you have ten things. If you do, at best you’ll look like you had a bad night. At worst, folks will be looking for the tenth item and will assume you are holding out on them. (Okay so it is not such a big deal, Enrico but some of your regulars are talking boycott. Who advertises ten and then publishes only nine? Crazy people that’s who.)

1 If you are making a top ten things not to do list, do not think you will be discovered some day. If you do, at best you’ll still work in the dark. At worst, you will create a false expectation that your lists are the key to fame. ( Looks like another day has passed without that million seller, Ericson. Looks like you need to make another list.)

The Alternative By Suzanne Burke- My Review

~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

I originally posted a review for the Alternative on Amazon. Yes, I bought the book, read it and gave a five-star review. For some reason yet to be explained, Amazon removed my review. So I feel no obligation not to publish the same review here on my blog. So here it is.

My Five Star Review

Suzanne Burke has a masterful way of telling a story. She is very direct in laying out the plot in such a way as to convince the reader that the ending will naturally follow the sequence that has been presented. The beauty of the way Ms. Burke crafts her tale is when the finish comes it packs the wallop of a couple of horse’s hooves.

The collection of stories in The Alternative is no exception to this phenomenon. One cannot even be assured that any one of the stories will follow a prescribed path to a conclusion. That is the beauty of Ms. Burke’s work. The reader is delighted and surprised every step of the way.

There is delightful darkness to Ms. Burke’s storytelling. Having read other work by her, I have to believe she finds the dark infinitely more interesting than the light. I can say one thing. Once you read a Suzanne Burke novel or short story, you’ll become a fan.

This collection of stories is well told and have a sophistication not generally found in the short story style. Anyone of these stories carries the depth of plot and complexity that would be typically be found in a full-length novel. I would recommend this collection of short stories to anyone who likes a well-developed plot and the demonstration of an exceptional level of writing craft.

Susanne Burke

Author Bio

Suzanne Burke resides with her daughter and grandson in a small country town located hundreds-of miles to the west of her previous home in Sydney Australia.

Suzanne had long wanted to write, life interrupted and she didn’t begin her journey into the world of writing until she was in her early fifties.

Suzanne has written her memoirs under the author name of Stacey Danson, both her non-fiction books have ranked in the top 100 paid in Kindle on Amazon. “Empty Chairs” and “Faint Echoes of Laughter” continue to earn wonderful reviews.

Suzanne writes her powerful Thrillers “Acts Beyond Redemption” and “Acts of Betrayal” and her Paranormal anthology “Mind-Shaft” as S. Burke.

Connect with Suzanne

Amazon Author Page

On TWITTER.

On Facebook.

My Blog

Views of the Neighborhood – Check on the Birding Center

~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

I decided to go by the Leonabell Turnbull Birding Center to see how much progress has been made on the Hurricane Harvey reconstruction. Join me as we walk about

The Farley boat has been replanted

The plant labels are back. This is a Firecracker plant.

A new information sign with leaflet containers.

This is a sign detailing the recovery plan. It also asks for patience.

I retook this photo since it amazes me how much vegetation was taken by the storm. Those three mothballed oil rigs were not visible before the Hurricane.

The Port Aransas Garden Club has adopted a site at the center.

There is always some idiot who sticks their head in the Alligator sign.

I had hoped to see a lot of birds listed. But we do know Big Bird Little Bird, a coot, a pelican, Kristi, James, and Jane were spotted. I can’t read the frown face

Unfortunately, the access to the birding center is still not repaired.

The alligator’s swamp is still filled with debris (He is fine and living in another part of the reserve)

The Cattails are beautiful.

Reminders not to feed the wildlife anything including yourself. Sorry that the center is still under construction but it looks a lot better than it did. I’ll come back when the walkways are finished.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Bug”

~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Conscious Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “bug.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. (that’s a relief. I hate to be shoved into using a word in a way I don’t want.” If you would like to have a go at this fun visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 23/18

Bug by John W. Howell © 2018

“Ixnay on the alktay.”

“Okay, so what weird thing do we have going today?”

“Read my lips.”

“I can’t understand a thing you are saying with those chapped lips.”

“For heaven’s sake. I think our place has a bug in it.”

“A bug? No biggie. Get some Raid.”

“Not that kind of bug you idiot. A listening device bug.”

“I see we’ve been reading too many spy novels.”

“I’m serious. I think someone is listening.”

“Okay genius. If so you have tipped them off that you know they are listening.”

“I tried to give you a sign.”

“Pig Latin is not a sign.”

“I mean with my lips.”

“You looked like you were passing gas. Your lips didn’t tell me a thing.”

“So now what do we do?”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m going to confess to tearing off the mattress tags.”

“Come on. Be serious.”

“I think it’s time for you to be serious. What makes you think someone is listening.”

“Strange things happening.”

“Like what?”

“Well, I was in that fast food place and ordered a hamburger.”

“Yes?”

“You know how much I love french fries. I even said to you before I left the house that I wish I could have some fries.”

“Yeah, I remember. You want to lose some weight, so you are not having any.”

“Well, that’s just it. When I placed my order, the server said, “Do you want fries with that?”

“So?”

“How did the server know I wanted the fries unless whoever is listening called ahead and told.”

“I think you need to lay down.”

“And supersize. How did the server know to ask? It keeps going on and on. When I couldn’t find the rye bread at the supermarket how did the checker know to ask if I found everything okay?” How does the gas pump know to ask “debit or credit?”

“I’m going to call the doctor in a minute if you don’t stop.”

“You better heed these warnings. As for me, I’m going to stop talking in the house. Do you hear that Mr. CIA? No more talking.”

“My prayers have been answered.”

“What’s that?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”

 

 

 

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

 

 

The Contract

Another week rolled by and the promise of a weekend to come. Today is the end of the blog tours for The Contract. Gwen and I have enjoyed interacting with all the tour hosts and all you fine folks who visited and commented. I want to once again thank everyone who volunteered their precious time to post information about the book. Also thanks to everyone who visited the twenty-six posts. I hope you found the hosts interesting enough to come back for more visits. After all, this line-up was the creme de la creme of the blogging community.

So how did The Contract do?

We were recognized by Amazon as the number one new release in several categories. In addition, we were recognized by Amazon as a hot new release internationally and in the US. We also managed to achieve a number one kindle position in the US and Australia. So, all in all, I say we had a pretty good run. We are currently sitting at number five in Kindle.

There are some that would like to tell you that blog tours don’t do much for sales. I think we have shown that the myth is just that, a myth. So here is one last thank you for all your hard work to each and everyone who made these results possible. Today’s John Ku is all about gratitude.

Gratitude by John W. Howell © 2018

It is you we thank,

For the good fortune, we share . . .

Your wings held us up.

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Rains Came

~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Twiggy is off today. She is recovering from her spay surgery. She is fine just confined to the house. Lucy and Baily, on the other hand, have free rein.

As most of you know, I live on a barrier island of the South Coast of Texas. This year we have been suffering from a drought. Our rainfall is in a deficit condition. So we finally got some rain and today’s story is about two miscreant doggies.

Drought

Here is a photo of the pond behind our house.  The water level is about twelve inches too low. This photo was taken on June 12th. That grey thing is a culvert pipe for the drains on the street.

Drought over

As you can see with the rain, we had yesterday the pond is more than full.

Now on to Lucy and Bailey

“Bailey. What are you doing in that water?”

“I’d like to say the breaststroke, but it’s not deep enough.”

“For heaven’s sake Bailey the Boss is going to kill you.”

“It sure is fun, Lucy.”

“I think you ought to come out of there quick.”

“Um, just a few minutes.”

“Is that a frog, Bailey?”

“I’m not sure. Might even be a trout.”

“Move over. Let me look.”

“My goodness. Your white coat sure takes on the muddy hue, Lucy.”

“You are right. I have to go find some clean grass and clean up.”

“I would wait. I double dog guarantee Pops will be giving us a bath.”

“Looks like you are taking one now.”

“The beauty of a dark coat is the mud doesn’t show much, Lucy.”

“Of course when one is covered in mud.”

“You are in so much trouble, Bailey.”

 

“I think I have had enough.”

“You leaving?”

“Wait for me, Bailey.”

Yes, Bailey and Lucy did get baths, and yes they did have a good time.

“Thanks, Boss.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

 

 

I’m telling you, kid, its Wednesday. Friday is two days off.

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we learned that a detective working on the Sandusky case was killed in an accident with a truck while he was on his way to church. Also, we witnessed Schmidt asking questions about Larry talking to his deceased wife. Before this confusion, Larry was going to contact the retired M.E. to determine if there is anything about the autopsy that wasn’t included in the report. I see Larry knocking on the M.E.’s door. Let’s go this should be good.

“Yeah, can I help you?”

“My name is Larry Dunfee with the Homicide Division, and I wonder if you have a few moments to speak with me?”

“Hold that badge closer will you detective. I don’t see as well as I used to.”

“No problem. Here you can hold it and the ID.”

“I assume you are a detective the way you are dressed.”

“Yes, sir. Homicide Division.”

“Yeah, that’s what your ID says too. What can I do for you?”

“Is there a place where we can talk?”

“Oh, my. Pardon my manners. Please come in.”

“Thank you. I have a case to discuss, and we should do so in private.”

“A case? Which one?”

“The Sandusky case.”

“You know I’m retired.”

“Yes, sir. After twenty-five years on the job.”

“And I never saw anything like it.”

“Like what sir?”

“Like a body without a heart and not a scratch on it.”

“That is why I wanted to talk to you. Is that possible?”

“I hardly think so. Would you like some coffee. I was just pouring a cup.”

“That would be terrific sir.”

“Call me Andrew. My name is Andrew. Sir makes me feel even older than I am.”

“Okay, Andrew. I wouldn’t want you feeling any older for sure.”

“Come into the kitchen. We can talk while I get us some coffee. You’ll have to excuse the place. I don’t get many visitors these days.”

“Looks swell to me.”

“The Mrs. would have my hide if she saw this.”

“She out of town?”

“In a manner of speaking. She passed a year ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss, Andrew.”

“Hit me hard. We were together for fifty years. I couldn’t believe it when she was gone.”

“I know how you feel. My wife passed a year ago as well.”

“I’ll be darned. What is the probability of two people in the same room having lost their wives a year ago? How long were you married?”

“Twenty-five years.”

“God that’s tough. At least I had more time with my Gina.”

“Gloria. My wife’s name is Gloria.”

“Both begin with a “G.”

“Hold on Doc. I’ve had enough on the fact our wives died a year ago. Let’s leave it at that.”

“As you say, Detective.”

“Call me Larry.”

“Do you take anything in your coffee, Larry?”

“Half and half and Splenda if you have it.”

“I take mine the same way. I’m sorry boy but there seems to be some kind of circumstance here, and you might as well go with it. Now, what about the Sandusky case?”

 

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #179 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 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 – 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.

Kreative Kue #179

“Okay, so how far have we moved?”
“Today?”
“Very funny.”
“I’m serious.”
“Yes, if you must joke, today.”
“Twelve feet.”
“Twelve feet? You must be kidding. I’m sure we have come further.”
“Further than yesterday’s sixteen feet.”
“This is insane. How can we continue to stay on this road when it is obvious the traffic isn’t going anywhere?”
“Um. Check the barrier in the middle.”
“Huh? Yeah, that does look pretty formidable. How about to the right?”
“The hills.”
“Drat. We’re trapped like rats. What kind of vacation is this anyway?”
“I think rats have a better chance. I would say it is a survival kind of vacation. We are out of water.”
“How can we be out of water? We packed enough for three days.”
“We’ve been sitting here for four.”
“We have? Where have I been?”
“A real good question. How’s that book coming along?”
“I guess I have been a little preoccupied.”
“I would call it ‘deep trance’ rather than preoccupied.”
“Well, there is a plot point I have been trying to work out.”
“That point where the man and woman are trapped in a cave and can’t get out.”
“That’s the one.”
“Art imitating life I think.”
“Huh?”
“Never mind. Did you work it out?”
“Yes. It seems they found an old flare gun and fired it through a vent in the ceiling of the cave and were rescued by the Coast Guard.”
“Oh, that is ingenious. Isn’t there a Coast Guard station near here?”
“Let me look on my phone. Oh yes, there’s one about three miles from here.”
“Do we have a flare gun?”
“Gosh no. Wait. Are you thinking of the cave rescue.”
“Could be. Open the sunroof. Maybe I can yell loud enough for help.”
“We are not in a cave.”
“Could have fooled me.”

The Contract – Guest Post with Mary Adler

~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

Gwen and I are with Mary Adler today. Mary is hosting us to bring the news of The Contract to her readers. Mary is a writer and very supportive of Indie authors. A visit to her site will give you an idea of just how. Here is the link to her blog.

About Mary in her words.

I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, quite a long time ago. When I was six or seven, I moved to northern California, where my dog and I disobeyed orders and spent afternoons exploring the bay. We found rocks and shells, crabs and fish. I touched the sandpaper skin of a dead shark and popped the bulbs on the ends of the kelp washed up on the shore. An afternoon at the bay was usually followed by an afternoon of
confinement – if only we could have avoided the tell-tale tar from the Standard Oil Refinery that matted her fur together or ruined yet another pair of my shorts.

When I was fourteen, I returned to Pittsburgh and spent the next decades yearning to live in California again. I yearned through college, teaching in Head Start, marrying, having children, going to law school, practicing law, becoming an associate dean at a medical school, and pursuing photography. During the yearning years, I returned to California for visits to renew my spirit and research the mystery book I was going to write one day.

Finally, my dreams have come true. Sonoma County is home, and In the Shadow of Lies is the book I began researching so long ago.

Thank you, Mary.