Tag: fiction favorites

Thursday – A Little Personal – #RRBC Recruitment

~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Gwen's Lifetime award

As most of you know, I’m a member of Rave Reviews Book Club. Today is Recruitment Day, and the purpose of this post is to present some of the reasons you should join.

The theme of Recruitment Day is “MY RESPONSIBILITY AS A WRITER.” As I see it, my responsibility as a writer is to help as many of my fellow writers to be successful as possible. This is especially important in the Indie author environment. If we authors don’t help each other, there is no one who will volunteer to help. By help, I am referring to sharing information, supporting book launches, offering to read and critique new work, buying Indie author books, writing reviews, and just being there to provide support and advice. If this is my responsibility the question remains can I be effective if I am the only one with this sense of service? Well, the answer is no, but there is hope because I’m not alone. There are four hundred plus like-minded authors out there with the same goal of helping fellow artists. We believe that if we help others, we will get the help we need. I am talking about Rave Reviews Book Club.

Our goal is to Profile, Promote & Propel our members to unimaginable heights in everything we do, and we’re pretty sure we’re doing a really great job of that! How do we go about such hefty tasks? Well, let me name just a few of the awesome ways we lift and support our members:

3 Books of the Month (each month)

Monthly Book Discussions/Q&A Sessions

“SPOTLIGHT” Authors

#PUSHTUESDAY

Members of the Month

Members of the Week

Have You Met…? series

Pay It Forward Weeks

RAVE WAVES BlogTalk Radio Shows (9 monthly)

VIP Members

Book & Blog Block Parties

Book Trailer Block Parties

Writing Contests / Photo Contests

Book Purchases/Reads/REVIEWS!!!

RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER’S SOUL Anthology (inclusion of members only)

RAVE AWARDS

Daily Tweet Support (which keeps your name and your book out on the World Wide Web)

Honors, Cash Awards and so much more!

You should do yourself a favor and sign up. Go HERE to do that. Also, who are the members?  Here is the roster

Uncle Sam

You should want you as a member of RRBC

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Funny college

 

Wednesday Story Day again. As you have probably guessed the story is beginning to start its conclusion dance. Last week Father Lightfoot showed up at the Worthe’s. Father Lightfoot was explaining to Ben that he thought Trudy was on to him. Just when he was going to tell Ben why he thought so, Trudy herself made an appearance. Lucky for all of us Alexis showed up with some ice tea. We haven’t seen Mr. Worthe for a while and have no idea what he is doing. We must go now and see if someone is going to do something to someone else.
“I asked you, Father, if there was anything I should know.”
“Mrs. Worthe. Believe me; there is nothing you should know.”
“What about the little secrets between you and Ben.”
“secrets? What secrets?”
“Oh come on, Father. You must take me for an idiot. You know very well you put Ben up to spying on our family.”
“Mrs. Worthe, he did not.”
“Shut up Ben. Let the good Father tell me that lie.”
“Ben’s right Mrs. Worthe. I did no such thing.”
“What if I told you I have a certain recording of you two hatching a plan. Also, I know you are a federal agent Lightfoot. If that is even your name.”
“Mrs. Worthe. You have an active imagination, but now you are letting it get the best of you.”
“You calling me a liar, Lightfoot.”
“No. I just think you are getting a little wound up in your conspiracy theories.”
“Don’t move Lightfoot.”
“Daddy, what are you doing with that gun?”
“Shush honey. This Lightfoot character is trying to put your mother and me in jail.”
“But daddy guns are dangerous. You are pointing it right at the Father.”
“He’s no father. He’s a federal agent.”
“I would suggest you put that gun away Worthe. Up to now, your crimes have been in the white-collar category. You are taking your offenses in a whole different direction.”
“Shoot him dear.”
“Daddy don’t. Mom. How could you suggest such a thing.”
“You should leave the room Alexis honey. You don’t need to be here.”
“Mrs. Worthe.”
“What Ben.”
“You aren’t going to give me fifty thousand are you?”
“Ben my boy. I don’t care what people say. You are brighter than you look.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #96 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 16 Comments

Here are the words from Keith Channing to describe what is going on here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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.”  Now the tragic part. Keith goes on to say, “Important note: I shall be on holiday for the next three weeks. Kreative Kue 97 will not appear until 24 October.” Oh dear. Well, let’s worry about that next week.

Here this week’s photo.

Happy Faces

“Keep smiling and maybe they won’t know.”

“Shush. They’ll hear you.”

“Don’t be silly. They are so far away they would never hear us.”

“Don’t be too sure. I think the old guy is getting wise. He’s smiling back.”

“Naw. He just has gas is all.”

“How long do we have to hold these grins? My face is beginning to cramp.”

“Till they walk away. I’ll let you know.”

“Tell me again why we are smiling?”

“For Pete’s sake. The guy gave us a nickel. We are showing gratitude.”

“For a nickel? You gotta be kidding me.”

“Shush. They are coming back. Keep smiling and let me do the talking.”

“Hi there.”

“Hi, sir.”

“You youngsters have been smiling for quite a while. Is everything okay?”

“Oh yes, sir it is.”

“You sure you don’t have a stomach ache of anything?”

“No, sir. We are just fine.”

“Well, have a good afternoon.”

“We will sir and the same to you.”

“Oh, by the way. I seem to have dropped my coin purse. Did you happen to see it?”

“Why no sir. Are you sure it’s not in another pocket?”

“I’m quite sure.”

“That is a shame since you were so generous with that nickel. Would you like it back, sir?”

“No that’s okay. You have fun with that coin.”

“We will sir. Is there a name we can call you since you’ve been so nice?”

“Sure. Just call me Mr. Scrooge.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Scrooge and God bless you.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do in a Fast Food Drive Through

~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Drive through

10 If you are going to a drive through, do not ask the order taker for a dining recommendation. If you do, at best you’ll get a repeat of the “how can I help you?” At worst, the order person will tell you to eat somewhere else. (Didn’t expect that did you? You better take the advice.)

9 If you are going to a drive through, do not ask for a description of the special of the day. If you do, at best there is no special. At worst, the order person will believe you are mocking their position and will get even. (Do not lift that lid on the soft drink just throw it away.)

8 If you are going to a drive through, do not tell the order taker that this is a to go order. At best, you won’t hear the comment since the mic is turned off. At worst, you’ll have to sit and listen to the laughter of the entire order crew and patrons as the order taker broadcasts “THIS IS A TO GO ORDER” over the loudspeaker. (What were you thinking? DRIVE THROUGH. Duh?)

7 If you are going to a drive through, do not ask for special handling of your sandwich. If you do, At best you’ll be asked to pull over. At worst, you will sit in the penalty box in the hot sun until the staff finally remembers you are there. (Your special handling request is forgotten as well)

6 If you are going to a drive through, do not joke about a wine pairing. If you do, at best you’ll confuse the order taker and will take more time. At worst, the order taker will seek out a manager to find the answer. (The manager’s name is Tiny and this is the fourteenth hour Tiny has been at work. Tiny was also the Class A high school wrestling champ in the state and had to relinquish the title because of anger issues. Bon appetite.)

5 If you are going to a drive through, do not change your order. If you do, at best you will get both. At worst, you will get the order of the car behind you which bears no resemblance to what you wanted. (You have to wonder how a burger that big can fit into a mouth.)

4 If you are going to a drive through, don’t forget to check your order. If you do forget, at best the only thing missing is a straw. At worst, that deep-fried chicken sandwich that you didn’t order triggers your cholesterol and blood pressure to new high levels. (“So how did we come to eat that thing?” is the question asked by your doctor. It is very sad that you try to blame the drive through.)

3 If you are going to a drive through, do not try to stock your condiment supply with a request for extra. If you do, at best you’ll get one more catsup, and that’s all. At worst, you will get too many catsups and not enough mustard and mayonnaise. (The charge for all of this will be on your credit card bill, and it will be way too much.)

2 If you are going to a drive through, do not answer “yes” to any questions regarding quantity. If you do, at best you will spend more and eat more. At worst, your three-week exercise program that had you feeling good will now need a reset. (How can something that only weighs twelve ounces put three pounds on your frame?)

1 If you are going to a drive through don’t wait until you get to the order spot to decide you are a vegan. If you do, at best there will be nothing on the menu for you. At worst, the cars behind you will raise an uproar as you search for an acceptable item. (That police officer heading toward you is responding to the manager who  finally gave up asking you for your order.)

Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

This week my producer came up with the idea of providing some pictures of a few of the hotels in Port Aransas. One of the most famous is the Tarpon Inn. It was here that President Roosevelt stayed in 1937 and signed a Tarpon scale. Here is the sign in front of the hotel.

 

If you look closely (well you can’t see it) there is a replica of the Tarpons scale signed by FDR. Here is a closeup that will help.

 

The next sign is all kinds of fun. Each of the cottages is named in keeping with the horse theme.

 

Notice only good dogs are okay to stay. This next sign is for an aviation themed motel. The sign says it all.

 

The building is attractive as well.

 

I have always liked this sign. The cottages have fish names which make it tough to enter the wrong room. “Oh excuse me this is the Dorado room. I was looking for the  Perch room.”

 

I particularly like the fact they have a jungle gym at this place.  The next is also a themed resort. If you can’t dance, you can’t stay here. (Just kidding)

 

This next one is a big puzzle. Here is a look at the outside.

 

Here is what goes on inside.

 

Here is what it looks like in there. What you have is tents, community showers and roughing it. Sounds like fun. (for a day)

 

This last one is included not for its beauty but for the idea represented by the name. (This one is under construction.)

 

You have to admire the name The Place. (Makes one wonder about staying anywhere else.)Hope you liked the tour.

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Bus”

~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

SOCS

It is Saturday again and time for a little Stream of Consciousness. This week’s prompt is “bus.” Yeah that’s it, “bus.” Linda Hill says we can use it anyway we want and even include it in a word or words. Well, this prompt make me hot. I can hardly wait to get going. If you want to join in go to Linda’s site and read the words of wisdom there. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2016/09/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-2416/

Bus by John W. Howell ©2016

“I read a post by some erudite author that unattributed dialog is not the thing use to start a story.”

“Oh yeah. What does he know.”

“Hey he’s a big deal. Okay, I never heard of him but he sure was full of himself.”

“So why are you starting this story with unattributed dialog?”

“I guess you can call me a rebel. Anyway, how I start a story is none of his business.”

“You are pathetic you know that?”

“What do you mean?”

“The way you worked business into the conversation. Bus is in business.”

“Honest mistake. One other thing. There was a group of literary snobs who visited some of these posts and thought the unattributed dialog was not proper.”

“What do you mean not proper.”

“Well you know there was the absence of “He said,” and other attributions.”

“So? Do they know how hard it is to have a story make sense without attributions? Did they understand you do it on purpose since people never say, “He said,”in conversations?”

“Naw. They just said I was not eligible to join their organization.”

“Sounds like you were bushwhacked. Do you care?”

“I’m too busy to care.Well, maybe a little.”

“Well I’m sure the busiest is the  best.”

“I think we are through with this subject. how about a beer?”

“How about a bushel? See what I did there?”

“Let’s go Ace.”

 

 

 

Friday John Ku – AKA- TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

TGIF

 

For those of you who have been keeping track, this is Friday. it should be the beginning of the last work day of the week for those in the Americas. The rest of the world has already completed the day and may even be looking at the close of Saturday (Aw).

I hope your week was good. I know mine was busy, and I think it will be good to relax and enjoy the weekend. We are expecting a little rain so it might be a good time to grab a book and rest the brain.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the need for rest.

Timeout by John W. Howell ©2016

Racing all the time,

Can jeopardize your good heath. . .

Take a hint and rest.

Happy weekend all. Cheers *clinking of the margarita glass* (Only metaphorically speaking, of course.)

Thursday – A little Personal – Our Justice Launch Wrap-up

~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

Our Justice

It has been quite a ride. The Kindle version of Our Justice has been on preorder and will be shipping tomorrow. The paper edition is available now. Both can be found on Amazon right HERE.

Thank you, everyone, who pre-ordered copy of Our Justice.

I want to thank all the wonderful bloggers who gave up some of their precious space to help promote the launch. Here they are and a visit to their blog will be a rewarding experience.

Jo Robinson Teri Polin A.G Moye Sally G. Cronin Gwen Plano

Charles Yallowitz Keith Channing Janice Spina

Cathrine Townsend-Lyon Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Kim Cox Chris Graham John Fioravanti Jan Hawke

Keven Brennan Hugh Roberts Don Massenzio Marie Ann Bailey

Craig Boyack Mae Clair Olivia Stocum Susan Nicholls

Jill Weatherholt Jan Sikes Olga Nunez Miret

A picture montage

Craig Boyack

Gwen Plano

Cat pic

Charles Yallowitz Lisa Burton John Fioravanti    Jan SikesSally Cronin Photo

 

 

 

Chris GrahamDonA.G MoyeSusan Nicholls newer photoolivia stocumJo RobinsonJanice SpinaHugh RobertsmaeclaireKim CoxLucyJill WeatherholtMarie Ann BaileyTeri PolenKevin Brennan12-18-2014 New Haircut-1 paintOlgaKeith Channing

You are all wonderful

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

College

 

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Alexis and Ben in a conversation that looked like they were going to become friends again. (We never know). As they were talking Father Lightfoot is seen walking up to the house. We had better get over there since we don’t want to miss a single moment of what is going to transpire as a result of his visit. Ben has an idea that his fifty thousand dollars will be going bye-bye in the wake of the visit. I’ll race you.
“Stay here, Ben. I’ll answer the door. Mother doesn’t like the good Father much so maybe I can head him off.”
“Good idea. I’ll stay out of sight.”
“Why hello Father Lightfoot. What brings you here today?”
“Hi, Alexis. I was wondering if Ben is still here? I haven’t heard from him in some time and thought I would check in to see if he is okay.”
“Do come in Father. Ben is here. He is in the living room. I’ll take you to him.”
“Thank you very much. Is your mother home?”
“Yes. Mom’s in the back room getting something for Ben. Speaking of Ben here he is.”
“Hi, Father. Long time no see.”
“Yes, Ben. I have been expecting a call from you and wondered how you were.”
“Oh, just Fine father. Mrs. Worthe and Alexis have been fantastic.”
“Alexis could you excuse Ben and me for a second. I need to talk to him in private.”
“Certainly. I’ll get us something to drink. Ice tea?”
“That would swell. Thank you.”
“Give me a second Ben. I want to make sure Alexis is in the kitchen. Ah, I can hear her getting the tea. Okay, tell me what’s going on?”
“Nothing Father er agent. Nothing’s going on.”
“What? You mean to tell me you’ve been in this house, and you have not picked up anything?”
“No, sir. These people are exactly what you see. Alexis is an air head and Mrs. Worthe is a business person.”
“What about off-shore accounts?”
“Never heard anything about them.”
“What about the Cayman’s?”
“We are all going there.”
“Oh ho. So they will probably empty the accounts while you’re there.”
“I never heard them say that.”
“Of course not, Ben. They’re not stupid. I suspect they don’t trust you.”
“Why not?”
“Trudy Worthe is a smart person. I believe she thinks you are working for me.”
“How does she know you are not a priest?”
“I’m not sure, but I get the feeling she is on to me.”
“Well look who’s here. Father Lightloafers.”
“Hello, Mrs. Worthe. Ben and I were just talking about you.”
“Oh, I’ll just bet you were. Anything I should know?”
“Here’s the ice tea everyone.”
“Ah, Alexis. I’ll just bet the good Father is glad you interrupted.”
“Really Father? Why’s that?”
“Long story Alexis. Long story.”