Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Class.”

June 18, 2016June 17, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

It is Stream of consciousness Saturday time again. Today’s prompt is the word “class.” Linda Hill graciously said we could use it any way we want. (man, freedom is another word for nothing left to lose.) If you would like to join it here is Linda’s site. go here and you will have all the information you need. https://lindaghill.com/2016/06/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-1816/

“So what you are saying is I don’t have any class.”

“No, what I’m saying is this area is private and unless you are a member you can’t come in here.”

“Who made that rule?”

“The Board of Governors.”

“Who are they?”

“The people who run this place.”

“How about you. Are you allowed here?”

“Well, of course I’m allowed here. I’m an employee.”

“An employee huh? You are not a member.”

“No, I’m not a member.”

“Then technically you’re not allowed here either.”

“Look buddy. I just enforce the rules. Now, I have to ask you to leave.”

“Okay. Ask away. I’m not going.”

“Do you want me to call the police?”

“Are they members?”

“Hell no, they’re not members”

“Then, they won’t be allowed here either, so it won’t do you any good.”

“I don’t want any hassle. What do I have to do to get you to leave?”

“You could ask me politely to leave.”

“Okay. Will you please leave?”

“Could you say, ‘Will you please leave Mr. Class sir?”‘

“This is starting to become dreary. Okay, will you please leave, Mr. Class sir?”

“Before I go, look at the membership list under ‘C.”‘

“Okay. So here is a Mr. Class.”

“Charles Class.”

“Yes, Charles Class. That’s me.”

“Why didn’t you say so?”

“You never asked. You said unless I was a member, I would have to leave.”

“Why didn’t you say you were a member?”

“I just did. Now do I have to leave.”

“No sir, you don’t.”

“Excellent, I’m leaving.”

Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 17, 2016June 16, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

Chill out its Friday

Well, we have had another busy week. The rain finally stopped falling, and we have a good old Texas High sitting over the state. That means high humidity and temperatures in the 100’s for a heat index. Near the Gulf, the temperature is about ten degrees cooler, yet the index is still uncomfortable due to the humidity which is usually not as high.

I spent the week pretty much promoting the sale of His Revenge. I spent a little money on advertising the promotion and can honestly say it did not pay off. I learned a lesson so I won’t be repeating it again with the organization I picked. Of course, the problem with the KDP promotions you only get one shot every quarter and if you blow the awareness program, it is a definite miss not recoverable soon. Also, I was all over Twitter and can honestly say that effort doesn’t track to sales. At least I can’t quantify sales as a result of Twitter activities.

Today’s JohnKu talks about trial and error as the most naive learning model

Learning by John W. Howell © 2106

Try this and then that,

There must be a solution. . .

If you keep trying.

Thursday – A little Personal – Interview with Stephanie Savard

June 16, 2016June 15, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

His Revenge

I am pleased to have Stephanie Savard visit Fiction Favorites today. For those of you who have not read My GRL and His Revenge, Stephanie plays a key role in her relationship with John J. Cannon. I was able to grab her while she was in between adventures and wanted to ask her a few questions about her career and relationship with John.

FF “Hi, Stephanie. I ‘m so pleased to have you on Fiction Favorites.”

SS “Why, thank you. It is my pleasure I can assure you. ”

FF “Would you care for anything to drink before we get started?”

SS “That’s sweet of you to ask. I’m fine, thank you.”

FF “Okay then. Let’s get started. My first question is about your career. You are a Navy pilot, and I am wondering how you chose that line of work?”

SS (Laughs) “I didn’t make the choice. The line of work sort of picked me. I was accepted to the US Naval Academy and finished my four years there. During career day in my junior year, I happened to visit the aviation booth and immediately wanted to fly those sleek-looking airplanes. I applied and attended flight school.”

FF “My sources tell me you were number one in your class.”

SS “Now you are making me blush. Yes, that’s true. I was very lucky.”

FF “So after flight school where did you go?”

SS “I kept attending advanced flight training and then joined Carrier Wing Eight a F18 Super Hornet squadron based on the Carrier George H. W. Bush. ”

FF “So you are a carrier pilot?”

SS “Yes and participated in airstrikes against ISIS.”

FF “My goodness I had no idea. What are you doing now?”

SS “I’m currently on leave.”

FF “Tell me how you came to meet John J. Cannon.”

SS “My brother and John helped each other, and I met John through my brother.”

FF “One of the problems with an interview is having to avoid spoilers so let me ask something totally away from the books.”

SS “I would like that as well. Avoiding spoilers that is.”

FF “If it’s not too personal do you see you and John having a long-term relationship.”

SS “I hope John’s not listening cause I don’t want him to get a big head. I think John is a fascinating man, and I enjoy his company. As far as long-term is considered I believe that this character Matt Jacobs will have something to say about that concept.”

FF “What do you mean?”

SS “You do know he has been trying to get John to help him with his nefarious plans to destroy the west.”

FF “I’ve read about that yes.”

SS “So if Matt is successful I don’t think John and I have a chance. I could never be with someone who helps terrorists like Matt.”

FF “What if Matt is not successful?”

SS “I know John would rather die than help Matt. I guess you will have to come to your conclusion.”

FF “Either way it doesn’t sound good for you two.”

SS (Blinking away tears) “I’m glad for what John and I have together and if it all ended today we have been very fortunate to know each other.”

FF “I don’t know what else to say. Thank you, Stephanie, for being here today, and I’m hoping for the best.”

SS “Thank you so much. I am as well.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

June 15, 2016June 14, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

Hump day story

Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we left Ben poking the Worthe bear by telling Trudy she was nuts. Probably not a good thing to do. To punch up his dependence on her, Trudy inquired what Ben would like for lunch. We all shouted at Ben to try to survive the next few days without eating anything. Did Ben hear us? Let’s go back and see. Someone grab that body bag over there. We might need it.
“Well, Ben dear. I fixed you a nice bowl of soup for lunch. It’s my favorite, chicken noodle.”
“Aw gee, Mrs. Worthe. I don’t think I could eat anything right now. I haven’t been out of bed and don’t feel hungry.”
“Oh, come on, Ben. I didn’t poison your soup. You have nothing to worry about regarding poison. Don’t listen to the likes of Antion. Here I’ll take a sip. See I’m still okay.”
“Y-you think I will be able to talk to father Lightfoot?”
“I still don’t know what’s wrong with you. That shaman isn’t going to help you.”
“I don’t need any help. I just need to take care of my soul.”
“Yeah, right. You may think you are clever Ben. I am always several steps ahead of you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I called Lightfeather and told him to get his ass over here and give you whatever forgiveness you were looking for in this life.”
“You did? I’m surprised.”
“Why. Don’t you think I have compassion?”
“Frankly. No.”
“A little too quick on the ‘frankly’ Ben. I think you could hurt my feelings.”
“I-I could.”
“Are you kidding me? Ha ha ha. You couldn’t hurt a fly let alone my feelings. Guess what?”
“W-what?”
“I’m going to break you. When it is over, you will beg me to forgive you.”
“Forgive me for what?”
“Ah. I think you know, but I will make it very clear to you.”
“You always confuse me Mrs. Worthe. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah, sure, Ben. Do you want me to feed you your soup.”
“No thanks, I’ll manage.”
“Now there’s a good boy. You will need your strength. Oh, by the way. I will be with you while that witch doctor is here. I don’t trust you.”
“Sounds swell Mrs. Worthe. Mmm, this soup is good. It’s calming. There is an interesting after note. What is that spice?”
“Damn right the soup is good. An old family recipe with my special touch.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue by Keith Channing

June 14, 2016June 13, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

I love prompts, and Keith Channing serves up a photo as a prompt. In his words.

“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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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 #81

“So then I said to the guy, ‘What makes you an expert?'”

“OMG, that must have set him off.”

“Yes, it did. he then came back with some comment about Claire.”

“What kind of comment?”

“He asked if she was with me.”

“And ?”

“I said, “Yeah, of course, she is with me. Who do you think she’s with my good man?”‘

“Sounds like a rude one.”

“Tell me. He then goes on to say he felt Claire could do better than to hang with me.”

“What did you do?”

“Do? Nothing. I had to agree with him.”

“What did Claire say?”

“Say? Nothing. She had to agree with him as well.”

“Oh, Jerry my man. You are pathetic.”

“Why? Because I have someone who hangs with me and can do better?”

“No. Because your self-esteem is in a position where you think Claire’s not good enough for you.”

“Claire is staring at you. She just might get up and pop you one.”

“I don’t think so. I think she ought to pop you one.”

“Now that’s funny. Hey, Claire, Billy thinks you should come over and pop me one.”

“You both should be popped.”

“Did you hear that Billy. Claire just cracks me up.”

“Yeah, she’s funny alright. What do you think Seal?”

“Keep me out of it. Get me a drink. Please.”

Last Day for 0.99 His Revenge Sale #RRBC #ASMSG

June 13, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

His Revenge

In recognition of being chosen for the Book of the Month honor at Rave Reviews Book Club, I am running a sale in the US and the UK. June 9th (Thursday) through June 13 (Monday) His Revenge Kindle edition will be on sale for $0.99 in the US and £0.99 in the UK. Here are the short links should you want to grab a copy at this low price (1/3 the price of a Latte and much more fun)

US http://goo.gl/1NuXIK

UK http://goo.gl/GIsEnV

Blurb

America loves John Cannon, its newest hero, and the President wants to present him with the highest civilian medal for bravery for saving the Annapolis midshipman from a terrorist plot to destroy them. While in Washington for the award ceremony, John unwillingly becomes an accomplice in another plan by the same group to attack the credibility of the US President and the stability of the worldwide oil market. There is no way out as John either becomes a traitor to America or causes thousands of innocent people to die if he refuses.
The second John J Cannon Thriller moves from a barrier Island off the coast of Texas to Washington DC, then to Northern California, and finally to Ecuador. John is on the receiving end of an offer he cannot refuse. His avowed enemy Matt Jacobs now wants John to help him shake the reputation of the US in the world political arena. If John refuses, Matt plans to murder innocent Americans including John’s latest relationship. John’s only way out is to pretend to go along with the plan and hope for a miracle.

Ten Things Not to Do On College Campus Visits

June 13, 2016June 12, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Campus tours

It is right about time for those wonderful college tours for the children going into their senior year of high school. This list has inspiration in a foggy memory of such visits nine years ago. I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are visiting a college, do not stop in the bookstore first. If you do, at best you will be overwhelmed by the assortment. At worst, you will buy a bunch of stuff only to learn that your child “hates this place.” (Well it figures doesn’t it? Waldo.)

9 If you are visiting a college, do not wear clothing from another school. If you do, at best the personnel with think you haven’t a clue. At worst, your shirt will distract the student guide and they will forget half of what you wanted to know. (You could have picked a non-rival right?)

8 If you are visiting a college, do not feed the mascot. If you do, at best the guard will ask you to leave. At worst, that cookie you just tossed the bear is the only thing on the planet for which it has an allergy. (Nothing like CPR on a sweating, hairy, monster with bad breath, huh, Pilgrim?)

7 If you are visiting a college, do not interrupt the tour guide. If you do, at best they will forget where they were and will have to start from the beginning. At worst, your tour guide is a fragile human being who was encouraged to lead tours as a method of building self-confidence and is now in a pool of tears trying to survive a complete meltdown. (Well, you could have waited until the recording was over)

6 If you are visiting a college, do not make fun of tradition. If you do at best, you will see some serious frowns. At worst, the massive varsity football player who just got drafted by the Oakland Raiders will want to talk to you in private. (So what does it hurt not to snicker when everyone says, “Howdy” to you.)

5 If you are visiting a college, do not go to one where your child has zero chance of being accepted. If you do, at best they will suddenly see what they will be missing. At worst, they will decide that this is the college for them and none other will do. (Now this is a fine kettle of fish we’ve gotten ourselves into Laurel)

4 If you are visiting a college, do not just visit the ones with big time sports teams. If you do, at best some good schools can be overlooked. At worst, maybe your child has no interest in sports, and you’ll realize too late that you are here because you want to be here. (You already went to school. Give it up, Bucky)

3 If you are visiting a college, do not engage your tour guide in a discussion about tuition. If you do, at best they will direct you to the provost’s office. At worst, you will be bringing new information to a student tour guide who will become increasingly concerned about the cost enough to get a job and flunk out.( Never saw that one coming did ya? Bud.)

2 If you are visiting a college, do not think acceptance will be automatic. If you do, at best you will start to make plans that won’t materialize. At worst, you might just give the impression to everyone you meet that you think the entrance is a slam dunk, and there are more than enough who will want to thwart that view. (What a surprise on rejection letter day.)

1 If you are visiting a college, do not talk about your college experiences. If you do, at best the students will think you have never grown up. At worst, your child will want to find a deep hole and a dump truck and guess who is the cargo. (None of those kids are interested in ancient history pops unless it is a required course and maybe not even then)

Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood

June 12, 2016September 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

I thought I would start out the Neighborhood Views with a shot of a waterspout that popped up yesterday. These are very rare, so I’m glad I caught it. It is the little tail to the right of the cloud.

The next photo shows one of the two ways to get on and off our island. It is a car ferry run by the state. The other way is a bridge that is fifteen miles North.

Pictured are two ferries. The service has eight that run twenty-four hours a day. The dock in the foreground is for fishing and connects to Robert’s Point Park.

The next photo shows more of Robert’s Point

The photo above shows the marina which is part of Roberts Point.

Here is a boat leaving the channel that goes to the Gulf and is arriving at the breakwater of the marina. The marina is on the right of this photo and Gulf to the left.

Another picture of the marina showing our local shrimp boat The Pollyanna. (The white boat in the center) In season, you can go to the boat when it docks and buy shrimp caught only hours before.

You can also see a red-roofed building to the right which is the scene of many social events including concerts in the park. The little structure in the foreground is a picnic table with people having a picnic.

One last view of more of the park with places for family gatherings

The ferries are running to the right of the photo and the fishing dock is in the lower right (but out of the photo)

4Wills Publishing Tour with A.M.Manay #RRBC

June 12, 2016June 11, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

It is my pleasure to host a weekend tour by author A. M. Manay, author of the November Snow supernatural fantasy series. Fiction Favorites is all yours.

Thanks, John.

Luka Lazarri is the primary villain in my November Snow supernatural fantasy series. A vampire nobleman with a chip on his shoulder and many axes to grind, he longs to rule both the human and supernatural worlds. In the series of texts below, he is communicating with his sinister intelligence director, Bertrand. During this conversation set during the early chapters of She Lights Up the Dark (November Snow Book 2), they are discussing how to handle November and her friends as well as their plans for a series of terrorist attacks. I find amusement in the incongruity of a 900-year-old vampire using modern technology, so I have a little fun with that here. It’s followed by a blurb and excerpt from my second novel. Enjoy. You can learn more about all of these characters by reading She Dies at the End, She Lights Up the Dark, and She Sees in Her Sleep, all available this weekend for only $0.99 each!

Texts

Bertrand: I’ve got the girl on security cameras in Oakland. Uptown, Broadway. With Gregory. How close do you want my men to get?

Luka: Keep them well back. Greg is no fool. I don’t want them to bolt. Once we pull him away from her, I’ll send in my brother. Him, she can see. But not your goons.

Bertrand: Just let me snatch her up and be done with it. Things are going to get very busy for us very soon.

Luka: Obtaining her is not my only objective. She will come to us, in the end. Keep your focus on the field of play. Is the kickoff still on schedule?

Bertrand: Indeed. I’ll blow the whistle in 3 days. All the players are game ready. [happy emoji]

Luka: Good. [happy emoji]

Bertrand: I am still concerned that we’ve lost track of Ilyn.

Luka: He will turn up in Boston. Trust me. Keep the men there, ready to tear the house apart.

Bertrand: What in the world is so important to him in Boston? How am I supposed to do my job when you withhold information from me?

Luka: You will know what you need to know when you need to know it. Do not try my patience. [irritated emoji]

Bertrand: Forgive me, my lord.

Luka: Any sign of William?

Bertrand: Possible sighting in Virginia. Picture’s a bit fuzzy. I’ve got a good team looking into it.

Luka: He probably isn’t alone. He does little without Birch. And Rose is smarter than she looks.

Bertrand: I will caution the team accordingly.

Luka: How about Pine, Willow’s old friend? Any sign of him or the one with the blue hair? And their pet werewolves?

Bertrand: They’re moving up the coast. Accomplishing nothing as far as I can tell. Do you want me to take them out?

Luka: Don’t bother. They are no threat, and killing them will upset my new baby sister. Let them play house.

Bertrand: As you wish, my lord.

She lights up the dark

Book blurb for She Lights Up the Dark (November Snow Book 2)

A frightening vision stalks November, even in her grave . . . and things go severely sideways just as soon as she claws her way out of it.

Continuing the story begun in the well-received paranormal romp She Dies at the End, She Lights Up the Dark finds November Snow struggling to adjust to her new life as a vampire with none of the support she’d expected. Her nemesis Luka has plotted to isolate November and scatter her allies as he executes his plan to bring human society under his control. Her loneliness leads her to become emotionally entangled with a charming but likely untrustworthy fellow vampire.

When danger flares, November discovers that her psychic gift has expanded in a powerful and perilous fashion. Coerced into close company with her enemy, she fights to master her power and to uncover the secrets that may help her to save both her friends and the human world from being crushed under Luka’s boot. November is determined to stop Luka as his plan builds toward an unknown and deadly climax, but she may find that lighting up the dark comes with a high price to pay.

This book contains violence, some sexual content, and occasional profanity.

A short excerpt from She Lights Up the Dark (November Snow Book 2)

The night proper saw the remaining vampires quietly depart, leaving Greg and November alone in his small apartment, silently drinking cold blood and listening to the sounds of the city. Greg was fretting, presumably about Savita, who had left with an unsettling look in her eye.

He suddenly broke the silence, saying, “We need to get out of here before we both go crazy. And we should do some shopping for you.”

He grabbed a package off the scuffed kitchen table. “My favorite forger dropped these off tonight. Driver’s licenses, passports, Social Security cards. Three different names, just in case. I enthralled him to forget, so hopefully he won’t tip off Luka’s people. I’ve set up bank accounts; credit and ATM cards should arrive tomorrow. We are likely to wind up separated sooner or later, and I want you to have what you need to survive without having to constantly steal.”

“Thank you,” she replied in a heartfelt voice he couldn’t hear.

“So, tonight, you need clothes, boots, a bag, a few phones, a tablet, toiletries. Whatever else I’m forgetting. If we get separated, just focus on getting the clothes and personal things. I’ll get the electronics, and we’ll meet back at the apartment.”

November looked down at her still-bare feet and nodded. “That sounds like a plan.”

It felt good to be out and about, though she felt self-conscious, certain that everyone could see that she was different. Thankfully, their first stop was a popular shoe store by the BART station. She picked up some sturdy boots and socks, figuring she wasn’t going to be going to any dinner parties or galas any time soon. At least now her bare feet wouldn’t be calling attention.

After she paid and put on her purchases, she and Greg waited awkwardly outside the door for ten more minutes as he was afraid to depart and leave her behind if she wasn’t ready. Finally, he said, “I really hope you’re still with me. Here we go.”

The night was passing uneventfully, until she was paying for a pile of clothes at Oaklandish and saw her own face staring back at her from behind the cashier. It was one of the “Missing Girl” posters Lula’s people had plastered all over the state the previous autumn. November had forgotten all about them. She tried not to seem nervous, hoping against hope that she wouldn’t be recognized, grateful for the fact that people in general, pay no attention to what is going on around them.

Greg had noticed the poster as well. “Might want to pick up some hair dye or wigs. There’s a poster of you up in the Whole Foods, too,” he commented as they walked down Broadway. “There’s that wig store right at 27th and Telegraph, though I don’t guess they get a lot of white girls in there.”

Two Oakland police cars suddenly pulled up next to them, lights flashing. The officers jumped out shouting orders. Two of them roughly shoved Greg against the wall as the other two pulled November to the side and began asking her questions. Apparently, someone had noticed her resemblance to the poster.

November’s eyes widened with instinctive fear as she shot a panicked look at Greg. He, by contrast, was perfectly calm, nearly bored, with an edge of annoyance. It made November wonder how many times he’d been through this over the years, how many times he’d drawn the suspicion of the authorities.

November tried to parse the questions they were hurling at her. They mentioned something about kidnapping, suggested drugs and prostitution.

“You think he’s my pimp? Or a john?” she blurted out. “He’s a finance guy, for Christ’s sake! Look at his shoes!”

A.M.Many

In addition to her work as an indie author of paranormal fantasy, A.M. Manay is a former inner-city chemistry teacher, a singer, a yoga enthusiast, a Clerk of Session in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a mother through domestic open adoption. She has a passion for increasing diversity in popular culture and for strong heroines who stand up for themselves, make their own decisions, and don’t depend on romance as their reason for being.

Be the first to know about the release of the upcoming sequel as well as bonus material about your favorite characters by

Checking out her website: www.ammanay.net

Signing up for the fan email list: November’s News

Following the author on Facebook: facebook.com/ammanaywrites

Following the author on Twitter: @ammanay

Following the author on Instagram: instagram.com/a.m.manay

Following her Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/ammanay

“The tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “mb”

June 11, 2016June 10, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness time again and this week’s prompt is “mb.” Yes, you read that right “mb.” We are supposed to find a word that has these two letters in this order and then base our post on the word. If this seems odd to you, think how I feel. Also, if you want to have the same fun I’m having, go to Linda’s blog and read all the rules. I’ll even give you her link.