Tag: fiction favorites

Sunday – Fifty – Two Views of the Gulf.

~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

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Today is beautiful with temps in the seventies. This shot was taken from the top of the walk over and as you can see it is peaceful and quiet. We expect the spring breakers to start showing up the weekend of the 12th so now we are relaxing with the solitude.

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As you can see the walk over is finished. This is the entrance.

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This is the ramp to the beach. Those little blue barrels in the distance are temporary markers to let spring breakers know there is no parking between the barrels and the dune.

Last week’s photo

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I am still offering the Kindle addition of His Revenge at $0.99 through 11:59 tonight. Since I’ve said enough about the sale I’ll leave it at that.

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday _ Prompt “This and That.”

~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

 

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This is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “This and That.” I have no idea what I’m going to do with these two things. Of course, there is a catch. We have to start our post with this or that and get bonus points (redeemable for Starbucks Coffee) by ending the post with one of these two words. If you would like to join in on the confusion fun, visit Linda Hill’s site at http://lindaghill.com/2016/03/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-516/ Tell her John sent ya.

This and That by John W. Howell © 2016

“This is the tool you need.”

“That thing is the right tool?”

“This is the right tool.”

“That looks like a corkscrew.”

“This is like a corkscrew.”

“That looks good for opening wine bottles.”

“This can do a lot more believe me.”

“That thing can do what?”

“This can get that key out of your lock.”

“That can?”

“This can. Look all you do is put it in the place where you twisted the key off and turn it in.”

“That will twist the key out of the lock?”

“This will.”

“That will also open wine right?”

“This will do that as well.”

“That and remove keys.”

“This is a miracle tool.”

“That costs how much?”

“This is only fifty bucks.”

“That is fifty bucks?”

“This is what I said right?”

“That is crazy.”

“This is also true.”

“That is one tool you can keep.”

“This tool is your answer. What are you going to do without it?”

“This and that is what I will do. More this than that.” (Whew I did it.)

Friday – JohnKu – AKA TGIF – AKA – Ereader News Day #RRBC #ASMSG

~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

 

His Revenge front finalAs a reminder (Ha ha ha) His Revenge Kindle edition is on sale for $0.99 US and £0.99 UK.  Also Ereader News Today is helping spread the word.

Here are the links:

US Edition

UK Edition

His Revenge enjoys a review rating of 4.8 Stars on 14 reviews.

John Cannon unwillingly becomes an accomplice in a terrorist plot to undermine the US President’s credibility and the stability of the worldwide oil market.

Here is the trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTaDFcY9l_s

All this promotion leads me to this week’s JohnKu

Self Promotion by John W. Howell © 2016

Finish bleeding words,

Pack them up for those to read. . . .

Can’t sell loud enough.

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – His Revenge Kindle Edition on Sale for $0.99 #RRBC #ASMSG

~ John W. Howell ~ 17 Comments

 

His Revenge front final

Well, this is the day. His Revenge Kindle edition is on sale for $0.99 and £0.99 from March 3rd to March 6th. Also, on March 4th there is a feature on Ereader News Today so you can stop by there and see other great books at bargain prices.

You can find His Revenge at Amazon exclusively

US Edition

UK Edition

Here is the 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.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

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Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Ben asking the doctor not to let Mr. Worthe into the room until the priest that Ben requested arrives. The doctor thought it strange but agreed. Let’s hop back there and see what happens next.
“Okay, Ben the tech is here. He will take you to x-ray.”
“Thanks Doc. Tell the priest I’ll be right back.”
“Don’t worry Ben. He’ll be here when you get back.”
“Okay sir. We need to go down this hallway to X-ray.”
“Do I need to get up?“
“No sir. We take the gurney with us. You just lay back and make yourself comfortable. Watch your elbows as we go through the door. Another turn and then it’s a straight shot.”
“Hold it a minute young man.”
“Excuse me ma’am but I need to get this gentleman to x-ray.”
“I will only be a minute. Could you give us some privacy please?”
“Sure ma’am I’ll be right down the hall.”
“Thanks. So Ben where are you going?”
“To x-ray. How did you get in here Mrs. Worthe?”
“Shut up Ben. That was a cute trick trying to keep me a way but it isn’t going to work.”
“W-what trick?”
“You know damn well you told that doctor not to let me in until that priest you requested got here.”
“H-how did you know?”
“Please Ben. You think hospital residents have all the money in the world. You were sold out for a few pieces of silver.”
“Well, I really don’t care what you say. I’m going to tell the priest everything and see if I can get some piece of mind.”
“Everything? Like what Ben? Like you had a plan to blow up the student union and slaughter god knows how many people?”
“Yes that and the fact that you are willing to help and I shot myself in the foot with a gun that is unregistered.”
“Well this should make for some interesting confessional chat. I’m sure you know the priest will have no other choice but to turn you in.”
“He can’t do that. We will have a bond of secrecy.”
“Ha. Don’t make me laugh you little worm. You don’t think a little donation to the saint of the month club won’t shake that bond to the roots.”
“Mrs. Worthe you are the devil incarnate. I would like to see you burn.”
“Sure Benjamin. Have you thought of the consequences? Who has more to lose? An established business person like me or a squeaky hippy wanna be like you. You don’t stand a chance and I would suggest you keep your damned mouth shut.”
“Excuse me ma’am I really need to take the gentleman now.’
“Go ahead. One more thing Ben. Think hard about your path forward. You don’t want to make any mistakes now do you?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #66 by Keith Krates

~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

Using this photo 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 on 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 seem to be working, and I haven’t yet figured out why.

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 website, next Monday. Here is the photo

Kreative Kue #66

Here is my interpretation.

Right of Way by John W. Howell © 2016

“I have to say I love it out here.”

“I do too. It is so quiet.”

“You can say that again. Remember when we were worried about the train tracks?”

“Yeah, that was a hoot.”

“We were all concerned that there would be too much noise.’

“Yeah, remember telling the real estate agent that we might want to pass on the house.’

“I sure do. I can see her face now.’

“Talk about red. I’ve never seen a color like that.”

“Me either. I thought she was going to explode.”

“Well, she did convince us to take the house. She said the tracks are  never used.”

“She was sure right about that. I don’t think there has been a train since we move in.”

“I can’t recall one. Come to think about it.”

“Why is it we are sitting here at this station then?”

“Well, you know how it is.”

“Tell me how it is.”

“You never know when there will be one.”

“And so.”

“We want to be ready to complain to the real estate agent.”

“I think we are a little nuts don’t you?”

“She said never and never is a long time.”

“For sure.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Treachery & Triumph Tour #RRBC

~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

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I am very happy to welcome my good friend John Fioravanti to Fiction Favorites. He is on tour and stopping on my site today. John the post is yours.

TREACHERY & TRIUMPH BLOG TOUR:
Nonnie Returns To Genesis – Episode 3

GIVEAWAYS:
(Leave a comment each day to be entered to win one of these prizes)

(1) $10 Amazon Gift Card
(2) $5 Amazon Gift Cards
(2) ebook copy of “TREACHERY & TRIUMPH.”

GRAND GIVEAWAY:
Anyone who purchases a copy of “TREACHERY & TRIUMPH” and sends to me a copy of the purchase receipt to jfinwat@gmail.com, and leaves a comment along the tour, will get their name entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card! One entry for each book that is purchased, whether in e-book or paperback format. Purchases must take place between 2/28 – 3/05/2016. If you’ve already purchased one of the books, then feel free to gift a friend, just for the chance to win!! Spend a little, and you could win a lot!!! If you leave a review on Amazon, you will earn a second entry for this prize. Reviews must be posted between 2/29/16 and 3/29/16.

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EPISODE 3

 

Several months ago, renowned interviewer and author, Nonnie Jules, accompanied author, John Fioravanti to planet Genesis seven centuries into the future. Dr. John, as he’s called on Genesis, possesses unusual teleportation powers, which he uses to travel through time and space. He can travel with another person just by laying his hand upon them.

Yesterday, we witnessed a meeting between Nonnie, John and Andra Ursla, Earther Ambassador to Genesis. Nonnie expressed an interest in learning more about what makes Marco Rossini tick, so she thought a chat with his lead security agent might enlighten her further.

Our intrepid pair disappeared from the Earther Embassy and reappeared on the sidewalk outside the Campus Café – just across the university campus from Marco’s residence.

(Nonnie takes in a deep breath as she orients herself and releases John’s arm. John leaves her side, peeks into the Café window, nods, and returns to his friend.)

John:  “He’s in there, Nonnie. Are you okay or do you need another minute?”

 Nonnie: “I’m fine. Believe it or not, I think I’m getting used to popping in and out of thin air. Let’s go in… ugh… it’s too hot and humid out here!”

 (John opens the door for her and follows her inside. Nonnie spots the waitress that served them on their last visit and flags her down, whereupon the waitress gives out a whoop and almost runs to meet her.)

Nonnie:  “Suzie! How’s my baby?”

 (The two hug each other briefly and Suzie steps away)

Suzie:  “Oh, Mrs. Jules, I’m just so happy to see you again! Please, come and meet a friend of mine.”

 (Suzie leads them to a corner booth on the far side of the café. Enroute, Nonnie stops to say hello to every person she passes. When she arrives, she finds another man greeting John and Suzie.)

Suzie:  “Ted Gallo, this is Mrs. Jules – a very special lady and good friend of Dr. John.”

 (Before Ted can respond, Nonnie steps forward and offers her hand.)

Nonnie: “Hello Captain Gallo, I’m Nonnie!” (turning to Suzie) “How did you know we came to see the captain?”

 Suzie: (Grinning at John) “Let’s call it female intuition, shall we? Can I get coffee for everyone?”

 (All three agree. Ted slides into the seat he occupied before their arrival and John slides in beside him. Nonnie takes the seat opposite the two men.)

John:  “Nonnie, are you sure about the coffee? You know, if Marlena finds out…”

 Nonnie: (Cuts him off in mid-sentence somewhat annoyed.) “I’m sure!” (Turns to address Ted Gallo with a sweet smile.) “You know, Captain, there’s something about that man (Points at John) that makes me want coffee every time we meet… he just unnerves me!”

 (John stifles a laugh while Ted looks from one to the other clearly amused.)

Ted:  “Nonnie, I’m really pleased that Dr. John asked me to meet you. I understand you’re a writer. I’ve never met a published author before, so I’m honored. And please call me Ted.”

 Nonnie:  “John and I had a meeting with Marco last year, and then I heard about the explosion on the hybrid Battlecruiser that almost killed him. I know that you’re in charge of his security, so I wanted to meet you. Say, why aren’t you with Marco right now?”

 Ted:  “My day off, Nonnie. James Drury takes over lead and we bring another man in when I’m off. I’m very happy to meet you too. Marco speaks warmly about his meeting with you two last year. I’m curious… why do you want to talk to me?”

 (Suzie arrives with their coffee, Nonnie thanks her and she leaves to attend to other customers. Nonnie lifts her cup, inhales the rich aroma, and closes her eyes in thanksgiving.)

Nonnie:  “I just adore the smell of fresh coffee!”

 (She looks at Ted and ignores John who’s grinning and wagging his finger at her disapprovingly.)

“Ted, you know the private Marco – the one the public doesn’t see. You accompanied him on Agamemnon on the return trip from Earth. Tell me, is he really okay or do you have concerns?”

 Ted: (chuckles)  “Yes, I have serious concerns!”

 Nonnie:  “Seriously? What do you mean?” Give it to me straight… no sugarcoatin!”

 Ted: (Grins at her) “I fear for the well-being of any Rouge thugs that might decide to attack him!”

 Nonnie:  “But he’s a former professor who almost got killed not so long ago. Why do you say that?”

 Ted:  (Looks at both Nonnie and John in turn and lowers his voice.)

“Our trip home from Earth took the better part of two weeks, and I worked out with Marco twice daily. We sparred – that’s hand-to-hand combat – for an hour each day. When I left the Marine Corps to join the Alpha Corps, I was the champion and head instructor for trainees. I had to use every bit of experience just to hold my own against Marco.”

 John: “Really! How can that be, Ted?”

 Ted:  “When I started this gig after the election, Marco asked me to train him on the sparring mat. His close friend, ArcGeneral Pat Conroy, had taught him a lot over the years, so I agreed to help him along. I smiled to myself the first time we faced each other. I wasn’t smiling for long! He was good. Now he’s faster, stronger and he has a warrior’s heart.”

 Nonnie:  “Now I understand why Andra is so impressed with him.”

 Ted:  “It’s a bit ironic, but as a security team, we’re confident that if we ever have to fight off attackers, Marco will have our backs! Security gigs get no better than this! Oh yes, and one more thing. Every couple of weeks his mother sends him a couple of boxes of baked goods from her oven. Marco tells us to help ourselves… oh my… can that lady bake!”

 Nonnie:  “Don’t you have a wife that bakes for you?”

 Ted:  “No, I don’t. Wish I did… but I don’t think there’s a woman out there who would put up with me and my lifestyle.”

 Nonnie:  “I’m sorry, I’m intruding into your private business…”

 Ted:  “I’m not offended.” (sighs and closes his eyes for a moment, opens them again and continues)

“Nonnie, there is someone. She’s an Alpha and I work with her quite often. She’s everything I could want in a woman, and she’d understand my work and the stresses, but…”

 Nonnie:  (Reaches across the table and pats his hand.) “You don’t think she’s attracted to you. You think she’d refuse you if you asked her out”.

 (Ted remains mute, but nods in agreement)

“What if you’re wrong? Think about it, Ted… maybe she likes you and is afraid of messing up your professional relationship. From where I’m sitting, you have everything to gain and only your loneliness to lose.”

 (Ted remains silent, lost in thought for another minute. He looks up at Nonnie and gives her a sad smile.)

Ted:  “Thanks, I’ll give your words a lot of thought.”

 John:  “Ted, I thank you for your time and the sharing you did with us today. We need to take our leave now. Nonnie, are you ready?”

 (Nonnie slides out of her seat and waits for John and Ted to slide out as well. Ted gives her a big hug and wishes them both well. John leads the way to the door, and Nonnie follows at a discreet distance, careful not to touch him. As they emerge onto the sidewalk outside, John turns to Nonnie.)

Nonnie:  “Before you whisk me off somewhere, I want to know…”

 (John smiles, says something about a surprise, takes her hand… and they’re gone!)

 

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for… whatever happens!

 

 

 

 

 

 
To follow John’s tour, please visit the 4WillsPub home page and click on the CURRENT EVENTS tab, which will take you directly to John’s blog tour page! Thanks for stopping by today!
CONTACT VIA:

Twitter: @JohnJFioravanti, @FioraBooks
Facebook: Fiora Books Company Page
Blogs: The Genesis Lounge & My Inspiration

Passion&Struggle

TRAILERS:

“THE GENESIS SAGA (Passion & Struggle + Treachery & Triumph)

“A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF TEACHING”

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

Top Ten Things You Should Never Say to a Neighbor

~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

 

The inspiration for this list comes up all the time. I, of course, have had the presence of mind not to say any of these things. Not that I have not wanted to say them, but just never wanted to practice a scorched Earth policy when it comes to people living next door.

Top Ten Things You Should Never Say to Your Neighbor

10 Do not say to your neighbor, “I see you have a fine crop of weeds.” If you do, at best you will get ignored. At worst, you get an offer to come over and take care of them. (Who wants to weed the neighbor’s lawn? You Bunky?)

9 Do not say to your neighbor, “That music is a little loud.” If you do, at best you might get someone to turn it down. At worst, around midnight, the music will be cranked up to the pain level. (And the drunk neighbor is in his underwear making rude gestures toward your bedroom window.)

8 Do not say to your neighbor, “We have covenants against that dog barking.” If you do, at best the neighbor will tell you what to do with the covenant. At worst, he will think it funny to release the slobbering and apparently irascible beast in your direction. (You never knew you could run that fast. Did you?)

7 Do not say to your neighbor, “You know Sundays are for quiet.” If you do, at best your neighbor will spend extra time with that leaf blower making sure his lawn is just right. At worst, he will take the rest of the day to work on that oak tree using the dullest chainsaw known to man. (Is that your rear molars I hear cracking?)

6 Do not say to your neighbor, “You know we are under water restrictions.” If you do, at best your neighbor will give you a smile and keep watering the street. At worst, your neighbor will take today as the opportunity to fill the pool, wash the car, test the sprinkling system, and take a bath. (I guess he will show you how to spend $300.00)

5 Do not say to your neighbor, “You are supposed to get your paint color approved before you paint.” If you do, at best your neighbor will continue to paint and get approval later. At worst, your neighbor will stop brush painting the delicate gray and start rolling the Barnie Purple. (No good deed goes unpunished does it?)

4 Do not say to your neighbor, “Is that fence approved by the POA?” If you do, at best you will get an offer to pay attention to something that is your business. At worst, you will be the proud half-owner of an eight-foot tall wire fence that has a fine barbed wire at the top on one side of your property. (Might come in handy to keep the neighbors at home, though.)

3 Do not say to your neighbor, “I don’t think I will be able to support your kid’s school’s popcorn sales event this year. If you do, at best you will be guiltified into participating anyway. At worst, you will keep having midnight phone calls. (And there is never anyone there. You swear you can hear the faint sound of popcorn popping in the background.)

2 Do not say to your neighbor, “Can you give us a hand on the clean-up project this weekend?” If you do at best, you will get a straight, “no.” At worst, you will have to listen to all the reasons why helping out is not part of what the neighbor signed up for when moving in. (Hard to stay awake isn’t it?)

1 Do not say to your neighbor, “How about picking up that poop.” If you do, at best you will get a suggestion for self-romance. At worst, you will get into a big argument and eventually end up wearing the poop. (Didn’t quite turn out the way you thought did it?)