Thursday- A Little Personal -October-Ween Book, Blog & Trailer Block Party

October 24, 2019November 3, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 107 Comments

Usually, you see Twiggy and Lucy in action here but this week is a little different. I’m actually going to promote my books (gasp). Now don’t run away cause there is something in it for you. If you leave a comment, you will be entered into a drawing.

Here’s What I’m Giving Away Today:

One of two $5.00 Amazon gift cards won by Liz Gauffreau & Ron Yates

One of two of my E-books won by Miriam Hurdle & Wendy Scott .

There are a total of four winners.

“We are here, Boss.”
“Yeah, Dad. Now go talk about your books.”

Thank you, Ladies.

Here are the books

This is the John Cannon Trilogy. It is a continuing story of John Cannon’s struggles with a terrorist organization whose objective is the destruction of America. You can click on each of the covers for a trailer.

Click cover for the trailer.

When a former pro football star and broadcaster, now a Wall Street maven is accused of insider trading, will he be able to prove his innocence and expose those who are guilty?

Greg and his boyhood pal dreamed of big success in professional football and then later in business. Greg was the only one to live the dream. Now the founder of an investment fund Greg is faced with a routine audit finding by the SEC. The audit points to irregularities and all the tracks lead to Greg. The justice department hits him with an indictment of 23 counts of fraud, money laundering, and insider trading. His firm goes bust, and Greg is on his own.

His best friend knows he is innocent but has been ordered under penalty of eternal damnation not to help.

If you enjoy stories of riches to rags, redemption, brotherly love, and a little of the paranormal, Circumstance of Childhood will keep you riveted.

Click the cover for the trailer

The earth is under the threat of a catastrophic political event that could result in international warfare and destroy all life on the planet. In heaven, a divine council decides that extraordinary measures are essential. They call for an intervention that involves two souls returning to earth. The chosen two sign a contract that they will work to avert the disaster.

Brad Channing, a Navy SEAL, and Sarah O’Brien, a teacher, become heaven’s representatives on earth. The story follows them as they individually and then together face overwhelming obstacles and eventually end up on a strategic Air Force base in California. It is there that they discover a conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States. The terrorists have a plan for global dominance, and they are determined to complete their mission. Although military leadership appears to have the President’s best interests at heart, it is not clear who can be trusted and who should be feared. The action is rough and tumble as Brad and Sarah try to figure out the culprits of the plot that will turn into a worldwide conflagration unless stopped.

If you enjoy thrillers, this is one with enough twists and adventure to keep you riveted and guessing. If you like your thriller along with a good romance, Brad and Sarah’s initial attraction and eventual love will sustain you as they live out their heavenly and earthly desires.

You can buy all of these books on Amazon as ebooks or paper copies. Here is the link https://www.amazon.com/author/johnwhowell

Don’t forget to leave a comment to qualify for one of the four prizes being offered.

Also, click this link to see the entire lineup of the tour

WELCOME TO THE #RRBC 2019 OCTOBER-WEEN BLOCK PARTY!

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

October 23, 2019October 22, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Hey Boss.”
“What Lucy?”
“Have you seen Friday?”
“Nope. Still Wednesday

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we saw Larry and Andrew go to the Hyatt hotel and serve the warrant on the pretentious hotel manager named Wentworth. It seems Wentworth needed to talk to his lawyer before turning over the records. He invited our heroes into the executive area for some coffee. Andrew is suspicious, and Larry tries to assure him that it will be okay. We are wary too. I see the boys are gathered around the silver coffee service, so let’s join them.

“Man, this is Sumatra deep roast. Just smell that bouquet.”

“Reminds me of Chock Full of Nuts.”

“You have to be kidding, Larry.”

“Yeah, I thought I would get your goat.”

“Mmmm. This taste is out of this world.”

“Okay, Andrew. Snap out of it. We are here for business not to swoon over some coffee beans. Where the hell is that guy anyway. He said five minutes.”

“I can see by my watch that it has been five minutes and thirty seconds. How dare he keep us waiting like this.”

“Hilarious, Andrew. Oh, here he comes.”

“Well, gentlemen. Sorry to keep you waiting. I have received clearance from our legal department to give you the records covered by the warrant.”

“Thanks, Wentworth. For some reason, I hear a caveat in your emptor.”

“Emptor.”

“In your words, sir.”

“Oh, no, caveat. Just that I have to be careful to comply with the warrant and not give away the store.”

“So how you going to do that?”

“I will have our lawyer on facetime. He’ll check everything I plan to turn over before I do.”

“Yeah, whatever. Can we get started?”

“Yes, let’s go into my office, and I will bring up the registration records.”

“Great. Lead the way. Andrew, can you tear yourself away from the bean plant and join us?”

“Most certainly, Bawana. I can’t find my machete anyway.”

“You two have a strange way of communicating. Code, I presume.”

“No code. Andrew is a smart ass is all.”

“So here we are. Let me pull up the records. What night are you interested in?”

“Would be the week of February 12^th.”

“Okay, here is the week. What information do you need?”

“When did Ned Dixon check-in?”

“The record shows he checked in on the 13^th.”

“And when di Alexis Rafferty arrive?”

“Humm. He is in on the twelfth.”

“How about Mrs. Rafferty?”

“I’m looking at the whole week. Nope, there is nothing for a Mrs. Rafferty.”

“Damn. Wait. How about with Rafferty. Is there a Mr. and Mrs.?”

“No, just Mr.”

“Larry?”

‘’Yes, Andrew.”

“Try Dixon. See if there is a Mrs. Dixon.”

“Yeah, Wentworth, see if there is a Mrs. Dixon.”

“Yes, I show Mrs. Dixon. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon checked in on the thirteenth.”

“Okay, I need a copy of that registration.”

“Sure enough. Let me call the lawyer.”

“Okay, while you are doing that, Andrew and I need to confer. We’ll be right back. Come on, Andrew.”

“Okay, I think we are far enough from Wentworth’s office. What the hell are we going to do with that piece of evidence? It tells us nothing.”

“It does tell us Mrs. Rafferty was here with Dixon. Now, all we have to do is find someone in the hotel who can identify her. Let’s go back and see if she ordered room service. Maybe the server can remember her.”

“Super idea Andrew. Grab another cup of your elixir, and let’s get back to Wentworth while he has the lawyer on the line.”

Silent Payback Book Launch by Jaye Marie.

October 23, 2019October 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

I am very pleased to welcome Jaye Marie to my blog today. She is introducing her new book and is here to let you know it is available.

Silent PayBack Book Description

A city on edge – a detective on shaky ground…

A serial killer roams the streets of Brighton, hunting for his next victim.

When the case lands on detective David Mallory’s desk, will his personal demon prevent him from bringing this vicious monster to justice?

As the body count rises, Mallory finds himself sinking under the weight of his heavy secret – one that could jeopardise his job and his reputation.

With the pressure building, can the troubled detective reconcile his issues and solve the case, before more women die?

About Jaye

Jaye Marie is affectionately known as the giant redwood, probably because she is very tall, but also because of her love for trees. Most afternoons she can be found repotting or taking care of her bonsai collection, but her love of detective mysteries soon brings her back indoors. She has written three fiction novels in this genre, Nine Lives, Out of Time and Crossfire and is looking forward to publishing Silent Payback, her fourth book.

She spends any free time learning everything she can about self-publishing, and despite all the obstacles, she never gives up on anything and is as stubborn as a mule. She also shares a website http://jenanita01.com with Anita Dawes…

Jaye’s Links

e-mails jayemarie01@btinternet.com

website https://jenanita01.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/jaydawes2

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/doubletrouble44/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6586480.anita_dawes

Amazon UK: amzn.to/2p4xxzg and US: amzn.to/2LXHgjO

Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jaye-Marie/e/B00O2ZUFOK/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/anitajayedawes

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jenanita01/

Medium https://medium.com/@jaydawes2

If you would like to follow her schedule here is the Twitter line-up

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #234 by Keith Channing

October 22, 2019October 21, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 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.

Kreative Kue #234

“You are growing very sleepy.”

“Huh?”

“Look into my eyes and concentrate.”

“What are you trying to do?”

“Hypnotize you, of course.”

“Well, that’s not going to happen. I read where you have to be a willing subject to be hypnotized.”

“Not willing necessarily. Just dumb enough to fall for it.”

“Well, you will never get me to fall for it after that statement.”

“Wanna bet?”

“No, I don’t. Bt the way what happened to your owner. He looks knocked out.”

“Oh, nothing. I just put a spell on him. He’s in a deep trance. I will wake him up in time for dinner, though.”

“You are really delusional. He’s just taking a nap.”

“Yeah, watch this. When I say so, you will cluck like a chicken. Cluck.”

“I’m waiting.”

“Maybe he didn’t hear me. CLUCK.”

“Still nothing. I think you would do well to let him nap.”

“So, look into my eyes.”

“Yes, master.”

“You are very sleepy.”

“Very sleepy, master.”

“When I say so, you will moo like a cow. Okay, Percy. Moo like a cow.”

“Moo.”

“Now, when I say so, you will wake up and remember nothing. Wake up.”

“Wow, where was I?”

“Under my spell.”

“You sure?”

“I had you moo like a cow.”

“Well, that doesn’t prove anything. I am a cow. besides, I was messing with you. Oh, look, your boss is waking up.”

“TREVOR. WHAT IS THIS COW DOING IN THE LIVING ROOM?”

“I’m leaving Trevor. Good luck with the explanation.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Parachute Jump in 1797

October 21, 2019October 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

First parachute jump

This week marks the anniversary of the first successful parachute descent is made by Andre-Jacqes Garnerin, who jumps from a balloon at some 2,200 feet over Paris in 1797. There are two reasons we have to go there. 1. Tiny already caught a time capsule there. 2. Andrew Joyce, the very talented writer, and history buff had me tied up in his garage until I agreed to do a post on the jump. So for us not to make a mistake that could cause a tear in the time continuum and so that I don’t end up back in Andrew’s garage, here is a list of ten things not to do when we go there.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Parachute Jump in 1797.

10 If you go to the jump, do not ask Andre-Jacqes if you can go tandem. If you do, at best, he’ll laugh you off. At worst, he will think you are trying to steal his thunder. (That glove slap to the face means you better start practicing your swordsmanship, Jarl. Of course, you could pray he forgets about it. Likely? Not.)

9 If you go to the jump, do not try to convince Tiny the WWF champ that you can take over holding his balloon tie-down ropes. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t understand your request. At worst, Tiny, who has skipped the last seven anger management group sessions, will not give you the rope without a fight. (You better worry about that rope around your ankle, Jarrad. Your weight isn’t enough to keep the balloon on the ground. So as you dangle from one leg at 2000 feet, you might contemplate this. Does Tiny really know how to tie a knot that holds?)

8 If you go to the jump, do not start taking bets on whether or not old Andre-Jacqes will make it. If you do, at best, Andre-Jacqes will not find out about it. At worst, Andre-Jacques’ brother will make a bet that he won’t. (Now you’ve caused a family incident, Jarran. Here comes Andre-Jacques now. I see he has a glove in his hand. Might be time to go.)

7 If you go to the jump, do not offer to pack Andre-Jacqes’ chute. If you do, at best, he will ignore you. At worst, he’ll let you do it. (Funny how that thing looked like a trail of smoke when he let go of the balloon, Jarrell. The sad thing, it never opened. Oh, well, there is always next time.)

6 If you go to the jump, do not ask Andre-Jacqes to unfold your sweetheart proposal flag on the way down. If you do, at best, he’ll say no. At worst, he’ll agree. (Just your luck, Jase. There are at least four women in the spectator area named Noelle. Good luck on the breach of promise lawsuits not to mention the father’s blunderbusses)

5 If you go to the jump, do not ask the balloon pilot if he knows the color of his balloon. If you do, at best he will be too busy to answer. At worst, he’ll think you are making a joke about his balloon. (As you may know, Jaspar, Frenchmen do not take lightly jokes by Americans. I don’t think this one gets it for sure.)

4 If you go to the jump, do not try to get Andre-Jacqes to yell Geronimo when he jumps out of the balloon. If you do, at best, he’ll have no idea what you are talking about. At worst, he too will think you are joking, Jaxon. Don’t look now, but that guy in the top hat is the second coming to ask which weapon you would like to use. Here’s a hit. Tell him death by pillows.)

3 If you go to the jump, do not suggest that Andre-Jacqes should have his parachute made out of silk by Hermes. If you do, at best, he will assume you don’t know what you are talking about. At worse, he will place an order for the parachute. ( Now you are in a pickle, Jaydee. You weren’t aware that Hermes was founded in 1837. How you going to deliver a parachute tomorrow when the manufacturer won’t be in business for 40 years? You got any silkworms?)

2 If you go to the jump, do not ask Andre-Jacqes to wear your Go Lafayette sweatshirt for the stunt. If you do, at best he’ll decline. At worst, he will accept your gift. (Given the amount of angst around the support of the American revolution that shirt could cause a definite crowd reaction, Jayme. I’m not talking positive either. Can you say Guillotine?)

1 If you go to the jump, do not ask for an order of french fries at the local food tent. If you do, at best, you’ll have a thicker potato that’s been fried. At worst, the order taker won’t understand you and will alert the chef. (Here we go, Jayson. You got the big guy with the butcher knife all hot and bothered. I would hit the road if I were you.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Rough Hollow Yacht Club

October 20, 2019October 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

I wandered over to the Rough Hollow Yacht Club just to see how the other half lives. I must say the place is beautiful. Here are some photos.

While walking toward the view, the restaurant is on your left. Pretty nice outdoor/indoor space.

Just past the restaurant, there is this view of the yacht basin.

Another shot from “on top” of the marina. All the slips are covered.

As you look out to the yacht basin, to your right across from the restaurant is the pool and athletic club. The athletic club is behind the palms.

This is the incline track that has two cars to take you down to the docks.

Straight ahead is the yacht club office and general store.

Here is a shot looking back up the stairs to the top of the incline. I wouldn’t want to walk those.

A photo of the fish around the pilings.

A whole rack of jet skis and a view of the covered slips.

A photo of the furthermost docks.

A fueling station with a warning. Gas fumes collect below decks during the fueling process, and a spark from the ignition system could set them off. There are pumps on boats that ventilate the below-deck area. This sign is a reminder to run the pumps.

More slips.

Another view of the incline.

A list of activities available at the club. I hope you enjoyed the visit.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Oh”

October 19, 2019October 18, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

Oh, my goodness, it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this week’s prompt is “oh.” It has been so much easier to let Linda Hill explain the prompt, so here are her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “oh.” Use it as a word or find a word that starts with “oh.” Bonus points if you start and end with “oh.” Enjoy!”

Now you can see why I started the post with “oh.” I’m saving up for a Bentley Turbo Convertable, and I’m pretty close. The bonus points from this post should put me over. If you would like to participate in the fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to accumulate bonus points. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Oct. 19/19

“Oh, what a beautiful morning. Oh, what a beautiful day. I have a wonderful feeling everything’s going my way.”

“I guess it’s Saturday.”

“How did you know other than the obvious of knowing where you are which with you is sketchy at best.”

“You are using a prompt word, I’m sure. I can always tell when you break into song. What show is that song in?”

“Oklahoma. Premiered on Broadway in 1943.”

“They made a movie of it too, didn’t they?”

“Yeah, in 1955.”

“So what does this have to do with Stream of Consciousness Saturday.”

“Oh, we are supposed to come up with using oh or a word that starts with oh.”

“Oh. What the heck words start with, oh?”

“Ohmmeter is one.”

“Yeah, you can build a story around that, I’m sure. Any more?”

“All obscure. Nothing to work with.”

So you are going with Beautiful Morning,?”

“Oh, yes, I am.”

“How about Ohio. You could talk endlessly about that.”

“Yeah, I could. The state, Ohio. The greeting in Japanese, Ohio.”

“Not to mention the Ohio River.”

“You know what?”

“What?”

“We should quit now and get a beer.”

“Yeah, what beer?”

“Oh-J double IPA from Portland, Maine.”

“You looked that up, didn’t you?”

“Oh, my. Trapped like a rat.”

“Dishonest rat at that.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

“It’s Friday, Boss.”
“Yeah, time for pizza.”

Friday has arrived as it does each week typically. The prospect of spending a couple of days catching our breath makes Friday a particular day. I used to call it Saturday eve when I was a prisoner of organized commerce. Friday was the day to put on casual clothes and take a little extra time at lunch. Friday was also the day when company re-organizations would take place and thus became a “day of the long knives.” Even if this were the case, Friday was also the day the eagle pooped. Yeah, payday. Payday was a cause to stop after work for a couple of drinks and to celebrate making it another week, bi-week or in the old days, month.

I once asked one of my co-workers if he would like to stop after work for a couple of drinks. He said, “If I can only have a couple, then no.” He was one of those funny guys that every office has on hand.

This week was more editing on the WIP. As I was working, it became apparent to me that my deadline was in serious jeopardy. I had planned to have the MS into my editor’s hands by early November. This would have included beta reader input.

I find that my second draft is taking me longer. I did beg my editor for more time since I hate to send her an MS that isn’t as complete as I can make it. The beta read part of that is essential. If I sent it without input from beta readers, then there would be a chance of another rewrite, which would then be a waste of the editor’s time. So I pushed the launch and will be ready to solicit beta readers shortly. (My editor is an angel) If you would like to read the book, I will be posting an invitation separately.

Today’s JohnKu celebrates the weekend. I hope you have a good one.

It was a hard one,

Now that the week is over. . .

Time to celebrate.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s New Toy

October 17, 2019October 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

“So Twiggy. What do you have there?”

“A new toy.”

“Geez. I wonder where mine is?”

“You can play with mine.”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t look big enough for two.”

“No, it’s not. But we can take turns.”

“Yeah, I think that would work.”

“Its name is Starfish. It has a squeaker too.”

“Okay, now it’s your turn.”

“You sure?”

“Sure, I’m sure. You go ahead. Take it for a ride.”

“You know this is my nap time.”

“Yeah, I didn’t pay attention to the time.”

” How about you play with it for a while? I’ll call you.”

Okay then, Lucy. You have a nice nap, and I’ll go play.”

“Uh-huh. Good deal. Snozzzzzzz.”

🎶”Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are.”🎶

🎶”Laying in the sea so low. Watching the tides come and go.”🎶

🎶”I think you would rather be. With your pals in the deep blue sea.”🎶

“Twiggy?”

“Yes, Lucy.”

“I would leave the singing to Taylor Swift.”

“Hedgehog likes it.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

October 16, 2019October 15, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, Larry and Andrew had a bizarre meeting with the Assistant DA Taggert. He apologized for treating our heroes like criminals, gave Larry back his gun, and then more or less left them to fend for themselves. Well, I see that they are in the car so let’s go and maybe we can collect some intel.

“So, you had a question while we were in Taggert’s office?”

“I did, Larry.”

“Let’s have it.”

“Don’t you think that guy was a little too casual with us.”

“What do you mean?”

“He strolls into his office, says an ‘I’m sorry,’ and then shoos us on our way.”

“Well, what’s you expect a cake or something?”

“No, but I thought he would give us some specific help. You know, like, ‘Let me get a couple of officers to help you in your investigation,’ kind of help.”

“You expect too much out of people. He was just glad to have us out of his office.”

“I hope that is all it was.”

“You worry too much. Here we are at the Hyatt.”

“I know I worry too much, but I can’t help it. Okay, what’s the plan here?”

“We go inside and ask to speak to the manager. We lay. The search warrant on him and then ask to see the registration records.”

“Sounds pretty straightforward to me. Let’s go.”

“Let me do the talking.”

“Always do. That’s how we get into trouble.”

“Yeah, very funny. Let’s go to the front desk over there.”

“Lead on my liege.”

“Yes, sir, how can I help you?”

“We would like to speak with the manager of the hotel.”

“Is there a problem, sir?”

“No problem, and I would appreciate your help in having the manager step out here. I’m a detective with the Boston Police department on official business. Here are my credentials.”

“Yes, sir. One moment sir.”

“Way to go on the Bogart, Larry.”

“I don’t need to waste words on a front desk clerk, Andrew. Here comes someone who looks like they are going to be a pain in the ass.”

“Be nice, Larry.”

“Yes, sir. My name is Wentworth, and I’m the senior manager. What seems to be the problem?”

“There is no problem, Wentworth. We just need to see some registration records.”

“Well sir I’m sorry, but registration records are confidential¾”

“I don’t mean to interrupt, Wentworth, but this warrant says otherwise.”

“Hmmm. I see this warrant authorizes a Detective Dunfee to view the registration records any time before eight Pm tonight.”

“Correct. So let’s go to where ever the records are and take a look.”

“Are you Detective Dunfee?”

“Yes, I am. Here are my credentials.”

“Yes, sir. Can you wait a minute? I will need to counsel with our attorney.”

“What do you mean by a minute? I would hate to see you in contempt of that order.”

“I just need to make a phone call. It shouldn’t take more than five minutes. In the meantime, may I offer you some coffee?”

“I would love a coffee.”

“Very well. Let’s go to our executive office. We have coffee there. I will excuse myself and make the call from my office.”

“That’s fine. Lead the way.”

“Yes, sir. Right, this way. It is a short walk down the hall.”

“Larry, a word?”

“Yes, Andrew? Uh, Wentworth. Could you give us a minute?”

“Yes, sir. I go to the executive office door and wait for you.”

“What is it, Andrew?”

“This guy could drag his feet and take it beyond the eight o’clock cut off.”

“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry. We have served the warrant. If he delays too long, I’m sure we can threaten obstruction of justice of something. I may even pull my gun. I’m getting pretty sick of these runarounds. Thanks for the warning, though. Let’s catch up to old Wentworth and have a nice cup of joe.”

“Good idea. And Larry?”

“What, Andrew?”

“Thanks for listening. You’ve been a peach.”

“Might not last, but I appreciate your counsel.”