“Look Lucy. Friday is here.” “I see it Little One. Thank goodness.”
It is Friday and it came just in time.
As you may know I’m helping C.S.Boyack with his launch of Viral Blues his new book. If you haven’t visited yet here is thelink. I’m reading it now and am enjoying it.
I’m happy to say the first draft of my new book is done. I now need to let it rest for a few and then go back for the second run through. It is amazing to me what can be done when you make a committment. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement during the process. Today’s JohnKu talks about a journey. I hope you all have a great weekend.
It is always lovely to welcome Lisa Burton to my place for a chat. As most of you know by now, Lisa is the personal assistant to writer C.S.Boyack, and the last time she visited, we talked at the coast. I’m so glad she was able to get through the Austin traffic to join me here today. So welcome Lisa. Have a cup of coffee . . . Oh, wait. You don’t drink coffee or anything else. Well anyway, tell us what you are up to these days.
Thanks for having me over, John. Love the new place, but I kind of miss the beach. Craig has me on the road promoting his newest book, “Viral Blues.” I really enjoyed this one, because I get to be in it.
It started off as a sequel to “The Hat,” and it is, but Craig included a bunch of his existing characters in a kind of team-up story. Lizzie and The Hat are the lead, in that they walk readers in and out of the story, but a lot of us got a second chance to shine. In fact, bear with me while I access the Internet…
To quote an older review, by John Howell, “The Playground… is about a badder than bad badass who has been hired to hunt down a guy who has some code some other guy wants to recover.”
That’s my way of saying that Clovis is also making an appearance in Viral Blues. He’s kind of helpful in his own way. There are times when a robot girl can’t find the data online, and another method is required. There are some pretty handy folks who make up our team, but Clovis was indispensable. He also has a really cute dog, and I’m a sucker for animals.
The story begins when we all got invitations to a cryptic meeting. Gina Greybill is the head of a secret society. They’ve uncovered a plot to tamper with the nation’s vaccine supply. There are supernatural tracks all over this evidence and it’s the group’s job to sort it all out.
I got the chance to do a little corporate spying, and took over a drone to scope out a hotbed of activity. I even managed to do a little shopping along the way.
Lizzie has a pretty weak sense of style, and since she fronts a band, I decided to help her out a little. Her hat is actually a creature from another dimension, and can be any kind of hat she wants. That’s pretty handy from a fashion sense, so I worked from there. The big deal is that Lizzie has to pack heat. She has to drape something to cover her revolvers, so it makes it hard to wear a nice knit dress or anything like that.
Things got a little hairy, even creepy at a couple of points, and while I can’t speak for the others, I had a good time. I think readers will, too. I hope your fans will give it a chance.
Part of being Craig’s spokesmodel is handing out my posters. This one was from “The Hat,” But it’s still appropriate. I’m posing as Lizzie, and this particular hat caused a lot of grief. The hat had never worked with a woman before, and he was kind of embarrassed about it.
Thank you, Lisa. I’m sure this book will be as enjoyable as The Hat. I just started reading it and can say it is a good read so far. Here is the blurb as well as the purchase link. Also, C.S Boyack’s bio and other links are below the blurb.
***
Blurb:
Someone knows about the hat. The creature from another dimension that helps Lizzie fight against the creatures of darkness.
They are summoned to a cryptic meeting with a secret society, where they meet other people with enhanced skills. It turns out someone, or something, has been tampering with the world’s vaccine supply. The goal doesn’t appear to be political or financial, but biblical pestilence.
Can this group of loners come together in time to make a difference when even the proper authorities are obstacles?
Check out Viral Blues, for your dose of paranormal adventure, with a strong sample of dark humor. And in recent superhero style, don’t miss the secret last chapter after the back material.
“It is a photo showing all of Charles Yallowitz’s War of Nytefall Series which are on sale for $0.99 each for the month of October.”
“Oh thank goodness. Here I thought it was a bag of some kind of new dog food.”
“Me too, Lucy. Not sure I could handle that.”
“These are Fantasy and Vampire stories, right Twiggy?”
“Not sure Lucy. I think so but I have a hard time holding books.”
“If I didn’t know better I would say you just told a joke.”
“Yeah, I think I did. Where can people who can hold a reader get War of Nytefall?”
“You just gave the link in your question.”
“I did? What’s a link?”
“Please excuse Twiggy folks. She doesn’t get out much.”
“Yeah. I wish Mom would let me out right now.”
“I would rush to get these books at $.99. They are also available for 99 Pence in the UK and discounts at other sites as well. As for me I’ve worked hard enough as a spokesperson. Nap time.
“Currency exchange makes my head hurt, Lucy. Heres the US link again.”
“Twiggy. What’s up.” “It’s only Wednesday. I thought it was Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were there when Larry and Andrew (mostly Andrew) decided to take the offer to go back to Boston to conduct further investigations from there. They went back inside and informed Nobel of their decision. He, of course, praised their wisdom and immediately summoned Rocko and Lance and ordered them to take Larry and Andrew to their car and then to the hotel to check out. Rocko and Lance, we delighted to comply with Nobel’s orders. The car was collected, and Rocco drove it to the hotel. I see that Lance has pulled up in front of Larry and Andrew’s hotel with Rocco right behind. I think we better go there now. The conversation might be interesting.
“Well, gentlemen, here we are. You two go inside, pack your bags, and check out. Rocco will go with you, so you don’t get lost so to speak. I’ll wait here and then drive you to the airport.”
“Thanks, Larry. You know it’s in the middle of the night, and the airport will be closed.”
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head, detective. We have a special airplane just waiting for you.”
“A private plane?”
“You got it, son. Mr. Nobel is sparing no expense to make sure you and your fat assed friend are well taken care of.”
“Excuse me, my dear man.”
“Yeah what?”
“This is a well-honed body of an aristocrat. I object to the plebian term ‘fat assed.”’
“Well too bad for you grandpa. Now get out of the car and go with Rocco.”
“Real nice Lance. Let’s go, Andrew.”
“Don’t slam that door either.”
“Hey, Rocco.”
“Yes, detective.”
“You supposed to watch us, huh?”
“You got the right idea. Don’t get cute either.”
“You don’t have to worry about us. We know how to behave. Hey. Rocco take a look. Two Nevada State Troopers headed our way.”
“Excuse me gentlemen but is one of you detective Dunfee?”
“Yes sergeant, I’m detective Dunfee.”
“Would you please come with us, sir?”
“Uh is there a problem sergeant?”
“ Step over here detective this is for your ears only. There’s no problem, detective. The District Attorney in Reno got a call from the DA in Boston, and we’ve been asked to make certain you are safe.”
“Safe? Is that what was said? We are in danger?”
“Sir I would rather talk to you in a private place. Who are these men?”
“The big dumb looking one is my associate, and the other one is a goon who was about to take us for a ride to the airport.”
“I see. You sir, what’s your name.”
“It’s Rocco, officer.”
“Okay, Rocco. I’m not going to ask for an ID nor do I want to take the time to fill out a bunch of paperwork, but I am going to ask you to find your way back to wherever you came from, Ok?”
“Sure, officer no problem. I’ll just get in the car and be gone.”
“Good move. Now Mr. Dunfee if you and your associate would go to your room. It’s late, and you probably could use some sleep. The officer and I will be outside your room. In the morning we need to go downtown to the DA’s office where you can ask all the questions you need. Is that okay.”
“We are bushed Sergeant, so I think that makes a lot of sense. Thank you.”
“After you, sir. We are right behind you.”
“Talk about white knight, huh, Andrew?”
“Yes, Larry, this seems good. Can we talk about ‘big dumb-looking?”’
“Term of endearment, Andrew. Just a term of endearment.”
“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.”
This week in history had some pretty serious things going on, and not one was something I could mock without appearing disrespectful. (I guess Babe Ruth’s 60th home run in 1927 could be an exception, but I have already done a ballpark top ten) So, I have begun going to the gym again (after a broken kneecap), so I thought it would be fun to restate some things not to do if you go to a gym.
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Gym
10 If you go to the gym, do not wear your workboots on the treadmill. If you do, at best, they are clean. At worst, these are the same boots you wore to the barn cleaning. (Well now you’ve done it, Jabari. You’ve caked the ellipsis with old Dobber’s straw and poop. I think this might be the last day of your membership.)
9 If you go to the gym, do not point out to Tiny the WWF champ the “Do Not Drop Barbells” sign. If you do, at best he’ll think you are pointing to the water fountain. At worst, Tiny, who just left his narcissist support group, will wonder why you are so rude as to ask him to follow the rules. ( Tiny has a way to handle what he thinks are nasty folks, Jabbar. He takes them for a helicopter spin and body drop, which only hurts for a little while.)
8 If you go to the gym, do not aks the guy who has three hundred pounds pressed overhead for the time. If you do, at best, he will have a sense of humor. At worst, you will break the lifter’s concentration. (Nice going, Jabir. You and he are now in the basement after the drop of the weights took you both through the floor. I would suggest you get up and get out quickly before he comes to.)
7 If you go to the gym, do not forget to wipe off any of the equipment that you sweated up. If you do, at best someone else will do it. At worst, a committee will form to convince you to begin. (Don’t look now, Jaccob but the committee is armed with spray disinfectant, and I think you may be the machine they intend to wipe down.)
6 If you go to the gym, do not carry on a cellphone conversation while working out. If you do, at best, the place will be empty. At worst, those around you want you to die. ( As a second choice, Jacinto you will be able to find your phone in the ten-foot end of the pool.)
5 If you go to the gym, do not finish that hero sandwich while riding the stationary bike. If you do, at best you only had two bites left. At worst, once you really got going the crumbs, lettuce and onion bits are blown everywhere. ( What a sight, Jacky. You look like a confetti machine on New Year’s Eve. Now go get a vacuum machine and clean this stuff up.)
4 If you go to the gym, do not think that wife-beater t-shirt that says “People Suck,” is appropriate exercise wear. If you do, at best, you’ll be totally ignored. At worse, the biggest guy in the gym walks over and says, “I’m a people.” (Well now, Jacobson you have a choice. Fight or flee. I would suggest the latter thank you.)
3 If you go to the gym, do not moan out loud with each lift of the weights. If you do, at best everyone will be listening to music. At worst, everyone will be making faces behind your back. (I hope you are happy, Jacoby. There is an entire mime show going on behind you to the delight of the performers.)
2 If you go to the gym, do not keep wearing the same unwashed exercise clothes. If you do, at best no one is near you. At worst, people keep wondering aloud who is hiding the Limburger cheese. (Normally you wouldn’t care, Jacquin but the pack of dogs following you are becoming a pain.)
1 If you go to the gym, do not work the New York Times crossword puzzle while on the treadmill. If you do, at best, your no hands workout is an accomplishment. At worst, your attempt at no hands treadmill work is a disaster. ( Don’t worry, Jacquelin no one laughed when you went teacart over teacups at the end of the treadmill. Well, almost no one. Okay everyone but the guy eating the hero laughed.)
Last week we took a long look at the Leibolt cabin. I checked some previous posts and saw there were some heritage points that I have not shown. So this week completes the heritage collection of Lakeway. I hope you enjoy
The first store in Lakeway called the Country Store built in 1969.
The plaque on the store.
This building was built in 1996 on the site of The Lakeway Land Company headquarters which burned down in 1979.
The marker.
The flagpole on the Live Oak Country Club grounds was the first community flag pole and was the focal point for the beginning of the Fourth of July parade. It was installed in 1977.
The flagpole marker.
The Lakeway Land office where lots were sold for $4000.
The first house built in Lakeway.
Not part of the heritage trail but thought this wind mobile was colorful.
The Blocker Home built in 1964 by one of the founding families of Lakeway.
The Blocker Home marker.
The “Little Grass Shack” built in 1970 and was Lakeway’s largest home at that time.
The Little Grass Shack marker.
The site of the first pay telephone (and first telephone in Lakeway) installed in 1962.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt has been conjured up by Dan Antion. Rather than try to paraphrase the prompt here are Dan’s words.
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ent” “ten” “net.” Use one, use two, or use all three (bonus points for using two, double-bonus points for using all three). As Linda would say, use ’em any way you’d like. Enjoy!”
If you would like to run yourself ragged in the quest for enjoyment, visit Linda Hill’s blog to read how. Here is the link.
“You have no personality but for the sake of answering the question, what does ENTJ mean?”
“It’s a score from a test.”
“Okay, now I know a lot more than I did. What test?”
“Meyers-Briggs personality test. Each letter stands for a personality trait.”
“Can you take ten seconds and net it out for me?”
“Sure. ENTJs are natural and decisive leaders. They are analytical, efficient, and hardworking. They live in a world of ideas and have a great ability to debate.”
“Whaaaat???? This does not sound like you at all. Was this one of those things you do on Twitter or the internet?”
“No, it’s more scientific than that. There are a series of questions you answer to the best of your ability.”
“You obviously cheated off the person next to you.”
“Very funny. I’ve taken the test ten times, and it always comes up the same.”
“Is the person next to you the same each time?”
“Okay, you don’t have to recognize my type, but I know I’m a natural leader.”
“What have you led lately?”
“That is beside the point. I know I have the ability now all I need is the opportunity.”
“Okay, I have a leadership opportunity for you.”
“I’m ready.”
“Decide where we go for lunch.”
“Where do you want to go?”
“See my point exactly.”
“Yeah? Well, when we get there, I’ll buy.”
“Now, there is a leader. How much do you have on you?”
“Ten bucks.”
“Net after-tax, ten should be enough.”
“While there, I’ll explain some of my entrepreneur ideas.”
“The tension is killing me. Let’s go and start some networking and maybe enter the Shark Tank competition.”
“You aren’t making much sense.”
“Yeah, just trying to squeeze in more prompt words.”
“Let’s get to lunch before you have a nettlesome ten stage entropic episode.”
Today is Friday. Hold on. If that is news to anyone it is definitely time for a relook at your priorities. Yes, it is the last workday of the week. Yahoo. Always nice to recognize Friday.
This week has been pretty typical. I managed to meet my 1000 word a day goal and now my WIP stands at above 89,000. If I do seven more thousand next week the first draft will be done and total 96,000 words. Of course, the conclusion could come crashing in at fewer words but either way it will be done next week. (God willing and the creek don’t rise.)
Then the editing and rewrite will begin at the expense of the few hairs I have left.
I spent some time this week on Amazon ads. There was a weeklong workshop in which I participated. It was informative and gave me some pretty good ideas about Amazon advertising. I have vowed to conquer this beast or die trying. We’ll see how it goes.
I raised some concern about views and the need to maybe change some things on the blog. I took a look this week at visits to my blog in contrast to just looking at views and for the most part the visits are pretty consistant. Long story short I’m going to leave the format alone but continue to keep monatoring.
Today’s JohnKu talks about continued review of our chosen path to make certain it is still relevant. I hope you have a great weekend.
