Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

August 30, 2019August 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Think we out to hit it, Lucy?”
“Well, it is Friday after all.”

Another Friday. Once this day is done, then there is a three day weekend ahead for all you productive prisoners of organized commerce. I certainly hope you all have a wonderful time and remember the rule of safe party behavior. The rule? No drinking and driving. There is another rule of thumb that should be followed when doing a weekend of celebration which is don’t yak in your own hat.

I’ve managed to keep the 1000 word a day regimen for this last week on my WIP. I was at 54,000 words last Friday and am over 61,000 words today. I am very thankful to keep moving. I was a little unsure how to get to the ending even though I had written the last three lines. I had a breakthrough yesterday courtesy of one of the characters.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the holiday weekend. I hope you have a fabulous time.

Monday holiday,

Takes forever to get here . . .

Then gone in a flash.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Temps below 100 Degrees

August 29, 2019August 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

“So Lucy, what’s the deal?”

“The temperature is below 100 degrees for the first time this month.”

“Is it the end of the world?”

“No, Little One. A cool front moved in, and it is cooler now.”

“How cool is it, Lucy?”

“Hmmm let’s see. That thermometer says ninety-seven degrees.”

“Ninety-seven degrees? Are you kidding me?”

“Uh, no. That is what it says.”

“With you going on about the cool, I thought it would be well below one hundred.”

“Hey. Every little bit counts.”

“Okay, I’m going to try it out.”

“I think the back patio would be the place to relax.”

“Come over to my spot on the grass and see if you like it.”

“Okay. Let me sniff out a good place.”

“Well, how is it?”

“Comfy. But too many ants for my taste.”

“So come to the back patio.”

“Okay. I’m on my way.”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t see any ants.”

“Relax, Lucy. I have the cabana server running us a couple of drinks.”

“When he gets here would you ask him to put up the umbrella?”

Five Things to Remember as a New Writer- Guest Post at @maryannwrites

August 28, 2019August 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 18 Comments

Today I’m a guest at Maryann Miller’s blog, Maryann Writes. When I was a new writer, I learned many things by trial and error. Some of what I learned I forgot and had to keep relearning and others I managed to save. I developed a list of five things that new writers ought to remember and published on Maryann’s blog today. You can find it at this link.

https://maryannwrites.com/2019/08/28/five-things-to-remember-as-a-new-writer/

So that you can know Maryann a little better here is her bio.

A diverse writer of columns, feature stores, short fiction, novels, screenplays, and stage plays, Maryann Miller has won numerous awards including being a semi-finalist at the Sundance Institute for her screenplay, “A Question of Honor.” More recently, she placed in the top 15 percent of entries in the Chesterfield Screenwriting Fellowship with the adaptation of her mystery, “Open Season.”

Early publishing credits include work for regional and national newspapers and magazines. The Rosen Publishing Group released her nine non-fiction books for teens, including the award-winning Coping With Weapons and Violence: In Your School and on Your Streets. Her fiction includes: One Small Victory, Play It Again Sam, Open Season, Stalking Season, Boxes for Beds, Doubletake, and a short story collection, The Wisdom of Ages.

In association with Stephen Marro Productions in New York, Maryann has done script editing and doctoring and co-authored three screenplays; “Holding Point”, “Canned Goods”, and “It Doesn’t Take a Hero”. She worked on the screenplay for “Broadway’s Finest,” a feature film that was released in 2012 by Arrested Development Productions. With Gary Martin, she co-authored the screenplay for “The Benign”.

Miller has an extensive background in editing, most recently serving for ten years as the Managing Editor and writer for an online community magazine, WinnsboroToday.com. She does freelance editing, and you can visit her Services Page to find more details. Miller has written book reviews for Dallas Newspapers, ForeWord Magazine, and online review sites. She has been writing all her life and plans to die at her computer.

AWARDS
Detroit News Scholastic Writing Awards
Golden Pen Award – short story – Southwest Writer’s Conference, University of Houston.
Golden Pen Award – screenplay – Southwest Writer’s Conference, University of Houston.
Sundance Institute -Semi-finalist.
Writer’s Digest Writing Awards – screenplay.
New York Library List of Best Books for Teens
Chesterfield Film Project – Semi-Finalist
Page Edwards Short Fiction Award – University of Florida
Trails Country Treasure Award – Winnsboro Center for the Arts
2015 Best Mystery for Doubletake – Texas Association of Authors
Woman of the Year – Winnsboro Area Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday Story Time – AKA – Hump Day

August 28, 2019August 27, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we were there when Larry and Andrew got the warrant to go and ask for the hotel records for Alexis Rafferty. The warrant is only valid for twenty-four hours. Larry requested that Ned Dixon, Janis’ lover be included in the warrant but the judge was cold to the idea, so Larry dropped it. It is now after 8:30 and Larry decides they should go to their own hotel. Let’s go with them.

“Shouldn’t we go to the Hyatt hotel?”

“You know Andrew, if we go there tonight, we will meet some kid who won’t be authorized to honor the warrant and we’ll spin our wheels or worse tip off someone as to our intentions.”

What do you mean tipoff?”

“I don’t trust anyone. If we go over there and ask for the records and then can’t get them ten to one, they will have met an unfortunate accident by the time we get back.”

“I get that for sure. Tell me, Larry, if Alexis is registered, how can we prove Janice is with him? Unless they have a Mr. and Mrs. registration, we won’t be able to tell.”

“You and I know that. Even with a Mr. and Mrs. registration without additional evidence, we could never make a case that she was actually there. Whoever we question may have additional information like a room service bill signed by Janice.”

“Good thinking. Too bad on the Ned Dixion try.”

“Yeah, that judge is a sly one. No matter we’ll pretend that the warrant covers anyone we want.”

“But if you turn up evidence it won’t be admissible.”

“Not too worried about admissible. I’m going for the old one perp turns on the other strategy.”

“Meaning?”

“Let’s just say we find out Ned was at the hotel the night Alexis was killed. We then have some information to ask him why he was there. We also have information to ask Janice why he was there. Makes a beautiful scene of sweat city. Maybe one or the other will crack and spill the beans for a deal.”

“You are a crafty one, Mr. Grinch.”

“Why thank you, Andrew. Well, we are here at the hotel. Let’s go in and have a nightcap and call it a night.”

“Good idea. This altitude gets to me. I could use an early evening.”

“Uh, Andrew. Do you see that guy coming this way?”

“Yeah. I also see the guy knocking on my window with a very impressive handgun.”

“Roll down the window, fat man.”

“Is he talking to me?”

“Roll down the window, Andrew. I think he wants to talk to us. At least I hope it’s talk. This is not good. I have one on my side too.”

“You two get out of the car. Slowly.”

“Let’s get out Andrew and see what these fine gentlemen want.”

Tuesday – A Little Personal – Kreative Kue #226 by Keith Channing

August 27, 2019August 26, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 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

Top ten Things Not to Do at the Start of a New American Football Season

August 26, 2019August 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Yes, it’s true. We are beginning the pre-game season. I thought I would put together a list that will hopefully lead to a more enjoyable season for all. (Notice I labeled it American football in deference to the name the rest of the world calls soccer)

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Start of a New American Football Season

10 At the start of the football season, do not try to change entertainment providers. If you do, at best you’ll have a sports bar close. At worse, you will be hanging aluminum foil off a shirt hanger trying to pick up tonight’s game. (We all know that no matter how you hate your current provider, Isa the new one won’t work for at least 30 days.)

9 At the start of the football season, do not try to hire Tiny the WWF champ to do your yard work so you can watch the game. If you do, at best he’ll come on Tuesdays. At worse, he will show up on Saturday and will have his broad nose pressed against your window to see the game. (By the way, Islam Tiny just left his separation anxiety group therapy session, and this is no time to tell him t get lost.)

8 At the start of the football season, do not try some tricky recipes for game day. If you do, at best there still is Pizza hut. At worst, you will know your goose liver pate is being seen as meatloaf when someone asks for catsup. (You should have never tried, Istvan. Your friends would have sooner had meatloaf.)

7 At the start of the football season, do not vow to beat the Jones’ with an elaborate tailgate scheme. If you do, at best the Jones’ won’t show up. At worst, Jones has hired an eighteen-wheeler. (To make matters even worse, Ivey the thing is fully furnished including a hot tub, kitchen and a Garth Brooks live performance.)

6 At the start of the football season, do not join the One Hundred dollar squares game at work. If you do, at best you will only have spent $100.00. At worst, you didn’t read the fine print and you are expected to anti $100.00 a week. (Don’t worry, Ixon. That guy with the big nose and muscles isn’t all that bad once you pay up. He may even buy you a beer.)

5 At the start of the football season, do not insist on wearing your team jersey to work on Friday. If you do, at best, your team is very popular with your fellow workers. At worse, your team is playing your bosses’ alma mater this week. (The boss does not look amused, Izod. I think you had better explain that you lost a bet and your team is really the bosses’ team. The boss is not going to buy it, but at least you have plausible deniability, especially if the bosses’ team loses.)

4 At the start of the football season, do not quote every single statistic about every single player during lunch. If you do, at best everyone will be engaged in other discussions. At worse, sooner or later someone will ask you if you would like a big cup of shut the f–k up. (Now you know you need to be quiet, James. Otherwise, you will know what it is like to eat your lunch all by yourself.)

3 At the start of the football season, do not go shopping for a giant screen TV. If you do, At best your store will be running a sale. At worst, since they know you and everyone else wants a big screen badly, your store will add 10% to the already outrageous price. (You should have made this purchase during the Fourth of July sale, Joshua. No one wanted a TV then.)

2 At the start of the football season, do not try the old mancave in the garage bit. If you do, at best, your spouse will nix the idea immediately. At worst, you’ll get the mancave set up only to be forced to make room for the cars. (You didn’t think this one out, Jonathan. You see the snow and ice on top of the vehicles is not suitable for them or you when it comes time to try and unfreeze the doors to go to work.)

1 At the start of the football season, do not try to exert dominance over the remote. If you do, at best others in the house want to watch the same games as you. At worst, no one has any interest in the games you want to watch. (So there you are on the back patio, Jason. Yeah, that’s your breath, you see. I hope you are enjoying watching the game in the same weather conditions in which it is being played. Another hot toddy may help.)

Circumstances of Childhood Review by Maryann Miller

August 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 16 Comments

Maryann Miller has given Circumstances of Childhood a terrific review at her place. Here is the link to the review and her blog which is titled Maryann Writes.

https://maryannwrites.com/2019/08/25/book-review-circumstances-of-childhood-by-john-w-howell/

Maryann Miller is one of those talented authors who makes time to help other authors. She has a regular feature on her blog where she provides a review of a book on Sunday and then invites the author to be her guest for a post on Wednesday.

Here is Maryann describing the process.

“Feel free to scout around the site and read my BLOG and find information about all my BOOKS, as well as my EDITORIAL SERVICES.

I like to support my fellow authors on my blog with reviews and guest posts. Those reviews cover fiction and nonfiction, and authors can find details by clicking the “services” tab.

If you would like to contact me for a review or editing, or just to say “hello” you can do so at maryann@maryannwrites.com. I do like to chat with readers and other authors about all aspects of books and writing.”

Visit Maryann and read the excellent review. You may want to have her do the same for you.

Thank you so much, Maryann, for taking the time to read and review Circumstances of Childhood. I look forward to visiting you on Wednesday.

Views of the Neighborhood – Community Spirit – A Repost on the Second Anniversary of Hurricane Harvey.

August 25, 2019August 24, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Since this is the second anniversary of Hurricane Harvey which devastated Port Aransas, I thought I would repeat a post that ran after the hurricane showing the community spirit there. I think it is that spirit which helped many people through difficult times. We no longer live in Port Aransas but the experience of the hurricane is still with us. The post follows this photo of the Texas flag flying over the marina taken days after the Hurricane.

Here is the post.

Continuing with my thoughts on maintaining a positive focus regarding Hurricane Harvey, I am featuring three separate groups who have set up relief points in town. All the goods in these relief locations are donations from kind folks outside of Port Aransas. These contributions have made a difference in helping folks through a very tough time.

Community spirit

Our first stop is the Recovery Supply Depot at Robert’s Point Park.

Here residents can find almost anything in cleaning supplies, hardware, and food. Bear in mind the local grocery store just opened this week with a very limited supply.

This shot will give you an idea of the magnitude of the donations. There are even wheelchairs available.

I loved this shot since it shows bikes, shovels, and rakes.

When I took this picture, a guy off camera asked, “Do you have any tarps?” The answer was, “Sure do. What size?”

Port Aransas spirit

The next relief point is Cowboy Camp David. A place run by volunteers offering free food, water, and hugs. The words across the Texas image on the right of the sign read “Texas Strong.”

Water is very important and is available here.

The volunteers are setting up for lunch.

The local churches were hard hit, so Camp David is the point to gather for worship.

Cooking under a pop-up.

Two things every Texan loves. Bar-b-que and the Texas flag.

This relief point is the Harvey Help Center and is located in the ruins of the Laughing Horse Motel. There are bins of cleaning supplies, food, and clothes. (The Fritos looked especially good)

Here is a shot of the women who run this relief spot. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and desire to help those in need.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Preposition

August 24, 2019August 23, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

With the advent of Saturday, we can guess that this is Stream of Consciousness Saturday on this blog. This weeks prompt is the preposition. Linda Hill says we can get bonus points for beginning and ending our post with a preposition. So you see why the beginning of my post looks unusual (nailed it). If you would like to wander in the excitement of a weekly prompt, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to do just that there. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS August 24/19

“Under what rule are you working?”

“That is an odd way to ask that question.”

“Yeah, I was trying to start our conversation with a preposition.”

“Don’t tell me. Linda Hill?”

“You know how it is. I am possessed.”

“That may be too strong a word. Let’s just say, obsessed.”

“Whatever. I’m compelled to do these prompts and don’t know why.”

“Maybe the devil makes you do them.”

“I don’t think so. I think it is a matter of wanting to let my imagination run free.”

“Oh, sure. That explains it entirely. Sitting in the house on a beautiful day, wracking your brain on a prompt is freedom.”

“You are not making me feel better.”

“To make you feel better might be a bigger task than I want to tackle.”

“That’s cold but then again maybe you can help me out?”

“Which way did you come in?”

“Very funny.”

“You are not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition. You ended yours with “out.”‘

“So did you.”

“Huh?”

“Anyway. I’m supposed to end this with a preposition.”

“What? And break the cardinal rule of grammar?”

“Who appointed you the grammar boss?”

“Just trying to be helpful.”

“Okay, so I was going to end this with, ‘So where does this leave us at?'”

“Again, we in the serious, legitimate literary world don’t end our sentences with a preposition.”

“Okay. Let me rephrase my question. ‘So where does this leave us at, butthead?”

“That’s what I’m talking about.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

August 23, 2019August 22, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

It is Friday again. This week has been more of the old heatwave. It has been 103 degrees for the last nine days. That kind of heat wears one out. We are expecting at least another two weeks of above 100 degrees. We can complain as much as we want, but it won’t help.

I spent another week on my WIP. Again I averaged above 1000 words a day and am currently at over 54,000.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the weather which is everyone’s favorite subject.

It’s one of those things,

We all talk about daily . . .

And never change it.

I hope you all have a great weekend.