Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

Funny Friday

Happy Friday the thirteenth. Well, here we are, almost finished with the first full week in a while. Seemed like a long one for sure. I hope you can make it the last eight hours or so. The weekend is right around the corner. One of my friends refers to Friday as Saturday Eve. I suppose that is a good way to look at it.

This week had its events. I received My GRL back from the editor with the final proof. I will be spending a little while doing the formats and then reporting to the cover artist the number of pages, the price, and providing the back cover endorsement. My publisher wants me to remind them when I’m going to launch the new edition of My GRL. I still plan on March 1st. I guess I will send them a note when I get closer.

I will be pricing My GRL at $2.99 for Kindle and $14.95 for the paper edition. That will be $3.00 off the current price off the Kindle and $2.00 off the paper.

I also kicked off a price discount for Our Justice. Today EReader News Today is featuring Our Justice at $0.99. You can go there or to Amazon.  Today’s John Ku talks about writing and promotion. I hope you like it.

Writing by John W. Howell © 2017

Scribble long hours,

Craft the best book you can do. . .

Sell it like tooth paste.

 

Thursday – A little Personal Our Justice Kindle Edition on Sale Jan 12 to Jan 19th

Our Justice

Our justice is available from  January 12th to January 19th on Amazon.

Here is the link for the $0.99 US

Here is the link for the £0.99 UK

The blurb

The terrorist leader and financier Matt Jacobs figured out a plan to eliminate the President. He is relying on John Cannon’s stature as a hero to help him carry it off. John finds himself walking the fine line of pretending to help Matt while trying to figure out a countermeasure to the plan.

The third book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy brings together two strong wills for a showdown. The question to be answered is who will feel the satisfaction that the achievement of justice delivers? John, Matt or neither?

The trailer https://youtu.be/1lrO7JYZy4M

Tuesday Anything Possible – $0.99 Sale on Our Justice from Jan 12 to Jan 19th #RRBC

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Advance notice:

I will be running a Kindle  $0.99 US and a £0.99 UK  sale on Our Justice from January 12th (Thursday) until January 19th (Thursday). I will also be featured on EReader News Today on Friday the 13th. (Hmmm)

This will be the first sale of Our Justice, and  I have extended it to accommodate a promotion on BookGoodies as well. So here is hoping all who want to get the book will do so in this period.

I will run another announcement on Thursday.

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Beach in Freezing Weather

Cold temps

 

The inspiration for this list is two-fold. One, we have had two nights of sub-freezing temperatures with daytime highs in the 30’s. Two, we have some people from up North who visit each winter. They are called “Winter Texans” and continually provide examples of what not to do. I hope you enjoy the list.

10 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not insist on wearing shorts and flip-flops. If you do, at best folks will think you are nuts. At worst, your blue knees and feet will frighten small children. (I know it’s 40 below in Minot. That is about the same temperature as 29 on the beach.)

9 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not think a beach fire will offset the cold. If you do, at best one side of you will be thawed. At worst, those winds will whip embers into the bed of your pickup to meet up with that gas can you keep there. (You don’t even have a boat so what’s up with the gas can Dudley?)

8 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not think the sixty-degree water will warm you if you go in. If you do, at best you’ll get the surprise of your life. At worst, you will need to call 911 and have the EMS crew standing by with thermal blankets. (Also the institution will be nice and cozy while you are under psychological observation, right Buford?)

7 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not try to salvage your vacation. If you do, at best all the games and beach toys will be useful someday. At worst, your family will not speak to you for a month. (It only took three hours to get their body temperatures back to normal, Idiot.)

6 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not think that tent is going to keep you warm. If you do, at best you’ll find a nice motel room after two hours. At worst, the thirty miles per hour wind will relocate your tent to the next county. (Hard to sleep with no shelter huh Bunky?)

5 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not think that water in your camper tank will not freeze. If you do, at best you’ll need to wait for a drink. At worst, your tank which was a one piece is now two. (Amazing about that wind chill isn’t it, Camper Dan)

4 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not try to interest everyone in smores. If you do, at best the attractiveness of frozen smores is at best marginal. At worst your youngest got his tongue stuck on the metal marshmallow roasting fork. (The fire department wasn’t amused and the CPS officer wants to ask you some question about child abuse. Ferd)

3 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not try to cut the line at the packed coffee-house. If you do at best, you will be asked to leave. At worst, the guy you cut ahead of is Tiny the WWF champ who just left his anger management class after receiving an F on his final exam. (Looks like you might need some help, Buster)

2 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, do not rent a golf cart thinking it a good way to stay warm while on the beach. If you do, at best you’ll wish you had heavier coats. At worst, you will try to return the cart only to find the fee is nonrefundable. (Looks like you spent about a hundred dollars an hour for something you should not have rented in the first place.)

1 If the temperatures at the beach are below freezing, resist the temptation to cruise the beach in your big ‘ole dually pickup truck. At best, you will not see anything. At worst, you will spew enough diesel smoke to take out a pack of seagulls. (Why not just stay in your travel trailer and wait until tomorrow when it will be eighty degrees)

Views of the Neighborhood

It is time to change my header on Fiction Favorites. I have some photos that could be in contention for the job. Rather than me making the selection, I thought it might be fun to show you the candidates and let you choose the most favored. There is a poll at the bottom for you to use to record your choice. So here they are. One thing that struck me as I lined these photos up was how different the same position on the beach (looking East) is in reality

The first is a long shot of a stormy day. Candidate #1

Header picture

This is a shot of the sun breaking through the clouds. Candidate #2

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A picture of an isolated thunderstorm. Candidate #3

Header Picture

The sunrise in late fall.Candidate #4

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A cold day with blowing sand Candidate #5

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As always, thank you for your help. The winner will be posted on the header next week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Coat” #SoCS, #JusJoJan

 

SOCS

Just Jot it January

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Coat.” It is also Just Jot is January and this post counts in both. That’s good since I have missed all the prompts so far. If you would like to participate in either go to Linda Hill’s post and read all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/01/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-and-jusjojan-jan-717/

Coat by John W. Howell © 2017

“What are you doing?”

“Putting on a coat.”

“I can see that. I’m talking about those gloves, the cap, scarf, and Uggs.”

“Hello. This is the middle of winter and we’re going out.”

“I know but you look like you live in Minnesota. ”

“I can’t help it. The Arctic Vortex has hit us.”

“Well, it’s a little colder than normal but hardly worth dressing  like you’re competing in the Iditarod.”

“Speak for yourself flip-flop man. I see you are wearing shoes.”

“Well yeah. we are going out to dinner and I don’t think the restaurant folks would appreciate me walking in with flip-flops. Besides these are boat shoes. Hardly good in the snow.”

“I don’t care. I’ve been cold for two days and I’m not taking it anymore.”

“Cold for two days? Are you sure you don’t have the flu or something?”

“I don’t have anything but goosebumps.”

“The Arctic Vortex has just been here since yesterday. Why have you been cold for two days.”

“You know as well as I the air conditioner was not working right. It was stuck on cool. The house was 65 degrees.”

“I know. Why didn’t you open the door and let in some warm air?”

“You know how the humidity ruins the furniture.”

“Well, it is now fixed.”

“And it is still 65 degrees.”

“Turn on the heat.”

“What? Turn on the heat so early in the season? No way.”

“You know how ridiculous this conversation sounds to the folks up North don’t you?”

“They are lucky.”

“How so?”

“When it is time to be cold it is cold. Makes planning easier.”

“I see. Let me help you with that coat. I certainly hope no one reads this. We will be the laughing-stock.”

Friday John Ku – AKA TGIF

TGIF

 

It looks like we survived the New Year’s celebrations and are close to the end of the work week. Since this was a short week we probably have a little energy left that we can invest in a terrific weekend. I know this week was quite stress-free for me. I managed to get my next book off to the beta readers and the edits to My GRL back to the editor. I think it as a good week. Sometimes working in a vacuum it is hard to say whether the week was good or not.  This is why having a goal or two established for the week gives you a measure of your movement. Now that these two tasks are accomplished I can turn back to getting my next book finished. Knock wood the first draft should be done by the end of April. This week’s John Ku talks about goals. I hope you have a great weekend.

Goals by John W. Howell © 2017

Once they are written,

It is hard to ignore them. . .

Goals are persistent.

Thursday – A Little Personal – My GRL New Cover Preview

As you may know, I will be launching a revised edition of My GRL. The reason this is necessary is that my contract with the publisher expires in 2017. I got word this week that the old edition of My GRL will be pulled from distribution on March 1st. The new edition will go up on the same day.  I thought I would give you a look at the cover. It follows the convention established on His Revenge and Our Justice. I hope you like it.

My GRL

My only challenge is trying to work out how to save the Fifty-Nine reviews. I have asked Amazon for advice. I know It’s like going to the IRS for tax advice but I don’t have anywhere else to go. They did respond with the information that all I have to do is inform them of the old ISBN number and the new. They will then restore all the existing reviews.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

Hump Day

 

Oh my goodness. Last week we witnessed poor Lucas on the horns of a dilemma. He was being asked inside the house of his employer by Alice Weston. Now Alice clearly does not have the best intentions and Lucas has a bit of a problem. Should he violate a trust he has with the Widow Murphy and fall into whatever Alice has in mind? Should Lucas tell Alice no and incur her wrath? Should he think of a different way out of this mess? Let’s go find out which way Lucas heads.
“You want me to come inside, Mrs. Weston. Just for a drink of water right?”
“Why Lucas Saveride I declare what else would I have on my mind?”
“I-I’m not sure. I know if I go into Mrs. Murphy’s house without her permission I will get into trouble.”
“Oh, nonsense. She won’t care.”
“How about a drink from the hose over there?”
“I’m not a common labor or who drinks from hoses. Uh, no offense.”
“None taken. If you had more on your mind than water I have a suggestion.”
“More? Like what more?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe something stronger than water.”
“A bit early for that isn’t it?”
“Depends on what goes with the something stronger.”
“If I didn’t know better I would say you are trying to seduce me you, bad boy.”
“I kinda like being in control. I got the same feeling before from you.”
“You make me blush, Lucas. So what is your suggestion?”
“I have a little place not far from here. We could go and have a drink and let the rest of the story be told after that.”
“I could be persuaded. Do you have any gin?”
“We can pick some up.”
“I don’t know what you think of me. I’ve never even thought about doing this before.”
“I know. Let’s just call it my idea. I just noticed when the sun hits your hair you look like a princess.”
“For heaven’s sake Lucas. I’ll drive.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Mystery Blogger Award.

Mysterious Blogger Award

 

A couple of days ago I was tagged in Lennon Carlyle’s Blog for the Mystery Blog Award. I normally do not do awards, but since I have enjoyed Lennon’s blog so much I should recognize her efforts to make me famous. Also, her questions are a whole lot of fun so let’s get started

Rules for nominees of the Mystery Blog Award:

Put the award logo/ picture on your blog – Done
List the rules – Done
Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog – Thank you, Lennon Carlyle.
Mention the creator of the award and link their blog too. – See below
Tell your readers three things about yourself – See below
You have to nominate 10-20 people – I nominate all my followers. (Now I’m in no trouble with anyone and in trouble with everyone)
Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog – Here is the notification
Ask your nominees any five questions of your choice, weird or funny question (mention)
Share your link to your best post
Thank you to Okoto Enigma for creating this award.
Three Random Facts about me:

1: Writing is my passion, and I do it every day. I have to meter the time I spend writing since my family has hinted at some comparisons to “The Shining.”

2: I enjoy walking on the beach and feel very fortunate that I can do it every day. The time spent there is golden regarding creativity.

3: I hardly ever wear shoes. The only time I’m forced into shoes is when I have to travel or attend a meeting. I try to stick to boat shoes but occasionally I must follow convention and put on shiny black cap-toed oxfords which are just not me anymore.

 

Here are the questions that Lennon Carlyle has asked.

1.) What’s your favorite concert you’ve ever went to and why is it your favorite? I attended an Elvis Presley concert that proved to be my favorite. He was the Elvis that we came to know toward the end of his life. He was overweight and appeared a little uncomfortable but did he ever sing his heart out. His rendition of “My Way” brought the house down as it was so sincere and from the heart. He died shortly after.

2.) Have you ever done something shameful but don’t regret it? If so, feel like sharing that deep secret with us? It is not such a deep secret but was shameful. I slapped a guy who was hitting his young boy. He was a neighbor, and I could not stand by and witness his so called discipline.  I asked him to stop, and when he told me to mind my business, I hit him. This was at a neighborhood function, and I was criticized for interfering. I never regretted it for a moment.

3.) If you won the lottery what would you do? Where would you live? What would you buy? Would you give some to charity and if so, what would that charity be? If I won the lottery, I would donate a fat percentage to Austin Boxer Rescue. They do so much good work on behalf of abused animals that I would like to support further efforts. I think I would establish a legal fund that could be used to prosecute those who believe animals are inferior to humans and therefore okay to mistreat. The rest  I would save and spend a little on advertising in the New York Times on behalf of my books. I don’t need to move or buy anything so that would be about it.

4.) Do you cook? If so, what’s the best thing you cook and can you share the recipe with us possibly? Please???? I do cook. I have been told the best thing is Clams Linguini. Here is the recipe.

Although fresh clams and clam juice are the best, this also works with the canned variety. This recipe serves two

Ingredients:

Four cloves of garlic smashed and chopped

Two small cans of Snows clams

About two tablespoons of olive oil (I usually do two turns around the pan

One-half teaspoon salt

One-eighth cup of Kosher salt

Two tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat the olive oil on medium high in a ten-inch pan and add the garlic. Keep stirring to make certain the garlic doesn’t burn. Open the cans of clams and add the liquid to the garlic. Reserve the clams for later. Add the teaspoon of salt and reduce the heat to low and cook until thick (About fifteen minutes). Use a small spatula to continually pull the sauce from the sides of the pan. In the meantime get a big ole pot and bring the water (at least two quarts) to a boil. Add the kosher salt and when dissolved the Linguini (enough for two). Cook according to directions on the pasta box. Once your sauce is thickened, add the clams and allow to heat. (Two minutes) Add the chopped parsley and cook one more minute.

Drain and rinse your Linguini, Spoon into two bowls, top with the sauce divided evenly. You can also put parmesan cheese on the side. I would sever with a simple salad and crusty bread. Oh yes, also a terrific bottle of wine. If you use fresh clams buy a bottle of clam juice and make the sauce as above. Steam the clams until opened then chop all but a few. Add the clams to the sauce and serve with the remaining shelled clams.

5.) Do you have any special plans for 2017 or hopes? I am relaunching my first book My GRL in March and then my fourth book titled Circumstances of Childhood assuming it survives the beta readers. My hope for 2017 is that life becomes better for all of us. Although maybe not possible I can hope, can’t I?

Here are my questions for anyone who would like to participate.

  1. What is the best thing you ever ate and why?
  2. Who has helped you the most in figuring out life in general or a skill specifically?
  3. What is your greatest pleasure and why?
  4. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
  5. If you could, who would you want to be for a day?