Book Launch – The Hat by Craig Boyack – Lisa Burton Visits

January 14, 2018January 13, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

I want to welcome Lisa Burton, Craig Boyack’s personal assistant to Fiction Favorites. She is here to tell you about Craig’s latest book. As you may know, I love Craig’s work and can highly recommend his writing. It is always a pleasure to have her join me here on the coast. Hi, Lisa.

Hi, and thanks for having me over again, John. I love getting away from the cabin and promoting Craig’s books on occasion. It’s a long old winter out there, you know? (I know Lisa especially in the company of Craig)

Today, we’re touring around a novella called The Hat. This one is about a girl, Lizzie, who works hard to overcome the trials of everyday life. She winds up with an old hat that belonged to her grandfather, only this is no ordinary hat. It’s a being from another dimension, trapped in the shape of a hat for all time.

The story involves some baby snatchers and one of the victims is the newborn son of Lizzie’s friends. It turns out the hat has a few skills that might let Lizzie recover the missing babies. By acting in concert they are much more capable than acting as individuals.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They rise to the occasion and produce different outcomes. We look up to Superman and all he stands for. We might appreciate The Punisher, but look away because of his methods.

Lizzie and the hat are more like the latter. Without some kind of super strength, or being bulletproof, they don’t have a lot of options beyond hitting first and hitting hard.

It’s a fun story structure, because they start out as strangers, and it doesn’t go too well at first. They bond and form a symbiosis over music of all things. They try to save the children and fail. The important part for all heroes is they try again.

The Hat is humorous, serious, and heroic in its own way. We really hope you’ll give it a chance. It’s priced at 99¢, and since it’s a novella, it will only take an afternoon to read.

Now it’s time for my poster. I like to drop these off with the hosts that invite me. The hat can take the shape of any kind of headwear. This is all spelled out in the story, but there comes a time when the hero emerges from the darkness and steps into the light. This poster is designed to reflect that moment for Lizzie and The Hat.

Feel free to use it as your phone background or whatever you like. I hope in some small way it encourages you to check out The Hat, and maybe even leave a review.

Thanks again for having me today. Now what kind of trouble can a robot girl get into around here?

Blurb:

Lizzie St. Laurent is dealing with many of the struggles of young life. She lost her grandmother, and her living arrangements. Her new roommate abandoned her, and she’s working multiple jobs just to keep her head above water.

She inherits an old hat from her grandmother’s estate, but it belonged to her grandfather. This is no ordinary hat, but a being from an alternate dimension. One with special powers.

Lizzie and the hat don’t exactly hit it off right away, but when her best friend’s newborn is kidnapped by a ring of baby traffickers, Lizzie turns to the hat for help. This leads her deep into her family history and a world she’s never known.

Lizzie gives up everything to rescue the babies. She loses her jobs and may wind up in jail before it’s over. Along the way, she and the hat may have a new way of making ends meet.

Humorous and fun, The Hat is novella length. Wonderful escapism for an afternoon.

Purchase Link: http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B078YYCNSF

Blog My Novels Twitter Goodreads Facebook Pinterest

Views of the Neighborhood – Crochet Art

January 14, 2018January 13, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

Today’s view of the neighborhood is very unusual. Every year during the holidays an unknown person decorates the bollards that serve to keep cars away from certain parts of the beach. These decorations are hand crochets, and each one is unique. What is surprising is one day they are not there and the next they are. The same goes for when they disappear. I hope you enjoy this mystery. (Where else but in Port Aransas?)

This will give you an idea of what the bollards do. They keep cars from driving on the beach. The building on the right can be seen from a distance as part of the last photo.

A close up of the work put into the crochet.

A nod to Halloween.

Another close up of a character

This shot gives you a sense of the work.

This shot is to give you an idea of the scope.

Another character close up.

These run all the way back to the twin buildings on the left.

I hope you enjoyed the walk. I wish there were more information on who is responsible for this art. The person is anonymous and wants to remain so.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Different Kind of Prompt

January 13, 2018January 13, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is a little different. Linda Hill asked us to sit down at our writing place and pick up the nearest book, newspaper, note, or anything with words and choose the sixth, seventh and eighth word on the page and that is the prompt. The nearest thing with writing to me is an instruction sheet on making better characters. The sixth word is like the seventh yourself, and the eighth birthdays. So these are my prompt words. If you would like to run yourself ragged and join this fun please visit Linda’s blog and read how. It is easy to go insane. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan Daily Prompt, Jan. 13th, 2018

“Looks like we are in a real pickle.”

“How so?”

“This week is a matter of life and death, right?”

“What are you talking about?”

“The prompt. We get it right or we die is what I heard.”

“Who told you that?”

“No one had to tell me. With a prompt like the one in the title, it is clear.”

“So explain it to me.”

“First of all the advice to ‘like yourself’ is something that sounds like a Dr. Phil moment. If that is the case then shoot me.”

“You are missing the commas my, friend. Those are two words like and yourself. Makes an easy prompt.”

“Easy for you. So what do you do with birthdays? Not birthday mind you, but birthdays.”

“You could build a story around how you have a like for birthdays. Not just any birthdays but those for yourself.”

“Oh man. I’m going to put something like that together and you think I won’t be laughed off the stage.”

“Okay then, how about this? When you ask yourself what you like about birthdays what comes to mind?”

“Are you serious. This is the big leagues of the prompt world. Do you know how many big-time bloggers read this stuff?”

“You sure they read it or just hit ‘like?'”

“Let’s assume they read it. I’m not in the mood to be a laughing-stock on Saturday. If you think this prompt is so darn easy why don’t you do it yourself?”

“Okay. Here goes. If you like birthdays, treat yourself to a lollapalooza the next time around.”

“Damn.”

“Damn what?”

“You’re good.”

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

January 12, 2018January 11, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

This was a typical week regarding no holidays, yet Friday seemed to come pretty quick. I guess it must be my age. I am happy to report that four Beta-readers of The Contract by Gwen Plano and me have already sent their input. (Not due until mid-February) These folks are very dedicated to the task. We have received some excellent feedback. The beautiful part is they report enjoying the story which I think is the whole point in writing.

I have started my sixth book. It is a story featuring Ned Tranes from the John Cannon series. Ned is the chief of police for the city of Port Aransas. He is ex FBI and has been involved in some special operations for the government. I only announce it here so that I won’t get to somehow waffle. I am doing my 1000 words a day on it and expect the first draft will be done by May 1st. That will be just in time to turn to the launch of The Contract. (If all works well and the creek don’t rise)

This leads me to today’s JohnKu which talks about finishing projects. (Which we all see as a challenge from time to time). Hope you have a great weekend.

Starting many things,

Is the easiest of tasks. . .

Finish. Ah, the rub.

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Creature

January 11, 2018January 10, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

“Hey, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. How are you?

“Just fine. You know I have something I need to discuss with you.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“Come closer.”

“Is this close enough?”

“Yes, Boss. What I need to tell you I don’t want mom to know.”

“Sounds serious. What is it?”

“Yesterday we were walking in the neighborhood and—”

“There is something in the storm drain Pops. It hissed at us and made a splash.”

“Thank you, Bailey. Do you know what it is?”

“No. I don’t think I want to know.”

“I’m telling you, Boss. You have to see this thing for yourself.”

“Okay, Lucy. How about on walk we investigate.”

“How about mom? She goes with us on a walk.”

“She’ll be okay. She needs to know too.”

‘So here is the dreaded sewer. I’m looking in here and don’t see anything.”

“Go closer, Boss. ”

“Still nothing. Why don’t you two come over here?”

‘Not me Pops. Lucy, you go ahead. Quit tugging my leash.”

“Uh, no. I’m good from back here.”

“Sorry Bailey. Well, ladies. I don’t see or hear a thing.”

“We are sure there was something, Boss. I think it is time to go home.”

“Well that was a bust. I guess we’ll never know what is in there.”

“I think you are right Bailey. It could be anything. Maybe a fish got caught in there.”

“This was no fish, Pops.”

“Yeah, Boss. It wasn’t a fish.”

“You okay though, Lucy.”

“I think I’ll have a little lay down. Things will look brighter at dinner time.”

“Good idea, Lucy. I’ll call you when its time.”

“You’re a mensch, Boss.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

January 10, 2018January 9, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we learned a little about why Lucas was painting houses. He also gave an opinion that Harriet and Alice were too incompetent to be responsible for the murder of his parents. The final piece of information is that Lucas thinks maybe Seth is involved. Speaking of Seth, i see him going into the lawyer’s office. This could be real interesting, so I think we need to leave Trish and Lucas and head over there.
“There is a Sheriff Gibson here to see you.”
“For heaven’s sake. I wonder what the hell he wants?”
“Shall I tell him you are busy?”
“No. That okay. Tell him to come in.”
“Thank you for seeing me, Jason. I want to advise you that I have a court order here demanding that your client meet me to answer some questions.”
“Why don’t you have a seat Sheriff.”
“Oh. Yes, well, thank you.”
“Now what is this about.”
“Your client is a person of interest in the slaying of his parents and Judge Jeremy has graciously granted me the right to question him.”
“You didn’t need that, Sheriff. I would have allowed you to question Lucas anytime you wanted. All I asked was that I am in his presence when you do so.”
“Yeah, but you got all high and mighty on me. I figured I would get something official so you can’t weasel out of a meeting.”
“Never my intent, Sheriff. I only want to protect my client’s rights. When do you want to see him.”
“I would like to question him as soon as possible.”
“Let me see the order, Sheriff.”
“Sure, here you go.”
“Hmm, says here that access to Lucas will not be unreasonably denied.”
“Yeah. The way I see it, that means right away.”
“Well, sir. The way I see it is you can have access to Lucas when his doctor says he is fit to be questioned. That is not unreasonable.”
“I think not. If I can’t talk to Lucas when I want I think it is an obstruction to the intent of the order.”
“You and I both know that order will need to go back to the judge if you decide to get technical. How about we just find out if Lucas’ doctor has a problem with him being questioned?”
“I think you are trying to delay.”
“If you have to go back to the Judge it may take days.”
“Okay, Mr. McDonnell you win. Give the doctor a call.”
“Hold on, Mr. Gibson. Let me call. Hello, may I talk to Dr. Naismith. Oh, I see. Yes, this is Jason McDonnell. He knows me. Tell him it is a legal matter and I would appreciate a return call. Thank you.”
“What the hell?”
“The doctor is in surgery right now. He won’t get back for a few hours. So what do you want to do?”
“Damn. I sure don’t want to sit around here. Call me when you are ready to meet with me.”
“Very good Sheriff. I will call you. Let me walk you out.”
“Forget it. I know my own damn way out.

Tuesday – Anything possible – Kreative Kue #156 by Keith Channing

January 9, 2018January 8, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 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 keith@channing.info 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

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 web site, next Monday.

The Photo.

“Can you hurry up?”

“One minute. I want to remember this moment with my friends.”

“You’ve taken about twenty photos already. It’s time to leave. We will miss our train if we don’t go now.”

“Do you see how the flower turns toward me when I start to take a picture?”

“No, I don’t see that at all.”

“I think these flowers would like to come with us.”

“You have got to be kidding me. They are planted here.”

“See that fence. Why would you have a fence if they weren’t trying to keep them here?”

“Uh. Maybe to keep nuts like you out of here. You see the no picking flowers sign?”

“Yeah, I saw it. That’s like putting a no touching the prisoner’s sign in a jail. They don’t want any escapes.”

“Listen to yourself. I think you need some help.”

“If we grab as many flowers as we can hold we might have a chance to free most.”

“Where do you get these ideas?”

“I hear voices.”

“Voices?”

“Yes, voices.”

“Okay, now I’m concerned. Where do these voices come from?”

“From the little leaves all around me. They say. “Take me home. Take me home.”

“You sure that’s not your phone.”

“I’m sure.”

“Well, I’m going to leave now. Coming with me?”

“Can I bring a friend?”

“No. It is against the law.”

“Even a little friend?”

“Like one of those leaves?”

“Yes.”

“Fine if you must.”

“Hear that guys? Who wants to go with me?”

“For heaven’s sake.”

“I can’t make up my mind. They all want to go.”

“Look. I’ll get you a package of baby spinach if we leave now.”

“That will do. Let’s go.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Have a Winning Mega Millions Ticket

January 8, 2018January 7, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

The inspiration for this post is the fact that this week there were single winning tickets sold for the Mega Millions and Powerball Lotto games. You and I don’t have to worry about how to handle these winnings so I guess this post is dedicated to those two winners of over $400 million each.

10 If you have a winning Mega Millions ticket, do not tweet “Yay I just won $400 million. If you do at best, you’ll only have ten followers. At worst, your tweet will go viral, and you will now have a million close and personal friends. (Looks like everyone needs a loan huh, Carmichael?)

9 If you have a winning Mega Millions ticket, do not hire Tiny the WWF champ as a bodyguard. If you do, at best you’ll have to hire another to watch Tiny. At worst, Tiny will not be able to resist helping himself to your winnings even though he is a graduate of an intensive self-help course for kleptomaniacs. (You should have known when he showed up at your door offering his services, Carswell.)

8 If you have a winning Mega Millions ticket, do not give a press conference on national TV. If you do, at best it will take you hours to get home because of the traffic jam around your house. At worst, you will be asked for money everyplace you go since you are now well-known. (Who’s bright idea was that conference, Casimero? Oh yeah the lotto company.)

7 If you have a winning Mega Millions ticket, do not answer your phone. If you do, at best it might be your aunt, Mary. At worst, it will be your cousin Vinny reminding you of the five dollar bet you had back in high school. (Vinny believes that the interest on the bet now makes it worth $500,000. Told you not to answer the phone, Cassian.)

6 If you have a winning Mega Millions ticket, do not claim your prize without consulting a tax attorney. If you do, at best you can afford the tax hit. At worst, the new tax laws will put you in a bracket called the 110 percent bracket. (Good luck in raising the extra $4o million you owe, Caster.)

5 If you have a winning Mega Million ticket, do not go out and buy everything on the planet. If you do, at best you’ll come to your senses while there is still money left. At worst, you’ll realize too late that there is no return guarantee on yachts, planes, castles, jewelry, and art. (Now that you have all this stuff, Cavan maybe it is time for a garage sale.)

4 If you have a winning Mega Million ticket, do not let the ticket out of your sight. If you do, at best it will still be where you left it last. At worst, the ticket will ride in your shirt pocket through the wash. (Those tickets sure come out clean don’t they, Chadburn? You would hardly know it used to be worth $400 million.)

3 If you have a winning Mega Million ticket, do not quit work. If you do, at best the ticket is genuine. At worst, though some computer error your ticket is not the winner. (So much for telling the boss where he could shove your job, huh Chiko?)

2 If you have the winning Mega Millions ticket, do not forget to look both ways before crossing the street. If you do, at best the traffic will be light. At worst, your heirs will be enjoying the fruit of your lotto win. (Hard to tell where that truck came from right, Cal?)

1 If you have the winning Mega Millions ticket, do not fail to set aside some for charity. If you do at best, you’ll be labeled a cheap skate. At worst, you won’t get a charitable deduction, and the world will be no better off having you in it. (You wonder why dogs growl and cats hiss when you come by, Scrooge?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Status of Bird Sanctuaries

January 7, 2018January 6, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

The last time we checked on the status of the bird sanctuaries they were a bit of a mess from the Hurricane Harvey. I am happy to report they are making a comeback.

Here is a photo of Paradise Pond taken shortly after the Hurricane.

Here is what it looks like today.

This is what the actual pond looked like.

Now it is cleaned up.

With a return of birds.

Many birds

Although the tree cover is gone the pond itself is filled with wildfowl

Here is a shot taken at the birding center. Off in the distance are many pink Spoonbills and white egrets. I’m sorry the photo isn’t better, but the birds were out of range.

The birding center still has no access for close up shots. The photo of the Spoonbills and Egrets was taken to the left of this destroyed walkway (which I published two months ago). The important point is the birds have returned. I hope you enjoyed the walk today.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “eco”

January 6, 2018January 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 29 Comments

Yes, you read the headline correctly. This weeks prompt is “eco.” Linda Hill advises that we go find a word the begins with eco or has eco in it. If you would like to grow your own set of hives and want to join this group visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/01/05/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-6th-2018/

“so what did she say?”

“That we need to come up with words that start with eco or have eco in them.”

“Not too tough. I can think of ten right off the top of my head.”

“Yeah right. I can’t think of one. Wait. Economy.”

“Wow, you are a regular linguist.”

“Can you do better?”

“Humm how about economic, ecotourism, ecospecies, ecosystems, ecospheres, economised, economise, economized?”

“Okay pretty good. Where did you get those?”

“Looked em up on Google.”

“NO FAIR. You are cheating.”

“Okay, so you want to fail the prompt?”

“Well. no.”