Guest Post – Marlena Smith – The Power of Love #newbook

October 5, 2022September 27, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

I am delighted to welcome a long-time friend to Fiction Favorites. She writes under the pen name Marlena Smith. She is here today to tell us all about herself and give you some perspective on her new book, The Power of Love. So welcome, Marlena, and the post is yours.

Hello and welcome to Day 3 of my tour! I’m so glad you’ve joined us, and hope you’ll share your thoughts on today’s post. Also, please help me in thanking John for sharing his site with us!

Today, we’re having a little Q&A fun!

Q1: How would you describe your ideal writing space?

I would love to have an office dedicated to my writing. An organized desk with the best writing utensils and my stack of notebooks and guides. Of course, ideal doesn’t always happen, so as long as I have either a notebook or a laptop, I can make it work! Because, let’s be honest, most of the time, I’m writing from the comfort of my couch.

Q2: Do you have a specific process to your writing?

In a sense. For the most part, when inspiration comes, I let the words flow. If I create an outline, it’s after the first draft. This is a great tool to show me the big picture in its briefest form. I can see plot holes, timing issues, and so on. After the first draft comes the editing. And that’s always my most tedious task. There are countless rewrites and revisions until I finally send my manuscript to my editor. This is usually when I have grown tired of the whole story.

Q3: Most writers have do’s and don’ts for their writing. Are there any guidelines you follow?

Yes, definitely. My father was a preacher during a large part of my upbringing, and I think that has a lot to do with how I choose to write now. My romance scenes are always mild, and I limit the use of curse words. Honestly, just thinking about steamy scenes makes me uncomfortable. (For clarification, I have read books with adult scenes. And some amazing books, by the way. I simply choose carefully.) I grew up as a goodie-goodie, and guess that’s still who I am today on many levels. Also, I have a bonus daughter that’s only 12, so it’s important to me that she’s able to read my work. She always shares in my excitement, and it would feel unfair to not include her in every way.

Q4: Writing often involves research. Is this something you enjoy?

Absolutely! I love falling victim to the research rabbit hole and can easily get lost on just about any subject. I will often irritate my husband with my newfound knowledge, so it’s a win-win!!

Q5: Your stories often take place in a small town. Are you from one yourself?

I am and have lived here my whole life. I actually live on what was once my grandmother’s property, and my dad is my neighbor. I love living in the country, away from city lights and traffic. There’s this beautiful sense of community. Plus, I’m only twenty minutes from Wal-Mart and an hour from some of Alabama’s major cities and attractions.

Q6: What’s one word you would use to describe The Power of Love?

Determination

I don’t want to share any spoilers, but I will say that determination plays a big part for multiple characters. It’s what drives a lot of their actions.

Q7: Were your characters created from anyone specific in your life?

Yes and no. One character is usually several people combined. A little piece of many. For Scarlet, I’ve known a few people that have gone through something similar to what she has. Even I’ve been there, just not quite as severe. These are the stories that really pull at my heartstrings, and I think that’s why I became so emotional while writing. And the same can be said for all of my characters. I include pieces of people from my own life. Someone with a genuine heart, like Lucas. Someone that has a special adoration for military stories, like Mr. Anthony. Someone that never meets a stranger, like Mama Hazel. I couldn’t imagine creating my characters any other way.

Q8: What are your favorite marketing tactics?

As an indie author, marketing isn’t always easy. Social media, of course, is a huge platform. From Facebook to Instagram to Twitter. These are great tools for connecting to readers. But, my favorite “tool” is the writing community–the writers I’ve known for several years. The community is all about supporting one another, and it’s amazing. And my writing community grows daily thanks to the social media platform.

Q9: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a writer?

If it’s your passion, stick to it. Don’t worry about word counts or how many finished products you have. Just write. At the end of the day, it’s about doing what you love.

Q10: When you aren’t creating tales, what can you be found doing?

I’m such a homebody! I love relaxing at home, watching the family play video games, or reading a book. When we do venture out, we’re usually taking the boat to the lake.

Q11: What’s something unique about you that many don’t know?

I created a website that focuses on all things related to crime, history, and paranormal. I’ve always had a weird fascination. Add in my love of research, and I figured, why not? It just kinda felt right to do. And in case you’re interested, it’s called Lore & Curiosities. I try to post a few times a month.

Q12: What can we expect next?

Your guess is as good as mine! I tend to go where the inspiration leads. Whichever story idea my mind becomes obsessed with. I have several projects in the works. I think many of them could work as short stories, so perhaps an anthology will be coming soon. I also have a cookbook and a YA novel in process.

Book Blurb:

She only wants a fresh start and a life away from the big city.

Scarlet finds herself in the small town of Belmont, Montana. It’s a quiet town with a lot of charm. One she didn’t expect to fall in love with, but it offers something magical.

Will her past catch up to her? Will she be forced back into the life she hates? Will she risk everything for a chance at love?

Purchase Links:

About the Author:

Marlena Smith is a multi-genre author that uses her own small-town life experiences to create stories of the same. Her publications include:

Marlena grew up in Alabama with a love of words and creativity. She still lives with her family in that small town today and has never lost that passion. She spends her days working with churches to help them grow and her nights creating tales.

Three Random Facts (I stole this idea from fellow writer D.L. Finn!)

I started singing in church at a very early age. I had a deal with my grandmother that anytime she asked for me to perform a special, I wasn’t allowed to say no. Ever since she passed away, though, I actually find it difficult to say yes.
I’ve had a significant amount of paranormal experiences throughout my life. My earliest memory is around the age of 13. I’ve rarely feared whatever it was that surrounded me. I also try to debunk whatever it is. I try to rationalize it. More often than not, though, there is no explanation.
I love thunderstorms. I find them calming. Unless I’m not at home, and in that case, I will have major anxiety.

If you’d like to connect with Marlena, you can find her online:

Today wraps up the blog tour and launch of my book. Thank you for continuing the journey with us! I’m so excited to share The Power of Love with you. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed creating it.

A special thank you to the hosts–Harmony, D.L., and John. I can’t thank you guys enough. ❤️

House of Sorrow by Joan Hall – A #newbook

April 27, 2021April 27, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

I am so pleased to welcome Joan Hall to Fiction Favorites. Joan is a Member of Story Empire, and she has a brand new book to tell us about. So, Joan, the post is yours.

July 1969 – Apollo 11

Thank you for hosting me today, John. I’m delighted to be here to talk about my newest release.

House of Sorrow is a short-story prequel to my upcoming novel Cold Dark Night, book one of my Legends of Madeira series. It’s the story of Ruth Hazelton, a reclusive older woman who lives in a two-story Victorian house in the fictional town of Madeira, New Mexico. Ruth reflects on her life, particularly when she and her husband Lee first moved to town.

Most of the scenes occur in the late 1960s, so I included historical events into the story as well as a few personal memories.

You can’t talk about the late sixties without mentioning the space program, more specifically, the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969.

In the summer of 1969, many Americans were focused on one thing—the space program. An estimated 53 million households watched coverage of this mission beginning on July 16 when the Saturn V rocket blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center. An estimated 650 million viewers worldwide tuned in to watch the moon landing four days later.

Apollo 11 Astronauts Neal Armstrong, Michael Collins. and Buzz Aldrin (Public Domain)

I recall watching the launch on our family’s black and white television. The following day, my family left to visit family in Alabama. We were there when The Eagle landed on the moon.

Two things stand out in my mind about that day. The first was a brief visit to my Great Aunt Grace. I can still hear her say, “Well, they’ve landed on the moon.”

My other memory happened later that evening. While my father, uncle, and grandfather tuned in to watch Neil Armstrong, I sat outdoors with my mom, aunt, and grandmother. I looked up to see the crescent moon and was in awe that people were really on its surface.

Both of those memories found their way into my story.

In 2015 my husband and I visited Washington, DC, and were able to see the Apollo 11 command module in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

In House of Sorrow, Ruth follows the Apollo mission from liftoff to splashdown. On the afternoon of July 20, she visits Margaret Bell, an elderly Madeira resident and stepdaughter of the original owner of Ruth’s Victorian house.

Part of the scene with Margaret is a tribute to my grandfather. He was born in 1884 and saw a lot of changes in his life, including watching men walk on the moon.

Excerpt:

“T minus sixty seconds and counting… Ten, nine, ignition sequence start… six, five, four, three, two, one, zero. All engines running… Liftoff. We have a liftoff, thirty-two minutes past the hour. Liftoff of Apollo 11.”

Ruth’s pulse quickened as the Saturn V rocket ascended from the Kennedy Space Center. This was it. America’s first mission to land on the moon. She couldn’t help but think of President Kennedy. It was rather bittersweet he didn’t live to see his dream fulfilled.

Over the next few days, she kept abreast of the events as they unfolded. The docking of the command and lunar modules, the first lunar orbit, the separation of the Eagle as the astronauts prepared to descend to the surface of the moon.

On the afternoon of July 20, she made a rare Sunday visit to Brookdale. Margaret hadn’t been feeling well on Friday. But Ruth needn’t have worried. When she arrived, her friend was sitting in a chair watching television.

Her eyes brightened as Ruth entered the room. “They’ve landed on the moon.”

“Amazing, isn’t it?”

“I never imagined living long enough to see something like this. Didn’t dream of it happening. We rode in horses and buggies when I was a little girl.”

“Going to the moon would have been unfathomable even twenty years ago.”

“I’ll never forget my first automobile ride.” Margaret chuckled. “I was scared to death. Now we have supersonic jets and rockets that can take men over two hundred thousand miles in a matter of days.”

***

Ruth stood in her front yard, looking up at the crescent moon.

I can’t believe men are up there.

She half expected Sam to join her outside, especially if he saw her. The curtains on his living room window were open, revealing Sam in his favorite chair before the TV. Even he couldn’t resist watching.

Lee called from the porch. “You’re going to miss it. They’re getting ready to leave the lunar module.”

“I’m coming!” She hurried inside the house to join her husband. They watched as Neil Armstrong began to descend the ladder of the lunar module.

The voice from mission control. “Okay, Neil, we can see you coming down the ladder now.”

“I’m at the foot of the ladder… I’m going to step off the LEM now.”

Ruth thought her excitement level had been high during the launch, but it was in overdrive as Armstrong took the historic first step on the surface of the moon.

She and Lee toasted the event with champaign. America had reason to celebrate. The Apollo mission was a bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous time.

Blurb:

Dream home or damned home?

Ruth Hazelton is over the moon when her husband Lee agrees the nineteenth-century Victorian in Madeira, New Mexico, is the perfect home for them. While he starts his new job as police chief, she sets about unpacking and decorating.

But it’s not long before Ruth needs more. She becomes a fixture in the community, making time for everyone, volunteering, hosting events—she’s every bit the social butterfly her husband is not. Through her friendships, she learns several former residents of her home met with untimely deaths. If she were superstitious, she might fear a curse, but such nonsense doesn’t faze her.

Until the unthinkable happens.

Now, as the end of Ruth’s life draws near, she must find a way to convey her message and stop the cycle to prevent anyone else from suffering in the house of sorrow.

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.com/House-Sorrow-Legends-Joan-Hall-ebook/dp/B091HX4BHR

Connect with Joan:

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Short Story

November 6, 2018November 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

“Hush. Bailey’s asleep.”
“Just resting my eyes Lucy.”

As you may know, Keith Channing has taken the month of November to craft another Na-No-Wri-Mo 50,000 word novel. Therefore I am promptless for Tuesday. Since I have titled this day as anything possible, I thought I would offer a short story. This story is based on an actual incident at our local store where the ending was not so gracious. Needless to say, I was taken back by the lack of customer service.

A request by John W. Howell

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?”

“I see you are out of ham puree baby food.”

“Yeah, so?”

“I wonder if you could order some.”

“The truck comes in on Saturday.”

“Could you check to see if you ordered some more. You see my dog is very ill and she likes the ham variety. It is the only thing I can get her to eat.”

“Pet food is on aisle six.”

“I know that. I’m asking you to go into the office and look at the order book to see if anyone ordered the ham puree baby food.”

“Didn’t you say it was for your dog?”

“I did.”

“So why don’t you just buy the dog food and let it go at that.”

“I told you. The ham variety of baby food is the only thing she will eat.”

“I don’t have time to check right now. I’m sure it is ordered.”

“I bought the last twelve jars last Friday, and no more have come in.”

“See that’s the problem. We order on Wednesday, and so the truck will be here Saturday.”

“Please check.”

“I told you I don’t have time.”

“Can you make time?”

“For who? You?”

“No. Why don’t you do it because it is the right and proper thing for one human to do for another. You are human, aren’t you?

“I think I can find the time.”

“Perfect.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #108

January 31, 2017January 30, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

“HereYou know I love prompts and will let Keith Channing tell you in his words about this one. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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.

Kreative Kue #108

“Just keep running for god’s sake.”

“I’m not sure I can go any further.”

“You’d better. Want the cops to get you.”

“N-no but my lungs are going to burst.”

“Stop whining. You’re the one who screwed up the getaway car.”

“So I forgot to check the gas.”

“So I forgot to check the gas? You are an idiot you know that?”

“Aw come on. It could happen to anyone.”

“Okay let me ask. Who was responsible for the getaway car?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah it was me. I’ll never live this down I can see that now.”

“Shut up will you and give me a chance to think. This money is getting pretty heavy, and you’re right it is getting harder to keep running.”

“Look over there. Do you see what I see?”

“Carriages?”

“Yes, carriages. We can grab one of those.”

“I can hear the all points bulletin now. ‘BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR TWO DUMB SHITS IN A STOLEN CARRIAGE ‘ Are you out of your mind?”

“No, listen. We hire one and give him a bunch of dough. He keeps his mouth shut. We look like a couple of tourists, and nobody will be the wiser.”

“I guess it does beat dying of a stroke. Okay, let’s do it.”

“You gentleman look like you are in a hurry.”

“Is this carriage for hire?”

“Well normally it is, but it is booked on an exclusive tour today.”

“Could a little incentive talk you out of skipping the trip.”

“What kind of incentive?”

“A thousand bucks.”

“Whoa. You could talk me out of anything for a thousand bucks. Hop in.”

“Here’s your money. Want to count it?”

“Ten hundred’s is pretty easy to count.”

“So what was the tour was booked?”

“Get up boy. Oh, nothing important.”

Come on. You have my curiosity aroused.”

“Well, the police chief wanted to take his wife for a ride and lunch.”

“The p-police chief?”

“Yeah. You see he’s a nut about romance, carriages, and horses.”

“He is huh.”

“He also likes to drive them himself.”

“H-himself?”

“I would sit back and enjoy the ride, boys. It might be your last for a while.”

Wednesday Story Day- AKA Hump Day

January 14, 2015September 20, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Wednesday Story day is here. Last week we found Billy and Frank inside the bank ready to do the job. All of a sudden Billy needed to use the restroom. Obviously Frank lost it and told everyone in the bank to get on the floor totally ignoring Billy’s needs. Let’s join the pair where we left off.

“Frank I really have to go.”

“Shut up and might I remind you although it’s probably too late. No names.”

“Okay, Mr. X I really have to go.”

“Tell you what Billy, you and I can just grab the money and then you can use the restroom before we go okay?”

“I guess that will work.”

“Okay everyone listen up. We don’t have much time so I want you to remain calm and no one will get hurt.’

“You tell ’em Fr─ er Mr. X.”

“Take this bag you there on the floor. Get up and take this bag.”

“Yeah, take the bag.”

“Shut up Billy.”

“Hey no names.”

“Shut up Billy. Now put as much money as you can into the bag and be quick about it.”

“Yeah quick.”

“What’s that noise Billy? Go to the window and see what it is.”

“Oh my gosh, Fr─ er. Oh my gosh, it’s a bunch of police cars.”

“Damn I guess we will need to take a couple of hostages. You with the money come here.”

“Frank?”

“What now Billy?”

“I don’t have to use the bathroom anymore.”

“That’s just great Billy. I’m so glad to hear you are comfortable while we are about to get our asses blown off.”

“I just thought you didn’t need to worry about it anymore.”

“Thanks, Billy. It was right up at the top of my worry list.”

“See I knew it.’

“Shut up Billy.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Christmas Eve

December 24, 2014December 20, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 12 Comments

This Fire and bottle of Port are for Lisa A. Duke

Wednesday story day again. I hope everyone has finished up the Christmas shopping and can take some time to relax. Last week we left Billy asking Frank for a couple of bullets since he was a little squeamish about hitting someone with his gun. My favorite comments received were along the lines of “this will not be good.” Let’s pick up the story right where Billy has asked for the bullets and Frank responds.

“Billy. You are telling me you would rather shoot someone than hit them.”

“I guess so. I just can’t stand to hurt people.”

“You know shooting them hurts? Right?”

“Well, yeah but it is not the same. I don’t have to feel it.”

“Goodness a raving narcissist.”

“A what?”

“A narci─ Aw forget it. Here are the two bullets and if you shoot me with them I’ll kill ya. Also quit flashing that gun around”

“All loaded. Okay Frank. You can trust me. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you.”

“Huh? This is Christmas?”

“It’s Christmas Eve. You didn’t know that?”

“I guess it slipped my mind. Let’s go into the bank.”

“Right behind you Frank.”

“Whoa, what’s this?”

“What frank?”

“Sign says closed at three pm. What time is it?”

“Ten after three.”

“For crying out loud. Why are they closed?”

“It’s Christmas Eve Frank. Most Banks close early.”

“So while we were talking about your precious two bullets we could have been collecting the cash out of this bank?”

“I guess so. Maybe we should hit a gas station.”

“Billy. I am a finely tuned machine designed to strike terror into the hearts of bankers. Why the hell would I want to hold up a gas station?”

“Well, it is Christmas and in the holiday spirit gas stations people deserve to be terrorized too.”

“Shut up Billy.”

“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.”

“Shut up Billy.”

Hump Day Short, Short Story

August 6, 2014August 1, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

Wednesday is here and I’m sure we are all glad it is. I have noticed the summer flying by. I was talking with some folks and came to realize their kids go back to school in two weeks. I can hardly believe it since it only seemed like yesterday that it was Memorial Day.(or even the Forth of July) The end of summer used to put me into a very dark place thinking of all the snow and bad weather to come during the winter months. Of course now that I live in an area where we really don’t start a so-called winter season until after Christmas, I am a little removed from empathy about the meaning of back to school. Today’s story is about the ending of summer. It’s not a back to school story but does explore the feeling of “being over.” The title coincidentally is It’s Over. I hope you enjoy it.

“What do you mean ‘it’s over?”’

“Just what I said. Do you not hear me?”

“I hear you fine, I just don’t understand.”

“Let me explain it to you then. You see there was you and there was me. Then there was you and me. Now there is you and there is me again.”

“You breaking up with me?”

“That’s pretty cold.”

“Excuse me, but what’s pretty cold.”

“The term breaking up. I would hope we would just call it we are now ourselves again.”

“You are yourself without me?”

“Yeah, sorta.”

“’Sorta.’ What do you mean by ‘sorta’”?

“C’on Helen. Let’s not make a scene.”

“Frank. The only scene to be made is me wondering how I picked up your useless ass from the gutter and made you into something and now you say we are no longer a pair.”

“Yeah, well sometimes we have to do good for others to really feel good about ourselves.”

“So helping you get to the top was good for me?”

“Good way to look at it.”

“So if you somehow take a dive and fall to the bottom I will cease to feel good?”

“Another good way to look at it. What’s that?”

“It is a Glock 9MM Frank and I am preparing myself to get real sick over your decline.”

Hump Day Dump Day – Story Time

April 30, 2014April 28, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

This week’s Wednesday story is not about an egg, but is about a poor guy getting dumped. It happens to the best of us and in this case the dumpor waited quite a while to let the dumpee know his status. To make matters worse there is another character involved as well. (gee that is a surprise) Here is the story and I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Count with me. How many days until Friday?

“Hey Frank I just swung by the post office and they gave me this letter for you.”

“Well thanks. That was nice of them to let you do the delivery especially since you have only been on the island for a couple of days.”

“Well the post mistress said you’ve been on the beach all day and I told her I was coming to see you.”

“Boy in a small beach town there are no secrets.”

“You can say that again. Hope it is good news. The letter I mean.”

“Yeah Bob I wish I could say the same thing.”

“Is it bad news?”

“My wife dumped me.”

“What? I didn’t know you were married.”

“No one was supposed to know. I guess it won’t hurt now to tell the story.”

“What story?”

“She and I were broke so we hatched this plan to take out some insurance and then for me to disappear. We would wait for the statute to run out and declare me legally dead. Well the seven-year statute ran out last week and she now has two million bucks.”

“Wow. Can’t you do something?”

“Naw. If I say anything I could go to prison for fraud.”

“Why’d she dump you?”

“According to the letter she was tired of being alone and fell for some guy named Bob. Hey he has the same name as you.”

“Funny huh Frank.”

“Aw c’omon don’t tell me you are the same Bob.”

“No Frank I am not the same Bob. My name is Bob Peters and I am with the FBI and I have a few more questions for you.”

Hump Day is as Hump Day Does

February 12, 2014February 11, 2014 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Wednesday is story day to celebrate Hump Day. Since this is Wednesday there will be no exception. Today’s story tells of a young man thinking he has a solution to his problems. I hope you enjoy.

“Yes Sir, can I help you?”

“Er . . . why yes. I need to make a withdrawal.”

“I can help you with that. Do you have a withdrawal slip filled out, or do you wish for me to do it?”

“N-No I have it fill out. Here take it.”

“Oh my sir. This is not a proper withdrawal slip. This is a note.”

“Y-Yes just follow the instructions.”

“Let me see. It says to put all the money in a bag and don’t tough the alarm. I have a gun and I ain’t afraid to use it.”

“T-That’s what is says alright.”

“Sir I need to help you a bit here. First of all, you don’t want to put in writing you have a gun.”

“W-Why not?”

“When you say something about a gun this crime becomes armed robbery whether or not you have a gun. You see, in this state, the mere belief the perpetrator is armed is just as intimating as if you waved a gun around. Also, you just admitted to the higher offense in writing.”

“Just get the money and cut the chatter.”

“Secondly your note has a number of typos in it. As a substitute school teacher I just don’t have respect for you when you make these kinds of mistakes.”

“Mistakes where?”

“Here see the word ‘tough’ right here. I think you meant ‘touch.’ Don’t touch the alarm. Am I right?”

“Yes, but so what?”

“Also the word ‘ain’t’ should never be used in this context. You should say ‘I am not afraid to use it.’”

‘Well you got that right. I am not afraid to use it.”

“You actually have a gun?”

“Well. . . no not really.”

“Okay here’s what we are going to do. I’m going to tear up this note and give it back to you. You go home and think about what you did today. If you still want to hold up the bank, you come back tomorrow with a proper note. Do you understand young man?”

“Yes ma’am. Sorry ma’am.”

Friday Catcher Is as Friday Catcher Does

November 22, 2013November 15, 2013 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

Friday is here. This is a very good thing. I decided in celebration of Friday I would write a very short story about the day. It is in the dialog set that I have been working with lately, so here goes. I hope you like it.

“So what is that thing you got there?”

“It is a Friday catcher.”

“A what?”

“Friday catcher. You heard of a dream catcher right?”

“Well yeah, but never a Friday catcher. How’s it work”

“You put this thing above your bed the night before you want Friday to arrive and then go to sleep.”

“What happens?”

“You wake up and it’s Friday morning.”

“Like the next day?”

“Yeah. Like the next day. Duh.”

“I want to try it.”

“Okay, but make sure you are ready for whatever Friday brings.”

“Waddaya mean?”

“Let’s say it’s Monday night and you want the next day to be Friday. Let’s also say you have a project due on Friday. You just have to make sure you do the project before you use the Friday catcher.”

“Oh I get it. Give it to me I want to use it tonight. I can’t stand Wednesday’s and would like to wake up tomorrow on Friday.”

“Call me when you get up.”

“Will do. See ya.”

***

“Hello this is Helen Baxter. Is this Frank?”

“Uh yes this is Frank.”

“My husband was talking some wild stuff about a Friday thingy that you gave him.”

“Yes I gave him a Friday catcher. What’s the problem?”

“He’s gone.”

“Gone. What do you mean gone?”

“ He went to sleep last night with that thing hanging on the headboard and when I got up he’s missing and so’s the thing.”

“Oh yeah. . . He’ll be back Friday.”

“Friday? Do you know where he went?”

“Not really, but since this is Wednesday and he wanted to wake up on Friday, I assume he is sleeping somewhere.”

“What the hell do you mean somewhere?”

“Where ever the time goes between Wednesday and Friday that’s where he is. Haven’t you ever heard the expression ‘I don’t know where the time goes?’ Well I sure don’t know either. Where ever it is, your husband is there. Is it clear? Hello Mrs. Baxter. You still there? Hello.”