Tag: thriller fiction

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Hump day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day time again. This week’s episode is brought to you by an excellent blog written by Gwen Plano. Her blog is one where you can visit with the expectation of being inspired. Visit. You will be glad you did. http://www.gwenplano.com/blog-reflections.
Last week we witnessed Ralph Worthe starting to come apart at the seams. He openly stated he was using his family as a shield. We need to go back and find out where he will lead us.
“Mr. Worth I think you are unraveling.”
“Lightfoot if you say that again I may have to pop you one.”
“That would leave one less hostage.”
“So who cares I have three more.”
“Ralph Worthe. You better get a grip here.”
“Trudy. I want you to sit down and shut up.”
“Daddy. You can’t talk to mother that way.”
“Alexis you need to be quiet.”
“I will not be quiet. You are making us very upset. Ben, why are you just sitting there?”
“Uh. Cause he has the gun.”
“That’s right sonny. I have the gun. Y’all better just get used to the idea that you can’t do much about what I need to do.”
“You are going to die, Ralph. You know that don’t you?”
“I’m going to tell you one more time to shut up.”
“Is that your phone ringing.”
“I’m not going to answer it.”
“What if they have met your demands?”
“Okay. hello?”
“Mr. Worthe. This is the commander.”
“Yes. what is it?”
“We are all set. The SUV’s are here, and the jet is waiting for you..”
“Okay. I’m coming out.”

Will Ralph make it to the jet? (or even out the front door)  Tune in next week to find out. In the meantime visit Gwen Plano at http://www.gwenplano.com/blog-reflections.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #99 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

So here is the deal in Keith’s words.

“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 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 #99

Ready by John W. Howell © 2016

“So what do you guys want to portray?”

“We want the world to look at our photo and see four handsome eligible men.”

“Okay, I think we can do that. Why did you hire me.? I thought you already published a photo.”

“Well, we did but er it just didn’t say what we wanted it to say.”

“Okay. let me see it.”

“Here it is.”

“Hmmm. What did this photo say that you wanted to keep quiet.”

“For one thing. See that chipped cup in the foreground?”

“Yes.”

“That says poor.”

“Uh huh. I can agree there. What about those  ashtrays.”

“They are the finest crystal from Waterford. They say rich.”

“Also they say smokers with stinky breath and clothes.”

“Oh. We didn’t think of that angle.”

“How about that background? The electric cord and the drapes. That orange color looks like poster board. Where did you take this? Looks like the Holiday Inn.”

“That was taken in our office conference room I’ll have you know.”

“Uh okay. You know what that says?”

“No what?”

“No creativity.”

“But I’m holding a camera as a demonstration of my interest in photography.”

“Does a lot of good when your photo stinks.”

“I didn’t take it.”

“Even worse. What about the shirt outside the pants.”

“He forgot a belt.”

“I suppose you all got those ties from the same place.”

“Yes, we did. A guy on the street corner had a sale.”

“Let me guess. Four for one.”

“How did you know?”

“Just lucky I guess.”

“I think you guys need more than a photographer. I can put you in touch with an image consultant.”

“Why do you think we need an image consultant?”

“Your question just confirmed it.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Editing Your Book

~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Editing

The inspiration for this list is, well frankly, my latest labor over the editing process. I hope you enjoy the list and, yes I have done some of these things.

Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Editing Your Book.

10 If you are editing, do not think glasses of wine make the work go easier. If you do, at best you’ll just have to do it over. At worst, you might inadvertently delete several chapters of your book under the belief that you have better ones in mind. (Aren’t you glad you had that backup file Goof-ball?)

9 If you are editing, do not think you can watch the football game while you work. If you do, at best you will catch all your mistakes on the second go around. At worst, you think you found them all only to discover in reading a review the question, “What does a touchdown have to do with the relationship?” (Hmm you can explain that can’t you Bunkie?)

8 If you are editing, do not decide to change a character’s name with “find and replace.” If you do, At best you’ll catch the ones missed. At worst, you will have a new character named JerryTinyO.” (That extra space sure made a difference. Oh, and Tiny would like to see you. He’s over at the gym straightening out horseshoes.)

7 If you are editing, do not believe long breaks will enhance your work. If you do, at best you will be editing this book forever. At worst, your continuity will go out the window, and your book will read like a short story collection. (You had not intended to publish short stories, did you Ferd?”)

6 If you are editing, do not ask your friends to read the new edits. If you do, at best the opinions will be so varied you’ll be confused. At worst, you will come to realize you need new friends and a new book. (You now wish you had just given it to an editor right?)

5 If you are editing, do not try to do the whole thing in one sitting. If you do, at best you will be exhausted. At worst, you may stop caring how the stupid book comes out and just want to get it done. (Your two-star reviews aren’t much of a reward are they?)

4 If you are editing, do not snack to reduce stress. If you do, at best you’ll need extra exercise hours. At worst, your snacking will resemble a runaway train from which there is no return. (Getting a grip is so much harder when there is more of you isn’t it?)

3 If you are editing, do not believe the rest of the family understands your pain. If you do, at best you’ll feel misunderstood. At worst, you will constantly be thinking of ways to take your angst out on your characters. (This book has taken on a sinister air hasn’t it Stephen?)

2 If you are editing, do not abandon personal hygiene. If you do, at best you will be alone. At worst, your family could be seeking council with the local mental health provider, and you’ll get more help than you need. (You can still type with that white jacket on right Buford?)

1 If you are editing, know when it is time to stop. If you don’t at best, you will never finish the book. At worst, you will suffer PETS (Post Editing Traumatic Ssyndrome) and never sleep again. (You need to stop going over the book in your head. It is published already.)

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

There wasn’t much going on this week in Port Aransas. So for the Views of the Neighborhood, I selected some random shots that you might find interesting.

I am fascinated by the Corpus Christi ship channel. I was on my way to Rockport for an eye exam (almost TMI John) and was on the ferry. There was a delay and here is the reason.

Corpus Christi Shipping

The boat is riding high in the water so yu can tell it is heading for a pick up of oil. This next shot will give you an idea of its length

fullsizeoutput_330

One final view as it goes down the channel. As you can see this freighter is registered in Singapore. She was built in 1999 and yesterday she was off the coast of Costa Rica. If you would like to track her movement, the link will allow you to do that. Geek warning.  Vessel Finder.com

Corpus Christi Channel

The next two photos are of two views of the morning sun that we witnessed this week while out walking the dogs.

The first is a look out over the Gulf and a rain storm off shore.

Rain on the Gulf

This next one is a taken on a different day about the same time as the first but without rain.

Sun over the Gulf

The golden tone was what caught my eye. The last photo was taken downtown while taking pictures of scarecrows a week ago. It is a sunset as seen over some trees.

Sunset and water tower

The Port Aransas water tower and a power pole add a little scale. The Port Aransas mascot is the Marlin, and the teams are the Fighting Marlins.

I hope you enjoyed this potpourri today.

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

TGIF

Another week has flown by. I wish I knew where the time goes. (well, I do know where it goes but it is hard to believe how quick it goes there.)

Continue to edit on Circumstances of Childhood. Found a couple of plot holes so it is a grab the backhoe maneuver and work to fill ’em up.

I also commissioned a new cover for My GRL. Why you ask? Long story but here is the short version. My contract with the publisher of My GRL is up for renewal in March. I do not want to renew so I will give the proper notice and then publish My GRL with that beautiful publishing house Keewaydin Lane Books.(Me). I don’t have the rights to the cover so I need to get a new one. Also, I’m getting a complete professional edit to clean up some things the publisher missed. I’m not going to make a big deal about it but what it will do is free up My GRL for some promotional work.

Also, there are only four more days of the campaign hell so I’m sure we will be able to look forward to the vote counting hell to follow. I wonder what the new term will be for “hanging chad.” Today’s JohnKu is about the election. Sadly we are all pawns in a ridiculous game.

Election by John W. Howell © 2016

First the campaign noise,

Next the voting fraud specter. . .

Who can help us cope?

Thursday- A Little Personal – #RRBC Rave Waves Interview of Moi

~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

Behind the Pen

I am very pleased to be asked to be interviewed by Gwen Plano host of the Rave Waves Behind the Pen show this Saturday, November 5th at noon Central. The show can be listened to live or if you miss it on the archive edition. The direct link is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravereviewsbookclub/2016/11/05/rrbc-rave-waves-blogtalkradio-behind-the-pen-with-john-w-howell

Gwen

 

Gwen is the author of Letting Go into Perfect Love. Click the cover to go to Amazon.

Gwen's book

So come listen. I think you might enjoy it.

 

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story day again and this week’s episode is sponsored by Dan Antion. For those of you who don’t read the comments on this story, Dan has been advocating shooting all the characters and be done with it. I have to admit emotionally I am in Dan’s camp. Visit Dan at his blog No Facilities. He has some super features. Here is the link.
Last week we left Ralph being honked off at the SWAT commander for calling him a nut. The commander didn’t mean to do that, but the phone at Ralph’s end was on speaker, so he heard the comment. Let’s go back and see what consequences are brought to bear. (A little literary drama for the high brows)
“Now slow down Ralph. You need to remain calm.”
“Calm for who commander?”
“Agent Lightfoot. You still there?”
“Yes, commander.”
“Can you convince Ralph—”
“Mr. Worthe to you copper.”
“Okay, Mr. Worthe. Lightfoot can you convince Mr. Worthe that he needs to remain calm.”
“Lightfoot is in no position to convince anyone of anything. He is a liar. He showed up trying to convince us he is a priest and come to find out he is an FBI stooge.”
“Mr. Worthe. We are working on your demands and just want you to take it easy, so there are no accidents.”
“Yeah, I heard about your accidents commander. Ask all the people in the Branch Davidians about an accident. You threatening me Commander.”
“No Ra—er Mr. Worthe. No threats. We can’t have you being upset and accidentally shooting Lightfoot now can we?”
“ It would be no accident, commander.”
“Lightfoot. You okay?”
“I am Commander.”
“So let’s leave it that we will be arranging transportation for you Mr. Worth. We can’t get a helicopter into this neighborhood. There are too many trees. So we will get a nice big SUV . You will be taken to the airport where there is a jet waiting to take you to the Cayman Islands. How’s that sound.”
“I’m not happy about the helicopter but understand. When does the SUV get here?”
“I’d say in ten minutes or so.”
“Fine. Worthe out.”
“Okay, Lightfoot. I have to say you were right about calling them.”
“Thank you, Ralph.”
“Mr. Worthe to you.”
“Yeah I get it.”
“What about us Dear?”
“Trudy you and Alexis will stay close to me. Lightfoot will be our shield. I’m sure they will have a sharpshooter out there and will try to pick me off. I’m going to be in the middle of all of you.”
“You using us as a shield?”
“Well, I wouldn’t put it that way, Trudy.”
“I don’t know how else to put it.”
“Calm down it will be okay.”
“You are a beast your know that Ralph?”
“Now Trudy.”
“Yeah, daddy. I’ve never heard of a father using his child as a shield.”
“I think you are losing control, Ralph.”
“Shut up Lightfoot and its Mr. Worthe to you.”
I have to agree with Lightfoot; it does look like Ralph is losing control. Come back next week for another episode. In the meantime visit Dan Antion at http://www.nofacilities.com

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #98 by Keith Channing.

~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Here is how Keith explains it. “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 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 website, next Monday.”

The photo

Kreative Kue #98

The Dance by John W. Howell © 2016

“There I felt it again.”

“Come on. I’m telling you there are no ants here.”

“Then why do I feel them on my neck?”

“I think you’re imagining them. It may be that stop at the ant farm has gotten to you.”

“What are you stomping on over there?”

“Oh, nothing. I’m doing a little folk dance is all.”

“Who’s folk are you dancing for?”

“Ananda sweetheart what is that boy doing?”

“He says he’s doing a folk dance mama. I think he is trying to stomp on the ants that are all over here.”

“Yes. One landed on my mouth. I can still feel it.”

“Can we leave this place?”

“I thought we were going to have a picnic?”

“How can we with all these insects.”

“Correction dear. These are ants.”

“How can we with all these ants?”

“I do believe it is written that the first major ingredient for a picnic is ants. You father is holding the cooler, and I imagine it is getting heavy about now.”

 

 

 

 

Ten Things Not to Do on Halloween

~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Halloween

 

 

I’m pretty sure I don’t have to explain  the inspiration for this list. Since today is Halloween, it is pretty obvious. Yes, there are some things on this list that I have done, but I’ll let you figure out which ones.

Ten Things Not to Do on Halloween

10 On Halloween, do not run out of candy. If you do, at best you will be marked as a cheap skate. At worst, the amount of soap on your windows will require a profession crew to remove. (That handing out pennies idea didn’t work so well did it, Rube?)

9 On Halloween, do not try to hide in the basement with all the lights off. If you do, at best you will miss out on some cute costumes. At worst, the gremlins, witches, and goblins will make it a point to discover why you are not home. (That glowing computer screen did you in Ferd.)

8 On Halloween, do not try any scare tactics on the trick or treaters. If you do, at best the neighborhood watch group will be paying you a call. At worst, Child Protective Services will have your house identified as a possible child abuse location. (I know it seemed funny at the time, but think of the scarred little psyches not to mention the accidents on your front porch.)

7 On Halloween, do not hand out home-made anything. If you do, at best it will all be thrown away. At worst, the local health department will be acting on a complaint and will insist on inspecting your kitchen. (That white glove sure looks bad in the light Bunkie.)

6 On Halloween, do not make the trick or treaters do anything for their treats. If you do, at best you’ll get blank stares. At worst you’ll get a visit from Tiny the WFF champion wrestler who is escorting the kids and he will insist that you dance or else get his special treat. (You don’t want to see Tiny’s knuckle sandwich up close.)

5 On Halloween, do not hand out toothbrushes instead of candy. If you do, at best you will win the “kook of the neighborhood” award. At worst, most of the trick or treaters will be polite but Tiny’s kid will insist on a candy treat while sitting on your chest. (It is funny what is passed in the gene pool isn’t it?)

4 On Halloween, if you insist on wearing a costume, do not make the trick or treaters guess what or who you are. If you do, at best they will not have a clue. At worst, they will all guess wrong and you will suddenly realize you have a screw loose for even trying in the first place. (Funny how some things go out of style quickly. It is surprising that the five-year olds couldn’t get your Tele Tubby costume. (Your favorite show as a kid right?)

3 On Halloween, do not attempt to pass out shots of alcohol to the parents of trick or treaters. If you do, at best you will be very popular until the wee hours of the morning. At worst, your neighbors will assume you have some kind of problem and will ask the police to make sure no kids get your handout. (That sure took a nasty turn, didn’t it Beauford?)

2 On Halloween, do not leave a bowl of treats on the porch with a note to “take one on the honor system.” If you do, at best the treats will be gone before sundown. At worst, the trick or treaters will ring your bell every three seconds in pursuit of a refill. (You quickly learned that “honor” in your neighborhood means “me first.”)

1 On Halloween, do not watch Nightmare on Elm Street, Psycho, Friday the Thirteenth, Amityville Horror, The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby, or any other horror movie. If you do, at best you  will need the day off tomorrow. At worst, the EMS crew will find it mildly amusing that you were in charge of your own heart attack. (You could have just read a book Bevis. At the scary part you could have put it down.)

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Now that we are close to Halloween, I want to bring you in on a contest that has been running for the month of October. Tracy Davis Shaw, the owner of Sirena Outfitters here in Port Aransas, came up with an idea to have a Scarecrow contest. A number of merchants and town’s people joined in. I do not have the room to show you all the entries but have picked some of the cleverest.

Here is the poster

scarecrow

Here are some the entries. If you click on the Sirena Outfitters link, you can see more.

Scarcrow contest

img_0576 img_0577 img_0581 img_0585 img_0586 img_0590 img_0595 img_0597 img_0606

scarecrow contest img_1881 img_1889 img_1890beach-crow