Tag: thriller fiction

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Drunk in College

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Ben acting on the suggestion of Father Lightfoot (Raymond)and trying (in his own way) to seduce Mrs. Worth. I’m almost afraid to go back for fear we’ll see Trudy Worthe embraced in a long hug with Ben. Go back we must, or there will be no point in reading this post any further. (tempting isn’t it?)
“There now doesn’t that feel good.”
“For heaven’s sake, you are holding me too tight. I can’t get my breath.”
“Oh really. You know when I was in High school I was the wrestling champion of my state.”
“That’s not too romantic. Especially when I’m having a tough time breathing.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Is that better?”
“Yes, much better. I must say you have powerful arms.”
“Thank you. I think they were made to be wrapped around you.”
“You naughty boy. That was sweet.”
“Tell me. Do you trust me a little more?”
“I have to admit lying here in your arms does feel good.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Yes. I trust you more.”
“Do you think we have a future together?”
“What do you mean future?”
“Well, stuff like having sex and hanging out.”
“I’m not sure I could have sex with you.”
“Why?”
“For one thing, I’m married. For another, there is no end of the road. It would be sex for sex’s sake.”
“What’s wrong with that arrangement?”
“I just need security too much I think. If I had sex with you, I would have to leave Mr. Worthe, and he and I have too much joint property to have that happen.”
“Do you have to tell him?”
“He would know.”
“How?”
“He is superb at picking up little signs. He might smell your aftershave or detect a change in me.”
“Sounds like you have gone through this before.”
“I have, and it wasn’t pretty.”
“Any chance of fooling him?”
“Not a chance.”
“Maybe we can think of a way.”
“I’m all ears.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #86 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Keith Channing has been passing us photo prompts for about a year. In his 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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 #86

The Statue by John W. Howell © 2016

“Martha get out of that drug store and come see this.”

“What is it?”

“See that girl over there?”

“Girl? Oh, you mean that young woman by the statue.”

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“So what about her?”

“I think I saw her touch the statue.”

“Well, that’s not against the law.”

“I know, but I believe she reached for his parts.”

“Parts? What the heck are you talking about?”

“You know his equipment.”

“How can you tell this happened?”

“I was minding my own business and happen to look over, and the statue started moving after the gi….er woman reached her hand up in front. I couldn’t see if she touched him but he started waving his hands.”

“Okay, that will be the last time we have wine with lunch. You know statues can’t move.”

“I’m telling you that one did. Come and look.”

“Oh my gosh. He doesn’t have any clothes on.”

“When is the last time you saw a statue with clothes. No more lunch wine for you either Martha.”

“My goodness he looks alive, and I think he should put his pants on.”

“Do you know how silly that sounds?”

“Why is that young woman laughing.”

“You tell me.”

“I feel like giggling myself.”

“Behave yourself.”

“Maybe one little touch.”

“Martha, you’re making a fool out of yourself. I’m going to get someone to find that statue some clothes.”

“Yes, Clarence you do that. Take your time darling. I’ll keep watch to make sure he doesn’t get away.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at a High School Reunion – Replay

~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

As you may know, I have taken a temporary assignment in organized commerce. I have been entirely consumed in that task so if you will forgive me I’m running a Top Ten Things Not to Do from the past. Next week may not be so hectic, so I will get some new material together (I hope)

This one ran last year on July 16th. I hope you enjoy the replay.

High School Reunion
This list is as a result of seeing some high school reunion photos and messages on some social media sites. I have never attended a high school reunion, so the information captured here has been matters of here say and recounting of others about their reunion.

Top Ten Thing Not to do at a High School Reunion

10 If you attend a high school reunion, do not pose for photos that you don’t know where they will end up. If you do at best, the photos will only be traded among classmates. At worst, they will end up on the “what the not to wear, eat, or drink” website.(Which will go viral and you’ll be getting calls from the Today show to appear on their segment called EXCESS)

9 If you attend a high school reunion, do not pretend to be what you are not. If you do, at best your little fib will be seen as a joke. At worst, your profile on the class newsletter will be featured under the title Most Successful Grad. (Which will be picked up by the news services and published by your newspaper)

8 If you attend a high school reunion, do not bring a date that you do not know simply because they are beautiful. If you do, at best your charade will be found out early with no consequences. At worst, your date will discover the actual reason you brought them and will make an exit and a scene remembered for the next five reunions. (Only you passing away will halt the story telling)

7 If you attend a high school reunion, do not rent an expensive car for your grand entrance. If you do, at best you will look overly anxious to impress and get the opposite reaction. At worst, the valet will take your rental car for a spin and inadvertently leave the side chrome on the street fleeing a hit and run accident. (Which you will easily be able to explain to the judge)

6 If you attend a high school reunion, do not try to hide the fact that you don’t remember everyone’s name. If you do, at best you will look like a fool trying to check name tags without being caught. At worst, you will call someone by a different name, and the name will be associated by that person to an old flame or rival. (You will have lots a bunch of points on that one)

5 If you attend a high school reunion, do not take this time to argue fine points about your grades with your old teachers. If you do, at best the teachers will wish they had flunked you. At worst, one of them may remember you failed to turn in that assignment in the eleventh grade that will require you to repeat the course and nullify your high school diploma. (Try explaining that to your boss)

4 If you attend a high school reunion, do not think your old flame wants to begin where you left off just by smiling at you. If you do, at best you will be embarrassed to learn they are happily married. At worst, you will be a little too forward thinking all is forgiven only to be arrested as you leave the building for assault. ( Gotta remember no means no)

3 If you attend a high school reunion, do not assume the free drinks at the bar carry no consequences. If you do, at best you may exhibit a little tipsiness that everyone will think is cute. At worst, you will have the honor and resulting infamy of passing out on top of the Congratulations Class cake. (The clothes you’re wearing belong to your roommate as well.)

2 If you go to a high school reunion, do not offer to be part of the planning committee for the next one. If you do, at best everyone will forget your offer. At worst, you will be appointed chairperson with all the rights and responsibilities to make the nest one the best ever. (You will also want to get a Xanax prescription)

1 If you go to a high school reunion, do not tell everyone you meet that “we must get together.” If you do at best, they will all wonder if you are having a breakdown. At worst, the ones you least want to see will stay in touch long enough to cop a free overnight on their way through your town. (Plus they have some kind of foot infection that requires you to burn your sheets when they leave)

Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

The city of Port Aransas does not allow food trucks to operate within the city limits.  If you want a good meal, snack or drink on the quick and you want high quality there are some excellent places to go.

Tropical Snow

Here is one of the famous places. It is called Tropical Sno and is in the parking lot of a liquor store. As you can see, it is kind of busy. Yes, those are people standing in line. There are two cute signs in the window that you can read in this photo.

Tropic Sno

“Here I am. What are your other two wishes?” and “Making Mouths weird colors.”

Another outlet is the Lemonade stand. Here is one run by some young folks. They make a mean Arnold Palmer. (Of course, they never heard of  Arnold Palmer)

Lemonade stand

For some real down home cooking with a gourmet flair, you can’t beat John Shaw and his Hog Island Taco stand. Here is what he was cooking yesterday.

Menue

Sounds delicious and you can bet it is. John is a fabulous cook and puts out some satisfying, delicious food.

Here is a shot of the outside of John’s restaurant.

Hog Island Tacos

Inside was jam packed with folks waiting for their food. That’s Johh Shaw on the left doing the cooking.

John Shaw

When any of us get the craving for fresh shrimp, we go to the dock and check out when the next load of shrimp is do to arrive.

Shrimp sign

It looks like when you are reading this blog, I should be down standing in line for $5.00 a pound jumbo shrimp.

Here is the boat that brings it all in. The Polly Anna.

Shrimp boat

Well, that’s the View for this week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “If/Then”

~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

If you don’t know, it is Saturday Stream of Consciousness time again. This week’s prompt is “If/Then.” Linda Hill also is allowing bonus points for beginning the post with “If” and ending the post with “Then.” If you would like to participate here is the link to check out. https://lindaghill.com/2016/07/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-1616/

If/Then by John W. Howell © 2016

“If I told you that I love you what would you do?”

“If you said that, I’d wonder what you’re up to.”

“Aw come on. You know I like you.”

“Like is one thing. Love is another.”

“Okay, I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.”

“So what thoughts do you have.”

“I think I will keep them to myself.”

“Oh, pouting are we?”

“No. I just don’t want you to get spooked.”

“I don’t spook easily.”

“Let’s just say I want you to know I care for you.”

“That is so sweet.”

“Thank you, I think. Do we have a future?”

“We can hang out until we know each other better. I’ll answer you then.”

Thursday – A Little Personal

~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Since I have hauled back into honest work, I have had to sacrifice some of the fun of being an author for the sake of the available time. One of the joys of being an indie author is formatting the manuscript for publication. You know, the four or five late nights as you struggle with getting the Create Space and Kindle formats in place. Let’s not mention the euphoria that comes with getting a table of contents working. Oh Yeah!

Jo Robinson

Well, I’m pleased to report I outsourced my most favorite activity next to a sharp stick in the eye. Jo Robinson who you know as a talented author provides services to Indie authors. You can go HERE  to check them all, but she was a Godsend when it came time to do the formatting work on the next John J. Cannon Thriller which I needed badly.

So thank you, Jo. You save my butt and I am now a believer in professional formatting.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

Sad Cat

It’s Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we left Father Lightfoot (Raymond) and Ben discussing Ben’s need to get cozy with Trudy Worthe. As gaggy as that sounds, we have to go back and see if there is any part of this suggestion that Ben will take.
“Mrs. Worthe can you come in here?”
“Yes, Ben. What is it?”
“I’ve been thinking.”
“A new hobby for you, Ben. What have you been thinking about?”
“I think we ought to go on a picnic or something.”
“Ben? Are you feeling okay? Let me feel your head.”
“I’m okay. Mmm, your hand is so cool.”
“Ben, are you running a fever?”
“No. It’s just your hand is so soft and fresh. It feels just right on my forehead.”
“How about your neck? Ben? How does this feel?”
“I know I haven’t treated you very well Trudy. I’m sorry for the choking episode.”
“Aw, Ben. If I didn’t know you better, I would say you’re coming on to me.”
“You have to admit Trudy you are a handsome woman.”
“My goodness, Ben. You’ll make me blush with any more kind words.”
“I mean it Mrs. W- I mean Trudy. I have always thought you were attractive, and now that you have touched me I think I’m a little smitten.”
“Okay, Ben. What did Lightfoot tell you to do?”
“Nothing Trudy. I just think your touch has gone to my heart. When did you ever touch me before? With gentleness I mean.”
“Alright, Ben you got me there. I also felt something when I touched you.”
“You did? What did you feel?”
“Like you were a little boy and needed care.”
“Really? Well that’s a start isn’t it?”
“Are you forgetting Alexis. My daughter who is your age and twenty years younger than me.”
“Age is relative Trudy. Yes, I have thought of Alexis and think she is way too young for me. I need someone with the experience in life to understand what I’m doing.”
“You also need the money that comes with that as well.”
“Aw, Trudy. Get over here. Let me give you a hug and you’ll see what I mean.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

This week’s photo prompt (below) from Keith Channing in his own words. “Using this photo 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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 #85

Work by John W. Howell

“You could give me a hand you know.”

“Well, that’s just it. Sucking is not in my classification.”

“Wait? What do you mean not in your classification.”

“Just what I said, man. I’m a certified holder. There is nothing in my job classification that says I need to do anything but hold.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. We’ve been working together for five years, and you never said anything about a job classification.”

“I just found out.”

“Huh? Wadda you mean?”

“I was with Jerry the union steward on another job, and he told I couldn’t suck enough.”

“You sure he was talking about a job classification and not the quality of your work?”

“Why that no good so and so was talking about the quality of my work.”

“Ah. Well, you don’t have to listen to him. Come give me a hand.”

“I’d love to, but I now feel unqualified.”

Oh, come on. You can suck with the best of them.”

“You say the nicest things. Thanks.”

 

#RRBC Spotlight Author Micki Peluso

~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

 

I am pleased to welcome Micki Peluso to Fiction Favorites. Micki has received Rave Reviews Book Club’s Spotlight Author honor and will be on tour this week .

Spotlight Author

The Rewards of Writing . . .  And the Whippoorwill Sang

While writing this book was something I had sworn to do as a deathbed promise to the one I lost, it was both blessing and bane. There were times when I laughed and times when I cried—just like my readers.  Many supernatural events happened as I finished the book, just as they did throughout parts of the story. A whippoorwill, not indigenous to where I live now, sat in the bushes near my deck and sang his sad three syllable song as I wrote the hardest part of the book. Upon typing ‘The End,’ the elusive bird disappeared only to return in pure sight the day I had my first book signing. The whippoorwill sat upon the top of the small flagpole in front of my house and looked at me. The bird allowed me to get within six inches in front of it and we just stared at each other. As I reached out to touch it, off it flew, never to be seen again.

Parts of this true story seemed written by someone other than me. How could I have remembered dialogue from several decades ago? Yet I sensed it was accurate. While I was happy and relieved to finally complete it, that was also painful. I’d brought my daughter back while writing of her funny, wonderful life and in ending the book, I lost her; yet again.

Now that I am marketing the book, I’ve been blessed with remarkable happenings.  I knew the book would both entertain and move many people, but I had no idea to what extent.  I have been pleased and amazed by the amount of letters, e-mails, and phone calls I get from readers.  This book has been able to ease some of their own pain, promise them hope, and comfort them in their trials. I never saw that coming and it continues to astound and humble me.

Young boys, aged fifteen and up, to older men at eighty-two are reading the book and finding something in it for them.  I had imagined my audience would be strictly women with children, but that has not been the case.  Teachers and librarians from her High School write me with their own remembrances of her, as well as her classmates and friends. Many, after reading the book go to her gravesite and leave flowers. Some of them e-mail me with stories and experiences with Noelle that I never knew, and for that I am grateful. Again, I am overcome by these things.  Some, having known her long ago, are torn between wanting to read the book and afraid to trust their emotions.

What was started as a promise has become a fulfillment far beyond my wildest expectations. I could ask nothing greater than to have this book make a difference in the lives of those who read it. Knowing that some who read this book may become more aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, and more importantly, realize that life is made up of choices—choices which dictate life and death—inspires me to want to write more books. Having teenagers read the book is another blessing, as they realize that teenagers from 1959 to the present are basically the same.  I pray that they will, with help from this book, stop and take responsibility for the both their safety and the lives of others.  Will I ever attain closure? Probably not, but then do I really want it? As proud and humbled as I am from the reaction to . . .  And the Whippoorwill Sang, I believe that somewhere in another realm, Noelle is smiling.

Whippoorwill

The elusive whippoorwill swoops down the mountains. Through night into dawn its song mourns summer’s loss–as I cry mine.   

 AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG, a 300 page memoir, opens with eloping teenagers, Micki and Butch, in a bizarre double wedding ceremony with Micki’s mother.  The couple share comical escapades, spanning decades. A terrible accident occurs in a placid valley nestled in the Susquehanna Mountains. Micki narrates happier days while confronting an uncertain future. One of her six children is fighting for life in the hospital. The family embarks upon its unbearable journey to the other side of sorrow …

Bio

Micki Peluso began writing after a personal tragedy, which lead to  publication in Victimology: An International Magazine and a 25 year career in Journalism. She’s been staff writer for one major newspaper and freelanced for two more. Twelve of her award-winning short fiction and slice of life stories are published in anthologies, magazines and e-zines. Her debut book was published in 2012; a funny family memoir of love, loss and survival, called, . . .AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG which won the Nesta CBC Silver Award for writing that builds character. She is presently working on a collection of short fiction, slice of life stories and essays, in a book called, DON’T PLUCK THE DUCK. Her debut children’s book, ‘The Cat Who Wanted a Dog’ will be released in June, 2016.

 

To learn more about Micki Peluso, or to purchase her book, …AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG,

please visit:

Twitter: @mickipeluso

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndTheWhippoorwillSang

Website: http://www.mallie1025.blogspot.com/

Email: mallie1025@aol.com

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at an Organic Supermarket

~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Organic Food Store

The inspiration for this list is many visits to organic chain supermarkets. I’m usually there because I like a brand of wine that the chain carries. Of course, living on an island means when I drive the 360 miles round trip, I want to linger and observe other activities. I hope you like the list.

10 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not secretly pop samples into your mouth from the bulk food section. If you do, at best you may ingest a foreign object. At worst, you will be caught and weighed before being charged the $10.00 a pound going rate.(Had to wonder what that walk on scale was for, huh Bo-Bo?)

9 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not block the aisles as you study each purchase looking for evidence of an ingredient to which you are allergic. If you do, At best your cart will be hit as others try to get around. At worst, you might get run over by Tiny the 300 pound WWF champ as he sprints toward the carrot juice section. (Better to joust with a train. Right?)

8 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the butcher if the organic pork is grass-fed. If you do, at best he will laugh you out of the store. At worst, he will convince you to go home and read up on the dietary habits of pigs. (At least tofu is on the list of things pigs will eat. Of course, there is nothing pigs won’t eat.)

7 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the clerk if the organic bottled water is gluten-free. If you do at best, the clerk will be confused. At worst, you might cause a very delicate personality to crack completely. ( Can you imagine what would have happened if you asked for help finding something.)

6 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not forget to bring your own bags. If you do, at best you will have to balance your purchases and hope to make the car before the peanut butter hits the parking lot surface. At worst, you will be charged for more bags which you’ll never need again. (Asking for a plastic bag was a big mistake)

5 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not show visible signs of your pending heart attack when you see the total bill. If you do, at best you will make the clerk’s day. At worst, those around you will want your hide for exposing the fact that to eat this way is very expensive. (Yeah they knew it, but don’t need reminders)

4 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the clerk if there are cruelty-free grapes in the wine. If you do, at best the clerk will call the manager for an answer. At worst the manager has just turned in his gross receipts and is now on probation for slipping sales. (The manager’s sense of humor is at an all time low and used to be a postal worker till released for anger management issues)

3 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the beauty aids clerk which essential oil they would recommend to attract more dates. If you do, at best the clerk will think you totally perverted. At worst, the clerk will take the opportunity to test the company’s non-hostile work environment policy with a request of the boss to toss you out of the store. (Wow! Talk about overused political correctness)

2 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not buy hemp products with the belief that you can use then to get high. If you do, at best you will waste your money. At worse, you will feel pretty foolish waiting in the shower for the hemp soap to kick in. (Meanwhile, the water temperature is moving toward Antarctic)

1 If you are shopping at an organic supermarket, do not ask the carryout person any questions about attire, body art, or hairstyle. If you do, at best they will ignore you. At worst, they will start the long story about personal freedoms and what it means to be able to be who they are. (That organic ice cream dripping on the pavement cost $10.00. Might be time to move on)