Tag: thriller fiction

Sunday – Fifty-Two Views of the Gulf

~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

2015-09-19 08.22.43

Not much has changed this week. That brown stuff by the water is seaweed that rolled in with the shifting current. We have also been having a rough time with Red Tide. This is an algae bloom in the Gulf that is totally toxic to wildlife. The waves roll across the tide and the wind vaporizes the algae and so the air becomes filled with spores which cause itchy eyes, sore throat, coughing and respiratory problems. It has been with us now for four days. It is more or less like living in heavy air pollution. The difference is it is invisible. The other problem is large fish kills which have not washed up on our beach yet but are further North. We have to be careful and not allow the dogs to pick up anything on the beach in their mouth as the effect could be fatal. Some years the Red Tide is nonexistent and others very bad. The only thing that kills the algae is colder water but when the currents change and it moves out into deeper water we are spared the effects.

Last week’s photo.

2015-09-12 08.38.35

Kreative Kue Prompt # 42 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “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 on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue #42

The Stroll by John w. Howell © 2015

“Oh miss Marilyn I’m wondering if it is safe to go outside?”

“Why yes, my dear I think so.”

“But I think the way you look you may call attention to yourself.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Those combat boots, automatic rifle, and camouflage will let the soldiers know you mean them no good.”

“Well, I believe in dressing right for each occasion, and this outfit is for shooting and I’m tired of these occupation troops.”

“True, but do you have to broadcast your intent?”

“Hmm, I see what you mean. let me go and change.”

“Good idea. Try that long Victorian orangish, yellowish one you wore to the costume ball. You know the one with the lace cuffs.”

“Be right back.”

“No hurry. I’ll hold your gun here.”

“I’m back. How do I look?”

“I think you will need a cloak to hide the automatic.”

“This black one seems to do the trick.”

“Now you need a hat. Here try this one with the designer’s name on it.”

“I think I’m ready. Do you think I stand out now?”

“No matter. I would hum a tune, and maybe they’ll believe you are insane.”

“Sometimes it feels that way. See you darling.”

 

#RRBC Back-To-School Book and Blog Block Party – Interview with John J. Cannon

~ John W. Howell ~ 122 Comments

 

Block Party Badge(1)

Welcome to Fiction Favorites! Today, I am thrilled to be participating in Rave Reviews Book Club’s Back-to-School Book and Blog Block Party from Port Aransas, Texas  USA You can visit the entire tour and locations by clicking HERE.

In addition to learning a bit more about me and my book My GRL while you’re visiting, I hope you will leave a comment. If you do, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance at a ten-dollar Amazon Gift Card.

All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment. There will be a drawing, and the winner will be selected at the end of the day on September 15th, and announced on September 16th! For more prize opportunities visit the RRBC website.

Interview with John J. Cannon

Today I am pleased to welcome John J. Cannon to Fiction Favorites. For those of you who are unfamiliar with John let me give you a brief introduction.

John is a litigation attorney who lives in San Francisco. He has taken a leave of absence from the law firm to pursue his dream of becoming a charter boat captain. John currently resides in Port Aransas and is the protagonist in the thriller titled My GRL.

FF: Welcome John to Fiction Favorites

John: Thank you. It is so nice to be here. I’m pleased to be with you.

FF: Let’s dive right into the questions. I know you want to become a charter boat captain but I have to ask why you would give up a successful career in law?

John: I have been practicing for twelve years without a vacation. Honestly, I need a change of pace. In addition, I’m not giving up the law I’m just taking a leave of absence.

FF: Okay glad you cleared that up. We understand your boss is not very happy with you asking for a leave of absence.

John: Yeah, he has expressed a little disappointment but the fact remains it is corporate policy and I have qualified for the leave. I think he is worried about the revenue I won’t be brining into the firm.

FF: So he granted you the time off?

John: To be clear he granted me six months off. I asked for a year.

FF: My goodness sounds like trouble back at the ranch.

John: No. There’s no trouble. I simply have to request another six months when the time is done.

FF: What if he says no?

John: He won’t.

FF: I understand you bought a boat.

John: I sure did it’s a beauty. It is a sixty-five foot Hatteras Sport Fisherman. I named her My GRL.

FF: That must be some boat to navigate.

John: I took some lessons in how to handle her. She’s like an old friend.

FF: How soon will it be before you become a licensed captain?

John: I have about two months in and it takes a year so about ten more months.

FF: So you aren’t making any money yet?

John: Money is not the reason, but you’re correct.

FF: So tell us about the woman who sold you the boat.

John: Gerry’s her name. She was killed by some people who wanted to make a point.

FF: Yes Gerry. I remember you were found unconscious next to her body.

John: Yeah I was.

FF: Did the police think you did it?

John: I think they thought of me as a person of interest rather than a suspect. I had no gunshot residue on me or any other evidence that I was the perpetrator.

FF: Did they find out who did it?

John: There’s not a suspect. Gerry was killed by a professional who is still free so far. We do know who hired the hit, though.

FF: You say we like you were working with the police.

John: Well I did give a little advice and was eventually involved in the case.

FF: So who hired the hit?

John: I don’t have enough evidence to say publicly. I’ve a suspicion but would rather keep it to myself.

FF: You mentioned Gerry was killed to make a point. What was the point?

John: I think she was being punished for talking too much about certain people.

FF: Some that you don’t want to identify.

John: Yes, that’s correct. I wish I had the evidence but I don’t.

FF: Are you in any danger by talking to us in this interview?

John: I don’t see how. I haven’t said anything the police don’t know.

FF: Well that’s good.

John: I would like to say to those people who shot an innocent person, Gerry, that they’ll not get away with it and someday they’ll pay.

FF: Are you married?

John: No I’m not. As I said, I have been working a lot and no real-time for anything else. I suppose I could say my boat is my relationship right now. I guess that’s why I named her My GRL.

FF: You’ve been described as an ordinary guy caught up in unusual circumstances. How do you like that description?

John: Who says that?

FF: Reviewers

John: On one hand I’m flattered since it appears they know my personality. On the contrary, I would like to be seen as a hero. At least one time. Of course, it’s not my choice I’m more of less predestined to be what  ever I turn out to be.

FF: Once you get your captain’s license will you keep chartering or go back to the law firm.

John: I really think that is a hard question to answer. Do you know what I mean when I say fourth wall?

FF: Well yeah it’s a term used to describe the fine line between fiction and reality. It’s a term from the theatre. A stage has three walls and on the other side of the fourth is where the audience is.

John: So when I say break the fourth wall you know it is a blurring of fiction and reality.

FF: Yes that’s correct.

John: Okay to answer your question about whether I’ll go back to the law firm you will have to ask the guy who authored My GRL if he has a story line that includes returning to the law firm. You could also ask if I’m going to find love and happiness. I would like to know myself.

FF: I do know him so next time we chat I’ll ask.

John: I appreciate that. I’m not sure he will take suggestions for his precious plot. In the meantime, I’ll keep an eye on those responsible for Gerry’s murder.

FF: John this was an interesting interview if somewhat different. We’re so glad you could spend time with us. Please come again.

John: Yes, it was a pleasure for me as well. Who’s the us you’re talking about?

FF: All of us here at Fiction Favorites including our boss John W. Howell.

 

Ten Things to Pass Up Even if on Discount

~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

 

for sale

This list is inspired by watching some of the funny things people buy solely because they are being offered at a discounted price. I’ve taken the list to extremes (which I’m sure you have come to understand to by now) but the spirit still lives.

Top Ten Things to Pass Up Even if on Discount

10 Even on discount do not purchase cut-rate bungee jumping lessons. If you do, at best you will only be scared poopless. At worst, your family will be wondering what you were thinking as they hold a memorial for your three-foot tall body. (Not to mention that you are six feet wide as well)

9 Even on discount do not purchase cut-rate meat. If you do, at best you will only miss a couple of days work. At worst, you will be one of morbidity statistics as the USDA issues a countrywide recall of the E-coli tainted horse meat. (It tasted good going in right?)

8 Even at a discount do not buy a truckload of cut-rate toilet tissue. If you do, at best you will spend more on storage than the original price. At worst, you will be selected for the Dr. Phil TV show segment “Am I full of it since I can’t stop myself from feeling like I need more toilet tissue.” (You’ve noticed how thin the paper is and have taken appropriate action right?)

7 Even at a discount do not buy that cut-rate hair restorative product. If you do, at best you will need to explain your new Day-Glo orange color to the boss. At worst, you will be going through the day answering to the name Uncle Fester and fielding the cue ball and reflecting head jokes. ( You always thought Yul Brenner was cool looking right?)

6 Even at a discount do not buy that cut-rate wrinkle injection. If you do, at best you might resemble Donald Duck for a few months. At worst, you read about your doctor being accused by the FDA of using industrial silicone for some procedures, and now you know why you haven’t been able to feel your cheeks. (You do look good, though.)

5 Even at a discount do not buy that cut-rate parachute for skydiving. If you do, at best you could experience the thrill of trying to slow down with a tattered canopy. At worst, you will make a lasting impression in the field as you land without the benefit of an active drag creating device. (Looking as if you did it on purpose doesn’t help the bystanders forget.)

4 Even at a discount do not buy that cut-rate beer. If you do, at best you will have all the taste and satisfaction of drinking carbonated defrost. At worst, you will realize your mistake as you read the label and see that the product is 99% salmonella free. (You only saw that after six bottles right?)

3 Even at a discount do not buy cut-rate gold. If you do, at best you won’t notice until the day your neck and finger turn green. At worst, you will realize that you have paid the highest amount of money for least amount of gold, and you thought a pound would be a good buy. (you now have an attractive doorstop. Don’t get it wet.)

2 Even at a discount do not buy cut-rate fruit. If you do, at best you will have enough left after you cull the spoiled to make one salad. At worst, the USDA you may call to ask you to donate your generations of fruit flies to genetic research. (And you thought those spots in front of your eyes were as a result of too little sleep.)

1 Even at a discount do not buy a cut-rate used car. If you do, at best you will understand the phrase “Get  a horse.”At worst, you might be called by your homeowner association to move what they interpret as a mobile home for stray animals out of your driveway. (Seemed like a good idea at the time to leave the windows down to circulate fresh air since the thing wouldn’t run right?)

Sunday – Fifty-Two Views of the Gulf

~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

2015-09-12 08.38.35

As you can see we have been getting some rain. I was listening to the weatherman last night and he declared this was the 24th wettest year in 128 years. I’m not too sure how relevant that sound bite is, but I believe we have gotten a lot of rain this year. Those are sun rays breaking through the clouds and it isn’t raining when I took this photo. It looks like it is, though. The temperature is in the 70’s which is a result of a cold front. (don’t laugh). No that is not a sea creature by the water on the right. It is a plastic box that washed up.

Last week’s photo.

2015-09-04 08.29.38

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Temp”

~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

a new socs-badge-2015

Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “temp” and Nurse Linda says we can use it anyway we want. If you would like to join in go to Linda Hill’s site and find out how. http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1215/

Temp by John W. Howell © 2015

“So where do I put my things?”

“Excuse me but are you sure you have the right place?”

“Yeah. I’m the temp for Sally Sacrose.”

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t know Sally was not in today.”

“Yeah, seems she is sick or something.”

“Sick? I just saw her yesterday was fine.”

“Well she‘s not fine today. I got a call that I was to fill in for the rest of the week.”

“I can’t believe it. I wonder why she didn’t call me?”

“You her boss?”

“No. I’m her friend.”

“Oh. Figures.”

“What do you mean figures?”

“You are all bent cause she didn’t call you.”

“It is strange.”

“Maybe she can’t.”

“Can’t what?”

“Call. Maybe she is hurt.”

“Oh my gosh. I better call her.”

“So where do I put my things?”

“In the break room is a cubby. You can put your stuff in there. Excuse me the phone is ringing.”

“Fine. I’ll go find it myself.”

“Oh my gosh Sally are you okay? I was so worried. You didn’t call me. Yes the temp is here. You’re kidding. No I can’t believe it. Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should go to the hospital. You sure? Okay I’ll let the boss know. Call me later okay? Good. Bye now.”

“How’s Sally?”

“Not that you would care she’s fine no thanks to you.”

“Aw come on. I just tapped her is all.”

“You hit her. Why?”

“I needed the work. It was the only way I could find a temp position. I had to make sure there was an opening.”

“So you hit Sally to take her out?”

“Well it was better than trying to give her the flu.”

“I can’t believe this. I’m going to the boss and report you.”

“Sure you are. Won’t do any good.”

“What do you mean won’t do any good.”

“The boss works for my dad. My dad will tell him to ignore it.”

“We’ll see.”

“Nice knowing you. Good luck on your next job.”

Friday JohnKu Tribute to Nine-One-One

~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments
National September 11 Memorial
National September 11 Memorial

 

Today is one of those, “Where were you when?” days. September 11th for all those born after 2001  is a day that may or may not have some significance. For the rest of us who were alive and old enough to understand, today marks an anniversary of an unprovoked attack on our and the world citizens. The images of that day are clear to me, and my wish is never to witness a similar day again. I still feel for the families of those taken and know the day will be most difficult for them. My JohnKu today is a tribute to all who remember and were touched by Nine-One-One.

Nine-One-One By John W. Howell © 2015

Peaceful September,

Perfect Robin’s egg blue sky . . .

Taken by death wings.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Cover Reveal His Revenge

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Since some of you participated in the selection of the cover for His Revenge by voting for your favorite,  I owe you an answer as to which of the covers I selected. I want to thank each of you for participating. The cover chosen did get the highest rating of the three covers. It also captures a moment in the book where the antagonist attempts to get to John Cannon through someone who is close to John.

Here is the cover.

His Revenge front final

The revised Blurb.

America loves John Cannon, its newest hero, and the President wants to present him with a medal. While in Washington for the award ceremony, John unwillingly becomes an accomplice in a terrorist plan to disrupt the US economy. There is no way out as John either becomes a traitor to America or causes thousands of innocent people to die if he refuses.

I’m working on formatting now so the launch should be in six weeks or so.