with John W. Howell
Since we are getting close to Halloween I thought it would be a good idea to check around the neighborhood to see if folks are getting into the spirit. Come on along. Today we are serving hard cider and donuts. We also have Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band playing on the bus.
I hope you enjoyed the tour today. You can stay around and have more cider and listen to the music. Here is a Night Moves video
“I’m sure that’s not true, Twiggy.”
“Believe her, Boss.”
Well, it’s Friday at last. I hope you are glad the day is here. I know Twiggy seems to think it is pretty special. I’m still trying to figure that out. Her treats don’t change and there is nothing special about her menu that would warrant a celebration. Maybe she senses a finish to the week that Friday represents. That is a good feeling.
Since it has been relatively quiet the last two days you can assume the tour for Eternal Road is over. I certainly want to thank all the bloggers who were kind enough to invite me to their blog. The scope of the tour was quite impressive. We traveled to eight countries, and the message was delivered to over 100,000 followers of the blogs. Yes, there were some duplicates but the figure still blows me away.
In addition, I used universal links on this intro, which meant I could track the clicks on those links. Again, there is an unknown amount of duplicates but during the period of the tour, over 3200 clicks were reported from nine countries.
So when I’m asked how the tour went, I respond with high praise.
To those who visited all these posts, I am also very grateful that you did and hope you found some interesting folks to follow.
So that’s a wrap. I’m going back to work on the next one. (yeah, I took a half a day off) Thanks everyone. Today’s JohnKu talks about support. Have a great weekend.
Help by John W. Howell © 2020
The load is heavy,
And you can’t lift by yourself. . .
Help is wonderful.
“So, Lucy. What do you want to do?”
“Uh. The Boss’s Book Tour has me beat.”
“You didn’t do anything, why are you tired?”
“Well, you know. I had to show support while he was visiting all those blogs.”
“Now you have me thinking that I may need some rest too.”
“Sure, you do. Support is a tiring thing.”
“Yeah, maybe I’ll just rest my eyes.”
“”There you go.”
“Snozzle, snork.”
“Twiggy. You awake? Let’s go outside in the sun.”
“Whoa. This is nice, Lucy. Is there something over there?”
“Yes. It is my kind of recovery. I’ll go check although I hate to get up.”
“A couple of deer is all.”
“At least it wasn’t that darned squirrel.”
“Back to the spa day. Why are you way over there?”
“I’m telling you that squirrel is out there. I’m going to be ready.”
“Suit yourself, Little One. Just don’t wake me when he shows up. If ever.”
Today I’m with Miriam Hurdle at her blog The Showers of Blessings. We have a new, and I might add the last excerpt from Eternal Road – The last stop. Come on over. Miriam also has some food and drinks so there’s no reason not to go. Here is the link.
A little about Miriam in her words
“Hi, I’m Miriam Hurdle. I grew up in Hong Kong, where I finished college and worked for several years before coming to the United States. While in Hong Kong, I taught Chinese as a Second Language in the Hong Kong Baptist University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I was also the Director of Children’s Department for Asian Outreach, where I published four Children’s books.
In 1977, I came to the United States for my graduate studies and received three master’s degrees in Education, Counseling, and School Administration, as well as earned a Doctor of Education from La Verne University in California. I worked two years as a rehabilitation counselor, then went into education. After teaching in California public school for fifteen years, I was promoted to a school district administrative position, which kept me busy for ten years before retirement. The retirement made life easier since I survived a stage IV melanoma cancer.
In my retired life, I enjoy volunteer counseling, reading, writing, blogging, singing, drawing, watercolor painting, gardening, photographing, and traveling. I’m married to Lynton Hurdle, have one married daughter, one two and a half years old granddaughter, and the second granddaughter is on her way.
I love writing poetry. Some of my poems have appeared in four anthologies: Letter to Gaia, Whispers & Echoes Issue 2, Whispers & Echoes Issue 3, and Outcast & More Words.
I created my blog in 2011 but only wrote twelve posts from 2011 to 2014. My blogging didn’t take off until July 2016. At that time, I was to write about my cancer and recovery experiences. It has become further and wider than expected. I have been writing short memoir, poetry, short stories, flash fiction, family stories, travel journey, and post photography.
When I gained energy during the recuperation, I joined several writing and publishing groups. The Publishing group has retired professionals help each other to publish. Being around the writers and helpers was an encouragement for me to publish the first Book, Songs of Heartstrings–Poems of Gratitude and Beatitude, published in October 2018. The poems reflect different stages in my life, and it is storytelling in poetry form. I used my photography and watercolor paintings to illustrate the poems. The following watercolor paintings are two of several paintings included in the book.
I took part in an Anthology publication. My article about the cancer was included in the UNDERSTANDING: An Anthology of True and Significant Life Events, compiled by Stevie Turner, which was published in early April 2019.
Her books
Today I am with Vashti Q Vega on her blog, The Writer Next Door. We have a new excerpt from Eternal Road – The Final Stop. Come on over. Here is the link.
https://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/2020/09/29/new-book-launch-eternal-road-the-final-stop/
A little about Vashti
Vashti Quiroz-Vega is a writer of Fantasy, Horror, and Thriller. Since she was a kid, she’s always had a passion for writing and telling stories. It has always been easier for her to express her thoughts on paper.
She enjoys reading almost as much as she loves to write. Some of her favorite authors are Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Anne Rice, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, and George R. R. Martin.
She enjoys making people feel an array of emotions with her writing. She likes her audience to laugh one moment, cry the next and clench their jaws after that.
When she isn’t building extraordinary worlds and fleshing out fascinating characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband, JC, and her Pomeranian Scribbles, who is also her writing buddy.
Her books
Thank you so much for your help today, Vashti.
So what do you think, little one? A game of follow the leader?”
“Not sure, Lucy. Is the grass wet?”
Nope all dry. That 3 inches of rain are all soaked in. Come on down.”
“Give me a minute.”
“What’s the problem, Little One?”
“No problem. I just haven’t done my Yoga yet today.”
“Running is good exercise. We could run around the yard.”
“Mmmm. Let me do a few moves.”
“Down dog. Ahhh, this feels good.”
“You kill me, Twiggy.”
“I don’t see why. Everyone should do their Yogi.”
“That is not what kills me.”
“We have this beautiful yard, and sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get you out into it.”
“A girl has to be careful, Lucy.”
“Careful of what?”
“Well, of getting dirty for one thing. Maybe breaking a nail for another.”
“You are a real putz. You know that?”
“Yes, but you still love me.”
“True, Little one. Let’s go in a beg a treat.”
Today I’m with Mae Clair in Pennsylvania with a new excerpt of Eternal Road – The final stop. Come on over. Here is the link
A little about Mae in her words
“They say everyone has a story to tell. I wrote my first childish “masterpiece” at six and was immediately bitten by the writing bug. Since then, I’ve been composing nonstop, and have dabbled in multiple genres over the years, writing everything from fantasy, westerns, and horror to inspirational fiction, romance, and sci-fi.
It took me a while to find my niche, but I’ve settled comfortably into the mystery/suspense genre. I have a passion for folklore, myth, and urban legends and that attraction often factors into my writing. You’ll find threads of archaic tales, cryptids, and mysterious places woven throughout many of my novels.
Professionally, I am a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the International Thriller Writers, and a past president of the Central Pennsylvania Writer’s Organization. I’m also proud to be one of the founding members of the award-winning writing blog Story Empire.
If I’m not camped out at my keyboard or have my nose buried in a book, I’m likely looking up blurry images of cryptids on Google, sorting through vintage photographs, or imagining life as a cat. In closing, I leave you with:
12 Weird and Stupid Facts about Me
Banners for Hode’s Hill – Her latest series
“It’s Wednesday.”
“I said don’t tell that.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we learned that Lazar is willing to testify against Taggert and Cortez. We also learned that Lazar’s daughter Carolyn will need to be protected more sooner than later. The ADA, Pricilla Thomas, left the room to make some phone calls, and she is now heading back in. Let’s find out what she has been able to arrange to protect Carolyn.
“Okay, Lazar. I was able to set up a call between the FBI and Mi5, their British equivalent. It has been decided that Mi5 will go to Carolyn’s school and take her into protective custody. This will happen as soon as possible after you place the call to her. There are two agents heading to Oxfordshire from London now. It’s going to take them ninety minutes or so to get to her. Right now, it is past eight o’clock in the evening in the UK. Do you know where your daughter might be?”
“I know she studies a lot, so I would say she is in her dorm room.”
“We can get an exact location when you talk to her. We will have to send that location to our contacts in the FBI, who will then relay it to Mi5.”
“Shouldn’t we call her now?”
“Just one more thing. Once Mi5 has her, they will take her to a safe place to spend the night. We will have scrambled a private jet out of DC, and they will be landing at the Oxford airport at about 0700 hours local time.”
“Huh”
“Sorry. About 7:00 A.M.”
“Oh.”
“The agent aboard will take custody of Carolyn, and the plane will head back to the US. Any questions so far.”
“Yeah, when does she sleep?”
“Mi5 will have a place.”
“When will I see her?’
“We will get you both into a safe house just as soon as we can. You will have 24/7 security. We want both of you to be very safe. So, you ready to make the call?”
“I guess. I’ll need my phone. I have her number programmed in.”
“Yes, here it is.”
“Just a minute. It’s ringing. Come on, sweetheart. Pick up your phone. Damn, it’s going to voicemail.”
“Tell her to call you immediately. It’s urgent.”
“Hi, Carolyn honey. This is dad. I need to talk to you right away. It’s urgent. Please call. I love you.”
“Now send her a text. Tell her she needs to call.”
“I get that. I’m not an idiot. Just a second. I sent it.”
“I guess we wait.”
“While we are waiting, let me ask a question.”
“Sure, Lazar, go ahead.”
“How long do you think it will take to go to trial?”
“Eighteen months if we are lucky.”
“So, we will be in custody for eighteen months?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I’m not sure my daughter will go for that.”
“She’ll have to. You will need to explain the risk to her life.”
“Wait, here’s the phone. Hello, Carolyn, sweetie, how are you? No, no, no. I’m fine; it’s just that we have a situation. Don’t worry about being in the shower. I’m just glad to be able to talk to you.”
“Put her on speaker.”
“Carolyn honey, I’m going to put you on speaker. I know you hate that, but it’s necessary okay?”
“Okay, dad. What is going on.”
“Well, I’m here with some people from the government, and we need to be concerned with your safety.”
“Government? What kind of people from the government.”
“Hi, Carolyn. My name is Pricilla Thomas, and I’m with the Federal District Attorney’s office. We have some important things to cover with you.”
“District Attorney’s office? What kind of trouble are you in, dad.”
“Pretty big trouble, sweetheart.”
“Tell me.”
“Your dad has been doing business with some underworld characters and got caught. These nice people want me to turn states evidence in exchange for protection from these criminals.”
“Oh my gosh, Dad. States Evidence means to testify.”
“That’s right, honey.”
“Against who?”
“Cortez.”
“Oh, father. How did you get into this in the first place? I have read about him in my criminology course. He is not a nice person.”
“I know, honey. These folks are going to protect us, which brings me to the reason for my call.”
“I’m still curious about how you got involved.”
“Can we cover that later, darling? I need to give you some information.”
“You know you’ve been my rock, Dad. Since mom died, I’ve looked up to you, and you’ve never let me down. Tell me it’s going to be still true.”
“I’m not proud of myself, Honeybun.”
“Oh, daddy, I don’t want to believe that. Tell me everything.”
Today I’m with Harmony Kent with a new Eternal Road – The final stop excerpt. Come and join us. Here’s the link.
https://harmonykent.co.uk/newbook-launch-eternal-road-the-final-stop-by-john-w-howell-howellwave/
A little about Harmony
Indie Author Harmony Kent is an award-winning multi-genre author. Her publications include:
The Battle for Brisingamen (Fantasy Fiction) AIA approved
The Glade (Mystery/Thriller) AIA Approved/BRAG Medallion Honouree/New Apple Literary Awards Official Selection Honours 2015
Polish Your Prose: Essential Editing Tips for Authors (Writing/Editing) New Apple Literary Awards Top Medallist Honours 2015
Finding Katie (Women’s Fiction)
Slices of Soul (Contemporary Poetry)
Interludes (Erotic Short Stories)
Moments (Short Stories and Poetry)
Jewel in the Mud (Zen Musings)
Backstage (Erotic Romance)
FALLOUT (Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia)
As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers reviews and supports her fellow indie authors, Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the indie publishing arena. She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes.
Well, that’s the official biography … Harmony also has violent tendencies and forced me to add a not quite so official version …
Harmony Kent is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She lives in rural Cornwall with her ever-present sense of humour, adorable husband, and quirky neighbours. Read on for ten things Harmony thinks you should know about her … Ten Things:
Born in 2013 (at least the author was …)
Really boring
Has absolutely no sense of humour
Biographer is a compulsive liar
Reads … a lot
Writes … even more
Completely sane(in)
Neighbours are nuts (so Harmony fits right in!)
If you’re feeling extra brave, she’s around
Online …
Her books
This week marks the 74th anniversary of the first Cannes Film Festival. We all want to go, I’m sure so let’s pile into the Olds and head back there. Do not forget the list, so we all can avoid a time continuum tear. All set. Let’s go.
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Cannes Film Festival in 1946 by John W. Howell © 2020
10 If you go, do not take that plastic water bottle with you. If you do, at best, everyone will be looking at movie stars and not see you. At worst, someone will observe your bottle and want one. (The problem is, Marion, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle was not invented until 1973. Now a person is yelling at you, demanding you tell them where you got the bottle. Oh-oh, A crowd and the gendarmes are headed your way.)
9 If you go, do not ask Tiny, the WWF champ, if he knows any movie stars. If you do, at best, he is pals with Lon Chaney. At worst, he does not know one. (This simple question, Markell, has caused Tiny to regress from his last group session on self-esteem. Tiny will assume everyone knows stars, and he is the only one who doesn’t. Prepare yourself for Tiny’s new wrestle hold called “The Pretzel.”)
8 If you go, do not ask directions to Palais des Festivals. If you do, at best, no one will know. At worst, you will ask a member of the planning committee. (Since the Palais des Festivals which is the home of the festival, was not built until 1952, you are now outed as either a spy or an alien, Marley. I think spy might be a better choice since there is no war going on, so you won’t be shot.)
7 If you go, do not ask which movie got the Palme d’Or this year. If you do, at best you’ll get strange looks. At worst, you’ll ask a member of the provincial government of France. (It just so happens, Marlow, that the member was in several meetings where the idea of a new award was tossed around. The current prize is Grand Prix du Festival. You now need to explain yourself. Quickly)
6 If you go, do not try to speak French. If you do, at best, no one will laugh. At worst, your American accent will cause most to walk away. (You have to realize, Marmion, not everyone appreciates you trying to speak the local language. In fact, here comes a representative of Berlitz Language Schools at the request of the locals.)
5 If you go, do not give your opinion about any of the films. If you do, at best, people will think you are a jurist. At worst, you may be overheard by a legitimate jurist. ( Now you are in it, Marque. These folks do not take impersonating a jurist lightly. Since there were only 18 jurists in total and the American was Iris Barry of MOMA, you didn’t stand a chance. Nice try with that wig.)
4 If you go, do not try to place bets that Lost Weekend by Billy Wilder will win an award. If you do, at best, no one will take the bet. At worst, even though the festival is being held in the Casino of Cannes, betting is not sanctioned. (It looks like the local gendarmes and French historian Georges Huisman acting as the Jury President want to speak to you. By the way, Marque you would have won all the bets. Too bad you can’t collect now that you are sitting in the hoosegow.)
3 If you go, do not argue with Italian director Roberto Rossellini about a better ending to his film Open City. If you do, at best, Roberto will think you are nuts. At worst, Roberto will take offense to your comments. (That glove slap to the face, Marsden means you two will be going outside for a duel. I hope you know how to use a sword or a cap lock pistol. Oh my. Well, maybe you can sneak off a Google them.)
2 If you go, do not say anything wrong about the Escargot served at the award banquet. If you do, at best, those around you may not like them either. At worst, your opinion will be overheard by the Chef. (You have to wonder, Marshal, how that person became such a renowned chef and yet be so thin-skinned. In any case, that butcher knife looks really sharp, and it may be time to test your 100 yard dash speed time.)
1 If you go, do not kid Alfred Hitchcock about the fact that his film Notorious’ three reels were shown in reverse order. If you do, at best, he’ll be preoccupied trying to find out who the projectionist was. At worst, since he’s not known as the most patient man, he will not appreciate your humor. (Alfred Hitchcock was once accused of saying, “Actors are cattle.” He violently denied the accusation, Martell, and corrected the accuser. “I never said Actors are cattle,” he argued. “What I said was actors should be treated like cattle.” So now he has a cattle prod, and you should be leaving.)
