Good Morning, Everyone! Today I’d like you to help me welcome a great friend and supporter of writers everywhere, #StoryEmpire member John W. Howell. I think you’ll really enjoy John’s post today, so let’s get things rolling!
Thank you, Marcia, for having me on your #TenThingsYouMayNotKnowAboutMe feature. When we initially talked about doing this, I explained to Marcia that the first item on the list would be the fact that I have evolved into a close imitation of Howard Hughes. You may recall in his later years; he became a recluse. Marcia being the kind and generous person she is, thought that would be an excellent beginning to the list. So, with that encouragement, here are the #TenThingsYouMayNotKnowAboutMe. You will note the Howard Hughes one is not there because you already know that one.
Ten Things You May Not Know About Me
by John W. Howell
1) Detroit, Michigan, is where I grew up in an area that was a melting pot of cultures. This upbringing gave me the experience to conclude that we are all made up of the same hopes, dreams, and expectations.
2) My father died when I was ten years old. He was an exceptional human being, and his example of making the most out of your talent has inspired me throughout my life.
3) I was raised by my mother and sister. My mother had to go to work, but my sister was six years older than me, so she filled in when my mom needed to be elsewhere. I feel blessed that I carried away from our home an appreciation for the female perspective.
4) My mom paid for the first year of college, and then the rest was up to me. I appreciated the help and embraced the idea that I would work and learn. I held several part-time and summer jobs and managed to get through.
5) My first working position out of college was for Procter and Gamble. My responsibilities were to represent the company brands in an assigned territory. In addition, I had the pleasure of introducing products still on the shelves today.
6) I changed companies after three years when it became clear a promotion was not in the works. After twenty years, I took over as the company head. It looks like I made the right choice.
7) I retired once at 51 years old and went into consulting. After five years, I went to work at one of my clients and spent fifteen years working on some exciting new products.
8) I retired a second time when I was 70 1/2. I enjoyed what I was doing, but it became time to go.
9) My first book was published when I was 71 by a traditional publisher. After waiting for over 18 months for the second to be published, it became clear that I needed to go out independently. I self-published the following five books.
10) I’m looking forward to my 81st birthday. I still blog six days a week and am getting ready to publish my seventh book. Once that is done, I will be publishing a Top Ten Things Not to Do handbook, which will take some of my best posts and put them in a collection.
BLURB:
James Wainwright picks up a hitchhiker and discovers two things 1. The woman he picks up is his childhood sweetheart, only Seventeen years older. 2. He is no longer of this world.
James began a road trip alone in his 1956 Oldsmobile. He stops for a hitchhiker only to discover she is his childhood sweetheart, Sam, who disappeared seventeen years before. James learns from Sam falling asleep miles back caused him to perish in a one-car accident. He also comes to understand that Sam was taken and murdered all those years ago, and now she has come back to help him find his eternal home.
The pair visit various times and places and are witness to a number of historical events. The rules dictate that they do no harm to the time continuum. Trying to be careful, they inadvertently come to the attention of Lucifer who would love to have their souls as his subjects. They also find a threat to human survival and desperately need to put in place the fix necessary to save mankind.
The question becomes, will James find his eternal home in grace or lose the battle with Satan for his immortal soul and the future of human life with it? If you like time-travel, adventure, mystery, justice, and the supernatural, this story is for you.
You can download the Kindle version of Eternal Road The Final Stop HERE
You can purchase the print version of Eternal Road The Final Stop HERE
Author John W. Howell
Award winning author John W. Howell began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, was launched in September 2016. Circumstances of Childhood in October 2017. The Contract in, 2018. Eternal Road – The final stop in 2020. The sequel to Eternal Road should be available in September of 2022. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. John also writes a daily blog, Fiction Favorites, HERE.
John lives in Lakeway, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
You can reach John on Social Media here:
Blog: Fiction Favorites
Amazon Author’s Page
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
BookBub
|Story Empire Blog
John is an interesting guy with all the different jobs he’s held over the years. This series is wonderful.
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Thank you, Pete. 😁
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I agree on both counts, Pete. John is very interesting, and this series has been so much fun! Hope to keep it going a long time! Thanks for stopping by today. 😊
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John W Howell is one of the nicest guys I have ever met, kind, considerate and a really good friend. A brilliant writer too!
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Aw Jaye. You have me red-faced here with your beautiful comment. ❤️
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Glad to, John… you are lovely! 😃💕
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Well put, Jaye, and I concur, totally! Thanks for stopping by today! 😊❤️
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I enjoyed learning more about the impressive John Howell, a writer and person I respect, who has certainly made the most of his talents.
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Thank you so much, Darlene. 😁
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Ain’t that the truth, Darlene, and being another late started, like me, I find John’s story extra meaningful. We older folks still have adventures ahead of us, and stories to tell! Thanks for stopping by today! ❤️😊
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I have read John’s comments and blog posts, but didn’t know much about him. Fascinating!
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Thank you, Olga. I appreciate you.
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So glad you enjoyed learning more about John today, Olga. He’s a great friend to all of us, and fun to know, too. 😊❤️
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What a great way to start my day! I loved learning more about one of my favorite writers and second dad! Thanks for sharing, Marcia.❤️
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Ha ha ha, Jill. I’m very proud to hold that title. Thank you for the honor. ❤️
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So glad you enjoyed learning a bit more about your second dad, Jill! Being as how he’s only one or two years older than I, I’m not even gonna TRY to claim he’s my second dad, too! 😁But he sure is a good guy to have as a friend! Thanks for stopping by today! 😊❤️
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LOL! John reminds me a lot of my father. 🙂
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A grand life, indeed! I can only imagine how much your father has smiled over the years, John, while watching you flourish and grow! ❤
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I have always felt his presence, Annette. He definitely was my moral guide. Thank you.
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So glad you enjoyed John’s #TenThings list, Annette. John has led a very interesting life, and is still adding items for his NEXT ten things! 😁Thanks for stopping by today! 😊❤️
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Wonderful to learn more about one of my favourite authors and friends! I look forward to John’s little book of Ten Things Not to Do! That will be a chuckle-a-minute read for sure! Thanks for sharing, Marcia. Wishing you all the best, John. Hugs 💕🙂
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Thank you so much, Harmony.
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Glad you enjoyed John’s #TenThings list, Harmony, and I’M looking forward to that little book, too. (Along with anything else John publishes.) Thanks so much for stopping by today! 😊❤️
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John has certainly had an interesting life. I lost my father at a young age, too, (13) and know the impact that makes on a person—especially when you had a great dad who taught you so many inspiriting things. Given John is such a stand-up guy, his dad must have been very special.
A wonderful “TopTen” list about one of my favorite author friends! Great job, Marcia and John! 🙂
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Thank you, Mae. In some ways losing a parent in the teen years is so much more difficult than at a younger age. Once the pain of loss goes away the joy of certain memories can exert an influence on how we live. Thanks for sharing your story too. We are in a special club for sure. ❤️
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A stand-up dad can make a huge impact on our lives, for sure, Mae, and I’m so glad you enjoyed John’s post! It was a real pleasure to have him here this morning, and thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! 😊❤️
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HI Marcia, It is interesting to learn more about John. In some ways, my own life has been similar to his. I also lost my biological father young. I worked to pay my way through correspondence university. I had to pay for my first year and after that I had an academic scholarship. I also find parts of my work interesting and exciting. My mom is active like John is. She is 83 and still going strong.
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Thank you for sharing your experience, Robbie. Not too much will stand in the way when we have to work for something. As a Chartered Accountant, your path was not easy. I’m glad your mom is doing well and know she is proud of you. ❤️
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Thanks, John. The life to academic and professional success is hard work.
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So glad you enjoyed reading about John’s interesting life (to date), and I thank you for letting us know! Also glad to know that your mom is still going strong at 83. It offers me hope for the next five years! 😁 Thanks for stopping by today! ❤️😊
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Fascinating! I loved John’s first three points which go some way to explaining the humanity in his writing. His work ethic doesn’t surprise me either, nor his abilities in the workplace, when I consider all that he manages to cram into his day. It’s hugely encouraging to discover that he was first published at 71! So many thanks for these, Marcia – they’re brilliant! 😀 ❤
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Thank you so much, Alex. I appreciate your kind words. Yes published at 71 can cause some to be encouraged and others to wonder. In any case, if the writer is inside it doesn’t matter when the appearance is made. 😊
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Absolutely, John! 😀
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It was a great pleasure to have John here this morning, and I’m very glad I can at least access my blog on my new computer, so I can read all the lovely comments, too. So glad you enjoyed John’s list, and that you think the series is a good one. I sure love having folks like John share a bit about themselves with us. Thanks so much for stopping by, too!! 🤗💖🤗
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I enjoyed learning more about you, John. You’re an inspiration to many and it goes to show it’s never too late to live your dreams.
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I believe it is never too late as well, Joan. There are times when I wish I started earlier but life has a way of putting dreams on hold until the right time. In any case, the horse is out of the barn now. Thank you for the comment.
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So glad you enjoyed John’s post today, Joan, and I agree that it’s never too late to live our dreams. John is a perfect example of that, and it’s something I learned 9 years ago when I wrote my first book, too. We’re still here. We can definitely make some of our dreams come true!
Thanks so much for stopping by today! 😊❤️
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Wonderful post, you two. It seems like a top-ten book is a natural for John.
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I want the next to be a fun one, Craig. I look at how much fun you bring in your books and think it must be a joy to do that. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks for the comment.
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I find myself having a much better time that way. Hope it works for you, too.
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Thanks. 😁
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Glad you enjoyed it, Craig! And I agree that John’s idea for a Top Ten Things Not to Do handbook is a super idea! Can’t wait!
Thanks so much for stopping by this morning! 😊
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It was fun getting to know the man behind the books. Next time I see a PnG product at the grocery store, I’ll think of John.:-)
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Thank you, Pricilla. I can’t think of a better way to cover my years there. 😁
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Really glad you enjoyed getting to know John better, Priscilla, and thanks so much for stopping by to share your thoughts today! 😊❤️
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It’s great getting to know you better, John. Your list is very inspiring.
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Thank you, Jeanne. It was a pleasure being here and talking about myself is not the easiest thing. I appreciate your comment. 😁
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Glad you got to know a bit more about John today, Jeanne, and happy to know you found his list inspiring. Thanks so much for stopping by to us know! 😊❤️
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Reblogged this on Fiction Favorites and commented:
I am at Marcia Meara’s today. She invited me over to talk about ten things you may not know about me. Most of you know Marcia from her outstanding books. I know Marcia as a friend and exceptional author. So come visit, and while there, check out her beautiful books. Thank you for having me today, Marcia.
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It was absolutely my pleasure to have you share your great list today, John! I’m so glad I can access my blog again to comment today. And I’m sorry I couldn’t get in sooner to add the link I missed for Story Empire, but I’ll add it to the post shortly.
Thanks so much for taking part in this series, John, and I agree with everyone who has commented so far. Interesting, Inspiring, and very much YOU. Looking forward to having you back many times in the weeks and months ahead! 🤗❤️
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Aw. Thank you Marcia. 😁
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I took the link out of this response because I couldn’t figure out how to fix it so it would open in a new window, but I added it at the bottom with your other links! Sorry about the oversight. 🙄
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Thank you for all that trouble. 😁
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Interesting to read more about you, John.
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Thank you, Stevie. It is hard for me to talk about myself, so your comment does make me feel good for sure. 😁
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John’s a very interesting kinda guy, Stevie! Glad you enjoyed his list today, and thanks for stopping by to let us know. 😊
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Thank you so much, Marcia. It was a pleasure being here today. I appreciate the opportunity to tell a little more of my story. ❤️
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You’re always welcome on The Write Stuff, John! Very happy to have you here today! 🤗
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Excellent interview! I enjoyed learning more about John’s background.
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So glad you enjoyed learning more about John, Liz, and thanks so much for stopping by to say hello!
😊❤️
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This is a wonderful chat with John. He is honestly one of my favorite people in the writing community. A talented author and an interesting human being. Thank you for sharing this, Marcia.
Congratulation to John. It’s an honor to know you, good sir!
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He’s one of my favorites, too, Beem, and I agree with your assessment on both his talent and the fact that he’s such an interesting person. It was a pleasure to have him here today, and thanks so much for stopping by to share your thoughts. 😊
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Thank you, Beem. Your support and friendship are treasured. 😁
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A wonderful ten things, John. I learned so much about you that I didn’t know before. I can relate to your reason for going indie, that’s for sure. The lead times for traditional publishers are frustratingly long. Thanks, Marcia, for hosting our talented friend. ❤
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It was my great pleasure to have John here today, Diana, and I’m so glad you enjoyed his #TenThings list! Thanks so much for stopping by to let us know! 🤗❤️
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Not only long but getting someone to say, “We aren’t going to publish the next one takes a while too.” Thanks, Diana.
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Wonderful share, John. It’s always a gift to learn more about someone you’ve come to truly respect on all life matters. Thank you, Marcia, for this post. For me, John is a top-of-the-ladder writer and friend. 🤗
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What a great assessment, Gwen. Top-of-the-ladder writer and friend sums it up perfectly. It was a true pleasure to have John here today, and really glad you enjoyed his post. Thanks so much for stopping by to let us know! 🤗❤️🤗
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Hey, I’ve been told to stay off ladders. 🤣 Thank you so much for the kind words, Gwen. They mean a lot. ❤️
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You are such an inspiration, John. I hope to be doing half as much as you when I turn 81! Thank you for sharing these insights. Great list, Marcia!
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Thank you, Jan. i’m sure you will have no trouble given your energy and spirit. Thanks 🤗
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So glad you enjoyed John’s #TenThings list, Jan. I thought it was a great one, too, and am so glad you stopped by to say hello! 😊❤️
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This list is great, John! I especially love #1. Thanks for sharing his list with us, Marcia! 🙂
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Thank you, Yvette. I thought about dodging some truths when writing the list but went ahead anyway. Glad you enjoyed it. 😁
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You’re welcome, Yvette. It was a pleasure to have John visiting here today, and I’m so glad you enjoyed his #TenThings list. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to let us know your thoughts. 😊❤️
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I enjoyed your list, John and learning a few new things about you 🙂 I love you are putting together a book of your top ten things not to do.
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Thank you, Denise. I want the next one to be fun and I think it is a good way to do it. 😁
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I’m eagerly awaiting that book, too, Denise, and I’m glad you enjoyed John’s list today. It was great fun having him visit.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a minute to say hello! 😊❤️
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John is a great guy and a very talented writer. I’m privileged to associate with him.
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You have lived a productive life, John. I enjoyed learning about how you have done it! Lots of hard work, a commitment to quality, and just the right blend of humility, talent, and ambition. As they say down under: “Good on ya, mate.”
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I whole-heartedly agree with your thoughts, jhawker! It was a lot of fun having John visit here today, and thanks so much for stopping by and taking a moment to comment! 😊
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Thank you, Ron. Since you are one of my heroes I love this comment. 😁
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Nice to learn more about John. What an ambitious blogging schedule!
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Thank you so much, Sharon. Sometimes it becomes hectic I’ll say that.
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Well that was interesting. Lovely to get to know you better John. Sounds like you’re making good use of your retirement. I am sure your dad would have been proud. ❤
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Glad you enjoyed John’s post, Marje. I know I did, and hope he’ll visit us more often in the future. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to comment, too! 😊❤️
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Happy to do so Marcia. ❤
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Thank you, Marje. I can only hope he would be proud. I’ll sure ask him someday.
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Aww. My pleasure John. 🙂
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Thank you, Marcia, for getting John to do this post. I have followed him for many years, but never knew some of this about him.
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Isn’t it interesting that no matter how well you think you know a person, or how long you’ve been friends, there’s always something new to learn about them. So glad you enjoyed John’s post today, and thanks for taking the time to let us know. 😊
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Any time, Marcia. It was my pleasure! 💯%
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Sometimes it’s better to stay under cover, GP. Thanks so much for your terrific comment.
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I love that no matter how long you’ve known someone, there’s always more to learn about them. These are some interesting things, John! You’ve lived such a productive & inspiring life. I’m so thankful to know you!! Marcia, thank you for bringing John over to chat today!
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I was delighted to have John visit us today with his interesting, entertaining, and inspiring #TenThings list. Glad you enjoyed it, Mar, and thanks so much for stopping by to let us know! 😊❤️
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Thank you, Mar. You have warmed my face with your comment. 🤗
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Well, reading this makes me even more convinced that John was cloned young. No one person crams in that much… and why is it, John that when I consider your output, it’s me who feels 81. 81? No, seriously that’s the most unlikely piece. I see you’ve been described as a second dad. More like a rather disreputable but delightful uncle, methinks. John, it’s been a delight to have met you and if this sounds like a eulogy that’ll teach you for saying you’re 81. No, sorry, does not compute.
Oh and Marcia, thank you for bringing us the undiluted Howell. Delightful to read how he came to be keeping the Lone Star state on the straight and narrow. Best, Geoff
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It was an absolute pleasure to have John here today, Geoff, and I’m so glad to know that you enjoyed (or were astounded by) his post today. I think we all feel the same way. It gives us 78-year-old youngsters hope that our writing days don’t have to be over yet! 😁 Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a moment to say hello! 😊
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I guess I did bring a eulogistic air upon myself. Just goes to show what happens when you don’t keep your mouth shut. The good part is I have the constitution of a forty-year-old so the shock of the morning mirror is a daily challenge. Yes, I think the disreputable uncle description fits just fine. At least that’s what I have been led to believe by my nieces and nephews. I loved your comment and thank you.
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So great getting to know John. What were some of the products you introduced that are still on the shelves? What’s your favorite activity to do besides writing?
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Scope mouthwash, Pampers diapers, Secret spray, Head and Shoulders liquid shampoo. There were a ton of others that didn’t remain. I love to cook, Chel. I do spend a lot of time doing it and enjoy it a lot.
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Pampers are the best. Thanks for promoting them! I love cooking as well; clean up, not so much.
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I have my pots and pans that I clean myself. My dear partner long ago convinced me to not let her do it. (She is super smart)
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John, I learned so many things about you that help explain how you became such a kind, generous fellow writer. Love this and am grateful you share bits of yourself with us!
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I know this guy! Enjoyed learning more about you, John, and that’s a fantastic idea about putting together a Top Ten book. Thanks for hosting, Marcia!
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Thank you, Teri. I’ll get to work on that. 😊
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Amazing, John! Thanks for giving us the inside scoup and congrats all around. 😊
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Thank you, Bette. Always lovely to “see” you. ❤️
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Ditto!
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Interesting to learn a bit more about you, John. So you almost escaped the corporate grasp early. I’m sure the second company was happy to have you come on board. I’m looking forward to your next book, and that collection. I hope you feature Tiny.
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Thanks, Dan. Tiny will be in the next one for sure.
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Wow, fab facts about John here today. Kudos to your accomplishments John. Love your tireless efforts to keep producing and in and out of retirement. My beloved hubby retired twice as well. Hard to keep a good man down. ❤
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Thank you, Debby. I love your comment.
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Good to meet you, John.
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Nice meeting you, Andrew. 😊
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I so enjoyed reading more about John, one of my favorite bloggers and a terrific writer. I’m looking forward to his TopTen collection. Thank you, Marcia.
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Aw what a nice thing to say, Jennie. 😊
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Well, John, now I know you 10 times better.
Thank you for this Marcia!
Your plan to publish a book of “Ten Things” posts is a fab idea. You go, John!
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Aren’t you glad it wasn’t the top twenty things, Resa? Thanks for the encouragement.
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LOL!
Ten is good! xx
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Brilliant John and delighted to hear there will be another book soon and looking forward to showcasing and reading.. thanks Marcia for another terrific Ten Things..♥
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Great to learn more about you! I love that you retired TWICE. I hope there was a big celebration each time. You deserved it, I’m sure 🙂
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Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly – May 4th 2022 – #Spotlights Winona Kent with The Story Reading Ape, Marcia Meara with John W. Howell, Robbie Cheadle with Colleen Chesebro, #Poetry Elizabeth Gauffreau | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
John has certainly led a productive life and is an inspiration to all of us older writers… a great top 10 🙂
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I loved learning more tidbits about one of my favourite blogger/writers!
Thank you for this.
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