INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JOHN HOWELL!
Please help me welcome John Howell to Jemsbooks Blog Segment of Interview an Author.
It’s a pleasure to have you here today, John.
1. Please tell us something about yourself.
Well, Janice, I spent over forty-five years in the business world and when it came time to retire from there I took up my passion which was writing. I did try to write a book about ten years before retiring. The printed version of the manuscript still holds the laundry room door open in the wind. Yes, it is that good. I found working and writing did not complement each other.
Jjspina: It is difficult to work full-time and write. Good that you can write after retiring.
2. When did you know that you wanted to be an author?
I think I knew from the creative writing assignments we had in high school. I usually turned in word counts that were way beyond what the teacher asked. My stories were always fiction and bore little resemblance to the day and time. I loved writing about stuff that no other kid wrote. I still got an A on the assignment, but there was usually a “see me,” note at the top of the paper signaling an additional discussion about inspiration or source of material. Since most were in my head, the teacher seemed satisfied I had not held up a grocery store or tied up the principal.
Jjspina: It sounds like you had talent back then beyond your years.
3. What process do you need to write?
I need an idea, a desk, a chair, some music, a computer, and a grammar program. The idea, of course, is the first step and most of the time ideas are found in life. I listed desk because I can’t write sitting on the edge of the bed or comfortable chair. I need to be upright with my feet on the floor. It might be a long-standing back problem that is the cause, but the chair I use is a Colonial ladderback with cane seat. Very uncomfortable. The purpose of the music is to keep me focused on the words that I’m writing. It may sound counter-intuitive to have lyrics floating around the room while attempting to create words. For me, the music becomes like white noise and blends into the background. Also, the music gives me little time to pause and think about what I have written, so I’m not tempted to change it right then. A computer is a tool, and I use Microsoft Word. I have a MAC that I built the first draft on and then a PC which I use to publish. I might be too old to try and switch to Scrivener, but you never know. Finally, I need a grammar program. Although I have an editor, I want to make the work as clean as I can so I used Grammarly Premium to check for typos and proper word usage.
Jjspina: I guess we all have our own indiosyncracies when it comes to writing and our muse.
4. How do you come up with ideas for your stories?
My ideas generally percolate around a central thought. For example, Terrorists want to blow up a symbol of America. I then start the draft, and for good measure, I write the last three lines. The lines become a beacon to the finish. The characters generally carry the story around that central idea.
Jjspina: I have read some of your books, John. You have a wonderful imagination.
5. What projects are you currently working on?
Gwen Plano and I launched The Contract in June and we have been working on the sequel. The first book left a number of thoughts on the table so to speak and we think a sequel is a good idea to resolve any lingering questions the readers might have.
Jjspina: This sounds like a intriguing read. I will have to check it out sometime soon.
6. What do you expect to accomplish in 2019?
I hope to launch the sequel to The Contract and another fiction Thriller book featuring Ned Tranes the Chief of Police in Port Aransas. It is a story about a found phone and the desperate need of a terrorist group to get it back. It should be ready in September. Other than that I have no other plans except getting my new knee used to riding a bike on the sand again.
Jjspina: The sequel sounds equaling interesting.
7. What hobbies do you have when you are not writing?
The sad part is I am never not writing. I have a seven day a week blog plus two books in the works. If anything, I would say reading is my hobby. Oh yes, I love to cook so there’s that as well.
Jjspina: Happy writing and cooking, John.
8. What advice would you give prospective authors?
My opinions given to prospective authors is always the same.
1. Set up a daily writing goal. It can be time, word count, pages, or paragraphs. Whatever it is, the purpose is to focus on writing for a time every day.
2. Do not show anyone the work until the first draft is finished. Showing work in progress only invites negative opinions which serve as demotivational devices. Once the draft is completed, it can be given to editors, beta readers, and discussion groups for suggestions on improvements needed.
3. Do not be in a hurry to get published. A draft needs review and help that can be found with professionals. A prospective author needs to get the manuscript into as finished a form as possible. The author must also decide whether or not to self-publish or go the traditional route. Either path will require additional work.
Jjspina: Great advice, John. Writing is only part of the process. There are many other steps to completing a book.
Here are John’s books
Purchase link for all books
Amazon Author’s page –https://www.amazon.com/author/johnwhowell
Here are John’s Links:
Blog Fiction Favorites, http://johnwhowell.com/
Social media
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/john.howell.98229241
Twitter –https://www.twitter.com/HowellWave
Authors db –http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/6604-john-w-howell
LinkedIn –http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-w-howell/48/b59/462/
Google +https://plus.google.com/+JohnHowellAuthor/
Goodreads –https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7751796.John_W_Howell
I’ve read some of John Howell’s books. Here is my review of his book, Circumstances of Childhood.
5 Stars ***** Engaging Page turner
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
by jjspina July 14, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. The main protagonist, Greg Petros, was a fascinating and well-rounded character. The relationship between Greg and his best friend/brother, Keith, was touching and heart-warming. This is quite a change from the author’s usual thriller books but a refreshing one at that.
The author created a story with great depth and heart. He took the reader on a journey from Greg’s childhood to adulthood with highlights of his accomplishments as a pro football player, announcer and then to his own business as a manager of an investment fund. The story takes a turn into the paranormal which flows into the storyline seamlessly.
The author exhibited his expertise in computers, high finance, and football strategy which added to the storyline making it full and richer. I found this to be an unforgettable read showing how love can heal and conquer all things. John W. Howell is one talented author who is a rising star.
It was a pleasure to have you here today, John. I wish you the best with your books. Please feel free to come back again to share the new release.
Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read about this talented author. I hope you will take time to check out his books and links above.
REMEMBER: READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR ALL YEAR THROUGH WITH JEMSBOOKS.COM! HAPPY READING!
Reading is good for your health! Please remember to give some love to authors by leaving reviews for their books wherever you purchased them. We authors will love you back.
Blessings & Hugs!
Janice
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It is necessary to say that the interviewee is a great writer, therefore this article has a great relevance when knowing the backstage of his experience. Very entertaining and very interesting. The good thing about finding your blog is to enjoy an excellent reading.
Thank you, Macalder02, for stopping by and for your kind words. Happy that you enjoyed this post. 😆
Thank you so much for stopping, Mac. Janice always has something interesting going on.
Thanks, John. This time it was your interview. It’s garnering a lot of attention. Kudos to you. It was my pleasure to have you here. 🤗
And mine to be there. 😀
It is a special blog for you, the great writers.
Thank You, Mac! 😆
Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
Thank you, Charles.
You’re welcome
Pingback: Interview with Author John Howell! | Legends of Windemere
Thank you, Charles, for the reblog! 🤗
How great to learn a little more about one of my favorite bloggers. Terrific interview, Janice. “The sad part is I am never not writing.” I can relate to this, John. 🙂
Thank you, Jill. It is interesting to learn more about other authors. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. 🤗
Thanks, Jill. The difference is you carry the extra weight of a full-time job. Thanks for the visit.
But it’s Friday! YAY!
I know. YAY
Thank you for this great interview, Janice. I really appreciated your questions and John’s responses. Fascinating read! All the best to you.
Thank you so much, Gwen, for stopping by and for your kind comments. All the best to you too. 😆
Thank you, Gwen. You have brightened my day.
Excellent interview, Janice. I can picture John in a ladderback chair with a cane seat, typing while listening to music. He is one great writer!
Thank you, Jennie. Quite a compliment from one as accomplished as you. 😀
Aww… 😊 And that is quite a complement from someone as accomplishing as you. Really. 😀
You are both right – accomplished and talented! 🤗
😊
I won’t continue with another round although I could. Just know I appreciate your words.
I know, John. And thank you. 🙂
😀
Thanks for hosting John, Janice – always a pleasure to learn more about him.
Thank you, Teri, for stopping over. What about you – interested in an interview? 🤗
I’d never turn one down – thanks for the offer, Janice! My email is tpolen6@gmail.com
Thanks for the visit and kind words, Teri.
I laughed out loud at your “see me” notes that teachers would attach to your coloring outside the lines assignments.
You’re STILL going above and beyond, John!
This is an excellent interview about a special writer and person. thank you for it!
Thank you, Sorryless, for stopping by and for your kind comments. 😆
Thank you, Marc. I’m sure you had some of those “see me” moments yourself. My sister Barbara is five years my senior and went through grade school before me. We had the same teachers. I remember my mother coming home from a parent/teacher conference with the teacher comment,”He certainly is different from Barbara, isn’t he?”
That’s what happens when you have older siblings. Sigh. I was the oldest in my family and my siblings had to listen to that. Ha. 🤗
I can imagine, Janice. 😀
😂
John
I had a few of those, from what I can remember . . .;)
And that story is absolutely hilarious! Buahahaha!
😀
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be interviewed by you, Janice. It was fun and I’m still so pleased with your Circumstances of Childhood review. Thank you once again.
My pleasure, John, to have you here. I really enjoyed your book. It was so different than your usual action/adventure novels and showed a softer side of you. Enjoyable read. 🤗
Thank you again.
Nice to see John getting out and about electronically, even if he can’t physically right now.
Yes, it is coldhandboyack. It was a pleasure to have him on my blog. He is a talented writer. 😆
Thank you, Craig. I have my virtual legs all tuned.
Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
Thank you, Viv, for the reblog! 🤗 😘
You’re very welcome, Janice!
Hugz on owl wings! @v@ ❤
Thank you for the reblog, Viv.
You’re very welcome, John!
Hugz on owl wings! @v@ ❤
🙂 ❤
Great Interview, Janice… I share your praise of John! ♥
Thanks, Billy Ray. 😆
♥♥
Thank you, Billy Ray. You are the best.
♥ Back atcha! ♥
🙂
Excellent interview and review!
Thank you, DL! 😆
Wonderful interview. Now I have two new authors to check out…
Sigh… my reading list is ever-expanding…
Thanks for stopping by, Dale. I know what you mean about TBR list. Mine is groaning from being overstuffed! 😆
😁
Great interview. I’m intrigued to know about you writing the three last lines of the book at the start. Do they stay the same when you reach the end or do you find you change them depending on how the plot has worked out?
Good question Mary. The lines are essentially the same but there are some puts and takes. There was one exception. I was attending a class and we were given the assignment to write the last three lines of a novel which were to be read aloud to the group. I had mine in my head so I wrote them down and those three lines stayed as they were to the finish. The book was Our Justice and the last three lines were the first words written on it. Thanks for the question.
Thanks for your reply, John.
😀
That is a great question, Mary. Can you answer that John? I would like to know too. 🤗
This is a great interview, John and Janice. I am very interested in your writing process and fully understanding of how hard it is to write when you work full time.
Thank you, Roberta, for stopping by and your kind comments. 🤗
Hi Roberta. I currently write full time but when I tried to write while working I found it to extremely difficult. The main issue seemed to be for me the lack of a uniform writing schedule. It was very hard to pick up where I left off and produce something that had continuity. Even now I write the first line of the next paragraph before I knock off for the day. That gives me a little reminder. I wish I had had this trick when I was working. Thanks for the question.
I do that too sometimes, John. But other times I have to just leave my WIP and pick it up when I can. Sometimes it can be days later with all the family things going on this summer. Sigh! 😆
I know. It makes it hard. Thanks, Janice
I’m late in checking in, but wanted to say I enjoyed John’s interview, especially learning about his writing process. Interesting that you write your draft on a MAC and then publish from a PC, John. I have a MacBook and am thinking of replacing my main PC with a fullsize Mac. Is it hard to publish from a Mac? I’m wondering if I should stick with a PC??
Great interview with John! And sound advice at the end. 🙂 ❤
Thanks, Debby. Hugs xx ❤️