Once upon a time, there was a guy from Texas who had an interesting blog. He offered a series of ‘10 things not to do’ on a variety of subjects. I would often laugh at the one or two rules of his I had broken. Other days, he shared episodes of a serial story, or the antics of the recuse dogs he shared his home with. On still other days, he would join us in an attempt to satisfy Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. Of course, I’m talking about John W. Howell. In a few minutes, he’s going to join David and me, and Skippy to talk about his latest novel—The Last Ride. For the record, I think we met Linda’s challenge.
“Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 14th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: ‘once upon a time.’ Start your post with ‘Once upon a time,’ then write whatever comes to you, whether it be fact or fiction. Have fun!”
If we were having a beer, fiction would be in the air, as well as a series of facts from our special guest.
“Did you guys see the car that just pulled into the lower lot?”
“No Skippy, what is it?”
“It’s some kind of antique. There must be a car show in the area. The guy’s probably coming in to ask directions.”
“Skippy, that is a mint nineteen fifty-six Oldsmobile, and the ‘guy’ is John Howell. He’s coming here to meet us.”
“How do you know that Dan?”
“I invited him.”
“Is he bringing us more bourbon?”
“Skippy.”
“Yes David?”
“You’re an idiot. John Howell doesn’t actually make bourbon. He’s coming to talk about his new book.”
“Oh, that’s right, he’s an author. I think I read his last book, and you know, I think there was an old car in that story.”
“It’s good to see the Oldsmobile parked out there, John. I’m sure remember David, but I don’t think you’ve met Skippy.”
“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Howell. I was telling Dan that I read your last book with the car, and we love your bourbon.”
“It is a pleasure meeting you, Skippy. I have read about you for so long I think I already know you. I hope you enjoyed the book. I’m complimented that you call it my bourbon. Back in time when Dan and I were very young. Wait, I mean when Dan was younger. Back then, I made a suggestion about a brand of bourbon, and Dan, the nice guy that he is, put my name on it. I have been getting calls to deliver it ever since.”
“Will you be drinking that bourbon today, Mr. Howell?”
“Hang on Skippy. It seems John has developed a taste for VooDoo Ranger.”
“VooDoo Ranger is the kind of ale that requires sitting down and not too much mental activity, Dan. Since I need to be clear-headed to explain my book, I think I would like to join David in a glass of bourbon. I take mine in a rocks glass but hold the rocks.”
“You want cherries in that?”
“You can give my cherries to David, Skippy.”
“Thanks for the cherries, John. It’s good you want to be clear headed, because I’m confused. I read that you weren’t planning to write a sequel to ‘The Eternal Road’ and yet, that’s exactly what ‘The Final Drive’ is. We’re you sipping the VooDoo Ranger the day you started writing?”
“Ha ha ha. Yeah it would appear that I might have a built in excuse with VooDoo Ranger. The truth is I was not going to do a sequel, but then some writing friends, mainly Mae Clair, started encouraging me to write a sequel. It appears that most felt I had left the two characters Sam and James in an unfinished condition. I dragged my feet as long as I could when finally Sam and James themselves got on my back. I sat with computer in lap and while trying to write a memoire these two kept at it until I surrendered.”
“Characters can be demanding, and I can see how Mae could be convincing. Did you have any issues with events that had happened in the first book coming back to bite you?”
“This is a good question, Dan. In thinking things through, I can say all the situations in the first book were pretty much things going on with Sam and James. The other characters for the most part were historical entities and I benefitted from doing some extensive research on them. So, even though there was potential for a slip up, the research served me very well. Long story short, I don’t feel anything in the first book came back to bite me. At least nothing I know about.”
“Building off that, John. This story has the – let’ avoid spoilers here – a new guy involved in driving the movement through history. Are the places you visit in this book driven by that character out of convenience, or is there another reason for these location choices?”
“This is good bourbon, thanks Skippy. As to your question, David, I would say Lucifer has chosen the most horrendous places to send our heroes. He wants to break them and get one to sign up for his program. Each place there is a choice of saving people from death or honoring the concept of preserving the time continuum. If there is a tear in the continuum, then whoever commits that sin is pretty much toast. Lucifer hopes one of them makes a mistake. The only reason he is torturing our heroes is in hope that he can stick to God by grabbing a soul that has already earned a place in paradise.”
“It’s not just the characters that have to worry about the timeline, is it John? You seem conscious of the need for the reader to keep that in mind. You do it very well. I always like it when an author asks a question that I want to ask or brings out a detail that I’m beginning to wonder about. Are you just naturally good at that, or do you work at that timing?”
“Dan, I wish I was a natural at anything, but unfortunately I have to work to produce what I do. When I’m writing, I approach the story like I’m the reader. Most of my stuff is first person present tense so things come to light in real time. Sometimes I am surprised with what comes up. If so, I make a note to answer what is a question in my mind. On The Last Drive I kept the present tense but had to move to third person since there are four characters all interacting. The same thing happened though. Because it is present tense things came up that I had to find answers for myself and also knew the reader would have the same question.”
“Can I ask about the car? Is there a particular reason you chose that car given all the cars that have been on the road since then?”
“Sure Skippy. That Oldsmobile is exactly like the one I used to wash and wax when I was in high school. It belonged to a neighbor, and he wanted it washed weekly and waxed once a month. I almost think now he was being very kind by supplying me with a chance to earn money. His car just seemed like the perfect vehicle for these stories. By the way. The wash was seventy-five cents, and the wax was four dollars. He would tip me twenty-five cents on the wash and a dollar on the wax. A great neighbor.”
“That wouldn’t pay for a glass of your own bourbon today.”
“Dan is buying today, Skippy, but I think we could all use another round. And don’t forget John’s cherries for my glass.”
“I remember, David. I’ll be right back.”
“John, did you have any trouble writing for Lucifer? I mean as far as antagonists go, he’s setting the bar pretty high.”
“Back in my Connecticut days I did community theater. One role I had was Jigger Kragen in the play Carousel. He was the nastiest character around. While writing for Lucifer I asked myself the question, “What would Jigger do?” Sure enough the answer came quickly. I wanted Lucifer to be sophisticated and a compelling character. He had to be able to talk with folks and sound somewhat convincing and not scare everyone off. So I made him as humanistic as I could while keeping a sinister air about him. In direct answer to the question I did not have trouble writing him since I had Jigger as my muse.”
“Does it concern you that you can write well on behalf of the devil?”
“Ha ha ha. I think the Producer is a little more concerned about that than me, David. With any evil character a writer has to be able to see beyond the facade and get deeper into how that character thinks. Lucifer was kicked out of heaven and has been seething about that for eons. Of course, he is too prideful to go hat in hand to ask forgiveness, so he creates mayhem on creatures he knows God cares for. Once the motivation is captured writing the character is a rounding out process. I don’t know how Lucifer feels about my characterizations of him and don’t really want to find out.”
“Do you guys want anything to eat?”
“You guys are too good to me. I just love pizza loaded with Italian sausage, onions and green pepper.”
“No problem.”
“Sigh, I hate that expression. John, the situations you put your characters in required a great deal of research. Did you fall into any rabbit holes? You know, lose a few hours of writing time learning more about the war in France or life in a concentration camp than you really needed to know.”
“I did fall into a number of rabbit holes while researching. It is so easy to do. I had to do research for every stop. I got lost in Super Bowl I statistics like the price of a ticket and attendance. World War I was so vast I almost didn’t move on. Researching the 94th Aero Squadron took hours just to find out where they were based.The Roman games and the setting took time. The Titanic was the biggest rabbit hole of all. There were so many stories and since I decided to have the characters walk around the ship, so many details about the various decks and salons. Auschwitz and Hiroshima research took on a sadness as the magnitude of the loss of human life came into focus. Auschwitz in particular was chilling in the factory like precision people were murdered. The gold fields and the Transcontinental railroad were a delight to learn about. Yes, very time consuming this research thingy.”
“Do you enjoy research?”
“I really enjoy research and am so thankful for the internet. Every time I do research, I learn a whole bunch of things new.”
“Well, it looks like our pizza is here, and it appears Skippy got the order correct.”
“I don’t make as many mistakes as I used to, David.”
“John, is there anything you want to add about the book before we dig into this pie?”
“I want to thank you all for your interest and to let you know the pizza and drinks are on me. It was fun being here and Dan, tell Cheryl hello for me. Don’t look perplexed, Skippy, it was a pleasure meeting you.”
“No problem, Mr. Howell.”
Note: Our daughter and I will be attending the Woodworking Show today, so I might be late getting to some of your comments. I will catch up when I return home. By the way, John and I wrote this post SoC style by passing bits of conversation back and forth. No editing and, as Linda prefers, not a lot of thought. One more thing, if you’d like to read the blurb, you’ll find it below the gallery.
Important Links
(all open in new window)
The Last Drive Universal links:
Kindle Edition — Paperback
The Eternal Road Universal links:
Kindle Edition — Paperback
John’s Fiction Favorites blog
Blurb
In the sequel to Eternal Road – The final stop, Sam and James are reunited to look for two souls, Ryan and Eddie. Ryan was killed in Afghanistan, trying to avoid a schoolyard with his crippled plane. Eddie Rickenbacker, Ryan’s hero, is to guide Ryan to his Eternal Home, and now both are missing.
The higher-ups believe that there has been some interference in Ryan and Eddie’s journey by Lucifer, so Sam and James have the task of finding Ryan and Eddie to get them back on the road despite the evil interference. Unfortunately, the machinations designed to prevent Ryan and Eddy from completing their journey take the pair to horrifying testing grounds. The places visited represent the best work of the Devil. They are the trenches of World War I in France, gladiators at the Roman Coliseum, the sinking Titanic in 1912, Hiroshima 45 minutes before the bomb, and the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.
This book is for you if you like plenty of action, strong characters, time travel, and a touch of spiritual and historical fiction. So, join Sam and James as they try to find the missing souls while staying one step ahead of the Prince of Darkness, who is determined to destroy all that is good.
Like it? Then go buy the book!
No Facilities 
[…] Here is the link to Dan’s Post. […]
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Perhaps I needn’t say — but I will — that I harrumphed that a 1956 Olds could be considered an antique. That aside, it was a good visit to a writer’s head. The whole thing about characters and how real they become is totally mysterious to me as a reader, and I completely don’t understand it as a writer. Snark I understand, and I thank you for it. I also understand cringing at “no problem.” Good to know someone else does too.
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I would apologize on behalf of Skippy, Maureen, but he’d take the criticism in stride and say, “No problem’ and we’d be right back where we are. As for characters becoming real, I used to think I understood that, but I didn’t really until I wrote “The Evil You Choose.” That’s when I found a character who wanted more from me.
I am glad John listened to his friend Mae and his characters. Eternal Road the Final Stop was a wonderful story and a great read, but I always assumed there would be more. Now there is, and I am enjoying it very much.
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Thank you for the visit, Maureen. No problem and no worries are twins as far as I’m concerned.
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Thank you, Dan. I think it takes a village to produce a story whether it is a helping hand or a kick in the pants. I appreciate all who helped get this thing done.
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It is my pleasure, John. I have enjoyed your writing for many years. I am happy to help spread the word.
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😁
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Again another brilliant write from a prompt, Dan. You bring people to life with the written word. I’m also very happy that you are enjoying success with your series of books. You so deserve it. And lastly, but not least, I enjoyed your gallery. Thank you!!
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Thanks Amy. My characters today are incidental to the master. John did a great job of bringing characters to life, including several from the distant past.
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All righty! I read your post while drinking my morning coffee so was not quite awake. I went back to reread your words and now I understand about what you said about John. Now I am awake, thank you. Research is time consuming and with the windows of time I do have, I apply either to myself in several different ways, or my photography. Reading your post a second time I have a better appreciation for the work John is doing. Oh yes I do understand rabbit holes ….. you go on a search engine for one thing, and before you know it, you find yourself on a fascinating diversion. Been there! Apologies, Dan, for the half-asleep me earlier. What can I say? I’m still human after all. LOL
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You should see me before coffee, Amy. I appreciate your comments. Thank you. 😁
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😂
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😁
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No need to apologize, Amy. I’d say “no problem” but too many people would object.
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I no longer give a hoot what others think or say of me. It’s so freeing, Dan. If someone has an issue with how I act or what I say, that’s on them. Actually it is a Gift in disguise for that person to understand why I “triggered” them. I know for I’ve been on this Journey a long time and have lived through endless triggers.
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Dan is a gracious host, Amy. He has something for everyone and does a great job on the prompts. 😁
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Excellent interview, Dan. You and John work well together. David has his place too, asking questions for info that we’re all thinking.
I was wondering, are you two thinking you can collaborate on a story?
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Thanks GP. I’m not sure I’d be a good collaboration partner. I’m still trying to get my feet firmly planted in the area of writing. I was impressed with John’s collaboration with Gwen Plano. In any case, I am enjoying this latest book from John.
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I read the Final Journey, so I’m looking forward to this one!!
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You won’t be disappointed.
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Thanks, GP. The sad part about collaboration is Dan would want to kill me halfway through. He has the mind of a scientist, and mine is just unexplainable. I loved that you made the suggestion though. 😁
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🤪😬
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Hi David and John – excellent post to read up … I think I’ve gathered some of it – but now being ‘so old’ I need to gather my wits as 2023 moves along! I’ll be around … but a fun post. Now I’m upset – as I missed a trick re our WEP post prompt of Voodoo – I could have included beer – ah well live and learn and I will remember! Congratulations to you both on your releases … cheers Hilary
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Thank you, Hilary. So sorry about the VooDoo prompt. I think you will be ready next time it comes up. Thank you so much for the visit and the smile. 😊
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Thanks Hilary. If they have VooDoo Ranger there, you might give it a try. I’d recommend doing that in the comfort of your own home. I’m glad you could join us for a little fun and to learn about John’s latest creation.
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I’ll wait a while and make an adult decision!! Thanks for the thought – I’ll look out for it – who knows … I might buy … cheers H
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Lucy and Twiggy sent me over here. Loved this interview and learning a bit more about the story behind the story. The Last Drive was a fantastic read.
Thanks, Dan, and continued well wishes, John.
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Thank you so much, Joan. Your support is very much appreciated. Dan does a great job with these visits. 😁
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Thank you for inviting me to visit the bar, Dan. I appreciate your support and the fun that is naturally available at your place. The food and photos were great, and it was nice to meet Skippy. (I just said “No Problem” to The Producer and I think there is a problem now.) Loved the visit, Dan. Thanks again.
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Haha – yeah, don’t try “No problem” with the Editor. I appreciate your giving up a Saturday to visit with us. I know a day off during a launch tour would feel good. Please tell Lucy and Twiggy I’m sorry to take you away. Best of luck with this book!
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Lucy and Twiggy got over it pretty quick. Thanks for the good wishes.
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This was fun, Joan, and I appreciate John giving up a Saturday with Lucy and Twiggy to be here with us. I’m sending him home with some of the pizza crust, and maybe a cheeseburger they can split.
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Lucy might have a thing or two to say about splitting a cheeseburger. 😁
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Hi Guys I really enjoyed your visit John…it’s a really friendly place to be isn’t. I am so interested and impressed by your book I even shared part of your blog tour! The book is really up my street….love it.
Dan and David another great visit …hey Skippy I think even David is warming to you!
As ever Dan a great post and boy those photos make me feel so cold!
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Thank you so much, Willow. I’m grateful for your support. 😁 It is fun being here.
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Always happy to help ..
Yes it’s fin there is great ..
I hope you didn’t take Pepé le Pew along ! 💜
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I got rid of Pepe, I think. The last I saw of him he was sailing over the neighbors rooftop. 🤣
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I know but you can never tell when he’s going to slip back!! 😳
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You are right about that, Willow.
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Just saying 🤣🤣🤣
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I know. 🤣
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Thanks for joining us, Willow. It was fun having John visit and talk about his new book. Faith and I had a great time at the woodworking show. I bought a hunk of wood that will become a few projects. More about that in a future post. I saw the post you shared in support of John’s book.
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I am amazed by the theme it’s just so different!
Glad you enjoyed yourselves and look forward to seeing the projects evolve 💜
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PS. I hope you and your Daughter had a great afternoon 💜💜💜
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Excellent interview today with John Howell, Dan! I’m glad Skippy got the orders right, and I wish John mega success with this book!!
Egads, that part of the driveway looked icy and treacherous! I’ve been wearing my crampons when shoveling because we’ve had large patches like that too. I hope you wore something to keep you from slipping and falling.
Have a great time at the woodworking show!
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Thank you for your good wishes, Deborah. 😁
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Our driveway is the slightest of inclines, Deborah, but when it’s icy, you can slide all the way to the sidewalk. Don’t ask me what I was wearing when I realized that. I clear the snow as soon as I can so that the little bit of sun we get will melt off the ice and dry things. I do have spikes that I wear when it’s bad. We had a great time at the show. It was smaller than it had been pre-covid, but it was good to see it back in operation.
I’m glad you could join us as we try to spread the word about John’s latest book.
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On a glider made for snow sliding down your icy driveway might be fun.
I’m glad the show was fun, and back in operation.
It was a pleasure joining you all today at the bar via the post. 😀
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What a great vibe at the bar today. John, I wish you much success as this sounds like another great read. I love research, too, but man those holes can be dangerous! Dan, the gang at the bar was welcoming as always. A great collaborative effort! I hope you and Faith enjoy the woodworking show. Sounds like that is right up your alley.
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Thank you, Maggie. It is fun being here, and you are right about the danger of the research holes. Sometimes the drop inside is tough to work one’s way out. 😁
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Much success, John!
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Thanks Maggie. Research can lead to a few extra hours work, but I always enjoy it. It’s always fun when John drops in for a visit. We enjoyed learning more about his new book, and writing process. We had a great time at the show.
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Sounds like a pretty good Saturday then.
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Great interview for the tour! Thanks for hosting John today, Dan. And thanks to Twiggy and Lucy for the nudge!
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Thank you, Jill, for your support. Happy Saturday to you* Sung to the tune of Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
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Thanks for joining us, Jill. It’s always fun when John visits. I hated to ruin Lucy and Twiggie’s day with dad. I hope they understand.
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I love this stop. It’s so different from the excerpt posts.
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I know the excerpt stops are not your favorite, so a change-up is welcome. Thanks, Craig.
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I like them, but variety is awesome.
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I’m glad you enjoyed this, Craig and I appreciate John agreeing to this style post. Especially since he had to give up a Saturday. It’s a lot of work, but we had fun.
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It was wonderful.
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“No problem, Mr. Howell.”–gotta love Skippy. John, I applaud your mode of transportation. My dad had a ’55 Chevy BelAir and I have never lost my love for the older cars.
Question for you: Do you write your books knowing the amount of research you will be doing, or does it surprise you when you realize that research is required?
Another great interview, Dan. I admire writers such as you and John because I am lucky to get out a couple of lines of my blog on any given day. Writing–and researching–a book boggles my mind. Happy weekend to both of you!
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Thank you for the visit and Question, Lois. I never know the amount of research necessary until I’m writing along and all of a sudden I stumble across something that needs to be answered. Yes, I do the preliminary before I decide to include something like the dates and location, but then a tiny item pops up, and I’m missing for a couple of days. I hope this answers your question. 😁
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It does. Thanks so much!
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Skippy was pretty good today, Lois. I’m glad John could squeeze a stop at the bar into his launch schedule. It’s always fun when he visits. Your blog is one of the few out there that I try to visit every day. I always enjoy when I can stop there.
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Dan–thanks so much.
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Nice party, guys! John, at first I wondered if there would be another book in this series. Then you indicated otherwise. The ending to The Eternal Road didn’t bother me at all — but I rather like having some things unresolved. That way I get to imagine more stories.
That said, I’m delighted to see this addition for the characters. Yes, I know how it is when characters insist for more stories! :D Wishing you huge success with this new one.
Dan, thanks for hosting and for a lovely gallery. Hugs to you both.
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Thank you, Teagan. I am grateful for your support. When Eternal Road was finished, I had some statements regarding relationships that I needed to make. Having raised two daughters with the belief that they should be their own person, not dependent on someone else for identity, took me in a mutually healthy direction for the characters in Eternal Road. After some time in eternity, the characters seemed to want a new approach. So the sequel was born. 😁
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Thanks for joining us, Teagan and for the comment. I love having visitors at the bar. I am also beginning to understand that thing about characters – I thought I was in charge.
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You have me sold at ‘pizza and drinks’! That translates as Harmony Heaven 😂 … Even more so with a good book in hand, which The Last Drive is. Great interview, John and Dan. I’d say you nailed the post criteria too! Enjoy the Woodworking show. John, hope you get tons of sales with this latest release and wishing you all the best. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs 💕🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. I’m with you on the Pizza and drinks. Sounds like a really good idea. I appreciate all your good wishes. Have a great weekend. 😁
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🤗💖🤗
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😊
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Thanks Harmony. They have very good pizza at this place, and Skippy only has to put the order in. We got the SoCS prompt, and we did write this SoC style, so I feel pretty good about that. John knows that drill. The woodworking show was fun, and I was happy to return to see the support for John.
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💖🤗💖
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You two create a lot of fun together. Great interview. Congratulations to John, and a big thanks to Dan for offering the spotlight to The Last Drive–an exciting read.
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Thank you, Gwen. It is always fun at Dan’s place, and I was totally surprised by the photo of the sausage, onion, and Green pepper pizza. I know I asked for it but then Dan found a photo of those ingredients. Talk about details. 😁
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😄
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Thanks Gwen. I was happy when John agreed to this format to help launch The Last Drive. I know it’s more work, and I know he was hoping to take weekends off. I’ve apologized to Lucy and Twiggy. I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
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Nice work, Dan, hosting such a gifted writer. I’m glad I came across your blog. :-)
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I think you would enjoy Dan’s blog, Tim. He has a lot of variety and a great sense of humor to go along with it. Thanks for making the trek.
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Thanks Tim. I’m glad you could join us. I’ve been a fan of John’s for a long time. I wish him all the best with this book and it was fun having him visit.
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David’s snark makes me laugh … Skippy … “You’re an idiot” Haha. Loved the blurb & off to buy the book. My TBR queue will be primed for some wonderful evenings.
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Thank you for the visit and kind words, Jill. When the time comes I hope you enjoy the book. 😁
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I’m glad you enjoyed this, Jill. You will enjoy this book, and those TBR piles can hold a lot of weight. Mine is currently groaning under the strain. While it’s possible that we could run out of bourbon, I doubt there’s any chance David could run out of snark.
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Sorry I missed you John. It the day off was nice. There’s a Coffee and Flower Festival happening here.Good luck with your intriguing sequel! We have something in common with our novels… a closer than comfortable relationship with the Dark One.😏
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I do try to keep at arm’s length with the dark one. Sadly he’s the one that got me drinking VooDoo Ranger. Not really a surprise right? I did miss you but good you had a day off. Thanks for the comment.
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Thanks for stopping in on your day off, Cheryl. I think I saw Skippy cleaning glasses and restocking the bar after we left, so you should be good to go. You and John might be comfortable dealing with the devil. I’ll continue working with human representatives of evil.
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Sometimes they are one in the same, Dan
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That’s true, John.
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😁
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What a lovely visit! I loved the book. Yes I know, some of it is hard to read but it is so well done, so believable, that it is worth it. Thanks for the leaf Dan.
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I’m glad you could join us, Pam. I am enjoying the book as we speak. That leaf appeared out of nowhere.
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Thank you so much, Pamela. I’m so glad you liked the story, and I appreciate you mentioning it here.
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That was great fun. I loved it when the Olds rolled into the parking lot. And the conversation about research was fascinating. I can just imagine the rabbit holes, but it was worth it. The attention to detail comes through beautifully. Congrats to John on another great tour stop. Thanks for hosting, Dan.
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Thanks for stopping by, Diana. It’s always fun when that Oldsmobile pulls in the lot. John puts everything he has into his books, and we all benefit.
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Thank you for the visit and for your beautiful review, Diana. Love the support.
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What a fabulous visit with Mr. Howell! I loved all of this, including the food and drinks. I think everyone who read The Eternal Road will need to read The Last Drive. Both books are SO good, and I highly recommend them both. Thanks, Dan, for a fun visit!
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Thanks for the visit and the comment, Jan. Mr. Howell did very well. We love having him at the bar, and I second your recommendation.
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Thank you for the visit, Jan. I appreciate all your support. 😁
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The was such a fun stop on John’s blog tour! I thoroughly enjoyed it. (Those two canines who urged me to come knew what they were talking about.)
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I’m glad you listened to Lucy and Twiggy, Liz. It’s always fun and interesting when John joins us.
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Agreed!
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Thank you. Liz. Twiggy and Lucy have some good scoop sometimes. 😁
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You’re welcome, John. :)
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😊
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Both research and book sound fascinating, John, and your car sounds pretty amazing too. Dan, my husband would love that pizza or just those three ingredients in a bun. :-) Enjoyed the winter photos.
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Thanks Janet. That pizza is like an open face sausage and pepper grinder. Thanks for stopping by the bar. John’s new book is a great read.
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Thank you for the kind words, Janet. I appreciate them. 😁
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This was terrific, Dan! I loved the questions you asked John, especially the rabbit hole.
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Thanks Jennie. I appreciated John’s willingness to work with me on this post in this manner. I always have fun, but it is more work for the author. The book is great.
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You are welcome, Dan. I can’t imagine two better people working together than you and John. You’re so much alike. I have no doubt the book is great!
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I’ll take that as a compliment, Jennie.
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It was most certainly a compliment. 🙂
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Thank you, Jennie. I have fallen into that warren trap many a time. Sometimes lucky to get out.
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You are welcome, John. I understand!
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Another action-filled interview, nice work all of you! The history you’ve listed for what’s in John’s book is fascinating. I smiled at his answer about the Titanic. There sure is a lot of interesting info to find out about that. I now have another book to add to my TBR list…I’m halfway through Dan’s 2nd in his series. Thanks for keeping the chilly winter months busy for me with books to cozy up by the fire with :-)
PS – love the flag and also the clean driveway, it’s nice to know that is a possibility, I might be waiting until Spring or Summer to see ours again. 🤣
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I’m glad you enjoyed this Shelley. John has written another wonderful book. I am also glad to hear that you’re halfway through my book (and haven’t put it down).
I always try to include a flag shot, although between our flag being at half staff and the relentless rain we’ve been having, has made that hrad. I have to get the driveway bare or else it turns to ice.
I hope you have a great week!
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I’m impressed that you both have written more than one book!
Yes, and since I devoted more time to reading your book, I’m almost done with the 2nd one and am looking forward to the 3rd one. I kept finding excuses like sitting in the sun with a book instead of tax prep so that I could keep reading! 😁
A bare driveway without ice…I’m VERY jealous!
I hope you have a great week too!!
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Taxes? Oh yeah, that pile of stuff over there I’m supposed to be organizing. It snowed a little overnight, and I have to push it around before it melts and then freezes. It’s a nice look when it’s done, but I get my exercise doing it.
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LOL – now that you’re a famous author the tax deductions and meal/beverage trips to the bar become tax deductible ;-)
A clear driveway is a beautiful thing. I’ll keep looking at your photos to remember it looks like. :-)
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Having been audited a few times (many years ago) I’m not in too much of a hurry to try and deduct the questionable stuff. I’m happy to show some profit from this activity.
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Good thinking! Yes, I hope you show profit too!! I’m almost ready to start Book 3!!!!
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I hope you like it. Several people have said they think it was the best of the three.
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Now, I’m even more excited to read it!
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Thank you for the visit and your encouragement, Shelly. 😁
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You’re welcome, John. Congratulations on your new book. Well done!
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Thank you, Shelly. 😁
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This is a lot of fun, Dan.
I’m looking forward to reading Last Drive. I read Eternal Road, and enjoyed it immensely. Thank goodness John put the Titanic in it. Women wore gowns, and I’ve been dying to draw Sam in a gown…or 2 or 3.
Anyway, just reviewed D. Wallace Peach’s latest book, and am moving on to reading the kids books by Roberta Cheadle. Eternal Road is after that. As a turtle reader, I expect that to happen in February!
Great post!
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When you get to it, Resa, I’m sure you will enjoy it. John has done a great job.
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👍 👍 👍
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Thank you for the visit, Resa. I can’t wait to see Sam in one of your creations.
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Me too! I’ve already perused 1912 gowns. It’s a new era for me to draw!!! ox
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It is exciting for sure. 😁
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Light brown hair and green eyes!
My drawing skills have improved since I gave drawing her a shot a year ago. I’m quite excited. ox ox
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I’m glad you are excited, Resa. OX OX OX
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OX 🎨 OX 💃🏽 OX 🖋 OX
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😁
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Wonderful post, dear Dan! Good luck with a new bestseller, dear John! :-)
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Thank you. This was a lot of fun.
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Thank you, so much.
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I was impressed by how kindly John Howell spoke to Skippy and how well Skippy bounced back from David calling him an idiot. (Bad David!) Eternal Road has been on my reading list, so I finally just bought the kindle version. Looking forward!
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I think you’ll enjoy that book, JoAnna.
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:)
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Thank you, JoAnna. I certainly hope you like Eternal Road.
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The prologue threw me off a bit. But I’m going to keep reading.
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That is a pretty tough reading, but it is necessary to the story. Thanks for staying with it. 😁
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I figured the difficulty of the prologue must have a very good reason. Thanks for the encouragement, John.
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I want you to have a good experience, and I think you will. Thanks again, JoAnna.
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A highly entertaining post, John and Dan. I am currently reading this book.
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Thanks Robbie. I’m sure you will enjoy it.
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Thank you, Robbie. 😁
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I’m glad I took Twiggy and Lucy’s nudge to stop by. This post was so much fun! Thanks for hosting, Dan, and Congrats to John for another excellent (and creative) stop on the tour! Congrats to John!
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I’m glad you enjoyed this stop on the tour, Lauren. It’s always fun when John visits the bar.
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I’m glad you too the nudge too, Lauren. 😁 I aways enjoy time at the bar.
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Cheers, John! 🍻😊
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