Welcome to 2018 and my new author interview series. Author interviews will be posted every Friday throughout the year.
I am honored to kick off this series with John Howell. I have read all of John’s books, except for his latest, and have enjoyed them all thoroughly. His latest book, Circumstances of Childhood, has been getting rave reviews and I can’t wait to read it.
For those of you that have read my interviews in the past, you’ll find a new set of questions in this series. You can catch up with all of my past author interviews (nearly 200) on my Author Directory page.
Now, please enjoy this conversation with author John Howell.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I’m in the camp of trying to write a good story above all else. If it becomes so original that no one likes it, then to me it is not a good story. If I try to write what people want, I have a ton of research to do to find out what it is that the people want. I would instead concentrate on the story and then hopefully it will appeal to enough readers without going through the hassle of research.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Please younger John, slow the hell down. There is no reason to rush toward success, happiness, or immortality. All that will come in time if it is meant to be. There is no amount of not smelling the roses that you will look back upon as being a good thing. I love the old saw about nobody on their death bed ever saying, “I wish I had worked more.”
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
I think that has to be Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut. At the time of publication, it did achieve some status as a best seller but has since gone into obscurity. It is a typical Vonnegut story taken from the headlines. This time it is the Watergate break-in, and the protagonist is an unknown White House bureaucrat who takes the fall for the whole thing. The story is masterfully drawn and has some hilarious situations that only Vonnegut could conger.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I read every one. I think I owe it to those who have taken the time to read my books and write a review for me to understand what they have to say. This is their time to let me know what they think of my work and such time should be respected. When I read a good review, I have this feeling of being blessed. I especially like when a reader points out the message of the book and believes the news is noble. Whether the review is favorable or unfavorable, I always try to put myself in the position of the reader. Real joy and true misery take two to create. The writer and the reader conspire together to produce the value of the written word. I would like to knock on wood, but I have never received a bad review. I am defining bad as one where it is obvious the reader chooses merely to criticize the work as opposed to an honest review. I have had reviews where the reader felt improvement was necessary. In those cases, if I believe they have a point I strive to improve. I do try to thank each one of my reviewers, but due to the anonymous nature of some reviewers, it isn’t always possible. I never argue with a reviewer. I believe they are sincere in their opinion and I respect their right to say what is on their mind.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do hide things in my books, but they are discoverable only by those who know me. Many times, in the descriptions of things I will take a personal item and use it as a prompt. My children and spouse always know. I also tend to use character names that have become a bit of a household joke. These would be folks that have become immortal through their colorful behavior.
Do you Google yourself?
I have not until just now. In fact, I never thought of doing so. It was a fascinating look up. Several of my namesakes have died this year, but besides that, there is a fair amount of me and my books.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Without a doubt, it was the Babar the Elephant. I could not seem to get enough of that picture book. I was entranced with the idea of the elephant becoming a king and having a life scaled to his size.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would have begun writing a little more seriously. I remember constructing stories as a kid but did not do it too often. I wish the school system of my day had a less structured curriculum to allow more free time to devote to creative endeavors. Most of my writing was out of school at home. When homework was finished, there was little time to spend writing.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
When I’m working on a book, I devote myself to a minimum of one thousand words a day, seven days a week. Given this schedule, I can complete a ninety-thousand-word manuscript in ninety days. Once done then I have to edit what I write. This process is agony for me and takes longer than the actual document. So, let’s say another one hundred days. Once edited then the book goes to beta readers who need at least eight weeks to do a good job. After the beta reader input is received, it is another thirty days of a rewrite. Once complete then the manuscript goes to the editor for a month. Then it comes back for three weeks of corrections and then back to the editor. So, if I add all that up, I would say from the first word to finished product takes one year.
About John:
John 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, launched in September 2016. His latest book Circumstances of Childhood, a thriller fiction story, was launched in October of 2017. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
John lives in Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
Connect with John:
Blog Fiction Favorites, http://johnwhowell.com/
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
John’s Books:
My GRL
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY4V2FC
His Revenge
https://www.amazon.com/His-Revenge-John-Howell-ebook/dp/B016P42OH6/
Our Justice
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LDFM9WM
Circumstances of Childhood https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SKWHCR/
I’m up far too late but I had to stop and read the interview. It was quite enjoyable. I’m less consistent with my daily writing progress as my own words arrive in large quantities and then a few – but I’m trying to discipline myself to at least 1k words a day for the consistency. I wish I had written more when I was younger too but I seemed determined to ignore my interest as much as possible for many years. Keep up the good work, John!
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Thanks for stopping by. I’m thrilled to start of this series with John.
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You are welcome. I agree, John is a good author with whom to start the year and the interview series.
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Thank you, PH. I guess we all look back and wish we knew then what we know now. Must be human nature. Thanks for the comment.
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You are welcome, John. I finally got a copy of your first book and hope to start it soon!
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Yay. I hope you like it.
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I’m sure I will.
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Great interview. Love the advice to your younger self. Reminds me of kids rushing to be adults and adults wishing they could have stayed kids for a bit longer.
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Agree Charles. John’s response really resonated with me.
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That was me in a nutshell, Charles. I think I have finally reached a point of slowing to a reasonable pace. (might be age. Who knows?) Thanks for the comment and visit.
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I haven’t reached that point, so you might be onto something with it taking time. I have noticed that people expect a person of my age to always have energy, be running around, and never slowing down.
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We all need a rest at one time or another.
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Especially during the winter.
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You’ve hit on the whole reason for the misery.
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Excellent interview!
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Thank you, Jennie. 😀
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You’re welcome, John.
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Thanks Jennie. John is a great subject.
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I agree! You’re welcome, Don.
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Reblogged this on Anna Dobritt — Author.
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Thank you for sharing, Anna.
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Thanks for sharing this Anna
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Love the interview and the new questions.
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Thank you, PC. Don is terrific.
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Thanks. I am happy with the initial installment thanks to John’s insight.
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Thank you so much, Don. I really enjoyed being the kick- off author on your new series. I wish you the best and know your readers will enjoy this series as much as the authors enjoy participating.
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John, I was honored to have you. It was truly my pleasure.
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🙂
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Reblogged this on Fiction Favorites and commented:
I have the pleasure of being the kick-off author interviewed by Don Massenzio for his new series of Author Interviews, He plans to do one a week so if you would like to participate, visit his blog. Even if you don’t want to participate a visit to Don’s blog is always a treat. I have finished reading the first book in his Frank Rozzani detective series, Frankly Speaking, and am well into the second, Let Me Be Frank. These are great reads and you should check them out.
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John, I was honored to have you kick off this series and wasn’t disappointed by your well thought-out responses. Thanks for mentioning my books. I had a blast writing them and related the experience to your interview responses.
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Thank you , again. BTW the extra art was terrific.
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No problem. My pleasure.
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Great interview you two.
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Thanks Craig. Would love to reserve you a spot.
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I’m happy to participate. Can we wait until my newest book drops?
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Sure. I will save you a spot. Just say when.
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Sounds wonderful. I’m like a creature of the night, you have to invite me in. Now that you have, I’ll certainly follow up.
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Now that would be fun. We could meet in Florida or on John’s Island retreat…starting to sound more possible.
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Thank you, Craig.
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What a wonderful interview and a great way to kick off 2018, Don! You nailed the writing process, John. Anyone who thinks you can just sit down and churn out a book in a few weeks is only kidding themselves and skipping so much of the process to produce a well-written interesting story.
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Thanks. I selected the questions and the first author carefully. Couldn’t be happier with the results!
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Thank you, Jan. I have to agree.
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A great interview and an excellent start to a new year of author insights. I like the way John writes (1000 words per day). He knows exactly what is required and when his work will be ready to share with the world.
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Thanks Mae. I truly enjoyed this one.
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Thank you, Mae. The butterflies never go away even with the most care.
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Two great authors having a pleasant conversation with a cup of hot tea! This is the mood of this interview! 🙂
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That’s what I was going for. Perhaps scotch or hot chocolate for me.
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Scotch, of course! The interviewer is the boss! 🙂
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I think a big cup of coffee is what I was thinking. Of course, if after 5:00 I’m with Don. Make mine single malt, neat, please.
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Agreed! So, two scotch for two gentlemen-writers. And what about a good pipe?
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If I could go to the middle of the jungle to escape my wife, sure. Rather have a cuban cigar though.
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That’s right, dear John! True writers smoke cigars! For inspiration, of course. 🙂
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Or as a reward.
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True, dear Don! 🙂
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Yes.
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Fantastic interview! John is one of my favorite bloggers…I love his sense of humor. John, your advice to your younger self is spot on!
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I can’t tell you how many times I worried and agonized over small details to no real productive end. The sad point is I never seemed to learn. One crisis down then another to take its place. Type A personality squared. Thanks, Jill.
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I think we might be related. 😫
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Ha ha ha. I have thought so all along. You remind me of me. As long as you are happy and take time to appreciate your life, you will be fine. Its when you lose the ability to enjoy the mundane problems occur. 😀
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Thanks, John.❤️
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🙂 ❤
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I think it’s great that you have a schedule for writing and editing that garners a specific output per year. It’s always nice to see business principles applied to our craft. Many writers forget that, while writing is a labor of love, it’s also a career and should be treated as such. Wonderful interview, John and Don.
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Thanks Staci.
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Thank you, Staci. When I first started writing full time, I realized a certain amount of discipline would be needed in order to remain productive. I settled on 1000 words a day as it suited my blog schedule and personal situation. I made a deal that after one thousand I would quit for the day and have kept to that since 2012. It works well for me.
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This was a delightful interview. I especially liked John’s advice to his younger self. Thank you, Don and John, for the morning smiles and nods.
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Thanks Gwen. The interviews are easy with a great subject.
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Thank you, Gwen. I would like to recover the tons of wasted worry effort that I expended in my youth. Glad to have you smile. 🙂
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Wonderful interview, John and Don! 😀
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Thanks, Jan.
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Thank you, Jan. I appreciate your visit. Here have a margarita.
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Just what I needed!
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What a great interview! Good point about how much research would go into finding out what readers want or think. I haven’t read Jailbird sounds like a book I am going to have to read.
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Thanks for stopping by D.L. I might have to check it out myself.
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Thank you, DL. It was a real pleasure being here. Don has some nice scotch. I appreciate your visit as well. I think you would like Jailbird.
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Excellent interview! I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed John’s “John Cannon series” and am excited to have his latest book, Circumstances of Childhood, ready for a read on my kindle. Thanks for the insight into Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut, John. Adding that one to my TBR.
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting Bette.
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I hope you read Jailbird. The book just struck me as very funny and is a tongue in cheek view of business and politics. Thanks for the visit, Bette.
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Sounds like a must-read, John. Have a great weekend!
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You as well Bette.
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What a marvelous interview! Don, your questions are the very ones that elicit a deep response. Congratulations to you both! 🎺😊
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Thanks so much.
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Thank you, Soooz. Don does a great job. look at the Bar Bar figure. Precious. 😀
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“The writer and the reader conspire together to produce the value of the written word…” John, that’s brilliant.
Terrific interview, Don. Hugs all around.
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Thank you, Teagan. Hugs to you as well. Stay warm.
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Thanks Teagan. Same to you.
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A fabulous interview to start the year, Don. I read John’s answers with great interest and one of my thoughts was that people in the corporate world get swept up in the deadlines and the competition and it is hard to work less and achieve a balance. It is wonderful that you have been able to develop other talents and ambitions post your retirement, John. PS, editing is the worst part for everyone it seems.
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Thanks Robbie.
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Great answers, John. I think it is wonderful that your favourite book was Babar the Elephant! You are the perfect person to start off the series.
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Wonderful interview and a great way to start the new series!
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Thanks Teri. I’m glad John was the first.
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