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Author John Howell: the accident that changed my life.

9/6/2016

13 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
PictureJohn W Howell
Two years ago, I joined the Rave Reviews Book Club, and through this extraordinary online Club, I have met hundreds of writers from around the world. Today it is my pleasure to introduce one of those authors, John W. Howell. We are co-hosts of the Club's
BlogTalkRadio show Aspire to Inspire.

​Every writer has a story about what propelled him or her into the writing world, and today John shares part of his story with us.

​From his home off the coast of South Texas, on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, he celebrates life with his wife and rescue pets, while writing fictional short stories and thriller novels. If that weren't enough, he also maintains a daily blog and an active life.  

                    Please join me in welcoming author John W. Howell to this blog site.


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        First of all, I want to thank you, Gwen, for having me as a guest on your Reflections Blog. I can’t think of a nicer way to introduce my new book, Our Justice. Secondly, you and I work so well together on our BlogTalkRadio show that it almost seems like coming home to be present today.

        At times like these, I have to wonder how I happened to become a writer. I think about the time in college when I almost lost my life. It was a rainy night, and I was returning to my residence from work. I decided to take a different road since my regular route tended to flood in stretches during heavy downpours. I was in a small sports car which did not do well in flooded areas. Whenever I would go through standing water, the car would die. 

        The road I took had more curves and was darker than the more citified route. As I was driving the twists and turns, I began to feel pretty comfortable that the road taken was the best decision in that it was higher and although wet, had no standing water.

        Somehow I missed the sign that indicated the next curve speed limit was no more than 15 miles per hour. Too late I realized my pace was too fast for the curve, and the car left the highway and came to rest after hitting some posts and trees.

​        The first strike (which I later found out was a concrete culvert) caused me to be thrown out of the car in spite of my seat belt, and I landed on the roadway along with the driver's side door. The result was a 70 day stay in the hospital with four crushed vertebrae, broken ribs, dislocated shoulder, and multiple contusions. How long I laid on the highway is anybody's guess, and since I was unconscious, I never would have known if another car had run me over.

        So why am I giving these details? Well first off, before the "accident" I had decided to drop out of school for lack of funds. I had enlisted in the army and selected the Air Calvary as my assignment. I wanted to be a helicopter pilot and the year was 1962. We had heard of a little conflict that was brewing now known as the Viet Nam War. The accident caused me to be 4F and no longer able to join the service. My only option was to go back to school after rehabilitation and finish by hook or crook. I chose hook by the way. I went on to get my degree and to get a job with one of the best companies. This one so called accident put me on a path to a full business career. So as a fast forward, I finished my career and then decided to write full-time.

​        I have three books published, and Our Justice is the final book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy. As the third book in the series, it brings together two strong wills for a showdown. The question to be answered is who will feel the satisfaction that the achievement of justice delivers - the terrorist leader or the hero, John Cannon? If the President does not survive the insidious plot against him, our worst fears will be realized.

       Our Justice is available for pre-order at Amazon for both eBook and paperback versions. The books will ship on September 23rd. If you'd like to see a quick glimpse, check out the trailer.  

       
        Thank you so much for inviting me to your site, Gwen. If your readers have questions about my work, they can contact me through any of the social media links listed below. I am always happy to respond to queries about my books. 

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To learn more about John and his books, please visit his Blog and Facebook. He is also very active on Twitter.  


John can also be found on LinkedIn and Google+, as well as Goodreads, Shelfari and
​Authorsdb.
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13 Comments
John W Howell link
9/6/2016 06:58:11

Thank you so much, Gwen. This is a very lovely post and you are a lovely person. Hugs

Reply
Gwen Plano link
9/6/2016 08:04:21

Thanks so much. You are most welcome.

Reply
Jan Sikes link
9/6/2016 07:58:55

Great post and great support for John's new book!

Reply
Gwen Plano link
9/6/2016 08:05:26

Thanks so much, Jan.

Reply
John W Howell link
9/6/2016 09:15:01

Thank, Jan. It is so nice running into you today. What support!!! HUGS

Reply
John Fioravanti link
9/7/2016 06:33:00

Another great collaboration by two very special friends of mine! Excellent post, John, I'm glad to know a bit more of your personal history. I can't wait to get my copy of "Our Justice" on the 23rd! Thanks for hosting our friend today, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano link
9/7/2016 15:44:26

My pleasure....always wonderful to help a friend.

Reply
John W Howell link
9/10/2016 19:44:59

Thanks, John. A very nice visit and words.

Reply
Linda link
9/7/2016 07:56:54

Thanks Gwen, for featuring John! It's phenomenal the way RRBC members support! Thanks for sharing your story, John!

Reply
John W Howell link
9/10/2016 19:45:57

Thanks, Linda. I'm a little late but no less appreciative.

Reply
Natalie Ducey link
9/7/2016 14:30:08

can Such an incredible story, John. Thank you for sharing it with us. It must have been a difficult recovery. I sustained a SCI in 1992 as the result of a car accident (hydroplaned). Despite the effort (9 months in Rehab Centre) I never regained full mobility. I use a crutch, but I'm grateful for that. :) It's fascinating how mere seconds can alter a life.
Thank you, Gwen, for the warm welcome and hosting. :) I love learning more about fellow members and friends.

Reply
John W Howell link
9/10/2016 19:47:58

Oh, I'm sorry, Natalie. I know exactly what you went through. My thoughts are with you.

Reply
Gwen Plano link
9/7/2016 15:45:55

Thank you for visiting, Natalie, and for sharing your story. :)

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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