Fiction and life . . . from the desk of Gwen M. Plano
  • Home
  • Blog Reflections
  • REDEMPTION THRILLER
  • THE CONTRACT Series
  • My Memoir
  • Poetry
  • About

Writers - unnoticed heroes among us?

2/28/2017

24 Comments

 
By Gwendolyn M Plano
PictureAuthor John W. Howell

​A few years ago, I began writing full-time, and then discovered neighbors and other area folks who were doing the same. Writers are a quiet bunch, spending much of their time at their computer, invisible to the world around them – except by the books they create.

Author E. B. White claimed that, “Writers do not merely reflect and interpret life, they inform and shape life.” He suggests that writers have a responsibility to their readers and to society that goes beyond the story being told, for he sees writers as potential change agents.

When I read White’s statement, I sat back and thought of writers who have influenced my understanding of life, and the list is very long. I thought of Harmony Kent and her masterpiece Finding Katie which addresses self-harm; I reflected on the work of Nonnie Jules, whose book Daydream’s Daughter, Nightmare’s Friend irreversibly changes how a reader sees child abuse; I considered Michael Lyons’ book There is a Reaper which chronicles the treachery of a child dying of cancer; and, I thought of John W. Howell, whose thriller series focuses on the common man manifesting uncommon valor.

Writers hold immense power if they inform and shape life as White claims. All of the writers mentioned above do just that, and I unqualifiedly recommend them to you.
​
Of special note, however, is My GRL by John Howell, because today is its relaunch – new cover, fresh editing, but the story remains: a successful San Francisco lawyer buys a boat (My GRL) that has been targeted by a terrorist group. The lawyer (the common man) is at the center of the action, standing between terrorists and their mission. This is the first book of the 3-book series, and it is being offered at the introductory price of 99 cents on Kindle.
​​
Should you read any of the authors mentioned above, I’d love to hear your thoughts about whether they have informed and shaped life as E. B. White suggests. From my vantage point, they are the unnoticed heroes among us.

Picture
Picture
Picture

24 Comments
Gwen Plano
2/28/2017 04:31:27

All the best on your launch, John!

Reply
John Howell link
2/28/2017 06:46:51

Thank you so much, Gwen. You've made it special

Reply
Davy D link
2/28/2017 06:14:50

An interesting and thought provoking post Gwen. The type of writing we enjoy can be dictated by our personality and life experiences, sometimes it is an escape from what we are experiencing at that moment in time. This is, in my opinion, what makes E.B. White's statement true, as authors can influence and impact on our view of ourselves and the world. Thanks for the book recommendations.

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/28/2017 08:06:57

Thank you, Davy, for stopping by. White's statement is, as you mentioned, very thought-provoking. Your Haiku are a perfect example of words impacting how we see.

Reply
Davy D link
3/1/2017 04:51:58

Thank you Gwen. I have always found the Haiku form a photograph in words, giving a snapshot of a specific moment in time. Glad to have found your blog :)

john howell link
2/28/2017 13:38:34

Thank you of stopping, Davy.

Reply
Harmony Kent link
3/1/2017 06:22:55

Thanks for stopping by, Davy. Great to see you :)

Reply
Harmony Kent link
2/28/2017 06:34:45

What a beautiful post, Gwen, and thank you for the mention.
Best of luck, John, with the relaunch of MY GRL! Exciting times :)

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/28/2017 08:08:40

I was stunned by Finding Katie. You're an amazing writer Harmony. :)

Reply
John Howell link
2/28/2017 13:37:13

Thank you Harmz. Couldn't have gotten here without you. ;-)

Reply
john howell link
2/28/2017 06:45:44

Gwen, what a beautiful post. You have place me with some very good writers and I am humbled. Your words are always and inspiration and I am grateful for them as well as knowing you. Thank you so much.

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/28/2017 15:23:11

My goodness, thank you John. I wish you all the best on your re-launch of My GRL. It deserves the Spotlight - as do you.

Reply
Nonnie Jules
2/28/2017 13:51:24

Gwen, I clicked on this link from Twitter as I thought I was about to get introduced to some heroes foreign to me. But, I landed here only to find that you were once again, showing your kind heart, and lifting others. John and Harmony, great job!

Gwen, don't you ever lose your wings! #AngelInMyEyes

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/28/2017 15:19:46

You are the angel, Nonnie, but thank you..... :)

Reply
john howell link
2/28/2017 18:23:06

She is an angel, Nonnie.

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/28/2017 18:53:44

If only that were the case, what fun I would have! LOL Fortunately, we collectively create a pretty amazing "heavenly" community. :)

Harmony Kent link
3/1/2017 06:22:08

Aww, thanks, Nonnie! Great job to you too, honey :)
I'll say that both Gwen and Nonnie are angels :)

Reply
Mae Clair link
3/1/2017 06:32:58

What a wonderful post for John, Gwen! Truly lovely.

I've read two of Harmony's books and one of Nonnie's, but not those you've mentioned. I've also read all three books of John's trilogy and you are spot on in your description of what lies at the heart each story.

Wishing you the very best with the relaunch, John!

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/1/2017 07:18:51

Thanks so much, Mae. I have two of your books loaded and ready for my trip. Can't wait to dive in...you are an amazing writer.

Reply
Harmony Kent link
3/1/2017 08:55:39

Thanks, Mae! You're another gal who's always so supportive :)

Reply
john howell link
3/1/2017 09:02:51

Aw, Mae Clair. Thank you so much for the comment. I know we all work hard to give our stories heart and it is nice to hear that in some small way we are doing just that. Your stories do the same. "shape lives." :-)

Reply
John Fiorasvanti link
3/1/2017 06:46:02

Wonderful thoughts and observations about writers and writing, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
3/1/2017 07:19:22

Thanks so much, John!

Reply
Jan Sikes link
3/1/2017 16:49:22

Wow! This is an awesome post, Gwen. Having read "Daydreams Daughter/Nightmare's Friend" I can attest to the life altering effect it has. John Howell is a super talented writer and I'm looking forward to reading his new re-launch! Thanks for the post. You have such a beautiful spirit. Hugs! Now, go and ENJOY your trip!! :)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    For blog updates, please subscribe below. 
    * indicates required

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    June 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

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


Plano Enterprises, LLC
Photos used under Creative Commons from Kevin M. Gill, Joel Bedford, qthomasbower, crosescribe, Juho Holmi, diana_robinson, W Presley & B Kunce Photography......WI. USA, U.S. Geological Survey, Ian Sane, florianric, NikoMC, van Van Es, Yen Chao 趙彥, MissMessie, Yuriy Kuzin, Ben Zvan, Bichuas (E. Carton), Nina Matthews Photography, hehaden, alexdecarvalho, Tim RT, Kurdistan Photo كوردستان, Candida.Performa, peddhapati (Thanks for 1M Views!!!), Jhong Dizon | Photography, Waheed Akhtar Photography, lawmurray, USFWS Pacific, JalilArfaoui, SurFeRGiRL30, Lauren Finkel Photography, maf04, SantaRosa OLD SKOOL, Dakiny, vauvau, Zanastardust, Monica's Dad, timpeartrice, marumeganechan, Rafael Acorsi, seyed mostafa zamani, Jorge Franganillo, Irene Grassi (sun sand & sea), The National Guard, D.Fletcher, nada abdalla, Ted LaBar, alison.mckellar, Infomastern, Elvert Barnes, m01229, theglobalpanorama