Fourth Quarter 2018 J.E-H The Quarterly Review In the life of an Author October Events November Events December Events 2019 Book Releases: • Chapter Two • The Adventures of John, James and Jack: Book Three – On My Own • From the Mind of a Five-YearOld – Book 2 • It All Happened on Techwood Drive Don’t just stop here, take a look inside.
Welcome to J.E-H The Quarterly Review Hello Readers, As another year comes to a close, I want to thank you for all of your support and encouragement. The fan base continues to grow and I am happy to have you aboard. 2018 has been a roller coast of victories and losses. I can attest to the fact that you have to go through something in order to get something. In the end, there is triumph. I feel humbled by the challenges that I have overcome. Thank you again for sticking with me through it all. Your feedback is greatly appreciated for those who care to share. Of course, I always look forward to hearing from you so feel free to drop me a line via email at jelliotthoward@gmail.com. Janice Elliott-Howard Chief Creator and Editor
October Events Boss Lady Picnic in the park Pumpkin Patch Halloween
October Events Boss Lady This year, I opened up the publishing arm of my business to outside authors. We debuted a children’s author with resounding success this past summer. Ariel Mendez is a children’s author who happens to be an extraordinary child. Her mother took notice of your paper stapled books and realized that her phonetic writing made sense at the tender age of five-years-old. Ariel’s mother was gracious enough to allow me to read them. I immediately thought that her works were relevant to her age group and asked if I would be allowed to publish some of her stories. Today we in the process of publishing Ariel’s second book. She has gotten quite the following in a few short months. Ariel is proud to call herself an author. Another accomplishment I had was rolling out my online video course. Time and time again, would-be authors, as well as my peers, ask me, “How can I produce my book so fast?” My response is always simple and the same. “I write, I read, I arrange, and I get it publication using an online distributor.” The next request is that I show them how. When I heard it from two or three different people on separate occasion, I didn’t think much of it. The more I heard it, the more I thought there could be a market for a few videos of how to get the process done. I created the course that is available on my website and all those who purchase it have unlimited access to the step-by-step segments. Had I known that venturing into a field where my creativity is my driving force, I would do this decades ago. I like being in charge of my own business. It is hard work and requires more than any other position I have had. The power to entertain, inform and engage with people from around the world is exciting, gratifying, and makes me humble for all the readers who have tried one of my books. Picnic in the Park All of my little people are in school now except one. Since the school year begins in August here, the school-aged kids get a Fall break in early October. I volunteer to keep all of the little people in my life for over the break. I cannot think of a better way to spend time with my grandbabies then a picnic in the park on a sunny day in October. It just so happens to be my birthday. The crew is very excited about going to the park. It turned out to be hotter than I anticipated. We found a spot shaded by a tree. All I wanted was a nice photograph to commemorate our time together. I did not get what I wanted. No sooner than the last bite of the sandwich being washed down by a
October Events Continued -- Picnic in the Park juice box did my little people disperse to climb on slides, swings, and spinning things. My littlest believe this was his best chance to try to grab and taste grass. Of course, it only made sense because each blade was more enticing than the next. It became a game where I would tell him, no, and he would zoom on the one closet to the one he was forbidden to try. My eldest calls out to me from afar to single me to watch him as he climbs on a rock. The two princesses of my possess delicately balance on some contraption and look to me for praise. Then out of nowhere, my littlest, the grabber, got a hold of my wig and tried desperately to yank it off my head. I wrestle with him. He is laughing uncontrollably, and it’s so infectious that I am waling in laughter as well. Two women sitting on a bench nearby cannot ignore the comedic value of it all and burst into laughter as well. I was exhausted by the time I pried his baby fingers out of my nicely quaffed wig and readjusted it. The children enjoyed the day at the park. It turned out to be a very good birthday for me. Pumpkin Patch The next day, we agreed that we should visit the pumpkin patch. It is a yearly moving carnival type setup that the children love. They want to do it all. We start with the face painting because that takes the longest. We move on to take the group photo because photography is my hobby and I love to capture special moments with them. The pumpkin patch has bounce houses, inflatable slides, a petting zoo, a pony rides, and even a moving train with a conductor. I keep them going from ride to ride until I run out of money or they get tired. I usually run out of cash before they get tired. The month of October is always warm in the state of Georgia. I love spending time with the little people in my life. They keep things interesting for me. Halloween Every year my youngest granddaughter is obsessed with what I will wear for Halloween. I saw many creative costumes being shared on social media. My grandchildren think I am cool and fun, but I don’t get excited about Halloween as they do. This year, I designed my get-up. I called myself the Ace of Pumpkins. It was a hit. The children loved that I made something and they understood it was a play on cards. Unfortunately, my vampire walked through our photo. We walked the neighborhood for less than two hours before the little people were complaining about being weighed down by all the candy they received.
November Events The loss of a Patriarch Paying respects The Grandbabies Thanksgiving
November Events The Loss of a Patriarch This past November, the patriarch of my family passed away at the ripe old age of ninety-three-years-old. My mother was estranged from her father for the better part of forty years. The scar he left upon her heart, hardened her against him. The wound was only beginning to heal in the last fifteen years of my mother’s life. We as her children were never introduced or made contact with him. I remember the first time that I heard his voice. He called to console me on the day of my mother’s funeral. He said, “Hello, I am your grandfather, and I am deeply sorry about your mom. I hope now we can get to know each other.” I never gave him much thought after that until my grandchildren came along. They wanted to know about my mother. They wanted to know everyone in the family. It was at that time I decided to reach out to my grandfather half-dozen years after the first time we spoke. He was kind to my grandchildren and me. He didn’t speak much but monitored by body movements. I guess he wondered if I would lash out at him for not insisting on my presence during my formative years. None of the deeplyseeded resentment manifested. I was happy to know him. He was kind, gentle and accommodating to my grandchildren and me. They thought he was a great cook and looked forward to when we would see him again. He would smile brightly when we would arrive and never rushed us to leave. My grandbabies got to have a grandpa, a papa, and a great-great Grandpa Ed for the first part of their lives. He will be missed. Paying Respects People came from far and wide to bid my grandfather farewell. I was surprised to see so many clamoring to get into the sanctuary where the service was held. My sister and I had to elbow our way through the crowd to line up for entry. The pastor’s sermon was thoughtful, the friends who spoke recounted stories of the man’s character and disposition, and the choir selections were good but not sung well. Overall, it was a nice service. It didn’t take all day, and the interment was different than any I have seen in my adult life. I guess I was hoping that the man I had come to know was the same in the eyes of others. He indeed was viewed the same by friends and other family members.
November Events The Grandbabies Once again, I get all my little people together for a day. I still can’t get these hams to pose for a decent photograph. They played until I couldn’t take it anymore. Oddly enough these four individuals sound like a gang of ten when they are all together. I love them all. They give me great story ideas as I watch them interact. Their personalities mirror many of the traits that my sons have. It is amazing to see how characteristics from my husband manifest from son to grandson. When I disagree with my grandson, and he sounds like my exhusband, I have to take a deep breath to remember it’s all in the genes and he can’t help himself. I recognize that the time I have with each of them is precious during their development. The time I spent with my grandmother wasn’t much fun because we did what she wanted to do. My mother spent time with my sons, and she tried to do things that they wanted to do. I spend time with my grandchildren and try to plan everything that a young school-aged child interests. These days only come around once, and I make the most of them. Thanksgiving Have you ever awakened at the onset of the holiday season and decided that you cannot muster a Thanksgiving Day meal? All the cooking, preparation, and entertaining was more than I could bear this year. I usually get invited somewhere, but this year, I didn’t. This year, I invited myself to a family member’s home. I didn’t drop in. I called and said that I was coming and what do I need to bring. After receiving my cooking assignment, all that was left to do was be a little early to submit my dish to be on display with all the others for the meal. It has been a few years since I spent time with these family members. We had the best time. It was warm, welcoming, and loving in every sense of the word. The holidays should not be the only time that you let people know that you care. I know that I have said it once, but once again, I would like to say thank you to my extended family.
December Events Last Recipe Final Product Time with Santa Holiday Fun
December Events Last Recipe I have my crew of little people over for the weekend. Now, I never request them unless I have activities planned. On this day, I took them to the Kroger supermarket for a holiday dessert making experience. Yes, for thirty minutes, they would be addressed as chefs. They learned how to use cookie cutters, spread icing, and do a little creative decorating to a brownie. I am always amazed at how intense they can be when they are interested in what is going on around them. Chef Jordan was impressed that they were able to follow directions well. Everything went well. Shoppers would stop in their tracks to watch as the chef juniors completed one step and awaited directions for the next. Final Product First, let me say, the brownie is very good. You probably cannot recognize what it is. The cookie cutters used were in the shape of a snowman and a candy cane. Chef Jordan left it to the chef juniors to decorate as they saw fit. My crew overdid it in a big way: too much-crushed candy cane, too many sprinkles. It started calmly with M&M candies for the eyes of the snowman and his buttons. Then it took on a life of its own, and Chef Jordan stepped back and allowed them to have at it. The funniest part is at the end when Chef Jordan announces that all good chefs taste the finished product. They look at each other, back at him, and then to me and said simultaneously, “you try it Grammie.” Chef Jordan and passersby all laugh. I gently declined. They packed up their aprons, hats, brownies, and recipe boxes and we were off to the next event on the schedule. Time with Santa We ventured out to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus today. My grandchildren have mixed emotions about old Chris Cringle. They tugged on his beard and the hair on his head. They were amazed that it was real. My grandson wanted to know, if he is the real Santa, where did he keep his sleigh? I’ll have to give to Santa because he had a quick answer. He told him, “my sleigh is at an undisclosed location, and I only use it when I deliver presents on Christmas Eve.” I could see my grandson processing the answer to his probing question. It all seems very plausible. My granddaughters were hanging off his every word. Then it happened, he asked the magic question, “What do you want for Christmas?” A barge of request came flying at Santa at breakneck speed.
December Events Continued --Time with Santa He could hardly repeat back to them the lengthy list of items. Finally, I had to save Santa because the line behind us was growing longer. As I gathered them, we came upon a dancing Elf. They enjoyed his little skit. We went onto the other room where Mrs. Claus sat awaiting children. My crew being the little probing minds that they are fact checked everything that Santa Claus told them with his wife. They were satisfied after the interrogation and hoped that they would receive all that they requested. . Final Product First, let me say, the brownie is very good. You probably cannot recognize what it is. The cookie cutters used were in the shape of a snowman and a candy cane. Chef Jordan left it to the chef juniors to decorate as they saw fit. My crew overdid it in a big way: too much-crushed candy cane, too many sprinkles. It started calmly with M&M candies for the eyes of the snowman and his buttons. Then it took on a life of its own, and Chef Jordan stepped back and allowed them to have at it. The funniest part is at the end when Chef Jordan announces that all good chefs taste the finished product. They look at each other, back at him, and then to me and said simultaneously, “you try it Grammie.” Chef Jordan and passersby all laugh. I gently declined. They packed up their aprons, hats, brownies, and recipe boxes and we were off to the next event on the schedule. Holiday Fun First Christmas party of the season turned out to be very festive with a great family. Usually, I do not partake in activities that do not involve my grandchildren. This year, I accepted an invitation to join in on the comradery. It was a good choice. I only knew the host and a couple of guests, but I felt welcomed and appreciated the interactions with all who were present. The home was warm, the spread was yummy, and the drinks were neverending. Thanks to the Lineberry family for a great evening of holiday cheer.
Things to Come Be on the lookout for new book releases from J.E-H Publishing. Our debut author Ariel Mendez will have a new book release in the next few weeks. We hope to get our next author on digital bookshelves soon. Also, the online video course is still available on the website as well as being rolled out on Udemy in January of 2019. The upcoming book festival tour schedule is still being finalized, but I hope to see you live in a city next year for book signings. Here are upcoming titles scheduled for release in 2019:
Thank You I want to take this time to say thank you to all those who have supported me this year as well as in years past. It is hard to believe that I ventured into writing and creating a viable business from it four years ago. As I continue to grow, I hope that you will stay with me. Knowing that I have a dedicated audience humbles me. Everyone seems to think that people miraculously reach heights of notoriety overnight. They never seem to recognize that it comes from continued hard work winning over one person at a time until you build a tribe who understands and appreciates what you bring to the table. You are my tribe, and I am grateful for your time and attention — cheers to you and yours in the coming year.
Have you made your Winter Reading List? Want to add something fresh and new to your Winter reading list. The Adventures of John, James and Jack Series soothes your soul if you are a coming of age fan. The Confidant Tells is a contemporary romance with a bit of spice. I Hate Him is the story of a relationship destine to fail from the start but it takes nearly two decades to end. Or you take a ride on the wild side and discover everything there is to know about my new suspense thriller Charlie the Hood Houdini. Any way you slice it, there is something for everyone in your household. None of them are the same and all of them will take you on a journey that you would not expect.
Where you can Find Me Website: http://www.jelliotthoward.com Amazon: All Products BN: All Products Smashwords: All Products J.E-H Online Store: All Print and Audio Products
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