Re-Inventionators: Riding Waves of Change with John W. Howell

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Female Terminator robot driving vintage convertible by Teagan via Night Cafe

Hello, everyone.   If you hoped the “Re-Inventionator” androids would be back… (It’s okay to hear that in Arnold’s voice if you want.) Then you’re in luck. 

When life blocks our path with changes, some people shift gears and change lanes accordingly — those differences having little impact on the road they’re taking, or how they see themselves.  For others, life changes run deeper.  They might affect what we “see” when we glance up into that mirror, or at least how we want others to see us. 

Terminator robot with blue hair driving convertible in a large city

Some life changes can be all-encompassing, and a mere shift isn’t enough. That’s when reinvention comes along.  It might be a choice. It might be an absolute necessity.  Regardless, reinvention takes a lot of thought, planning, and effort — not to mention big decisions.  Career changes particularly can necessitate more comprehensive reinvention.  Don’t underestimate the personal depths into which career changes can reach.  

For some of us, those changes begin early in life.  Today’s guest is a mentor and inspiration to many of us in the blogging community.   Others will be familiar with the canine conversations with his two French bulldogs, Twiggy and Tempeste.  Join the Re-Inventionator androids and me in welcoming author — John W. Howell.   

Now I’m putting John behind the wheel.

Reinventing John

I have often wondered what my life would have been like had my father not died when I was ten. Would I have worked as hard, or would the fact that I had a father have allowed a life more at ease? Of course, I’ll never know, so I must be satisfied with how things turned out.

Life changes played a significant role in who I became. Without a dad and with little extra money, I started working on a newspaper route when I was eleven. As I reflect on it now, I have never been without some employment since. In addition, I was fortunate enough to have some fine role models who made becoming an Eagle Scout a possibility, which set a pattern of being convinced that any goal was achievable if given enough energy and commitment.

Twiggy and Tempeste 2025 John Howell
Twiggy & Tempeste by John Howell

And so, it was in college and at work. Goals that seemed impossible were achieved. After twenty-two years of varied assignments, I reached the top position in the company. For three years, there was hard work and satisfaction until one day, a board vote meant I was “retired.” We disagreed on future goals. Mine seemed too aggressive.

Too young to quit, I took up the role of consultant. Five years of varied assignments put me in a position to attract interest from a huge telecommunications company. Hired as a consultant and reporting to a key executive, the work came fast and furious. Several highly sensitive assignments were completed, and then the company decided that to proceed with more, I needed to be an employee. I was okay with that and went back to work.

For the next fifteen years, I worked on the latest voice and data technologies, with the most significant of these being the utilization of the Internet Protocol for voice and video services. This has enabled the enjoyment of the various streaming services that most have in their homes today.

As fun as it was to ride the wave of new technology, there came a day when retirement became a viable option. I was over 70 and had a writing itch that needed scratching. I had tried to write a book while working, only to end up with a 120,000-word manuscript whose value as a door stop exceeded its literary value by a long shot. So, I retired and began writing the first of eight novels. I also started blogging and am happy to say I’m still at it.

John_Howell_Headshot 2

I think in the spirit of Teagan’s subject of reinventions, I will summarize my experience as four reinventions. 1. Not being satisfied with just working but wanting to run things. 2. Having to relearn how it was to start over at the bottom of the consulting world. 3. Needing to transition from a generalist approach to problems to understanding the highly technical aspects of the telecommunications business to find solutions. 4. Having to become a student of the art of writing and its complexities. This one is still a learning process after 10 years.

Thank you, Teagan, for the opportunity to participate in your reinventions feature.  Now, back to Teagan.

Terminator robot n French Bulldogs by Teagan via Night Cafe

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Detour on the Eternal Road

Here’s John’s latest novel is part of a series that includes You can find his books here: John W. Howell

Detour on the Eternal Road 11-14

Purchase Link here.

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Thanks for taking this little drive with John, the androids, and me.   The Re-Inventionators have a “Christmas in July” feature planned for next week where you’ll get acquainted with cooking blogger Carol Taylor.  Stay tuned.  Friendly comments are welcome.   Hugs!

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Of course, here’s the obligatory shameless self-promotion.

Speak Flapper, Slang of the 1920s by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Universal Purchase Links

Speak Flapper

Kindle:  relinks.me/B083HNK3BB

Paperback:  relinks.me/1656168553

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This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2025 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.

119 thoughts on “Re-Inventionators: Riding Waves of Change with John W. Howell”

  5. Hi Teagan,

    Thanks for featuring John. I enjoyed learning more about him and his journey into full-time writing. I’ve read several of his wonderful books. My husband and son are Eagle Scouts, so that part of John’s life resonated. Congrats, John!

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  6. “A writing itch that needed scratching”… well said, John. I so enjoyed your story, and I’m glad you included becoming an Eagle Scout as part of your reinvention. Thank you, Teagan, for this terrific post.

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    1. It is interesting that you say chameleon, Robbie. I took a personality test a long time ago that measured different factors. The end result was the label “chameleon.” The analysis was that I could function at a high level in each of the parameters.

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  8. Starting over at the bottom is something I’ve had to do as well. You find out who your real friends are then! I’ve had to work since I was eleven too – parents were alive but poor.

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  9. Hello John.

    It was great reading about you phases in life. I especially liked the succinctness when you summed it up to 4 reinventions at the end.

    It’s no secret how much I like you and your Eternal Road series. Having said that, I sent another heard of oxen your way. I only hope they can avoid the moat.

    PS – Do you still have that 120,000 word doorstop?

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    1. Hi Resa. I finally kissed the doorstop good bye since the garage door has a way to prop open in the breeze. I am ready for the herd of oxen. I am sending you a flock of  Buphagus erythrorynchus birds commonly called the red-billed oxpicker

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      1. You kissed the script? I know you’re a tad nutty, but…. well…
        So, the oxen are thrilled about the Oxpickers! They’ll put them to work immediately upon arrival. By the time the oxen arrive to your back yard, they should be tick and lice free!

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    2. Hi, Resa. LOL, I cracked up the first time I read John mentioning that “doorstop.” When I first started following him, he talked about every once in a while. Yes, I laughed, but I cringed inwardly because I was in the long unfinished phase of finishing my own long book, Dead of Winter. I appreciate you joining us today. I hope you’re feeling happy and sassy. Hugs.

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  11. Thank you, Teagan, for inviting John to share his transformative journey. I’m always drawn to “success” stories, and by that, I don’t mean financial success (though John has achieved a great deal), but rather the choices made that led to a meaningful life. John shares his reinvention through these choices, and I applaud his steps. Bravo! This has been an inspirational read.

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    2. I’m delighted that you enjoyed it, Gwen. Thanks for joining us today.
      Yes, there are many kinds of “success” and “wealth.” However, one acknowledges the fact that money is an essential component because it’s pretty stinkin’ hard for ordinary people to be healthy or happy if their financial needs aren’t met. 😀
      Have a great week. Hugs.

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  12. I like this reinvention idea, Teagan. John’s story is inspiring, especially learning that he lost his dad at such a young age. I’ll bet it forced him to grow up sooner. I’m a little younger, but I don’t want to spend my retirement years living an unproductive life. Serving others, volunteering, and engaging in new pursuits are the best ways to stay active.

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  13. What a wonderful post, Teagan! It’s always nice to learn more about the bloggers/writers we love and John is way at the top of the list.

    Oooh… and I see YOU have a new book for me to check out!

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    2. Hi, Dale. I’m so glad you could join us. This series is both fun and satisfying for me to present.
      Oh, thanks for noticing the book. “Speak Flapper” is my most popular book, even years later. I randomly show one of my books at the end of each post. An author unfortunately has to have that shameless self-promotion. LOL. Have a great week. Hugs.

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  14. Another fabulous post in this series, Teagan I so love your graphics…Lovely to read how John has kept learning and reinventing himself through life…Are they two frenchies in that image they are one of my favourite dog breeds my son has one called Franck and he is such a character…I have Johns book sitting on my kindle in my TBR pile I loved the previous two and I’m sure this one will not disappoint…I hope you both have a wonderful rest of the week 🙂 x

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    1. Thank you, Carol. We have two Frenchies and they do keep us active for sure. When you bring a Frenchie into the house, there is no doubt that they run the place from that time forward. Once you get to Detour on the Eternal Road I sincerely hope you enjoy it. Thanks also for the good wishes.

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      1. Hi Teagan…I missed all of that about Johns Frenchies a breed I absolutely love my son has one such a character and as John said definitely in charge of the household…lol…plus yes I can’t wait to see what you have created about me I am sooo excited…Big Hugs xoxo

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    1. Thank you, Darlene. I think it is the learning that keeps us young(er). I have to admit that the learning curve on the writing stuff is very steep indeed. Been at it for 13 years and feel like the surface is only scratched. Say hi to Dot and Lia.

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      1. I agree, John. I thought I had a pretty good handle on this writing business, and then I went to self-publishing. Talk about a steep learning curve. Yes, I’m still learning too! Dot and Lia say Hi back.

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  18. I enjoyed learning more about John. The breadth of topics and writing styles he covers in his blog are both remarkable and well done Teagan, love the graphics you generated to go with this post on both blogs. Wonder if the bulldogs and the Scoobies would also enjoy meeting at some neutral spot.

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    1. You raise an interesting point Pat. I think the bulldogs and the Scoobies would get along after the initial sniff, hiss, bark session is over. I thought Teagan’s graphics were well done and enjoyed using them as well. I appreciate your visit. 😀

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  21. Another great post in this series, Teagan. It was great to learn more about John and his various reinventions. A hard working man and never afraid to take on a new challenge. Good luck to him with his writing, big hugs to you and regards to the Scoobies!

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    1. Thank you, Olga. I remember sitting with a group of co-workers dealing with a major career ending problem. One remarked that we all seemed pretty brave given the circumstances. Another piped up, “We are not in the business because we are afraid.” I think the fear of failure is what keeps a lot of folks on the sidelines. I failed so many times I lost count, and have always had the attitude that as long as nobody dies, all is good. I relate this story reacting to your lovely thought about never being afraid to take on new challenges. I appreciate you words of support. 😀

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      1. I enjoyed this story, John, and your observation about the sidelines.
        After my first big relocation (around 2001 — moving from another state to Nashville about 5 hours away) there was a study that showed more than half of people (USA) lived fewer than 50 miles from their birthplace (and a big chunk of them lived less than 35 miles away). To me, that always felt a lot like “fear of failure” and staying on the sidelines. Thank you for these conversations.

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        1. I agree with you. I have moved 22 times, and each time, not a moment’s thought was given to the fear of change. This house, the Producer bought with my approval, and the first time I saw it was when we moved in.

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  22. Thanks for inviting John to this series, Teagan You were right when you said “mentor and inspiration.” That’s how I think of John. I think I remember bits and pieces of this story, but it was good to have it all in one place. I wish John many more years of learning his new craft, especially as we learn by his example.

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    1. Thank you, Dan. It feels strange to sit down and write a capsule of a lifetime. What to leave in and what to omit are the challenges. Also, writing about oneself takes on a different angle. So, I appreciate your visit and words of support. Being of sound body and soundish mind I hope to continue learning this crazy thing we call love. 😀

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      1. John, what you said about “what to leave in and what to omit” is a perfect example of how the reinvention type of life changes reach deeply. In our minds they are something other than a “change” or at least more than just a change. Sigh… I need more coffee before I can articulate that. LOL. “Didn’t sleep much last night, Teagan?”
        Cheers.

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    2. Hi, Dan. I’m delighted that you could join us. Yes, seeing parts pulled together, along with the perspective of the person gives greater meaning. I had a few collogues (both during my telecommunications career and then in government service) who changed to consulting and for similar reasons. So, I related to that part. LOL, me, I didn’t try the consulting route — I just got the heck out of Dodge Country. (Hopefully I didn’t just mix automotive company metaphors…). Hugs.

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        1. That’s right, I was thinking you had, but I couldn’t quite place it.
          Oddly, I actually enjoyed my years as a contractor more than I did with “permanent” jobs. But once I had gotten as far up that ladder as I was going to get as a writer/editor, combined with the lack of good insurance or a retirement plan… I made a fulltime job of getting the federal job (of course, still working an actual fulltime job). That took about a year and a half.
          I may not have gotten a ton of respect, and my position was at the low end of the pay scale (compared to programmers and to men in general) BUT it was a lot more respect and credit than I got with the feds, or even WebMD.
          Anyhow, I’m glad you’re enjoying the freedom now and we all benefit from your writing.

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            1. That was one positive about the Federal arena — the pay-grade system helped with income equality. Granted that did little to fix the problem, but it helped. You still had to have the right connection to get to the next pay grade, and beyond a certain point, higher grade jobs were more likely to go to men, despite all the rules that were meant to do away with any sort of favoritism… I know I’m well away from the gov and from consulting.

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  23. Dear Teagan. Thank you so much for hosting me today. I think your series is fascinating as is all that you do. I appreciate the opportunity to think about what I have done and to set it down in writing. It is something that I did not expect to be as reflective as it has been. Wishing you a terrific day.

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    1. John, you’re a wonder. I’m grateful that you agreed to do this post. The other guests have also remarked similarly about writing their posts being reflective, if in different words.
      Thanks too for fielding comments. I’ll be back after my early morning chores and tending to the kitties. Big hugs.

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  25. Pingback: Today I am with Teagan R. Geneviene for Her Life Changes or Reinventions Feature | Fiction Favorites

  26. Thanks for hosting this great series, Teagan! Sorry, i am late as always, but enjoy every line. John is a real role model for several occupations. But not everyone can deal with two angry looking bulldogs. Lol Sorry, they are both very nice, and i am sure they would become great family members at everyone´s household. Thanks for the introduction to John´s past and now. The previous postings i will read during the rest of the week. I am curious. Best wishes, Michael

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