At the latest Cool, Comms, Collected (3Cs) storytelling workshop, our featured guest was author John W. Howell, a Lakeway resident whose life story proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. John’s path to becoming a writer began after a long and successful business career that took him through leadership roles and the world of telecommunications. When he retired, he decided to chase the creative itch that had lingered for years, and in doing so, he’s published eight novels, written countless short stories and poems, and maintained one of the most active author blogs around.

John’s first novel, My GRL, introduced readers to John J. Cannon, a character who found himself swept up in thrilling adventures that continued through His Revenge and Our Justice. He went on to explore deeper emotional and metaphysical themes in Circumstances of Childhood, The Contract (co-authored with Gwen M. Plano), Eternal Road – The Final Stop, The Last Drive, and most recently, Detour on the Eternal Road. His books weave action with introspection—exploring how ordinary people respond when extraordinary challenges test their courage and beliefs.

When John spoke to our 3Cs group, he shared how storytelling—especially the Hero’s Journey model—mirrors real life. “Every story has a call to adventure,” he explained. “Sometimes we resist it, sometimes we accept it. Either way, the journey changes us.” The Hero’s Journey, a concept popularized by mythologist Joseph Campbell, outlines how a hero leaves the familiar world, faces trials, and returns transformed. It’s not just a structure for fiction; it’s a metaphor for how we grow through challenges, setbacks, and self-discovery.

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One workshop participant reflected,

Hearing John speak about how every story—ours included—has conflict and resolution made me realize I’ve been focusing too much on outcomes. Life really is about the journey.

That idea resonated throughout the workshop: storytelling is not about rushing to the end, but about finding meaning in the process.

John also shared insights from his blog, Fiction Favorites, where he keeps his creativity alive through a weekly writing routine. Each day has a different theme—ranging from humor lists to haikus (which his readers affectionately call “JohnKus”). On Tuesdays, he plays his “finger point” game, where he opens a book, points to a random word, and uses it as a writing prompt to create a new story. “It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t come from waiting for inspiration—it comes from showing up and playing with what’s in front of you,” John told us with a smile.

That approach fit perfectly with the workshop’s mission: to help participants explore curiosity, communication, and creativity—foundations that connect us all. Storytelling, after all, isn’t just an art form; it’s a tool for living. It helps us make sense of our experiences, express ourselves clearly, and connect with others. Whether through thrillers, haikus, or spontaneous story prompts, John’s work reminds us that we’re all the authors of our own journeys.

If you’re in Lakeway, John donated three of his books so you can check them out: My GRL, Circumstances of Childhood, and Eternal Road: The Final Stop.