Before retiring after 40+ years as a computer applications architect, I did a lot of writing and teaching. Since my retirement I have devoted most of my efforts toward writing, although I still do some programming, building some web sites or database interaction to web sites.
When constructed this site in 2024 I had several writing projects going, some of which are perpetual meaning that they may never be “finished” because I keep adding to them.
For 35+ years I have been researching and compiling a “TransDenominational Parallel Study Bible” (TDPSB) with explanations, commentaries, illustrations, charts and tables that span and compare all Christian denominations, sects, other religions, plus my own understanding.
That project has been growing daily since 1986 and I don’t think I can finish it in my lifetime.
The TDPSB is currently (2024) in a 68 volume set with portions input into other writings.
Since 2002 I have been writing and emailing, 3 times per week, a 3-5-minute original scriptural commentary/devotional that I call “The Daily Bread.”. The TDPSB, mentioned above, is often summarized into a Daily Bread email message. Many times the conclusion of articles I post on this website are put into Daily Bread messages, and those messages are then put into the TDPSB.
I began writing scripts, directing, acting and producing stage plays in 1984. By the late 1990s I had written several plays 3, of which were produced at community theaters and many were done at several churches. I spent a lot of time writing for my ministry and church functions.
The TDPSB and Daily Bread email messages grew despite the fact that my professional life usually took more than 10 hours of my time daily because I actually enjoyed all the acclamation and worked hard to keep my growing ego from getting out of hand.
I completed a book (5X8 “paperback”) of 52 weeks worth (one year’s worth) of “Daily Bread Messages,” in 2012 and self-published it on Amazon.
An edition 2 of that book is self published on my Daily Bread website and can be found on this website at https://jmhowington.com/intra-denominational-christian-daily-bread-vol-1-edition-2/
I have enough original material to make 15+ books and it’s growing daily.
update Dec 2024: In addition to these projects. I’m busy writing Bible Study lessons and workbooks for the senior center I recently joined and writing, directing and producing stage play scripts for the drama class I teach there.
- I have a created an author’s website (here, at jmhowington.com) and write a blog two to three times each week. Those articles are refinements of the writings in 1), the study bible and 2), the email ministry, above.
- My second book is a completed romance (with some science fiction) novel. This is the first of a three-novel series I have planned. I completed the third rewrite/restructure/edit last December. But every now and then I re-edit it and improve the character arcs for its three main characters – that’s a consequence of my enjoying rereading it when I don’t want to work on my 7 other writing projects.
- Another non-fiction book is my memoirs. I’ve outlined most of the years of my life (I’m 76) and noted anecdotes. I’ve copied portions of my first novel into the rough draft plus written some of the early reflections. I struggle with omitting the more personal, embarrassing moments. This appears to be a lot bigger than I had thought at the onset.
- My fourth book, in progress, is the sequel to my first romance novel of the three-book series. I have completed the Xmind mapping for the plot, most of the scenes, and most of the character arcs. I’ve outlined this second novel’s story, but every now then I have to make adjustments or additions to it. I’ve rough drafted the first three chapters and the next to last chapter (the action-packed climax). It looks like it will take about 20 chapters.
- My fifth book is the third in the series of the romance novels mentioned in 4) and 7) above. Little progress has been made there – that’s because it has a lower priority and I feel guilty working it before completing the above projects. I started most of the Xmind mapping but they need more attention before I can see the plot and character arcs well enough to do an outline.
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update Nov 2, 2025: For my bimonthly reading at the senior center last Thursday, I read my short story entitled “My Crystal Ball is Broke.” It was very well received and I was told I should publish it. So, I posted here. https://jmhowington.com/my-crystal-ball-is-broke/
update: Nov 2025
For more than 10 seasons my usual visits with Santa included my reading “The Night Before Christmas” plus some Christmas carols. Starting in 2025 I created the illustrated short story book entitled “Santa, What Was the Greatest Christmas Gift?” to also read out loud. I posted a copy here
Santa, What Was the Greatest Christmas Gift?
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My #1 issue with my authorship relates to the fact that I have a fixed income with a remaining disposable income of nearly zero dollars. I’m considering putting my writing career on a back burner to bring some part-time money into the family budget. I cannot afford to invest any funds to get published just now.
Mike and PK Novel Series
1. Can the weapon actually feel or find genuine true love? – “Love the Weapon” is novel 1 of the Mike and PK Novel Series. The novel has been completed and shelved.
Mike James is the armed forces’ new ultimate weapon. Mike created an insulation, evolved from his parents’ training, of elusive womanizing. Mike was in control of his environment, his life and his relationships. That is, until PK Hammer entered his world. Mike discovers he cannot exist in the ruthless, cold-hearted demeanor he built himself.
2. The sequel of “Lovel the Weapon” is titled “Hijack the Weapon.” The James’ battle personal assault while the team grows through love issues.
Captain Mike James, his wife PK, and his Air Force supervisor, Major Amy Dorra, are always together. It’s a matter of national security. But their threesome relationship is impacted by the interjection of Tom who entered because of danger from assassins and kidnappers.
3. If Mike cannot be controlled, must the team dissolve? – “Counter the Weapon” is novel 3 of the Mike and PK Novel Series.
The armed forces greatest weapon, Mike James, is uncontrollable when anything threatens his wife, PK. Is there a way to control Mike or Amy’s love life or must the weapon be disarmed? Is PK’s influence something to be concerned about? How dangerous would it become if PK chooses to leave Mike.
Daily Bread Messages
