Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween Edition, Ninja News, Scare Me Blogfest, and the BIG Announcement!

Since it’s Halloween, thought I’d get you in the mood with some jamming tunes – Rob Zombie’s Dragula! You don’t have to watch the video, but feel free to let it play in the background as you read this post.



Ninja News

Today’s Special Challenge Participant Feature at the A to Z Blog is Mary Aalgaard from Play off the Page! She had a very unique theme for the Challenge, so be sure to stop by and say hey.

H. R. Sinclair has a new book out that is perfect for the holidays – The Cookie Tray. Congratulations, Holly!

The Best of Friday Flash 2 was released this week, featuring a story from Cathy Olliffe-Webster. She’s written many articles before, but this is her first published work of fiction. Congratulations, Cathy!

Pre-order Hooked by Liz Fichera and enter to win music, books, and more! Visit her site for details.

And I won zombie swag from Susanne Drazic at Putting Words on Paper! Thanks, Suzanne!

Scare Me Blogfest

Hosted by my blogger buddy, Budd at SciFi Media - scary book, movie, story, or ghost you have encountered!

I’m going to give you both a scary movie and story!

I was in college when I went to see the original Nightmare on Elm Street with a friend. We went to a theater downtown and the area was packed, but fortunately the theater was not.

At the time, Nightmare on Elm Street was a fresh idea and very effective. The idea that Freddy could kill you in your dreams was a scary concept and the film very creepy.

The scariest part was when we walked out of the theater. The streets were deserted and there was a layer of mist covering the ground. Let’s just say my friend and I walked very quickly back to campus!

Visit SciFi Media for a list of other participants or to join in the scary fun!

The Big Announcement!

Many of you have already seen this. It involves Mark “The Madman” Koopmans, ”Marvelous” Morgan Shamy, Stephen “Breakthrough” Tremp, and David “Kingpin” Powers King. The big announcement…


A blogfest unlike ANYTHING you've seen before - it's more like an event! Full details November 19...

And how does the Ninja know? Ninjas have a way of finding out secrets. And with my army of clones, no one online is safe…

Enjoy the Rob Zombie song? Excited about the news? Ready for Halloween? (Can I have your Hot Tamales?) What’s the scariest movie/book/story in your life? And any idea what this blogfest is all about?

Don’t forget to visit Mary at the A to Z Blog!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Ninja News, Monstrous Monday Blogfest, Cassa Update, Thanks, Movie Trivia Answers, and Major Announcement Coming!

Ninja News

Jeff Hargett has a story in the soon-to-be-released anthology, Spells: Ten Tales of Magic, and revealed the cover last week. Congratulations, Jeff!

Michael Malone just released his latest, Carnegie’s Call – Developing the Success Habit. Congratulations, Michael!

Have you enjoyed the great sports overlap this past week? Football season, the World Series, basketball preseason, and… Oh wait, hockey is still on strike. That sucks.

Hurricane Sandy is past us (although still causing high winds) but pray for those still in her path.

And in movie news…

Skyfall is at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and is already out in the UK and two dozen other foreign countries. Hits the USA on November 8. Can't wait!

Box office reports for the weekend reveal that Argo is still number one. (Go see it – awesome movie!) The two new releases tanked (Silent Hill and Cloud Atlas) and number two is the surprise moneymaker of the month – Hotel Transylvania. (Did anyone predict that one?)



Monstrous Monday Blogfest

Hosted by Tim at The Other Side.


It’s all about the monsters today!



I decided to go with my favorite monster as a kid - Godzilla.

Nothing was cooler than the Saturday afternoon monster movie featuring Godzilla. He’s ingrained in my childhood forever. He began as a terrifying creature and over the years became more of a protector and almost loveable. Godzilla changed the way I looked at monsters. And he still has the coolest roar.

Yes, he was a guy in a rubber suit! But I’ll take a guy in a rubber suit over the monstrosity that was Emmerich and Devlin’s Godzilla.
(And here’s hoping Gareth Edwards of Monsters fame can do better in 2014.)

Visit The Other Side for other participants or to join this blogfest!

Cassa Update

I am now working on edits after receiving my manuscript back from one of my critique partners. Again, I’ve been blessed with great critique partners! I’ll have to share some of the snarky comments from Cassie with you guys. If you've found humor in her blog posts, beware - those were only teasers! Wait until you hear her thoughts on CassaStorm...

Guest Post Response - Thanks

Thanks everyone for your response last Friday to my guest post controversy. Glad everyone thought the rules were fair – blogger buddies first. Cindy’s comment said it best – “That’s called loyalty.”

And since that post prompted several requests this weekend, I now have only two spots open in March, and already working on May! (April is the A to Z Challenge, so not guests during that month.)

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Which actress is known as “The Scream Queen?” Jamie Lee Curtis
2 – The category of Best Makeup began in 1981 and was won by this film. An American Werewolf in London
3 – Who did the music for Dario Argento’s Suspiria? Goblin
4 – What actor has been in almost every single Sam Raimi film? Ted Raimi (Bruce Campbell is second)
5 – What horror/thriller won five of the biggest Oscars in 1991? Silence of the Lambs

Any book or movie news catch your attention today? Did you participate in the Monstrous Blogfest? Eager to hear more about Cassie’s critique comments? Need to comment me soon about a guest post? Did you get any trivia correct? And what IS your favorite monster?

Special announcement going out tomorrow and you’ll see it here on Wednesday. Get ready – you won’t believe it!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Ninja News, iPad 4, Guest Post Controversy, and Movie Trivia

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who signed up for the I Miss You Blogfest on November 16!

Ciara Knight’s final book in the Battle for Souls series is now out - Ascension of Evil. Congratulations, Ciara!

Next Monday is Tim Brannan’s Monstrous Monday Blogfest

Siv Maria’s short story was accepted for the anthology, OPEN DOORS-Fractured Fairy Tales and she revealed the cover this week!

White Cat Magazine is introducing a mystery magazine soon! Plus they have science fiction and fantasy magazines in the works. Good stuff, Rick!

Next Wednesday is Budd’s Scare Me Blogfest – just in time for Halloween!

Rachel Morgan has just released An A to Z of Creepy Hollow Fae. Those of you who’ve enjoyed her series will want to pick this one up!

And for those of you who read my guest post earlier this week, Jamie posted the answers to my music-movie questions at Mithril Wisdom.

The iPad 4

Yes, the next generation of iPad will be available soon! It’s twice as fast as the iPad 3, with improvements to camera, Wi-Fi, and LTE. While games and graphics won’t be noticeably faster, if you live in a city with LTE access, the Internet will be much faster. This is the tablet Apple wanted to release last spring but it wasn’t ready. It also brings the iPad up to speed with the latest iPhone.

Will I get one? I’ll probably skip this upgrade and just wait for the iPad 5. Yes, my goal is an iPad in every room of the house, but I have my eye on a new guitar right now and that purchase comes first. (Soon I’ll have a guitar in every room in the house, which is just as cool!) And who knows? There’s always Christmas…

Guest Post Controversy and Update

Two reasons for this topic!

First, I adjusted my guidelines one more time. A request a couple weeks ago clued me in to the fact it still wasn’t clear enough:

Due to the high volume of requests I receive, guest posts are reserved for my regular blogger buddies ONLY. (Most of whom are listed in my sidebar.) Other followers I will mention in a Ninja News update.

The controversy? I’m really sorry if that offends anyone! But my blogger buddies are the ones who visit and support me (and I them) on a regular basis, and since I only post eleven to thirteen times a month, they deserve first consideration. I am more than happy to do a shout-out in the Ninja News for anyone else.

Second reason – my calendar is full through February right now. (I still have one opening in January.) So, if any of my blogger buddies have a book coming out next spring or want to do a guest post at that time, please contact me soon!

Any questions? Am I being unfair? Do you need to contact me really soon?!

Movie Trivia

With Halloween right around the corner, these questions all have a horror slant:

1 – Which actress is known as “The Scream Queen?”

2 – The category of Best Makeup began in 1981 and was won by this film.

3 – Who did the music for Dario Argento’s Suspiria?

4 – What actor has been in almost every single Sam Raimi film?

5 – What horror/thriller won five of the biggest Oscars in 1991?

Are you ready for the upcoming blogfests? Excited about the new releases? Getting an iPad 4? Are my guest post guidelines clear and fair? Care to share your guidelines? And do you know any of today’s trivia?

Monday, October 22, 2012

Metal & Science Fiction, Ninja News, Wish The Awakening, Movie Review, and the Next Great Blogfest!

Today I am visiting Jamie at Mithril Wisdom! Jamie has been a special blogger buddy since the first A to Z Challenge. His theme for this past Challenge was fantasy metal. Well, my guest post today is about science fiction metal! If you like science fiction or rock music, visit Mithril Wisdom for the best of both worlds. There may be movie-music trivia involved...

Ninja News

Thanks for all the kind words you guys left on Friday’s POST! Nancy was very happy to see so much support for her new book, The Mistaken, and I was grateful for the comments regarding the two-year anniversary of CassaStar’s release. You guys rock!

Tara Tyler just signed a book deal with Curiosity Quills – congratulations, Tara!

Wish, The Awakening

The ever-awesome Laura Eno has a new book!

Wish, The Awakening – by Laura Eno
YA dark fantasy

Most residents of Pine Hill shy away from seventeen-year-old Lelah without knowing why. It's the Djinn magic surging through her blood. She lives in a world where wishes are really curses, dark power meant to twist and deceive in unimaginable ways. When a fit of temper exposes Lelah for what she really is, she must flee to a sanctuary only whispered about, before her family is exposed and enslaved by their ancient enemy. What she discovers is a treacherous path filled with power, lies, and betrayal – a path that's destined to ensnare her and destroy a civilization.

Purchase it in print at Amazon and as an eBook at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

About the Author:
Laura Eno lives in Florida with a very tolerant husband, three skulking cats and two absurdly happy dogs. After spending years immersed in college but never figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up, she now writes novels late at night with the help of muses from the underworld. And, no, she still hasn't grown up but that's okay.

Laura, we hope you don’t ever grow up!

Movie Review

The Hunger Games
Finally watched this one on NetFlix. The storyline borrows from Battle Royale (sans extreme violence and action) and The Running Man (sans extreme violence and action and the cheesy fun factor.) I’ve not read the books, but I can understand the appeal of a strong female heroine. Don’t hate me, but sorry, I was a little bored watching this film. Maybe I missed something…


The Next Great Blogfest – Are You Ready?

I Miss You Blogfest
November 16 2012
Hosted by Andrew Leon, Matthew MacNish, and Alex J. Cavanaugh

The bloggers we really miss…
and the ones we would really miss!

Do you have a couple blogger buddies who aren’t posting as often? Those who’ve pulled back and seem absent from the blogging world? Do you have blogger buddies you are grateful they are still around and would miss if they vanished? Now is your chance to show your appreciation and spotlight them!

On November 16, list one to three bloggers you really miss and one to three bloggers you would miss if they stopped blogging. Then go leave a comment on those blogs.

Our blogger friends are special – time to let them know!

Sign up below:



Did you pick up Nancy’s book? Excited for Tara? Picking up Laura’s book? And are you ready for a blogfest where we can show our blogging buddies how much we appreciate them?

Don’t forget to visit Mithril Wisdom!
 
And I may not be posting Wednesday... Just so you know.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Two Year Anniversary and Author Nancy S. Thompson – Time to Party! Plus Ninja News.

Today is an incredibly awesome day for two reasons!

Two years ago today, CassaStar was released into the world. And my life has never been the same.

For those of you still waiting for your first published book, let me say it again – your life will never be the same.

Two years ago I was a naĂŻve and brand new author. My first book was launched and I engaged in a two-week, nineteen stop blog tour, hoping someone would notice my book. It was the only one I intended to write, so I really wanted readers to find it. So many were gracious enough to help spread the word and I thought my job here was done.

Little did I know… fans wanted more. So I began writing a sequel, CassaFire.

Then in September 2011, a strange thing happened. CassaStar vaulted into the Amazon Best Seller list for science fiction, hitting #4 overall.

When CassaFire came out last February, both books bounced into the top 100 again. Then this past May, the books skyrocketed into the Amazon Best Seller list in the UK, where they have both bounced around for six months now. CassaStar topped out at #3 there.

Now, two years later, as I prepare to edit the third and final book, CassaStorm, I am in awe. Tens of thousands of people have purchased CassaStar. People who don’t even read science fiction have enjoyed my first book. And I owe so much of that to you guys, for your never-ending support these past two years. I wouldn’t have made it if not for you!

And none of this I tell you to boast or brag. I offer it as a story of hope. If my little space opera can achieve that much, just think what your book will do! You guys are so talented – believe in yourself.

This leads me to one of the greatest honors I’ve ever enjoyed. An incredibly special writer and friend is celebrating the release of her first book, and I get to host her two years after the release of mine. She was ever so gracious to ask me to read her book and provide a blurb, which just blows my mind. And it is indeed an incredibly powerful book.

I present to you, the next best seller - Nancy S. Thompson!

Thanks for having me over, Alex. My novel, The Mistaken, is a psychological thriller, but surprisingly, it has a significant theme and recurring symbolism, however unintentional. The Mistaken was borne from a single question:

“What could drive a genuinely good man to commit a violent crime, and could he somehow find his way back to the man he used to be?”

Though the protagonist, Tyler Karras, abhors his brother’s obligatory affiliation with the Russian Mafia, he reluctantly uses that connection to exact revenge against the woman responsible for his pregnant wife’s death. Encouraged by his brother, Ty vows to hand over this woman—a stranger—to sex-traffickers within the Russian mob. In exchange, the Russians will finally let his brother leave the business for good—with his debt wiped clean and his heart still beating. But when Ty mistakenly kidnaps the wrong woman, remorse drives him to protect her from the very enemy he’s unleashed, even as the Russians use his brother as leverage to force him to complete their deal.

From the beginning, the law-abiding Ty believes himself a straight arrow, but bitter rage and alcohol transform him into someone even he cannot recognize. He’s later forced to face the demons that have pushed him over to the dark side, and beg forgiveness from those he’s most egregiously, but inadvertently, affected: his dead parents and wife, his brother, and the innocent woman he’s wrongly targeted. His need for atonement drives Tyler to face both his enemy, as well as his own flaws. It’s not until he’s accepted his culpability that Tyler is able to move on.

There are two symbols that recur throughout The Mistaken: a mirror and the San Francisco fog. Like bookends, I use the mirror in both the brief prologue and the ending to represent Tyler’s inability to see clearly the imperfect man he used to be and the flawed villain he’s become. I use the fog to represent the depravity of the antagonists, two Russian crime czars. Though they make very few appearances, their deadly influence is keenly felt, flanked by the presence of the malevolent fog, a menacing veil and harbinger of the evil yet to come.

It’s funny, I never intended to include a theme or symbolism; they just sort of…happened. I’ve read that’s how it should be. Kind of freaky, don’t you think?

Visit Nancy’s blog, follow, and leave a comment during her book tour for a chance to win an ARC of The Mistaken. Plus, 5 runner-ups will each win an ebook. (And that's her with author Jennifer Hillier.)

You can also find her onGoodreads, Twitter, Facebook, and Sapphire Star Publishing.

Purchase here: Sapphire Star Publishing, Amazon, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes and Noble
Also available at Sony, Kobo, iBooks, Diesel Bookstore, and Baker & Taylor in 2-3 weeks

Praise for The Mistaken:

“A deliciously slow burn that builds to a ferocious crescendo, Nancy S. Thompson's THE MISTAKEN kept me riveted until the very last page. Tyler Karras is a complex and flawed protagonist, and his redemptive journey makes him the perfect anti-hero. This psychological suspense is a standout, and I can't wait for Thompson's next book.” ~ Jennifer Hillier, author of CREEP and FREAK

“Nancy S. Thompson's debut novel, The Mistaken, is a first-rate thriller full of hair-raising twists and turns. Pursued by the police and the Russian mafia in San Francisco, brothers Tyler and Nick Karras are fascinating, fully-drawn, desperate characters. The action is non-stop. Thompson's taut, intriguing tale of revenge, mistaken identity, kidnapping and murder will keep you enthralled and entertained.” ~Kevin O’Brien, New York Times Bestselling Author of DISTURBED and TERRIFIED

“Fast-paced and emotionally gripping - once the ride begins, you won't stop reading until it ends." ~Alex J. Cavanaugh, author of CASSAFIRE and CASSASTAR

Ninja News in Brief

Candilynn Fite’s new book, Little Acorn's Big Fall, is available now. Congratulations, Candilynn!

Cally Jackson is hosting The Year I Turned 18 Blogfest, which runs from October 29 to November 2. See her site for details.

L'il Gal Al and the Zombies of Amarillo by Christine Rains is available now. Congratulations, Christine!

Thanks to all who participated in the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest! Lots of great books and a third of the authors found their books. All links now go directly to the blogfest post, so feel free to continue browsing.

Those who’ve been with me that long, can YOU believe it’s been two years? (Can you even remember that far back?) Have you picked up your copy of The Mistaken? (You better – it’s awesome!) Any symbolism in your work? Questions for Nancy? Excited about the news? Still trying to catch up on the blogfest…?

Now, go give Nancy a hug!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest, Ninja News, and Are You A Depressed Writer?

Today is the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest!

But before we dive into all the great new reads…

Ninja News

Today’s Special Challenge Participant Feature at the A to Z Blog is one of my very best friends on the Internet, the incredibly talented writer and artist – Rusty Webb! He posted a new illustration every day for the Challenge. Be sure to check out his awesome work and learn more about the man behind the insanity of an illustration a day…

Jeremy Bates is hosting the Halloween Hop Blogfest October 28-31. See his site for details and to sign up.

Kyra Lennon just revealed the cover for her next book, Blindsided!


Great news for Roland Yeomans! Second Avenue Second Hand Shop Anthology accepted his short story, PICTURE IMPERFECT and Open Doors 2 Anthology accepted his short story, THREE GOLDILOCKS AND A BEAR.
From Jeremy at Retro Zombie:

Howlin' Wolf Records & Jason Comerford present a 3rd season of 13 CHILLS: Commentary, PRIZES, and good ole October Mayhem. Leave a comment, read a little something interesting and win some prizes!

Lynn Rush’s new novel came out this week!

Violet Midnight, by Lynn Rush

New Adult Paranormal Romance

Let the Hunt begin…

Find it on Amazon Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.


Congratulations, Lynn!

The Depressed Writer

Elise Fallson had an interesting post on Tuesday – “Writing: A Vocation of Unhappiness.” She asked “Do you think it's possible to become a good writer without enduring the bouts of internal turmoil and depression?”

I supposed authors are always portrayed as tortured souls, but are they all miserable? I won’t ever claim to be a really good writer, but I’ve enjoyed a pretty good life. I’ve always been even-keeled and right now I’m at peace with every aspect of my world. I don’t have high highs or low lows, so I’ve never sunk to the depths of depression. I’ll grumble through a first draft (as that’s my least favorite aspect) but nothing about my writing makes me miserable.

Am I the only one? Does that make me really odd? Or just really blessed? (Or is it a sign I really should pursue music instead? Wait, those people are supposed to be tortured as well. Crap.)

Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest!

Post about a book you’ve noticed. You can choose a book that you’ve read, something you saw on a blog or social media site, Goodreads, or a sales website. Anything that caught your eye because of a great cover, blurb or reviews, but DON’T tell the author that their book has been noticed. Instead, shout out on social media sites, and encourage others to do the same, until the author finds his/her book.

Leave a blog comment at Ninja Captain Alex’s BLOG or Ciara Knight’s BLOG when the author finds their book.

Only two rules:
1) You can’t post about your own book.
2) The book shouldn’t be on the New York Times or USA Today bestseller list.
This is your chance to shout out about a book that might not have been noticed by others.

Since I’m always checking Amazon rankings (especially Amazon UK, as both of my books have been bouncing around the top one hundred of science fiction for six months now) I decided to check out the books my readers have also purchased. That’s when I found this book:


Ep.#1 - "Aurora: CV-01" (The Frontiers Saga) by Ryk Brown

Description:

Episode 1

A world recovering from a devastating plague…
A brutal enemy threatening invasion…
A young man seeking to escape the shadow of his father…
A ship manned by a crew of fresh academy graduates…
A top-secret experimental propulsion system…
A questionable alliance with a mysterious green-eyed woman…

What destiny has in store for the crew of the UES Aurora, is far greater than any of them could ever imagine. And this is only the beginning…

All of the episodes have a four star rating and sound like great reads. The book can also be found at Amazon and Goodreads.

I noticed your book, Ryk! Now, will you notice that I noticed…?

Don’t forget to visit others participating in the blogfest:



Some great new books, news, and contests – anything strike your fancy? Are you a depressed or happy writer? (And if I’m the only happy writer then we need to throw a party or something!) Have you discovered any great books lately? Don’t forget – if the author notices that you posted about his book, leave a comment and let us know!

And don’t forget to visit Rusty at the A to Z Blog!

And come back on Friday for a very special HUGE party and celebration!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Interview, 90’s Blogfest, Ninja News, Ninja Organizational Secrets, Movie Review – Argo, and Trivia Answers

I was honored this weekend with an interview by Juliana Haygert. My answers are short and to the point! Like that surprises anyone…

Today is the Nineties Blogfest, sponsored by Dave Wrote This.
“Post a favourite something for each year 1990-1999, and tell us what you love about each of them.”
Here's my movie and music highlights:


1990 – Not a bad year for movies – Ghost, Total Recall, Die Hard:2. My favorite would be The Hunt For Red October. Alec Baldwin was the best Jack Ryan. And Extreme’s Pornograffitti came out – excellent CD!

1991 – I still remember it for the year of Terminator 2: Judgment Day and the T2 made of liquid metal. It’s also the year I discovered MST3K – greatest show ever.

1992 - Reservoir Dogs, Unforgiven, Dracula, and The Last of the Mohicans. In music, Dream Theater’s Images and Words came out.

1993 – Tombstone and Groundhog Day. But the big one was Jurassic Park, which still looks amazing today. In music, we had Rush’s Counterparts.

1994 – Good year for movies – True Lies, Pulp Fiction, and The Crow. And another great Pantera album, Far Beyond Driven. (You’ve probably already detected a pattern in my music and movie tastes.)

1995 - Anthrax (band not disease) released one of their best albums, Stomp 442. For movies, there was Braveheart and the underrated Nobody’s Fool with Paul Newman.

1996 – Year of the big movie budgets – Independence Day, Twister, Mission: Impossible, and Broken Arrow. My favorite – Star Trek: First Contact. I also discovered the awesome In Flames and their album The Jester Race.

1997 – Movies included The Lost World, L.A. Confidential, The Fifth Element, and of course, Titanic. Memorable album would be the Foo Fighters’ The Colour and the Shape.

1998 – This is the year the started the awesome Blade series and gave us the first X-Files movie. (I just pretend the second one never happened.) The talented Jerry Cantrell (from Alice in Chains) released a solo album, Boggy Depot.

1999 – Awesome movies included The Matrix, The Sixth Sense, Sleepy Hallow, and of course, Galaxy Quest! Now hooked on In Flames, I rejoice when their album Colony is released.

This concludes our trip down the 90’s Memory Lane!

Ninja News

Andrew Leon’s Shadow Spinner parts 1-5 are free today on Amazon!

Budd at Scifi Media is hosting the Scare Me Blogfest on October 31, Halloween!

Steven Symes’ children’s book, Gracie the Ghost Eater, is free today through Wednesday on Amazon!



Don’t forget – this Wednesday is the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest!



Ninja Organizational Secrets Revealed!

Last Friday, Michael asked how I keep up with the news, blogfests, and everything else that happens in the blogging world. Here’s how I do it:

1 – Every time I come upon some news (blogfest, book release, contest, accomplishment, etc.) I copy the web address and paste it in a word document labeled with the next blog post date, along with what is happening, and if applicable, I copy the image. Then when I’m ready to put together the blog post, all of the information is right there. (Because otherwise, no way I’d remember!)

2 – I keep a master calendar in a binder by my desk and note blogfest, guest posts, and major events. That keeps me from over-booking or double booking. Or missing my own blogfest!

3 – I keep a master list of everyone who participates in the IWSG. I try to keep track of who’s posting and whom I haven’t visited in a while.

4 – Clones may or may not be involved in any of the above!

Movie Review


Argo
Based on a true story - during the Iran hostage situation, the CIA comes up with a plan involving a fake movie called “Argo” to free six Americans hiding at the home of a Canadian ambassador.
It was refreshing to see a film geared towards adults and the attention to detail was amazing. This movie is intense and gripping, but offset with humor. Goodman and Arkin play well off each other and Cranston as the CIA Chief is hilarious. Affleck, who also directed, did great in a very understated performance. You know the outcome but it’s still an intense ride.
It’s 94% at Rotten Tomatoes and rumored to be an Oscar contender. Highly recommended!

Movie Directors Trivia Answers

1 – The Frighteners – Peter Jackson
2 – Mimic – Guillermo del Toro
3 – Bram Stoker’s Dracula – Francis Ford Coppola
4 – The Serpent and the Rainbow – Wes Craven
5 – The Keep – Michael Mann

What do you remember from the 90’s? See any exciting news? Ready for the blogfest on Wednesday? Any organization tricks you want to steal or suggest? Did you get any directors correct? And did anyone else see Argo?

Don’t forget to visit Juliana Haygert!

Friday, October 12, 2012

A Modest Internet Star Visits, Ninja News Overload, Award, and Movie Trivia

Juliana Haygert interviewed me and it's up now!

Modest Internet Star

Today I have a treat for you – a doggie treat! Yes, Penny the Jack Russell dog and Modest Internet Star is visiting today, with a little help from her owner, Gary.

Greetings and lucky you, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest Internet star. First of all, I wish to thank that very kind human, Alex, for allowing me the opportunity to amaze you with my guest 'pawsting', sorry, posting.

I submit the occasional posting over at my human Gary's site aka "klahanie". By example, my ongoing mission is to help make Gary a better writer. Alas, he's struggling. However, I've managed to teach him a few simple tricks like, roll over, beg and shake a hand.

I was recently interviewed by Gary. One of his questions was, "Do you have any writing suggestions for aspiring authors?" To which I replied, "Write from the heart. Make your writing intimate. Write in such a way that your reader really feels like you're talking directly to them. Make your reader care about the story. Most importantly, grab and hold onto the reader's attention from the very first sentence. Never give up and pursue your dream. Do your best to make your dream a reality.

Yes, I'm flattered to be famous. Although the pesky 'puparazzi' are forever hounding me. And I tried to add some "snark", whatever that is, to this posting. I figure it must be a mixture of snore and bark!

The vital ingredient of my writing is that I demonstrate the unconditional, non-judgemental love that we animals give to humanity. We have lessons to teach. If only mankind would listen.

If you have never visited the site I 'pawblish' on, here it is, Klahanie.

Once again, thank you Alex, my human friend.

Thank YOU, Penny! You are now a Modest Internet Superstar.

Ninja News Overload!

Katherine is holding a giveaway at her blog, Katherine’s Corner lots of books to win, including a copy of CassaStar!

Tara and Viklit are hosting the I’m Thankful for my Readers Blogfest in November!

Tasha Seegmiller is celebrating her one year blog anniversary with a giveaway!

If you want to know what’s going on in the world of contests and submissions, visit Kimberly’s site, The Art of Infiltration. Every Monday she posts links and the list is impressive!

Black Gate has just published Sean McLachlan’s historical fantasy novella The Quintessence of Absence. And he is on assignment in Iraq for the next three weeks! So congratulations and prayers for safe travels.

My awesome co-hosts for the November 7 posting of the IWSG will be LG Keltner and CM Brown!

The Angry Lurker is holding a two year giveaway of custom dice! And they are very cool…

David Powers King announced that Ink Pageant is celebrating its first birthday with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

Lynn Kelly’s new book, Curse of the Double Digits, is out now! And she’s holding a big giveaway to celebrate. Congratulations, Lynn! Purchase it on Amazon.

Cally Jackson is hosting The Year I Turned 18 Blogfest – visit her site for details!

Nick Wilford at Scattergun Scribbles is celebrating one year of blogging with a three book giveaway!

Cat Lavoie’s new book, Breaking the Rules, is now available – congratulations, Cat!

Award

Patsy Collins gave me the Super Sweet Blogger Award – thank you, Patsy!

1. Cookies or cake? Cookies because you can eat more of them.
2. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate – with peanut butter, of course.
3. What is your favourite sweet treat? Hot Tamales! (Bet you didn’t see that one coming.)
4. When do you crave sweet things most? After popcorn. Must be the salt.
5. If you had a sweet nickname what would it be? Does Stud Muffin sound sweet?

Passing this one on to Livia, because she is indeed a real sweetheart.

Horror Movie Trivia

Name the director! (All well-known directors.)

1 – The Frighteners
2 – Mimic
3 – Bram Stoker’s Dracula
4 – The Serpent and the Rainbow
5 – The Keep


Any questions for Penny the Modest Internet Superstar? See any good giveaways? Good blogfests and new releases? (I know – a lot today! That’s what I get for skipping Wednesday.) Know the movie trivia? And seeing a movie this weekend? I still might see Sinister, but first I’m hitting Argo. 91% on Rotten Tomatoes…

Remember my interview with Juliana Haygert - it's live now!