Monday, October 13, 2014

Why Speculative Fiction Kicks A$$! Science Fiction Recommendations, New Releases, Ninja News, and Rock Music Trivia Answers

I have two epic guests today! And both ladies are discussing a favorite topic of mine – speculative fiction. First up is the awesome Terri Rochenski, followed by the multi-talented Jessica Bell.

And can a Ninja rhyme? You don’t think so? Find out today at Pat Hatt’s It’s Rhyme Time.

Ten reasons Spec Fiction kicks @$$

Spec Fiction has been a love of mine since I learned to read. I wanted to BE Lucy and enter the wardrobe. I wanted to BE Princes Leia and kiss Han Solo.

Why?

I had my reasons back then, but more have sprung up as my reading tastes developed AND I started writing the stories gnawing away at my brain.

In no particular order, my top ten reasons Spec Fiction kics @$$...

1. Who DOESN’T like to ask, “What if”?
2. Because as kids, we KNEW our Barbi, stuffed animals, and Stretch Armstrong could carry on a conversation.
3. It’s an outlet for the creative mind.
4. ESCAPE FROM REALITY!!
5. I saw Spec Fiction described once as being the cheapest way to travel. In my case, I’ve always wanted to fly among the stars. Thanks you ninja leader!
6. Its stimulating.
7. Can give a new outlook on life or insight into human nature.
8. Instills an appreciation for unique, beautiful imaginations.
9. It’s outside the norm.
10. From a writer’s perspective – unlimited possibilities.

How ‘bout you? What is the ONE reason spec fiction rocks your world?

Secret of the Souls (Pool of Souls #2) by Terri Rochenski
J. Taylor Publishing - Adult Fantasy

Thrust out of their homes by a human High Priest on a vengeful mission, the Natives of Derlund no longer have a place to call their own. One escaped capture, however, and now she, Hyla, is the only one who can save her people.

Find Secret of the Souls Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and enter the giveaway HERE

Find Terri at Blog, Website, Facebook, and Goodreads




 

MY SCIENCE FICTION MISHMASH by Jessica Bell

If you know me well, you know I’m not an obsessive science fiction book reader. I do, however, like to read science fiction if written by authors I love, and the story is captivating, for example, The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, and Neuromancer, by William Gibson are two of my very favourites. I have also dabbled in writing science fiction myself, but in a very different form— a cyberpunk short story in verse.

And my current WIP is speculative fiction. So I’m not not a fan. I’m just fussy.

(Btw, I was told to add some humour to this post, but I can only be funny when I don’t try to be, so I’m really sorry this post isn’t going to make you laugh. I might however, be able to make you smile if you watch this video of me in a dressing gown, and my fabulous Dalmatian, dancing to Joan Jett.)

Right, back to the science fiction stuff. Regardless of what I said above, I am a HUGE fan of science fiction film and TV. I really can’t get enough.

So here’s my top five list of movies, and top five list of TV shows, in no particular order:

MOVIES
Blade Runner (the director’s cut, of course!)
Contact
The Fifth Element
Edward Scissorhands
Barbarella
TV
Orphan Black
Fringe
Red Dwarf
Lost (I know, I know ...)
The X Files

What science fiction books, TV series, or movies have you read/seen lately? Got any recommendations for me?

COMMENT TO WIN JESSICA BELL’S THRILLER, WHITE LADY!
To celebrate the release of Jessica Bell’s latest novel, WHITE LADY, she is giving away an e-copy (mobi, ePub, or PDF) to a random commenter on this blog.

Sonia yearns for sharp objects and blood. But now that she’s rehabilitating herself as a “normal” mother and mathematics teacher, it’s time to stop dreaming about slicing people’s throats…

Click HERE to view the book trailer.
Click HERE for purchase links.


Ninja News

At the A to Z Blog today is Carrie-Anne Brownian, whose awesome theme took us on a tour of Asia and Europe – check it out!

I was one of the Shelfie Blog Hop winners!

Pat Hatt also continued his zombie story and my clones were involved…

New Releases!

A Lizard's Tail by Bish Denham
When a feral cat threatens the lives of all who live at Stone Wall, Marvin knows his destiny has finally arrived. But how can a young, vain lizard get rid of such a dangerous enemy?
Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

Soulless (Maiden of Time Book 2) by Crystal Collier
Find it on Amazon
Her tour starts today – follow along!

Tales of Firelight and Shadow - anthology from Double Dragon Books with retold folk tales, some very, very creepy.
Featuring Patricia Stoltey’s first traditionally published short story, "Three Sisters of Ring Island" is a retelling of a Norwegian tale, "Three Billy Goats Gruff." Find it at Double Dragon

The Adventures of an Arkansawyer by Charles Gramlich 
Find it on Amazon

Music Trivia Answers!

1 – Persistence of Time (1990) - Anthrax
2 – Astro-Creep: 2000 (1995) – White Zombie
3 – …And Justice For All (1988) - Metallica
4 – Jar of Flies (1994) – Alice in Chains
5 – The Art of Balance (2002) – Shadows Fall
6 – Hold Your Fire (1988) - Rush
7 – Empire (1990) - Queensryche
8 – Images and Words (1992) – Dream Theater
9 – Flying in a Blue Dream (1989) Joe Satriani
10 – Vulgar Display of Power (1992) - Pantera

Whoa! What are some of your reasons speculative fiction kicks a$$? What shows and movies can you recommend to Jessica? (Don't forget your comment could win a book!) Picking up some new books? Get any of the trivia right?

Don’t forget to visit Pat Hatt’s It’s Rhyme Time!

Wednesday – more fun stuff, trivia, movie reviews and news, Mini-Alex, and… I have an awesome announcement!!!

119 comments:

Ted Cross said...

Do you mean the Final Cut of Blade Runner? To me that is by far the best version of this fantastic film.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I think I need to read more spec fic! Thanks for the reminder. :) (And..I remember those Stretch Armstrong dolls!)

I liked Lost, too...I didn't even really mind the ending.

Rhonda Albom said...

The X Files is the only movie or TV show on both of our lists.

Jessica Bell said...

Alex, thanks for having me! Terri, you say that spec fic is the cheapest way to travel. I couldn't agree more. Actually, I'd say that were true of all books no matter the genre. You?

Jessica Bell said...

Ted, as in "final cut" do you mean the one that went to cinemas? I mean the "director's cut." The longer version with all the missing scenes the director wanted to keep.

Jessica Bell said...

Elizabeth, I agree! Ha! I don't know what everyone whines about.

Jessica Bell said...

Rhonda, what other sci-fi shows/movies do you like?

Michelle Wallace said...

Jess, I haven't read lots of sci-fi, and I'm not really a movie person, but I DID enjoy Edward Scissorhands. Well, put it this way, anything with Johnny Depp is a winner!

Congrats to all the people with new releases.
Alex, I also won a prize in the Shelfie hop!

Brian Miller said...

wow so all math teachers dream of that eh? lol....pretty cool.....nice um dancing....lol...red dwarf, very nice....had not thought of barbarella in a while...

Optimistic Existentialist said...

LOVE the TV shows you listed. I am one of the few who found Fringe more intriguing than X-files. And hey, what's wrong with LOST??

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

One of the things I love about SF is that it can anticipate science and show us what effect it could have on our daily lives.

Congrats to everyone with new releases!

Unknown said...

Congrats to all the authors with new releases!
White Lady sounds like a fantastic read, Jessica!

Kirsten said...

I'm a little confused about the difference between Spec Fic and Science Fiction. Are they the same? Or is speculative fiction a bit broader of a category?
Either way, Secret of Souls sounds like a fantastic story. :)
I'm looking forward to Wednesday's announcement--I hope it's about your latest WIP!

Sean McLachlan said...

Nice movie list. I saw Blade Runner in the theater when it first came out. Blew my 12-year-old mind.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ted, I confess, I didn't like the final cut. Losing the internal dialogue of Ford's character left a void in the film.

Michelle, I saw that!

Sandra, good point.

Kirsten, it might be! And yes, speculative fiction includes fantasy and horror and anything that isn't real.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats to Jessica and Terri.

I'd recommend Galaxy Quest for a sci-fi movie that's also a comedy.

kaykuala said...

Spec-fic is somewhat new to me. May have to look it up to see how different it is from sci-fi! Congrats to the new releases! And thanks Alex!

Hank

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I love the Fifth Element. "She knows it's a multi-pass!"

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm afraid I don't know the definition of speculative fiction or how it differs from regular fiction, though it sounds fun and creative. I like that.

Of course the Ninja can rhyme. Ninja does it all, with a most adorable sidekick in Mini-Alex. xo

mshatch said...

I'm a huge fan of SF whether it means speculative fiction or science fiction. It's always interesting to see how others imagine what the world might be like if...

Congrats to Jessica :)

Jay Noel said...

Congrats to Terri and Jessica on their successes.

The very first book I was able to read on my own was a spec fiction book (mythology), and I haven't stopped yet.

Going to see a ninja rhyme now!

Huntress said...

*armpump* Terri! The Forgotten Door by Alexander Key hooked me into the genre as a middle schooler.
Congrats Jessica. I hear White Lady is a Great read. (not just a "good" one *BG*)

Congrats also to Bish, Crystal, Patricia, and Charles!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I read your rhyme. Very good, Alex.

I love to read speculative fiction because it gives me chills and thrills.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I loved the X Files, and I enjoy speculative fiction because it takes me away from the problems of the real world into another world.
A lot of interesting looking books to check out. Congrats everyone.

Julie Flanders said...

Love Terri's comment about our dolls and stuffed animals having real conversation when we were kids. Exactly!
Congrats to Terri and Jessica both. Jessica's list reminded me I want to start watching Orphan Black.

Bish Denham said...

Just watched Blade Runner yesterday on TV... I still get a little teary-eyed when Roy dies. He was made the way he was and yet... he is redeemed. (Oh dear, did I just give away the ending?) And Fringe! A great show.

Thanks for showing off my book, Alex!

Christine Rains said...

Spec fic does kick butt! I love asking the what if questions. Great guest posts today. And no need to apologize for LOST, Jessica. I was addicted too. Farscape is one of my favorite shows. Congrats to everyone today! Have a great week, Alex. :)

Karen Lange said...

So much exciting stuff happening! Glad we have you to keep us up to date. :) Will hop over to Rhyme Time!

Truedessa said...

First, I saw your rhyme over at It's Rhyme Time and found it quite amusing.

TV shows that I watch with a bit of mystery, Ghost Hunters and Exant.

Believe it or not I still have not seen Guardians of the Galaxy.

I am ready to read your third book so will be starting that soon.

Have a great week Alex as you rock that guitar and I play my
drum..smiling..

Your guests have some intriguing books out to read.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I already visited Pat. Very brave to be interviewed my him.
I think my favorite speculative fiction TV show of all time was Stargate and I loved the movie too. Who doesn't want to go through the stargate to other worlds?
Lots of wonderful books to check out this week.

Leovi said...

I love Blade Runner, is my favorite of your choice!

A Beer for the Shower said...

I love speculative fiction so much I'm writing a novel in that genre right now. At least I think it's speculative fiction. It's also sci-fi. Genres are confusing. I write books.

Unknown said...

Alex - You're the best! Thanks as always for your continued support!!

Elizabeth - YES you do!

Jessica - I DO agree, but then again, I'll read any genre as long as the story takes me to a different realm. Congrats on your release as well.

Michelle, Sandra, Carolyn, Natalie, kaykuala, Jay, Huntress, Beverly - thank you all for your well wishes & congrats!!

Julie - what is childhood without our 'buddies'?? Thanks for the congrats.

T. Powell Coltrin - the thrills are the best part! ;)

Kirsten - I hope you nab a copy and STILL think so. :)

Vanessa Morgan said...

I've been seeing White Lady everywhere. Good to see that our fellow authors are having so much success.

Unknown said...

Christine, Truedessa, Susan - Thanks so much for the congrats AND for taking the time to read our posts!

Jemi Fraser said...

Haven't seen Blade Runner in far, far too long - will have to correct that! :)

V.L. Jennings said...

I love your top 10 reasons as to why you like reading/writing science fiction.

"Its the cheapest way to travel" is certainly one of my favorites.

My next favorite is the ability to ask/answer why and what if questions!

As a writer, why and what if questions become our bread and butter- its how our muses survive!

Carol Kilgore said...

Congrats to everyone with new books!

Terri - Love your top ten!

Jessica - The X-Files is totally classic. I would've included The Sixth Sense on my list, but I'm not sure if that is science fiction or speculative fiction. And maybe Marvel's Agents of Shield on a TV list.

Unknown said...

I love this because I honestly didn't know exactly what spec fiction was until now--I have read it before, and loved it! congrats to all the wonderful authors! Oh and Jessica, I loved Lost until the last couple of seasons because...well yeah haha. And my parents were obsessed with the X Files, but I never saw it!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Natalie, excellent suggestion!

Thanks, Robyn.

Teresa, thanks - I gave it my best shot.

Beverly, well said.

Julie, mine talked.

Bish, hopefully everyone knows how it ends now.

Christine, Farscape was great.

Trudessa, thanks!! Hope you enjoy it.

Susan, who doesn't indeed? And I was nervous about the rhyming.

Brandon and Bryan, what you said.

Terri, you're welcome!

VL, it is cheap.

Carol, speculative but not science fiction.

Beth, never???

ilima said...

I like spec fiction because there are really no limits. What a fun way to create and get lost in a world when anything is possible!

Congrats to all the new releases.

Birgit said...

Congratulations to both! It is always a thrill to be highlighted on other blogs. I love Lost so so good:) I would add the original War of the Worlds and West World with Yul Brenner

Pat Hatt said...

Some fun interviews indeed, Fringe and The X-Files were great(besides that last x-files movie), Lost was until the end, blah to that lol And a ninja wannabe can rhyme indeed, knew it all along at my feed. Can fend off zombies too, at least a few.

Jackie said...

I loved LOST! I've never watched The X-Files... I'm going to see if it's on Netflix. Thanks for the list!

Melissa said...

Love #2, Terri. LOL

Hey, new movie idea! Dances With Dogs. :P

Congrats to all with new releases!

Robyn Campbell said...

*waves to Jessica* Glad to see you here at the Captain's house. I'd have to go with Edward Scissorhands! For TV, it would be Lost. (I know too.):-)
Cannot wait to read WHITE LADY. What a title!

Terri, love your ten reasons. (Especially #1.) :-) Glad to see you here at the ninja captain's place too. ESCAPE FROM REALITY! I get that. Boy, do I get that. Pool of Souls must be AWESOME! Must read. Must move it to the top of my GB (gotta buy) list along with Jessica's.

YaY for Bish! Wahoo! And Crystal. And Patricia. And Charles. WOW. A lot of good news there.

Can't leave without saying my howdy to Alex.

Jo said...

Once I used the name Speculative Fiction and was slapped down being told that all fiction is speculative. I have never used it since.

I do love sci fi and fantasy though.

I can no longer make comments on Chrome for some reason

Sarah Ahiers said...

Jessica, have you seen Sunshine??It gets a little murder mystery-y in space towards the end, but it's a great movie

Holy Ghost Writer said...

I like that it is a cheap way to travel. Good way to describe it.

Charles Gramlich said...

Spec fic for me as well!

Laura Clipson said...

I love speculative fiction, the main reason probably being that it's an excellent way to escape from reality for a few hours. I also love to wonder "what if".

Robin said...

Jessica... I love love love Lost. What do you mean by "I know, I know..."????? I also love Fringe. And a friend of mine goes on and on about Orphan Black. I guess I need to watch it!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Who doesn't love new outlook?

Jenni said...

I like speculative fiction, because it allows you to tackle challenging topics in today's world in a way that's palatable for readers. As a reader, I love reading spec fiction books that make me think about our time and place in a different way.

Botanist said...

Spec fiction is the cheapest way to travel, but more than that it is the only way to travel to places you couldn't possibly visit on this Earth at this time.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Blade Runner is one of my all time favourite movies. That and Manhunter. The what if question is what sparks my novels in the beginning. Congrats to all the new books and their authors. We live in a wonderful time with so many good books to read.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Pat, guess I can rhyme after all. And we'll just pretend that last X-Files movie never happened...

Jackie, it is!

Hey, Robyn!

Ian, very true!

~Sia McKye~ said...

Wait a minute Terri, you mean the conversations I hear aren't real and hafta be from my Barbi (wherever she is)? Oh no, there really is something wrong with me. *Sia hides fearfully pearing round the corner for guys in white coats. Wait, I do have a blue stuffed dragon, my muse dragon, on my desk. Whew! THAT's where those voices are coming from. I was really worried there for a minute.

For me, reading, or movies, are an escape. I love sciFi and wandering around the galaxy. :-)

Jess--Loved how your baby got all excited and ran back and forth. She didn't like that robe tho she wanted it OFF her mom. And yes I did smile. We have a little Pit Terror, I mean terrier, that will get on her hind legs and twirl when we dance. :-D She's a cutie, my Dane just grabs my arm or hip checks me.

I like all the Avenger movies and Ironman. Star Trek--even with the *new* time line. There is a new TV show and I can't think of the name right now, with a guy who lived hundreds of years and is a forensic examiner. He doesn't die, well he doesn't stay dead. He usually comes back to life in minutes and in some body of water. Actually, it's a fun show.

Congrats to both ladies on their latest releases!

Man, there are a lot of new books being released here Alex.

Sia McKye Over Coffee

J.L. Campbell said...

Lots of good stuff is out this week. Jessica's book does sound intriguing.
Terri makes a great case for speculative fiction.

Crystal Collier said...

Jessica, I want to see that dancing video. =) Oh, and Serenity kicks the trash out of all sci-fi movies, ever. Just sayin'.

Terri, I totally agree with #4.

Bish! Super congrats.

Patricia, I love me some creepy. Going to check that out.

Alex, thanks for the shout!

Suzanne Furness said...

I love losing myself in some great spec fiction. I think I best head on over to Pat's now and check out what's on there!

Dean K Miller said...

Yea for Jessica and X-Files. Strangers with something in common. X is my fave. Before that, 80's maybe, The Sixth Sense was a show that always got me creeped out. Don't know if it's really Spec. Fic. and now it would probably view with a corny feel, but back then, I loved that show.

Again: Trivia 10 - Me 0. Nice to know there's one thing I can count on every week!

Hart Johnson said...

I think the dystopian stuff is my favorite speculative fiction, but I also really love mind bendy stuff--particularly stuff that SEEMS possible if you were just receptive enough of understood better. I go right along with most of Jessica's list there--those are some great shows.

Sherry Ellis said...

I won Jessica's book in another giveaway. I'm so looking forward to reading it! I'll hop over and see what's up at Pat's pad.

Sherry Ellis said...

I won Jessica's book in another giveaway. I'm so looking forward to reading it! I'll hop over and see what's up at Pat's pad.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sia, I know that show. And lots of new books now.

Crystal, you're welcome, and Serenity rocks.

Dean, maybe Wednesday I'll come up with something for you.

cleemckenzie said...

Jessica chose my favorite SciFi authors. I can't wait to read her book, which I won. Bet it's super.

And don't faint, but I actually answered three of your music trivia questions right this week. I must have a fever.

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of how Spec Fic can let you be really creative. Although, when I was researching it, to see if my one story fit that, I was a bit confused on what it meant to call something speculative fiction.

Jeff Chapman said...

"Cheapest way to travel."--that's my favorite and the places won't be filled with tourists either.

Tonja Drecker said...

Yay to all the new releases - congrats! I've always loved spec fiction and that's all the reason I need to read it ;)

Tonja Drecker said...

Yay to all the new releases - congrats! I've always loved spec fiction and that's all the reason I need to read it ;)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Terri, you and I must be kindred spirits, for I have always loved Speculative Fiction for the reasons you gave.

Jessica, I hope the sales for WHITE LADY continue to soar! :-)

mooderino said...

Terri you make some excellent points. Spec Fic ftw!

mood

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Jessica I recommend being on the look out for the adaptation of Five Ghost. A comic SYFY bought to make into a series. All I know is that a treasure hunter guy can harness five ghosts including one named The Vampire which makes it a must see for me. I would go get the book right now if I wasn't on a book freeze until I get my new laptop. Congrats on White Lady which I have been seeing getting a tour around the web. Spec fiction broadens the mind and the fans love it. I have my pre-order ebook of Soulless 2, congrats Crystal. Happy days to all of you featured today.

Philip Verghese 'Ariel' said...

Hi Alex
I am so glad to be here again!
Though many abandon me and my posts
how can I so I am here again LOL
This is indeed yet another great activities and lists. Great Going Alex
I know you are so busy with lot of things. Keep going my dear friend
Have a great week ahead!
Best
~ PHilip

Patsy said...

With the possible exception of %, all those reasons for loving spec fic are good reasons for loving any type of fiction.

Sarah Allen said...

Love Fringe!! John Noble is like the best person ever :D

Sarah Allen
(Writing Blog)

Andrew Leon said...

I can't comment about spec fic, because I hate the term.

Anonymous said...

Already visited Pat's bog, excellent poem. Such a selection of books and films to choose from, do you watch all these films?????
Have a good day,

Anonymous said...

Already visited Pat's bog, excellent poem. Such a selection of books and films to choose from, do you watch all these films?????
Have a good day,

G. B. Miller said...

I was always partial to the one Star Trek series that seem to get no respect (ala Rodney Dangerfield): Deep Space 9.

Other than that, I was never really into sci-fi movies, t.v. series or books hardcore, just bits and pieces.

John Scalzi's "The Old Man's War" is a good read and a great start to that book series.

Father Nature's Corner

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, that's awesome!

Jeff, good point!

Sheena-kay, good to know about that series.

Andrew, can you comment on anything else?

GB, and that was the best of the Trek series!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Spec fic is just awesome. Congrats to Terri!

And congrats to Crystal and Bish and the others too

SK Anthony said...

I enjoy losing myself in great spec fiction. I think #1 and #10 speak the most to me, Terri, but all GREAT reasons! :D

Jessica, I have to check out the vid, I like both your lists for TV & Movie...even Lost lol

Yay, Alex, I'll be back for that announcement :)

Stephanie Faris said...

Escaping from reality is the best reason to read (and write!!!). So cool that you're rhyming at Pat Hatt's blog. Of course a ninja can rhyme...but only a ninja WRITER!

Al Penwasser said...

Yep. The video did it.
Thanks!

Al Penwasser said...

Yep. The video did it.
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS to everyone with new books out!

Alex, CONGRATS on being a Shelfie Blog Hop winner! That was a fun blog hop to participate in.

Kimberly said...

To escape reality! That's my reason. :) I love speculative fiction.

Fundy Blue said...

Terri ~ I had to google "Spec Fiction" and then found out it's my favorite genre! The "What if's" are what is fascinating to me. And who didn't want to Han Solo? Good luck for your book!

Jessica ~ Enjoyed you video, what a lovely Dalmatian you have. I really enjoyed Extant this summer. Have you read the Hyperion series by Dan Simmons? That's some of the best sci fi I've read. Good luck with your book!

Alex ~ I enjoyed your joint rhyming post with Pat today. Well done! Pat really does pull rhyming out of people. Can't wait to hear your announcement ~ could it be a date for your latest release?

Leandra Wallace said...

Ha, great list! And I completely agree about reading being cheap travel. Without books I'd never go anywhere except work & the grocery store. :)

L.G. Keltner said...

I love love LOVE Red Dwarf! I've seen every episode so many times I have most of them memorized.

Helena said...

With spec fiction walls come down and the story can move outside the box. (Am I mixing my metaphors here?)

For scifi or supernatural I'm hooked on Grimm and Sleepy Hollow, and like you, Jessica, I really like The Fifth Element.

Shah Wharton said...

There are so many spec-fic choices out there now, it's like imagination caught a cold and sneezed :) I do love it, for all of the reason above. Although I'm more a lover of the darker themes in mine.

Congrats to the winners, including you Alex. Missed that meme, :(

shahwharton.com

Empty Nest Insider said...

My all time favorite speculative fiction series was The Twilight Zone. It's amazing how timeless Rod Serling's stories were. The most closely related movie that I can think of is The Sixth Sense. Congrats to Jessica, and all of the authors! Glad you were one of the Shelfie Bloghop winners, Alex! I'll head over to Pat's later!

Julie

Jessica Bell said...

Hey everyone! So ... um ... I'm not Alex, and can't seem to find the time to reply to all your fabulous comments. But I am reading them! Thanks so much for all your support, and for supporting the other fabulous authors mentioned too!

mail4rosey said...

I wanted to be Lucy and enter the wardrobe too. I saw your rhymes over at the cat's place. Well done, Ninja! :)

Misha Gerrick said...

Spec fic rocks in my mind because it's like the grown-up version of playing pretend. ;-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephanie, I did my best to rhyme.

Susanne, yes it was.

Fundy, you'll have to come back Wednesday and find out!

Shah, that analogy made me laugh!

Jessica, need some clones?

Rosey, thanks!

Kim Van Sickler said...

OK, I know it's classified as high fantasy and not sci-fi, but I am watching Season One of Game of Thrones again, this time with hubby. I watched it first time around with my daughter and there is soooo much going on (haven't read the books yet, so there was a lot to catch up with) that I am enjoying seeing the shows again to pick up on things I missed the first time and to marvel at the intertwining of character stories.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congrats to all the new books. It's so exciting!!! I loved the Handmaids Tale book, but the Fifth Element is not on the top of my movie list. Though, I love Bruce Willis.

Alex, looking forward to your big announcement!

Leovi said...

I love Alice in Chains!

Chrys Fey said...

Congratulations Terri and Jessica!!! As well as Crystal and everyone who has a new release to celebrate. :)

Mark Means said...

As always, a plethora of writing goodness...thanks Mr. C :)

"What if" is one of my favorite questions to ask!

Susan Oloier said...

Now that I've read your post today, I've realized I haven't read much speculative fiction. Although, I do know the X-files.
Heading over to Pat's place now.

Unknown said...

Big spec fic fan here!!

Congrats to all the authors of new releases :D

Carrie-Anne said...

I'd love to read A Lizard's Tail, since I love both bats and lizards. One of these days, I'm going to be a proud lizard parent.

Looking forward to your awesome announcement!

Loni Townsend said...

Great guest posts and congrats on the recent releases.

Heading over to read the mad ninja rhymes!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Congrats to Jessica and Terri. I haven't read that many Speculative Fiction books, so cant say much on that.
Eager to hear the awesome announcement on Wednesday.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - I'm a lucky reader who has won a copy of Jess' book; I'm hoping to get A Lizard's Tail for a friend ... then your announcement and all the other goings on - difficult keeping up - how you do it I really don't know!

Cheers Hilary

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats to Terri and Jessica! I love reading and writing spec fic. One of my favorite shows is The X-Files. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kim, the series is impressive.

Leovi, you rock!!

Hilary, many, many clones...

Gwen Gardner said...

I love specific more all the time. Sleepy Hollow is my newest addiction. Crane and Abbie together just rocks!

Hi Alex!

Jennifer Lane said...

I like a good action/adventure movie, and speculative fiction can up the adrenaline rush. Great guest posts!

Nicole said...

Spec fic indeed kicks A! I love that it can carry me to different places or times, and that it rises to a level of epic good v. evil showdowns.

Unknown said...

"unlimited possibilities" -- that's my favorite :-)

Anonymous said...

I loved Jessica's book.

I just signed a contract for my first paranormal, so I'm getting into speculative fiction. I hope to write more. I love it.

Jessica Bell said...

Congrats to HUNTRESS for winning a copy of WHITE LADY! Alex, could you pass on her email to me so that I can send her a download link? Thanks!

Patricia Stoltey said...

Oh, wow, I'm more than a week behind in reading posts. Sorry, Alex. And thank you so much for posting the cover art for Tales in Firelight and Shadow. Now I must, must, must get caught up...