Monday, October 5, 2015

The Martian Review, RiffTrax Live, Salem’s Daughters, October Scary Stuff, Question of the Month, and Ninja News

So much good stuff today - The Martian review, Rifftrax Live - Miami Connection review and slide show... and we’re kicking off this week with a visit from my good blogger buddy, author Stephen Tremp!



Thanks Alex for hosting me as I kick off Salem’s Daughters Blog Tour! Your website is a launching pad and I greatly appreciate the momentum. The year is 1705 outside Boston. Thirty nine witches are flushed from their coven by a drunken mob and are running for their lives. Only thirteen (ages 13-17) survive by separating their souls and inhabiting six-month old cats in the first of their nine lives. The story then fast forwards to present day.

Now in their sixth life, they use their gifts for mischief and mayhem at a bed and breakfast named Murcat Manor. Salem’s Daughters is a supernatural thriller and will please a wide variety of audiences including paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense

Okay, time to meet the ladies:

Emily Livingston - leader and possesses each ability the other cats have, as long as they’re alive.
Rebecca - start fires. Short tempered.
Annie - speed things up and slow them down, like a person’s heart rate.
Chloe - levitate objects and opens things.
Amy - teleport herself instantly.
Helen - reverse things and locks and unlocks doors.
Angel - cause people to dream, influence their dreams, and prophecy about their future.
Scarlett - cast a bout of madness on a person.
Isabella - telepathy and illusion casting.
Rachel - astral travel: separate her soul from her body and travel outside it.
Jacqueline - freeze things or cause a body’s temperature to drop.
Esther - cause small explosions and heated bursts of energy.
Madelyn - genius, remembers everything and processes information faster than anyone.

Thanks again Alex for hosting me! You’re the bestest. My next stop is this Friday September 9th at Susan Swiderski’s blog, I Think Therefore I Yam.
And now the pertinent links for a full synopsis, downloads, and other fun stuff:
Amazon Kindle, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and blog

The Martian Movie Review

Directed by Ridley Scott – and the movie is so good, you can almost forgive the awful Prometheus.
Overall, this is great science fiction. Very plausible.
It moved a little slow, but the story is so enthralling that you’ll be riveted from beginning to end.
Matt Damon carries a lot of the film by himself. His character is smart, in control, and sometimes snarky. And in contrast with Gravity, you really like and care about him.
The supporting cast was incredible. Each one had their own, individual role and came across as so real and genuine.
The special effects were of course good. And they blended well – I didn’t even notice them.
What I really liked was the film’s hopeful message. People working together to solve a problem. That’s not something you see often in the age of cynicism.
Highly recommended!

RiffTrax Review

Another RiffTrax classic! Miami Connection was a cheap 80’s production with no continuity whatsoever. Easy fodder for the guys and it was hilarious. Some great lines:

Scene: Ninja in white walks into room of ninjas in black. Oh, we’re wearing black today? Thanks for telling me. You guys are dicks.

Scene: Gang members at night waiting for a fight. And waiting. And waiting… Like a bad 80’s video that won’t start.

And of course, many funny pre-show screens:







Ninja News

Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is open until November 1! The theme is Alternate History/Parallel Universe and any member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is encouraged to enter – blogging (must post for the IWSG at least once in September or October) or Facebook member (must join by today.) Winners will be published in a royalty-paying anthology next year.

Special re-release!
UPRISING (Children of the Gods #2) by Jessica Therrien
Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Kobo, and Goodreads


Jessica Therrien is also hosting the Read and Review Challenge and it kicked off last week! Runs until March 31, 2016, so pick some books, read and review, and be eligible to win cool stuff.


Battle of the Banned

Hosted by Shady Del Knight. Here are the results from last Monday.

The song was Holy Diver, originally done by Dio. Killswitch got my vote, although they didn’t need it:
Ronnie James Dio –15
Killswitch Engage – 18

Another battle next week!


Halloween and October Happenings

Looking for some creepy stories? Haunted places? Ghosts and more? Then check out these bloggers in October:

Steven Symes is posting the 31 Days of Halloween. Something paranormal every day.

Jeremy at Hollywood Nuts is sharing some old horror comic covers every day.

Yolanda at Defending the Pen is featuring a selection of authors for a Halloween interview and flash fiction challenge.

Every Friday, Stephanie Faris is posting a scary story about a real place.

JE Oneil is posting scary websites, scary stories, and scary movies every Tuesday.

And if you want chills year-round, JH Moncrieff is always posting about strange phenomena and places.

Question of the Month

Hosted by Michael at A Life Examined.

“Who would play you in a movie of your life?”

Ryan Reynolds? We both have two legs, two arms, and a head.

Actually, I’d have to play myself. There’s no one out there who could understand the crazy depths of my brain.

It’s also quite possible the film would be a cartoon...

Ready to meet Stephen Tremp’s ladies? Anyone else see The Martian this past weekend? Did you go to the RiffTrax show? Have you written your entry for the IWSG Anthology? Battle of the Banned results surprise you? Ready for some Halloween chills? And who would play you in a movie…?

See you Wednesday for the IWSG post!


133 comments:

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I guess being first is a consolation prize for being up at three in the morning.

Salem's Daughters sounds interesting. I'll go check it out.

I've heard good things about The Martian, but I don't know if I'll have a chance to see it. Maybe we can catch it when it comes out on DVD.

mail4rosey said...

lol on the cartoon. My movie too, would def. be a cartoon. That's okay, I like cartoons. :)

Have a great week, Alex! :)

Elephant's Child said...

I hear that rain was an issue for you this weekend. I hope everything is ok.
Salem's Daughters sound right up my very broad street.

The Angry Lurker said...

Looking forward to seeing The Martian, I believe Ben Foster would play me but he would have work hard!

Shadow said...

Is Salem's Daughters 'related' to the series 'Salem'?

Rhonda Albom said...

Congratulations to Stephen. Love the cover and it sounds interesting. Haven't seen the Martian yet, but encouraged by your review. I forget how popular Halloween is in the states. Here it's barely a kids holiday.

Cindy said...

I'm definitely going to see The Martian, but most likely when it comes out in DVD. It's inspiring to know that a once self-published book made it this far.

Belle Unruh said...

Question: I would want Wynonna Ryder to play me in a movie. She seems crazy enough, plus I think she's a great actress. I definitely will see The Martian, but at home.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Want to see The Martian... thank you for the solid review.
Congrats to Stephen on the new release, he is one cool cat.
So much going on, it's a wonder how we keep up... one word at a time.

Jeremy

ps. boo, scary... scary!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Salem's Daughter sounds very interesting. Congrats to Stephen!!!!

My son read The Martian and said he loved the book, but it was also somewhat slow and had a lot of technical stuff. Will be hoping to see this one.

I'm ready for the Halloween Chills!!!

Truedessa said...

Good Morning Alex,

Thanks for the review on The Martian I have been thinking of seeing the movie. I wonder how many people are working on short stories? I don't need Halloween for unusual happenings that is part of my life.

Salem's Daughters sounds like an interesting read full of hocus pocus...

Have a great week Alex!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats to Stephen on his new book. Glad you liked Martian. I may have to see that one. It sounds good.

Mason Canyon said...

Stephen, congratulations on Salem's Daughters. It sounds intriguing and fun.

Glad to hear The Martian turned out to be a good flick. It had looked promising. Lot of fun stuff going on to celebrate October.

Alex, so sorry to hear about all the flooding in your area. If you know of a link to a relief fund or such, please let me know and I'd be happy to post it on my sidebar. Hope things dry up soon.

kaykuala said...

Hank's grandees came to the house saying they just got back from seeing the Martian. He managed to come back to Earth they said. Was it true? The Halloween happenings should be interesting - 6 blogs to choose from for the month. How nice!

Hank

Stephen Tremp said...

Thanks Alex for helping kick off festivities! And no way am I letting Easy Lover in my head. That's on the Top Ten off all-time suckiest songs of all time.

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Stephen!

My son saw The Martian, I need to see what he thought of it. I'm sure he loved it. It sounds better than I thought it would be. I'm not one of those people impressed by Gravity.

I hope that Rifftrax flick gets to Netflix. I love them!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Excited for you, Stephen! Love the cover, too.

Glad to hear that The Martian is so good...I think I'm ready to hit the theaters again.

I love the reference to the Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modula-TOR. :)

Just Keepin It Real, Folks! said...

Awesome cover on Salem's Daughters and it sounds great. Glad to know The Martian is good. I always pull for Matt Damon to do well.

Joanne said...

congrats to Stephen. With all of those characters, it sounds action packed. I want to see the Martian once I'm back in TX. Your review is very enthusiastic. I want Kate Winslett to play me in a movie - yes, she's younger, yes she has a British accent, she's smart, and classy - she could pull off my life (hee hee). Have a great week

mshatch said...

I saw The Martian yesterday with my brother and it was good, but not great imo. The movie seems to have lost a lot of Mark Watney's wise-ass character that was in the book and toned him down into Matt Damon. There was a storm scene missing, too, but I'm guessing they couldn't include that due to time. Still, it was pretty fun and crazy to think that everything I saw could actually be real and happen.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sandra, why so early?

Rosey, nothing wrong with cartoons.

Elephant, rain and flooding.

Shadow, I don't think it is.

Belle, she is a bit crazy.

Cathrina, the movie is similar, but Scott makes it riveting.

Mason, as soon as they announce one, I'll let you know. My area is probably all right, but where I'm at now, farther south, is a mess.

Stephen, you're welcome, and yes it is!!

Elsie, much better than Gravity and different feel.

Elizabeth, that one made me chuckle.

Joanne, and she's sexy!

Marcy, they made everything seem so plausible.

Murees Dupè said...

Congratulations to Stephen, and the other writers with new releases. I definitely want to see the Martian. I would love Salma Hayak to play me, though we look nothing alike. I just adore her.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Congrats Stephen!

Debra Renée Byrd said...

A cartoon might best suit my life story. lol

Arlee Bird said...

An animated film about you sounds appropriate. Who is Ryan Reynolds?

Best wishes to Stephen Tremp on his book.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

River Fairchild said...

Congrats to Stephen! The book sounds spookylicious!
Love your new movie graphics, Alex, and the Miami Connection lines. I might have to watch that. :)

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I rarely see a movie on opening weekend so hopefully this week/weekend I'll go, but I'm so happy to hear The Martian was amazing! It sounds like all the great things in the book made it onto the screen.

Saw Cop Car starring Kevin Bacon on DVD - a dark drama with two awesome kid actors. And Kevin Bacon is always good.

Melissa said...

Cats with special powers? Sounds like a great read! Congratulations!

Your review doesn't surprise me. I liked The Martian from the minute I saw the trailer.

Mary Aalgaard said...

I'd like to bring my boys to The Martian. I'd love to see the cartoon/movie of you playing yourself. I'm sure it would ROCK!

stephen Hayes said...

I saw The Martian this weekend and really enjoyed it. I understand that many fans of the book didn't think the movie showed enough of the main character's brilliance at problem solving, but I still found this movie compelling and highly entertaining.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Well hello there Salem ladies. Congrats Stephen!

I really want to see The Martian.

Pat Hatt said...

haha I never thought of that, but yeah, mine would be way better as a cartoon too. Then a talking rhyming cat wouldn't seem so ridiculous. I'll see The Martian soon, sounds good indeed.

A Beer for the Shower said...

I'm quite excited to see The Martian. And I really want to see that Rifftrax. Awesome slides.

I assume if we did a movie it'd be a cartoon also, and we'd probably be played by Rocky and Bullwinkle. No word yet on who would be whom.

Tonja Drecker said...

Salem's Daugthers sounds interesting--another one for my TBR list. I've been hearing only good things about The Martian, so maybe I'll have to actually visit the theater again. And Halloween chills...lol! I'm about to heat up my fireplace because of chills, but I'm betting that's not what you mean (bad joke, sorry, it is Monday morning ;))

Stephanie Faris said...

Yay! Thank you for mentioning me. I'm going to have to check the others out. I read on another blog that your area is getting rain and I rushed over to check on you. Is all okay at your place? My house flooded in 2010, so I always worry about people when the word "flood" starts being tossed around!

Unknown said...

hahaha the spoiler about the tightrope walking movie had me cracking up. every time I see a preview for that one I'm like "really?" and Salem's daughters sounds fantastic!

Heather M. Gardner said...

I'm exhausted just reading your post!

HI ALEX!!

Good luck to you Stephen! I can't wait to read your book!

I'm so glad to hear that you like The Martian, Alex! I've only heard good things about it. Well, except for the guy who posted that we spend too much time and too many tax dollars trying to save Matt Damon. (Saving Private Ryan/Interstellar/The Martian). I think he was joking. :)

I love October and all this scary stuff! Keep it coming!

See you on Wednesday!

Heather

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex! Congratulations on pulling off a very close Battle of the Banned. Dio rules but I also enjoyed the K-E version of "Holy Diver."

Tamara Narayan said...

I've also heard good things about The Martian. I kind of want to read the book before I see the movie. I'll have to check out the blogs doing special things for October. Sounds cool.

Ted Cross said...

I can't see The Martian here in Baku, but I so want to see it!

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I WENT TO SEE THE MARTIAN ON OPENING WEEKEND! That almost never happens! But I MADE it happen even though my husband didn't get back from his business travel until 1am on Friday, I had an all day book festival on Saturday, and at least one of the teenage girls was grumpy about me making her go with us on Sunday.

But all four of us listened to The Martian on Audible when we drove to Vermont for a ski trip earlier this year (and back). By gum, we were ALL going to see that movie. Even Grumpus enjoyed it, although she wouldn't admit so out loud.

I loved it for all the reasons you said, Alex, and most of all because of its positive message of people all over the world working together to save one man.

Huntress said...

I am one of the very few who didn't like the book. *ducking*
But maybe it translated better to the big screen. The Princess Bride is one of the best examples of that.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Deborah, we'll both do cartoons!

Lee, Google him.

River, it was hilarious!

Stephen, any more, and it would've been bogged down in scientific details.

Pat, it would suit you and the Cat perfectly.

Brandon and Bryon - classic!

Stephanie, I'm assuming my house is all right. Unfortunately, I'm not there. I'm further south, in the flood zone.

Heather, did someone remind that guy it was only a movie?

Holy Ghost Writer said...

That is so true about the FF4. The Martian was a great film.

Shell Flower said...

Salem's Daughters sounds amazing. I love the idea of the witches living as cats. I've been to Salem, too! Riff Trax is so funny. Easy Lover, ugh.

Susan said...

There's a whole lot going on here! I'll have to make a point to see the Martian. My son learned to play a portion of Holy Diver on the electric guitar.
Happy Monday!

Bish Denham said...

Saw The Martian this week-end, first time hubby and I have been to the movies in a looooong time. We both really enjoyed it. There were a few things that didn't make sense to me, but it was easy to let those things slide because the humor was so wonderful. I liked that the story was about surviving, living, doing and NOT about the relationships of the crew members deteriorating. They all genuinely liked each other and continued to like each other throughout the whole film. THAT was very refreshing.

Jo said...

Glad you enjoyed The Martian, sounds like a movie I would enjoy. Saw a comment the other day about how much money had been spent rescuing Matt Damon from Private Ryan onwards..

I have, over my life, been compared to two actresses one of whom is no longer with us, Susan Hayward and Maggie Smith. So, maybe Maggie Smith should play Grandma Dragon

Charles Gramlich said...

been hearing nothing but good stuff about The Martian. Looking forward to seeing it.

Rachna Chhabria said...

I was waiting to read The Martian review on your blog. I wanted to know what you thought of it. Will watch it as soon as I recover from my viral. Congrats to Stephen: Salem's Daughters sounds interesting. Will check it out.

Tyrean said...

Congrats to Stephen and Jessica!
I keep meaning to finish that story for the IWSG anthology, but it's just not there yet.
Who would play me in a movie? Um . . . not sure that I trust anyone to get my oddness just right. :)
See you Wed for IWSG!

Michael Abayomi said...

And here I thought there was nothing to look forward to at the cinemas until Star Wars comes out this December. So glad The Martian has been getting nothing but rave reviews and recommendations. I also love the fact that the movie is based on a book that was originally self-published on Amazon, which kinda gives the rest of us self-publishing our stories on Amazon a renewed sense of hope. I'll probably be going to see the movie for that reason alone! :D

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm happy for Stephen. He's a good one. Congratulations, Mr. Tremp.
Have a great week, Alex.

Carrie-Anne said...

I love when blogs do a Halloween-inspired theme for the month of October. I have to get working at writing all the rest of my own October posts, about classic silent horror films. It'll be fun to see what those other bloggers put out during October.

Anonymous said...

Stephen is all over with his book. Congrats!

I have no idea who'd play me. I suck at those kinds of things.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I actually didn't get to see the Martian this weekend as I'd intended. Your review just makes me want to see it even more. I think I'm going tonight.

ediFanoB said...

The Martian hits the cinemas in Germany on upcoming Thursday.

My wife ad I will see the film next Monday.

Anyway don't miss to read the book.

Unknown said...

I'm surprised at the outcome of the Battle. I expected people just to vote Dio just by reflex. I voted for Killswitch Engage and am surprised so many people felt the same way.

I would want Judi Dench to play me. However, she wouldn't want to do it as it would likely end her career on a very low note.

Hey, I'll be gone from blogger for the next two to three weeks as I'm very busy. See you when I get back and have a Happy October!

nashvillecats2 said...

Good luck to Stephen and all authors who have books about to be released.
Talking of Halloween must get out to buy my broomstick, how time flies.
Yvonne.

Suzanne Furness said...

Still haven't managed to see Martian but I hope to. Congrats to Stephen and the other new releases.

ELAdams said...

I can't wait to watch The Martian. I really enjoyed the book, and I'm hearing nothing but good things!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - sounds like everyone is enjoying the Martian, which is a good ad. Stephen's tour looks to be well on its way here - 13 characters ... and then so many cats too ... people love animals ... so should be a good read.

Cheers to one and all - and I hope the floods have steered away from you in the States, France and Asia ... Hilary

Birgit said...

Congrats to Stephen Tremp on his new book. I love the characters and their unique abilities. I want to see The Martian which looks a whole lot better than Gravity(Pew). I will check out some of the spooky blogs as I love that even if I scare easily. I have no idea who would play me in a movie but I like the cartoon character idea

Catherine Stine said...

Thanks for the review on The Martian. Glad you liked it!

SpacerGuy said...

I'm keen to find out how the Martian does on the red planet. I plan visiting soon. I've got my space rocket all kitted out. Now if only I could figure out which of the cockpit switches fires up the engines... I think I'm all good for lift off.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I hear Brad Pitt wants to play me in the movie of my life -- he wants to play in a comedy! I really want to see THE MARTIAN but life seems to have other things for me to do. Sigh. I wish Stephen Tremp the best with his newest book!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I do want to see the movie. The book was really good. I'm not a fan of anything Halloween or scary movies but I am enjoying fall so far.

SK Anthony said...

LOL A cartoon! I see Mini Alex playing you though ;)

The Martian looks great, I can't wait to see it.

Congrats to Jessica. And Have fun with the tour, Stephen!

Fundy Blue said...

This was a great jam-packed post, Alex! Congrats to Stephen Tremp on his new book. It sounds really good! I haven't seen the Martian yet, but I can't wait. For me Gravity was all about the scenery and less about the characters who were pretty flat. My mind is absolutely blank on who I'd want to play me in a movie. I'll have to think about that! Have a great week!

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats to Stephen! I enjoyed learning more about the characters in Salem's Daughters. I'm glad to hear The Martian is really good. I'd like to see it.

Fundy Blue said...

I forgot to say, Alex, that I'm glad that you were out of the flood zone! I was thinking about you as I heard the scary news!

Chrys Fey said...

Cast a bout of madness on a person? Yikes! I love that they all have different powers. Congrats, Stephen!

Alex, I think you're right that only you could play you. :)

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

Awesome book, Stephen! I would love to read it!
Thanks for the review of The Martian, Alex. It is the movie I most want to see, right now. I have never seen a Ridley Scott film I didn't like, and Matt Damon is one of my favorite actors.
Very funny spoiler alert for The Martian!
Thanks,

jean :)

Sarah Foster said...

I've been thinking about seeing The Martian so I'm glad you liked it! I actually live above a movie theater that's playing it so all the more reason to go. I just have to walk down the stairs!

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Congratulations on your new book, Stephen. What an interesting cast of characters. I haven't watched anything lately except baseball games.
Have a great week.

Jemi Fraser said...

Looking forward to Stephen's latest book!
Still working on talking my hubby into seeing the Martian - cross your fingers for me :)

Jemi Fraser said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susam, very cool!

Bish, exactly!

Tyrean, definitely need to finish the story.

Michale, go!

Anne, we'll miss you!

Roland, funny!

SK, he'd do a better job.

Fundy, The Martian is just the opposite. And I was in the flood zone yesterday.

Thanks, Chrys.



Susan Kane said...

We absolutely loved The Martian. My husband had read the book (big book), and we listened to the audio book on a long trip.
Matt Damon is excellent, as are the entire cast.
Spend the $, enjoy.

Andrew Leon said...

I'm trying to make time to see The Martian. I don't know if it will happen, though.

cleemckenzie said...

I'll have to Matt D's film I really like him on the screen even if the movie's not great.

Congrats again to Stephen. He' doing a great prom job on his release.

I'm mentioning the anthology, but I'm sitting this one out. I'll applaud from the sidelines.

Ann Bennett said...

So many comments,oh my.

Stopped by to get with the sci-fi and fantasy crowd. I purchased Salem's Daughter. Looks like a good read.

Patsy said...

Some interesting talents Salem's daughters have.

J E Oneil said...

I really wanted to see The Martian, but Matt Damon's attitude lately is making me want to avoid it. And I don't know what you're talking about with Gravity. I loved Sandra Bullock's character.

L.G. Keltner said...

Congratulations Stephen! And I definitely want to see The Martian. I'm hoping I get the chance soon.

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to Salem's Daughters. I've seen a bunch about it and it sounds cool! Right up my alley haha

Still having trouble working out my entry for the IWSG anthology, so here's hoping it gets done!

Carol Kilgore said...

Haven't seen The Martian, but I heard it's really great. Congrats to Stephen on his new book. Sending mega wishes for its success.

Yolanda Renée said...

Great review of the Martian, have been reading nothing but positive in regards to it. A must see.
Almost finished with my submission for the IWSG. So exciting!

dolorah said...

True, there is nobody out there quite like you Alex :)

I'm hoping to get to see The Martian in the theater.

Congrats to Steve on his new book. Love the cover, and their talents.

See ya Wednesday.

klahanie said...

Hey Alex and your illustrious guest, Stephen,

Stephen, all the best with your blog tour. Salem's Daughters, eh. Mischief and mayhem at a bed and breakfast. Could be follow up to Fawlty Towers :)

I heading for Mars with my son.

Thanks for the links galore, Alex. Yep, your blog is a a must read magazine. That would be when I actually have the energy to get here.

Nice one and I'm outta' here...

Gary

Steven said...

Thanks for the mention, Alex. Salem's Daughters sounds interesting and The Martian looks good, so I'll likely check out both.

Toi Thomas said...

I'm with you, I totally like my life story could be a cartoon.
So glad to hear you like The Martian. I want to see it.
I like the premise of Salem's Daughters; may have to check that out.

Kelly Polark said...

Congrats to Stephen! I imagine Salem's Daughter's could raise some havoc!

Who would play me? I've been told I look like such a weird variety of actresses. Mostly Geena Davis and Angelina Jolie (I lean toward Geena- I'm sure Angelina only because of my lips!) So one of them!

Leslie S. Rose said...

Salem's Daughters sound like my old ballet troupe. Don't let the tulle fool you! I'm so glad The Martian is good. Seeing it tomorrow for sure.

Karen Lange said...

It's nice to see Stephen here! Thanks to both of you for sharing. Have a great week!

Liz A. said...

Stephen Tremp's book sounds right up my alley. I've heard nothing but good things about The Martian, but since I doubt I'll get out to the movies (yikes, I haven't been to a movie theater in over a year!), I'll wait for it to come on TV.

Cherdo said...

New books! Yay, they sound wonderful.

Every time I see "Salem" in a title, I'm drawn to it because I'm a direct decendent of Rebecca Nurse (hung as a witch at Salem). Our family tree had rope.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Phew! I was worried the Martian was going to be all hype and no substance. Yay!!

Elizabeth said...

I could tell by the preview that The Martian would probably have a little more depth to it, I might go see it sometime. I love your Question of the Month answer, I think I would have to agree that the person who would understand and play me the best would be myself :)

Helena said...

Salem's Daughters sounds really intriguing, especially with that large cast of characters with specific gifts (or curses?).

I'm so looking forward to The Martian; that and Bridge of Spies sounds like good grown-up, thinking person's entertainment, and after a summer of fluff that I enjoyed, I need to get my brain working again.

Kathryn Thornton said...

Love the Riff Trax jokes. Stephen is doing a great job promoting I have been seeing his book since April.

Sounds like you had a great week.

Michelle Wallace said...

Stephen Tremp's ladies sound like a hectic bunch... never a dull moment!

Cathy Keaton said...

I really want to read The Martian. It looks really good. Glad the movie is good, too, as Interstellar was so warped for me.

Unknown said...

I heard reports ages ago the Damon was picked to play Martian Manhunter in a DC film. I guess this was what they were talking about :P

I like the idea that your film would be a cartoon. Maybe I could make mine stop-motion...

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Stephen, I'm sure those 13 girls cause a lot of trouble.

I love the first Rifftrax quote.

J.L. Campbell said...

Here's hoping Stephen's tour is going well. That read and review challenge reminds me of how much I'm not reading. :(

Robyn Campbell said...

Alex, did you have the rain that we had in Black Mountain? I'm not complaining. But the poor folks in SC. WOW. We have some flooding. I love that review on The Martian.

Stephen, congratulation on Salem's Daughters. What a title. Cannot wait to read it. Best wishes on the tour.

I bet those gals know how to push readers buttons. :-)

I saw the IWSG post earlier. Verbs. We need 'em. :-)

YaY Yolanda.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, thanks for promoting it though.

JE, I thought it was good. Think this one was better.

Madilyn, I hope it does!

Yolanda, excellent!

Gary! Always good to hear from you good sir.

Steven, you're welcome.

Kelly, I'd say Geena as well.

Cherdo, wow!

Michael, stop motion would be funny.

msmariah said...

I really loved the Martian. It was wonderful. I actually had no idea Scott directed it. I think I knew that, but had blocked it out! That question of the month is really hard! I have to think on that.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I'd love for Julia Roberts to play me. She's a little older, but I love her smile and she looks great with red hair. :)

Thanks for the shoutout, Alex! Very kind and unexpected--I love surprises like that.

I've finally got an idea for the anthology, but I'm not sure I can pull it off in time. If only it was shorter...

Sherry Ellis said...

My husband and son saw Martian and really liked it. The ladies in Salem's Daughters have some seriously cool powers!

I've written almost all of my story for the IWSG Anthology. Trouble is, I'm way over the word count, so I have to do some serious trimming!

H.R. Bennett said...

Who would play me in a movie? Huh...I'm not sure. Bald and Bearded Hugh Jackman would probably fit. Not sure past that.

Karen Peterson said...

The Martian was so well done. I really liked it. I heard the other day that the author of the book researched things so meticulously that the only thing that wasn't totally scientifically sound was the storm that caused Watney to be left behind. Apparently, because of the atmosphere on Mars, that storm would have been the equivalent of a light breeze. But whatever, it was necessary and awesome.

Julie Dao said...

Salem's Daughters sounds great! I'm looking for more spooky reads in honor of Halloween, so I'll have to add it to my list. And I keep hearing about The Martian and how awesome it is!

Liza said...

Good timing for Stephen's release. Salem is a crazy place around Halloween.

Blue Grumpster said...

Forgive the awful Prometheus? NEVER!

Jennifer Lane said...

Ryan Reynolds? You must work out a lot. ;-)

Great review of The Martian--makes me want to see it even more!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

The ladies sound like a fun bunch. I've often wondered what it would be like to be one of my cats. Life would be good! And to teleport... that would be nice.

Intangible Hearts said...

Thanks for The Martian review. I'm glad you recommend it. It's hard finding a good one these days. Last movie I saw was Ricky and the Flash--actually I liked it but I'm pretty sure it had a narrow age group target market and I happened to fall into it like a trap. Smart marketing.

Janie Junebug said...

Playing yourself sounds fun. May I have a part in the movie, please?

Love,
Janie

Sandra Cox said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sandra Cox said...

Salem's Daughters looks like a perfect October read.
Wishing you much success.

Hi, Alex.

Ava Quinn said...

I can't wait to see The Martian.

Stephen-The ladies sound like a bunch of fun!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats to Stephen and the other authors! Great review of The Martian, Alex! I'll have to add it to my movie list.

Julie

Leovi said...

again welcome Ridley Scott

Laura Clipson said...

Totally going to check out those blogs later, this is why I love October! Salem's Daughter's sounds really interesting :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

We saw The Martian last night. Loved it. There was that one scene with the LotR reference with Sean Bean in the room. It was hilarious.

Anonymous said...

Salem's Daughter and The Martian both sound good. I'll have to check those out. Love the Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator reference.
I have no idea who would play me in a movie, but I like the idea of a cartoon...

Jeffrey Scott said...

I do want to see the Martian. But you know me and films.
Loved the Marvin the Martian reference in the pre-show screens.
They are always funny.

Sandra Cox said...

Interesting about the images and tweets. Thanks for sharing.
I tweeted.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to see The Martian. I've been seeing Stephen's book everywhere. It looks like a great read.

Christine Rains said...

Congrats to Stephen! I want to see The Martian. I did see Hotel Transylvania 2 at the theatre. It was entertaining, but not spectacular. I'm excited for Halloween! As for who would play me, I'd love for Kate Winslet to do so.

XmasDolly said...

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