Monday, September 19, 2016

Writing About Morocco, The Wave Movie Review, Movie News, and Ninja News

Mason Canyon at Thoughts in Progress posted the most awesome review of my audio books – CassaStar and CassaFire!

Today I welcome Sean McLachlan. His book participated in the Kindle Scout campaign and was selected for publication by Kindle Press! The Last Hotel Room comes out on Tuesday, September 20.

Writing in (and about) Morocco by Sean McLachlan

Hello!
Alex asked me to stop by and chat about my career in the Middle East. I’ve been going to that region for 26 years, first as an archaeologist and later as a writer. One of my regular haunts is Tangier, Morocco.
That’s the scene for my latest novel, The Last Hotel Room, in which a suicidal, bankrupt American robs junkies in order to support a Syrian refugee boy.
No, I’m not writing what I know. Well, maybe a bit. While I’m not bankrupt, or suicidal (despite my editor’s worries), I have actually spent a fair amount of time interviewing Syrian refugees. One article, Video Games with a Refugee, written on assignment in Iraq, won the Society of American Travel Writers Award and inspired the novel.
My main concern was getting the setting right, communicating the atmosphere of Tangier, a busy port with a mix of Arabs, Berbers, West Africans, and Europeans. People have visions of the Middle East as a danger zone filled with terrorists, and since my “hero” Tom Miller lives with the lowlifes I had to make sure to show the more respectable majority too.
I found myself using my travel writing background a lot while writing this novel. When Tom watches the passersby in the medina or stands with hopeful immigrants staring across the Strait of Gibraltar towards Spain, that’s me looking. Even the scene where Tom gets rid of a pesky junky with the unwilling help of a machinegun-toting cop is taken from life, although perhaps it would have been better if it hadn’t been!
Some other scenes, like the heroin scenes, are made up. That’s just fine by me.
And at least my house in Tangier doesn’t have a squat toilet like Tom’s hotel room!

The Last Hotel Room – available September 20!

He came to Tangier to die, but life isn’t done with him yet.
Tom Miller has lost his job, his wife, and his dreams. Broke and alone, he ends up in a flophouse in Morocco, ready to end it all. But soon he finds himself tangled in a web of danger and duty as he’s pulled into scamming tourists for a crooked cop while trying to help a Syrian refugee boy survive life on the streets. Can a lifelong loser do something good for a change?
A portion of my royalties will go to a charity for Syrian refugees.

To find out more about Sean McLachlan’s work and travels, visit him at his Amazon page or his blog, and feel free to friend him on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook. You might also enjoy his newsletter, Sean’s Travels and Tales, which comes out every one or two months. Each issue features a short story, a travel article, a coupon for a free or discounted book, and updates on future projects.

Movie Review

The Wave
This Norwegian film proves that formula disaster films are universal. However, it’s very well done, so if you like formula disaster films that aren’t cheesy, you’ll really enjoy this entry in the genre.
From the IMDB: Based on the fact that mountain pass Åkneset, located in the Geiranger fjord in Norway, one day will fall out and create a violent tsunami of over 80 meters that will crush everything in its path before it hits land in Greenland.
A geologist and his family are about to leave a small Norway town for a job in the big city when the geologist realizes what’s about to happen.
The film has solid acting from all involved. They bring realism to the film.
The story focuses more on the lead up to the disaster and the aftermath than the actual disaster, but the giant wave and the destruction it leaves behind are impressive and haunting.
It does have subtitles but that is always better than dubbing!
Norway puts out some fine films and this one is no exception. If you like natural disaster films in the style of Dante’s Peak, you’ll enjoy this one. Recommended.

Movie News

The next RiffTrax: Live show is Carnival of Souls on October 27!
Perfect crappy film to riff for Halloween.
If you live in the Nashville area, you can go see it live – if not, check their site for a theater broadcasting it near you.


The best part of Suicide Squad was the over-the-top, batcrap crazy Harley Quinn. And soon, she’ll have her own movie.
Margot Robbie will reprise her role as Quinn, who will be one of many DC heroines and villains in the film. The film is currently in the works.

A special version of Mad Max: Fury Road is being released – the Blood and Chrome Edition. This version is in black and white and will be available in two different DVD sets on December 6. See Blastr for details.


DVD Releases:
September 13 – Captain America: Civil War
September 20 – Star Trek: Beyond
September 27 – Central Intelligence
October 4 – X-Men: Apocalypse
November 15 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens


Ninja News

Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is now open – fantasy/hero lost is the genre/theme. See the site for full details.

New release!
Love Thyself by Pat Hatt
Pat stars in his own story – and he’s destined to save Earth’s brain.
Find it on Amazon



Ever been to Morocco? Want to help Syrian refugees? Seen The Wave? Going to the next RiffTrax: Live show? Picking up some DVDs? And are you working on your IWSG Anthology Contest story?

119 comments:

Sean McLachlan said...

Thanks for having me, Alex!

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations Sean on your release tomorrow. The Last Hotel Room sounds intriguing and a bit inspiring that your protagonist attempts to help the boy. Wishing you much success.

Congrats to Pat on the new release too. The Wave looks like it will be intense especially is it's anything like Dante's Peak.

Thoughts in Progress
and MC Book Tours

Truedessa said...

The Last Hotel Room has an interesting plot. It reminds me that sometimes people and places come into our lives for a reason.

I have seen Pat's release and have it on my to read list. I think it might be a wild ride.

What, no music in the ninja news?

Have a stellar week Alex!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Sean's book sounds intriguing!!!! So glad he doesn't have to use a squat toilet...

My latest DVD by was Jungle Book! And it's actually a good one. My 2 year old grandson watches it every day, and its starting to lose its appeal...

Just finished my 1st draft of my wip, and last night thought about writing a story for the anthology contest.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats on your book release, Sean! My son has been interested in archaeology for a long time. I'm sure he'd love to hear more about your work.

Just Keepin It Real, Folks! said...

What an amazing life experience to live and work in the Middle East. The Last Hotel Room sounds really interesting. Look how cute Pat looks on his book cover!

Donna K. Weaver said...

We loved Dante's Peak. Much better than Volcano that came out at the same time.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats to Sean on his new book. Can you believe I haven't seen Mad Max. My boyfriend really likes it so hopefully I'll see it with him one of these days.

The Cynical Sailor said...

Congrats to Sean on his book and being selected as part of the Kindle Scout campaign and to Pat for the release of his new book! Alex - I'm with you when it comes to subtitles being far better than dubbing. It might take more effort to read them, but I like hearing the actors' original voices.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Fascinating sounding story, Sean! No surprises it was picked up.

A Norwegian disaster film?? I'm really surprised...I guess because most of our Norwegian imports seem to be dark crime stories.

Rhonda Albom said...

I am a bit excited about Sean's new book, as it is set in one of my favourite countries. We loved Morocco and I can't wait to get back there again. (No current plans). We haven't been to Tangier yet. I have no interest in The Wave, but I am sure my girls will be picking up Captain America, Star Trek, and Star Wars.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sean, you're welcome!

Mason, it's very similar but well done.

Truedessa, maybe next week.

Catherine, you should write a story for the anthology.

Donna, much better!

Natalie, you need to watch Fury Road. Best film of last year.

Ellen, you lose the inflections with dubbing.

mshatch said...

I heard The Wave was good. Definitely something my brother would love (he adores a good disaster movie). Congrats to Sean and I agree: subtitles are waaay better than dubbing.

Crystal Collier said...

My son wants to go to Morocco. The idea scares me silly, but if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I LOVE traveling through books--since it's so much cheaper than plane tickets and hotels.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

It would be nice to read what the Middle East is really like. Despite the terrorism, life still goes on.

Arlee Bird said...

I'd read about The Wave and it did sound pretty intriguing. I'll have to watch for it since I'm into those kinds of films.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Christine Rains said...

Congrats to Sean! What fantastic experiences. I'll have to check out that Wave movie, Alex. Disaster movies do get cheesy, but I'm excited for it. There's a Russian superhero movie called Guardians coming out, too, I really want to see. Such a different kind of film than we get here.

Bish Denham said...

Ooo, I like the premise of The Last Hotel. Reading about far-away places from someone who's been there always gives a story a stronger sense of reality. And helping a refugee boy... it could be a beautiful thing. Congratulations, Sean!

Tonja Drecker said...

When I lived in Germany, Morocco was the place to go (mostly for the extreme wild parties). But we never made it, although there is a lovely side to Morocco too. The Last Hotel sounds interesting. AS to the anthology contest, I'm a busy beaver!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

The Wave sounds interesting! I've got a few scary ones on my To Watch list - The Shallows, Don't Breathe. Finally saw The Conjuring 2 and totally loved it - so scary! Scarier than the first one, I think.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Morocco is one of those places I would love to visit but probably will have to settle for vicarious experiences through books and movies. I'm quite the armchair traveler, though.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Sean, it's great you were able to pull from personal experiences to get the feel of Morocco just right. that will make the book more exciting--that authenticity.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Congratulations on your book release, Sean!

Looking forward to Star Trek on DVD since we never managed to see it in the theaters for some reason. (Oh, yeah. Being crazy busy.)

Charles Gramlich said...

A black and white version of Fury Road? I find myself wondering why?

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - Sean's book I'm sure is an authentic tale - and Tangiers is somewhere I've always wanted to visit (as too Morocco) - one day perhaps.

The Wave sounds a great film ... I expect I'll clock in when it gets to the sunny south coast here ... I really don't like that sort of movie - ah well I do enjoy geology! Cheers Hilary

Juneta key said...

Congrats Sean. I missed Star Trek in theater but waiting for the release so can watch on my TV. You didn't mention Bridget Jone's Baby but that was the best of the 3 movies yet. I laughed my butt off through the whole thing unless I missed your post with it in it, lol. I highly recommended for a fun and laughter.

Unknown said...

A lot going on this Monday!! Looks like I have a new book to read. :)

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Happy Monday... great stuff as always, I am not sure I need another version of FURY ROAD, will check it out. TREK: BEYOND was a great film and cannot wait for the release.

Jeremy

Nilanjana Bose said...

The Last Hotel Room sounds like a fascinating read! Any book that shows the regular side of ME has my wholehearted vote. Congrats to Sean and look forward to the release.

Also to the ISWG antho - this one is going be as gorgeous as last year's Felix..

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Congratulations, Sean. Love the cover.

Karen Lange said...

Nice to see Sean here. Wishing him well with his writing. Thanks for hosting, Alex! Have a great week!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Movies move to DVD so quickly now. My daughter has been to Morocco twice now and helping Syrian refugees is what she wants to do. I'm sure she'll like Sean's book.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, it's a good one.

Christine, I saw an ad for Guardians! The Wave is no where near that cheesy.

Tonja, hope that means you're writing.

Dianne, it's a fun film.

Charles, no idea, but why not?

Juneta, glad you enjoyed it.

Jeremy, it's coming out soon!

Nila, hope so!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Sean, highest of sales for your book tomorrow! Best of luck to all those who submit to the IWSG Anthology Contest, too. How are your audio sales doing? Great I hope.

Stacy McKitrick said...

I love disaster flicks and will have to check out The Wave. I also see me buying some DVDs this month--Star Trek is already out? Gosh, where has the summer gone!!

Pat Hatt said...

Congrats to Sean. The Wave sounds interesting. I rarely buy dvds anymore, they mostly become dust magnets. Thanks for the shout too.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Blood and Chrome edition, eh? Despite my love for Mad Max: Fury Road I don't think I have any interest in seeing it in Black and White. It's interesting that you've made a writer friend in Morocco. My parents went there and they described it as being very poor. He recalls a street vendor who was selling sandals made from old tires. It was a detail that dad never forgot.

A Beer for the Shower said...

I don't think I've ever seen a Norwegian film. I think, though, that I'd much rather see that than re-watch Mad Max in black and white. That just seems like kind of a hipster thing. "You know what would make this gorgeous movie even better? Strip out all the color! Let's watch it on my VHS machine so it looks even worse!"

Tamara Narayan said...

I did see The Wave on Netflix and I loved it. It did remind me of other disaster films, but that's okay and the acting was great. The subtitles didn't bother me one bit, but then again, I read all the time. In fact, I should watch everything in subtitles so the noise of the TV won't wake up my kids (I can only watch after they go to bed).

Yes, I am working on a short story submission for the anthology contest, but it wants to bloat into 10K or more. At least I have time to reel it in. Chop off unnecessary limbs. Suck out the fat. Hmm. Maybe it's time to take a break from watching The Walking Dead.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Go Pat! Love Thyself! I love thy title.
Morocco sounds fascinating - great setting for an intriguing story.
Stay well, Alex.

cleemckenzie said...

Morrocco has always held such allure for me. Must have been Casa Blanca that did it.

Good luck to everyone who enters the IWSG Anthology Contest. Should be an interesting collection of stories.

Hi to Pat and congrats on Love Thyself.

Liz A. said...

The Harley Quinn news surprises me. She may have been the popular character, but wasn't the film generally reviled? Ah, Hollywood...

Chemist Ken said...

Saw Suicide Squad again this weekend. Made more sense the second time.

Harley's getting her own movie. The Joker won't be happy that she's getting all the air time.

Birgit said...

I have never been to Morocco but it is always romanticized in films. The book sounds quite cool and a good thriller/suspense. I wan to see The Wave as i heard good things about the movie. Carnival of Souls is a really good B movie gem. I think you will like it. I heard Quinn was good but the movie itself was blecchhh

Carrie-Anne said...

I'd love to visit Morocco! It's got such a rich, diverse culture, with so many beautiful landmarks and such colorful scenery. Congratulations to Sean!

Andrew Leon said...

I've never been to Morocco, but I did spend some time learning to make Moroccan food earlier this year.

Suzanne Furness said...

I was on a short cruise a few years ago, mainly around the Spanish coast, but did stop off in Tangier for a few hours. Such a vibrant place and unlike anywhere else I have visited. I like the sound of The Wave, I might have to check that out.

Stephanie Faris said...

Sean sounds like he's led quite an interesting life! Good luck to everyone entering the anthology contest. I can't wait to read it!

Sandra Cox said...

Happy Monday, Alex.

Wow. Sean's resume is fascinating. And the book sounds awesome!

Sean McLachlan said...

Crystal: Don’t worry, Morocco is mostly safe. You just have to watch yourself, like in L.A.

Joylene: Thanks for you kudos on the cover. My brother-in-law Andrés Alonso-Herrero made it.

Michael: Sandals made from old tires were quite popular in Africa for many years. They were very durable and (I hear) comfortable. The popularity of radial tires killed that industry, though. No one wants to walk on steel wires.

Fury Road in black and white? Huh?

Misha Gerrick said...

Wow congrats on winning the deal, Sean!

I've always wanted to go to Morocco. It's on my bucket list. :-)

Elephant's Child said...

Congratulations Sean. Bookie lust definitely incited.
Squat toilets? Shudder. India had some of the ugliest I have experienced.

J E Oneil said...

I like any movie that isn't cheesy, so I'll keep an eye out for this one. Always glad for some recommendations!

Lynda Dietz said...

Sean McLachlan's book sounds terrific! I may have to check that out when time permits. I'm also a sucker for disaster films, and am glad to hear this one's not cheesy.

Cherie Reich said...

The Wave looks good. Thanks for the review!

Congrats, Sean, on your book!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

No to the squat toilet. Nope. Didn't even know about it before and now that I do...NO. The Last Hotel Room sounds like a crazy ride of a book. Guess I'm going to have to do some hotel interrogation toilet questions before I go to certain countries. Yes, still on that squat toilet. No, no, no. Dante's Peak is one of the best disaster films ever.

Cindy said...

Wow, Sean McLachlan's book sounds great. I can see why it was selected. Congrats to Sean!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Roland, I have no idea!

Michael, unique memory.

Brandon and Bryan, funny! And have you ever seen Troll Hunter or Rare Imports? Both great Norwegian films.

Tamara, I hope you can pare it down!

Liz, it made a boatload of cash. That's all that matters.

Ken, I'm looking forward to seeing it again. And funny!

Birgit, I liked Suicide Squad.

Sean, I don't blame them for not walking on steel wires.

JE and Lynda, not cheesy at all. Very realistic. Well, mostly.

stephen Hayes said...

The Last Hotel Room sounds like an engaging story and I wish the author well with it.

Jenni said...

Enjoyed Sean's guest post. I think some of the best books are the ones based on personal experience in some way. I'm also finally figuring out that that's how I write best as well.
Congrats to Sean and Pat as well!

Dean K Miller said...

Would love to go to Morocco!
Did you see the new Star Trek forever stamps? I did today...pretty cool.

Jo said...

Interesting background to an interesting story. I have always wanted to visit that part of the world. Unlikely to happen now, sadly.

The Norwegian film sounds good too but I do hate subtitles. So busy trying to read them I miss half the action.

Sorry to be so late commenting.

Toi Thomas said...

Never been to Morocco, but am interested.
Not seen the Wave. Have to be in a certain mood for a disaster film.
While I am writing a lot right now, not sure any of it will make it into the anthology submissions.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

A lot of exciting things are happening. Congratulations to Sean. Morocco sounds fascinating.
Congratulations, Pat, on Love Thyself. How many does this one make?
I liked Mad Max.
Have a great week.

Joanne said...

congrats to the author. I like books where it's obvious the author has first hand travel experience - the descriptions are just richer. I always thought Morocco sounded exotic (back from James Michener days), but nowadays, I might not be as brave about traveling there.
In regards to DVD releases, not many I need to see again this year. I'm happy fall movies have slowly begun in the theaters - enjoyed a good chuckle at Bridget Jones's Baby (saw it with a friend, Ray was absolved)
Have a super week, Alex

Helena said...

I am so impressed with Sean's real-life knowledge behind his story. I hope his sales go through the roof, and of course I'll be buying his Kindle book.

Android Training said...

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mail4rosey said...

You're jam-packed with great information over here today. Glad I stopped by!! Hoot Hoot to Pat for a new release!! We have a couple of his books. :)

Anonymous said...

Sean's book looking interesting and I'd like to see The Wave.

dolorah said...

I write about what I know too; abuse and social services. Doesn't mean I'm a victim either. But I've witnessed a lot, studies a lot . . .

The book sounds awesomely intriguing.

Yep, got the first 100 words written for the anthology. I'm so proud of myself, lol.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Wow, Sean's book is right up my alley. I love travel memoirs--that's awesome that it got picked for Kindle Scout--that was a tough competition. I know plenty of good writers who didn't make it, so congrats to Sean! Looking forward to reading it.

I haven't been to Morocco, but would love to go.

I find Norway releases some of the best, most original horror movies, so I'm not surprised they do equally well with disaster movies.

Liza said...

Sean's book sounds intriguing!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Dean, yes I did!

Jo, no worries.

Joanne, Ray probably appreciated that.

Donna, awesome!

JH, you've seen Rare Imports then?

cloud computing training said...

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L.G. Keltner said...

Congratulations to Sean and Pat on the releases! Both sound like interesting reads.

I might have to give The Wave a try. I don't mind reading subtitles as long as I'm not too tired. Then it gets tricky.

Leandra Wallace said...

Sean's book sounds like one to read if you'd like to be transported to a setting you've never visited. And The Wave sounds really good, we'll have to keep an eye out for that one.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Nice to meet Sean, his book sounds very interesting. I have always wanted to visit Morocco. I'll keep an eye on for The Wave, hopefully it will release in India soon.

Michelle Wallace said...

I haven't been to Morocco...yet...though I've read lots about the place and see it in the news.
I voted for Sean's book and received my free copy. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Sandra Cox said...

The Wave looks good, but I'd really have to be enthusiastic to see a movie done in a different language. I'm too much about mindless entertainment, where I only have to absorb by watching what's going on. But I guess it's not that much different from reading a book, hey?

nashvillecats2 said...

Congrats to Sean on his release, Good luck with the sales.
Loved all the fun of reading reviews and Ninja news.
Sorry I'm late.
Yvonne.

Fundy Blue said...

I loved this post, Alex! My inner elementary teacher was making connections all over the place! Sean's book sounds awesome; connection, my brother and sister-in-law have lived in Kuwait for a long time. The Wave sounds like fun; connection: my inner geologist loves tsunami, volcano, and earthquake movies, even when they're dreadful! Dreadful disaster movies have me making fun of all that's dreadful. Terry and I both enjoyed MM: Fury Road. We actually watched it more than once. And I'll be getting Pat's book as soon as I get home.

We're having tons of fun here in Victoria. I spent hours yesterday engrossed in a fabulous mammoth exhibit at the Royal BC Museum ~ which is across the parking lot from my hotel room. Today the mammoth Imax at the museum. While I revel in mammoths, Terry has reconnected with his pickle ball group from last year. Have a good one, my friend!

Julie Flanders said...

Sean's book sounds so good! I voted for it in the Scout contest and look forward to reading it.

M Pax said...

Ooh, a great new read by Sean. I have to read that.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LG, make it an afternoon show.

Michelle, so did I!

Sandra, it' a book with visuals.

Yvonne, no worries!

Fundy, you'll really enjoy the film then. Just don't get your hobbies mixed - pickled mammoths don't sound good.

Shell Flower said...

I always think of Camus when I think about novels set in Tangiers. Sean's novel sounds amazing and timely. I'm also intrigued by Pat Hatt's new book. Gotta check these both out!

Elizabeth said...

The Last Hotel Room sounds interesting. I enjoy studying different cultures, so I like reading stories set in countries I've never been to.

A lot of excellent geek-friendly movies coming out on DVD and in theaters the next few months :)

As for the IWSG story, I'm attempting to get a plot going, but not sure if it's going anywhere.

H.R. Bennett said...

Good job, Sean. So often, any depiction of the Middle Eastern countries is shit on (pardon my French) by hateful or scared people that only know movies and fearmongering from the news. It's good to see a writer trying to show more than the sensationalism. :)

Nicola said...

Congratulations Sean! Great post.

The Wave sounds an interesting film - I'll have to look out for that.

Wishing you a super September.

Hart Johnson said...

I've read The Last Hotel Room and it's excellent, if anyone needs an endorsement.

Also, I do like disaster movies. And Norwegians.

Loni Townsend said...

Congrats Sean! Sounds like an interesting experience.

Egads, Star Trek is already coming out on video? So much for me going to watch it in the theaters. :(

John Wiswell said...

Congratulations, Sean! And kind of you, Alex, to lend Sean the space.

Nick Wilford said...

I've been to Marrakech, but only for the day. Sounds like Sean has done his research in a big way, which is always good!

I've started on my anthology entry. So far, it's good fun.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, I hope you can get it going.

Robert, Sean knows his stuff.

Hart, the movie is perfect for you then.

Nick, awesome!

Sandra Cox said...

Congrats to Pat!

Sandra Cox said...

'A book with visuals'.....and large print:)

kimlajevardi.com said...

Congrats to Sean!

I haven't been to Morocco, but I've always wanted to go.

Anonymous said...

Welcome and congratulations, Sean!

I can't say that I can recall a movie being released in black and white before. Maybe I just don't pay attention. Do they do that for cinematic effect?

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Tom's book definitely sounds intriguing. Awesome that some of the proceeds will go to help the refugees. I'm so blessed to live in a safe place. Sure, we have a our troubles, but compared to life for some...wow, we've nothing to complain about.

Lots of DVDs I need to buy!

Sherry Ellis said...

The Last Hotel Room sounds like a really good book.

Yes, I'm working on my contest story. I wrote the outline, and now am writing. Let's see if I can crank it out before the deadline.

Sandra Cox said...

What a great review, Alex.

Sandra Cox said...

Great review, Mason.

Al Penwasser said...

My ship cruised past Morocco on its way to the Mediterranean. I was very disappointed that, despite being Africa, I didn't see any elephants, giraffes, or gazelles.

Shannon Lawrence said...

The closest I've ever been to Morocco was having a pen pal there in Elementary School. However, I'd love to go. I love that this book has real experiences mixed in.

I do love a disaster movie. I'm pretty easy to please with those.

Anonymous said...

Sean's book sounds interesting! I'm sure his experience in that part of the world gives the story authenticity. I'm adding it to my reading list.

Deniz Bevan said...

Ooh, Morocco. I was just reading about the library in Fez, and now I'd really love to visit!

The Happy Whisk said...

Good luck. Hope you sell lots.

Sandra Cox said...

So what movie are you seeing tonight, Alex.
I'll be grocery shopping alone.

Mark said...

Wait, you were an archaeologist in Tangiers? How cool is that?!!! We totally need to talk now:)

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Sean! Sounds like an amazing read. And congrats to you, Alex, on those super reviews! CassaStar is next up on my TBR list. Have a lovely weekend!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad Sean based his book in the Middle East and shows it's not as dangerous as people think. I've read some of his articles about the M.E. and they're always very good! Wishing him much success!

Congrats to Pat!

T.F. Walsh said...

The Wave sounds awesome... I love me disaster movies... going to check it out later tonight:)

G. B. Miller said...

Interesting to see how Hollywood is milking a good movie to the last drop. No contest story for me. I don't think I have anything sitting around that would be clean enough to match up with the anthology, but I wish everyone the best of luck with it.

Sean McLachlan said...

Julie: Thanks for the vote!

Robert: Oh, I'm sure I'll get my share of hate. I sure have with my travel writing!

Hart: Thanks for the endorsement!

Deniz: I'm hopefully going to visit the Fez library in December. Too tempting to pass up.

Mark: No, I was an archaeologist in Israel and Syria. Now I'm just a wandering writer.

Theresa Milstein said...

Wow that book The Last Hotel Room sounds like an important read right now. The text on the cover is striking. I'm adding it to my list.

I'll check out the anthology contest link. Thanks!

DMS said...

The Last Hotel Room sounds very interesting. Great to hear from the author. I like that some parts are simply made up and some were based on real things. I love the cover. Best of luck to Sean!

Great to see from blogging friends and their books here today too. :)
~Jess

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

I think Sean McLachlan's book sounds fascinating. I look forward to checking it out!
jean :)

Leovi said...

I'm very happy for this wonderful review about your work. Regards!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elsie, I guess.

Sherry, hope so!!

Al, you were gyped.

Sandra, we saw Magnificent Seven. Lots of fun!

Lori, thanks.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Wow. Very cool story by Sean McLachlan. Best of luck!

I'm waiting for DVD for Suicide Squad and then watch it while the BOY is at school. :)

I've got to pick up Civil War, too! I miss my guys!

Good luck, Pat Hatt!

Heather