Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, October Movie Preview, Bleach Movie Review, and Last Man Standing

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

The awesome co-hosts today are Dolorah @ Book Lover, Christopher D. Votey, Tanya Miranda, and Chemist Ken!


Today’s question - How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

I’m not sure any life events have really affected my writing. Unless you count the success of my first book leading me to write more! Movies I saw and books I read as a kid affected what I write though. As a science fiction geek, I get to geek out with my writing.

Have life events affected your writing?


Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is open for submissions!
Young adult romance is the genre and masquerade the theme.
See the site for details.
You have one month! (And please don’t wait until the last minute…)


Movie Review – Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki is a High School student, living in Karakura town. He is able to see ghosts, as well as hollows. Later, he meets up with Rukia Kuchiki, a Death God or Soul Reaper
Based on manga and anime, I’ve never seen the source material. It wasn’t terribly original, but it had good special effects and action scenes.
One thing I did appreciate was that it was restrained and not stupid and over the top. Often Japanese anime is just plain goofy, but this film kept the goofiness in check.
It also wasn’t bogged down or too convoluted, which meant the story was easy to follow.
It was fun to watch and certainly worth a NetFlix rental.

Last Man Standing



Despite its popularity, ABC cancelled this show.
But it’s back again on Fox.
The premier last week got kick ass ratings.
Plus the first five minutes poked fun at ABC big time. Hilarious and classic.
Way to go, Tim Allen!






October Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for October! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

5 –

Venom
When Eddie Brock acquires the powers of a symbiote, he will have to release his alter-ego "Venom" to save his life.
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Stars: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Woody Harrelson, Jenny Slate
Chews off people’s heads and eats their brains while maintaining a PG13 rating?

12 –

First Man
A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.
Director: Damien Chazelle
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler
Leaving out the American flag and all that, it’s been revised so other countries will feel good about their space programs.

19 –

Halloween
Laurie Strode comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.
Director: David Gordon Green
Stars: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, James Jude Courtney
Feel free to blame the first Halloween for every derivative slasher film ever made. Including this one…

26 –

Hunter Killer 
An untested American submarine captain teams with U.S. Navy Seals to rescue the Russian president, who has been kidnapped by a rogue general.
Director: Donovan Marsh
Stars: Ethan Baird, Jacob Scipio, Dempsey Bovell, Corey Johnson
He’s a hunter. He’s a killer. Can these two wacky roommates get along in the age of modern sub-thermo nuclear war? This fall on ABC!


And the answers to last week’s movie trivia:
This 70’s movie was originally called Watch the Skies - Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Who starred in Tremors and The Player? Fred Ward


Have life events affected what you write? Entering the anthology contest? Have you watched Bleach? Watching Last Man Standing now that it’s back? And what movies catch your eye for October?

120 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

I get to be first in the long list of commentators? Wow.
I think/hope that all of a writer's life affects their writing. Things they have seen, read, dreamed...

dolorah said...

Not a good month for movie releases.

Life and writing both have their ups and downs, sometimes one helps the other. Too many rejections are a major life event, lol.

kaykuala said...

Life's events do not affect Hank's writings, not directly Alex. Whatever is happening Hank finds it too far off to be detrimental to Hank's needs.

Hank

Sarah Foster said...

I think life usually affects how much I'm able to write. If things are bad, I usually can't write at all.
Definitely seeing the new Halloween movie since my husband loves all the slasher films. It's interesting how they're wiping the slate clean and pretending the other sequels didn't happen (which is probably a good idea because most of them sucked).

Pat Hatt said...

Life goes on, but a writing be go, mostly. Venom is getting crappy reviews everywhere, can't say it is a surprise. Halloween can't be as bad as the last what? 7?

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Thanks for the reviews!

Venom: "Chews off people’s heads and eats their brains..." I'm so there!

Halloween: "derivative slasher film..." I'm so there!

It's interesting that Close Encounters had the working title Watch the Skies. It reminds me of the closing speech in the 1951 sci-fi horror film The Thing From Another World:

Ned "Scotty" Scott: And now before giving you the details of the battle, I bring you a warning: Everyone of you listening to my voice, tell the world, tell this to everybody wherever they are. Watch the skies. Everywhere. Keep looking. Keep watching the skies.

Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy Alex!

Chemist Ken said...

The only major life events that affect my writing are the bad ones, like the loss of a parent or a pet. Then I have to shut down the writing for a while until I'm ready to write again. On the brighter side, Fall weather like we've been having lately does make me want to write more.

Mason Canyon said...

Hopefully next month will be a better month for movies. Tim Allen is always fun to watch.

Erika Beebe said...

The movies this month seem really different. I'd love to see the Neil Armstrong release. Life has definitely affected my writing. I write slow. It's frustrating at times, but at least I'm doing it. I plan to enter the contest this weekend. Just waiting on some last minute feedback :) Happy IWSG Day!

RaveAir said...

The Venom receieved very bad reviews so far (27% currently on the Rottentomatoes). Luckily I haven't interested about this movie.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

First Man might be interesting. I think it's cool that they brought Jamie Lee Curtis back, but too bad she doesn't have a worthy vehicle.

Liza said...

Hi Alex! Cheers to your inner geek!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Life events do effect my writing, in both a good and bad way.

I love Last Man Standing! And I"m so glad it's back. I laugh out loud watching it!

Have a great week Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elephant's Child, you are first!

Hank, good attitude.

Sarah, they did indeed suck, especially the third one.

Shady, kind of eerie that was his speech. Must be where Spielberg got the idea.

Mason, Tim Allen is still really funny.

Zoltan, I'm still debating if I want to see it or not.

Elizabeth, exactly! She's a great actress and still a bit sexy.

Cathrina, so do I!

Donna K. Weaver said...

I definitely prefer the title they settled on for Close Encounters. That was such an epic film in its day.

I think I saw part of one episode of Last Man Standing. I've always enjoyed Tim Allen.

Jennifer Hawes said...

Love the description of Venom! I really want to see that movie. I tend to write more words when my kids are in school.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Hmmm...I'm sure life events do affect my writing, but I can't for the life of me see exactly how...But I can trace the impact of things I read and see on the TV on it. Thanks for making me think on this topic.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Not sure yet if I'll see the new Halloween, but I did watch the original recently. I'd forgotten it was a John Carpenter film!

Jennifer Lane said...

Hi Alex, I'm glad for Tim Allen. Happy writing.

Julie Flanders said...

I'm so glad I read your review of the Jack Ryan show a few weeks ago, Alex. Just finished watching and I loved it. Can't wait for season two. :)
None of these movies look like much though - I think I will skip the October releases!

Tamara Narayan said...

First Man looks pretty good, but I don't think I'll be seeing it in a theatre. I've lost count of all the Halloween movies. I guess the sequels must be making money or why bother?

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Love the snarky comments that went with the movie descriptions. Happy IWSG day!

Ronel visiting on Insecure Writer's Support Group day: Course Correction

Joey Lynn Resciniti said...

October gets heavy on scary stuff that I avoid like the plague. I’m just biding my time until it becomes socially acceptable to put up my Christmas decorations.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Haha the success of your first book a major event.... What a great cause and effect thing.

I love Last Man Standing. Sure he's more republican than I care for, but I feel like they balance with other views. He always has funny shows.

Teresa

Pat Garcia said...

You found your niche when you began writing Science-Fiction and I'm you did.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Mary Aalgaard said...

Congrats, again, on all your success in writing and publishing. It's great when one good thing leads to another. Still working on my post, today. Good question, though! And, the anthology contest...there is a story niggling at my brain.

The Cynical Sailor said...

Nothing to appealing for me in this month's releases. Was there some sort of issue with the American flag and First Man? I'm going to have to Google and find out more. You've piqued my curiosity. I saw the original Halloween in the movie theater and it gave me serious nightmares. No desire to ever see another horror film again.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I watched the Last Man Standing series from season one through six this summer to prepare for the comeback on Fox. I laughed out loud so much, and the recurring joke that went through the first show about Mandy and the change in her appearance was a hoot...I laughed even harder when Kyle figured it out. This series will be the high point of my fall TV addiction (right up there next to Survivor).

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm also a sci-fi geek in my watching habits, but I haven't really turned that way in my writing - yet :)
I've got I on the list though!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

A great question for this month. I already posted before I saw this question. For me, Life has ALWAYS gotten in the way of my writing.... It's ironic really. I started writing because of a life altering situation, and now when Life gets insane for me, I have NO time to write, having to deal with the situation. The stress usually debilitates my creative flow. As I get older, it seems to be getting worse instead of helping. I hope some day my writing will smooth my life's bumps and pot holes.

Lidy said...

I’m a Bleach fan. Both read the manga and watched the anime. So once I heard the movie adaptation was on Netflix I watched it right away. I loved it. It kept mostly true to the storyline though the plot had to be mended to fit the movie length time. But I also like the ending because it leaves it open for a possible second Bleach movie which mostly follow another Bleach story arc of Ichigo going to Soul Society to save Rukia from punishment.

Not sure about Venom but I’ll still watch it. And how many more Halloween movies is Hollywood going to make?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, that film still holds up well.

Madeline, back when he made decent films.

Julie, awesome!

Tamara, someone must be watching them.

Joey, I'm with you!

Teresa, last week's episode showed a good balance.

Mary, write it! You have one month.

Patricia, that was funny about Mandy.

Michael, it's funny - the older I get, the more busy I become. Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Not much movie-wise this month. I did really enjoy that episode of Last Man Standing. "There's a reason one of those has RIGHT in the title." LOL

cleemckenzie said...

I'll have to see if I can any of the episodes of Last Man Standing on Netflix. I'm always up for something fun.

Stacy McKitrick said...

I can't imagine life events NOT affecting what a writer writes. It also affects WHEN I write. I'll be glad when life settles down so I can get back to a regular routine. I just hope that happens in 2018! :)

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Usually major life events keep me from writing, but I've definitely used journaling and even poetry as a way to get through some tough times.

I did post today, just a little later than usual! Crazy life.

Lynn La Vita said...

At the risk of being smart-ass, if you read fantasy, romance, or historical fiction do you think you might have written in a similar genre? I wonder if we are naturally draw to a certain categories or influenced by external sources.

Writers Supporting Writers

Sadira Stone said...

Life events pop up in my fiction in the weirdest ways--themes, characters, places. I seldom consciously set out to crib from my own life, but I guess it can't be helped. Wishing you happy writing in October.

Anonymous said...

Life always derails my writing, but I've learned to deal with it and not feel too guilty.

I saw Bleach up on Netflix, but hubby and I watched the Full Metal Alchemist live action and it looked awesome, but it felt eh compared to the anime.

Christine Rains said...

Life always affects my writing. I just recently saw that Bleach film too. I hadn't seen the original stuff either, but it was an okay and fun flick. Loved the monsters. Crossing my fingers that Venom will be good. Have a great week, Alex! :)

The Angry Lurker said...

I'll try hunter killer for 5pts Alex!

Arlee Bird said...

I doubt whether I'll be seeing First Man. If the forces behind this movie were so afraid to show pride in America by revising history then those globalist minded morons can have their silly movie. If I do see it then I'll be one of the last men to do so--kind of my own "Last Man Standing" thing I guess. I'm tired of being shamed of who we are as a nation and the great accomplishments we have achieved.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I was thrilled to see "Last Man Standing" back on the tube. I may not agree with his political views, but the humor and writing on that show are top-notch. I hope it gets an Emmy.

That "Hunter Killer" show sounds very intriguing. Have you watched that new show about the plane that was missing for five years and suddenly landed as though time had stood still for them? It's intriguing, too.

David Powers King said...

Yeah. Life events have affected my writing, but you already know that. First Man may be my movie pick, if I can wrangle myself to the theater. :)

Suzanne Furness said...

A positive life event meant you continued writing and then went on to start the IWSG - we all owe a lot to that time in your life Alex!

H. R. Sinclair said...

I just saw the trailer for the new Halloween movie last night. I'm not a fan of slasher movies but an old lady hero? Maybe. And I love Jamie Lee Curtis.

And uh, sure anyone over 13 can handle heads being eaten.

Diane Burton said...

First Man sounds like a good one. The rest? Meh. I'm not into horror. Have a great month, Alex.

Liesbet said...

The success of one book leading to more writing, meaning affecting your writing is a fantastic life event to have and influence you, Alex! :-)

The only movie that peeks my interest this month is "First Man". But, I'll have to wait until it comes out on Netflix, as movie theaters are not on the agenda or in the budget any time soon.

Carrie-Anne said...

I'll be writing my story for the IWSG Anthology Contest this month. I don't want to save it for close to the last minute as I did last year.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

"Watch the Skies" - ? What a terrible title. Ha. Good move to change it.
Be well, Alex.

Toi Thomas said...

I'm glad your first book was so successful, especially since it led to you writing more.
I've been wondering about this Bleach movie. Does seem like a decent movie to stream.
Venom looks a little crazy. Not sure if it's gonna do well with that rating.
Love your Hunter Killer snark.
Great post!

Raimey Gallant said...

I think with every major (and sometimes more minor) life event, I'm spurred to write even more. I just can't seem to get all the words out. Maybe someday. ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lidy, good to hear they stuck to the source material.

Stacy, it will!

Lynn, probably. I do read a ton of fantasy but I've just never attempted it.

Fran, you bet!

Lee, well said.

Susan, no, I haven't watched that one.

Suzanne, thank you.

Holly, that made me chuckle.

Liesbet, or it means I didn't know when to quit.

Carrie-Anne, I appreciate that!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - as Donna says ... not a good month for me for movie releases. But yes I bet the success of Cassa Star worked up a space opera storm ... and well worth. Thanks for all you do here - and good luck to all anthology entries. Writing blog posts keeps my brain going ... whatever else is going on in life - something to succour me as I deal with things. Cheers Hilary

Liz A. said...

When I'm stressed I can't focus and write. That may change someday, though. I'm interested in First Man, but the others I think I can pass on.

A. B. Keuser said...

Writing begets writing. I'm so glad yours led you to create this group and inspire so many others.

Crystal Collier said...

To write more books... LOL. I suppose that's the way to go, eh?

Tonja Drecker said...

Geeking out with your own writing—sounds perfect!

diedre Knight said...

Hiya Captain!

Bleach looks really good! I much prefer shows like Close Encounters to the likes of 'Halloween', which makes me suspicious of neighbors with farm tools.

We're big fans of Last Man Standing around here, though dismayed over new Mandy. Still a great show ;-)

To my thinking, life always effects writing, whether by distraction or inspiration. Or both. Either way, there's always something to write about.

Chris Votey said...

I didn't really answer the question on my blog, but I find that major events tend to take me away from writing... and most often I'd rather be writing than to deal with major events.

Juneta key said...

Happy IWSG Day. You didn't have it listed, but I am looking forward to seeing the new movie, A Star Is Born with Lady Gaga.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I'm just not much of a movie fan. About all I watch are the old western movies on the Grit channel. I also enjoy the movies of the 50's and 60's. Natalie Woods. Doris Day. Elvis. Yeah, I know. Pathetic. I'd rather be reading.
Events in my life do affect my writing.
Have a great day.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Diedre, they did have fun poking at the new Mandy though.

Juneta, not my type of film. It is getting good reviews though.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad you haven't had any life changing events that affected your writing. I can't say the same. And glad you liked the new Last Man Standing. I used to watch it with my daughter and husband a long time ago. One of my favorite movies is Galaxy Quest that starred Tim Allen.

Carol Kilgore said...

So glad there's going to be another IWSG anthology. Loved the mystery one!

Anonymous said...

Last Man Standing was so much fun to watch last week. I loved how they poked fun at themselves too. Just like Rosanne did about Dan being alive. Like it's perfectly okay to have a tall blonde as one the daughters now. It was great. I was so mad at Netflix last year when they took it off because I didn't get to finish watching them all so I'm pretty far behind and trying to catch the reruns as I can.


Elsie

Andrew Leon said...

I'm going to have to make a plan to see Venom next week.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hi Alex!
Happy October.

This may have been mentioned, but I read an interview about the First Man movie, which is based on a book from Armstrong's sons who support the film, and how because the flag-planting was “a very famous moment,” they chose to “focus on the unfamous stuff” as a throughput to Armstrong’s state of mind. And, that there are tons of US flags in the movie they just didn't reenact that moment.

It looks like a good movie. I'm kinda digging the trailers for A Star is Born. It could be I have a thing for Bradley Cooper w/ scruff, though. :)

Heather

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks for the review on Bleach. I've been considering it, but just haven't hit play.
I'm just planning on doing a lot of Netflix, Amazon Prime (finally watching Grimm), and DVD's this October (we're rewatching the new Star Trek trilogy of movies in our house).

Happy October, Alex!

Unknown said...

Ah man, I don't write YA or I'd try to submit something. Sounds cool though. Happy October!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm glad you wrote more.

I quite enjoyed Bleach. It was unexpectedly enjoyable. I like the humour in it too.

J.Q. Rose said...

Life events can be thrilling, unforgettable and exciting, or sad and crushing. I'm glad you chose the exciting life event of having a successful book encourage you to write on. I think you're probably one of those who see the glass half full. Love your rundown of movies. Not my style, but I'm glad to know about the "cool" stuff to see. Thanks.
JQ Rose

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Natalie, Galaxy Quest is classic!

Carol, yes!

Heather, as long as our flag is still in there somewhere.

Lynda and Tyrean, I was pleasantly surprised.

Olga Godim said...

Movies and books influence my writing as well, sometimes in huge ways. There is a fantasy book out there that I loved, but I disagreed with the tragic ending. So I started fantasizing what could happen to make the ending positive. That flight of fancy led me to one of my novels. The influence of the original story is invisible by now, it was just a spark that ignited my imagination.

Gwen Gardner said...

What I read and watched as a kid has influenced my writing too. I’ve never liked scary movies except when I was a teenager, and that’s because it was cool. Lol. I still like lighthearted.

John Wiswell said...

I used to love Bleach! I watched eighty episodes or so before I burned out. I wondered if they could pull off a movie as fun as the Rurouni Kenshin live action.

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Alex! I had a chance to look back and see that you came through Hurricane Florence with only some branches down, thank goodness! I think flooding is worse than wind. I keep those impacted by hurricanes in my thoughts and prayers always. Thanks for always being a bright light in our often murky world.

Botanist said...

Life events ... not really, but, like you, my writing is definitely influenced by what I read and watch.

Lisa said...

Yes, and Yes. Every time I want to go see a movie lately, it's already gone before I can get to the theater! Guess I'll wait till the Christmas season starts. Maybe then I'll be able to catch a few!
Thanks Alex, for all you do...

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

We're still catching up on the MCU, so I doubt we'll see any new releases this month.

Joanne said...

I look and my mother's death at a young age 20+ years ago affected me.
I try to stay contained, but it bleeds into any poetry.

So - Venom previews look stupid. I like Tom Hardy but I don't think he can save this
First Man - hey, we know what happens, but Ryan G. is darn compelling as an actor. I have hope.

Something has to kick into gear for fall season. Rather blah so far
Take care

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

No movies catching my eye in October. Doubt I'll watch Venom. I like Tim Allen, but I never watch half hour comedies. Not my thing.

Birgit said...

I can’t see how writing could not be affected by what we go through. Did you ever see the scene from the Third Man where Harry Lime is talking to his friend while they are on the Ferris Wheel? If you haven’t, YouTube the Cuckoo Clock scene. I’m not sure about Venom...isn’t that the evil slime that got a hold of Spider-Man? I want to see the First Man film and am looking forward to that.

Stephen Tremp said...

Alex, Last Man Standing and First Man Standing are high on our list. I get the PC stupid stuff of not showing the flag being planted on moon soil.

Allegedly.

Bleach is not a movie I have heard of. I'll check it out this weekend. Thanks.

Stephen Tremp said...

I'd love to see the US or private industry make a moon venture go to the moon and bring our flag back.

Be a fortune in eBay.

And help prove the very first initial flight was real.

Helena said...

My life and life all around me have always influenced my writing. But I also write more escapist themes because I want to tell a story about how life should be, rather than how it is for me.

Shannon Lawrence said...

I'm glad Last Man Standing got saved, and we cracked up at their ABC jokes. Plus, the new actress...

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, see I told you that you would be writing many, many, books. I've been so busy with my book that I had no time for anything else in life.

Kalpana said...

A writer is affected by life events, stories heard, places visited, emotions felt. We can't get away from that. I don't know whether I'll watch any of these movies - October is the month for ghouls and I'd rather avoid them.

Michelle Wallace said...

I'm preparing something for the October WEP+IWSG collaborative project.
Not sure about writing YA stories...

Let's hope the anthology stories come pouring in soon. Though you DO get that "last minute" flood of submissions.

Donna McDine said...

Writing for me especially journaling is therapeutic for my mind and soul. My published writing makes my heart soar when I see and hear about children enjoying my books.

Melissa said...

Though they didn't spur me to write my first book, experiences and significant life events affect my writing. It's impossible for them not to.

Sherry Ellis said...

Venom is supposed to be a success at the box office. I'm afraid that one would give me nightmares!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Olga, that's cool you wrote a new ending.

John, you'll have to check it out then.

Fundy, around here the flooding did far more damage.

Joanne, JoBlo really liked Venom so we'll give it a shot.

Birgit, haven't seen it and yes.

Stephen, that would be interesting if someone returned to the moon to see it.

Michelle, we did last year...

Amy Keeley said...

I've read, but have not yet finished, the manga series Bleach. I found it surprisingly good. I'm not surprised a live-action version would turn out okay. Thanks for letting me know it exists. *adds this film to her list of Japanese Movies to Watch*

Sandra Cox said...

Tim Allen is hilarious isn't he. Did I ever tell you a friend of my mom's made a guest appearance on Home Improvement?

J.L. Campbell said...

Talk about self-motivation. When we don't think we have more left, our stories inspire us to keep on moving.

sherry fundin said...

I used to watch Home Improvement and love Tim Allen's humor.
sherry @ fundinmental

Mary Kirkland said...

Venom and Halloween look good. I'm looking forward to watching those two movies.

Roland Clarke said...

October might be the month for catching up on old releases. October will be a month for writing/editing my WEP submission and my anthology entry, plus prepping for NaNoWriMo.

Magic Love Crow said...

Yeh, to being a geek!!
I don't think I want to see Venom!! Another Halloween?? That's crazy!
I think for my art, everything in my life affects it!
Take Care Alex!

Denise Covey said...

I think writers are affected by what goes on around them, even subconsciously. I know things turn up in my stories which reflect things I've heard, read and seen.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Amy, I think you'll like the live action movie then.

Sandra, wow!

Mary, I am catching Venom tomorrow evening.

Roland, awesome you'll have an anthology entry!

Melanie Rickmann said...

Wait they made another Halloween movie?! Seriously what is that like the 15th one?

Empty Nest Insider said...

i like the idea of having romance as a theme for the new IWSG anthology. Best of luck to all! It’s strange that the American flag won’t be seen on the moon in First Man. Like Lee, I think I’ll pass on seeing this movie. Thanks Alex, Julie!

Elizabeth said...

I could see the science fiction geekiness in your Cassa series, but being one such geek myself, I enjoyed them :)

C.D. Gallant-King said...

I also liked Bleach, and was not at all familiar with the source material. It was very much a super hero/ comic book movie, but it's nice to see one with a different cultural flair.

Susan Kane said...

Certainly, life experiences impact his/her writing.

I can avoid the movies listed forever.

Tim Allen is back!

Kate Larkindale said...

Not much that appeals to me in this month's movies. I'll probably see First Man though.

Anonymous said...

This is not a great month for movies, is it? Hmm...

I love anime, but I never got into Bleach. Maybe I would like the film better than the manga or anime, though.

Writing definitely affects my life, and vice-versa. When times are tough, writing gets me through, and it helps me to explore the world more. By writing, I understand myself and the world better.

I hope you're having a good week! Take care.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

You are definitely one of the biggest geeks I've gotten to know. I'm also looking forward to seeing Venom. On the geek bit, I'm surprised that you don't cosplay. Or maybe you do and I just don't know about it. Hmm.

Blue Grumpster said...

Venom lacks a heart, a soul and teeth. A PG-13 Venom... really?

Lynda Dietz said...

Even though I only blog, my life events certainly affect my writing. My editing blog is steady and themed, but my personal blog reflects everything that's going on, big and small. And I find that I write fastest when I'm hurting—almost like the writing the words is self-therapy. Not sure if that makes sense. An author friend of mine says he writes from his brokenness, and that rings true for me.

I heard that the first episode of Last Man Standing was hilarious because of those first few minutes alone. I really need to find a way to watch it.

Tony Laplume said...

Writing certainly was a part of the grieving process for my mom a few years back. First it was my inability to write, and then it was finding my way back in.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melanie, something like that!

Elizabeth, thanks!

CD, exactly.

Alexandra, you might like the movie since it's short and to the point.

Michael, no cosplay! And it's been twenty years since I dressed for Halloween.

Blue, they made it work. I liked it!

Lynda, you do need to watch it.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

That reminds me. My story is done, all but for a few tweaks to some errors Grandma Dragon caught. I'll get that sent. Totally didn't wait until the last minute. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

I am thrilled to see your name on the WEP challenge this month. So cool!

Life is what writing is all about, no matter the genre!

No movies this month, unless it's a black and white horror thriller! The new stuff is just too gory! :)

Loni Townsend said...

Sorry it's been so long for me to hit this post! Apparently our work browser filters has blocked access to your site, and I rarely get on the internet once I'm home.

I hope you get a lot of submissions for the upcoming anthology!

DMS said...

Ah- if I read this post first I would have heard about Venom. :)

I haven't seen Bleached or Last Man Standing. No regular tv- just Netlfix- so I don't watch a lot of tv.
~Jess

M Pax said...

Life events effect my writing. That's why Backworlds 6 was dark. With all those emotions swirling and sharp, I feel I have to use them.