Friday, January 20, 2012

The Allure of Sci-Fi... and other Ninja things

Special treat today! But first…

I have a guest post over at Susan Roebuck’s, with blogging advice for authors and some reveals about CassaFire. Head over when you are finished here. Not now! When you finish...

I was a little absent yesterday due to my job (I guess I really don’t get paid to blog – damn) and working on my next book. Yes, I have a detailed outline and I’m stoked!

Voting for your favorite book trailer starts SATURDAY at You Gotta Read Videos and CassaFire is one of the trailers! Please vote. I’ll even grovel and throw in Hot Tamales…

And here’s the answers to the movie quotes, which many of you got:
“The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” The Usual Suspects
“I call it blood, detective. I suppose you’ll write it up as ‘graffiti.’” The Crow
“Anything else that’ll keep this elevator from falling?” “Yeah. The basement.” Speed

Now to our main attraction, the lovely Brinda Berry, author of The Waiting Booth. She’s going to share with you two of my favorite things – movies and science fiction. (Awesome beyond words!) Hit it, Brinda!

While growing up, I read tons of romance books. I started out with the Harlequins and then progressed to the bodice-ripping, historical romances that I had to hide from my parents. The stories were good, but I can't tell you the names of 99% of those types of books I read. Then I began reading some science fiction. Did I read science fiction books first or fall in love with all the science fiction movies during that age? Chicken or the egg. It doesn't matter. All I know is I read my Star Wars paperback several times and dreamed of running away with Han Solo. Here are some great movies that influenced my interest in sci-fi.

1977 - Mark Hamill played Luke Skywalker and was simply scrumptious. My real obsession was with Harrison Ford. Who needs to read a romance when you have all that sexy banter between Han Solo and Princess Leia?

1977 - Steven Spielberg wrote and directed this masterpiece. I can still hear that tune in my head. Da. Da. Da. Da. Daaa. Richard Dreyfuss became a star with his portrayal of a man obsessed with a UFO.

1979 - I cannot believe this movie was so scary and made with the limited technology available in 1979. No CGI needed on this baby. Sigourney Weaver as Ripley made being a tough woman very cool and feminine.

1982 - Back then, I was already in love with Harrison Ford, so I had to see it. Have you seen this movie? Just thinking about it makes me ask myself why I don't own it. It's now on my shopping list. I love the cyberpunk elements in this film. Director Ridley Scott can do no wrong.

1983 - I had no interest in computers in 1983, but this movie may have peaked my curiosity. Matthew Broderick portrayed an intelligent high school student who connects to the NORAD command center. Hey, he was Ferris Bueller, and I wanted in on whatever he was cooking up for the day.



These movies made me want to imagine adventures about traveling in space and getting up close and personal with technology. It's where my sci-fi interest began. What started it for you?


The Waiting Booth
A missing boy, government agents, an interdimensional portal…Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High—find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia’s drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it’s no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia’s secrets, she begins to wonder if there’s more going on than she thought…and if she was wrong to trust him…

Buy The Waiting Booth at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo Books, and at All Romance eBooks.
View The Waiting Booth Book Trailer
And find it on Goodreads.

BIO: Brinda lives in the southern US with her family and two spunky cairn terriers. She’s terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality.

Find Brinda at her Website, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

What movies inspired you, science fiction or otherwise? Which ones have stayed with you over the years? Any scare the crap out of you?I know I won't be scared this weekend watching Underworld: Awakening!!!!

Still wondering about progressive rock or how I’m able to remember movie lines?
Then stay tuned…

Don't forget to visit Susan Roebuck’s, site!

161 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Hope you get on well with the award. I'll pop over directly.
Thanks for the visit yesterday much appreciated,

Yvonne.

Misha Gerrick said...

The Waiting Booth sounds amazing!

And I always thought Han Solo made Luke Skywalker look like a dweeb.

:-D

The Angry Lurker said...

The first book I remember reading was Treasure Island but while it's an okay read it opened up books and comics to me and where your imagination takes you.....

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yvonne, your book is ordered!

Lurker, ah, the treasure of comic books!

Juliana said...

I agree with Misha: Luke was a dweeb next to Han Solo lol
I don't know about you guys, but I like the newest Star Wars trilogy too. Very much, actually.

And congrats, Brinda, on your book. It sounds intriguing!

Brinda said...

Yvonne- Hi *wave*
Misha - Yes, Han Solo was my crush for sure. AND those were the days before the DVD releases, so you had to go see a movie multiple times while it was in town.
Angry Lurker- Treasure Island is a classic!
Juliana -I have to admit I've missed the most recent ones. There was a prequel I didn't like and I think I gave up on them. I'll check this out.Thx.

Brinda said...

Alex- Thank you very much for having me here today. Your blog is so much fun!

True Life and Fiction said...

I must admit, it was Star Wars that pushed me over the edge, but moreso, it was Twilight Zone and Outer Limits that first peeked my interest.

Will said...

I was 3 when A New Hope was released, so it's virtually a part of my DNA!If only we all had old wizards to give us magic swords!

Will said...

Did anyone else have trouble getting S Roebuck's site to load?

Unknown said...

Cool interview! Brenda's book sounds very intriguing. You know, Alex, I smiled from ear to ear, when I saw the Blade Runner poster up there. I grew up watching that movie, because it was very well the only real sci-fi my mother enjoyed. Still love it to this day. :)

Christine Danek said...

I will be adding Brinda's book to my list. Sounds great.
My science fiction movie love--Star Wars. That movie started it all for me.

Rusty Carl said...

Good stuff. I was always a fan of sci fi, I'm not sure I could tell you how it started. I didn't get serious about reading sci fi until the early nineties though.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Juliana and Misha, he was a dweeb.

JL, I started with comics and superheroes first.

Alyssia, my mother doesn't like any science fiction. She's never even read my book!

Rusty, you were late to the party.

Robyn Campbell said...

Hans Solo was the coolest most awesome Jedi evah! I agree about that sexy banter between Han and Princess Leia. *waves a fan* :-)

Congrads on your book, Brinda. (Will have to buy it, for sure)It sounds thrilling! Love your name. It's lovely.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Great post today. Lots of good info.

I tend to return to movies where writers are the MCs. Those are my feel good movies. I also return to old movies like Soylent Green, The Omega Man and Star Wars when I'm feeling spaced out. :)

Teresa

Tonja said...

Han Solo was my first love *sigh*. I've seen (and loved) all the movies except Blade Runner. I don't think Alien is scary now, but it was then for sure.

Alex, awesome that you got a new book started!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Star Wars really launched the genre. I still love Close Encounters. It's held up rather well over the years, too. One movie that stuck with me with Damnation Alley. It wasn't that good, but the storyline was intriguing.

JE said...

Hmm ... so is her book romance and sci-fi all rolled into one? Yummy!

~JD

Unknown said...

Thank you Alex for your wonderful and inspiring post today (here and on my blog). I'm definitely going to vote for your video - I was speechless with amazement when I saw it.
*waves madly at Brinda* Hi, Brinda!!! Great interview :-)

Gail said...

The words that jogged this memory...bodice ripping historical romances...yes, I admit, I once read them...one year...no more.

I would read a steam scene, pick objects from the scene, for example, a bread pan, yeast, a table cloth, butter dish and a knife. I would wrap these with the book for a Christmas present. The receiver had to read the book to discover the meaning of the articles so even with steamy bodice ripping romances, I made a mystery.

Jess said...

Star Wars was my biggest inspiration. It's always been my favorite movie!

Alien is cool too! I get so scared while watching it, though. It's amazing how good that movie is even with the limited technology!

DL Hammons said...

Hey Brinda! *waves* I was lucky enough to find Brinda at a Writers Conference last year and discover WE LIVE IN THE SAME TOWN! I finally found a blogging buddy who I can have coffee with and chat about writing. She is very tech-savy, a talented writer, and just plain NICE! Great interview Alex!

PS. I find that WAR GAMES is a very underappreciated film, and one of my favorites.

farawayeyes said...

Another one for the 'to-read'list. Thanks!

Early Twilight Zone. There was one about aliens who make everything so great on earth that people are flocking to 'their' planet and never returning. In the end someone deciphers the book they presented earthlings with -it's a'gook book'. I was a child when I first saw that, had nightmares for years. Still give me the creeps.

Intro to Sci-Fi books - OSC's 'The Ender Series'. I'll probably never get over those books - I mean that in a good way.

Voting...

Jeremy [Retro] said...

brinda, i think i love you [in a nice, not stalker way]... your list of films is... well you had me at Close Encounters. it is where the reality stops and the dreams begin. do you remember the jaws theme when the mother ship came down [while they musically talked], it's for like two bars of music. best of luck on all your projects and the waiting booth.

alex, you really know how to bring the best stuff to your site, i watched the first two underworld films as a refresher.

great day!

Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
Visit The Madness:
IZOMBIE

Marta Szemik said...

From the ones above Alien stayed with me until today. It's one of the best horrors ever!
Matthew Broderick - I'll watch everything with him in it. I actually met him and got his autograph (still have it) in the early 90's when he was filming an ice skating movie (forgot what its called) in our city.
Great Post!

Luanne G. Smith said...

Brinda's book sound great. I loved all those same movies back in the day. But my favorite was The Road Warrior and Mad Max. And wouldn't you know it, I write post-apocalyptic/dystopian fiction today. :)

Sangu Mandanna said...

The Waiting Booth sounds awesome! Thanks for featuring it, Alex :-)

I've voted for your trailer, woo!

Brinda said...

JL- I loved The Twilight Zone. I still remember one show where the characters go through this drama and at the end you realize they live in a doll's house.
Will- I'll have to look up A New Hope. I don't recognize the title.
Alyssia-My college son had a class where Blade Runner was on the syllabus. It made me so happy.
Christine- Thanks for adding my book to your list.:) I think Star Wars started in for many during that decade.
Rusty- Better late than never.

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats on your book! Love the cover art, and it's interesting to see what movies inspired you. (Agree with Han Solo/Harrison Ford, by the way.)

I can't say for sure what movies have inspired me, but Star Trek and its world inspired one of my characters in a novelette. The voice of the TV show of Hart of Dixie inspired one of my novels. It's interesting how things work like that. :)

Old Kitty said...

Hi Brinda - lovely to see you here in Capn Ninja's blog! Good luck with the Waiting Booth!! I love your taste in films - esp Blade Runner - Director's cut of course!! Especially the most pessimistic of endings and Rutger Haur's "Tears in the rain" speech!!

Take care
x

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tonja, yeah, it's about time!

Susan, voting starts tomorrow - I'm stoked.

DL, you guys live in the same town? What are the odds?

Brinda, I think you have a new fan in Jeremy!

Marta, cool that you met him.

LG - of course! Can't forget those two.

Cherie, definitely the Star Trek series and movies.

Brinda said...

Robyn- Thanks for the nice comments.
Journaling Woman- Soylent Green? I'll have to look it up!
Tonja- *community sigh* Yup. I watched it again this year. An oldie but goodie...
L. Diane- Damnation Alley is another movie I haven't seen. I'll look it up.
Justine- Aren't a lot of sci-fi stories romances in disguise? :)
Susan- *waving back*
Gail- What a cool idea! I may have to borrow that sometime for a gift.
Jess- Alien scares me today even though I know what's going to happen next.
DL- Ah...I'm so glad to have found you in person and online!
Retro-zombie - Thx for the bloggy non-stalker love. Close Encounters is a classic.
Marta- Now I'm trying to remember which ice-skating movie starred Broderick. That's very cool that you got to meet him.
LG- Oh, yes. I love me some post-apocalyptic. I'm listening to Boneshaker by Cherie Priest on audiobook and keep picturing the characters from The Road Warrior and Mad Max.
Sangu- Nice to meet you!
Cherie- I've watched my share of Star Trek. :)

Anonymous said...

It's great to meet you Brinda and good luck with The Waiting Booth! I'll stop by your site and say hello.

Like many, War Games was a defining moment for me. It flipped a switch and placed SciFi in a dimension I could relate to and understand as the setting was in our present world. Maybe that's why I choose the same setting to write.

Sarah Ahiers said...

I pretty much grew up on Aliens and Poltergeist. Yes we were too young to watch them, and yes my dad didn't really care. Best decision ever!

Ciara said...

I found my Kindle, Brinda. I was SO mad when I lost it half way through Waiting Booth. It is such an awesome read. I'll be putting my review up by the end of the weekend. Enjoy your day at the Ninja party.

Margo Kelly said...

great post! Thanks for sharing the details with us. :)

Heather M. Gardner said...

I love all those movies!

But, Alex...do you know who wrote these lines for Speed? “Anything else that’ll keep this elevator from falling?” “Yeah. The basement.”

Great post!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sarah, that's funny! Aliens rocked.

Matthew MacNish said...

I was born in 1977, so I was basically destined to be a Star Wars fanatic.

I loved all these movies, though, too.

Great post, Brinda!

farawayeyes said...

Another one for the 'to-read' list. Thanks.

The original Twilight Zone - as a child I saw the alien cookbook episode. I had nightmares for years. Still creeps me out.

Sci-fi lit. OSC's 'Ender Series'. I don't think I'll ever get over those books. I mean that in a good way.

Voting.

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I loved Star Wars when I first saw it, but increasingly love it more and more as I learn about motifs, arcs, mythology, etc. Seriously brilliant across the board.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I'm a romantic sap, so stories like Pride & Prejudice (book & film), and Gone With the Wind have always stuck with me. Ben Hur and the Ten Commandments have never left my memory either. And of course any of Stephen King's books adapted to film.
OMGosh! I can't wait to see the new Underworld!!

Jay Noel said...

Brinda, we have the same taste in movies.

I'm still obsessed with Close Encounters. So much that I cannot help but make my own version of Devils Tower whenever I'm served mashed potatoes.

Star Wars did it for me. I was 5 when that movie came out and I watched it at least 5 times in the theater (once at a drive in and another time while in Asia).

And Alex, I'm not a Hot Tamales kinda dude. But I do love Gummy Bears.

LynnRush said...

THE CROW! Of course! You got me.

Happy FRIDAY. Hope you have a super weekend and get some writing/relaxing done! ;)

Anonymous said...

Oh I should've known that!! I LOVE the Crowe awesome movie. Fantastic blog post Alex as always x

Brinda said...

Stephen- Thanks for stopping by and reading!
Sarah- After watching Poltergeist, I can't let the television go "off air" to to a snowy picture.
Ciara- You rock! Thanks for reading my book and I look forward to your review. I'm so glad you found your Kindle.
Margo- Nice to meet you.
Heather - Hi *waving*
Matthew- 1977? You're just a young lad. These movies really date me, don't they. lol
Karen- Me, too. :)
Faraway Eyes- ewww...an alien cookbook episode? I would love that.
Tasha- I agree!
SA- I'm a romantic sap and Stephen King fan also.
Jay- Aww... I sorta wish that there were drive-ins today.
Lynn- Hi! *waving* I can't believe that somebody knew a trivia that you didn't. You're like a trivia queen. :)

Anonymous said...

All of those movies are fantastic sources of inspiration. I always like to say that I saw Empire first, but people get all technical since I was still in utero at the time. Details, details.

Anonymous said...

Embarrassing, but I've only seen Star Wars. Does it help that I loved, and will always love, Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones?

Christopher Hudson said...

It was Riders to the Stars ... my brother tortured me for years by reminding me that the skeleton of Gordon (in his space suit) was floating under my bed.

Good luck on the tome, Brinda.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Matthew - crap, I was almost a teen when Star Wars came out!

Twilight Zone - very good, Faraway.

Shari, I can't wait either! Hours away now...

Jay, Gummy Bears it is!

Joshua, I think that detail matters.

Sherry, Indiana Jones was great.

Budd said...

all great movies. Sad to not see dune on the list. It had sting. I know you liked sting.

Unknown said...

These movie all heavily influenced me right along with John Carpenter's The Thing, E.T. and a campy classic with Peter Strauss and Molly Ringwald Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone.

Great post! And I am looking forward to reading The Waiting Booth. Heading over to Susan's.

Brinda said...

Joshua- In utero viewing is kind of "iffy" :)
Sherry- Sure it counts. He was a great Indiana.
Christopher- I haven't seen Riders to the Stars. :(
Budd- Yes, I loved Sting. That floating man was freaky.
Melissa- Ewwww. I forgot about The Thing. Yes-great movie.

D.G. Hudson said...

@Brinda -- Me too, re - Han Solo, and Blade Runner was a great film. Saw all the Star Wars movie, & Close Encounters (several times).

My love of science fiction started when I read Asimov's Foundation series and then the Dune series by Herbert. Also loved the robot series - books, and the movie 'I, Robot'-2004! (some scenes were filmed in Vancouver, Canada)

Science fiction tops my list, with Paris films next.

Anonymous said...

Yes, of course it matters. I just love seeing the responses I get. I did see Jedi when I was two-and-a-half, though.

Unknown said...

I probably should have seen Blade Runner BEFORE reading "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" By Philip K Dick. I can't help myself, though, I love PKD, I love his short stories.

I made the mistake of watching the film after, and twenty-some odd years too late. (The film was released the same year I was born, so I hope that's some sort of excuse?)

It was a good movie, sure. But the short story is way, way better.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Brinda,I love stories that take me away from reality and transport me to another place and time. I've always loved sci-fi. I've read and enjoyed the geeky-tech but will admit, these days, I'm drawn to those with a good spark of romance.

I'll have to check yours out!

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

"Close Encounters" was a great movie. Spielberg almost always does a fantastic job. Best wishes with your book!

Glynis Peters said...

Ah, Close Encounters...now I know that one! :)

Good luck with real life and your writing, Alex.

Anonymous said...

I've yet to read a single Star Wars book, but I've always been a HUGE fan of the original 3 movies. And Blade Runner definitely influenced my novelette "Girl of Great Price" -- due to be published by Macmillan's Criminal Element later this year.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Where the Wild Things Are - yes, the picture book - was probably my first memorable fantasy read, although I definitely had a big collection of fairy tales as well. My first favorite movies that I remember are Disney's Peter Pan and Star Wars . . .so fantasy and sci fi were my thing right away.

Ted Cross said...

Blade Runner is the greatest movie of all time!

Brinda said...

DG - I loved the I, Robot movie!

Missy- I haven't read the short story. It sounds like I need to add to my TBR list.

Sia- Hi! I'm also a fan of romance, but I guess you could already tell that. :)

Elizabeth - Spielberg rarely disappoints me.

Glynis - Nice to meet you.

Milo - I'll have to check out Girl of Great Price.

Tyrean - That's a great book to remember.

Ted- I agree.

Johanna Garth said...

Alex, glad you found some time to work on your WIP!

Brenda, have you read Never Let Me Go. I think you'd really like it!

M Pax said...

Glad you're working on book #3, Alex.

Harrison Ford...well, let's just say my sister & I called every movie theater in the city to ask how big their screen was. We went to the theater with the biggest one. lol

Best of succes to you on The Waiting Booth, Brinda.

Anonymous said...

I haven't been exposed to the sci-fi as much as other people.

One of my favorite movies is GATTACA and yes, I do love star wars and star trek.

But honestly I think that fantasy fuels me more than sci-fi, but the possibilites are endless with both. It's amazing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

The Thing! Excellent choice, Melissa.

Missy, I liked both. Sadly I was old enough to see Blade Runner in the theater.

Milo, the Star Wars books by Timothy Zahn are quite good.

Johanna and Mary, happy to be writing again!

LynNerdKelley said...

I saw all three of those movies, Alex, but couldn't answer those Trivia questions! And that's sooooooo cool that you're outlining your next book!

Brinda, congrats on your book. I wish you huge success with it. I love sci-fi, too. I can't watch the scary ones like Alien, though. I love Time Cop and The Sixth Day, The Island. Too many great sci-fi movies to list!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alien was way ahead of its time. Truly impressive!

Leovi said...

Yes, very good post on the blog of Susan Roebuck, good advice about blogging.

sonia said...

I actually preferred Luke. Hans was too threatening to my adolescent self. I liked my crushes safe and sweet, lol.

Christine Rains said...

I've always been a fan of the original Star Wars trilogy - and had a crush on Han Solo! - but it was Alien that really made me love sci-fi. Something dark and gritty, but more so, with a woman as the hero that kicked butt!

Gloria Richard said...

Yes! I began to think "yikes! I don't belong" when you began your list of movies, Brinda.

Gotta admit, by "go to's" are the funny chick flick types. But, I was hooked on Twilight Zone.

In my twenties, I was a historical romance fan. Now? My connections are pulling me to the dark side of all things paranormal.

Patsy said...

I always imagined writing Sci-fi would be the easiest genre - obviously I stopped thinking that once I gave it a go!

Brinda said...

Johanna - I haven't read that one, but I'll look it up. Thanks!

M Pax - :) lol

Melanie- I watched Gattaca on tv recently. I could watch that one and Minority Report over and over.

Liz- Thanks for reading. Nice to meet you.

Nebular- WAY ahead...

Leovi - I agree. It should be mandatory for new bloggers to read that post. lol

Sonia - Hans..threatening? Yeah. He would be a heartbreaker.

Christine - Yes, I agree that I loved that about Alien.

PK HREZO said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
PK HREZO said...

Oh yeah... those were some great flicks! War Games really got into my head when it came out. I became a sci-fan when my parents used to have all day Star Trek marathons when it came on TV. It was so great!
Your book sounds fab, Brinda! Right up my alley!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I don't like hot tamales. But I suppose I can go and vote for your video anyway. I know Brinda! /wave

Carol Kilgore said...

Your book sounds great, Brinda.
Alex, I'm heading over now.
Happy Weekend to all!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Lynn!

George! Good to hear from you. Been quiet this week.

Thank you, Leovi.

Christine, Ripley certainly kicked butt.

Patsy, it is a little less challenging than fantasy though.

Michael, voting starts tomorrow.

Tara Tyler said...

those are all time classic movies, love every one!
and i like the sound of portal travelers!

nice!

Cate Masters said...

Love the premise for The Waiting Booth. That cover's amazing.
Off to visit you at Susan's, Alex.

Jessica Salyer said...

Love those movies. Always looking for good old movies to show my kids, I'll have to pull those out. Congrats on the book Brinda. I'll definitely have to add it to my must read list.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I used to be a SciFi elitist--wouldn't touch fantasy. Until a boy who lived changed that for me. But I'm really glad that SciFi seems to be making a bit of a come back.

And I love those movies!

Nancy said...

Loved Hans Solo. The first sci-fi movie I loved beyond Star Wars (which I was shocked as an adult to discover not everyone loves) was Dreamscape. It is the surreal surrounded by what is real. I love the contrast of some things seeming very familiar while others are totally unexpected, throw a mystery in and I'm hooked.

TL Conway said...

When I want to feel like a kid again, I pop in ye ole VHS tape of Star Wars. I was born in 77, I think it's part of my genetic make up.

And I LOVED War Games, too. Loved it.

Fun post!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, when I was writing my first book, everyone said science fiction was dead.

Nancy, I remember Dreamscape!

ediFanoB said...

Just left a comment over at Susan's blog.

I hope the Ninja Army will vote for the trailer. I will do that tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Hey Brinda, love how you've said about movie or book... I didn't read a whole lot til my late teens.... But I have always love a good story whether watching or reading.

Brinda said...

Pk- Thanks for reading the post! I think I need a marathon day of sci-fi right now. :)

Michael - *waving madly*

Carol- Thanks!

Tara- I agree that they're classics.

Cate- Thx for the compliment. :) Nice to meet you.

Jessica- I've had a lot of fun discussing Blade Runner with my son.

Donna- Yes, I'm glad it's making a comeback. :)

Nancy - WHAT? Everyone doesn't love Star Wars? Surely you jest.

TL- Hang on to the VHS player. I tried to buy one for my mom for Christmas because it's what she wanted. They are almost extinct. DVD and BLU-ray have taken over.

ediFanoB - Yes, I hope everyone remembers to vote. I had to put it on my calendar!

Michelle- I've always loved movies and books. I think they go hand in hand. Thanks for hopping over to read!

Laura said...

Han Solo... my hear pounds :) The waiting booth sounds brilliant - off to kindle right now
Lxxx

Laura Eno said...

Han Solo was my dream man!

Helena said...

Close Encounters is brilliant! And I like this combination of romance and science fiction, Brinda, so I'm putting this on my to read list.

Abby Minard said...

The books/Authors that inspired me were fantasy- Anne McCaffrey was a huge inspiration (which, some people consider some of her stuff sci fi, rather than fantasy), Garth Nix, Sharon Shinn....to name a few. As far as movies, I LOVED Neverending Story and Labyrinth. I love sci fi movies, but didn't get into those until a bit later on, like around high school age.

Karen M. Peterson said...

I have to admit that I've never seen Blade Runner. (Gasp!) I've also never heard of The Waiting Booth. But I love the rest, and I'm sure I'd love those too!

Tina said...

Loved Blade Runner. It was one of the first DVD's I bought once I got my DVD player. I'd joined a club and you could pick 5 movies for free. I chose that, The Iron Giant (yes, a kids movie, but awesome so go rent it), Goodfellas, Total Recall, and The Princess Bride.
As to Harrison Ford's Han Solo, who would EVER choose milk-toast Mark Hamill is beyond me. Han is the ultimate scoundrel ;-) I like scoundrels.

Tina @ Life is Good

Co-Host of the April 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge


Twitter: #atozchallenge

Tina said...

OOPS. Forgot to sign up for comments...

LD Masterson said...

I started with Twilight Zone on TV as a kid. Some of those stories have stayed with me to this day.

And, yeah, Han Solo was hot.

Golden Eagle said...

I just watched Star Wars last weekend; now I can say I know what you mean by the relationship between Han Solo and Princess Leia. LOL.

Great post!

alexia said...

Star Wars rocks, that's for sure... popping over to your guest post!

alexia said...

Well, her comment page keeps freezing, so not sure if my comment saved. Great tips and tidbits on CassaFire!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Edi, thank you!

Abby, I always thought of McCaffrey as science fiction.

Tina, we own the Iron Giant - great movie.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Asimov and The Hobbit were my first sci-fi/fantasy experiences that really drew me in. Then I read McCaffrey. I loved War Games because my dad had worked in NORAD (I was sad to learn that the real NORAD doesn't at all resemble the movie...), and Alien (and Aliens) is/are awesome.

Love the movie quotes. So many great quotes from The Crow and Speed. I've only seen The Usual Suspects once, though (for shame).

Unknown said...

So many movies stayed with me. I loved Shawshank and Star Wars and Godfather. All for different reasons.

Brinda said...

Laura- He was sure a cutie. I watched Cowboys and Aliens and was surprised to see that he's looking....older.

Laura Eno - I was in love!

Helena- Close Encounters- great director, script, and actors...

Abby- Neverending Story and Labyrinth are both movies I need to see again. It's been a while.

Karen- You should really see Blade Runner if you like sci-fi.

Tina- I LOVE The Princess Bride. :)

LD- It's funny about The Twilight Zone. I can remember certain shows also.

Golden Eagle- YAY!

Alexia- Hi *waving*

Shannon- Awww...NORAD doesn't look like that? :(

Clarissa- If you are talking about The Shawshank Redemption...wow. That is a great movie. I agree.

Jemi Fraser said...

The book sounds awesome!!

Star Wars was definitely a huge movie inspiration for me as well - love those movies! :)

Melissa Sugar said...

I was a 70's-80's kid so Star Wars was "it" for my generation. The waiting booth-that's cool

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Shannon, those are great beginnings.

Melissa, Star Wars was IT for my generation as well.

Ella said...

Great picks Brinda! It is nice to meet you~ I love the premise of your book! Off to watch your book trailer~

Movies that inspired me definitely "Star Wars". My parents managed a Drive-In theater, that summer. Dad hired a man to dress up like Darth Vader. We lived and breathed it. Dad noticed V on the film and this generated a lot of talk. It was a memorable summer! Alien scared the hell out of me! Isn't there talk about redoing "Blade Runner". I liked "The 5th Element" too.

I need to do a marathon on "Underworld"! Pass the Hot Tamales, I will vote on Saturday! ;D Why can't they make sugar free ones?!

Adrienne said...

Brinda, I live all of those movies, and Han Solo? *fans self* Did you ever watch Starman with Jeff Bridges? That was another great 80's sci-fi movie.

SpacerGuy said...

My first Aliens 2 experience is one I'll never ever forget because I snook downstairs and watched it in the dark.

Author A.O. Peart said...

Okay, I have to admit that Han Solo has never been a subject of my fantasies (smirk) but his personality has definitely felt somehow close to my own! Nevertheless, I love Starwars.

Brinda, so good to see you again :-)

Andrew Leon said...

I existed in a sci-fi world after Star Wars, but Piers Anthony is where I really started reading science fiction.

TerryLynnJohnson said...

Speed! Of course! I should have known that one!
I loved all these old movies you listed! Great picks!
Heading to your interview now

Arlee Bird said...

As a child of the 50s I was raised on the old grade B sci-fi movies. If it had to do with radioactive mutants or atomic destruction I was on board. Still love those old films.


Lee
Wrote By Rote

Nancy Thompson said...

Hey, what do know, I got 'em all right! Congrats on finishing your outline, Alex! That's a huge step. Wish I was that far. And though I'm no follower of sci-fi, I have seen & enjoyed every one of those films, multiple times. Maybe it's time I try to read a little sci-fi, too. Hmmmm...

Nicole Zoltack said...

Who doesn't prefer Han Solo to Luke?

Jamie Gibbs said...

I remember getting a VHS copy of A New Hope back in Christmas 1995, it was to be the last original version before the remastered edition released in 1997. That year I'd also had a few star wars toys. I'd not shown that much interest in star wars or sci-fi up until then, but after watching A New Hope I knew I'd found something special.

Angela McCallister said...

Alien is one of my favorite movies of all time. It was a ground-breaker, practically starting a new sub-genre. Blade Runner is waaaaaay up there, too, on my list, but it was really books that made me love scifi. CL Moore was a hero to me because she pubbed in a genre dominated by males at the time.

Shelley Munro said...

I always liked the Star Trek movies. Someone mentioned Indiana Jones. I still ove watching those along with Romancing the Stone and The Mummy. I like adventure with my romance :)

Anonymous said...

Really like the sound of The Waiting Booth... going to add it to my list on goodreads...

dolorah said...

Awesome list :) So nice to meet you Brinda.

.......dhole

Brinda said...

Jem- Nice to meet you. :)

Melissa - I think it's one that doesn't get old.

Ella- That is awesome about the Darth Vader @ the Drive-in. Love it.

Adrienne- Star Wars was so good!

Spacerguy- scary...

Angela- *waves* I love witty people.

Andrew- I have read him. :( I'll look into his books.

Terry - Hi!

Arlee- Sometimes the oldies are the best.

Nancy- You don't have to love sci-fi to love these movies.

Nicole- I'm in total agreement.

Jamie- I haven't seen it. Here's another I need to look up.

Angela- I think it was a groundbreaker, too.

Shelley- I love the romance + adventure, too.

tfwalsh - Thank you!

Donna- Nice to meet you. :)

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Sorry I'm so late to the party, Alex. My job doesn't pay me to blog either. Not fair.

I'm fascinated by sci-fi and it's not a genre I've written in, except in parady. I'm off to visit Brinda's site. I like the film list. Close Encounters was phenomenal. I can't see photos of Drew Barrymore without recalling that movie. Who didn't want their own little E.T.?

xoRobyn

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

ps parody

Katherines Corner said...

no need to beg you have my vote.
Nice blog post by Susan today. I love sci fi, i hate horror! Count me out for movies like saw, etc. But count me in for futuristic movies, like, well,.... anything in the future, giggle. Smooches and hugs and wishes for a beautiful weekend xo.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ella, you must've seen a ton of free films! You know I'm all for an Underworld marathon. And sadly, no sugar-free Hot Tamales yet.

Spacerguy, Aliens was the ultimate ride.

Lee, like "Them" and "Tarantula?"

Nancy, maybe it is!!

Jamie, do you still have that tape? We still have our original versions.

Robyn, but you always make the party! Not sure I wanted my own ET though. He would've been awkward at parties.

Thanks again, Brinda!!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Great list of early science-fiction films. Another great guest post.

Andrew Leon said...

@Brinda: Oh, I'm not sure I would recommend him at this point. I liked him when I was teen, but I can't read his stuff now.

@Alex: My mom hasn't read my book either.

From the Mind of a Madman said...

All great films... Im a fan of Close Encounters for sure! And I prefer the second Aliens!.... and then of course Space Balls!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Maurice, Brinda is really cool.

Andrew - good! Well, not GOOD. Just nice to know I'm not the only one.

Madman, Aliens is one of my favorite movies - just a roller coaster of a ride.

Bryan Thomas said...

Kind of a flash back for me. I grew up on the same movies, although Star Wars and the Star Trek films really excited me. I also enjoyed Disney's Black Hole. Yes it had derivative and silly elements but I found the suggestion of scientific possibilities interesting and the black hole stuff as well. They also had a strong cast. Also the animated The Hobbit was huge for me as well. Also animated versions of The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe.

Leovi said...

Yes, my favorite of these is certainly Blade Runner.

Anonymous said...

Great movies! Other old ones I'm remembering are ET and Poltergeist. I especially loved ET.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Bryan, I'd forgotten about The Black Hole. It was dorky, but I really dug that movie.

Kristen, hopefully no one ever remakes those two films.

Brinda said...

Rawnrobyn- I wish we all had jobs that paid us to blog...

Katherine- I couldn't sit through Saw. :(

Maurice- Thanks for reading! Nice to meet you.

Andrew - OK. :)

Madman - Spaceballs ...*grins*

Bryan- I'm trying to remember The Black Hole.

Leovi- We are in agreement on that.

Kristen- Awww. I loved ET. I wanted one of my own.

FilmMattic said...

Great stuff! Your imaginative powers were born from a veritable reservoir of cinematic influence: Scott, Spielberg, and Lucas. I love all three of their seminal films. Alien provokes horror and awe in simultaneous bursts. It's really a remarkable treat for the senses.

Lucas' name (despite his diminishing force) is synonymous with technological and imaginative greatness. And Spielberg is a supernatural magician. Always happy to read about this troika of science fiction.

Great post!

Rhonda said...

Loved the guest post and I voted for you.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Don't you hate it when your science project does that? ;-)

Great blurb, Brinda! And your list of sci-fi films could be mine. Mine, I tell you. I agree that Ridley Scott can do no wrong.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rhonda, thanks!!

justjoe said...

Close Encounters is AMAZING. That little jingle they play has stayed with me forever, haha.

Brinda said...

Matthew- Thank you for reading!You are obviously a movie connoisseur. :)

Rhonda *wave*

Julia- My science projects ALWAYS went like that. ha!

JustJoe- You mentioned the tune and now it's in my head.

Leovi said...

My interest started with science fiction books by Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke and many others.

Enid Wilson said...

Will head over to vote. Woo hoo!

The Spinster’s Vow

Miranda Hardy said...

I met Mark Hamill once at a comedy club. It was an interesting endeavor. Great movies. The book sounds awesome.

Suze said...

I find there's typically a stark division between Luke and Solo girls, with definite allegiances. But here is a girl who loved both!

cleemckenzie said...

Solo all the way. Luke didn't much for me.

But really, all those old sci-fi stories still hold such appeal. Congratulations on your book, Brinda. Thanks to Alex for hosting you here and sharing your story with us.

Brinda said...

Leovi- Great sci-fi authors

Miranda- Thx for reading and commenting!

Suze- I think they were such different personalities and strengths that most are drawn to one character or the other. It's nice to meet you. :)

C. Lee- It's nice to see you again. I agree that they all are timeless in their appeal.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Enid!

Miranda, really? Wow!

Suze, and here's a guy who thought Fisher was hot in her outfit in Jedi!

Brinda, thanks again - you rocked the house!

Pat Tillett said...

The Sci-fy list was a great one!

Alex, I came, I went, I voted! Good luck!

Jennifer Hillier said...

Blade Runner and War Games are two of my favorite movies. I think I prefer Aliens to Alien, but Ripley rocks no matter what.

Theresa Milstein said...

What a packed post!

I loved the banter between Han Solo and Leia too. Close Encounters was my first PG movie. I think I was 7. I thought if I heard the song, aliens would come. Thus causing many sleepless nights.

Saumya said...

Brinda sounds wonderful :) I loved your guest post on Susan's blog.Going over to vote now!

Stephanie Thornton said...

Haha! I had to hide those bodice rippers from my parents too.

Now I definitely like sci-fi more!

Anonymous said...

We may have read the same Harlequins. I had stacks of them.

That's a great selection of movies.

Jeremy Bates said...

i've always loved sci fi and alien is still to date one of my all time favorite movies!

Talli Roland said...

Congrats on the book, Brinda! I admit I'm still more into romance than sci fi, but I so enjoy a good science fiction read every once in a while!

Brinda said...

Pat - Nice to meet you. Thanks for reading.

Jennifer- I think Ripley was a great role model for females.

Theresa- It's true. If you hear that tune, look for the spaceship. *wink*

Saumya- Thanks!

Stephanie- It was working until a friendly neighbor asked my dad if he knew what I was reading. lol

Medeia- I belonged to the Harlequin book club and go four or six new ones every month. I loved getting them in the mail.

Jeremy- Hi *wave*

Talli- I like the books that combine the genres!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks Pat!

Jennifer, I like Aliens better as well.

Theresa, that's funny.

Thank you, Saumya!

Talli does - she read my book and it didn't even have a romance in it!

Brinda, thanks again!

Leovi said...

Well, even I have no theme in mind, thank goodness there is still a long time.