Today’s stop is with the adorable Talli Roland!
Be sure to visit Talli Roland for my take on women and female characters.
Don’t forget that everyone who comments here on my blog over the next two weeks will be entered to win this cool prize package from my publisher. So be sure to comment every single day!
Ninja News
Thanks to everyone who visited me Under the Tiki Hut yesterday! Yes, the Ninja scored some points.
A to Z Co-Host Tina Downey contributed a story to the book, Until They Have Faces. You can read about it HERE. Proceeds from the book go to benefit Boulder, Colorado’s homeless, and more information on the project can be found at Bridge House Boulder Outreach for Homeless Overflow. Congratulations Tina and all the volunteers that made the book possible!
The video contest is open until this weekend – visit A to Z Challenge Blog for details.
Ninja Fact
I’ve only regretted writing one thing. I won’t give away spoilers here, but there is a scene in CassaStar I wish I’d never had to write. I’m not an overly emotional person and live life on an even keel. No great highs or lows. But that one scene was really difficult. I regret it, and yet, there could be no other way to forward the story. Perhaps that is another reason why CassaFire jumps ahead twenty years. Like Byron, I needed some distance…
Trivia answers from Monday:
1 – In what movie do we reach Ludicrous Speed? Spaceballs
2 – Name the creator of Calvin and Hobbes Bill Waterson
3 – This 1981 movie boasted the tagline “From the director of Animal House… a different kind of animal.” An American Werewolf in London
4 – Name the quarterback who threw for 5000 yards in one season; a record held until this past year Dan Marino (Broken by two quarterbacks this past season, Tom Brady and the new record holder, Drew Brees.)
Trivia Questions – Hodge-Podge!
Let’s see how you do with this mix…
1 – What year did Disneyland open?
2 – What is Eminem’s real name?
3 – What type of gas was used to float the Hindenburg?
4 – What race always occurs on Memorial Day Weekend in the USA?
5 – What body of water in the Middle East is the saltiest and most mineral-laden in the world?
You didn’t forget the IWSG tomorrow, did you? Any regrets in your writing? Know any answers from yesterday’s trivia? How about today? Some of you need to at least try one of these trivia challenges…
Now, go visit Talli Roland! I heard she’s serving wine…
Okay, I got Marshall Mathers (with Bruce, maybe, for a middle name?)
ReplyDeleteand uh, maybe the Dead Sea?
Leaving now, to visit Talli :-)
1 – What year did Disneyland open?
ReplyDelete1949?
2 – What is Eminem’s real name?
Marshal Mathers?
3 – What type of gas was used to float the Hindenburg?
Hydrogen?
4 – What race always occurs on Memorial Day Weekend in the USA?
Indy 500?
5 – What body of water in the Middle East is the saltiest and most mineral-laden in the world?
The Dead Sea?
Alex, I can't believe you're feeling insecure right now. Even if there was room for the odd niggling doubt (and I don't see how there could be) you can't possibly have time to think it!
ReplyDeleteI've been over to gorgeous Talli's and made her some coffee! Yay!!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
P-A-R-T-Y...I'll head over to Talli's. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm heading over to Talli's blog now.
ReplyDeleteThe most difficult scenes to write are often the best. Congrats for going outside your comfort zone!
ReplyDeleteFor Eminem: Marshall Mathers and the body of water I think is the Dead Sea. I have no clue for the other ones.
ReplyDeleteI did forget about the IWSG! So thank you for the reminder, otherwise I'd be stuck writing in the middle of the night.
Hopping over Talli's now:)
Sarah, you got two!
ReplyDeleteLurker, got three!
Patsy, as you'll see tomorrow, I still am.
Thanks, Cate.
Marta, now you'll be prepared.
'Dead Sea' is my only contribution.
ReplyDeleteYou mean Eminem isn't his real name?! Man Alive, I feel so used.
You were a total rockstar over at Talli's!!! She's fab and so are you!!!
ReplyDeleteOooo, Insecure Writers Group? For once my blog posts are so behind I'd love to be able to post! Headed over to see what's up so I can get my piece ready for tomorrow!!
I'm all for wine at Talli's. :)
ReplyDeleteTrivia: Not sure about the first one so I'm gonna pass, but...
2. Marshall Mathers
3. Hydrogen
4. The Indy 500
5. The Dead Sea
Looking forward to IWSG tomorrow. And I hear you on the difficult scenes. I have one in a work that is still unpublished that has haunted me.
I wish I knew some trivia answers, but I'm sorry - I really don't! I am heading over to Talli's, though!
ReplyDelete1) Dammit. '57?
ReplyDelete2) Em
3) Hydrogen
4) Nascar, it's Nascar racing.
5) The Dead Sea
That scene was tough on us all.
Off to Talli's.
Well, I got the last 3. Not old enough to remember Disneyland opening (smirk). Off to Talli's - she is an amazing person!
ReplyDelete1 – Disneyland opened in its inaugural year.
ReplyDelete2 – Marshall Mathers; I do not know if he is related to Jerry Mathers, a.k.a "The Beave"
3 – Hydrogen
4 – Boston Marathon?
5 – The Dead Sea
Hmm, very tempted to look up answers but that would be misrepresenting my actual lack of knowledge. Going to Talli's which typing that statement has the song Going back to Cali (however Cali is spelled running in my head).
ReplyDeleteIs it not Tuesday?
ReplyDeleteHuntress, that made me laugh!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jen. Yes, thought I'd better remind everyone, including myself.
Melissa, you got the others right. And some scenes are just so tough.
Rusty, you got two. And good to know that scene was effective, especially considering the sacrifice involved.
Lisa, thankfully I'm not either!
Rick, got two, although your answer for the first one is clever!
Matthew, it's Tuesday - just reminding everyone that tomorrow is Wednesday and the IWGS.
Without checking other answers:
ReplyDelete1- no idea
2- Marshall Mathers (sic?)
3- Helium
4- No idea
5- Salt sea
I hate those scenes you HAVE to write but really don't want to. I've done it myself, and it's tough when you realise there isn't another way.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I'm not answering the questions, although I do know the Eminem one!
I guess she is cute, if you are into HOT BLONDES.
ReplyDeleteon to the quiz- 1.1965, 2.marshal mathers, 3. hydrogen, 4. daytona 500 (or insert city name here memorial day 5k), 5. the dead sea
Heading over to Talli's.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I'm hopeless at trivia!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for writing that tough scene, Alex. It's so hard to push ourselves out of our comfort zone.
Hmmmm....
ReplyDelete1 – 1950
2 – Marshal Mathers
3 – Helium
4 – memorial day race
5 – dead sea
I learned Tina and I live in the same town! We're neighbors. I'll have to check out Until They Have Faces.
ReplyDeleteMaurice, you got one.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa, that one was difficult.
Budd, you got three. And Talli is just cute all the way around.
Elizabeth, I hated doing it. Still miss that character.
Copyboy, you got two. Maybe I made them too difficult...
LG, that's cool! Bet she's a lot of fun in person.
'I won’t give away spoilers here, but there is a scene in CassaStar I wish I’d never had to write. I’m not an overly emotional person and live life on an even keel. No great highs or lows. But that one scene was really difficult. I regret it, and yet, there could be no other way to forward the story.'
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this difficulty and feel certain that if you pushed your personal envelope, something good has emerged as a result. I'm glad you shared this, Alex. I appreciated reading it.
And no, I haven't forgotten about IWSG, tomorrow. :) I even have a few tips for the A-Z that I am planning to append to the end of my post.
I agree that Talli is awesome. She's bubbly, supportive, and has a ton of energy.
ReplyDeleteSomeday I hope to be as cool Talli, and as supportive a blogger as you, of course.
Trivia questions:
1-no idea
2-???
3-Helium?
4-Does it have something to do with motorcycles?
5-The Dead Sea
I didn't peek at any other answers:
ReplyDelete1) I think Disneyland opened in 1955 because I remember watching the Disney show when I was a kid and they would have shows about the attraction.
2) Marshall Mathers?
3) Hydrogen --highly flammable
4) Indy 500
5) Dead Sea
Off to Talli's
Lee
Hi Alex, all of us are on your side :)
ReplyDeleteWill head over to Talli's blog.
Have emailed you regarding the guest post.
I think you were closer with the whole onion thing. Parfaits don't tend to make people cry.
ReplyDeleteThe Dead Sea - it's also where the Dead Sea Scrolls come from.
ReplyDelete1. July 1955.
ReplyDelete2. Marshall Mathers.
3. Hydrogen.
4. Kentucky Derby?
5. Dead Sea.
Really not sure on number 4, though...
Had to look it up. Damn.
ReplyDeleteSuze, thank you. And looking forward to your IWSG post.
ReplyDeleteAngela, that's one! And Talli is all sorts of energetic cool.
Lee, you the man!
Rachna, I'll go read!
Andrew, very good point.
Diane, correct!
Joshua, yeah, missed one.
I'm so late today it's like cheating by I DO know #4 Indy (Indianapolis)500 and #5 The Dead Sea
ReplyDeleteParty on!
Great job over at Talli's! You always know how to say the right thing! Julie
ReplyDeleteTalli's awesome!
ReplyDeleteAnd #5 is the Dead Sea. Thank you, study of the Ancient Near East. *grins*
Sorry I won't be able to participate in the IWSG tomorrow, but I'm sure you'll all have fun!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the trivia goes The only answer I'm sure of is that #5 is the dead sea.
I think Disneyland opened in 1959, but I'm not sure, and I'm guessing the Boston Marathon for #4 :)
Heading over to Tally's blog!
ReplyDeleteYes, I can not hit your trivial questions.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe we're at the 3rd IWSG of the year already - that's insane!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am rubbish - I really never know the answers!
Lx
Ooo, I def want to be int he contest:) I'm not much good at the trivia part though...Disneyland I'd guess 1955 (same as in Back to the Future) ;)
ReplyDeletei have my iwsg post ready, but almost forgot it was coming up!
ReplyDeleteand 1965, guess
my boys know, but they arent home yet
hydrogen
flying pig marathon?
dead sea
=)
Talli and wine! What a great combination! :)
ReplyDeleteWell,think,I know atleast 3 answers today
ReplyDeleteA 1959
B don't care for Eminem's music to know his real name ;P
C Hydrogen/ helium...tossing a coin- says hydrogen
D mostly likely a marathon (guessing)
E the only sea you don't need a life ring to float on...The Dead Sea.
Off to Talli's, can she offer me a chilled lemonade instead?(don't drink alcohol unless its in cough syrups)
Sorry I was out the second my CassaFire post went live. I feel like I missed out, but I hope to catch up with you and the party.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the scene/event you're talking about in CassaStar, I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. As a reader, I was pissed. So that's a good thing!!!
1)Disneyland opened in 1955.
2)Marshall Mathers
3)Since I'm a Steampunk writer, I did a ton of research of airships and dirigibles. The Hindenburg actually had hydrogen, although it was built to use helium. But helium came from America, which refused to export it to Germany
4)No idea
5) The Dead Sea
Talli is awesome. She's really getting her books out there and is an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteFaraway, I believe you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie.
Cherie, at least it paid off!
JA, that's all right. And you got one right.
Laura, I know! This will be the seventh time total.
Mark, you got it!
Tara, you got two. Sadly, it wasn't the flying pig answer!
Rek, you got two.
Jay, that's good and bad! Most of the women said it made them cry. And you got four of the answers.
Donna, she's an inspiration to everyone.
I floated on the Dead Sea (answer to #5). Had to rub black tar-like stuff all over my body before going into the water - to protect my skin from salt and other minerals. It was a neat experience but not altogether relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI regret things in my writing on a regular basis. But that scene you regret is, as you said, what moved the story forward.
Drats, I did forget about IWSG. Thanks for the reminder.
xoRobyn
My guesses:
ReplyDelete1 - Disneyland opening 1955
2 - Marshall Bruce Majors (Eminem)
3 - Hydrogen
4 - Indy 500
5- Dead Sea
Interesting mix. I like that.
Still partying like a rock star?
ReplyDeleteI know those scenes that you have to write to forward a story. I don't think I really regretted them, but sometimes I don't thoroughly enjoy some bits as much as others.
ReplyDeleteContagion was a good film. It gets my thumbs up!
Robyn, sounds like a unique experience though. And glad I reminded you.
ReplyDeleteDG - you rock!
Lass, yes I am!
Christine, I'll have to watch it then.
BTW - I did stop in at Talli's place and enjoyed the post.
ReplyDeleteRe-women
If you want to know what women are like, study your wife, without her noticing you studying her.
Think of the differences - women (generally) are more empathetic, less ego driven (that may apply to coolness in a battle conflict.)
What type of female is needed to balance your protagonist? Does he need to be made a little less arrogant? Does he need to recognize there's more to life than fighting?
Good Luck, Alex.
Heading to Talli Roland. Any lady that shares my name has to be great! Roland
ReplyDeleteI finished my latest WiP with a fairly emotional scene and was surprised by the effect it had on me. Will it survive the first revision? I'll see after it simmers a while.
ReplyDeleteDisneyland 1955 - my Dad went that year with his little brother, and our whole family (including my Dad and Mom) went in 2005. My dad has a fun story about riding his motorcycle with his brother, wearing mouse ears and causing everyone to stare. Not many people really knew about Disneyland in 1955.
ReplyDelete-wish I could visit your blog every day, but yesterday it just wouldn't load -
I only knew 2 and 5.
ReplyDeleteI've distanced myself from hard to write scenes.
Now I'm headed over to Talli's blog.
I had a scene that I thought I should write, but really didn't want to. I went back and forth for a really long time. It would have provided a tidy (though heartbreaking) bookend to something from the start. But fortunately for me, it wasn't necessary to propel the story, so I swerved and avoided. Still hoping it was the right call.
ReplyDeleteOkay - the Dead Sea & The Indy 500!! I think... :)
ReplyDeleteOff to Talli's... (I agree, she is totally awesome!)
Today is the first time I try to answer
ReplyDeletethe trivia questions.
There is a Disneyland near Paris in France. But I think you ask for the date of the first Disneyland. I admit that in this case I did not really know the answer. I was sure that Disneyland is older than I am. So I had a look at Wikipedia. And indeed Disneyland is four years older than me. I was born in 59.
I know and like some songs performed by Marshall Mathers also known as Eminem.
The Hindenburg also known as LZ129 is still famous in Germany.
Unfortunately they used hydrogen to float the ship
I think this is Indy 500. I remember a movie - Winning (in Germany know as Indianapolis) starring Paul Newmann.
That must be the Dead Sea. The question will be how long it will be. So many people buy Dead Sea salt.
My guesses:
1 - Disneyland opening 1955
2 - Marshall Bruce Majors (Eminem)
3 - Hydrogen
4 - Indy 500
5- Dead Sea
Interesting mix. I like that.
American Werewolf in London was an awesome movie. I haven't seen it in ages, though. Might go hunt it down and watch it again.
ReplyDeleteAlex I will have to post my post for The Insecure Writers later tomorrow as I have promised daughter I would go to see her. Time is marching on so quickly it completely skipped this scatterbrained head.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
PS glad you liked my tee shirt.
DG, I've been studying her for years.
ReplyDeleteRoland, she is!
Milo, it's difficult.
Tyrean, I'm sorry! And wild your dad went the year it opened.
Edi, you know your stuff! I'm impressed.
Yvonne, that is cool.
Except for the Disney one, those were too easy. As for your Ninja fact, I am so intrigued. I want so badly to read it. Actually, I spent several hours in Powell's Books in Portland last Saturday, but they didn't carry your novels on the shelves. When I looked for them at the library, they didn't have them either, so I requested they buy it. Should be good for about 10 books each, so people who can't afford to buy can still enjoy your stories.
ReplyDeleteI got 2 out of 5. Heading off to Talli's.
ReplyDeleteI haven't regretted writing scenes though I have written ones I found emotional and only hope my readers did too.
ReplyDelete1. 1971?
ReplyDelete2. Snickers
3. hydrogen
4. Indy 500
5. Dead Sea
I can guess which scene in CassaStar. It was a good one.
I'm heading to Talli's post now.
ReplyDeleteFor 3. I think the answer is hydrogen. And 5. I think it's the Dead Sea.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about having to write a painful scene -- I almost cried while writing one scene in one of my books, but it had to be done.
me just getting my day started... the question is does alex, come back at the end of the day?
ReplyDeletehmmmm, i will wait here for my answer.
Marshall Mathers.
ReplyDeleteHydrogen in the Hindenberg.
And the Dead Sea is the saltiest.
1. No idea
ReplyDelete2. Marshall Mathers
3. Um...Helium??
4. Indy 500
5. Dead Sea
Wow, I have to scroll through all the comments really fast so I don't see anyone else's answers!
I love Tali's site so I am headed there now.
BTW, I'll bet that scene was hard to write...it was hard to read, seriously. I was waiting for the deus ex machina to show up. But you did what needed doing. CassaFire is better for it!!
I know his first name is Marshall? But I don't remember his last name ever and I'm not going to cheat. I'm guessing the Dead Sea is the saltiest and most mineral-laden?
ReplyDeleteHeaded over to Talli's for the party!!!
1. Haven't a clue
ReplyDelete2. Mr Eminem? LOL
3. Hydrogen gas.
4. California Speedway Race Day?
5. Deadsea.
Deep within behind my skin lurks some superpower trying to win! I'm slowly working up the courage to join the IWSG.
Holy catfish, that's a lot of updates!
ReplyDeleteI've regretted writing a lot of thing! Ha!
I'm off to Talli's blog.
ReplyDeleteMarshall Mathers.
I'll trot over for a glass of Talli's vino now.
ReplyDeleteDenise
Nancy, why thank you! I really appreciate you doing that.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I've been told it made people cry.
Mary, you got three. And thank you!
Helena, you got two. And you understand.
Jeremy, I come back!
Michael, got three!
Chuck, that was four. Yeah, I almost backed out of doing it, but Byron wouldn't have done what he did otherwise.
Jennie, yes to both!
Spacerguy, you got two. And please join us!
Theresa, bingo!
Finally starting to catch up after a long weekend vacation. I knew the Spaceballs trivia. Have the DVD and fortunately my kids love the show!
ReplyDeleteAnd Disneyland opened in 1955 in the middle of the summer on a blistering hot day to large crowds. We have season passes and know much of the history.
That scene from CassaStar was very well written; so you did well :)
ReplyDeleteShall pop over and say hi to Talli :)
I will head to Talli's momentarily!
ReplyDelete1. Dunno
2. Marshal Mathers?
3. Something really flammable!! Hydrogen?
4. No idea
5. Dead Sea?
Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z
195?
ReplyDeleteHydrogen
Indy 500
The Dead Sea
Hope you are still enjoying your launch!
I do have those scenes I didn't enjoy writing but were needed in the story. I tend to rush through them and have to go back several times to fix them up.
ReplyDeleteStephen, you are correct on both counts!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jamie!
Shannon, you got three, and yes, highly flammable.
CM, got three!
that is awesome!
ReplyDelete