Today I am visiting the A to Z Blog, discussing the benefits of using a theme during the Challenge.
The A to Z Challenge is blogging the Alphabet in April, every day except Sundays. This will be its fourth year, and it’s the biggest blogging event of the year with thousands of participants. If you’re looking for a challenge and want to make some new friends, then sign up HERE
Looking for cover art? Nigel Mitchell put together a list of a hundred resources!
Falling for Fiction is hosting the The Matchelor-March 25-29th – check their site for details!
The talented Erin Summerill is holding a contest at her photography site, and the prize is a wedding package!!
And if you want a truly entertaining story, Michael Di Gesu has been debuting cover art in a unique way this week. See what happens when the Ninja Captain entices Cadet Michael onto his spaceship and they blast off on a journey! Part One, Part Two, and Part Three. Where will we go next?
And that would definitely be my "Celebrating the Small Things" for VikLit’s weekly meme. Michael, you rock!
1 – “Certainty of death, small chance of success… What are we waiting for?” LOTR - Return of the King
2 – “You HAVE the right to remain silent. What you lack is the capacity.” Shrek II
3 – “Sir, I’m gonna have to ask you to exit the donut.” Iron Man II
4 – “No, I’m, I’m simply saying that life, uh… finds a way.” Jurassic Park
5 – “That when a willing victim who has committed no treachery, is killed in a traitor’s stead, the stone table will crack, and even death itself would turn backwards.” The Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
Bonus – “We’ve got movie sign!” – Mystery Science Theater 3000
Conan Reviews Tomb Raider
Conan O'Brien has a series called Clueless Gamer where he reviews video games. He begins with the disclaimer that he doesn’t even play games! If you have a spare minute, the following video is hilarious. (And my disclaimer – Tomb Raider is rated M for Mature. Don’t watch the very end if impalement makes you squeamish.)
Back From the Future Blogfest.
Don’t forget to visit the A to Z Blog!
You’re up before dawn on a Saturday when the doorbell rings. You haven’t brewed your coffee so you wonder if you imagined the sound. Plonking the half-filled carafe in the sink, you go to the front door and cautiously swing it open. No one there. As you cast your eyes to the ground, you see a parcel addressed to you … from you.
You scoop it up and haul it inside, sensing something legitimate despite the extreme oddness of the situation. Carefully, you pry it open. Inside is a shoebox — sent from ten years in the future — and it’s filled with items you have sent yourself.
What’s in it?
What’s in my box from the future?
Looks like a thumb drive. I plug it into my computer, check for viruses (because a virus from the future is not cool), and pull up the first file.
It’s the movie, CassaStar. “Box Office Hit.” Now that is very cool! Need to watch that later.
Next file – several eBooks. They all have my name on them. Wait, I end up writing more books? I might need a drink now.
Next is a music file – hey, it’s the latest from Dream Theater. Who are the members now? Wait, I’m a member??? Now that rocks! Wonder if I have groupies…?
Another file – seems to be a digital photo album. “New Zealand – There and Back Again.” Hey, there I am with my wife! Damn, she still looks good.
Last file – it’s a screen shot of my blog. Over ten thousand followers?!?!?!?!
Crap, now I really need a drink!!!
What would be in your box?
Do you have a theme for the Challenge? Need some cover art? Been reading Michael’s series? Get any of the trivia right? What did you think of the video? And what would be in your box from the future?
Don’t forget to visit the A to Z Blog!
144 comments:
I couldn't do the A to Z without a theme. I shall pop over to see what you've said. Love your take on the box from the future. It made me laugh. I think it's your wish list in truth!
I too would love to see your books made into movies. Good luck on that score, Looking forward to the A to Z challenge just 4 weeks away.
My immediate plans for my blog is to get my followers back that I lost through internet problems.
Enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.
Damn good list! you do need a bottle of Jack for that box opening! Maybe two? Headin to A to Z!
I think this is the closest I've been to being first commentor...
Michael Di Gesu's cover reveals have been a blast!
I love what you found in your ten year package from the future! :)
I've really enjoyed Michael's posts. He's so creative and entertaining.
Thank you for sharing this Tomb Raider review. It was funny! ;)
My box from the future was returned with insufficent postage... I'm worried on several levels :)
Michael's posts have been wonderful, and A-Z is in 31 days.. yikes :)
Lol! Love your Back From the Future post! A "Box Office Hit" would be so cool!
Excellent list!
And double thumbs up to your musical collaboration with Dream Theater.
The A to Z is only a month away------ yikes!
I need to check out Michael's posts, they sound like lotsa fun!
Enjoy your weekend!
I love that future box! Yeah I could definitely see the Cassa trilogy being like Star Wars. :)
Loved Michael's series, he is incredible. I could see you pulling up in Chicago aboard a Cosbolt.
Seems like you're gonna be super busy in the future. You're gonna need Ninja minions before long. Lets hope you get everything you want.
I don't think I'd open a box from the future if I knew that's what it was - ignorance is certainly bliss in some respects! But if your books become movies, you'll be expected to attend the premieres and such... Will you be in disguise to preserve your anonymity? ;-)
I'm so in awe of people who do the A to Z Challenge, and there are so many of them! I can't even imagine blogging everyday, so these bloggers have my absolute respect.
That would be nice, because you wouldn't need to actually write the books now--they are already right there written for you!
Ha! Love what you'd find in the box. I'd love to find a movie of my book in my box from the future!!
A CassaStar movie would be great!
Cool resource for cover design!
Maybe you need to somehow include a drink in your box from the future. :)
Working on my theme/posts for the Challenge. It worked out great last year to have written most of them ahead of time - made visiting other blogs a lot easier.
You got me on that movie trivia. Nicely done!! I love that LOTR quote. :)
Happy FRIDAY!
Rosalind, I'm allowed to dream!
Yvonne, you will.
Adriana, I just might.
Laura, you're number four!
Zoltan, I thought it was hilarious.
Mark, my first laugh of the morning!
Melissa, I accept your vision.
Dani, I better crank up the cloning machine.
Susan, it's not easy.
Ted, good point!
Madeline, it does.
Hey Lynn! Congratulations on your cover reveal today.
Yep, future you sent you some awesome gifts. ;-)
Yes I have themes for both my blogs' A to Z Challenge posts.
Yep, future you sent you some awesome gifts. ;-)
Yes I have themes for both my blogs' A to Z Challenge posts.
I love Conan so much--thank you for sharing that video! I wonder if it'd be okay to show it to my 14 year old nephew who's a big gamer.
Congratulations on your box office smash Cassa Fire!
I've been to New Zealand and you and your wife must visit.
I think your future box is a great one! Aim high, Alex! In my box I'd have a screen capture of the Amazon best seller list...with LB in at least the top 30!
The theme for the A to Z is a big help and pre-scheduling makes things much easier in April.
I like the future scenario. Logical and it gives you something to look forward to. Pretty darn good future ahead I'd say.
Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
HI, Alex,
Thanks SO much for the kind shout out! Glad everyone has enjoyed the ride, although my stomach's still a bit queazy and my spandex number is cutting me a bit. LOL. I guess I need another gummy and maybe need to cut down on the chocolate. LOL.
Yes, I can certainly see a movie and some great music in your future!
Have a great weekend. I am off to write my post for the future. I do hope it's as successful as yours!
Cassastar the movie! Hey, that might just happen. :)
Have a great weekend, rockstar.
A very good future... hope you remember to look after your liver though :-)
I love Conan! This reminds of how much I loved Tomb Raider in the early PC games. I hope they're making one for PC too.
Aw, the future in a box...maybe you can write it for me.
Four out of five is a perfect score for me considering I'm the opposite from movie expert. (Hmmm, would that make me your nemesis?)
My box from the future would contain the numbers of some lottery. I know. Bad dragon, but we love treasures. It would be overly tempting.
And a long comment makes up for five I won't be able to leave. You got them all.
I love Conan.
That video is pretty damn funny.
Have you thought about which actors/actresses you want to play the roles from your books? :)
I'd want time in a bottle, because I could sure use it.
The video was hysterical.
I love Conan and his clueless gamer bits are awesome. I'm sure you will have more than 10,000 followers in ten years. You probably started your own blogger site.
Ten thousand ninja minions following...
Hmmm. No sign of ruling the world in that box?
~Just Jill
Never actually played Tomb Raider. I bet I would probably like it.
Yes! More books are definitely in your future! :D
That would be a whole lot of followers, Alex and I truly hope you get them. :)
I think I would send myself a picture of my family and write on the back telling me if my kids are still alive.
A-Z: My theme will be inspiration.
I have an A-Z theme although, I'm not getting 26 ideas squeezed out of it.
Great Back to the Future entry.
i have to take notes when commenting here...so much good stuff!
grand announcements!
love the quotes!
your thumb drive is chock full of future adventures! how awesome would a movie be! plus a trip to new zealand!
have a wonderful weekend! (too many ! i know, my editor says the same thing. i'm just so excited!)
Jennifer, I'm sure he would enjoy it.
Michael, thanks for writing that story!
Lily, one drink is all I can handle, so think I am safe.
Al, thank you then! And no way you are my nemesis.
Optimistic, I'd want Kate Beckinsale to be Athee, but unfortunately she's too old now.
PTM, that's just as scary.
Summer, where will I put all of them?
Tara - take notes when commenting - funny!
It's taken me so many attempts to actually post something here today, that I completely forgot what my comment was going to be. Have a good weekend!
Love your back to the future box :)
I want your shoebox! Amazing Back From the Future haul, Alex. Sounds like you're going to be very busy over the next ten years.
Cadet Michael's posts have been incredible. He truly has raised the bar on cover reveals.
~VR Barkowski
Lawsuit Island where stuff falls apart. LOL! Conan at his best.
I would definitely be at a premiere showing of CassaStorm!!!
New Zealand, more books, and a member of Dream Theatre - sounds like your future is bright! (But then we all know it will be)
Al, I loved your entry! And it did make me chuckle and smile a lot. I was looking forward to it since last night's email back and forth with M and N.
Loved it!
Yes, I think the challenge to Z Blog is much more interesting and difficult when the set of letters dealing with the same topic. My first year was devoted to poems of dead poets. The second year English songs written in Spanish musicians. This year I have not even matter. Greetings.
I share this thought with you, I in the immortal words of Socrates... I drank what?
If you keep hearing the voices, quick turn around... you might not be alone.
All is good in the kingdom of zombies, they are just hungry.
Yes, I don't know... either.
I'm not a movie fan so that part goes right over my head. Have to check out the cover art link.
Annalisa, that made me laugh!!
VR, he's done an awesome job.
Stephen, wasn't that video hilarious?
Thanks, Suze! Thought you ladies were going to make it difficult on me today.
Jeremy, you are indeed a Real Genius.
Definitely will check out the cover art resources. Would go see CassaStar the movie, if it happened.
Themes are definitely helpful when it comes to the A-Z Challenge.
I love what's in your box from the future. :)
Love your future!
You are going to be quite busy the next ten years ;)
I just watched the LOTR trilogy (again) knew the line right away, great trivia :D
I think I've figured out my theme for the A to Z Challenge, but I haven't written any of the posts yet. I'm doing something completely different this year, something I can actually put together as an e-book later.
Hilarious video from Conan. I haven't played Tomb Raider in years. No time to play anymore games. :(
Yes, I would think that I would need several drinks if that were my USB drive from the future. New Zealand is also on my list of places I want to visit! Great post!
I am squeamish so I passed on the video-my loss. Wow the clip from the future sounds vaguely like my previous post. If I inspired it then I'm super rocked! Ten thousand followers? Wow again, you could start a stampede! Congrats.
I do agree about the theme for A/Z; mine is general about me, things people might not know about me; I've written 20 of them, have 2 ideas more to write, just need those last letter of the alphabets to get, but I still have a month to get that all done :)
betty
Yay! I got 2.5 of the trivia right. lol
The Back from the Future blogfest sounds cool! I might have to use it. It's kind of in line with my WIP!
haha, every item in your back from the future box made me smile! Good choices :)
Allison (Geek Banter)
Ten thousand followers is epic. Glad you found time to have an awesome vacation with your wife. And CassaStar would be a cool movie. Have a great weekend, Alex.
I'm themed! I just have to execute it . . . or myself.
Oh. My. Goodness. That video is hilarious. Thanks for the laugh.
You rock!
I don't have a theme for the the AZ Challenge. Definitely have some ideas and even partially written posts.
I think everyone who writes sci-fi would love to see their book become a movie!
So, let's not hear any more about not writing more books, Alex! It's in your future. . .(but groupies?)
A writer who rocks sounds like you.
Our dreams are showing in some of these box findings. (mine too)
Great Back To The Future list! I'll have to try watching Conan later, as it froze up on me. Heading over to A to Z...
Julie
Can't wait for the A-Z. I have my theme, now I just need to write and hope I have something for every letter!
Back to the Future blogfest sounds fun. Just imagine getting a package from your future self ;)
OOHH nice box! In mine would be my book published with a beautiful cover :)
ALEX!!! I am crying right now. That video was hilarious. OMGod!!! My side hurts. Thank you so much for sharing. That made my day.
Loved what was in your box. I could totally see it.
10000 followers. pshaw. you'll have waaay more than that!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Sheena-kay, we'll have a big party at it release!
SK, I am busy now!
Patricia, several participants have done that.
Desert, I really would have my own army then.
Debra, that made me chuckle.
Lee, no, don't execute yourself!
DG, groupies would be awesome though.
Mina, glad I could make your day!
Nutschell, that is terrifying...
My favorite A-Z blogs always pick interesting themes.
I have signed up for A-Z and I have a theme!
Thanks for celebrating small with me!
Fun answers for Back from the Future, Alex!
I need to start on my A to Z posts soon so I'll be ready. Off to read your post.
I do have a theme and three scheduled posts! I would love to have them all done before April :} Hopping over to Erin's now...
Love your future box! I know I'd be buying a ticket to see the CassaStar movie. :)
hmmm...box from my future - seeds harvested from my garden, so I can check out the cycle of evolution up close and personal...
photos - lots of photos, all neatly labeled and filed, so I can easily flip through and enjoy all the memories (not like the huge box of photos I have now - though it is lots of fun to look through)
wood - you just know everything will be plastic by then, so I'll want to see, smell and hold some real wood...
btw, there's a photo of me and my family at the premiere of Cassa Star. You're on the red carpet getting your pic taken with Steven Spielberg:)
I think that themed A-Z posts are more fun to read. I'm sorry I won't be participating this year, but I look forward to making the rounds.
Your box from the future is not unrealistic, Alex. It all starts with a dream. Right?
Happy weekend.
xoRobyn
I have my A to Z theme, I just hope I can participate this year!
And conan is hilarious! Have you seen the ones he did with Grand Theft Auto? So funny!
I was -not- going to watch that video. Nope. But I thought I'd just check out the beginning, and, then, I couldn't make it stop! So funny!
You did notice that one of those books was about a dragon, right?
VikLit, I remembered!!
Julie, thanks!
MJ, I like your future!!!
Robyn, that's right.
Cassie, yes! I need to post a few more.
Andrew, sucked you in! And I'll have to check...
lol... love it! Hey that NZ trip is on my bucket list too!
And despite my rather cynical take on that Alphabet Challenge, I, cause I'm such a thoughtful guy, tweeted your A to Z blog thing about themes. Of course, my theme is not having a theme.
Now then, you have reminded me of something similar to your book becoming a box office hit. "The "Blogbuster Movie Blogfest" : For those of us who haven't actually had our exciting lives made into a blockbuster movie, we could do a fantasy posting about a must see film about ourselves." So, on my blog, that's what would be in my box. I had a dream the other day, with all my constant interaction and background work in blogland, that I'd actually get more followers. Then I woke up and realised that it doesn't matter. I state, um convincingly...
A peaceful weekend to you and your adoring fans, Alex.
In kindness,
Gary
That would be a very cool box from the future. :)
The A to Z blogging challenge is gearing up to be a blast. Going to enjoy checking out all the different blogs participating.
I recognize most of those movie quotes...now that you've uncovered their source. I can even picture the character saying each one lol!!!
Love your capsule revelations. Did a whole lot of shocking yourself. And you may need that drink straight with no chaser. :-)
Awesome box of stuff!
Sometimes I can't believe how busy you are!
Theme for the challenge????? Nah! :)
Darn you, Narnia!
HMG
Always glad to find others that enjoy Conan's humor as much as I do. I don't know anything about video games, so I kind of know where he's coming from...
Your future self is smiling because he was able to surprise you :)
Happy Weekend!
PK, let's go explore Middle Earth then!
Gary, thank you! And you should do that blogfest. I'd participate for sure.
Angela, if I did that, I'd be asleep in ten minutes.
Heather, you will have an awesome theme.
Jen, then you could relate!
I LOVE what you found in your box from the future. Haha. A movie of my book would be my all time dream come true.
Your books as a movie, how cool would that be? Great list, Alex.
I don't know Alex. I think I'll need to read up on your ideas for why it would be good to do the A-Z with themes. It seems like it would be hard to try and stay on one theme throughout. Maybe it's my wishy-washy brain that doesn't want to stay focused in that area of writing! I'll see what you have to say.
I've not done the A to Z before but I am tempted this time - I have a whole month to decide though, don't I?
I've not done the A to Z before but I am tempted this time - I have a whole month to decide though, don't I?
I'm pretty sure if I tried to do A-Z blogfest I'd crash and burn. I'm having problems doing just a post a week. I need a shot of adrenaline, I think. What's your secret, Alex? One day, hope you'll share. I really need to know.
Great post, btw.
Loved the LARA (not pronounced LAURA) CROFT video. So funny!
Love what's in your box! And yeah, a virus from the future is not cool. Have a great weekend!
It boggles the mind how many things you manage to do at the same time. Merely a more skillful multi-tasker than most mortals? Hmmm, I think not. I believe the reason you are drawn to all things science fiction, secretive ninja man, is because you've figured out the secret to cloning yourself. Yep, there's a whole army of Alexes out there, writing books, writing blogposts, visiting blogs, researching, promoting and helping other writers, banging on the guitar, and of course, being a full-time family man. Yep, that's gotta be it.
Good stuff in that box of yours. And all not only possible, but maybe even probable.
As usual, Alex, you've mixed entertainment with great info. I'll be using the cover art resources for my next manuscripts -- thanks!
Aww! Your capsule was both funny & sweet. Only you would think to check for a virus from the future.
Thanks for joining the fest! I'm getting a taste of what it's like to be you & visit so many blogs in one day. I worked my way from the bottom up - kinda fun. I highly recommend it.
The latest from Dream Theater? I might have to steal that from you!
Ooh, great list of cover art resources. Cheers for the link.
mood
I'm working three nights in a row. All I want in my box is some good sleep.
Ten thousand? You're selling yourself short!! :)
Geez.... With all the Tomb Raider impalings, you just have to slap the developer with a big side of meat. What's up with that?! They didn't have to put that in the game. So disturbing.
But, otherwise totally funny Conan review of the game. :)
I had three out of five on the trivia. I really expect to see that movie someday. Maybe you'll write the theme music too.
Nancy, I've done it both ways - theme is much easier!
Patsy, up until April 1!
Joylene, energy drinks and clones.
Clarissa, go ahead and pronounce it wrong!
Susan - how did you know! Yes, it's true, I have an army of Ninja clones. It just a bummer when they all want the day off.
Nicki, it's a challenge!
LG, if I'm on it, I'll share it with everyone!!
DL, no, I scaring myself.
Cathy, even I thought it was really disturbing.
Susan, not if they want the music to be good...
My gosh, nearly at a grand. That's a whole heck of a lot of A/Zheads.
Much luck and fun to you all.
I've been looking for cover art, actually. Thanks for the link to Nigel's post!
Love the things in your box from the future.
I love your photo title for your "trip" to New Zealand - I have to remember that if I ever go there to name a file that. :)
I got 3 out of 5 for the trivia questions - yay! :)
Just visited Michael's blog. His entries of bloggers' books are wonderful.
Um, Alex, would a virus checker from now be able to detect viruses created ten years from now?
I wish it all comes true for you Alex (CassaStar movie, 10,000 followers, more books, music albums). Keeping my fingers crossed for you :)
Would a drive from the future work on your current machine? Not sure, not sure at all. But maybe the future you was smart enough to use the right technology.
But it would be cool to watch CassaStar as a movie.
Good luck with the A-Zs this year! I've way too much writing related work on my plate this year to participate, but cheering you on (yaaaay).
No, not participating in A-Z; yes, have been reading Michael's series - it totally rocks; got most of the trivia right; and my capsule is full of potential romance, mystery, fortune and fame. I am a capitalist, after all :)
.......dhole
I can see that movie becoming reality, it would be epic!
A to Z Heads - I like that, Whisk!
Golden, perfect timing then.
LD, no, but I'd still feel better running it.
Rachna, I wouldn't know what to do if it came true.
Natasha, I bet the future me still had a few old thumbs and computers around.
Yes, I do have my theme decided on AND all of my letters on the tablet filled on. Several have been filled in repeatedly... lol. I have scratched out some so many times that I am running out of room on the tablet. Egads. But, it's all good. I have started writing for the challenge, but I confess not near as much as I would like. I have actually been posting more recently than I used to... and that is a good thing. So, I will continue to work adding those A-Z posts to my "completed" file. I know I will appreciate my efforts in April.
Great box of future goodies!
Yes, it would be great CassaStar film.
Your blog always reminds me of a box of Cracker Jack - full of yummy snacks and surprises. Enjoyed your glance into your future :)
Yes, a movie! Somebody's got to walk Oscar's Red Carpet! Why not you?
Oh man, lots of stuff going on as usual! Ha, Clueless Gamer. That would totally be me. I don't know anything about video games.
The more I blog, the more I am impressed with Michael Di Gesu. Great stuff!
Robin, you will be in the groove when the Challenge arrives.
T Drecker, thanks!!
Kittie, it won't be pretty, but I can do it.
JJ, he's awesome.
I'll be a groupie. Well, I'll happily follow the band's tour, but I won't be throwing any panties...serious hygiene and ethical issues!
I am a future groupie, lol ;D
oooh, need to go check out the fest~
Sorry I missed this on Friday-I was abducted by Navy trolls and forced to sign papers-so hubby can retire! Yikes...
In my box there would be my own magazine and book. Yes, I did reduce my carbon footprint and creatively crafted a brand called Eco Ella! I also opened a Fly By Theater-I'll give you a free season pass!
Can't wait to watch your movie-it showed up in my box, with tickets to your concert :D Perhaps with your permission we can show it at my theater~
Happy weekend Captain and Mrs. AC!
WOO, awesome future stuffs happening for you Alex! Love the mention of Dream Theater :)
LOVE your back from the future items! And thanks for the link for cover art. I bookmarked it.
Better late than never, eh? I doubt I could do the A to Z without a theme. Hmm. Guess I should start working on that. As for my back from the future items, they'd likely be very similar to yours, but with a winning lotto number thrown in, or a really good investment. :-)
Alex, I like the first future present...the CassaStar movie...box office hit! Now you're talkin'
Like the Dream Theatre idea too!
I'm sure that box of goodies will all come true.
The Matchelor Questionnaire is fun.
Elizabeth, thanks and just following is more than enough!
Ella, that sounds great!!
Nancy, you have one month.
Hey, I got three of those quotes right? Nice. I like the idea of you finding more books you've written. That'll teach you to quit after a trilogy!
Awesome box of stuff. Love the CassaStar movie and the ten thousand blog followers.
Thanks for the shoutout for the Matchelor, Alex!
I love your time capsule! Mine would have a Nobel Prize in Literature.
I'm doing a double theme for the challenge, but I'm going to have to double-check pre-written posts on another computer ahead of time. The secondary part of the theme involves something I'm doing html coding in.
Just curious, how many clones does it take to comment on 10,000 blogs?
Love the back to the future blog hop, wish I'd have remembered in time. Oh, well, it's not like I don't have things to do.
In my box I would definitely have the cure for stress!
I am working on a theme. If it works will be the real question. XD
Milo, I know!
Kelley, you're welcome.
Yolanda, more than my machine can produce...
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