Special Reminders!
Final tour stop! I am visiting Bull Spec and contributing to their column, The Hardest Part. My topic - Starting a New Story After Finishing a Series. It's live now!
LG Keltner and A Silent Soliloquy
When I was younger, I used to watch all kinds of movies with my dad while eating copious amounts of buttered popcorn. Anthology-style shows like Creepshow and Heavy Metal were among my favorites.
Fast forward to last year. I had a handful of stories and an idea. That might sound like a corny first line from an autobiography, but it’s true. I started to notice commonalities between the stories. Dystopian societies, personal secrets, feelings being used against people, etc. Before I knew it, they were all coming together in my mind, and I had to write the story.
A Silent Soliloquy isn’t exactly an anthology story. In fact, I’m not quite sure how to describe it. There’s a narrator, and it is without a doubt her story. The other stories that have been woven into the narrative are her own accounts of the lives of others. While my story may not be quite like films like Creepshow and Heavy Metal, I credit them with its existence. Watching those shows when I was younger allowed my brain to see the connections that were there and gave me the courage to make the story happen. They infected me with their creative genius.
I’ll take an infection of creative genius over a real-life zombie apocalypse or super flu any day.
Purchase Links: Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords
Add it on Goodreads
Find L.G.- Blog, Twitter, and Facebook
Ninja News
Thanks for all the congratulations for making The Best Sci-Fi Books’ The 21 Best Space Opera Books. I still can’t believe CassaStar was number four!
Remember the point of the group is to encourage one another, so please visit others on the list and return comments of those who visit you.
I’ll be looking for co-hosts for the fall, so if you’d like to help out, let me know. Every co-host has said they really enjoyed the experience – trust me, it is a lot of fun on the hosting side!
Out now!
The Miracle Girl by TB Markinson
Purchase it at Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Amazon CA
Movie Reviews
With poor reviews, I thought it would be atrocious, but it was much better than anticipated. Just don’t put too much thought into the history or it will fall apart.
Luke Evans (Bard in The Hobbit) was really good in the role.
It was a nice twist to turn Dracula into an empathetic character just trying to save his family and country. Also had some good action sequences.
Worth a rental!
The title should’ve began with ‘Muppets After Dark’…
Granted it’s supposed to be a comedy, but they could’ve put more than $1.99 into the special effects.
The fact that it was trying to be funny both helped and hurt the film. And there was nothing horrific about it.
Did I mention the puppet beavers…?
I’d wait until RiffTrax got a hold of this one.
Question of the Month
Hosted by Michael at A Life Examined.
"What are three things that you'd do tomorrow if you weren't blocked by fear?"
Quit my job.
Join a rock band and hit the road.
And sorry, Michael – I could only think of two things!
This is How I Work Bloghop
Hosted by MsMariah at A Space Blogyssey
What apps can you not live without? ITunes and Google Maps
What is your favorite blogging app? I just use Google
What gadgets (besides your phone) you can't live without? My iPad and my guitar pedals
What lifehacks make your life easier? Metal music is my lifehack – put it on and I’m a working machine!
Where do you get your news? USA Today
What are your favorite social media apps? Twitter
How do you blog? Once a week posting and lots of visiting
What is your day job? I work in web design, graphics, and technical editing. And I get to blog from work!
What sparked one of your book ideas? Can you co-host the IWSG this fall? Have you seen Dracula Untold or Zombeavers? How would you answer Michael’s question? What are some of your favorite apps? And who else is going to see RiffTrax: Live on Thursday?
Don’t forget to visit Bull Spec!
Numero Uno today??
ReplyDeleteCongrats to both T.B and L.G
ReplyDeleteI love TB's cover art. Really eye-catching!
And LG's story sounds really intriguing...
My favorite Apps? I know it sounds silly, but I don't know enough about Apps to have a favorite...
I do love my i-Pad. But I'm not using it properly. Need to experiment more to get more out of it. *sighs*
If I weren't blocked by fear, I would learn to swim (but it would be my fifth... or sixth... or maybe tenth attempt? I lost track... LOL)
Congratulations as always to all the authors.
ReplyDeleteIf I wasn't afraid I might, just might, learn to celebrate who I am, instead of concealing her. But probably not. Old habits die hard.
Loved your two things you would do, Could I join your rock band playing my tambourine?
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 4 books Alex, you once said the first was the only one you'd write.
I too am gathering poems for a possible no. 4 book, it's just a thought at the moment but something to aim at all the same.
Have a good week.
Yvonne.
Looks like a winner, LG.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out Dracula Untold.
As a news junkie, the only source I rarely use is print
Loved seeing what you'd do if you weren't afraid. I think we're all afraid of quitting our jobs. Me too, even though I just work part-time now. Interesting that you love Twitter. I don't know how to connect with people that much with it.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Alex,
ReplyDeleteI went to Bullspec, but I guess i will have to check later. If fear didn't hold me back I would do the following.
1. follow my dream
2. quit my job
3. move
Enjoy your day...and why wouldn't you want to join a rock n' roll band..it is what a ninja guitarist would do...smiling..so many guitars and not enough time...
Big congrats to the authors and great covers. And congrats on your books Alex, best wishes!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Zombeavers is an insult to the Muppets!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to those with new releases!
Congrats to TB and LG and all the new releases! I recently watched Dracula Untold and actually enjoyed it. Alex, have a great week!!
ReplyDeleteMuppets after Dark ... lol
ReplyDeleteLasik gave me an idea for one of my books. It was the glow you see for the first couple of month when looking at any lights, like street lights or signal lights. A bunch of what ifs and I had my YA portal fantasy.
Congrats to L.G. & TB Markinson! That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Alex!
I've wanted to see that Dracula, but assumed it would stink on ice. I guess I should give it a try. Not the beavers, though. Never them. :)
You know if you need me for #IWSG, I would be happy to help out. If you run short, let me know.
I hope you had a nice weekend!
Heather
I am sorry for anyone who has to conceal who they are. I am not sure what I would do these days if I wasn't afraid.
ReplyDeleteI think it's fabulous that Cassa Star was Number 4. It is proof that blogging helps make you well known and therefore encourages your followers to read your books.
Michelle, you're number one! Play with your iPad more. It can do some amazing stuff.
ReplyDeleteElephant, never too late to change.
Yvonne, yes you can. And you should write another book.
Natalie, I'm not good at it either but I do use the app.
Truedessa, it should be up soon. And technically I am in a rock band, but not quitting my job anytime soon.
Sandra, it was!
Donna, that's cool.
Thanks, Heather! And check out the Dracula movie.
Jo, I think it helped all right.
We finally saw American Sniper - really good and a very moving story. Also saw The Lazarus Effect - eh. It was my pick so I'm not allowed to pick the next movie in our house for a bit. :)
ReplyDeleteZombeavers? Seriously? The title made me laugh out loud.
Three things I'd do if not for fear: yeah I'd quit my job, too, but it isn't just fear stopping me, it's the lack of money that would follow!
ReplyDeleteLiked Dracula Untold, still not too sure about ‘Muppets After Dark’...
ReplyDeleteMichael’s question might sound simple to answer, but I have no idea how to...
I just heard of Zombeavers the other day. *LOL* Hilarious! Yeah, I'll wait until RiffTrax gets a hold of it. Great guest post, LG! I'm hungry for popcorn now too. I could co-host IWSG for September or October if you still need folks. :) Have a great week, Alex!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the last blog tour stop - you made it! And yay again to being 4th. To Michael's question: I'd sell everything and hit the road to see the world.
ReplyDeleteHey, I get to blog from work too! (self employed)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite apps are any that don't need my personal information or data-mine me backhandedly just for using them.
I quit my job to be a writer, and I don't have much of a filter, so I guess there's not much I won't do when it comes to fear holding me back.
I think a lot of people would quit their job to write or do whatever they really want to do if it wasn't for fear of ending up homeless or something.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, Huntress, Cathrina, Heather-Thank you! Your kind words are much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteChristine-I'm glad you liked it! Setting up a blog tour was stressful, but I wanted to make sure that each guest post was as good as I could make it. I hope that proved to be the case.
I'd answer Michael's question with putting my books out there (they're not quite ready yet, but fear is probably my biggest opponent).
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the authors.
ReplyDeleteIf I could do anything I liked then 1) I'd get back into working a regular 'paid' job :) 2) learn to play the darbouka 3) travel way more than I do
Love the things you would do if you weren't blocked by fear. I have no idea what I would do. Maybe just tell people that I wrote a book. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd be lost (quite literally, even) without Google Maps and iTunes.
That bloghop made me think. What would I do if I didn't feel fear? Geez. I think I would grab a backpack, a couple of dwarves and become a world trekker.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for plugging The Miracle Girl.
ReplyDeleteDude, Zombeavers sounds like a dud even though they were kinda aiming for a super cheesy B movie. B movies can be awesome in a terrible way. Doesn't sound like they succeeded.
I'd be happy t co-host in October or November. Could possibly do late September. We're planning a trip in Sept so that might be iffy.
Congrats to LG!
I blog from work, "retired" cough unemployed counts, right? lol Fear has nothing on me, I do what I want at my sea.
ReplyDeleteLG Keltner - that is awesome cover! I like the premise of the book too.
ReplyDeleteWhat sparked one of your book ideas? Walking the the ran on a cobbled stone street.
Have you seen Dracula Untold? Yes, it was enjoyable
or Zombeavers? No, I haven't gotten up the nerve.
What are some of your favorite apps? Caprese salad...
Madeline, I really want to see American Sniper.
ReplyDeleteMarcy, money is important unfortunately.
David, I struggled with it!
Christine, thanks!
Quitting my job to write sounds like a sure way for me to starve...
MJ, funny!
Al, take enough dwarves to carry all of the souvenirs.
TBM, you're welcome! Yeah, they failed at cheese. And thanks!
Fear of no money seems to be the biggest one.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to L.G. Keltner!
ReplyDeleteAlex, I can't live without Google Maps either. Or my Kindle.
congrats to the awesome authors! L.G.'s cover is amazing. I saw it a few other places too and i think it's so beautiful! the biggest thing that sparks my ideas is just random real life happenings. At First Blush was inspired by a marathon session of YouTube makeup tutorials lol
ReplyDeleteHey L.G. - Congrats and it's always lovely to know the story behind the story. Come by for a visit anytime, Popcorn is always available at my house!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your continued success, Alex, and I enjoyed the Dracula story too! Everyone said it was all old story, but I found it new.
Happy Monday, everyone!
Personally a Zombeaver doesn't nothing for me...
ReplyDeleteWhat would I do if I weren't blocked by fear? Hmmm, maybe I'd be more outspoken about certain issues...
Besides Blogger, I guess I'd have to say FB is a favorite app.
Congratulations to L. G. Keltner on her book A Silent Soliloquy. An intriguing title.
Never heard of Zombeaver. Am I living a way sheltered life or what? If I were to do anything, I'd sell my possessions, by a camper, write on the road to South America somewhere.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex! I love your take on zombie beavers. I can't believe that is an actual movie! I thought Dracula Untold could have been so much better. The beginning was actually great.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your participation in the blogathon. I love your entry!
Congratulations to LG and TB on their new releases. I was a hammer fan in my early years so Dracula, yeah! definitely! CassaStar really is making headlines for good reason. I haven't seen Untold or Zombeavers yet but I am seeing Jurassic World with friends, should be great fun!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to L.G., sounds like an intriguing book. I was wondering about Dracula Untold so now I'll give it a look. I'm just beginning to use apps on my phone so I don't really have one I can't live without but they can be addictive.
ReplyDeleteI can't allow myself to be blocked by fear or I'd be a mess. I do have my days, that's for sure, but mostly I take fear as a sign I need to do exactly the thing I'm afraid of. I'm going to consider this question though, because it is an excellent one and there may be an answer. Thinking of L.G.'s statement about how her life was shaped by movies, makes me think of the movies I saw as a kid. Overall though, I think my life has been shaped more by books than by movies.
ReplyDeleteI did answer Michael's question today. I haven't watched either of those movies. I use most of the same apps as you do. Don't think I could force myself to exercise to if not for iTunes.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
Keltner's book sounds very interesting. Congrats to her and to T.B. on their newest accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to L.G.!
ReplyDeleteI did quit my job and that was the easy part. Figuring out what to do now is scary! Hoping for some big changes soon.
I think I'll take LG for drinks (or chocolate, or chocolate drinks), so I can risk getting infected by creative genius.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Alex.
Yes! I would be happy to co-host again this fall. I've broken 50 comments on that blog which is huge for me.
ReplyDeleteDracula Untold looks like something I'd like to see. Muppet Beavers Gone Bad? I'll pass. '
Posted my answer to Michael's question? Check.
Happy Monday, Alex. My three wishes? Yep, quit my job...so I could take writing courses, and travel.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually working on a story now that was sparked by a few movies I've seen. In the past my inspiration has come from dreams and life. Have fun at RiffTrax.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of RiffTrax, so that's a new one for me. And Zombeavers? Lol! I do want to see Dracula, I loved that actor in the LofTR movies.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to L.G. and T.B.!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Zombeavers. Creepy!
Congrats to L.G. and T.B. on their latest releases.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the reviews. I've being skipping over the Zombeaver movie trailer whenever I come across it. Glad my intuiton was on point there.
I did see the trailer for Dracula Untold and thought it was rather intereesting. Maybe life and time will work to let me get in a movie and do some writing one of these weeks lol!
Zombeaver?
ReplyDeleteThat hurt my brain just reading it.
I have a lot of game apps, like HayDay (better than FarmVille), HappyStreet, TinyZoo, and CrossFingers (tangrams). Probably my most useful app is OmerCount, which I use during the 49 days leading up to the holiday of Shavuot. It provides the text, in Hebrew and English, of what day of the Omer it is, and provides the blessing for those who don't already have it memorized. My favorite part is towards the end, when it also gives the messages "One more day left!" and "Tomorrow is Shavuot!"
ReplyDeleteI think I'd love to see the Rifftrax Sharknado 2. That sounds almost too good to be true.
ReplyDeleteI watched Terminator G this weekend... it was messy, but I had low expectations and found it to be rather entertaining. Sharknado III is just around the corner, should be a mess... but fun. THANKS for the great post of the "everything"...
ReplyDeletetake care,
Jeremy
Southpaw- Thanks! I love the cover too! The artist did a great job. I'm also glad you like the premise!
ReplyDeleteCarol-Thank you!
Beth Ellyn-I'm glad you like the cover!
Yolanda Renee-See, I already knew you were cool, but knowing that there's always popcorn in your house puts you over the top!
Bish Denham-I'm glad you like the title!
Karen-Books have shaped me too. When I stop to think about it, it's crazy to think how putting your creative work out there might possibly influence someone else.
Rawknrobyn-Drinks, chocolate, and chocolate drinks all sound amazing! The problem with being infected with creative genius is that its effects tend to be sporadic and unpredictable. It makes life interesting, though.
I'm still so excited for you and CassaStar! It's so wonderful (and well deserved).
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to admit, I liked Dracula Untold.
Fear is a sure deterrent.Conquering fear is a measure of persistence. Thanks Alex!
ReplyDeleteHank
I couldn't agree more about the creative genius of Creepshow and Heavy Metal. That's why we love them! What a bomb-diggity interview, and I hope you have a first-class morning!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to LG! She'll be on my blog eventually.
ReplyDeleteI recommend everyone try cohosting IWSG. When I did it, it was a blast. Did not feel like work at all.
apparently there is going to be a Sharktopus versus Whalewolf.
ReplyDeleteHolly, there's an app for everything.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I would be lost all the time.
Beth, that's funny.
MsMariah, thanks for hosting!
Karen, that's why I could only think of two things.
Susan, I know the feeling!
Tamara, thanks, and that's good to hear!
Angela, avoid at all costs.
Carrie-Anne, there really is an app for everything.
Jeremy, MsMariah's review of it made it sound messy.
Patricia, glad you enjoyed yourself!
Charles, I believe it.
this was quite the random Monday. Amusing. I'll answer Michael's question (but the qualifier is I need lots of money) - quit my job, spend a month or more at my Dad's for more clean out, and then travel the world. Oh the dream. Off to Seattle on Thurs so no Sharknado for me. I"ll be stuck in airports. Have a great week
ReplyDeleteDeadly beavers? I could see Paris Hilton and the Kardashians be quite scary but those cute little varmints only plug up dams. I have wanted to live in Europe(Austria actually) ever since I was 16. I would also love to work in an art museum but I love my job. You never know...one day.
ReplyDeleteSharknado 2 with RiffTrax, yes, but Zommbeavers without, no thanks.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the book, L.G.
Answering the Question of the Month is difficult--what would I do differently? There was a time when I might have said I should have gone to New York instead of college and struggled to find my way in the art world, but if I had it's possible I'd have burned out long ago and wouldn't be painting today. I think things happen as they should so I guess I'm content with my life. Is that an answer?
ReplyDeleteI did see Dracula Untold and I think I liked it okay, but I can't say I remember much about it.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to go on the road with a rock band or something. It's a great life as far as I am concerned.
Lee
Tossing It Out
That "Zombeavers" keeps popping up on Netflix. I really hate them for it.
ReplyDelete"Lots of visiting" is putting it mildly! I think you must have a clone dedicated solely to visiting blogs.
I live your fearless answer.
ReplyDeleteI live your fearless answer.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love your fearless answer. Fun blog hop.
ReplyDeleteMost of my book ideas were sparked by various movies. Mostly, movies that ticked me off, so I had to rework something from them and make them come out the way they should have in the first place.
ReplyDeleteA Silent Soliloquy sounds great, LG! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI loved Creep Show! I'm a longtime horror fan, and sometimes movies do spark story ideas for me. I just need to complete a few of those starts.
ReplyDeleteWrite a fantasy novel might me my fear answer. Or ride a roller coaster. Can't believe I used to love roller coasters as a kid. Dracula Untold wasn't too bad. At least he wasn't sappy.
I can co-host this fall. Pick any month.
The spark for my second published shorty story "Red Strip", was basically a cashier at my local supermarket dressed up like a cat for Halloween one year. She had a tail, ears, whiskers and a black leotard under her clothes.
ReplyDeleteThat gave me the idea to write a story about a punk rock singer who dressed liked the legendary Wendy O. Williams and also played classical guitar.
Joanne, that doesn't sound fun.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, that's hilarious!
Stephen, works for me.
JE, many clones.
Liz, movies are my inspiration.
Donna, thanks!
I was listening to Bill Burr talk about being in Zombeavers. They all knew it wasn't great, but they didn't care because it was a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI would argue that that's only one thing ;) but that's okay, you're awesome enough that I'll let it slide :)
Maurice Mitchell-I'm glad to know I'm in good company with my movie preferences!
ReplyDeletePatricia Lynne-I'm looking forward to being featured on your blog!
L. Diane Wolfe- Thank you!
Cherie- Thank you!
dolorah- As a movie, it definitely seems to leave an impression on people.
G.B. Miller- Inspiration can come from anywhere if you're open to it!
Congrats to LG! I hadn't seen the Question of the Month hop before - what fun. I think I will join for next month. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso I can co-host IWSG in the fall, I'd be happy to! I think the only month I wouldn't be available to do it is October but otherwise stick me in whenever you need help.
I liked the Dracula twist too.
ReplyDeleteI definitely wouldn't mind watching the Dracula movie, but the beaver movie is a sure pass. As far as IWSG co-hosting, all you need to do is say when. My most important app is Dashlane, because it keeps my passwords safe and automatically logs me in. I have it on my computer and cell.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet LG - thanks for hosting, Alex! Heading over to your guest post now.
ReplyDeleteDidn't see it posted yet (or did I miss something?). Will try and check back later!
ReplyDeleteWe meant to catch Dracula when it was in the theatre, but never made it. Glad to hear it's worth a rental, at least.
ReplyDeleteZombeavers, though,....no thanks :)
If I wasn't blocked by fear...I dive into the deep end of the pool, to learn to ice skate, and to go kayaking. These sound lame, I know, but it was the best I could create. Plus I am a senior citizen and don't want to break anything important.
ReplyDeleteMy husband saw Zombeavers. I thought he was kidding at first, but found he wasn't. This deserves to be RiffTraxed.
Haven't seen Dracula or Zombeavers and yes to iTunes!! I also use My Fitness Pal to log my food intake and exercise. Also, your answer for how you blog should have been BY BEING A BADASS!! You are the most encouraging and disciplined blogger I know. I gave my brother my copy of CassaStar for his summer trip. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to LG and TB!
ReplyDeleteWhat would I do if not blocked by fear? Go skydiving!
Luke Evans deserved better after THE HOBBIT than DRACULA UNTOLD. Is it just me, or does he look related to Orlando Bloom? :-)
ReplyDeleteDreams spark my book ideas most of the time. It IS just a mash up of everything I saw/thought during the day so yeah.
ReplyDeleteSeriously?! I thought Zombeavers was hilarious! Cheesy and hilarious. The puppet beavers cracked me up and the ending - AHAHA! :D
Dracula Untold was a pretty cool take on the thing. Obviously it's a half-way shut brain down action movie, but cool none the less.
L.G. --Silent Soliloquy sounds good, so I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteAlex, since I'm working on a screenplay I'll tell you one book that helped to inspire it, and it's an old memoir by a journalist. One of her anecdotes was about inherited memories among animals--how seals in the Galapagos were terrified of human because a couple centuries ago humans had hunted them. No one since then has done so, but the seals are still afraid of us.
As I blogger I'm always interested how other blogger work.
ReplyDeleteTherefore I read the "This is Hw I Work Bloghop" with great interest.
For me it was goo to read that there are more blogger who post only once a week like I do.
At I work I'm permitted to use internet for private purpose during breaks.
Hi Alex - congratulations on coming in at number 4 - pretty good rating me-thinks .. as too you. Dracula sounds interesting ... Life is good if there's only two things you can think of doing if you had no fear ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeletespectacular Sharknado 2!
ReplyDeleteHi Alex,
ReplyDeleteI still haven't seen your contribution over at Bull Spec. Am I missing something? Sorry, of course I knew you were in a band and I am sure it rocks just like you:) I have decided to let fear go and follow the dream...
Congrats to the authors. Haven't seen either of the movies and I don't think I will. As for the question, I think I would pet a cow, eat an insect and go hang gliding. My favorite apps are tailwind and like you - google maps.
ReplyDeleteJulie, thanks!
ReplyDeleteEva, thanks! And I'll have to look for that app.
Karen, apparently it will be Wednesday instead. Sorry for the mix-up.
Susan, yes it does! Are you seeing Sharknado 2 on Thursday?
Saumya, I use that app! And thanks so much, both for the kind words and passing on my book to your brother.
Roland, he does look similar.
Madilyn, I still can't believe I watched the whole film...
Edi, once a week works for me.
Truedessa, I think there was a mix-up and it will post on Wednesday. Sorry about that.
Rhonda, you and those cows!
RiffTrax is doing Sharknado 2? That's hardly a challenge. They should do Silence of the Lambs!
ReplyDeleteHere I am, tail-end-charlie again! I love L. G.'s idea for her book, with the narrator with interwoven stories. Sounds great. Sharknado 2 deserves nothing but the best from RiffTrax.
ReplyDeleteLifehack of choice: The small fly fishing tool that lets me tie a nail-knot for fly fishing in mere seconds instead of minutes that it used to.
As well, fly fishing locations have been the inspiration/setting for many of my essays as well as my yet unedited/first draft novel that is waiting for me to show up.
A Silent Soliloquy looks like a great read. I'm adding it to my TBR list (which grows longer every time I visit your blog, Alex).
ReplyDeleteIf I wasn't held back by fear, I'd probably jump out of an airplane, although sometimes just being nice to a mean person feels like facing my fears.
ReplyDeleteGood question: What to do if I had no fear tomorrow...probably base jumping? Or star in the next Sharknado;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great info, Alex. It is nice to be in the know. I would like to co-host the IWSG this fall, but I have never co-hosted before, so I wouldn't know what to do, but I wouldn't mind trying. I actually watched Dracula Untold with my sister and she liked it. All the best with your last blog tour stop. You're almost done. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, L.G. Love the cover.
ReplyDeleteYou're an actual graphic artist...do you shake your head and moan when you look at my scribbling on the Flipside? LOL.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by any story that has Creepshow as an influence, even if it's only in structure. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Cassa Star! Soon we'll all be saying, "I knew Alex when ...!"
ReplyDeleteJulie- Thank you!
ReplyDeleteKaren- Nice to meet you too!
Helena- I'm glad it sounds good. That means I at least did part of my job right! :)
Dean- Thank you!
Patricia- Thank you!
Sandra- Thanks to you too! Man, there are so many encouraging people here. It's great!
Libby- This is a common response. That's a good thing for me. I'm glad I'm in good company when it comes to enjoying Creepshow! Classic stuff.
I agree with the comment above mine, but I think we are already starting to say, "I knew Alex when." Hi, just dropped by to say hello. I've been on a long vacation with family and away from blogging. What a question, what three things would I do: Hmm...
ReplyDeleteMine is three all wrapped up in one. I'd convince my husband to quit his job and I wouldn't work, we would take the kids out of school and travel around the world. I would write and try to figure out how to home school in foreign countries. Ha. Well we have to dream don't we.
I have to admit I'm kind of a Dracula fangirl. Looks like Dracula Untold is in my future.
ReplyDeleteSean, I think they already did.
ReplyDeletePatricia, sorry!
Mark, that's not overcoming a fear, that's just insane!
Murees, thanks!! And it's both easy and fun.
Cherdo, not at all.
Melissa, talk to Rhonda Albom - she did just that!
Thanks, everyone.
Congrats to LG! What a fabulous cover! If I had no fear, I suppose I'd leave my house without makeup on.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Fear - Rosa Parks' attitude to fear reflects my own: "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."
ReplyDeleteWe all only have one life and we should not allow fear to stop us from living it. Time is precious - embrace that fear and make the most of it.
Brilliant post, Alex and wish you and all featured authors lots of luck.
Congratulations on being so high on the Best Sci-Fi books - but that doesn't surprise me as the Cassa series is very good. It's very funny because not ten minutes ago I was looking at A Silent Soliloquy on Amazon - I think that means I should get it, don't you? I can't think of three things I'd do but one big one is I'd go off on my own somewhere and leave all the worries behind me (wouldn't last long, I think, because I'd start worrying about everyone again!)
ReplyDeleteI know I'm being a massive Debbie Downer, but I just don't get this whole Sharknado and shark week thing. I did, however, watch some beware-of-sharks (they're dangerous) show two days ago. It was beyond disturbing.
ReplyDeleteTB's latest looks awesome. Congrats to her! It's nice to meet you, L.G. I loved hearing about your experiences with films in your younger days influencing your writing. I've had a similar experience. I wasn't much of a reader as a kid, but could never get enough of dissecting movies and cartoons. Weird.... :) And Creepshow ... YES! 'Thanks for the ride, lady!' I will never ever forget that episode. My BFF and I laughed for days after we saw that one.
Major congratulations, Alex! Thrilled for you.
Congratulations, L.G.! It sounds like a really unique and cool concept.
ReplyDeleteI'd quit my job if I could, Alex! And as for reading recs, I read almost any genre. Really.
zombeavers cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteI definitely can't live without Google maps! With all the traveling I do, I'd be lost without them!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to LG and TB! I love the idea behind the narrated group of short stories in LG's book - definitely adding it to my TBR shelf.
ReplyDeleteI might be able to help with IWSG in October or November.
Yes, I like the suggestive cover of The Girl Miracle!
ReplyDeleteI actually liked Dracula Untold too. I don't know much about the history, so it was a cool flick to watch for a free Redbox rental.
ReplyDeleteGrats, LG! Sailor Moon inspired some of my book ideas. :)
It is Shark Week... or Shark Month... or something like that, lol. I keep seeing bloggers writing about it.
ReplyDeleteThree Things I'd do tomorrow if not blocked by fear:
gah, I can't even think of one!! What a drip (me, not you). ;)
Today also marks one year for the World premiere of Star Trek Beyond.
ReplyDeleteWow, a lot going on. I've been so out of it lately, I completely forgot about IWSG on the first. How is that possible? Interesting answers on the 'How I Work' bloghop, also the questions of the month.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've heard of Zombeavers! It does sound like a comedy but $1.99 worth of special effects? Not so good.
ReplyDeleteIf I weren't blocked by fear I guess I'd start focusing less on work and commit to finishing all of my manuscripts!
Zombeavers? What next? Sharks falling out of the sky?
ReplyDeleteWait, what? They did that?
Well, at least we can say there is only one of those movies.
Wait, what? Oh, I give up.
I'm really excited about Sharknado 3. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteLG, let's get that popcorn going. Yum.
I don't have a smartphone so am app illiterate.
Nicola, well said!
ReplyDeleteSusan, I think that's exactly what it means.
Sheri, Sharknado has nothing to do with real sharks. Trust me.
Tyrean, thanks!
Faraway, no worries.
Jeffrey, prepare for Sharknado 3...
I've seen both films. Zombeavers was amusing, but a bit dumber than I would have liked.
ReplyDeleteI can host in the fall. I'd prefer after September so I can get through the craziness at the beginning of the school year.
Zombeavers? There are no words... It's right up there with Sharknado huh?
ReplyDeleteCongrats to LG and to you on CassaStar. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI think Luke Evans is a really good actor. And thanks for reminding me of this movie. I've been putting it aside. I should give it a look. :)
ReplyDeleteNumber four? That's like the BESTEST number EVER!
ReplyDeleteAs for the jungle peanuts question: I know a guy who knows a guy.
Re-reading Prince Caspian before the movie came out is what kicked off the story idea.
ReplyDeleteSilent Soliloquy sounds like a great novel. I loved Creepshow and Heavy Metal, too. Zombeavers, though, uh...wow. I like your choices on life changes, Alex. And it seems there are three on your list with going on the road. Perhaps you could start a whole new Grateful Dead tour following with your band :)
ReplyDeleteShannon, thanks!
ReplyDeleteMina, the story was better than Sharknado, but the special effects were far worse.
Lux, you'll enjoy it!
Ivy, good to know!
Shell, that would be both awesome and scary...
One of my book ideas was sparked when I saw a picture of Penny on Gary's blog. This picture triggered a Shiny New Idea that has driven me crazy as I am scared of dogs and have to cross check each fact online, so that I get a dog's body language, mannerisms etc, right.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover of The Miracle Girl.
I just downloaded L.G.'s book. It sounded irresistible. I need to watch the Sharknado movies. I'm missing out on something.
ReplyDeleteT.B.'s book is amazing.
Silent Soliloquey (even if I can't spell that) sounds interesting--those are all the themes I like in my stories, too. And I really want to see Dracula Untold! (Reviewers hate everything)
ReplyDelete#4 is absolutely phenomenal, Alex. You done good:)
ReplyDeleteAlways so much going on over here. I'd love to co-host the IWSG this fall. Just let me know what you need me to do!
ReplyDeleteIf I weren't blocked by fear, I would definitely quit my job. A Silent Soliloquy sounds intriguing, I think I'll add it to my list, maybe after I finish CassaSeries which is waiting on my Kindle :)
ReplyDeleteHi Alex! You were missed~
ReplyDeleteLG, you had me at popcorn! I practically grew up in a movie theater-my father was a projectionist. I love the title and cover-your story sounds fantastic!
You have Ninja Army T-shirts, too? Where have I been-oh, yeah, The Twilight Zone-;D
Your site looks as always, vibrant and fun!!
Happy Friday, Captain~
Thank you for your review Zombeavers !!
ReplyDeleteBook ideas: The idea for Grounded was sparked by the sight of a fairy ornament in a garden:)
ReplyDeleteI won't watch "Sharknado 2" until I see the first one. I don't want to miss any critical plot points.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex,
ReplyDeleteNice to see the guest post by LG, a great insight and a darned good brand of television.
Thanks for all the links which I thoroughly skimmed through. Have a good weekend, yep, it took me that long to get here!
Gary
ReplyDelete"What are three things that you'd do tomorrow if you weren't blocked by fear?"
1. skydive 2. scuba dive 3. climb Yosemite's Half Dome.
BUT- I'm a chicken! Feet firmly on the ground and only snorkeling!
Cheers- have a great weekend and thanks for being such a great visitor!
Rachna, I remember you talking about that.
ReplyDeleteMedeia, not really...
Stephanie, thanks!
Elizabeth, cool! Thanks.
Ell! Just glad you're back.
Al - funny!
Thanks, everyone!
Congrats to LG on her book! Yay for creativity and for buttered popcorn!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to TB on her new book release!
I'll look for Dracula Untold, and stay away from Zombeavers. (Oh, who am I kidding? I'll watch Zombeavers, too. I love bad horror moves!)
Go for the stars LG! Movies are a wonderful medium. Seriously Alex? You doubt Inside Out but watched a movie named Zombeavers? Talk about making Sharnado 3 an Oscar contender. On that note I can't wait for S3 to hit SYFY. I watched Dominion last night and Season 2 is amazing! Okay Mike, if fear was not an obstacle I would:
ReplyDelete1. Skydive
2. Tell some people what I really thought of them. Uncut.
3. Sneak on a cruise ship to find all my blogging friends worldwide.
Yup, I'm nuts and need fear.
Glad I finally got on a computer that allows me to see blog sites beyond my own (took 5 min for your page to pop up Alex). Enjoy your weekend Alex and love you Ninja dude.
I agree with your thoughts on Dracula Untold :) And Zombeavers... who thinks if this stuff, haha!
ReplyDeleteHi Alex. I haven't been by as much as I should as my iPad kept freezing up on me when I wrote blog comments on the road. Not all the time, but enough for me to stop bothering as I was wasting too much time. Lovely to see LG Keltner here today!
ReplyDeleteDenise :-)
hmmmm...Dracula Untold might be our rental tonight! Thanks, Alex!
ReplyDeleteGoogle is great and therefore I don't need USA Today.
ReplyDeleteMy book ideas come from just about everywhere - the blogging I've done about my idea file shows that. ^_^ The current project started as an Ocean's Eleven meets Indiana Jones thing, and while that's not quite how I'd describe it now, it was a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex!
ReplyDeleteCongrats for making that 21 Best Space Opera Books! So many of my favorite sci-fi authors and books are on that list!
Sorry I'm just getting here now, and sorry I missed posting for the IWSG on the first Wednesday. I was in Juneau, Alaska. I have internet for the next few days. I can co-host for October if you still are looking for someone. Or November, but I'd prefer October.
Blocked by fear? 1. Drive on the freeway. I can't even think beyond that! 2. Maybe drive from Colorado to Newfoundland!
AAAAAAAAAAAAH! Sensory overload! I'm always amazed at how much cool stuff you manage to squeeze into a single post.
ReplyDeleteSuper duper congratulations on your sci fi books doing so well. Not that I'm surprised... anybody else around here surprised? Nope. Nobody else is surprised. You totally deserve it.
Congrats to LG and TB! I'm with you on quitting a job for one of my three things, but not the rock band part--not at all musical. I'd stay home and write full time. And the third? Hmm... some travel. China, Europe, Australia, Peru, etc...
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad about the AC at the show but the Al Roker poop jokes would make up for it. It was during the challenge that we decided to post every week day but we'll check the stats and see if it makes a difference. Good tips. Hit the road Alex
ReplyDelete