Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Hidden Figures Movie Review, February Movie Preview,a dn IWSG Swag!

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

My awesome co-hosts today are Misha Gericke, LK Hill, Juneta Key, Christy and Joylene Buter!
 
The IWSG is proud to announce we have two new admins joining the ranks!

Heather Gardner will be running the conferences page at the IWSG site.

C. Lee McKenzie will be our media relations expert, expanding our reach into the world and bringing in experts.

Please stop by their sites and welcome them today!

Today’s optional question - How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?

I notice things now. While I can forgive some typos, I do notice mistakes and poor writing more now. What really bugs me is pacing. Slow or uneven pacing, especially if watered down with too much description, just takes me right out of a story.

How has your reading experience changed?

If you haven’t seen the cover for the upcoming IWSG anthology, Hero Lost, stop by the IWSG and check it out.

Also, on Monday we are having an amazing guest at the IWSG - Emmy and Golden Globe winning screenwriter, Erik Bork. You don’t want to miss it!


We’ve also developed something new - IWSG Swag!

Jeremy Hawkins developed a t-shirt for us a couple years ago, but now we also have pens and magnets.

Sales of these items will benefit the IWSG directly and help us to expand to bigger and better things for you, the members.

Time to be insecure and proud!
Visit the IWSG site for yours.



Finally, the IWSG anthology authors of Hero Lost have started a really cool website. Check it out!

Movie Review

Hidden Figures
This film follows three real life NASA employees and their struggles.
An excellent film, it’s important on so many levels.
All three women struggle to achieve their goals at a time crucial to America’s history. Set in the early sixties, civil rights play a big role, but more on a personal level for each woman. They fight not only for the rights of blacks, but of women in general.
Taraji P. Henson is stunning in the starring role. (And a big shame she was not nominated for an Oscar.) She is mathematically gifted but meek, and yet when she needs to assert herself, she does. (Her tirade to Kevin Costner as to why she has to trek halfway across the NASA facility to use the bathroom is very moving.) Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae are also fighting a barrier with everything they’ve got.
This film hits on many issues. The women aren’t just fighting for their civil rights. They have to deal with prejudice as women and jealousy. (Jim Parsons takes a big leap in playing a very unlikeable character, as does Kirsten Dunst.)
While predictable in the path it will take, Hidden Figures hits all the key notes perfectly. Highly recommended!

February Movie Preview

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

10 –

John Wick: Chapter 2
The continuing adventures of former hitman, John Wick.
Director: Chad Stahelski v Stars: Ruby Rose, Keanu Reeves, Bridget Moynahan, Ian McShane
Considering the body count in the first John Wick film, by the time we get to chapter ten, everyone in the world will be dead.




17 –

A Cure For Wellness
An ambitious young executive is sent to retrieve his company's CEO from an idyllic but mysterious "wellness center" at a remote location in the Swiss Alps but soon suspects that the spa's miraculous treatments are not what they seem.
Director: Gore Verbinski
Stars: Jason Isaacs, Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, Adrian Schiller
Hopefully more like The Ring and less Wacky Adventures of Jack Sparrow.


The Great Wall
European mercenaries searching for black powder become embroiled in the defense of the Great Wall of China against a horde of monstrous creatures.
Director: Yimou Zhang
Stars: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe
Matt Damon fights Donald Trump over who’s going to pay for the damn thing. (It will be huuuuuuuuuge….)



21 –

DVD release – Hacksaw Ridge
Based on a true story about a conscientious objector who joins the army and without ever carrying a weapon, saved seventy-five people on Hacksaw Ridge. Excellent film and my pick for Best Motion Picture. Lead Andrew Garcia is also nominated for Best Actor. Don’t miss this one.


28 – 

DVD release – Doctor Strange
An egotistical plastic surgeon goes in search of a cure for his crippled hands and finds a mystical world and talents he never knew he possessed. A lot of fun and the 3D and special effects are mind-bending. Benedict Cumberbatch is great as the doctor. A must for you superhero collection – and watch for the doctor in the next Thor film.



What are your insecurities today? How has being a writer changed the way you read? Anyone else see Hidden Figures? What movies or DVD releases interest you this month?

Don’t forget to welcome Heather Gardner and C. Lee McKenzie to the IWSG fold.

143 comments:

nashvillecats2 said...

Thank Alex for a well informed post. Thanks also to all your helpers in making this a successful site to visit each month.
I do notice reading a book in a different way now I have had 4 books to my credit.
Your review about the "Wellbeing" as I am into that sort of thing that is one place I wouldn't go.

Happy February to you.
Yvonne.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - glad you've got some extra helping hands. I do want to see Hidden - looking to learn some history ...

Re writing - I don't write books ... but I am interested when I'm told I've got a 'good voice' - I relax about what I'm writing on the other hand there are a zillion unfinished blog posts! So trying to find a voice and see what interests readers via the comments ... then slotting into that mould.

Cheers Hilary

Ray Rousell said...

Looking forward to John Wick 2, the first film was excellent! And of course the Great Wall!!

Ann Bennett said...

Hidden Figures looks like a good movie. It will be interesting to watch Jim Parson's play a bad guy. I liked your Huuuge Joke.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm going to have to see Hidden Figures.
Can't get my head around The Great Wall, though.

Sarah Foster said...

Thanks for the website shout out, Alex! I tend to watch movies more at home than in the theater these days.

Erika Beebe said...

I would love to see three of those movies. I saw John Wick, the first one so I'll want to see how the second one turns out. Dr. Strange for sure! I love all the superhero and marvel movies. I might see the Great Wall too, but it depends. When I watch movies I go for the lighter themes or imaginary sides. Escape is my purpose. Or I love to laugh. I agree with you on the writing and reading. It's hard to read some books these days. I see the passive writing, or the lack of detail. Sometimes if the intro doesn't grab me, it's hard to keep pushing through. Even the dialogue. Man! I read a book a while back where a character and what he said just didn't fit! It was really unnerving. LOL Oh well. Happy Monday!

Cathrina Constantine said...

I love your movie reviews. There's a few I've seen and agree with you, and a few I'd like to see.

Have a great weekend!!!

Angela Wooldridge said...

Ooh, lots of interesting stuff here Alex, I must check out the Lost Hero site (fab cover btw).
But was I watching a different film? I though John Wick was awful. I wanted it to be good, but it was so busy being full of moodiness and action that it completely forgot about plot and conflict, (and any point). (Maybe I'm getting old...)

Arlee Bird said...

I've been seeing a lot of promos for Great Wall and it looks interesting. Hidden Figures has been getting a lot of buzz. One of the episodes of the TV show Timeline from last year dealt with this story, but I've noticed they've been using story ideas that seem to be telegraphing upcoming films.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Julie Flanders said...

That swag is great. How fun! And congrats to Lee and Heather - wonderful additions to the team.
I really want to see Hidden Figures!

Lynn La Vita said...

Pacing. Yes, I'd forgotten that important point. I guess, I've become stuck with certain authors that keep descriptions to a minimum so I forgot. Welcome Heather Gardner and C. Lee McKenzie. You're in good company!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Woohoo to Heather Gardner and C. Lee McKenzie!

Yes, about my reading experiences. They have changed, but fortunately I can still enjoy reading. Maybe that's another reason I like audiobooks so much. I don't have to look at the page. :D

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I've read Hidden Figures, but I still haven't seen the movie. At this rate, I won't until it's on DVD.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Slow pacing in a book really bugs me too. I have a 50 page rule now and if I don't enjoy a book, I put it down. Pacing is a big reason I don't finish some books.

Glad you liked Hidden Figures. I may wait for it to come on DVD but I definitely want to see this one.

Crystal Collier said...

Yay Lee and Heather!

I hear what you're saying on pacing, but I find the pacing that matters most to me is the character arcs. If they don't line up right, I know the entire journey is going to drive me crazy and it's best to bale early.

Jennifer Hawes said...

I haven't watched any movies lately. I'm just trying to keep up with laundry and writing--the two essentials in life. :) Glad you have some help with the addition of two new admins!

Pat Hatt said...

Very true, all the fancy description can sure take one out of a book. Two newbies to help is a win too!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hilary, you definitely have a distinct voice.

Ann, I am here to amuse.

Lynda, it will be a leave your brain at the door kind of film.

Sarah, you're welcome.

Erika, I see most movies for the escape.

Angela, I just dig that kind of film.

Lee, smart on their part.

Natalie, life is too short to read bad books.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Looks like some movies worth watching. Which is a delight because Netflix isn't providing many new ones these days. Watch a film a night and pretty soon there's nothing left. Congrats to the Anthology authors. Morning Alex.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Thanks for reviewing Hidden Figures. As I mentioned to you on my blog, "Space Race," an episode of the TV series Timeless, takes us to the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston on July 20, 1969, where we meet mathematician Katherine Johnson. I am eager to see Jim Parsons in a different role. A Cure For Wellness also looks like a good film.

Thanks, good buddy Alex!

J.Q. Rose said...

Thanks for the review on Hidden Figures. Really want to see that one. Thanks to C. Lee and Heather for taking on the admin jobs and always a thank you to you, Alex, for your spearheading the IWSG. I bet you never knew we'd even have IWSG swag some day!! Time to be insecure and proud made me laugh. Thanks to the co=hosts too!!
JQ Rose

The Cynical Sailor said...

Yay for new IWSG admins! I've heard lots of good things about Hidden Figures. Sounds like a winner. Hope I can find time to see it. Cheers - Ellen

Tonja Drecker said...

Ooo, IWSG swag! Neat. Pacing is big with me, and it's got to take off in the first 2-3 chapters. Okay, 10 pages. I've gotten picky ;)

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Recently saw Sully - loved it!

I really want to see Hidden Figures! I've got a note of Hacksaw Ridge, too. I think Arrival is available on iTunes later this month - looking forward to that.

Blue Grumpster said...

Hidden Figures is a wonderful, heartfelt movie. I couldn't agree more, Alex.

Christine Rains said...

Being a writer has definitely changed the way I read, but I can still devour a book in a day! :) Wonderful how the IWSG is expanding. You forgot the most important February movie release: The LEGO Batman movie! I'm excited for that one.

Are you watching the newest season of FaceOff? Loving it so far.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, don't worry you will soon get your wings :)

Welcome Heather and Lee to the IWSG fold as admins.

I agree with you, slow pacing and unnecessary descriptions irritate the hell out of me when I'm reading a book.

Misha Gerrick said...

Basically, to become a good (I HOPE!) writer, I've learned to break stories into the tiniest little parts to make sure everything works. So when something isn't right in even the best stories, my brain leaves the story to start analyzing what's wrong and why.

It's good in that it makes me a better writer.

It sucks because I can't turn it off when I just want to relax and read.

Patrick Stahl said...

Oh yeah, pacing. I imagine my spec fic writing education, more than my spec fic reading experience, explains why it harms me so much to read some works of literary realism (and occasionally modernism). There are other reasons, but this is one of them.

Nick Wilford said...

It was a great question for this month's IWSG. Hopefully we learn from those errors we spot to not do them in our own writing. Thanks for the movie round-up. Hidden Figures sounds quite timely, given the prejudice and strife in America at the moment.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm so critical now when I read.

Welcome Heather and C. Lee.

Hacksaw Ridge was a powerful film.

Charles Gramlich said...

I still have to see John Wick 1 but I'd like to

Stacy McKitrick said...

Having written several novels, I guess it's inevitable that I would read differently. Or do I? I think the difference is that I can now tell you WHY I dislike a book. Whereas before I just didn't know it was because of the slow pace or boring info dumps.

The movie Hidden Figures really interests me. Maybe I can get Hubby out to the theatre soon!

Bob/Sally said...

The Great Wall looks like the first epic disaster of the year. The FX in the trailers are rough (at best) and I really can't believe there hasn't been more uproar about white heroes having to save China.

Fundy Blue said...

Great post today, Alex! And thanks to Heather and C. Lee for stepping up to help the IWSG grow! Great cover for the anthology! And "Hidden Figures" was one of the best movies I've ever seen. Taraji P. Henson deserved an Oscar nomination, if not the Oscar. She was marvelous! Have a great day making the rounds!

H. R. Sinclair said...

Good morning Alex! Yeah, I can forgive the typo but now I see all the larger issue much more prominently —pacing, needless repetition, overdone backstory. I hope it helps me find it when I do those things! :)

L.G. Keltner said...

I love the swag, and congratulations to the new admins!

I definitely want to see Hidden Figures.

kaykuala said...

The IWSG gets into lots of interesting episodes especially for this week with pointers for writers and would-be writers. Hidden Figures should be awaited for being highly recommended.

Hank

Elizabeth Alsobrooks said...

Great new swag! Pacing--something difficult to examine for improvement, but well worth the look. Some of that, however, I feel is objective and may have something to do with personal style. Thanks for the great reviews!

Unknown said...

I know, the down side of being an author is that I just don't enjoy reading as much as I used to--can't turn that internal editor off.

Unknown said...

Yay, swag to buy! I'm the same as you, I notice errors and bad plotting in other books way too much. But I guess that's a good thing, it means (hopefully) you can recognize it in your own work.

Tamara Narayan said...

As a woman mathematician, I'm looking forward to seeing Hidden Figures. I also have the book in my house, waiting to be read. But even better, I signed up to go see the author give a talk in early May!

I'd like to see Hacksaw Ridge and A Cure For Wellness. Is that last one about vaccines? ;)

Bish Denham said...

I was surprised when I saw the trailer for Hidden Figures. I had no idea these women existed in the program. I'm excited about seeing it. Hubby and I totally enjoyed, Dr. Strange.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joylene, fortunately there are a ton of RiffTrax on Amazon Prime!

Shady, he's not too far off from Sheldon, just not as likeable.

JQ, no, I had no idea!

Madeline, Arrival will blow you away.

Christine, you bet I'm watching Faceoff!

Thanks, Rachna.

Charles, be prepared for the body count.

Stacy, knowing why helps.

Bob, that's why I'm not holding my breath for that one.

Fundy, sadly she didn't get a nomination.

Elizabeth, very true.

Megan - hopefully!

Tamara, that's cool!

Anonymous said...

I agree with you on noticing things more when I read and pacing/too much description is one of them. In fact, I actually stopped reading a book this weekend (that will remain nameless, but very popular) because of that very thing. I was yelling at the book, saying: "Come on, now! Get on with it!!"

I want to read the HIDDEN FIGURES book before I see the movie; my husband is reading it now.

Shari Elder said...

Hi Alex, I just wanted to thank you for getting this organized. How great to see it growing. Glad to have found this and signed on. Like you, I have less patience for things that don't work.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

So much going on with IWSG. I'm looking forward to see Dr. Strange again. Funny about the Hidden Figures characters as they were featured in an episode of the TV show Timeless. Had to laugh at your John Wick comment.

Mason Canyon said...

I've got Hidden Figures on my list to see. A great piece of history there. Congrats on adding Heather and C. Lee to the IWSG team, as well as the new swag.

Chemist Ken said...

I never noticed the use of adverbs in stories until after I learned about the rules. Now I notice when an author uses them a lot. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Sounds like the IWSG is really expanding. Congrats on your brainchild, Alex.

Toi Thomas said...

Happy to see the IWSG team growing.
Hidden Figures sounds really good. Who knows when I'll be in a movie theater again.
Being a writer has made me both more critical and compassionate in different ways.

Shah Wharton said...

I've changed in that I get bored quicker and I'm less patient with boring/slow/over descriptive writing. Slow burners are not for me.

Congrats and welcome to Heather and C. Lee! IWSG will no doubt benefit from you both! :)

Great Wall comment - *Snigger!

Looking forward to seeing Hidden Figures !!

http://shahwharton.com

Joanne said...

I am more conscious of bad writing as a reader, but I might be more likely to forgive some transgressions. For my writing, I put myself in the place of the reader and I scrap a lot. (insecurities abound)

Hidden Figures is a must see. Feb. movies tend to be dumps. I'll need to see Hacksaw Ridge on DVD. Glad I saw Dr. Strange in the theater.

Have a good rest of the week

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Being a writer makes me both more appreciative and more critical of others' writing.
Be well, Alex.

The Angry Lurker said...

Especially looking forward to the second John Wick, the first was a real crowd pleaser!

Jennifer Lane said...

I LOVED HIDDEN FIGURES!!! Such a moving flick.

And I forgot about my beefs with slow pacing, which is more glaring now that I've learned more about writing.

Welcome Heather and C. Lee!

Unknown said...

Hacksaw Ridge sounds like a very good film, and one that presents important ideals. The other movies look good too, except for the John Wick thing. I don't get why anyone would make a movie like that...

Chrys Fey said...

I really want to see Hidden Figures. It's based on a book, so I want to read that, too. :)

A Beer for the Shower said...

Reading is the worst now, because I notice everything. Great books I can still read without a hitch, but mediocre books or even worse, bad books... I see everything. I can't turn it off!

I'm dying to see Hidden Figures, and to see John Wick 2. I know, I have odd tastes.

cleemckenzie said...

Thanks for the media coverage today, Alex. I'm looking forward to the new job. It sounds exciting.

In answer to today's question: I've become ultra critical of writing--mine and everyone else's. That has slowed me down quite a bit on reading and writing, but I'm hoping to use this more analytical side of myself to improve both of those skills.

Love the cover for the anthology!

Hidden Figures is at the top of my movie list.

J.L. Campbell said...

Welcome to our new admins and congrats again to our anthology winners. Yup, being a writer does make reading a more exacting experience. Hidden Figures sounds goooood.

Loni Townsend said...

I notice stuff in writing too now! I might not notice pacing as much, but there are other word choices that certainly jump out at me.

Dang. I missed Doctor Strange in the theaters, but I suppose I'm happy the DVD is coming soon. Hidden Figures looks really good. And that's cool about the swag!

C.D. Gallant-King said...

Man, I don't have time to watch movies unless it's with the kids. Totally stoked for the Batman Lego Movie on February 9. Also, I was super excited to see Netflix added season 2 of their animated "Home" series. (For reference it was not as good as season 1 but still pretty awesome)

S.A. Larsenッ said...

YAY! and a huge thank you to all this month's co-hosts! I have to tell you, I love this new monthly question idea, but every stinking month I forget about it! I would have loved to answer this one. But I did just release my post, so that's something 'eh?

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Lee and Heather, for taking on this responsibility. We appreciate you.

Hi, Alex!

mshatch said...

I agree with you about noticing more while reading. I know I'm more critical than I used to be, but I'm also willing to overlook things if the characters and plot move me (Twilight being a great example).

Love your comments about The Wall. LOL

Laura Clipson said...

I can't believe I haven't seen Doctor Strange yet, it's on my list!
I notice a lot more now when reading than I did before I started writing; my standards are higher now!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I too have noticed errors more when reading since writing. Maybe I should have started writing later in life. LOL. No way, I love doing it. I have been aching to see Doctor Strange so I'll be buying my digital copy soon. I'll be ready to ensure I see Guardians 2 in theaters. Wonder Woman too. Hidden Figures sounds so good! Darn it I wanna see it. Cool that there's IWSG swag. Talk about getting swanky guys.

farawayeyes said...

Congrats to Heather and C. Lee. I'm sure they will make for wonderful additions to the IWSG staff.

I really liked 'Hidden Figures'. Would like to see 'Hacksaw Ridge', but not terribly excited about the others. I did see La La Land and thought it was spectacular.

It's funny how writing and studying the craft takes away some of the pure pleasure of reading.

Stephanie Faris said...

Congratulations on adding two new people. The IWSG is continuing to grow!!! I haven't been to the movies since we saw the Star Wars movie at Christmas. And before that, I think it had been months! Mostly we rent things on pay-per-view at home.

Nicki Elson said...

Thanks for the recommendation on Hidden Figures - I hadn't heard of that film (Yes, I'm sort of living under a rock).

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, I've yelled that before.

Shari, glad you could join us!

Susan, someone else mentioned that show.

Sometimes ignorance is indeed bliss, Ken. And thanks!

Joanne, definitely check out Hacksaw Ridge.

Lexa, because people like me think they are cool.

Bryan and Brandon, that means I do as well.

Lee, you are a welcome addition to the group!

Sheri, someday you'll be able to answer it.

Marcy, I am here to amuse.

Sheena-kay, just buy it. It's that good.

Nicki, glad you crawled out today.

Murees Dupè said...

Congrats to the new admins! Wow, IWSG got even more awesome. I'm hating not rejoining even more now. But I still support IWSG. It is such a powerful and wonderful list of brilliant people. You guys have helped me through the darkest times. Thank you for that.

Really looking forward to the new John Wick movie. Hopefully, his dog doesn't die again. That scene made me cry in the first movie. I was cheering for him to kill all those guys that hurt the puppy.

The Happy Whisk said...

Yes, it's funny how after we learn to write, the stuff we see. It's pretty cool though. Just shoveled a bunch of snow, sunny and so pretty out now but I thought, gee, if I could throw this snowball at one blogger, it would be Alex.

Cheers and boogie boogie.

Liesbet said...

Looking forward to watching "Hidden Figures" one of these weeks. Very fitting theme! We did enjoy "Hacksaw Ridge" in a movie theater recently. Reading really great books, makes the "amateur" writer insecure. Enjoyment has been replaced by learning experience when reading a writer, I find. I am so very proud of everyone who was involved in creating Hero Lost!!!

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Congratulations Heather and Lee. Will visit your blogs in a sec.

My insecurities at this moment are (1) will I ever finish this chapter of my WIP I'm working on? It is eluding me. (2) Can I drive to town to get new glasses without running over anyone? Please give me space.

Olga Godim said...

Thanks for reviewing Hidden Figures. I need to watch this movie.

Dean K Miller said...

How do I know a book is well written? When I'm not critiquing it as I read!

Hidden Figures does look like a gem.

Welcome Heather and Lee! What a bonus for IWSG!

Andrew Leon said...

Hidden Figures is my Best Picture pick.
Though I do have a few more of the nominees to see.

J E Oneil said...

I think every writer must have something that bugs them more than anything else when they're reading. For me, it's usually a character doing something that I think is stupid. If I'm yelling at a character, I'm not reading :P

Unknown said...

Could you please delete my name from the list. I am closing down part of my writing world - so it is time to say goodbye.
Thanks.
Tweeted, by the way :-)

Anonymous said...

If you don't like long descriptions, I"m guessing you're not a Stephen King fan ;) I can't wait for the Gunslinger!!!

So don't judge me too much but I'm thinking about seeing Teacher Fight. I love Charlie Day. Also, I want to see Split. That looks really good.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

If I am lost in the story and not trying to figure out how the author has put the story together, the author has done a good job. And that's true of books or movies for me.
Thanks so much for creating IWSG and for always visiting Adventures in Writing. It means the world to me. All the best to you, Alex.

Patsy said...

I appreciate good writing more now I know how hard it is to get right.

Jo said...

I'm not even a writer and yet I see typos and grammatical errors in my reading which drive me batty. This is one reason I have been volunteering to proof read for author friends. It's so irritating (to me) to see a mistake and not be able to correct it.

That movie Hacksaw Ridge, hasn't that story been told before?

Karen Lange said...

Reading's changed a lot for me too. I have trouble with poor writing, etc. I've also become more observant when watching films. I note more plot elements and things like that. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Rhonda Albom said...

My MIL rang us last week to tell us to get out and see Hidden Figures. She rarely goes to the movies and in the 20+ years I have known her, I think this is the first time she made a recommendation. Glad to read that you agreed with her. The other movies on your list, we probably won't see.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Murees, we appreciate the support - no worries!

Ivy, I feel special.

Liesbet, it's going to be a great book.

Beverly, will pray you make it safely!

Dean, that's the perfect answer.

JE, that's how I feel about most horror movies.

Victoria, sorry to see you go! Good luck.

Elsie, I've only read his short stories. Split is supposed to be really good.

Victoria, thanks for being a part of the group.

Jo, not that I'm aware of. Maybe you're thinking of Hamburger Hill?

Rhonda, you need to go see it then.

Birgit said...

I can definitely see how writing would make you more tuned into what you read and see the errors. I want to see the films mentioned here but La La Land will win. I don't think I will see the Matt Damon one which i think will tank. Not sure how he got caught up in this flick.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Love your snarky comment about John Wick 2, although I did enjoy the first movie on Netflix when I was feeling rather crummy. I haven't seen Hidden Figures yet, but my oldest daughter went with a friend and really liked it.

Writing has both made me more picky and more appreciative. I really don't like information dumps. I can read over typos and adverbs.

Yay for Heather and C.Lee!!!

Jemi Fraser said...

The cover is terrific!
I need to learn to focus on pacing because that's a tough one for me!!

Roland Clarke said...

I try to switch off my inner editor when I read, but when I hit a real 'howler' I get pulled out of the story. GGGrrr

There are three movies there that I will try to watch on Blue-ray so not to manoeuvre my wheelchair in a theatre: Hacksaw Ridge having been a vocal pacifist; Hidden Figures for what it tackles; Doctor Strange as I loved the comics, and Benedict is great.

Anonymous said...

I notice things now more in books now that I've been writing for a while, but it has to be really bad for me to put the book down.

N. R. Williams said...

I bet you never thought that IWSG would grow so strong.
Nancy

Raimey Gallant said...

Glad to see you've got extra hands to help out! I also find I'm taken out of the story more often now that I'm a writer. I think it's because I'm trying to learn from each other's techniques, so I'm always re-reading sentences I like, mentally critiquing others I don't...

Unknown said...

Pacing takes me right of out of a story, too. Congrats on the IWSG growth!

Heather M. Gardner said...

So many nice comments about joining IWSG! I'm honored to be a part of it all!

ALEX!!

You are doing great things. Great things.
:)

I haven't seen Dr. Strange yet. Looking forward to that. And to the Lego Batman movie. The BOY and I have all the commercials memorized.

Just watched The Replacements the other night. I miss Keanu so I'm glad he's coming out in another kill or be killed movie. (Those are my favorite kind.)

Have a great night, Alex! And thank you for being such a good friend!

Heather

kimlajevardi.com said...

Welcome to the new admin.!

I also notice errors more. It does become harder to enjoy poorly crafted stories that I might have previously picked up for a lightweight read.

Theresa Milstein said...

I've been enjoying the IWSG posts today. Great topic!

I really want to see Hidden Figures. I like your take on it.

Denise Covey said...

Welcome to the IWSG fold, Heather and Lee! Thanks for the reviews, Alex~

Jo said...

Checked Hamburger Hill, not the movie I am thinking of. This one was about a young crackshot (hillbilly??) who was struck by lightening although only thing hurt was his rifle. He figured God was telling him to be a pacifist. When he went to war he wouldn't use his rifle but he managed to round up a whole bunch of the enemy without one shot. Way before the movie Hacksaw Ridge.

Liz A. said...

I did see Hidden Figures. It's exactly the type of movie I enjoy.

When I read, I notice things I didn't notice before. Lately, it's been the show versus tell thing. If there's too much tell, it starts to sound like the way I used to write. And it bugs me.

Botanist said...

I really enjoyed Hidden Figures. I cheered when the Director smashed down the washroom sign - that kind of blind prejudice had no place in any civilized world, but sadly the divisive thinking still prevails.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congratulations to Lee and Heather for their new roles on the IWSG team! We thought Hidden Figures was a wonderful movie and were thrilled when it won best picture at the SAG awards! Thanks again for hosting another great IWSG, Alex!

Sher A. Hart said...

Finally made it here. Wish I could more often, but I've been at war with bugs. Still am, so I posted one on my blog. Hmmm, cover photo? Probably not for a book I'd write. If you ever think of retiring to Florida, just go back and look at the size of that sucker. And be glad for freezing weather.

dolorah said...

Wow, the IWSG is developing into a true organization. Congrats to Heather and C Lee, they will do as well as everyone, I'm sure. I really want to see Hidden Figures; I agree there are a lot of worthy issues the movie is addressing. With this movie, its the journey, not the predictable end, that is worth watching. I'm also looking forward to John Wick 2 - something to be said for mindless mayhem - and Matt Damon's movie. Hacksaw Ridge will be good for the same reason as Hidden Figures.

I think February is going to be a good month.

Elizabeth said...

Glad to see some new admins and growth for the IWSG! I'll have to go check out the swag.

Hidden Figures has been on my must see list. I'm just waiting for it to come out on video (theaters are getting too expensive to see everything there). I loved Taraji's character on Person of Interest.
...And I'm still laughing at your Great Wall snark :)

Shannon Lawrence said...

Congratulations to Heather and Lee! I loved Hidden Figures. My kids actually chose it as our weekly movie, and we talked afterward. The bathroom explanation scene brought tears to my eyes. I was so relieved she was finally giving him a big dose of the truth. I loved John Wick, and am looking forward to the sequel.

Unknown said...

Being an author and an editor really has changed how I read books both I think for the good and sometimes the bad. My biggest issue is being able to turn my 9-5 editor off and just read for fun.

Michelle Wallace said...

Welcome to Heather and C.Lee!
To be honest, reading is not as enjoyable.
It has become difficult to read without a critical eye which means I've become less tolerant of poorly crafted stories. Maybe it's time for me to try audio books.

Sandra Cox said...

I want to see Hidden Figures.
These women were 'awesome'.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I can't wait to see Hidden Figures. I'm a history buff, but this is a story I never knew about before.

Zan Marie said...

I can't wait to see Hidden Figures! As a retired history teacher, I'm floored that I knew nothing about this story before now. At least, we'll never say that again.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Hacksaw Ridge was awesome. Good to hear Dr. Strange is out on DVD- now I know what to get Chad for Valentine's Day. :D

Cherie Reich said...

Yeah, I've found too much description really makes me want to stop reading a book since I've become a writer. Hidden Figures looks awesome. I'm glad I'm not the only one joking over Trump and the movie The Great Wall. Heh.

Juneta key said...

Cool merchandise. I grabbed a pen. No place to put a magnet and seldom wear tshirts so was tickled to see pens.

The website for the new anthology really is cool.

Welcome Heather and Lee Wahoo and thank you.

I really want to see Hidden Figures and Doctor Strange. I loved Cumberbatch in Sherlock Holmes.

Happy IWSG Day!
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit


Diane Burton said...

You always manage to hit the right notes with the question of the month. I tend to be more critical now that I'm a writer.

Movies: I want to see Hidden Figures--either now or when it comes out in DVD, and I want my grandchildren to watch it, too. They need to know what's happened in the past in order not to repeat it. I'm embarrassed for our nation that we've overlooked the accomplished because of gender or race, as in the film or because of ethnicity, religion, or a variety of other differences. Why can't people be judged on their skills and gifts rather than how they look?

Magic Love Crow said...

Happy February Alex!
I don't know how I got involved with so many writers last year, but I really enjoy all your blogs!! I find it very interesting! Even though I am not a writer, there are somethings that I can relate to in creating my art! Thank you for the reviews!! All the best!

Nicola said...

I am really excited about the upcoming anthology. The work you guys do is amazing. Thanks for everything. Not many films on my radar this month - but then again, I'm finishing off my final edits - YAY!! About time!! Have a great week, Alex.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Wow, Dr. Strange is already on DVD? But I thought it just came out! (But then, I also have had trouble keeping track of the days of the week this week).

Love the IWSG swag! Looks great.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Roland, you'll be able to watch two of those very soon.

Nancy, neither did I!

Heather! Glad you have joined us finally. And the John Wick sequel will provide blood and carnage at least.

Jo, not familiar with it.

Sher, I am glad for freezing weather.

Elizabeth, I am here to amuse.

Michelle, I think it shows even more in audio books though.

Cherie, it was easy pickings.

Juneta, and thanks for ordering that pen!

Diane, well said.

Crow, glad I can provide something valuable!

Nicola, awesome!

The Happy Whisk said...

lololololol.

Heather R. Holden said...

Being a writer definitely makes it easier to notice mistakes and such while reading. (That pesky inner editor just refuses to take a break, apparently!)

Kathe W. said...

we just heard about the Hidden Figures movie! will definitely see it!

Mandy said...

It sounds like you notice more than I do when reading. Although I guess unconsciously I do notice pacing. I'm thinking specifically about Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See. Some books have lengthy intros, long sentences, big words, and neverending chapters while ATLWCS was an easy read because of the short chapters and simple vocabulary. It felt like Doerr was playing with style in the book. You may not have read the book, but I'm sure you can understand what I mean. :)

I have heard so many good things about Hidden Figures! I can't wait to see it!

Mori Lii said...

I am really looking forward for Cure For Wellness movie. It looks really intriguing!

DMS said...

Hidden Figures looks really good to me and I can't wait to check it out. Glad you thought it was awesome!

I agree with you- since I started writing I notice a lot more when I read. I find I notice even more right after a round of editing. :)
~Jess

F. Stone said...

I hope I have the courage to see Hacksaw Ridge. Thanks for all your feedback and info, Alex. Totally awesome.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I've been waiting for Doctor Strange on DVD. Due to severe vertigo, I couldn't watch it in the cinema (I once had to walk out of a 3D screening of The Smurfs), but Hubby and #1 son assures me I'll really enjoy it when I can control how I watch it :-)

mail4rosey said...

I saw the preview for Hidden Figures a couple of times. I would like to see that one! Have a wonderful weekend!

Sandra Cox said...

Comment on the Great Wall: Ha!

XmasDolly said...

How on earth do you ever get 132 comments I'd probably faint if I got half that much! You're amazing! But actually I do see why... you are just a bundle of knowledge to say the least. Anyway I stopped by to tell you thanks for stopping by and your kind wishes and MAMA IS BACK IN TOWN SO LET'S ROCK!!! THEME FOR MONDAY IS A FREEBIE! WOO HOO! Oh and hubby has a gig coming up February 18th so I'll have a video for that night on the following Monday (if it's a freebie), but I'll be posting one this Monday too for a friend who wants to hear them. Come on over and check them out! WOO HOO... I'LL SAVE A BOOGIE FOR YA.... CAN YOU BOOGIE OL' MAN???? bwahahaha just kiddin'!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kathe, go and enjoy!

Mandy, yes I do understand.

Mori, that's my pick for this month.

Feather, it's powerful.

Annalisa, you will enjoy it.

Marie, glad you are back! Monday is a freebie - good to know.

Yvonne Ventresca said...

Congrats to Heather and Lee!
I'm not much of a movie-goer but Hidden Figures sounds like one I should see.

H.R. Bennett said...

Congrats to the new admins! Also, I had no idea Doctor Strange was out this month. Going to have to pick that up.

Mason T. Matchak said...

Writing has definitely changed how I see things as a reader - it's kind of like seeing the Matrix, as when I stop to think about it, I can see more easily how things have been put together and so forth. But I usually get too lost in a story to do that; it's when I don't that I know whatever I'm reading isn't going to be a keeper.

And I swear, when I saw a trailer for "The Great Wall", I couldn't help thinking, oh, look, white people miraculously showing up to solve others' problems... -_-

Helena said...

Sigh. I am SO LATE with my comment! Sorry, Alex.

Ironically, I just saw Hidden Figures today and loved it. These three women grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go, and the story unfolded with perfection pacing.

Oh, and I love your quickie assessment of The Great Wall and John Wick. As ever you're pithy and witty, Alex.

Barbara said...

Hidden Figures was already close to the top of my must see list, its just gone up a notch or two.
I smiled at your Great Wall comment. I wonder if the film will be a huuuuuuge hit? Um, I have my doubts.
Congratulations to Heather & C. Lee.

Ellie Garratt said...

Hidden Figures is a definite for me.

Cynthia said...

Thanks to the new admins for volunteering!

I want to see Hidden Figures. I've heard great things about the movie.

Anonymous said...

I loved Hidden Figures. It's definitely a must see. I saw the first John Wick, looking forward to the next. Have a wonderful day, Twinny. Xoxoxo

Debra Renée Byrd said...

Hidden Figures was so great. I went to see it with my mom. That bathroom scene before and after...I almost cried.

I want to see the first John Wick. I love Keanu. But I probably won't be watching Matt Damon anything for the rest of time.

Debra Renée Byrd said...

Pacing is also everything to me in a story. I can get through bad writing if I get through the book quickly. lol But sometimes, I can't even get through good writing if the story is moving too slowly.