My awesome co-hosts today are Tamara Narayan, Pat Hatt, Patricia Lynne, Juneta Key, and Doreen McGettigan!
Today’s optional question - What is one valuable lesson you've learned since you started writing?
Never underestimate my actual readers – or who they are. My books appeal to as many women as men, something I never foresaw happening, especially with science fiction stories. But I accepted it and wrote to please my actual fan base, both men and women.
We have a lot of agents and publishers lined up who will be watching the Twitter feed that day.
You don’t want to miss it! Details HERE.
What are we looking for?
Anything writing related – books, journalism, articles, whatever.
What have you tried that was successful?
What have you tried that didn’t result in sales or making money? We need to know what doesn’t work as well!
Submissions are open to all IWSG members – monthly blog post members, Facebook, and Goodreads. Details here.
And in case you missed it - the Insecure Writers Support Group site made the Writer’s Digest 19th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers! This has been a goal of mine for the past several year and we finally made it. Thanks to all of YOU for making the group and the site awesome. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Audio Book Giveaway
My publisher, Dancing Lemur Press, has been giving away an audio book every week since the beginning of May.
Today is the last day you can enter to win a copy of CassaStorm.
Just go to @DancingLemurPre and click the pinned Tweet to enter.
Thanks for helping me spread the word!
Movie Reviews
After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail. Staring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, and Jamie Foxx.
This film is classy and stylish, slick but casual in its execution. It takes you on a ride that is both exhilarating and laid-back.
One of the coolest things about this film is how the music and action line up perfectly. From Baby lining up music for a getaway scene to the overall score, it is in perfect harmony.
The car chases and driving are amazing. Your jaw will drop at some of the tricks and stunts.
Baby is a sympathetic character. He’s a good person caught in a bad situation. He loves his foster father and cares about people in general. He and Debora (Lily James) have real chemistry on screen and make a good couple.
Reviews for this film have it at near-perfect. While I wouldn’t give it an A+, it was an excellent film.
Gru meets his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist.
In a nutshell – silly and fun.
The Minions and Gru end up parting ways, so there becomes two storylines. Three if you count Judy’s efforts to find her place as Mom to three young girls. That's probably the movie's biggest fault - too much going on.
Dru – the twin brother – could’ve been annoying, but he’s not. He’s a good balance with the more dour Gru.
The animation is stunning. Some of the best I’ve ever seen. Some of the scenes were so real, it was incredible.
Fans of the 80’s will also get a kick out of the villain, Balthazar Bratt. Or you’ll have horrible 80’s flashbacks – one of the two.
While not the best animated flick I’ve ever seen, it was entertaining. If you enjoyed the other films, go for it. If not, then Minions in prison will not change your mind…
July Movie Preview
Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for July! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
Spiderman: Homecoming
Following the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016), Peter Parker attempts to balance his life in high school with his career as the web-slinging superhero Spider-Man.
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei
It’s getting great review and buzz- and it’s not an origins story! Ninja happy.
War for the Planet of the Apes
After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.
Director: Matt Reeves
Stars: Toby Kebbell, Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Judy Greer
This could be the movie of the year. Advanced word – amazing and heart wrenching all at once.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
A dark force threatens Alpha, a vast metropolis and home to species from a thousand planets. Special operatives Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.
Director: Luc Besson
Stars: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Elizabeth Debicki
Pray it’s The Fifth Element and not Jupiter Rising…
Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire, Canada, and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance
Batman loses his short term memory and moves to Alaska to tap into people’s dreams…oh wait, I’m mixing up my Nolan films…
What have you learned since you started writing? Sending an entry for the IWSG anthology? Entering #IWSGPit? Want to win a copy of CassaStorm on audio? And what movie catches your eye for July?
131 comments:
Hi Alex - I'm waiting to see Dunkirk ... saw Churchill and My Cousin Rachel - good British films! What have I learnt ... believe in myself, and get on with things?! Cheers and happy rest of July - Hilary
Congrats on the ISWG making it to the best seller's site.
Enjoyed the news and reviews. Enjoy July.
Yvonne.
One lesson learnt is that Writer's block is real and amazingly it is self- imposed, much as we dislike to admit. If caught in the rut it may sustain itself for some time. All the new releases are very much encouraging. Thanks for the info AleX!
Hank
I absolutely love sci-fi and fantasy stories - they're my favourite genres.
I had no idea Spiderman was out this month - that one I'll have to see. The others all look great as well.
I am so impressed at the ISWG's achievements. Congratulations to all of you.
And thanks to you, Alex, for sticking with your goal. That the IWSG is now among the best has to do with the vision given to a person. You embodied that part of your vision and it has become a reality.
All the best,
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G at Everything Must Change
Hi, Alex!
Thanks for reviewing Baby Driver. I appreciate the wise use of music in movies and it sounds like Baby is pitch-perfect. Sympathetic characters and screen chemistry are also important to me and I enjoy a well executed car chase. It's nice to see old favorites like Kevin Spacey, Marisa Tomei and Woody Harrelson in new films. Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy!
Believing is an important element in every dream. Next, comes the task of putting your dream into action. Every dream/story has a beginning and an end, it's up to you to full in the pages in between. Make it amazing and good luck to all those struggling in the quest.
Thanks for the review of Baby Driver I wasn't sure about that film. I am passing on Spider-Man.
Have a wonderful day!
I actually just saw Wonder Women and loved it. There isn't much coming out in July that I'll be rushing to the movie theaters for. I never hard of Baby Driver, but that one does sound good.
I believe men and women do like to read science fiction, I know I do. I hope you have a nice vacation. Have a good week.
I think I'll take my kids to see the new despicable me movie. I think several of the movies look outstanding, especially with your great summary. I'd love to win a copy of CassaStorm on audio. I really like audio books. Have a great rest of your week Alex.
I've been looking forward to the new Spidey movie.
What elements do you add that appeal to both men and women?
I always thought the story itself either slanted to the interest of a man or a woman.
Love these first Wed. hops. I always learn something new!
That's a great lesson about readers. If I ever get published, I'll remember that one. Wish I had a finished project for the pitch contest. Maybe another year.
Free audiobooks--can't beat that! And yes, there are a LOT of female sci-fi readers. Fantasy, too. In fact, I think women will cross all genres, but you don't see many men reading romance!
As soon as I return from vaca I'm watching Baby Driver!! Hope you have an amazing holiday week.
That's so interesting re realizing your actual fan base/readers!
I am so ready for fun and silly - bring on the Minions! :)
Thanks for the movie tip about Baby Driver--I love crime stories.
It's true that we can't predict how our books will be received, in many different ways. You're definitely a dude but you seem to have a softer side, too, so maybe that's what women are responding to.
Truly never underestimate one's readers. And yay for the IWSG making the Writer's Digest list! I actually got out to two movies this past week. Despicable Me 3 was fun, and yes, some of the animation looked incredibly real. We also saw Guardians of the Galaxy 2. It was the first "big kid" movie we took our son to and he loved it. He really wants to see the new Spiderman movie. Now I get to see that too! I laughed at what you said about Valerian. It looks spectacular, but yes, The Fifth Element type, please. :)
Yes, women definitely enjoy your books!!! :)
It always surprises people when they learn my love for sci-fi
yay and good luck to those doing the pitmad - wish i had something ready... next time!
i'm happy spiderman is not origins too - though i'm tired of spiderman, glad he was reintroduced with the avengers, cause i like this guy!
always love your sneak previews!
happy july!
Tara Tyler Talks
That's good advice! I'm doing a writing marathon at AgentQuery Connect, so I'm not sure I'll have something ready for the IWSGPit. Maybe!
Fill the pages in between - too early:)
All the movies seem interesting but I think that Despicable Me 3 is the one movie that got best rating according to user reviews. Thanks for sharing your review.
Emma Charlotte | TheAcademicPapers.co.uk
Pat, thank you!
Shady, you would really appreciate Baby Driver, especially all of the older songs.
Karen, glad you saw it - and thanks!
Erika, good luck then.
Lynn, wish I knew for certain. Maybe it's my focus on character.
Stephanie, I have read one though!
Jennifer, that must be it.
Truedessa, anything before noon is too early...
Thanks, everyone!
I'm really excited to see Despicable Me 3. I love me some minions.
I had no idea any of those movies were coming out in July. I blame the DVR allowing me to skip all commercials.
I loved Despicable Me 3 and already have a stuffed prison-clad Minion.
I saw previews for Baby Driver and just wasn't sure, but based on your review I think we'll see it after all. I know my husband would love the car chases! And very excited for another Planet of the Apes movie-- I've loved every one of them.
Hi Alex, I agree with you that we must never underestimate our actual readers.... we never know who will love our books or be inspired by our stories. And I'm trying to polish my book in time for #IWSGPit
Spiderman movie, definitely. Can't get enough of those Marvel movies. And to think I've always been more of a DC comic fan.
So glad Spiderman isn't a third friggin origin story. Looks like they finally got it right too. Baby driver does look and sound like a good one. True, you never know who your readers may be sometimes.
Hi Alex, congratulations on the IWSG. I've only recently joined; it's a sea of brilliant information and lovely people. I rarely go to the cinema, but I'll be going to see Dunkirk this month. My Grandad survived the evacuation, so I'll be watching it with him in mind.
I saw Despicable Me 3 with my family and I wasn't expecting to be wowed and, let's just say, it lived up to my low expectations. Of course, if I didn't have kids, I would not have gone. I need to see something geared to my age group.
Never underestimate readers... Love that.
We're pretty stoked for Spiderman. It looks awesome anyway, and since when has the Marvel franchise let us down? (Well, I'm not looking at you, Age of Ultron...) ;)
Dunkirk and Spiderman. Wouldn't that be a mashup :)
Happy July!
So Happy IWSG made WD top site. That is awesome.
' Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
In my writing I've learned that less is more, Not everything needs to be said.
#IWSG had been a great help to me and so many others. I'm pleased to have joined the team and I hope I can contribute to its continued support for writers. I'm booking Dunkirk for a must see movie this summer, but I hope Batman doesn't put in a Cameo appearance. That would ruin WWII for sure.
Good morning, Alex.
I haven't seen a Planet of The Apes movie since the first one (at least of this series), but I'm very intrigued by this one and want to see it. Unfortunately, the HH isn't at all.
Very glad to see that the new Spidy movie is not an origins story.
So excited to learn IWSG is on Writer's Digest list! Whoot, whoot!
What have I learned since I started writing? That failure doesn't mean the end, it only means that "approach" didn't work, try another approach. It's like of like hacking through a jungle using a machete. :D
I'm really looking forward to the new Spiderman movie. And that's a sentence I never thought I'd write.
It was great to see the IWSG on the Writers Digest list. Congrats!
I am sort of glad, the world shutdown the Transformers after a week... we are needing a solid story over blowing stuff up for 2 hours. I am stoked about Spider-Man: Homecoming, it's fingers-crossed a solid story... I am not sure I am in for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets and Dunkirk... but for sure the War for the Planet of the Apes.
I am sort of saving my cash for those of a super-hero nature... though I am a fan of Luc Besson's collective works.
Baby Driver and DS3... not my bag, baby.
Have one heck of a day!
Jeremy
Glad you're writing for both genders! :)
Baby Driver sounds like a job for a babysitter. Do you think they could've chosen a different name?
Joey - funny!
Jen, when they come alive, they explode.
Karen, they are a bit depressing but so well done.
Rachna, hope you do!
Ken, I am as well but I will take both.
Rita, welcome! And what a blessing he survived.
Carol, that would be!
Lee, you have contributed a lot.
Jeremy, not even the Oriental market was interested in the new Transformers. Now please make them stop.
Loni, it's based on a song. And the lead's name is Baby.
I hear you about misjudging your reader demographics. I write romance of course, which has a largely female readership, but I've found a lot of guys read my stuff too. It was quite unexpected!
Congrats on making the Writer's Digest BW4Ws. :)
I'm looking forward to War for the Planet of the Apes - Such a great series.
I learned: Don't publish till you're ready.
Shah X
http://shahwharton.com
I wonder if I'm the only one annoyed that they're doing another Spiderman movie with a different actor. *shrugs* Oh well. I'll probably watch it...when it goes onto TV in a million years. haha
LOve your movie reviews but it's aways with a bit of sorrow as most of them come here but in Spanish only. Damn! I need more Spanish lessons!!
Definitely want to see Spiderman and I'm hoping for something good with Dunkirk. My kids are excited about the Planet of the Apes. Me, not so much.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and offering encouragement. It means a lot.
That's cool about your readers. It's the opposite for me. I don't expect men to like my stories, but the few who've read my Eternal Curse book really connected with it.
Yeah, Baby Driver looks like a good movie to see in the theater.
I like the Despicable Me series so far and will probably see this one, eventually.
Dunkirk is probably the only new movie I'm not interested in. I have to really be in a mood to watch war movies.
Great post, as always.
I think your writing is universal because it features good characters that people can root for. That's why it appeals to so many.
Inevitable that I'll end up seeing Despicable 3 at some point, but it's not a bad thing!
This summer isn't shaping up for much movie seeing.
Unfortunately.
Yo, Alex, you still hitchhiking through the galaxies, dude?
Glad to know you were Feeling Nosey? today and stopped by. Heh heh.
Megan, and nice when it happens!
Leigh, yes you do!
Toi, so do I, but it's Nolan.
Nosey, I am!
I am a World War II book and movie addict so will certainly watch Dunkirk at some point. I just finished reading The Zookeeper's Wife too, which I highly recommend.
It's awesome that you learned your fan base is bigger than expected!
Thanks for all the great movie reviews and previews.
Congrats!!! So much to consider. I'd love to submit for the anthology... And I know my kids will be ready to see Despicable Me 3. One of the things I've learned about writing and publishing is... I'll never be done learning! Christy
That is a valuable and a rewarding lesson, Alex! And good for you to adapt to the readership. It sure is getting busier and busier with the IWSG; so many events and excitement planned. Wish I had a pitch ready, but not yet. If we could pitch with a WIP, I would join the party. :-)
What have I learned since I started writing? That the first draft is crap and that you really don't know what the beginning of your story is until you've written the end. :)
I've learned so much since I began writing, and continue to learn more as I go. A big part of this info comes from fellow bloggers and writers, and for that, I am grateful! :)
Patricia, heard it's a great film.
Christy, we never will.
Stacy, I'd agree with that.
I'm so relieved we're not going to have to go through Uncle Ben dying AGAIN.
I'm not surprised that you have as many women readers as men. everyone's always underestimating our interest in sci-fi!
Didn't know about Dunkirk, sounds like a movie I/we would enjoy. Did you know that boats and yachts that took part in the evacuation of the beaches were given plaques to display on their boats as a commemoration of a fantastic rescue. Of course I lived through Dunkirk but was too young to remember. Matt, on the other hand......
Baby Driver is getting lots of good press. I heard they actually filmed the action sequences with the music going.
You're the second person that I know to give Baby Driver a good review, but my son (19 yrs.) only rated it an okay. It's funny how perceptions about movies vary so widely. I wonder if it's age? The other good review was from an older gentleman.
Looking forward to several of the movies you listed, but will wait until we can watch at home. I am so over the theater experience. A big congrats on the Writer's Digest best list. This is, without a doubt, the most amazing website for writers. BTW, I have been a big fan of sci-fi forever - grew up with McCaffrey, Le Guin, Heinlein, et al. :-)
My daughter saw Despicable Me 3 and thought there was too much going on as well. I enjoyed the first Despicable Me the best. The second one wasn't too bad.
Bravo to you, Alex, for knowing your fan base and writing toward them. That's the point of creating stories; having a readership who appreciates them. All the best to you, sir.
Love your film reviews! I heard the same thing about Despicable Me. I am really looking forward to Dunkirk. I have saved the original film, also called Dunkirk, on my DVR. I am so happy about the IWSG being on the Writer's Digest Best list. Have you been watching Face Off? I actually missed a couple but watched the one last week-wowzers!
You've peaked my interest in Despicable Me 3. It looks really funny.
Happy everything, Alex. =)
Like you said: we find our readers in some unexpected places, but we have to treasure them all. Great lesson to learn.
Despicable Me 3 sounds like fun.
My nephews wanted me to stay at my parents' longer so I could go see Despicable 3 with them. My 5 yr old is especially in love with the Minions (and Scarlet Overkill.)
Jo, that's cool.
Liz, about the only way to line up the two.
Lee, science fiction rocks. Heinlein was a big influence on my work.
Thanks, Victoria!
Hi Alex,
Yep, look who has actually dropped in. No, not literally!
Penny, that ever so talented Jack Russell, will go and visit the IWSG Twitter pitch party, although, when it comes to pitching, she's never played baseball. A bit of cricket, yes, but baseball, never.
Thanks for all the movie reviews.
I learned that writing can cause me to get a really stiff neck and possibly, tennis elbow.
Take care, good sir.
Penny's fictional character,
Gary
Interesting observation about books' appeal. I always used to think sci-fi was male-dominated until I started writing, and discovered there seems to be an even balance among both writers and readers of the genre.
Wow! As usual you have so much going on. I don't know how you do it. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
One thing I've learned while writing is that you can never tell what people will get from your stories. I've had people tell me they loved things about characters or worlds or plots that I never intended, but I could see it once I looked for it. And I've had a few people tell me how my stories helped them, which warms my heart like you wouldn't believe. ^_^
Movie-wise, I've already got plans to see Spider-Man this weekend. It looks like it's going to be so good.
Hi, Alex! Dunkirk, Valerian, and Planet of the Apes are on my list ~ We shall see how many I actually get to. I hope that you are having fun visiting around today!
I really wanna see Valerian! Fingers Crossed!
Ooo Dunkirk looks/sounds interesting. Never underestimate us women scifi fans. I think most just don't admit it :)
I liked your comment about never underestimating your audience. Excellent advice these days.
Baby Driver was darn slick and I loved the soundtrack. It was a winning combo of cast, car chase, and young love. Rev that throttle and crank the tunes. Also saw The Beguiled - total opposite. It's a slow burn in the Civil War south. Tension filled twists.
Do I really want another Spiderman? Hmm. Probably. Dunkirk looks epic.
This summer has been slow - time for things to kick up a notch. Otherwise, I'm back on my flamingo pool float! Happy July
Wifey and I are looking forward to seeing Baby Driver.
Despicable Me 3 seemed like a money grab. The minions are expensive to develop for an animated film and what short footage there was there was little movement. Can you say budget cuts and money grab?
looking forward to Spiderman: Homecoming. The poster has a bit of Deadpool theme to it.
Love WWII movies and the theme of Dunkirk is not all mass killings but a story of overcoming. Hope it lives up to it's billing.
I really liked how you were surprised that women liked your book too and how you adjusted. Good advice! Summer isn't usually my time for movies as I'm not much of an action fan, but Dunkirk does look intriguing. Thanks for giving your take on Baby Driver.
I've had people look at me weird on occasion when I tell them I love reading and writing science fiction. What can I say? People love what they love. I'm glad you have a broad audience enjoying your books. That's always a good thing.
I used to worry that men wouldn't like my stories. I've since learned that they do.
Nancy
Hi, Alex,
Looking forward to seeing Despicable Me 3.... should be fun! Congrats again to you and your fellow teamsters for making the IWSG a top 101 website! AWESOME!!!!!!! So proud of all of you! Your work is truly appreciated by us all....
I am nervous about Valerian. I really want to like it but I'm scared they focused too much on the CGI and not enough on the story or characters.
I like how you've discovered you have so many women readers--and I'm not surprised. Even the tough he-man Lee Child learned that most of his readers were women. We ladies can have a pretty sophisticated taste in books!
I'm excited for Spiderman. I thought Baby Driver was a kid's movie, boy was I off on that one. ;)
Is the goal for #IWSGpit to get as many authors participating as possible, whether or not they participate in IWSG? If so, send me an email/note on Twitter, and I'll spread the word on the more popular author hashtags.
You mixed up your Nolan films! LOL. I love reading your little comments at the end of the upcoming film synopses.
Hmmm, I might have something for the IWSG anthology.
I'm still on the FB group and loving it, but sadly I had to leave the regular blogfest behind because deadlines and travel mean that I can't reliably keep at it.
Not sure if you heard this about the upcoming "Dunkirk" movie, but the snowflakes are already complaining about the historically accurate film being too white for their tastes.
Btw, just joined up with the FB group, so we'll see how it goes and I posted the IWSG post on my FB page, for those of you who are curious.
I'll watch the new "Despicable Me" movie once I'm done with the new writing project I've taken on... and once I'm done rewriting and watched the rest of "Arrow"! The twitter pitch party looks great - though I'll just be watching this year while polishing my MS :-)
What an interesting lesson about your audience being just as much women as men. I think some women "secretly" like sci-fi, but don't admit it as readily as they think it's more of a guy thing.
Something I've learned since I started writing — don't every try to force the story. It will go where it wants. Be ready to follow.
The Spider-Man movie looks good. We may go see the Minions. Sometimes we're in the mood for a little silliness. Yay for IWSG making the Top Sites list!!
Congrats again on making the WD list!! So exciting and impressive.
I've heard lots of good things about Baby Driver. Definitely want to see it.
Gary, I bet she's really good at cricket.
Mason, now that is good. And you bet - going to see Spiderman tomorrow.
Tonja, that would explain a few things.
Joanne, it was amazing how well the music fit the action.
Thanks, Michael!
Lynda, we'll just hope they get it right.
Helena, I appreciate that.
Rosey, not at all! Rated R for a reason.
Raimey, we'll take them anywhere! I'll send a message.
Cathy, I am here to amuse.
Sean, that's all right. Hope you send something for the anthology.
GB, good for you!
Ellen, my wife enjoys it.
I think it's great that your books appeal to both men and women, though I'm a science fiction fan no matter what. I suppose I've never thought about it being a male/female thing.
I've heard from a few people that Despicable Me was not nearly as good, and for exactly the reasons you stated. I loved the magic of the first one and didn't want to spoil it by seeing the followup movies, so I think I'll give this one a pass.
Did Renee get in touch with you about the twitter pitch?
Hi Alex, I’m looking forward to Dunkirk and Spiderman not sure of the others.
I’m sure I congratulated you re the 101 Best Websites for Writers it really is a marvellous achievement.
I will try to remember the #IWSGPit! and will endeavour to retweet some of the tweets.
Congrats to IWSG making the top 101!
The New Spiderman has caught my eye and War of the Planets too. Just wish I didn't have to wait until November for the Justice League movie. :-/
Got to love Despicable Me movies:) But another Spiderman film? I'm looking forward to Dunkirk :)
Congratulations on IWSG being in the top 101 of Writer's Digest sites. I saw it in the magazine and said I know this one. So excited for you.
July is a busy month. Good luck to all who pitch their stories.
Despicable Me 3 was okay, but we went to see it at a drive-in and it rained. The windshield was so wet and blurry we couldn't see half the movie. :-/
Good thing the kids will probably watch it 100x when it comes out on video.
There is so much going on with the #IWSG, I love it! I think I am going to enter something for the anthology. I'm really looking forward to the Twitter Pitches too.
I love the Despicable Me Movies so looking forward to this one mostly because I take my lil grandkids.
I was pleasantly surprised by Baby Driver. I don't feel like it's as amazing as other people think, but it was a lot of fun!
Hi Alex. Thank you again for leading this wonderful organization, ISWG. You and the team inspire so many of us! Reader audiences are sure hard to pin, as you point out and discovered firsthand. I keep thinking of The Harry Potter series. Publishers had no idea at first it would have such a wide appeal.
Writing for our actual readers is a must. I learned that as long as I'm happy and have some happy fans, I am a success.
Baby Driver, such an odd nickname and an even odder movie title...
Not into the movies this summer, and really wish I had an idea for the IWSG book. Hmm ....
Enjoy your summer!
I keep hearing great things about Baby Driver. I'm not sure if I have the time for another theatrical visit before Dunkirk, but I'm sorely tempted.
"Baby Driver" is just *such* an odd title for that film. I can't seem to get past it, although I've heard it's super-good.
My son is looking forward to the Dunkirk movie!
That is a valuable lesson. I'd love to see Spiderman: Homecoming and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Dunkirk. Just about the only contemporary films I watch are historical dramas or foreign films, and Dunkirk fits right into the first category.
Sandra, you mean Raimey? Yes.
Barbara, that would be great.
Lidy, me neither!
CD, sure that's a good thing?
Doreen, please do!
Karen, I didn't think it was super great either, but it was solid.
Sharon, thank you for being part of it.
Elizabeth, it gets its title from a song and the main character's name. Yeah, odd.
Congratulations to IWSG for award for one of the best sites for writers. I love science fiction and I am have written a few little science fiction pieces. I am looking to write something longer now. Thanks for welcoming me to IWSG.
Shoot, I chose Wonder Woman over Driver Baby the other night. I liked WW fine, but I think I would've liked Driver Baby better. Oh well, got to go back to the movies!
Sometimes we can't know our audience until we get something out there. It's good you were able to adapt to the surprise.
Not an origin story... But... will it end up in the um... studio's cut :D
I know what you mean about underestimating your reading audience. I've been stunned by how many men have read and liked my book. Who knew?
Thanks for the two movie reviews. I KNOW I want to see the Despicable Me one, (I mean, come on! Who doesn't love the minions?) but I wasn't sure about "Baby Driver." Now I am. You convinced me when you mentioned the car chases. Thanks!
It's a busy month for the IWSG!
Enjoy your summer, Alex!
...and now I shall return to my grapple with the CampNaNo beast...
Another Planet of the Apes movie, and a potential winner - I'll be there. As for my lesson, it would be to always save the old draft when you make a major re-write, and if someone tells you to make a major change, get a second opinion. Now I hate my book, and it's been put aside for almost a year.
As for the IWSG question of the month, I've learned to do a better job controlling my mind's need to make comparisons. I'm growing more okay with my situation, for whatever it is, and returning to the joy of writing.
I hope Susan Kaye Quinn is a contributor to the next IWSG anthology. She has shown a great deal of success as an Indie author and would have some great advice.
My daughter and I watched Despicable Me 3 and enjoyed it. She loves the minions so it was fun for her. And I liked it as well.
I've been hearing great things about Baby Driver. The first time I watched the trailer, I was befuddled with all the things going on. But the more I've looked into it, the more I've gained interest. The idea of music being such an integral part of the plot and scenes, very intriguing.
I watched a brief video about Tom Holland and the skills he brings to the part of being Peter Parker/Spiderman. Although I've understood it can be a grueling task taking on the role of a superhero, Tom's parkour and physical work ethic make it easy to see him in this role. Plus, it's kind of cool seeing Spiderman as a kid with school and friendship issues like any other kid.
There are a couple of other movies I hope to catch this month, but I want to mention Atomic Blonde. The first time I saw the trailer, I couldn't help being so excited to see a spy thriller with a female headlining the kick butt action. And Charlize Theron has some impressive acting chops so it would be awesome to see her in "James Bond" mode. This also gives me great hope for a Black Widow solo movie :-)
Writing for profit is a neat idea. Many sucessful authors like Jack Canfield have found a niche and no longer struggle to turn a buck. He credits an entire team from Janet Switzer for all her herculean effort to many others who championed, encouraged, edited and were brilliant. So in closing I agree everyone here brings out the best in one another, I wish I had the team and eloquence to express my ideas but never mind. Long Life and prospering be yours.... ahh its time for a movie. hmmm I wonder which one will settle on?
It must be cool to see you have a bigger fan base than you'd initially thought!
Deborah, glad you are with us.
Nicki, go see as many movies as you like. We do!
Susan, go and enjoy both.
Rhonda, I'm sorry.
Angela, feel free to invite Susan. And Tom Holland fit perfectly as Spiderman.
Well said, Spacer Guy.
Cynthia, it is!
Hey! I have a twitter now! I can do the giveaway! :3
That aside, I think I've learned a great deal of focus since I've started writing. I've always had a chaotic imagination that results in pretty intense day dreaming, actual dreaming, nightmares, etc. and writing was a wonderful outlet. The problem was being able to shape and galvanize that maelstrom into a form that is coherent and enjoyable for a reader. That process has also had a useful feedback loop that helps me better understand the crap that runs through my head.
My sister and brother went to see Baby Driver last night and loved it. Sis also said the music was amazing. I stayed home with my niece so my sis could go.
Good for you, Alex, for having a mixed base and writing for both. Isn't that wonderful when it happens?
Enjoy your Sunday.
I think it's excellent that you have such a wide range of a fan base! Good for you Alex! Thanks for the movie reviews!
Hmmm, maybe I should see Baby Driver after all. I hadn't been planning on it! If the music's well done then I'm gonna be sucked in.
Despicable Me sounds silly but fun. They've been giving out stuffed minions at the grocery store. Maybe when toddler's old enough, we can watch the movie together...
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