Monday, January 28, 2019

Masquerade: Oddly Suited Cover, February Movie Preview, IWSG Admins, Game Trivia Answers, and New Releases

There is a Facebook party this Saturday, February 2, for Charity Bradford’s new release, The Hand of Atua. She is giving away copies of her favorite science fiction books, including one of mine!

Be sure to log into her Facebook event page and check it out.


Congratulations, Charity!



IWSG Anthology Cover Reveal!

And now, the cover of our next anthology, Masquerade: Oddly Suited…


Masquerade: Oddly Suited
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
Release date – April 30, 2019
Young Adult Fiction: Romance - General/Paranormal/Contemporary
Print ISBN 9781939844644
EBook ISBN 9781939844651

Find love at the ball…

Can a fake dating game show lead to love? Will a missing key free a clock-bound prince? Can a softball pitcher and a baseball catcher work together? Is there a vampire living in Paradise, Newfoundland? What’s more important—a virtual Traveler or a virtual date to the ball?

Ten authors explore young love in all its facets, from heartbreak to budding passion. Featuring the talents of L.G. Keltner, Jennifer Lane, C.D. Gallant-King, Elizabeth Mueller, Angela Brown, Myles Christensen, Deborah Solice, Carrie-Anne Brownian, Anstice Brown, and Chelsea Marie Ballard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will mystify and surprise even as they touch your heart. Don your mask and join the party…


Who's ready for a party now?


Sadly, the IWSG is losing two of its admins - Lynda Young, who was second-in-command, and Joy Campbell are both stepping down. They have been with the IWSG Admin Team since the site began and will be missed. Thank you ladies for all of your help getting the IWSG to where it is today!

However, we’re not ending on a sad note - Elizabeth Seckman has joined the IWSG Admin Team! She will be in charge of the Publishers/Agents/Queries page and active on Facebook, as well as contributing to the site, the newsletter, and other areas.
Welcome to the team, Elizabeth!

New Releases

Anything Once by Meka James
Quinn has been happily married for ten years. Her relationship with Ian is built on love, trust, and honesty. At least that's what she thought...until a four-letter word changed everything.
Find it on Amazon

The Winner’s Circle by PJ Colando
FAITH... FAMILY... FRENZY!
Life in rural small town can dull the senses. A trio of gal pals--mired in middle age, Middle America, and other people's problems--long to escape.
Buy it in hardback, paperback, and eBook

Blood of My Sisters by Mel Chesley
Meet Isla Black. A young "Book Witch", one not born to a pure bloodline, but who learns through reading books and practicing spells. When she opens a portal on her own, the Seven Sisters are alerted of her power in the magical arts and whisk her away to the Sacred Heart Academy.
Find it on Amazon



Game Trivia Answers

Here are the answers to the board game trivia questions:

1 – If you don’t win, you’ll be… - Sorry
2 – Specialty dice for this popular game - D&D
3 – You will learn about this as you play - Life
4 – Second game in a series – first one was about islands – Forbidden Desert
5 – A thinking game - Chess
6 – Variation on an old classic – Tri-Ominoes
7 – Another variation – onward and… - Upwords
8 – Where it pays to be a slumlord - Monopoly



February Movie Preview

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

1 –

Artic
A man stranded in the Arctic after an airplane crash must decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his makeshift camp or to embark on a deadly trek through the unknown in hopes of making it out alive.
Director: Joe Penna
Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Maria Thelma Smáradóttir
Hopefully they aren’t attacked by wolves or a feral Liam Neeson



8 –

The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot
A legendary American war veteran is recruited to hunt a mythical creature.
Director: Robert D. Krzykowski
Stars: Sam Elliott, Aidan Turner, Ron Livingston
And the Oscar for strangest movie title ever goes to…




15 –

Alita: Battle Angel
An action-packed story of one young woman's journey to discover the truth of who she is and her fight to change the world.
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Rosa Salazar, Mahershala Ali, Jennifer Connelly, Eiza González
Saw the first anime and read the manga, loved both – please don’t screw it up, Robert Rodriguez.



22 –

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
When Hiccup discovers Toothless isn't the only Night Fury, he must seek "The Hidden World", a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first. Director: Dean DeBlois
Stars: Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, Kit Harington
Or as I like to call it, How to Depress Your Children…


Looking forward to Masquerade: Oddly Suited? Picking up some new books? Get the board pieces right? And what movies catch your eye for February?
Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day is February 6 – see you then!

90 comments:

Pat Hatt said...

#1 what fun

Pat Hatt said...

Yeah, that is the most odd title I've seen for a movie in a long time. Thought it was a joke the first time I saw it. You forgot Graboids. They are in the arctic too, at least I think. Never did watch the 6th one.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Cover looks great!

I'd forgotten about Upwords!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congrats to authors and new release, and the new Anthology. Good Luck to Charity on her new release and FB party. Joy and Lynda will be missed. Welcome Elizabeth!
I don't see any upcoming movies that are thrilling me so far.
Have a good week, Alex.

Blue Grumpster said...

In the place to be.

Blue Grumpster said...

A feral Liam Neeson... O not again :) I hope this movie is well made.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Artic seems like my kind of adventure story - man vs the elements and his own demons. The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot would have been a good one to include in Birgit's recent "long movie title" hop. Re: Alita, it's good to see that Jennifer Connelly is still making movies.

Have a great week, good buddy Alex!

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations to those with new releases and on the awesome cover. Not sure it's going to be a great month for movies.

Joanne said...

Congrats to all in Masquerade. Great cover.
Feral Liam - snort - best snark ever. Feb movies look bleak to me. Better to read a book or two.
Good luck to new author books. Where's Pat Hatt? Surely it's time for another release of cleverness.
Have a good end of January week, Alex

mshatch said...

I should've known at least half the trivia *rolls eyes at self*
Alita could be good as you say and though I've only seen the first how to train your dragon movie, I've heard that the books, a series of 12, is excellent.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Pat, that one was set in the arctic, wasn't it? I gave up on that series after the second one.

Shady, that would be a good movie for her Thursday posts.

Joanne, I am here to amuse. Pat is due for another one, isn't he?

Karen, you'll always belong.

Lisa said...

The books coming out all look very interesting! I'd like to see one or two of those movies. I can't wait to read the anthology! Can it be pre-ordered?

Welcome and thank you to Elizabth Seckman!!!

Truedessa said...

Good morning Alex!

A new day and a new week of adventure. Sorry, none of the February releases seem to spark an interest for me.

Over the weekend I watched ‘First Man’ I have to say it was a bit of a cultural shock going back in time. Technology has taken great strides since the 60’s. I am sure NASA had cutting edge technology back then but, as I was watching I thought ‘how scary it must have been to travel to the moon’ I was nervous just looking at the nuts and bolts of the operation.

The moon is so far away yet so close. I am always captivated by its mysterious aura.

I re-read the short story after Dragon of the Stars and it stills stirs my muse. A reminder of an epic poem/story somewhere waiting to be heard.

The Anthology cover is amazing! I will pick up the book.

Andrew Leon said...

Maybe I'll see Alita. I haven't decided.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Battle Angel is my favorite anime movie and the movie comes out right before my birthday.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Arctic sounds pretty good.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I actually did pretty good on the trivia - and I never do. :)

Arctic sounds interesting - I like those kinds of movies. Saw the newest Halloween movie - eh.

kaykuala said...

Great cover for Masquerade. Given the image, Oddly Suited is most appropriate and most accurate.Congrats to all on the new releases

Hank

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Elizabeth Seckman's a great addition. You can't go wrong with her contributions.
I think I might have dated the guy on the cover of Oddly Suited. Sounds enticing, and it is a great cover.
Have a pleasant week, Alex.

The Cynical Sailor said...

Fun seeing the answers to the game pieces. There were a couple of games I hadn't heard of before.

Congrats to everyone on their new releases.

Love the anthology cover and looking forward to reading it :)

sherry fundin said...

I've been keeping up with How To Train Your Dragon. Lovin' it. Great cover for the anthology.
sherry @ fundinmental

L.G. Keltner said...

I'm still coming to terms with the fact that there's a movie called The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then Bigfoot. I'll say this much. No matter the quality of the movie (or lack thereof) it's attached to, that title is successful. It grabs your attention. It makes you ask questions. It sticks in your head. It does its job well. I'm going to be thinking about it all day.

Arlee Bird said...

Intriguing cover art on the anthology!

If I see Arctic I think I'll watch it in the summer when it's hot outside. When I'm cold I don't need to be reminded about cold places.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

The Angry Lurker said...

I think Alita: Battle Angel is a must but Sam Elliot and Hitler might be on the list too!

Christine Rains said...

The cover is fantastic! So quirky. Lynda and Joy did such great jobs. They will be missed. Elizabeth is a fabulous addition! How had I not heard about that Hitler and Bigfoot movie? It sounds hilarious! I saw a preview for Alita. I'm not certain what I think... The anime eyes on real people were really throwing me off. Have a terrific week, Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joylene, how fun! Just one that I know of.

Lisa, I'm sure it can be soon.

Truedessa, thanks for reading it again. And it is scary to think they sent men to the moon with computers that barely rival today's calculators.

Hank, it does fit the story well.

Robyn, do tell!

LG, I'm still thinking about it...

Lee, you can't possibly be that cold in southern California.

Christine, the eyes are rather funky.

Liz A. said...

It seems like I've seen the trailers for many of those movies. The only one I'm excited for is the How to Train Your Dragon. But it does look like it ends sad.

diedre Knight said...

HiYa, Captain!

Outstanding cover for the Anthology! I've added the first two new-release books to my list, though I doubt I'll see the films. I enjoyed your take on each ;-) Sorry I missed the trivia questions, I would have had a few correct answers - for once. Congratulations to Elizabeth!

Tyrean said...

That is a truly bizarre movie title ... and lengthy.
We're "in" for February for movies, so we'll be checking out whatever Netflix, Amazon Prime, the library, and Redbox have to offer. I would like to see Alita, but I will wait a bit.
Congrats to all of the authors!
Welcome Elizabeth!
And yay - I think that's the best I've ever done on your trivia questions! I guess I'm more of a game nerd than a movie nerd.

Tyrean Martinson said...

oops - I commented from my teaching account - sorry. I just took a break from grading papers to read your post.

Elephant's Child said...

Definitely looking forward to Masquerade. As always congratulations (and thanks) to all those with new releases.

Juneta key said...

The new anthology sounds great. Can't wait to read it.

SpacerGuy said...

For our ten authors love will infect their spirits and fill their imagination. Well done Lynda Young and Joy Campbell and I open my arms wide for Elizabeth Seckman, Welcome!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, the last one was heavy and sad.

Tyrean, you found your niche. And I like your teacher account icon.

J E Oneil said...

Huh, haven't heard of some of those games.

Another movie based on anime... Historically, that has not gone well.

Suzanne Furness said...

Wishing everyone well with the anthology. Thanks to Lynda and Joy for all they have done for IWSG and welcome Elizabeth.

Nick Wilford said...

Some interesting releases coming up. The IWSG anthology will be an excellent read. Congrats, Elizabeth!

The Happy Whisk said...

Glad you found a replacement. Sounds like it was a big job and probably took gobs of time. So great that you had two ladies to help and now have a new one. Cool beaners.

Natalie Aguirre said...

The anthology cover is really different. I like it. Elizabeth will be a great addition to your team. We all appreciate all the work you all do.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Alex :)

nashvillecats2 said...

The anthology looks great Alex, Sorry you lost two helpers but pleased you found a replacement.

Yvonne.

Rhonda Albom said...

I love the cover for the anthology, plus the synopsis that goes with it. I look forward to the April release. Congrats to Elizabeth.

Fundy Blue said...

First of all, a big thank you to Lynda and Joy for all they have done over the years for the IWSG. And congratulations and thank you to Elizabeth for joining the administrators. I'm looking forward to reading "Masquerade" ~ It sounds like fun. Having lived in Newfoundland, I'm curious about that vampire. I'd like to see "Arctic" (for obvious reasons). All the best to you, Alex!

Birgit said...

Congrats to everyone with the Anthology books and the stories enclosed. I got 3 right I think with the games. You made me laugh re: Liam Neeson...dumb movie since the wolves are basicallly Nazi zombies in fur. I might give The Arctic a try but I will give the 2nd one a gander as I love Sam Elliott. I have a feeling it’s stupid but who cares.

Botanist said...

LOL! I'm kicking myself about board game #1. Those are the same style of game pieces as our old Cluedo set (must be at least 60 years old) which fooled me. Should have paid more attention to the colors! I haven't heard of Sorry so wouldn't have guessed it anyway. Good trivia quiz!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Hitler and Bigfoot...I'm intrigued.

Now, I need to get to work!

G. B. Miller said...

I actually liked the one with Liam Neeson. A bit cheesy, but it was the best of a bad lot at the time. Not sure if I would see this one, since most movie tickets are way overprices and most movies don't live up to their hype.

Sadly, I remember playing most of those games...and winning.

mail4rosey said...

I wondered if those dice were D&D. I've never played but I do know it's got a huge fan base!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

JE, at least the animated movie was good.

Fundy, you'll enjoy that story then.

Birgit, I can't imagine that movie being serious!

Ian, it's a really old game. Not sure if kids still play it.

Elizabeth, snap to it!

GB, I liked that movie as well.

Rosey, yes it does!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I'm actually seeing How to Train Your Dragon 3 on Saturday at 3 p.m. for a special Fandango event. I'm excited, and I plan on writing a review on Monday. Also, I hope Charity's FB party goes well; the art for her Atua book is really nice.

Heather M. Gardner said...

YAY for the anthology!!! It's going to be great!

Some weird movies in that list!

Heather

XmasDolly said...


How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World... OKAY.. I saw this & I cracked up. I took some time out in getting ready for the freeze zone coming (supposed to be 45 below wcf.. if not more) when I saw How to depress your children? Bah-hahahahahahahahaha OMG That totally cracked me up! You are too funny my friend! Well, anyway my break is over. Sorry a short message today! STAY WARM!

Sherry Ellis said...

Happy to hear Elizabeth is joining the IWSG Admin team! She's a great addition. Sorry to hear the other two are leaving. Thanks to them for all their work.

Cool cover for the anthology!

The Hitler/Bigfoot title is weird. Wonder if the movie will be weird, too.

Tonja Drecker said...

Congrats to the new releases and a wonderful cover! I'm sorry to hear Lydia and Joy are leaving the team, but Elizabeth is a great edition. Hmmm...can't say that any of those movies are catching my attention. More writing time, I guess :)

Mary Kirkland said...

Arctic sounds good. I will put that on my list to watch. "A feral Liam Neeson." That's funny.

Anonymous said...

The cover looks great.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michael, I'll look for your review on Monday.

Heather, and weird surprises you?

Marie, you stay warm! Wow, that is cold. Glad I could give you a good laugh.

Sherry, I'm counting on it...

Roland D. Yeomans said...

The Anthology Cover really looks fun! I really want to see that Sam Elliot movie. I wish he would have won that Oscar.

Helena said...

Seriously? How on earth did a movie about killing Hitler and then Bigfoot get made? Is it supposed to be a comedy? A thriller? Revisionist history?

Maybe I'll just go see the new Mary Poppins movie...

Nilanjana Bose said...

The cover looks fantastic! Congrats on another IWSG antho.

I just want to see The Gandhi Murder and the Mary Poppins film.

Hope you and yours are warm and safe where the polar vortex can't reach you.

Loni Townsend said...

Sorry to hear about the two admins leaving, but woot for Elizabeth! And yay for getting a cover for the anthology. :)

Sandra Cox said...

LOVE the MASQUERADE cover. Congrats to the authors.
Stay warm.

Chemist Ken said...

We'll probably see the How to Train Your Dragon movie, but that'll only be because my daughter adores the series.

Good luck to Lynda and Joy in their new endeavors, and welcome aboard Elizabeth!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Helena, I'm assuming it's tongue in cheek, like Inglorious Bastards.

Nila, were are chilly but not as cold as some.

Jennifer Lane said...

Thanks so much to Lynda and Joy for their tireless work! And welcome, Elizabeth.

Cynthia said...

That's exciting news about the new books!

Thanks to Lynda and Joy for their work with the IWSG.

I still need to watch movies that came out last Fall!

kimlajevardi.com said...

I love the cover!

Anonymous said...

I love the cover so much. It came out great.

I'm sad to report that I'm not interested in seeing any of those movies but I'm guessing my hubby will want to!

Elsie

Al Penwasser said...

Wow! When I first saw the cover for Masquerade, I thought it was a confessional booth. See what seven years of Catholic school does to you? :-D

Donna K. Weaver said...

Congrats Elizabeth! She'll do awesome because she understands it so well.

How to Depress Your Children?

Erika Beebe said...

Congratulations Charity and Antholgy authors! Elizabeth will be amazing on the team. I vote for the strangest movie title ever to see next.

Sandra Cox said...

Good luck to Charity with her event party.
Looks like lots going on this week.
YOU have a great one.

John Wiswell said...

Wait, for real Mads Mikkelsen is releasing a movie called "Polar" and a movie called "Arctic" back-to-back within weeks of each other? That's so weird!

Katherines Corner said...

We have Alita on our list! Because it has the same animators as Avatar we are very excited. Right now we're waiting for Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born.
Alex, you are a dear friend and I appreciate our bloggy friendship more than you may realize. As the years pass and I think of how we have known each other from the very beginning of our blogging journey, I smile and know it is an amazing gift.
Wishing you only good things today and always, Hugs!

H. R. Sinclair said...

Wow, the release date for the anthology is right around the corner! I missed the games trivia--I love Sorry!

Yolanda Renée said...

Great cover for the new anthology!
Elizabeth will do a wonderful job! Thank you, Elizabeth.
Arctic sounds interesting, or maybe just very chilly....

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Congrats to all the writers who made it into the new anthology. I'm sure it'll be every bit as good as the other ones have been. Great cover, too!

Arctic sounds like a good flick. Kinda like Cast Away, only with lots of ice and no basketball. Combining Hitler and Bigfoot into one movie title is beyond weird. The title alone is enough to keep me away.

Sorry you lost a couple of folks from the IWSG team, but Liz will do an amazing job for you.

Heather R. Holden said...

Intriguing cover! Looking forward to Masquerade: Oddly Suited.

And I've already noticed reviews on Twitter saying how Alita: Battle Angel lives up to the manga, so I hope this adaptation doesn't let you down!

Anonymous said...

THe anthology cover looks great and kudos to Lynda and Joy for all the help they obviously gave you - and to Liz for stepping up to the plate!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kim and Elsie, glad you like the cover.

Al, I hope you've recovered.

John, that is!

Katherine, thank you. We' know each other since the very first A to Z Challenge, and I treasure your friendship.

Heather, I hope so!

Tony Laplume said...

Thanks a bunch for making me aware of The Man Who Killed Hitler and then the Bigfoot. Looks like it could become one of my favorite movies of 2019!

M Pax said...

Congrats on the new anthology! No movies recently make me want to go to the theater. Hopefully that changes soon. Maybe. Just cause I don't have much free time.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I am looking forward to reading the Anthology. The cover is great, and the stories sound exciting. Congratulations to all the new books out, too. I know nothing about the movies. Going to watch "Grease" tonight. :)

Magic Love Crow said...

I love the cover! It looks amazing!! How cool! Well done! Congrats to everyone on their new releases!
Take Care Alex!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to the authors in the anthology and to those with new releases!

Mark said...

Elizabeth will do a great job, I'm sure! :)

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Sorry to see Lynda and Joy go--talk about the end of an era! Hopefully they'll still post in the blog hop.

Welcome, Elizabeth! And congrats to Charity.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Great cover for the new anthology. I like that list of movies but probably will wait to watch them at home. It takes an Avenger movie to get me to the theater.

Toi Thomas said...

Man, too bad I missed that party, but I already have all your books.
I'm really excited about the new anthology being released.
Sorry to see our old admins move on but happy for them too. Glad to welcome our new admin.
I have honestly never heard of Tri-Ominoes. Good one.
I feel no shame in admitting that I am excited about the next Dragon movie. I hope Alita is good too.

DMS said...

I have only seen the first How to Train Your Dragon movie and thought it was really cute. I may have to catch up on them and see the last one. :)
~Jess