Wednesday, May 1, 2019

IWSG - Masquerade: Oddly Suited Release and Opening of Anthology Contest! Plus Avengers Endgame Review and May Movie Preview

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 for the May 1 posting of the IWSG are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin!

May 1 question: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
Probably the first time I read a book by myself. Nothing could stop me then.

We have two amazing announcements today!

Just released:
Masquerade: Oddly Suited - An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
Young Adult Fiction: Romance - General/Paranormal/Contemporary
Print ISBN 9781939844644 $14.95
EBook ISBN 9781939844651 $4.99

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 companion or a 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…

Find Masquerade: Oddly Suited here - Barnes and Noble, Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Kobo

You can find out more about the authors of Masquerade: Oddly Suited here.

And the authors of Masquerade: Oddly Suited are hosting a live Q & A session on Discord! Join them on Sat 11th May from 1:00 pm EST / 6:00 pm GMT to find out more about the anthology and the contributing authors and ask any burning questions you may have.
The Q & A will be held on Discord. Please follow the invite link: HERE


The 2019 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest is now open for submissions!

Guidelines and rules:

Word count: 3500-5000

Genre: Middle Grade Historical – Adventure/Fantasy

Theme: Voyagers

Submissions accepted: May 1 - September 4, 2019

How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no page numbers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup dot com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.

Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges:

Elizabeth S. Craig, author and honorary judge

Dianne K. Salerni, author

Lindsay Davis Auld, agent - Writers House

S.A. Larsen, author

Rachna Chhabria, author

Lynda Dietz, editor

Tonja Drecker, author

David Powers King, author

Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title.


Our previous IWSG anthologies:
Masquerade: Oddly Suited
Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime
Hero Lost: The Mysteries of Death and Life
Parallels: Felix Was Here

Avengers: Endgame Review

So much build up for this film – and so much payoff!
This movie is more about the human element than action. (Although don’t worry, plenty of that as well, especially in the last part.) It picks up five years after Thanos snapped his fingers and those who remain are trying to cope and move on. Many of those moments are quite touching.
Sparked by an idea, the remaining team sets about to change what has happened and bring everyone back. I can’t tell you how, but it involves more touching moments and some wild twists. There are some really clever moments and laughs, but you also need to bring Kleenex with you.
And the ending battle – that’s where the kid in me geeked out with joy!
This is twenty-two Marvel movies to date and not a dud in the bunch and they are so well woven together. What other franchise can boast that? Not Star Wars. Not Star Trek or Doctor Who. It’s an incredible achievement.
Highly recommended!
So what are you waiting for? Go see it! (Don’t forget the Kleenex.) I’ll be seeing it again to catch everything I missed the first time.

Strange Blood Now Available! 

Strange Blood, edited by Vanessa Morgan

This is an overview of the most offbeat and underrated vampire movies spanning nine decades and 23 countries. (Featuring a piece by me on the film Near Dark!)

Pick it up at Amazon US and Amazon UK



May Movie Preview

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

10-

All Is True
A look at the final days in the life of renowned playwright William Shakespeare.
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Stars: Kenneth Branagh, Lolita Chakrabarti, Jack Colgrave Hirst, Doug Colling
This might be much ado about nothing…

Tolkien
Explores the formative years of the orphaned author as he finds friendship, love and artistic inspiration among a group of fellow outcasts at school.
Director: Dome Karukoski
Stars: Lily Collins, Nicholas Hoult, Patrick Gibson, Pam Ferris
Tolkien and Shakespeare on the same day? I smell a cage match!





17 –

John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum
Super-Assassin John Wick is on the run after killing a member of the international assassin's guild, and with a $14 million price tag on his head - he is the target of hit men and women everywhere.
Director: Chad Stahelski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Asia Kate Dillon, Jerome Flynn
If less that a hundred people aren’t shot in the head at close range, I’ll demand my money back.



24 –

Aladdin 
A kindhearted street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true.
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Will Smith, Naomi Scott, Alan Tudyk, Billy Magnussen
Starring Will Smith as the Fresh Genie of Bel-Air.





31 –


Godzilla: King of the Monsters
The crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.
Director: Michael Dougherty
Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Vera Farmiga, Charles Dance, Bradley Whitford
This could be Stranger Things on a whole new level. (And yes, very stoked for this film!)


Picking up Masquerade? Entering the next IWSG Anthology Contest? Can you co-host? Did you see Avengers Endgame? And what movies catch your eye this month?

113 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Congratulations to all those with work in the latest anthology.
And many thanks (as always) to ALL writers.

Sarah Foster said...

Oh! I can co-host in June!
Loved Endgame. It’s a good thing movies never make me cry.

nashvillecats2 said...

The Anthology looks great Alex, thanks to all those involved.

Have a wonderful new month.
Yvonne.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Avengers: Endgame is ubiquitous. I'm happy to know it delivers on more than one level and produces childlike glee. I am excited about Godzilla: Eleven Meets Josh from West Wing. I wonder if Millie Bobby Brown is becoming a scream queen.

Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy Alex!

Pat Hatt said...

Marvel sure knows how to weave everything together movie wise indeed. Not even Bond with 24 films or so can say that. Congrats to all the winning authors too.

G. B. Miller said...

Congrats to those who got published!

I heard that the Tolkien family was none-too-thrilled about this biopic. Should be interesting

Liza said...

Congratulations to the anthology contributors. Well done. And Alex, thank you for all that you do.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sarah, thanks!

Shady, good one!

Pat, no it can't.

GB, that holds promise then!

Mason Canyon said...

Lots of wonderful things going on. I've been looking forward to seeing Endgame but now I'm worried. If you say I should bring Kleenex I'll be in real trouble. I can tear up watching some commercials.

Erika Beebe said...

Good morning Alex. I can cohost in July. I haven't seen Endgame yet, but I am definitely planning on it once the traffic to the theater dies down a little. A Tolkien Movie? What an interesting idea. I am definitely going to be seeing Aladdin. Happy IWSG Day.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to the authors in the anthology!

We loved Endgame and will definitely see it again.

The Cynical Sailor said...

Huge congrats to the Masquerade authors! It's downloaded on my Kindle and I'm looking forward to reading it. Tolkien sounds like an interesting film. I think that would be my pick for the May releases.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Too caught up in Game of Thrones to watch many movies, although I did see Willow Creek, an older horror movie about Bigfoot. Enjoyed it overall! Some scenes creeped me out so much - shudder!

I can co-host in June.

Birgit said...

When my dad say few words but people paid attention...that I remember well. Will see Endgame and I bet it involves time travel. I have this strange feeling Ironman or Capt. America will die....someone big will. Good luck to all the people who will do the anthology contest. Looking forward to Tolkien and Shakespeare movies.

Joanne said...

Endgame - MUST SEE IT, but Ray and I are running behind and I'm off to PA for a dad visit. Gee...do you think it will play for a while?
Your comments on the movie blurbs are hilarious - love the Fresh Genie..
Right now GOT is the big thing among my co-workers. That's the water cooler chat. Have a super month of May

Ray Rousell said...

I've so far managed to avoid any spoilers for Avengers Endgame. I wonder If I'll make it to the cinema before someone tells me all????

Heather M. Gardner said...

Endgame=Epic.
I can't wait to talk to you more about it.
:)

HI ALEX!!!

Heather

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I can't wait to read the entries for the next contest.

I am SO excited for Godzilla!

Natalie Aguirre said...

I can co-host in July. Glad you liked the Avengers. I heard there were only two times in the movie that it was safe to go to the bathroom. I'm looking forward to the Tolkien movie since I love the LOTR series.

Jennifer Lane said...

Aw! I can picture little Alex reading his first book.

I can co-host in June or July. :-)

L.G. Keltner said...

I can co-host in August!

I'm happy to see Masquerade out in the world. I hope people enjoy it! I'm also certain the next anthology contest will see a lot of wonderful entries.

A cage match between Tolkien and Shakespeare? I'd definitely watch that!

Jennifer Hawes said...

Love all the anthologies! I plan to see Avengers this weekend. My youngest son spoiled it for me after I guessed exactly what would happen:) I can co-host in June or August!

Lisa said...

Yes, already have my copy of the anthology! Yes, LOVED End Game, and have to watch again because there was just so much... Can't wait to see ALL of these movies. I've seen the first two John Wicks. I can co host in June or July or August. Tell me where you need me...

Tamara Narayan said...

I could co-host for June or August.

Congrats to the authors of the new anthology! Looking forward to reading it.

Mary Aalgaard said...

I'll be ordering Masquerade! I want to see End Game with my boys, maybe Mother's Day weekend. The Shakespeare and Tolkien movies are right up my alley!
Happy IWSG Day!

Jemi Fraser said...

Looking forward to reading Masquerade!
Voyagers is a great match to MG historical - there should be great entries for that :)

Anonymous said...

I remember a school librarian once saying, "if you can read, you can learn to do anything." So true - there is so much power in being able to read.

Can't wait to read the the new anthology! Congrats to all the contributors.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Yay on both the release and the new contest.

Avengers is on my list to see.

Teresa

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Such a cool theme for the new anthology!

My husband is dying to see Avengers and hasn't seen it yet! I'm interested in Tolkien and Godzilla (now those are two things I never would have thought I'd say in the same sentence...)

S.A. Larsenッ said...

This is truly a fantastic anthology filled with super talent! And I can't wait to read the stories from the next anthology.

Unfortunately, I've yet to see the previous Avenger films, (I know, I know!) so I'll have to wait to see this last one. My fifteen year old saw it and said it was amazing.

Patsy said...

I think for me it was seeing my parents reading which made me appreciate the power of written words. They were both very busy, practical people, but if they started reading something interesting they became totally absorbed for a time.

Christine Rains said...

Ooh, what a fun theme for the next anthology! Reading definitely changed so many of our lives. I haven't seen Avengers yet, but hopefully this weekend, and I totally want to see Godzilla! Have a great week, Alex. :)

Nick Wilford said...

Another brilliant anthology and we should see great entries for the next one too with a wide-open theme.


22 Marvel movies? Looks like I've got some serious catching up to do!

Nilanjana Bose said...

I remember my mum once telling me when I was little - a released arrow and uttered words can't be brought back, so be careful with your tongue. Must be when I realised the power of language.

Great theme for the antho, all the best to all authors.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mason, bring a whole box then.

Erika, thanks!

Madeline, never heard of it.

Joanne, it will play all summer...

Ray, only if you go really soon.

Natalie, thanks!

Jennifer, thanks, and that made me chuckle.

Thanks, LG!

Jennifer, good guesses and thanks.

Lisa and Tamara, thanks.

Elizabeth, that's hilarious!

Patsy, my parents also read a lot.

cleemckenzie said...

Congrats to Dancing Lemur and IWSG on their newest anthology.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I'm glad to hear "End Game" lived up to the hype, although I kinda expected it would. We'll have to go see that one. (I might even treat my hubby to a big tub of popcorn...) The only movie I went to this past month was "Breakthrough," and that was with a gal pal. It was something she really wanted to see, and her hubby wasn't interested, so I got nominated. It was okay. Our newspaper rated it a C, and I think that's a fair assessment.

Yep, I'll probably buy the new anthology. Maybe if I keep buying and reading them, I'll figure out how to write something good enough to make the cut. HA!

Lidy said...

Congrats to the authors of “Masquerade: Oddly Suited.” Saw Endgame on Sunday and loved it. I laughed. I cried. I whooped. Even gave a little “amen” when all the ladies of Marvel banded together for a little girl power. My sons loved the movie so much they’ve been rewatching Infinity War on Netflix ever since. So for anyone who’s yet to see Endgame, to watch Infinity War before you do. There’s some clues mention in Infinity War that carries over to Endgame that I completely missed.

I like behind the story movies but might wait until Tolkien comes out on video to watch it. I’m not sure about Aladdin because I don’t like it when Hollywood goes and tries to mess with a classic. What next Goonies? Seen and liked the first Godzilla movie, so looking forward to the second one. But what I really can’t wait for is for Stranger Things season 3. Oh, I wish it was July 4th already.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I had to stay away from Social Media altogether to keep free from spoilers. But it was worth it to see such a great movie with fresh eyes. I am looking forward to John Wick 3 and to Toilken. Congrats to all the writers of the latest anthology!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, the Masquerade Anthology sounds wonderful, will pick it up online. Congratulations to the winners.

I was waiting to read your review of Avengers Endgame :)

And thankyou for making me one of the Official Judges of The 2019 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest. I'm honoured.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congrats to all the authors of their new Anthology Release!

I can't wait to see Avengers. Planning on seeing it this week, and I haven't looked at anything on social media to ruin it for me.

Arlee Bird said...

I will not be seeing Endgame in the theaters and not sure that I have any great urge to see it on DVD. After seeing truly great films like Greatest Showman and Green Book it's hard for me to watch these nutty superhero fantasies. I'm especially bothered by the references to "Gods"--I'm wondering if part of the appeal to so many is that these "heroes" somehow serve to replace the True God. My willing suspension of disbelief is not working as well as it used to I guess.

AS far as the new upcoming anthology contest, I do like the "Voyagers" theme as tied in with Historical/Adventure stories. Maybe I'll give it a shot this time, but I'll have to see what arises in the months to come. I might be having a busy summer ahead.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Angela Wooldridge said...

Ooh, new anthology comp... :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

We saw End Game yesterday and enjoyed it. It was just sooo long. It had a great mix of touching scenes, action, humor, and fighting. My only problem was that by the time the epic battle came at the end (and it WAS epic--I got tingles), I was just done watching people beat the crap out of each other.

M.J. Fifield said...

I can help co-host in either July or August, if you still need people.

Though there were parts I wasn't as impressed with, I liked Endgame overall. It made me cry, laugh, and cheer, and I do need to see it again so I can hear all the parts I missed.

LD Masterson said...

Congratulations to all the authors in Masquerade.

I'm looking forward to Endgame and I coaxed a spoiler out of my grandson so I'll definitely have my tissues ready.

SpacerGuy said...

I've watched a few super hero movies superman, batman but I haven't seen Endgame. Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, and Thor. Fascinatingly enough, many of Stan lees characters embraced the religious faith which is revealing.

Pat Garcia said...

Congratulations to everyone who has a work in the anthology. I've got my copy and I look forward to reading each story.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Tyrean Martinson said...

Congratulations to all of the authors!!! I already picked up Masquerade and loved it!
I haven't seen Avengers yet (must wait until all family members and activities align), but I am really excited about it! I would love also to see that cage-match - Shakespeare and Tolkien are two of my favorite authors.

Jacqui Murray--Writer-Teacher said...

Hi Alex--I can cohost in July or August. Does that help?

Liz A. said...

Nope, haven't seen Endgame. Haven't seen Infinity War either, so I'm way behind. What's been fun is how many students have tried to spoil it for others (or are trying to avoid being spoiled). This has been quite entertaining.

Carrie-Anne said...

I'd be very interested to see Tolkien and All Is True. I miss living in a city with two indie theatres, where films like that were always to be found, and for cheaper tickets than huge multiplexes.

Sadira Stone said...

Congratulations to the Anthology authors! I've got a book release in June & will be on the road in July, but I'd be glad to co-host in August or anytime thereafter.

J.Q. Rose said...

Interesting that the Avengers movie needs kleenex? I thought it was all action and blowing things up. Might have to check it out. So glad the movie industry offers so many kinds of stories to watch on the big screen. Just like writers offer so much for readers.

Congrats to the contributors for the new anthology.
JQ Rose

Sandra said...

Great answer to May's question.
Planning on seeing Avengers next week.
Congrats to our anthology authors.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, I bet you can!

Lidy, I'm not too sure about the Aladdin remake either.

Rachna, thank you for being a judge!

Lee, try it! And I can easily separate the real God from the superheroes. Thor was never a god, just a super being with a long life.

MJ, thanks!

Spacer Guy, good point.

Pat, glad you picked it up.

Jacqui, thanks!

Liz, I bet it is.

Thanks, Sadira.

JQ, the action takes a back seat until the end.

Loni Townsend said...

I didn't have tissues for End Game though I seriously needed them. I was bawling! Such a good show.

Chemist Ken said...

I don't want to give away any spoilers on Endgame, but why did they have to give XXX a kid? Made the ending too awful for me. I had trouble sleeping that night.

It was a great movie, but I thought the pace in the first hour was very un-Marvel-like slow.

Suzanne Furness said...

Agree, the first book you remember reading yourself has great power. It's why it's so crucial to give children an early love of reading.

Best wishes with the anthology.

diedre Knight said...

Howdy Captain!

Oh yes, I'll be reading Masquerade! The theme for the next anthology is compelling enough that I just wrote it down in (ink!) my planner ;-)

Having seen a special pre-release showing of Endgame, my grandson was beside himself trying to keep quiet until his friends got to see it. He would heartily agree with your review.

"less than a hundred people..." Ha! I want to see John Wick 3 anyway ;-)

Have a wonderful week!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congratulations to all the authors in Masquerade! I’ve also heard wonderful things about The Avengers. I’m sure it will continue to break all box office records. Thank you for hosting another great IWSG, Alex!

Julie

The Angry Lurker said...

Looking forward to some John Wick!

J E Oneil said...

I thought there were some bad calls in Endgame, but it was mostly good. Not much interested in the movies coming out this month, though...

Mary Kirkland said...

I plan on seeing Endgame, John Wick 3 and Godzilla at some point but I have to wait for them to come out On Demand since I don't go to movie theatres.

Rhonda Albom said...

I am glad you liked the Avengers movie. My girls saw it together the day it opened, and neither enjoyed it too much. I think slow and boring through parts were the words they used.

Congrats to the anthology authors.

Chrys Fey said...

Yay for Masquerade: Oddly Suited! It's nice to see the IWSG publish a romance collection. :) The current genre for the contest will produce some neat stories. I bet Diane is excited about that. She loves Middle Grade Historical. :)

Patricia Stoltey said...

I'll watch anything with Kenneth Branagh, so that Shakespeare movie goes in my Netflix queue now.

Michael Abayomi said...

Avengers: Endgame was the real deal, and I'm hoping to go out and see it again too. :)

Liesbet said...

I love your answer to this month's question, Alex! I had no idea how to answer it, but yours is spot-on!

What do you mean by "Featuring a piece by me on the film Near Dark!"? Are you a film producer as well?

I can't believe it's time for anther anthology contest again. I'm a non-fiction writer, so I'll have to wait with a submission until the genre is related to that.

No films stand out to me this month, but I'm binge watching Game of Thrones, season 7 right now to be able to finish that part of my life once the last season is fully released. :-)

Yvonne Ventresca said...

Love the new theme. Congrats to everyone involved with the latest anthology!

kimlajevardi.com said...

Early reading forms the foundation for a lot of us. I can't wait to see the new Avengers movie, but I'm waiting for my son to come home from college.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yep, I loved Endgame

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ken, that character needed a few years of happiness.

Suzanne, yes it is!

Diedre, hope you submit!

Rhonda, they didn't appreciate the human element to it.

Chrys, that's probably why she suggested it.

Patricia, I'll see it eventually as well since I like most of his work.

Liesbet, no, I just wrote a part for the anthology about the movie.

Olga Godim said...

I want to see Aladdin. Will Smith as a genie should be worth watching, all by himself.

Lynda Dietz said...

I haven't seen Endgame yet and I know SO many people who are practically bursting with the need to talk about it. But thank goodness for people who are careful about spoilers, right? And you're not the first person to mention the need for Kleenex.

I'm curious about the Tolkien movie. And what's not to love about Godzilla?

I'm looking forward to picking up a copy of Masquerade. Congratulations to all those who are feautured in it!

Fundy Blue said...

Hey, Alex! I definitely want to see the Shakespeare and Tolkien movies. A friend told me that I should see the first Avengers movie before I see this one. What do you think? I was thinking of you as I watched "Ant Man" this weekend. Loved it! With Terry out of town, perhaps I should binge on movies the next few nights. Take care!

Powdered Toast Man said...

I had no idea Guy Ritchie was directing Aladdin. How many Brits are in the movie?

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Except for End Game, I'm not planning on any movies this month. Too much to do. Congrats to the Masquerade authors.

Gwen Gardner said...

I’m hearing good things about Avengers. You can put me down as a cohost wherever you need me. Thanks, Alex!

Botanist said...

22 Marvel movies? I had no idea there'd been that many, and I can't recall a bad one either.

Andrew Leon said...

Did my non-spoiler review of Endgame already.
I think Marvel has done a thing that will never be duplicated. And they're not finished yet!

F. Stone said...

Dang, I've missed out on seeing the Avengers. How will I ever catch up on the series. And where would I find the films? Thanks for everything, Alex.

Denise Covey said...

Looking forward to reading Masquerade. The Avengers looks like it might be one of the biggest box office hits of all time.

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

I can hardly wait to see Godzilla. I liked the first one of that series and would like to see him take on his rival kaiju.

I would like to check out Tolkien. I enjoy watching biographical movies, especially if their about artists and writers. I'm just not sure if I'm going to see this one on the big screen or wait until it comes out on video. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing it since I am a big fan of Tolkien's fantasy.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Oh my. I'm looking at a whole summer of movies I'd nap through. My family of men will run to see John Wick and Godzilla. Do you think they'd notice if I ducked into a romcom? (Don't tell them I said that. No one in my house gets why I don't get John Wick.)

RaveAir said...

I watched the Endgame with my bigger children (10yrs and 12 years old) yesterday. We loved that movie! I was very proud of them, because they were able to sit all of the movie, without bathroom breaks. :)
Plus, I had watched yesterday also the Infinity war (some hours before the Endgame) just for refreshing my memories.

Renee Scattergood said...

I can co-host in June or August. :-D

Kalpana said...

Looking forward both to reading the Anthology and to watching Avenger's Endgame.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

I think I'll watch all the other Marvel films (again) before watching Endgame -- just to catch up on plot and character. Research, you know?

Seeing as it's MG and fantasy, I already have an idea for a story for the anthology...

I can co-host July/August/October/November. Let me know when you need me to do so -- you have my email :-)

Ronel visiting for #IWSG day: Help Me, Please!

Jean Davis said...

Thanks for the Endgame review without spoilers. :) I'm glad to hear that it's living up to the hype. I don't know when I'll get to see it, but I will...eventually.

Reading as a kid was definitely a place to realize words had power. Books are a great adventure!

Tonja Drecker said...

I can't wait to see Endgame! That said, I'm excited about diving into the anthology too. And about reading the wonderful stories for the next one. So fun! Also, if you still need a cohost for July, go ahead and poke me.

Toi Thomas said...

Haven't seen Endgame yet, but I will. I'm also excited about Godzilla. I like the idea for the next anthology.

Stacy McKitrick said...

I've got tickets to see Endgame tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait!!!

Diane Burton said...

Now I'm going to have to see Avengers Endgame. You convinced me. lol

Elizabeth said...

I'm probably going to wait until DVD for Endgame (or maybe Netflix). But I did reserve tickets so my son could see it. He loved it and couldn't stand to keep it a secret. Luckily for him, I don't care if he spoiled it. But he HATES when I bring up the fallacy of Thanos' plan. First, I didn't see 50% die on screen. Fine, fine, they didn't show it. So he killed 50% of all life. Doesn't that mean the exact same amount of resource to resource suck ratio exists? So....he didn't really solve anything.
And why can't Dr. Strange use the time stone to go back in time and fix it all? The time stone only reverses time? I thought it manipulated it. Like when he brought back the torn pages of a book even though he wasn't Dr. Strange yet. LOL, my son really hates it yet finds himself pulled into these silly arguments. So in a way, I, too, enjoyed Endgame. ;)

Juneta key said...

I am looking forward to seeing Endgame but I won't see it until it is released on digital, bummer. Something to look forward to. Lots of great stuff going on.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Wow, they did the Avenger's End Game right! Good to know, and thanks for not spoiling it. People have been beaten up for doing that.
Go, Vanessa. Looks like a unique and fun book she edited.
Be well, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynda, that's why I was careful not to give anything away in my review.

Louise, you definitely need to see all the Avengers movies before you watch Endgame.

Gwen, thanks!

Denise, it has to conquer the mighty Avatar first...

Elizabeth, I understand why you don't like those films.

RaveAir, no breaks is a big plus!

Renee, thanks!

Ronel, thanks!

Tonja, thank you.

Elizabeth, you'll see how time plays into this next one. And true, taking away fifty percent meant fifty percent who also weren't producing.

Intangible Hearts said...

Tolkien and Aladdin have my interest because both stories are about creating something from thin air!

Samantha Bryant said...

I need to see Endgame again, too. Once isn't enough to catch it all!

Thanks for popping by my blog yesterday. And if you still need co-hosts for July, I can help out. @mirymom1 from
Balancing Act

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I enjoyed this Anthology. Looking forward to the next. And I totally forgot that May 1 was the first Wednesday of the month. Think I need a new brain. Have a great new month.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I get to see John Wick 3 with a friend who moved away and is back in town opening weekend, so I'm looking forward to that. And Aladdin looks great as does Godzilla: King of the Monsters. This particular Godzilla film looks more like what I was expecting from the last Godzilla film, which was more monsters and more monster fights. The destruction porn is going to be on an epic scale.

Meka James said...

My family saw Endgame over the weekend. I've yet to make the attempt. I also haven't seen Infinity Wars, so probably should before that at the very least. I'm behind on a few of the movies.

We are looking forward to John Wick 3. I wasn't a total fan of the second one, it's like they tried too hard to take all the cool elements from the first one and basically remake it, but I'm hopeful that #3 will redeem things.

Stephen Tremp said...

Where to begin? Lots of great movies here. We're seeing Endgame this weekend. 3-D of course recliner chairs too. Nothing but the best for The Best. Well, until something better comes out which may not be for a while.

Mark Koopmans said...

Best wishes to all who participate in the latest anthology! Seems like it's going from strength to strength!

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Reading your first book by yourself? Of course! Why didn't I think of that, Alex? That is so true.

My daughter absolutely loved the Avengers movie. "Oh my gosh, Mom, non-stop action!" And then she proceeded to tell me all the little details. Some great books and movies coming out. Thanks for sharing all this with your followers, Alex. Enjoy your weekend!

mail4rosey said...

We saw The End Game. It was good. We also saw Breakthrough...good message, very predictable. I'd recommend it just for the message alone, and in real life that's an amazing story. Nothing huge on the screen though (we went to the late show on a whim and my son fell asleep). Yikes. ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Samantha, we are good to go now!

Meka, the second one lost me as well. And yes, you need to see Infinity War first.

Roland Clarke said...

I'm making a belated visit here as I've got a few hundred A to Z emails/blog posts awaiting attention. But IWSG takes precedence - when I notice them.

Anyway, looking forward to Tolkien - he was my language game-changer. Hesitant about the next IWSG Anthology - Middle Grade is well outside my comfort zone (as was YA). But 'Historical – Adventure/Fantasy' is tempting and something might emerge. It might even be a challenge.

Al Penwasser said...

WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOT STAR TREK???? I mean, take Star Trek V! It was an ep....oh. You're right. Never mind.

Fundy Blue said...

I was afraid that you would say that, Alex! 21 movies ~ ei yi yi! I've gotten a list of them in order and contemplating getting started ~ LOL! Hope you've had a good weekend!

Magic Love Crow said...

Congrats on Masquerade!!! I can't wait to see Avengers! Congrats with Strange Blood! Take Care!

Nicki Elson said...

Thanks for the movie round-up! I guess I don't get out much and hadn't heard about most of those, but a few look very interesting to me. And since I'm soooo late in getting around to the IWSG posts, some of them have probably even already released. :)