Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, March Movie Preview, the Media Explosion, and New Releases

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


My awesome co-hosts today are Jacqui Murray, Lisa Buie-Collard, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!

Today’s question - Other than the obvious holiday traditions, have you ever included any personal or family traditions/customs in your stories?

You know, I really can’t think of any. Not outside of my own religious beliefs. I wouldn’t call those customs though – those are God’s laws. I guess if I wrote outside of science fiction, traditions and customs would come up more often.

What about you?


IWSG Instagram schedule for March:



The EXPLOSION OF MEDIA!

Alex is so generous with his very visible blog -- thanks so much for letting me come over today!

There are sooooo many ways to be entertained these days. And yet, we can still look at it all and say "There's nothing good on..." I recently posted about my frustration with the movie industry's money over matter attitude and their inability to take risks HERE. But this could just be me?

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!

I watch movies from every generation, from B&W to CGI. And there are some I can watch over and over again--the ones with amazing characters and stories that surprise you or warm your heart. There are also several vividly captivating books that urge me to write screenplays for them, many Indies, that I want to share with the world!

With all the streaming media outlets these days (Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc) with more sprouting all the time (Disney +, Apple TV, YouTube, etc), not to mention social media platforms where amateurs get discovered, you'd think it would be easier to submit quality writing and make a movie!

It's a great time to be a writer! But with all these public venues, tons of wannabes emerge making it harder for them to wade through all the attention-seekers as they try to choose what will propel them to the top of the heap and get more subscriptions, clicks, and likes.

So if you've ever thought about turning your fabulous underappreciated work(s) into a movie, go for it! Look for contests to enter. And if you don't know how, you can collaborate. Movies and Series are big deal productions, more help means more connections and exposure. And hopefully the producers that be will take more chances on Indies like us! We are the root of new and exciting material!

What book(s) would you like to see on the big or small screen? 


Taking Back Beast World, Phase 2. Disney/Pixar's Onward comes out Mar 6 with a setting eerily close to BEAST WORLD. Excited to see the Suburban Fantasy World setting of my books come to life... So if you like background, you'll love BEAST WORLD!

How to find:
twitter: @taratylertalks
Instagram: taratylertalks
newsletter: tara tyler news


Ninja News

New release from our IWSG Admin!

About Us by Elizabeth Seckman

Find it on Kobo and Smashwords and Amazon for free!

Available now -

The Executioner by Murees Dupè 

Find it on Amazon and Smashwords







March Movie Preview

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

6 –

Onward
Set in a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers embark on a quest to discover if there is still magic out there.
Director: Dan Scanlon
Stars: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, John Ratzenberger
In addition to being similar to Tara's Beast World, it's getting lackluster reviews. Pass!



The Way Back
A former HS basketball phenom, struggling with alcoholism, is offered a coaching job at his alma mater. As the team starts to win, he may have a reason to confront his old demons. But will it be enough to set him on the road to redemption?
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Stars: Ben Affleck, Janina Gavankar, Michaela Watkins, Da'Vinchi
The unbelievable true story of Batman forgetting the entrance to the Batcave! Or just another sport drama.



13 –

Bloodshot
Ray Garrison, a slain soldier, is re-animated with superpowers.
Director: Dave Wilson
Stars: Sam Heughan, Eiza González, Vin Diesel, Guy Pearce
Take one part Universal Soldier, the villain from Iron Man III, a helping of The Punisher, and a sprinkling of Wolverine and you have Bloodshot. (Yeah, and we'll probably see it anyway...)





20 –

A Quiet Place: Part II
Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path.
Director: John Krasinski
Stars: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Cillian Murphy, Noah Jupe
The sequel to the greatest mime movie ever made!





27 –

Mulan 
A young Chinese maiden disguises herself as a male warrior in order to save her father. A live-action feature film based on Disney's 'Mulan.'
Director: Niki Caro
Stars: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Li Gong
No goofy dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy? I'm all right with that...







What traditions have you placed in your stories? Would one of your stories or books make a great movie? And what movie catches your eye this month?
We need at least one more co-host for April and a couple for May! (May co-hosts get the early scoop on the anthology contest!) Let me know if you can help either month.

114 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

I am almost certainly in a very small minority but I really don't like to see my favourite books on film or tv. The pictures don't match those in my head and too often they tamper with the text.
Congratulations (and thanks) as always to those with new books out this month.

Nilanjana Bose said...

I'm with EC - books over films every time. Though I have to say quite a few films are almost as good as the books - Harry Potter films, LOTR, Gone with the Wind, Rebecca..but my preference is always to read rather than watch. Have a wonderful March!

Sarah Foster said...

My secret dream is to turn my books into movies, but it will probably never happen, lol. And I should probably finish writing the books first.

nashvillecats2 said...

Great news and reviews Alex as always.

Yvonne.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I'm pretty sure most of my books would *not* make a good movie, ha. Maybe a good TV program, though.

Wow, it feels like "Quiet Place I" just came out! They have a sequel already?

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Slim pickens among those new movie releases, good buddy. Not one of the titles you reviewed compels me. I have often thought that the true story of The Shady Dell would make in interesting film. The estate began in the early 20th century as a family residence and headquarters for multiple businesses including automobile repair, mail order sale of hunting dogs, squab pigeons, home remedies and snake oil potions. In the post WWII years, the Dell transformed into a bakery and ice cream parlor and in the late 50s evolved into a notorious hangout for teenagers that entertained thousands of young people through the 1980s.

Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy Alex!

Erika Beebe said...

Good morning Alex :) I'm with you, I don't really write my traditions into my books unless my stories are about my life. My larger works are sci-fi and fantasy. I can't wait for A Quiet Place Part II. I really enjoyed the first one. I can help in April Alex as a cohost. Happy IWSG Day.

Mason Canyon said...

Sometimes when books become movies just about everything changes. Congratulations to everyone with new releases.

Liza said...

I'll take books before movies...that said, if I haven't read the book yet, I prefer to see the movie first. That way I can enjoy it for what it is and not worry about all that is left out.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, yes! A sequel already.

Shady, sounds like a story you should write.

Erika, thanks!

Liza, smart thinking.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I'm up for a Quiet Place II. I liked the first one even though I thought they could've done more with it.

Nick Wilford said...

The only traditions I could think of were those at Christmas/Easter etc, too.

Congrats to Tara. She makes a good point about getting more cross pollination between emerging indie authors and the streaming services - maybe that's the way things will go in the future. It's on my bucket list to get a screenplay produced. I'm sure competition is stiff, but I've been editing a few lately, so at least that gives me an idea what they should look like!

Ellen Jacobson said...

I couldn't really think of any traditions or customs I include in my books other than holidays. It will be interesting to see how other folks answer this question. Yay to everyone for their new releases. The trailers for Mulan look good. Might be one I would see.

Joanne said...

books are best. I'll let you know about Onward - we got cheap tickets to the Thurs preview evening at 6 pm. Thought it would be fun. We'll see. As always, your comments are hysterical - love the Batman reference. Poor Ben.
Traditions - I've probably included some food ones or silly stuff in a poem or two. No ass selfies as per Pat Hatt - that would not be prudent.
Happy March - rainy Wed here.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hi Alex!!!

Great post, Tara!

I wonder if there is a Martha in the new Affleck movie!! :)

Heather

Jennifer Lane said...

The Quiet Place 2 sounds like more anxiety. The first one terrorized me!

That's a great idea to consider turning novels into screenplays with all of the streaming services out there.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I haven't had the guts to watch the first Quiet Place movie. lol

I'm hopeful for Mulan, but I loved the animated version.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I don't have any family traditions in my writing either. I really want to see Mulan. My daughter is from China and we loved the Disney cartoon version.

Yolanda Renée said...

I seldom find anything on TV better than a book. And I have written a screenplay, but to translate an entire book. Not sure I could. I don't go to the movies often enough to really comment on them intelligently. Except to say that I simply want to be entertained. But I like the idea that there's a new venue open to indies.

Patsy said...

I can see that writing science fiction means you're more likely to have to invent traditions than to write about existing ones.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

My brother worked on the set of Blackstone for several years. I persuaded him to leave my first novel on a counter somewhere, then to shout across the set, "Anyone seen that novel I'm reading called Dead Witness?" Then the director or writer would find it, take a close look, and say, "Hey, this would make an awesome movie!" Haha, never happened. But I'm still dreaming. Thanks for bringing us all together, Alex. You are seriously one of the kindest and generous people I know.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joanne, I'm here to amuse. Look forward to your review.

Heather! That would be hysterical.

Natalie, the new one looks even better.

Joylene, thanks! And shame he never left your book out.

Jemi Fraser said...

I agree - Tara's series would be an amazing set of movies!
I generally prefer the books - and have avoided watching several of the movies of books I've loved - been disappointed by too many. the exception was LotR which I thought was really well done!

Mary Aalgaard said...

Still working on my post for today. I always like your movie reviews. Doesn't look like much to see right now, but I am interested in the new Wonder Woman movie in June!

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I agree with Tara. Most evenings, there is absolutely NOTHING on TV that I care two-cents' worth about watching. Which is why I read so much. :) And of COURSE I think my books would make great movies. Don't all writers?

Tamara Narayan said...

I think most books benefit from the serialized versions over a movie version. I love what's happened with books like The Handmaid's Tale, Big Little Lies, and NOS482. Hope the trend continues.

Karen Baldwin said...

Mulan looks like a winner to me. Will definitely go and see it. As far as TV watching goes - Netflix and Amazon are the ones. I am too lazy to try and get the other ones on my TV menu. Watching something on my laptop is not for me. I'm on my computer so many hours a day. I don't need more time on it or my phone. I do however like some Discovery and History channel programs.

diedre Knight said...

Howdy Captain!

I've recently enjoyed two of your recommendations: Ford V Ferrari, and Midway. I'd like to see Quiet Place II if I can muster the nerve ;-)
Is it just me, or is there a bit of irony in the casting of The Way Back?

The character I mentioned in my post today has been introduced to Sunday Evening Sing-a-longs and the usefulness of spoons (outdoors) after you've eaten the peanut butter. I imagine this little (series that won't quit) story would do well as a Saturday morning cartoon - if they still exist ;-)

Happy March!


David Powers King said...

Media is certainly evolving, no denying that. Still requires writing, though. :)

Lisa said...

I'm about tired of Disney re-issuing animated films in "real" form...
I can co-host in April. I would in May but hubby is graduating then and I want to be all "there" for him!
I agree with what is it with all these channels and so hard to find something to watch? I'd love to write a screenplay...

A Hundred Quills said...

Some of the movies are well made..So I don't mind that. But of course books have an everlasting charm. This month's question is unique. I have to yet read someone who has a family tradition in a story!
Sonia from https://soniadogra.com

Sadira Stone said...

You'd think, in this season of cold, blustery weather, we'd watch more movies, but--nada. So I always look forward to your monthly recommendations.
Since I write contemporary romance, a number of my personal traditions, quirks, and preferences end up in my stories.
Thanks for all you do for all of us!

DRC said...

Inspiring words coming at just the right moment. About a week ago I had a lightbulb moment and have decided to write a screenplay. I usually write novels so a screenplay will be a challenge...and not to mention the amount research, considering it'll be set in 1907 Paris. That's the (good) scary part...

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Eek! You always have so much content I'd like to comment on . . . *big inhale*

Okay, here goes: Loving the IWSG Instagram schedule. I agree with you about the film/TV industry. YAY! for Tara and her Beast World! Congratulations to all the IWSG news.

Nancy Gideon said...

Bloodshot had me at Guy Pearce! I so look forward to your monthly updates on all things entertaining . . . and yes, I think Tara's series would make an awesome series!! (off to One-Click!).

Bish Denham said...

I think one book of mine would be a great animated film... But it'll never happen.

cleemckenzie said...

Good luck to Tara on her release. And thanks for the movie tips, Alex.

Lynn La Vita said...

Thank you for for inviting Tara to be a guest post and talk about streaming media outlets and feature Beast World.

It’s encouraging to know there are various options for breaking into the movie industry.

Chemist Ken said...

No movies are catching my eyes this month. Oh well, more time for writing.

I can help co-host either month if you need me.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I seriously cannot wait to see Onward. Those "Beast" books look interesting. I may have to give them a read.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Good luck Tara!

Carrie-Anne said...

As a preteen, I had so many elaborate plans for my Atlantic City books, including ones existing only in my head, being made into TV shows! I still have a fantasy about all of my books being made into films.

PJ Colando said...

Early on, I was naively convinced that I'd written the next 'I Love Lucy' type movie/tv show... I attended a movie pitch fest in Hollywood. It was a lark. I had fun... especially when I checked in and the crew behind the desk thought I was a producer - hahaha! At least I was dressed for the part ;-)

Mary Aalgaard said...

PS: I can help moderate in May.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I would love to write stories for films and series! Go, Tara!
Alex - I think traditions ground us and I can imagine your characters celebrating traditions together, which means you created some solid characters. On the other hand, can you picture the Bloodshot character at Thanksgiving? Probably not.
Great snark!
Congratulations to Tara, Elizabeth, and Murees!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, though two of my books would make great movies, I prefer to see them as books first :)

Chrys Fey said...

I would love my books to be made into movies. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jemi, LOTR was an excellent trilogy of movies.

Tamara, I agree.

Lisa, thanks!

DRC, good luck with the screenplay.

Ken, thanks!

PJ, that's funny.

Mary, thanks!

Tyrean, funny.

Mary Kirkland said...

Bloodshot looks good. I will be watching that at some point.

Liz A. said...

There are so many great stories out there. It's an embarrassment of riches. Too bad there's also so much horrible stuff out there.

Damyanti Biswas said...

It would be amazing to see my book on the screen...

Computer Tutor said...

I was kinda looking forward to the James Bond movie. I love the series but am ambivalent/dislike Daniel Craig. It was supposed to be out in March, now November. That's fine.

Loni Townsend said...

My daughter and I have recently been reading Inkheart, and I mentioned there was a movie. My daughter hopped on the chance and we rented it from the library. Forty-five minutes into it, she was asking "How long is this movie?" This is one of those cases where the movie didn't live up to the book for her.

I love your side comments on the upcoming releases. So funny!

Anonymous said...

Add me to the list of people who generally do not like my favorite books made into movies. Not sure my novel would make a good movie but I have some short stories that would be awesome with a Rod Serling voice-over. ;-)

Dave said...

I bet CassaStar etc would make a great series of films. Who would you cast?

Dave
https://davewrotethis.blogspot.com/

Juneta key said...

Congrats to all the authors with the book releases. The only movie listed I want to see is Mulan that is one of my favorite Disney movies.

Dang having trouble getting to this blog again. I don't know what the deal is with that. It sort of clears up and I get to it for a bit then it starts blocking me again and I have to figure a workaround and sometimes that does not work. Grrrr. It makes no sense. I think it has something to do with the cable company's firewall, which they say works just fine and it must be me.

Suzanne Furness said...

I couldn't really think of any traditions that have slipped into my writing either Alex. I think you are right that science fiction is a genre that would lend itself more to new ideas much of the time. Best wishes to you.

Andrew Leon said...

Bloodshot? The comic book character? Now I have to go look that up.

Cathrina Constantine said...

It's been such a terrible week, I totally forgot about my posting for the IWSG. My mom-in-law died unexpectedly and the world turned topsy-turvy for a while. I'll be back next month, though.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

I look forward to seeing Mulan and hope there's no Disney cheese in there!

Elizabeth's book sounds great!

♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller, Author¨*•.♥

Lynda Dietz said...

I'd read about Tara Tyler's Beast World issues, and what a bummer! Here's hoping at least she can gain new readers from moviegoers.

I love your snarky comment re: The Way Back. I'm so tired of sports dramas. Maybe I just want something a little less ordinary, but there are a lot of average people I know whose lives would make better movies than yet another sport guy needing redemption from his own bad choices/upbringing/whatever.

I wonder if I wrote novels if I'd incorporate my family's odd traditions and quirks. Probably, since I think my kids are some of the funniest people I know (so they'd make good book material, lol).

S.E. White Books said...

A Quiet Place made me sob like a small infant, clutch at my hurting heart, and want to hug all of my immediate family members tightly so, in conclusion, I will definitely go see Part II. And I'm cautiously excited for the live action Mulan, as well. It looks epic.

Carol Kilgore said...

Congrats to Elizabeth Seckman and Murees Dupe on their new books!
Happy March to all :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Loni, I assume you stopped watching it?

Dave, my original choice is now too old, so I'd have to pick someone new. Thanks for saying that!

Juneta, sorry!

Cathrina, I'm sorry! Don't worry about it.

Lynda, like the sports guys need any more money.

J E Oneil said...

I don't think I've ever put a "tradition" in a story. Of course, I've been writing a lot of fantasy lately.

I'm just glad they have Chinese actors for Mulan.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm still waiting for a Dragonriders of Pern movie.

I'll watch anything with Vin Diesel in it.

Birgit said...

If I wrote a story I could easily see the traditions of Christmas seep in as well as the traditions my mom created when we had dinners. She always made sure we always ate at the dinner table and, on Sundays, there were candles! If it was a special day like Valentine's or St. Patricks, she made sure something special was on our plate. These movies don't interest me a wit except maybe Mulan.

Helen said...

I was going to try and email this, but the ability is apparently beyond me. It is an idea for the monthly blog hop. A cousin was asking her relatives this question. I'm assuming she is writing and could not decide which would be better.

Question. As a reader, would you rather 1. Know something a character doesn't know and can't wait until they learn this info OR
2. Learn the big secret at the same time as the character and both be shocked?

If it has already been done, well just toss this message. :)

Debbie Johansson said...

I grew up watching Alfred Hitchcock movies, who was a big influence to my writing. A few years back when the Director of a Writer's Centre read one of my stories and said he could see it as a film, I was estatic. Actually seeing such a thing happen is a totally different story though. ;)

After I finish watching Season 3 again, I'm looking at seeing the Miss Fisher movie next week. I'll also be adding A Quiet Place, Part 2, to my list. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

We don't need special effects. We need good stories! Congrats Tara

I'll definitely see Quiet Place 2 and Mulan.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Look at all the great books. Congratulations, everyone. I haven't been to a movie in so long. Guess I ought to try one out, but I'm more comfortable watching the TV. Can stay home with the cat in my lap. I can co host in May as far as I know.

SpacerGuy said...

I've stopped by Amazon Kindle Alex thinking, hey this is a good idea right? If only I didn't feel like Captain Kirk vs Nomad right now, who said - Nomad "execute your prime function........"







Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Birgit, that sounds nice.

Helen, I think I like to learn the big secret at the same time so that I share the character's shock.

Beverly, thanks!

Pat Hatt said...

Yeah, there is so much crap as things like Netflix tries to get content by just doing anything and everything. Then on the flip side you got Disney just Pfffft.

I'll at least watch the return of the mime movie.

Jenni said...

Love that you incorporate your faith into your work! I'm somewhat interested in Mulan, but not sure if I'm interested enough to see it in the theater. I did like the animated version, but Disney's live actions have been so-so in my book.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

My husband will want to see that Ben Affleck movie but I'm not a fan of sports movies even though I love sports. Will probably see Mulan.

Truedessa said...

A Quiet Place:Part 2 is a film I want to see. It was amazing how intense a film was with no sound. I was on the edge of my seat.

I would like to see your series become a movie.

Hopefully, somewhere out in the universe Tamsin and Aden are creating traditions aboard the dragon of the stars.

Have a wonderful week!

Olga Godim said...

Mulan as a live actors movie sounds interesting, but I'm still not sure. I love the anime version. Could it be better?

Denise Covey said...

I'm more of a reader than a viewer of film. Some films translated well to the big screen such as the Power of One which was extremely powerful as a film but Hollywood got involved and added some unnecessary plot points.

Diane Burton said...

Hey, Alex, have a great writing month. I'm looking forward to seeing Mulan. It's always been my fav Disney movie (and princess). I'm sure I'll miss Eddie Murphy, though. "Mongolian barbecue"?

Botanist said...

I can't think of any family traditions as such, but we do love our food and I frequently include food in some form or another in various scenes.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I wouldn't mind seeing any of my works turned into movies. Novellas are supposed to be a good length for screenplays, so perhaps "Lyon's Legacy" would be a good choice.

kimlajevardi.com said...

I can help co-host in May, Alex.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I did include Jewish family rituals in Woman on the Verge. I hadn't even planned on it - It just needed to be written into my story. And that felt nice.

I hope you're life is going well, Alex.

Gwen Gardner said...

My family is too scattered to have any regular traditions, so none in my stories. Although I watch all the regular holiday shows at Christmas every year! Haha.

Thanks for all the news. Congratulations to all those with new releases.

Fundy Blue said...

Thanks, always for all that you do for so many others, Alex! I'm out of town on IWSG Day in April, and I have no idea what is happening in May. So I can't commit to help right now. 😔

XmasDolly said...

Hello my friend, and how are you today? Fine I hope. Now, I was just thinking I don't read much, but when I get the bug I have to read the whole book. Have you ever read, "The Gunslinger" by Stephen King? OMG It was great! I could NOT put that sucker down. Now I have 5 more books to go because it's like 7 big fat books, but so far it's been worth my time. I also love books about mythology & Angels. Go figure... Have a great weekend my friend. HUGS & HUGS FOR THE FAMILY TOO! LOOOOOOOKKKKK OUTTTTTTTTTTT GROUP HUG!!!!!! hahahahaha

Shannon Lawrence said...

I'm not even going to pretend I won't see the Vin Diesel movie. I love me a mindless action flick. The others...meh. I have to agree with Tara that I want to see more original programming.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I always thought it would be fun to see the stories about my mom on the big screen. We even joked about what actresses could play her. Congrats to Tara and the other authors! Thanks for hosting another insightful IWSG, Alex!

Julie

mail4rosey said...

I'm sure going to the big screen would be the thrill of a lifetime for any writer!

G. B. Miller said...

From what I've read, Mulan got tweaked due to the #MeToo movement, mostly due to the scenes where she dresses up like a man to participate in battle.

Not sure what books I would want to see on the big screen, as I don't think the big (or little for that matter) can do any books any justice. Too much often gets purged, which IMO, kills the continuity of the original story.

Sherry Ellis said...

I wonder if the creators of Onward knew of Tara's books, or if it was just a strange coincidence.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jenni, I agree.

Truedessa, I'd like to see that as well!

Denise, like they do.

Sandra, novellas have less to edit out.

Kim, thanks!

Robyn, of course it needed to be there.

Marie, no, I haven't read that one.

Sherry, they probably didn't, but one never knows.

Tonja Drecker said...

Now, I'm thinking Christian Scifi...hmmm. Anyway, sometimes I prefer books, sometimes movies. So, no vote there. And I have to remember to take the kids to Mulan. Without Murphy? Good.

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

Congratulations to Tara on the movie adaptation of her book! It is a great time to write for and make movies due to Internet and streaming video which makes it much easoer to release films. But because of that it's also competitive even though there's so much more opportunity than there used to be. The key is to find your niche audience and then go from there. It's a lot like online publishing and print-on-demand.

Im a bit wary about Quiet Place II, since I'm always skeptical about sequels always turning movie series more into commercial franchises than movies. However the first movie did have an ending that kept itself open for a sequel and the synopsis for the sequel sounds intriguing so I might just go see it.

DMS said...

Hmmm- I don't think I have included family traditions in my stories- but I have included things that have happened. Of course, I am tired at the end of the day and it could be that I am forgetting something. lol.

Great to hear from Tara and wishing her all the best!
~Jess

Kalpana said...

This is so encouraging - us Indie writers can actually write screen plays and be discovered, despite the attention seekers. I love the snark component of the reviews.

Debra Renée Byrd said...

I'm on a lot of ministries at my church, and I definitely plan to incorporate that into one of my contemporary books.

I've wondered what FP would be like as a limited series. I do want it to be a movie one day. Maybe someone at Netflix will read it???

Yvonne Ventresca said...

Congrats, Tara!

I'm behind on movies. I guess I need to see Quiet Place (I) soon?

Lidy said...

Haven't shared any personal home customs or traditions in any of my stories. But now I'm thinking of doing so. A birthday tradition inspired by husband's story of a friend of his, growing up in Jamaica, would carry a bag full with a change of clothes. Because on birthdays they have a curious celebratory tradition of throwing things at him. Like food, eggs, powder, etc. Have to ask him what was the point and what exactly was thrown at him.

Arlee Bird said...

Read some kind of disturbing information about Disney's Onward. Not that I planned on seeing it, but I think Disney is continuing their subtle corruption of young minds away from traditional Christian values.

New movies don't interest me like they used to, but that's true with most popular culture. Give me some good non-fiction any day.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Yes, I'd like to see Mulan with my daughter. From the picture, it doesn't look like she bothered to cut her hair before she went off to fight. But I don't know what they did in the movie.

Bravo to Tara, Elizabeth, and all the others with new releases coming out. I'm so proud of you all and proud to be a part of this group. Thanks, Ninja Captain Alex!

Rhonda Albom said...

While I write a travel blog about my travels and destinations, I rarely share personal traditions and customs, but often share our experience with local to where we are traditions and customs. Hope that makes sense. And as for the movies, big congrats to Tara!

dolorah said...

I run my life like I write my stories: by the seat of my pants!

I will likely watch Bloodshot too. Loved your comment about The Way Back.

lostinimaginaryworlds.blogspot.com said...

Doesn’t science fiction have its own traditions/ customs, Alex 🤗

Tony Laplume said...

Way Back director Gavin O'Connor also did Warrior, which is one of my favorite movies. Which makes this, for me, much more than just another sports movie.

Anstice Brown said...

I couldn't think of any specific personal traditions either. I'm from an atheist family so I don't even have any religious customs.

My current WiP (a science fantasy series of 4 books) would probably translate pretty well to screen as there is quite a lot of action. I always think it must be hard for authors who have their work adapted for the screen when the details of the plot and characters are changed. But I suppose the money helps!

Mulan is the only film I'm interested in seeing, really. But I would like tpo see more original films released, not just remakes and sequels.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Steven, unless it gets crap reviews, I am definitely seeing A Quiet Place II.

Yvonne, you really need to check out that film.

Lidy, a birthday food fight?

Lee, you might be right.

Donna, I'm here to amuse - thanks!

Lost, it does!

Anstice, seeing those changes must hurt.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Thank you for the shout out! Much appreciated.

I think the only thing harder than getting noticed in the book world is trying to get noticed in the movie world. Or maybe being an astronaut. That's probably pretty hard too.

Liesbet said...

Sorry for being late to the party Alex! And just when you thoughts comments for this post had petered out! :-) I'm glad you found enough co-hosts for the next few months. One day, I hope to be one of them again.

Lots of customs and traditions I could write about in my memoir(s), as a Belgian citizen. Too many, probably!

Mulan seems like it might be an interesting movie, especially since I never saw the animated version. I have to agree with Tara (and based on the upcoming releases) that there's not much worthwhile out there. BTW, I had to think about you when "Parasite" won "best movie". :-)

Tara Tyler said...

Alex, you have so many wonderful followers! many of these names bring me back to the old A to Z days, when I had time to participate! So glad you had me as a guest, such an honor!

Thanks to all of you for commenting on my portion of the post this month =) I’ve enjoyed stopping by your blogs and catching up on what you’re up to!

ps - I can moderate in June or July, just let me know!

thanks again—really feeling the writerly love!

<3
Tara Tyler Talks

Yvette Carol said...

Hi Alex,
I don't know what your email is so I just thought I'd contact you here. It looks like I may have been deleted from the IWSG? Not sure, that's what one of the friends I invited to IWSG said. I wonder if I might have been dropped because I usually can't post until Fridays? Again, I'm not sure. But I try to answer the monthly question each month, so it would be cool to be put back on the list, please.
Thanks!
Yvette Carol
yvettecarol.wordpress.com

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - Tara notes that many of us met through those early A to Zs ... fun early days - but what's great now is the 'feeling' that one knows a fair number of your blogging world - I'm honoured to be here with you and them. I have to do art house films ... not very many blockbusters ... enjoy the Spring days ahead ... cheers Hilary

Toi Thomas said...

I know I'm late, thanks for another great post and a great blog hop.
I think the Cassa series and the Disaster Crimes series would make great movie series.