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.
The awesome co-hosts for the March 3 posting of the IWSG are Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, Jacqui Murray, Chemist Ken, Victoria Marie Lees, Natalie Aguirre, and JQ Rose!
March 3 question - Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?
My preferred genres are science fiction and fantasy. I do read outside of that though. Some thrillers, horrors, non fiction… And I’ve found some gems in those genres.
Now, my big news…
I submitted my latest manuscript to my publisher mid-January – and they said yes and sent a contract!
CassaDark (title at the moment) will be my next published book.
Yes, it’s been a few years since my last published story. I didn’t think it would happen again. So, I am really excited. And I get to expand the Cassa universe. Big thanks to my critique partners for helping make the story better – Ken, Tyrene, Teresa, and Joylene (who really kicked my butt!)
March Movie Preview
Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for March! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
5 –
Raya and the Last Dragon
In a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization, a warrior named Raya is determined to find the last dragon.
Directors: Don Hall | Carlos López Estrada | Paul Briggs | John Ripa
Stars: Alan Tudyk, Ross Butler, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan
At what point does Raya fight Sho’nuff?
12 –
Cosmic Sin
Seven rogue soldiers launch a preemptive strike against a newly discovered alien civilization in the hopes of ending an interstellar war before it starts.
Director: Edward Drake
Stars: Frank Grillo, Bruce Willis, Brandon Thomas Lee, C.J. Perry
Vegas odds have Bruce in this movie plus or minus five minutes.
19 –
The Courier
Cold War spy Greville Wynne and his Russian source try to put an end to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Director: Dominic Cooke
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Merab Ninidze, Rachel Brosnahan, Vladimir Chuprikov
What would Khan do?
31 –
Godzilla as. Kong
Director: Adam Wingard
Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall
The epic next chapter in the cinematic Monsterverse pits two of the greatest icons in motion picture history against one another - the fearsome Godzilla and the mighty Kong - with humanity caught in the balance.
Atomic breath should equal roasted ape…
Movie Trivia Answers
Taglines!
The ultimate in alien terror – 1982 – The Thing
At last, the night has a hero – 1990 - Nightbreed
You'll never know what bit you – 1999 – Lake Placid
Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent. Dangerous. – 1984 - Gremlins
2 Terrifying. 2 Frightening. 2 Much! – 1987 – Evil Dead 2
Some Thing Has Found Us – 2008 - Cloverfield
In darkness, there can be light. In misery, there can be beauty. In death, there can be life... – 2006 – Pan’s Labyrinth
They say there’s nothing new under the sun. But under the ground… - 1990 - Tremors
Music Trivia Answers
Monster songs! Here are the answers:
Feed My Frankenstein – 1992 – Alice Cooper
Bark at the Moon – 1982 – Ozzy Osbourne
Godzilla – 1977 – Blue Oyster Cult
Dream Warriors – 1989 - Dokken
The Thing That Should Not Be – 1986 Metallica
Circle of the Cysquatch – 2006 – Mastodon
Nightcrawler – 1990 – Judas Priest
Living Dead Girl – 1998 – Rob Zombie
What genres do you read? Seeing any new movies? Get any of the trivia right? Think it’s about time I had another book?
113 comments:
Brilliant news Alex re the Contract – congratulations … so pleased for you, and wonderful to recognise your critique partners.
Can’t say the movies move me! Reading all sorts … but mainly something that will educate me and the odd mystery …
Good luck with the new book – cheers Hilary
Huge congratulations on your latest book - and thank you for acknowledging your critique partners.
Congratulations, Alex, this is super duper news! Love the title CassaDark....so happy that the Cassa Universe is becoming wider!
Hi,
I am happy for you. That is great news and at the beginning of the year. It is wonderful.
Nonfiction books are priceless reads to me. Especially when they connect with what I am writing, they deepen my understanding of what I am trying to put in words.
Have a great day.
Shalom aleichem
Congrats on the new book! That’s awesome news.
Great news Alex, congrats! And it should come after so many years. Being a prolific writer it is bound to happen.
Hank
Hi, Alex!
I'm excited to learn that you got the green light from the publisher, good buddy. I wish you success with your new volume!
I admire Rachel ("Mrs. Maisel") Brosnahan and also favor Kennedy era period films. Therefore I think I'd enjoy the Cold War thriller The Courier.
Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy Alex!
Good news and good luck about your new book Alex. I know it will be a huge success.
Have a good March.
Yvonne.
Alex, huge congratulations on your upcoming book. Wonderful news. Other than a peek at the Bruce Willis movie, I'm not seeing much to stir my interest at this point.
I’m so excited for you and that I get to read a new Cassa novel!!! Congratulations!
Hi Alex,
I'm new to the IWSG. I'm Sarah and I'm based in the UK. My blog irevive.online is very much a work in progress, so I'm glad I found and joined this support group.
I'm not entirely sure where I'm meant to post on the first Wed of each month and how to connect with the rest of the group. I've just posted a comment on Adventures in Writing's blog as I can see that is one of the co-hosts this month, but if that's wrong perhaps you could point me in the right direction?
BTW I LOVED this months question posed by IWSG and actually wrote a post on it on my own blog. I read broadly across most genres, and what motivates my choices can be anything from the weather, the time of year, the need for a little self love and recommendations.
Many thanks in advance. And congratulations on your latest book! You must be thrilled.
Congrats on your upcoming new book! Job well done!
Back when the libraries were open (2019), my genres of choice were in no particular order: true crime, historical fiction, fiction, mysteries and non-fiction. There would be others from time to time, depending on what caught my fancy while I was perusing the statcks.
Congratulations, Alex! 2021 is looking up! I can’t wait to listen to those songs you posted. Happy IWSG day :)
That's fantastic news!!! What a wonderful feeling. Thanks for all you do to inspire us!
Wonderful news about CassaDark!
I don't think I see anything for me in the new film releases, ha.
Congratulations on CassaDark being picked up by your publisher.
Joylene has a unique way of inspiring and kickin' butt. Nice to give her special credit.
Congratulations, Alex! So happy for you. I remember there was a point when you thought you wouldn't write again, so all the better that this book found you and demanded to be heard. Hooray!
I've never doubted that it would be published! :) Great writing. Great story. I am so excited for you!!! The other night, your main character (I won't name him, just in case I shouldn't) popped into my head. I missed him! I had to laugh, but it's a good thing when characters from books we read linger in our thoughts.
Congratulations!
Teresa
Signing a contract for a book deal is Awesome! One of the best feelings for a writer. Congratulations!
I am looking forward to seeing Raya. I haven't heard anything about Cosmic Sin but I like the actors that are in it.
I'm not surprised by your wonderful news. CassaDark is an awesome story. Congratulations, Alex. It was such an honour to read your manuscript. You rock!
My guess was a contract - congrats!!! That's awesome news.
I'll read almost anything, maybe try my hand at writing a variety (if I were really writing right now). What am I doing? I have no clue.
Bask in your glow - proud to know you!!!
Elephant's Child, they were important to making the story better.
Hey, Sarah - welcome! Did you sign your blog up on the IWSG list? There is a tab for it at the top of my blog. Then you just post every first Wednesday.
GB, libraries there still closed?
Lynn, she does!
Teresa, that is so good to hear.
Joylene, big thanks - you really challenged me.
Thanks, everyone!
Superb! I can imagine how excited you are on the book deal. Congratulations. Hope I get to read it, here in New Delhi, India.
Thanks for another great hop. I'm so excited about CassaDark!
LOL! "At what point does Raya fight Sho’nuff?" Too funny.
I guessed Gremlins, Tremors, and Pans Labyrinth. Cool trivia.
I'm trying to read a bit of everything but mostly stick to the speculative genres.
What an achievement, Alex! Mega congratulations. Hope the publishing process goes well.
Congratulations on the manuscript. Glad I was able to help. This will only motivate me to keep on writing.
Bloody wonderful news Alex! That must really perk you up. I hope you are doing something wild and fun to celebrate, although that is tough these days. Maybe extra toppings on your home-made pizza?
Congratulations, Alex! That's great news.
Yea, Alex! Congratulations!
I snorted at your snarky comment about Cosmic Sin.
Congratulations on the new book, Alex!
My go-to genre for reading is mystery/suspense, but I'll pretty much try anything that sounds like a good story to me. :)
[Blogger ate my original comment so I apologize if this posts more than once.]
Congratulations on the next book!
Congrats on the latest release. No doubt you could do it.
Congratulations on the contract for your next Cassa read. And once upon a time, I recall saying you weren't going to write another one?
JQ Rose
That's fantastic news - looking forward to reading CassaDark when it comes out!
Yes, you'll finally have another book.
I am really looking forward to Godzilla vs. Kong.
Congrats on your new book! That's so exciting. And Raya and the Last Dragon sounds like a movie I'd like.
YAY! I'm thrilled that you're expanding the Cassa universe - love the stories!! Congrats :)
Congrats on the new book! Awesome news!
I'm really looking forward to Raya and the Last Dragon, except for Disney's new model of charging $35 for a new release. It's not the 35 bucks that bothers me (I've spent that much for movies from other companies), but the fact that you also have to have the Disney+ subscription, AND it will be included free in your subscription in three months time. It's literally a charge for being impatient.
I didn't know Alexander Skarsgård and Millie Bobbie Brown are in Godzilla vs Kong. I might have to see it now.
Congrats on the sale, Alex!!! Loving your lists. Have new things to watch. Thanks for the lists. Always enjoy them and find new things to fixate upon.
LOL on the Sho'nuff!!
Congrats of CassaDark!
Congrats on your new book publication! Great question for IWSG this month. I answered it in my post.
Cheers to Spring!
Mary
I read in almost every genre. Right now, it's memoir -- Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey.
Congratulations on your new book contract, Alex. You've done very well for a guy who didn't really plan to become a writer.
Yay, you! I'm so happy for you on your upcoming book. If you need help getting the word out, I'd be happy to do what I can for you.
Toi, glad you got some right and glad I could amuse.
Ken, keep after it.
Jan, that sounds good.
Bish, happy to make you snort.
JQ, I wasn't!
CD, that is the kicker. At least you only have to subscribe to HBO Max to see the next Godzilla flick.
Thanks, Sherry!
And thanks everyone!
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your reply. Yes I'd already signed up. I'm no.158 on your blog hop list. I think I'm getting to grips with this now! Looking forward to getting to know the group xx
Congrats on the contract! I just watched an interview with Awkwafina and look forward to watching her dragon movie.
Congratulations on your new book! It was clearly meant to be.
Congratulations, Captain! Anytime is a good time for a new book ;-)
Congratulations on the upcoming book!
Gee, are they still making movies? I'm almost totally out of the loop where it comes to new films and it's like I don't even care anymore. Although I did think A Quiet Place was a good film that was pretty innovative.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Grats on the contract! That's awesome. Woot!
Yo congratulations on your next book, Alex!
Wow! Congrats on your next book, Alex! That is so exciting!
The Courier sounds really intriguing. I love anything that has to do with Russian spies.
Congratulations on the contract! Always good to hear that kind of news.
Congratulations on the book contract. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Keep writing.
Congratulations, Alex, on the release of CassaDark! You know I'll read it! Have a great day, my friend!
Lee, the second one comes out this year.
Thanks, everyone!
Congrats on the new contract. When it's available, I'd love to host you on my blog.
Congrats on your new book! I write Crime Fiction with a Kiss, but I read widely. All genres of fiction and a little memoir and true crime. Happy March!
I do think it's about time you had another book. Congratulations!
Great selection of movies. I'm definitely going to see The Courier. I love that spy stuff.
Congratulations on CassaDark! I look forward to reading the final version, and I know my husband is looking forward to it, too. He loved the rest of your books, and I didn't let him get a sneak peek at this one while I was giving feedback.
BTW - I messed up this month's prompt - not sure how/why. Anyway, I love to read just about everything, but mostly fantasy and sci-fi.
Happy writing, reading, and living in March!
Congratulations on the new book contract, Alex!
Genres I read: fantasy, sf, romance, some mystery. Considering western, but don't know where to start yet.
How awesome! It's good to know you're still getting books out there.
Congratulations on your newest contract! Awesome news.
It's exciting to see the movie industry slowly gearing back up, too. I'm looking forward to watching Raya.
Came here to say "Congrats!!" So how are you going to celebrate? :)
Holy Suckaroony with my movie answers...hahahaaa. I love Tremors. I read a lot of non fiction from movies to art and archeology and disasters and crime but I also love reading mysteries, fantasy and classics. A huge congratulations to you for finishing another book. I remember you writing that you had nothing left to give in this way...glad you proved yourself wrong. I love benedict Cumberbatch so I would see that film and King Kong vs Godzilla but Godzilla does have an edge. How I love the move from the 1960s. Now it is time they make a film where the 2 team up to do away Alien and Predator...and Martha Stewart.
Big congratulations are due for you, Alex! Wow. Well done - finishing another book and having it accepted to be published. This is such exciting news. I hope you get to wallow in it for a little while. :-) I can’t say any of those movies sound appealing to me. But when it comes to reading, I’d like to do more of that: historical fiction, travel memoirs, thrillers...
Congrats on the new release. I think I got Tremors right, but otherwise... But I'm not a horror aficionado, so not surprising.
Congratulations on your another upcoming Cassa book. How many in the series would it be by now?
I want to see the anime film about Raya and the dragon. I love anime.
Diane, thanks!
Tyrean, thanks - that made my day.
SE, yes! I'm ready to hit the theaters more.
Consulting, the usual - maybe a dinner out.
Birgit, I would watch that film!
Olga, it's currently a trilogy with a short story prequel. Not sure what you call four books.
Thanks everyone!
Congrats on the new book getting picked up.
Ugg. Bruce Willis just needs to retire already. It's gone past the pathetic stage at this point.
Way to go on publishing another book! That's great news.
I can't tell if Cosmic Sin sounds really good or really annoying.
Congrats on CassaDark!!!
I'm looking forward to some new movies :)
I'm so happy for you Alex, and I can't wait to learn more about CassaDark! Thanks for hosting the IWSG!
Julie
Yay! Squee! Congratulations!
Excellent news on CassaDark! Was there ever any doubt?! Haha! Well done, Alex, and congratulations!
Oh my gosh! Congratulations, Alex! Bravo! Nothing is more satisfying that having an editor say yes to your story/book.
Love the taglines for the movies. They sum up the story perfectly. Now...if I can only sum up my college memoir so well...
Thanks for all you do to assist your fellow writer. And thanks for allowing me to co-host the March question at IWSG. All best to you, sir!
Congrats on your new book! Awesome news :) And as always, thank you for the IWSG, the blog hop, and your inspiring support for all us insecure writers!
Congrats, Alex! That is absolutely wonderful!
A huge congratulations! It would have been sad to see the series end...so, I'm going to say 'yay!'
Yay for CassaDark! Congratulations, Alex.
I've no doubt it's your best yet.
Happy Dance!! So very happy for you Alex!!! Yepeee!!!! Thanks to your critique partners! And, thanks for the March Movie previews!!! Big Hugs!
Congrats on your next published book.
Alex!!!
Congrats on the new book! That's so awesome.
Looking forward to some quality entertainment!
Heather
CONGRATULATIONS! That's really awesome news.
Congrats on the book! How awesome is that? Here's to a fabulous 2021 :)
I cracked up at the mention of Sho'Nuff. Talk about a movie that has some cringeworthy moments that I still have to watch whenever I can.
I think I got one movie trivia right: Tremors.
Kiddo asked about watching Raya so that one is definitely on the watch list.
And congrats on getting your next Cassa installment greenlit to go!!
Congrats on your latest release!
My reading preferences vary. I like romantic suspense, thrillers, and horror besides my writing preference of paranormal romance. I have favorite authors, so I suppose a new release from one of them will motivate me to read it. Otherwise, I do try to read books from new-to-me authors (or at least books from authors I'd met at a convention).
congratulations on your new book!
We are SyFy book readers and movies. Godzilla vs. Kong, it doesn't work for me. Wish it did, but last Godzilla movie ruined it all for me. But Cosmic Sin looks good.
Big congrats on the new publish! I knew some of the trivia. I'm actually kind of hoping Kong wins that G/Kong battle. :)
Congratulations on your epic news! That is wonderful.
I read a wide range of genres, but historical fiction and thrillers are my main stays. I've been watching TV series: Stranger Things and recently told about Dark, a German series. Similar to ST and Twin Peaks.
Big congratulations on your book news. That is excellent.
It's been so long since we went, that there are now plenty we haven't seen on for free. :)
That's fabulous news about the new book - many congratulations!!
I write poetry and shorts mostly, but do read other genres :) a narrow reader makes a poor poet imho.
Great news about your new book!!!
Congratulations on your next book! Sadly, I'm not excited about any of these books. With Bruce Willis taking second billing, it definitely sounds like he's not long for the movie.
Woot! for CassaDark! I must get on with the second in the series :) And it'll go on the TBR as soon as you confirm the title.
Thanks for visiting, Alex, and I seem to have fallen into the habit of doing my IWSG visiting on Sundays these days. My day of rest :)
Congratulations on your contract!
Congratulations on Cassadark Alex. Hey this is the best news and with mini-alex help this one will fly out of Amazon.
Congrats on the new book! Very exciting and now I can add to my book shelf.
I wouldn't take that bet about Bruce Willis. An early heroic death?
Congrats Alex on the next book coming out in your series! It's always fun to see your characters come to life again. Wishing you success!
Congratulations on the contract Alex!
Pat, it has indeed.
Victoria, thank you for being a part of the IWSG.
Emma, thank you!
Angela, I am here to amuse.
Rosey, he did in the original Japanese version.
Jemima, thanks! Second one is CassaFire.
Susan, very early.
Thanks, everyone!
Congrats on the new book! Hubby and I are excited to hear this! He was just asked if you had anything new out.
I'm fairly interested in your snark, Alex! It's great that you've found some gems in those genres!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
Okay, now I need to listen to Godzilla to make sure I'm hearing the right song. haha
That Evil Dead poster is funnier than they mean it to be.
Woo Hoo! Let's hear it for good critique partners:)
Hi Alex,
CONGRATS on you new contract and book! AWESOME NEWS! I am not surprised, though. There is ALWAYS another story...I can't wait to start on a new one. I have pounded my first two novels to DEATH... The present one is like giving birth...I still have to complete the remaining chapters and start shopping it. Fun. But, when that is all done, I hope to start an NEW and EXCITING story...
As you know, so much of my time has been in rehabbing my former condos and now my hopefully, last and final home. I finally have all the space I need and once most of the work is complete, I hope to focus full time on my writing. It has been too long. Life can be so trying, and for the past several years, mine has had more downs than ups...
Looking forward to seeing CASSADARK's new cover...
Congrats again!
Congrats on the new book! The only quote I was sure of was the one for Gremlins. And I read pretty much all genres, tho not erotica.
Congrats on your new book! CassaDark is a great title.
My favorite genre is paranormal, although I love finding books outside of this. The book I'm currently reading is a historical romance.
Congratulations on the contract! How exciting!
I like to write fantasy and mystery, but I read all kinds of genres, Lately I have been reading a ton of nonfiction. My reading varies with my mood. :)
~Jess
That's great news, Alex. Congratulations.
Congratulation Alex on the book contract. I am sure it will be amazing! I will definitely be reading it when available.
Congrats on the contract - and thanks for the perfect question this month, as our nation emerges from the threat of the coronavirus via a trifecta of effective vaccines!
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