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 April 7 posting of the IWSG are PK Hrezo, SE White, Lisa Buie Collard, and Diane Burton!
April 7 question - Are you a risk-taker when writing? Do you try something radically different in style/POV/etc. or add controversial topics to your work?
Definitely not a risk taker or one for controversial stuff. I know what works for me and my readers and I stick with it.
Movie Reviews
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Streaming on HBO Max.
I’m proud to say I liked Josh Whedon’s Justice League. It was like a comic book come to life. I do understand that if you weren’t a JL comic book fan, the experience might’ve fell short of your expectations.
Having seen Snyder’s other DC films and as a fan really enjoyed them, I thought they were too heavy-handed and lacked any humor at all. So, the idea of a four hour JL movie caused concern along with curiosity.
Keep in mind, this is not an extended version of the original film. This is an epic reimagining with heart, humor, and gigantic action. This is the film my eight-year-old self, reading his first JL comic book, always wanted to see.
All of the characters get screen time and development. Which may seem like a lot, but four hours goes by in the blink of an eye.
Only forty-plus minutes remain from the original film. And that forty-plus minutes has been repositioned and edited so the story is more coherent.
And if you think Darkseid (who gets screen time now) looks a little like Thanos – well, he came first in the comics! Marvel molded Thanos after Darkseid.
This is on The Avengers or Lord of the Rings epic level of film experience.If you are even slightly interested in DC, JL, or a good movie in general, this is a can’t miss event.
Highly recommended!
Godzilla vs. Kong
Plot is simple – Godzilla begins attacking. Kong can no longer be contained on Skull Island. They decide to take Kong to the entrance of a tunnel that will lead to Hollow Earth and hope he can guide them to an energy source that could defeat Godzilla. (Hey, you’re not watching a Godzilla film for realism!)
Similar to the previous film, the humans’ drama takes a back seat. It’s all about the monster fights, of which there are many. And more than just Godzilla and Kong.
In the Japanese movie, Kong wins, which never set with me. Atomic breath lizard equals flambe ape. But in this film, Kong is very smart and resourceful and knows how to avoid it.
The battles are epic. Lots of destruction.
Special effects are also top notch. It’s amazing the range of expression the manage on the two lead monsters.
Millie Bobby Brown and Kyle Chandler are the only two returning cast members. They do their best, but it really is all about the monsters.
I’d still place the first one as the best, just because the human element was better handled. They need a director who can bring out people while featuring the monsters. I really liked this one, just didn’t love it.
Watched this first night on HBO Max and will see it again very soon in the theater for the full experience.
Recommended.
New Releases
Rivals by Jennifer Lane
After landing her dream job as head volleyball coach at Ohio State University, Lauren Chase’s career has become a nightmare. Her only hope of saving her job is to recruit a star player to her team. Too bad the player’s twin has signed a football scholarship for OSU’s chief rival, Michigan. And too bad Michigan coach, Jeremy Trent, sends sparks through Lauren every time they cross paths. But no way will she pursue an attraction to a man who represents the university she hates.
Find it on Amazon
Reaching for Roots by Jemi Fraser
Cartoonist Emmy Rivera loves everything about the quirky town of Bloo Moose, but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to put down roots. That’s never worked out for her in the past.
Find it on Amazon Apple, and Barnes and Noble,
April Movie Preview
Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for April. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
9 -
Voyagers
A crew of astronauts on a multi-generational mission descend into paranoia and madness, not knowing what is real or not.
Director: Neil Burger
Stars: Colin Farrell, Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp |
They must’ve landed in 2020.
23 –
Mortal Combat
MMA fighter Cole Young seeks out Earth's greatest champions in order to stand against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe.
Director: Simon McQuoid
Stars: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson |
All I can hear is the battle cry – Mortal Combat!!!!
Are you a risk-taker when writing? Seen Zack Snyder’s Justice League? How about Godzilla vs. Kong? Picking up some new books? Either April movie interest you?
98 comments:
First comment? Unheard of.
All published writers are risk takers. Putting your work/and yourself out there is a risk too far for many, many people.
Definitely not a risk-taker. Hank would rather enjoy writing and bask in the wealth of acquiring info and sharing knowledge for a win-win situation. Wishing all the new writers well.
Hank
I agree with E.C. about writers being risk takers and I'm delighted to took that risk Alex. Huge congrats to those with new releases. I have to say REACHING FOR ROOTS is a great read.
I just hear "Finish him!"
I admit I've struggled with the new version of Justice League, and have given up on finishing it for now.
Hi Alex - essentially not a risk taker ... but I do jump into things and then get on with life. Good news about Jemi and her book - good luck to her. 'Fraid not the movies - though I'm looking forward to our local cinema opening up again with Avant Garde films ... and I'm looking forward to warmer weather. All the best with your writing, editing and all things publishing - cheers Hilary
Glad I'm not the only non-risk taker in the crowd...
Great news and reviews Alex. I take a risk every time I write as I am no expert by a long chalk.
Yvonne.
What Elephant's Child said struck a chord with me. While I'm not a risk taker, it does seem true that writer's putting ourselves out there is sorta a risk. LOL.
Have a good week.
Time for a trip to the movie theater! I love the fact that our town has pretty much been open the past year. I love freedom:) Happy Easter!
Elephant's Child, you are first!
Agree, Hank.
Sorry, Shannon.
Liza, you're not.
Cathrina, she's right.
Jennifer, I'm glad someone has enjoyed freedom!
Not a risk taker at all. Deep in my heart I might want to be and I enjoy reading authors who do put it all out there on the line. I appreciate when they expand their genres and really create.
I am plowing through the Zack Justice League - only an hour at a time. I'm almost done. It's good though I don't have anything to really compare it to.
Godzilla v King Kong is on my list for my HBO Max trial.
Still not venturing into Texas crowds yet - i.e. no baseball for sure. Folks are crazy.
Take care!
I am definitely a risk taker, leaning toward controversial topics. The first book that I "technically" published, using my pen name, was an interracial erotica. And the first book I published under my own name highlighted familial sexual abuse and a suicide attempt.
I have yet to watch ZS's Justice League. I'm hearing good things by a number of folks I respect, including you, so I may have to pop some popcorn and dedicate some time to checking this out. Mind you, it shouldn't be too hard for me given I'm also the same person who would willingly and joyfully sit through all Matrix films, including Animatrix, in a marathon...so yeah lol!
Congratulations for the new releases and wishing the authors the best in sales!
You write that you are not a risk taker. However, your characters often jeopardize their safety. And the reader experiences the thrill of adventure.
I took a risk and now links in my Website are broken. Here is my temporary URL: http://la-vita.us/write/
I think starting a writing COMMUNITY is a big risk! It has succeeded wildly.
Thank you for featuring Rivals!!! I'm editing my post right now to include your name on my list of gratitudes, duh.
Saw Godzilla and Kong and felt the same way about it. I’ve been wondering about the Justice League. Thanks for the feedback!
I love a good Godzilla film and will certainly see it again soon.
Thanks for the comprehensive reviews, Alex. Feel the same way about both films-pure guilty pleasure! Was looking forward to the new Mortal Combat . . . but no Johnny Cage? Seriously? Will still watch it, tho. A risk taker would be watching Zach Snyder's 4-hr opus in the theatre! I'd need at least 2 intermissions.
I'm not much of a risk taker either.
Thanks so much for showcasing Reaching For Roots!! Much appreciated! :)
And thanks for Mason for the support!
I agree with Elephant Child that we're all risk takers just by writing and submitting our work to others. I'm not much of a risk taker either though in what or how I write.
Agree with others, you're a risk taker by putting your writing out and it paid off.
Been in a bit of a new/newer movie slump, which is why we've been going back and watching older stuff. Just started revisiting some baseball-related movies since it's that time of year. :)
Yeah, my readers and I have no tolerance for risk, ha.
Godzilla vs. Kong...I saw a good review in the paper for it, too, and that surprised me! Sounds like it's worth a watch.
Congrats to Jemi and Jennifer AND your writing definitely works. Just ask your readers:)
Hope your muse is tap dancing on your shoulder;)
I don't think I'll be watching Voyagers. Descending into madness seems too sad to watch for me. I guess the answer to this month's question depends on how one perceives taking a risk. Happy IWSG, Alex.
If something already works, why fix it? I've often stopped watching shows because they've been spoiled by the writers / producers deciding to spice them up and make them more interesting. In my opinion, taking the risk not to do so would have been the better option.
I snorted my coffee a little when I read your comment for Voyagers - "Sounds like 2020"
Congrats to Jemi and Jennifer on their new releases. They're both amazing writers. Love their books!
I like to think I am adventurous but I know I don’t like risk taking and would plan everything out. I liked Justice League and wasn’t sure why they were showing this so now I know. I think the movie was quite good. I so want to see Godzilla vs Kong. I love the original from the 1960s so this will be great. The actors know they are taking a back seat. Let’s hope the vaccines come and people take them. I remember, when I was little, having to be vaccinated when we went to Europe..this was back in 1972. My mom showed the papers that we were immunized.
I wish I was more of a risk-taker. I think I come off as a little mundane. Ready for new adventures, though, after getting the COVID vaccine.
lol I had to say it in my head too "MORTAL COMBAT!" I say it around my house all the time, and ofc sing the theme song. My kids think I"m crazy. I'm a HUGE Godzilla fan and i just heard of this movie vs. KOng. So excited to see it! I'm sure you remember the early versions in the 70s and 80s. My entire household would always be for Kong and I was the only one rooting for Godzilla. lol fun memory. Thanks so much for letting me cohost today!! <3
I can't wait to see Godzilla and Kong. Two of my favorites!
Congrats to Jennifer and Jemi on their new releases! The Voyagers looks intriguing - loved the editorial comment.
I don't like weird POVs in books I read, so I don't write them. As for controversial topics? It seems that simply breathing is controversial these days.
I like your answer to this month's question--short & to the point. :)
Hi,
Yes, I am a risk taker.
Wishing you all the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Congrats to those with new releases. Jemi, I love Bloo Moose :)
Not a risk taker on a grand scale, but maybe little ones here and there.
I heard that Godzilla vs. Kong made quite a splash at the box office.
Another round of applause for Jemi and her series. That girl is on a roll.
Actually, in writing the post for this month's IWSG, I realized I am, indeed, a risk-taker. In many areas of my writing process, actually, I take risks. So thanks for the prompt. :-) Cheers!
Thanks for another great hop and post. I thoroughly enjoyed theZack Snyder’s Justice League. Totally worth 4 hours. Haven't seen Godzilla vs. Kong yet, but it's going to happen. Even if it's terrible, I will enjoy Mortal Combat. It's the nostalgia. Looking forward to it.
Joanne, I couldn't sit through the whole thing at one time either. Go watch the theatrical version and you'll see a huge difference.
Angela, you can do it! Get that popcorn.
Lynn, sorry!
Jennifer, thanks and you're welcome.
Nancy, that would be tough to see it all at once.
Jemi, you're welcome.
Elizabeth, park your brain at the door and enjoy.
Thanks, Sandra.
Patsy, well said!
Ellen, I am here to amuse.
Birgit, wow - didn't know you had to show papers.
PK, I always rooted for Godzilla!
Lee, you said it.
C. Lee, yes! Made way more than I thought it would.
Ultimately, publishing anything is a risk, eh? Happy writing in April, Captain Alex!
JSJL, loved it, but I also loved the other one. GVK, loved it, for me it was up there with SKULL ISLAND, I didn't care for any of the other Godzilla films, they were sort of over hyped blah. MK, I have not watched any trailers, I wanna love it and my fingers-crossed it will be at least fun. I/We need a little more fun in this world.
I hope all is going swell in your life, I am keeping my head up in the deep waters and pray for only good things.
So many good things, why not enjoy them.
Jeremy
In more recent months I watched just about all of the early Japanese Godzilla films. Sure they're cheesy and fake, but I still like those the best. The greater realism of the more modern versions is impressive, but something is missing for me. In my opinion the best Godzilla film was the very first one--so dark and foreboding.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I probably take more risks in my writing than I do in my personal life. Probably a subconscious means of living vicariously through my characters.
Hi Alex, though I am a big risk taker in my writing, nowadays I try to play it a little safe, mind you, the risk taking habit hasn't left me, but the tried and tested is diluting it :)
I haven't seen it yet, but I'm kind of hoping Godzilla and King Kong have epic battles with each other and then go to fight someone/something else and part ways...maybe.
:)
Congratulations to Jennifer and Jemi. I'm from Michigan and yes, big rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State. Sounds like a winner. And of course, Michigan wins, right? I am not a risk taker. In fact, in my memoir I define myself as happy with the status quo. My husband was and is the risk-taker in our family. I like it that way.
Publishing is a risk, so I do that. I haven't written anything radically different in style/POV/etc... yet. Who knows, I might get a bug up my butt and try something different someday. But I probably have some controversial events in my stories. No one is going to write for everyone. Right?
You are so right. When it works why change it and it certainly works for you. Thanks for all you do to help writers.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is on my TBW list.
I really liked Sadira's comment about it all being a risk! :-)
Big congratulations to Jennifer and Jemi!
I am interested in the new Mortal Kombat movie.
Sometimes, an imp inside my head pushes me to take a risk. Frankly, I've always regretted it. Except once, when I started writing out of the blue and surprised everyone who knew me. I never regretted that twist in my life.
Lots of good movies here to choose from and with Justice League streaming too. I am partial to monsters, all that beastie fighting is synergistic somehow. Seeing Voyagers movie release cover makes one wonder about the pros and cons of space travel.
Frankly I don't know why Kong and Godzilla don't just work together. They're both giant monsters. They should be friends.
Howdy, Captain!
Thanks for all you do for writers. Writing is a risky business. IWSG provides the confidence and support it takes to hop on a literary locomotive without fear of the tracks.
I'm sure the boys will see both movies you reviewed, which means I will as well ;-) I'm intrigued by the notion of monstrous expressions.
"They must have landed in 2020" Too funny!
Congratulations to Jennifer and Jemi! And, thank you Alex, for all you do to encourage and promote IWSG authors!
I loved Elephant Child's comment above - probably the most accurate response I've seen today :)
I might have to restart my HBO Max subscription to watch Justice League. I thought previous one wasn't bad, but it didn't really stick in my memory.
Yay for Jennifer! And way to go, Jemi! She's on fire.
Godzilla vs. Kong - as much as I love Kong as an original character, I couldn't bring myself to watch this. I figured it would have a simple plot. I bet the action between said creatures was pretty cool, though.
I'm still wavering on Justice League. I don't normally have 4 hours when I sit down to watch TV, so it'll have to be over multiple nights, and I'm not sure if I'm that committed.
Jeremy, I still like the other Justice League as well. Although I admit I didn't like Skull Island that much. The first Godzilla is still the best for me, but then again I really dig the director and his style.
Lee, it still remains one of the best. Impressive for its time.
Patricia, I watched it in three settings the first time and then two the second time.
Tyrean, your wish may be granted...
JQ, Ohio wins!
Olga, well, there you go!
JE, watch it and see!!!
Diedre, I am here to amuse.
Loni, do it - this one will!
SA, it was.
Liz, break it into two or three nights.
I definitely need to go see Godzilla Vs. Kong on the big screen. The problem is where to see it in my area and so finding out what theatres have reopened. And keeping social distance.
I miss movies.
I've been binging old sitcoms, but I have enjoyed The Falcon and the Winter Soldier...
I will probably watch JL since I'm on spring break and have some extra time--but only because you said so!
Congrats to Jennifer and Jemi!
Happy IWSG day!
Tara Tyler Talks
I've loved creature features since I was a kid and watched the rubberized Godzilla duking it out with King Kong more than once. I can't wait to see it again.
Anna from elements of emaginette
"Atomic breath lizard equals flambe ape" sounds both logical and also like something which should definitely be a band name. Maybe the IWSG should look into forming a band, now that the name is all sorted out.
Definitely not a risk-taker. My writing is for entertainment and escapism, not trying to change the world.
Yeah. They had to give Kong Thor's hammer to make him stand up to Godzilla. But fun one indeed, even if the human characters were pointless. Never watched Justice League yet. After the first version and Snyder's whole Martha scene in bvs that is one of the most cringeworthy scenes ever made, just haven't bothered.
I'm a risk taker every night when I drift into the dreamscape as who knows where I might go. haha..well, it is true.
Voyagers looks good but, it might be a bit like life as we currently know it. sigh..
I always wanted to put out a poetry chap book,however, after a bad experience I shelved the idea.
Peace, light and happiness...and taking risks...
I'm not sure I can sit through four hours of movie...;)
Congratulations to Jemi and Jennifer for their new releases. Both books sounds like fun reads. When it comes to the movies you watched, I’m sorry to say that I have no clue about anything you mention in the first one. I’ve heard of Godzilla and Kong (I assume this is King Kong?), but monsters don’t do it for me. The movie Voyager does interest me; love your snark there. But, whenever I have downtime, I prefer to read. My TBR list on my tablet is huge! Happy April, Alex. May it be a positive month for you and yours.
Congrats to all the new releases!
Good job for sticking with what your readers like! That's what every fan/reader wants, I think.
So pleased that Jemi has another book out. Her reads are awesome.
Lovely to see all the new releases! I always learn so much whenever I read your posts, Alex.
Damyanti Biswas
I'd like to see Zack Snyder’s Justice League if it becomes available in the UK. It sounds up my street. Voyagers might be interesting, too.
Congratulations to Jennifer Lane and Jemi Fraser on their new releases.
Congratulations to Jennifer and Jemi!
Steven, so far crowds at theaters are small so I've had no problem with distancing at ours.
Tara, that's a fun show.
SE, I'll pass that name on to my band!
Ian, mine as well.
Pat, he really made a good one this time - check it out.
Lynda, we had to break up the viewing.
Ha! Our answers for this month's question could have been identical.
Getting my words out into the public can feel risk-taking for me! I didn't know Mortal Combat had a movie coming out. I know the game is a loud one, so I'd have to turn down the volume for that one, I imagine!
Knowing what you like to write and what your readers like to read is a step in the right direction for publishing and being successful, Alex. But if you think about it, you are a risk-taker each time you write a new release, hoping your fans will like it. Bravo to you always, Alex. Thanks for all you do to assist your fellow writer. All best to you, sir.
Watched Wonder Woman last night. Agree with your assessment. Good but not as good as the first one. Loved seeing Chris Pine again.
Not a risk taker - in writing or otherwise.
Nice to see Jemi has a new release! Wishing her the very best.
Watch JL and Godzilla vs Kong as part of family movie night. Loved them both. Liked how each member of the newly formed JL team getting their own character development time. And can't wait for the next JL movie with Darkseid.
My family were in a big disagreement about who'd win Godzilla or Kong. For the first time ever it was three against one, me and the boys as team Godzilla against their dad.
I watched Snyder's JL and I was completely surprised. I never really read comics, but I love DC and Marvel movies. Snyder's DL is a totally different story and a much better setup for a next movie than the first version.
Not a Godzilla fan so I was rooting for the ape. How many thousands of people died in those huge battles?
I'll probably catch Mortal Kombat.
Thanks for the review on Gozilla v Kong. I was interested in learning your take. Much better than "meh" is, well, better than "meh."
Be well, Alex.
I am definitely a risk taker when I write. I love the controversial stuff; anything that makes a reader stop and think around the edges of life.
I'm not sure about these latest movies. I'm really getting tired of rehashing the tried-and=true over and over. Somebody give me something new and interesting in the super-hero genre.
You made me laugh when you said they must've landed in 2020 about the movie Voyagers. So true.
Congratulations to Jemi Fraser! That's awesome!
Have a great weekend, Alex!
Elsie
I read 'snark' as 'shark'. What does that mean? Swimming risk?
Yes - I am a risk taker when it comes to writing. I like to insert controversial topics through my characters. I've risked (haha) writing different genres, not always successfully. Some of those attempts were cringe-worthy.
I'm intrigued by this Voyagers movie as I spent some part of lockdown watching StarTrek Voyager, which I didn't like as much as Deep Space 9. The writing could have been better.
Great topic for me right now. I have been writing flash fictions, and I am debating on entering one in the national flash fiction contest. The leader of our writer's group recommended that I enter it. I'm just not sure if it's too much me. I put out my non-fiction blog writing all the time, but this is different, scary. I have ten more days to decide how much of a risk-taker I am about my writing.
Gwen, great minds think alike.
Thanks, Victoria!
Sandra, yeah, I think he's really gone this time...
Lidy, that was the best part - we got more backstory on each character. (Which will help when they get their own movies.)
Susan, it was! And I'd say at least then thousand died.
Elsie I am here to amuse.
Roland - funny!
Rhonda, go for it!
Like you, Alex, I tend to stick to what works for me and what my readers like.
Colleagues a work mentioned Zack Snyder's rather lengthy Justice League and from their comments, the first hour is worth watching. And I've recently read QualityLand by Marc-Uwe Kling, a satirical and dystopian commentary on AIs and humans reliance on 'connections'. Worth reading.
I usually stick with the genres I enjoy writing- so not to risky in that area. But- I think putting yourself out there as a writer is a risk in itself- and I do put my writing out there. :)
~Jess
Godzilla vs Kong is one that I'm anxiously waiting to hit Netflix.
Good to see your name. Did you go to the theater or online streaming?
Alex, I think you are a brilliant writer, and very talented. Personally, I think any "artist" who is willing to put their talent out into the world, is taking a risk. A risk worth doing! Justice League looks good! Congrats on the new releases! Take Care! Big Hugs!
Luciana, lengthy but worth it.
Mary, not sure when it will, but it's on HBO Max right now.
Susan, online first day, then we saw it again in the theater.
Even though my writing is limited to blog posts, I'm not really a risk taker. I think it's mostly because I don't ever feel like arguing with strangers on the internet, haha, so I write about what I know or what I've experienced. If I have opinions on anything remotely controversial, typically only my family and close friends know what they are.
I saw Godzilla vs Kong. I didn't expect to like Kong so much as a character.
I remember playing Mortal Combat a few times.
It has been one heck of a month.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
I'm not a big DC movie-goer, but I didn't know that about the Snyder cut basically being wholly different. That's interesting!
I loved Mortal Kombat. Much better than the original movie, and still managing to bring back that nostalgia (from the original movie, because I wasn't allowed to play the game as a kid lol).
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