Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, October Movie Releases, Romulan Ale, Friends to the End, and New Books


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 October 6 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, J Lenni Dorner, Cathrina Constantine, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Mary Aalgaard!

Today’s question: In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?

I’ve two guests today, so I’ll keep it brief. I won’t write something I’d be afraid to show my pastor.

Romulan Ale and Beverages in Science Fiction

If you enjoy science fiction movies and books, you might have noticed a tendency for writers to give a unique twist to beverages and food. Romulan ale, the famed blue alcoholic beverage from the Star Trek universe was first introduced in the original Star Trek II: Wrath of Kahn.

"Romulan ale? Why Bones, you know this is illegal."
"I only use it for medicinal purposes."

– James T. Kirk and Leonard McCoy, 2285 (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

In the prime/first reality of the Star Trek universe, Romulan ale was illegal because of a trade embargo. Later in that universe, the embargo is lifted at the Romulan-Federation Alliance during the Dominion war, and the drink is brought out as part of the celebration. It turns out most officers sampled it before it was ever legalized (wink, wink).

In the new, alternate reality of Star Trek Beyond, Romulan ale isn’t illegal and is enjoyed by Montgomery Scott at James T. Kirk’s birthday party.

Romulan ale is a perfect example of creating authentic world-building from the embargo to the illegal sampling to the use of it in the alternative universe.


In The Rayatana Series, “awak” is like a mixture of coffee and tea with similar properties. I created awak as a YA-friendly homage to all the other science fiction beverages out there in the books and movies I love.


Nexus: The Rayatana Book 2 by Tyrean Martinson

Young Adult - Science Fiction/Adventure/Sweet Romance
Amaya is supposed to bring peace to the galaxy. Which is tough when she’s being held for crimes against the Neutral Zone. Her imprisonment is on her own ship with her own crew. But close quarters create tension.
Honestly, her role as Rayatana is a mess.
She may never get to use her powers for anything good. Not if her teacher continues to keep secrets, and not if her powers keep harming others. Putting her mother in a coma should put her in prison, but she has a mission. She wants to bring peace to her people. She needs to become the Rayatana.

Book Links: Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon AU, Amazon CA, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, Goodreads, and BookBub


Friends to the End

What better way to enter October than with a ghost story?

The fictional town in Friends to the End is loosely based on stories I’d heard as a teenager. Tucked between the homes of what would otherwise be a peaceful rural road is the second most haunted cemetery in Illinois. I passed this road everyday as the bus took me to school. I’d heard the stories of apparitions floating above graves or walking down the road. And I drew inspiration from them to weave together a chilling adventure I hope will entertain children and adults alike.


Friends to the End by CL Colver (website - blog)

Middle-grade, Ghosts, Action-Adventure
Zach doesn’t believe in ghosts…but he should.
Twelve-year-old Zach is convinced he'll never be happy without his best friend Jeremy by his side. But both of their lives changed with a bang five months ago, and as far as Zach's concerned, it's his fault Jeremy will never see his twelfth birthday.
When Zach moves with his family to a Chicago suburb, he quickly becomes friends with a group of thrill-seeking kids trying to find a disappearing haunted house. But Zach's not worried. He doesn't believe in ghosts, so he follows them into a wild, dangerous encounter that becomes a battle to decide what's real and what's not.

Buy links: Universal Buy Link, Amzon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Goodreads

New Books


Criminal Intent by Patsy Collins

Criminals, victims and those wrongly suspected all have a story to tell. This book contains 24 of them.
Find it on Amazon



Snowflakes and Shivers by Jemima Pett

Available October 7
Fantastic beasts leave their footprints in the snow; Christmas tree fairies reflect on their lives; snowflakes discover their destiny; raccoons save Father Christmas, and some randy space cadets have the Christmas of their dreams.
Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Scribed, and Smashwords


October Movie Preview

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


1 –


Venom: Let There be Carnage
Tom Hardy returns to the big screen as the lethal protector Venom, one of MARVEL's greatest and most complex characters.
Director: Andy Serkis
Stars: Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Stephen Graham, Michelle Williams
Because there were so many pesky, unanswered questions from the first one…


8 –


No Time to Die
James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Stars: Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux
2:30 on a Tuesday might be a good time to die…


22 –


Dune
Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert's science fiction novel, about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac
No Lynch Weirdness? No overacting by Sting? I’m in!


26 –


RiffTrax Live – Amityville 4: The Evil Escapes
Visit RiffTrax for theater listings and tickets.
What’s scarier than an Amityville sequel? One that was made for television…


Where do you draw the line in writing? Would you try Romulan ale? An ghostly legends where you grew up? And what movie catches your fancy this month?

Be back on October 18 with movie reviews and more!

105 comments:

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Happy IWSG day, good buddy! I enjoyed your essay on Romulan Ale and Beverages in Science Fiction, all new info to me. Did you read that "Kirk" is about to boldly go where no 90 year old has ever gone before?

I like Woody Harrelson and Michelle Williams and I'm down for the Venom sequel. I'm still waiting for Connery to return to the role of 007. I'm gonna have a lonnnnnnnng wait.

Your concise answer to the ? of the month makes good sense. Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy Alex!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

The amount of worldbuilding and attention to detail in SF has always staggered me!

My husband will be first in line to see Dune. :)

Erika Beebe said...

I think it’s brilliant to create new beverages in books. Fans love it. They drive to recreate it. I’m thinking of Harry Potter and his famous brew. My kids have begged me to make it for Halloween. Happy IWSG Day :)

Jemima Pett said...

Oh, I do love a good alternate universe edition of an old favourite. And thanks for the plug for my collections, Alex.
I think it's interesting that nearly 20 years after my Mum died, my response to the question of the month is no longer 'anything I couldnt show my mum'. I wonder if I'm now more tolerant or less?
Happy IWSG day :)

Jemima

Liza said...

My husband was a Star Wars trivia fanatic. Would have loved discussing Romulan Ale with him.

C.D. Gallant-King said...

The first Venom movie was surprisingly fun and better than it deserved to be, so I will definitely check out the sequel. Personally I found both the original Dune book and movie dreadfully boring, so I'm not sure about this new one...

Nilanjana Bose said...

I write more strict than I read or watch, but gratuitous bad language is tedious and off putting.

Definitely getting to No Time to Die as soon as it's within my range.

Have a great October!

Joanne said...

I'm with Nila - in the front row for Bond, James Bond.

Steph W. said...

Great list today! But I have to say, as a kid my dad always teased me for liking Sting's hair. I am slightly saddened by his absence, lol.

Jennifer Lane said...

Congratulations, Cherie! Interesting about the ale.

Steph W. said...

I forgot to mention my favorite SciFi drink has always been the pan galactic gargle blaster. "Like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped around a large gold brick."

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

My husband wants to see the new James Bond, and I'm looking forward to giving M. Night Shyamalan's OLD a try - fingers crossed! :)

Cherie Colyer said...

Thanks for having me on your blog!

Nexus looks intriguing. Anything with a flaming beverage (especially one with coffee in it) has my attention.

Congrats to everyone with new books!

Diane Burton said...

I need to get me some Romulan Ale. I like your answer to this month's question. Short and to the point. Dune and Bond are on my To-Watch list. Who will be the next Bond?

Stacy McKitrick said...

In regards to language: I write what I like to read, so I won't write something I don't like to read myself. But I suppose where topics are involved, if I want to say something in my books, I'd like to do it below the radar so the reader isn't hit over the head with my message. Not that I've done that (written with a message in mind). At least, I don't think I have. Which means, if I have, then I even went below my own radar!! :D

Natalie Aguirre said...

I think you draw a good boundary in your writing, Alex! Congrats to Tyrean on her new release.

I've seen previews for Dune, and it looks really good.

Sandra Cox said...

Loved the post on sci-fi beverages;)
Congrats to our wonderful authors with new releases.
'Lo, Alex:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Shady, no, I didn't read it! Will go in search.

Erika, you should!

Jemima, you're welcome!

CD, I wasn't crazy about the book either.

Steph - funny!

Cherie, you're welcome!

Diane, all we know is it will be a guy.

Stacy, my books' themes go below my radar!

Lidy said...

Happy IWSG Day! Think I'd try a Romulan ale. Saw Venom this weekend and enjoyed it. Definitely know my hubby would want to see the new Bond movie. I'm more looking forward to Ghostbusters Afterlife and how they're going to portray the next generation of ghostbusting. I draw the line at violence against women and children. Racial, LGBTQ and otherness based violence too. See enough of that on the news to write graphic details about it in my WIPs.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Great post, Alex. Your answer is spot on. And the info about the ale is fascinating. Dune is one of my all-time favourites. Happy IWSG Day.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, enjoyed reading about Romulan ale. Friends to The End looks lovely. Will add it to my TBR pile.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I want to see Dune!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I would try Romulan ale.

I'm looking forward to Dune. I actually liked the movie with Sting though. I thought it was better than the book, because in the book Paul was a jerk and I didn't like him.

cleemckenzie said...

Succinct answers are sometimes the best! Amityville is up to 4 sequels?

Carrie-Anne said...

I'd probably try a sip of Romulan ale, but I don't know if I'd want to drink an entire glass. Hard liquor isn't usually my style. I'm more of a beer and sweet wine person.

Jemi Fraser said...

I LOVED Nexus!! Congrats to Tyrean and all the others with new books out!!

I think I want to reread Dune before I see the movie - it's been a decade or 2 :)

H. R. Sinclair said...

Ghost stories! Hooray! And right now it's super foggy here, perfect scary story weather.

I have food in my stories too!

Cathrina Constantine said...

I am so looking forward to all of these new movies and actually going into a movie theater to watch them. Since the covid lockdown, I've only been in the theater once in over a year and a half.

My very first book, a christian/paranormal fantasy had been gifted to my priest. When there is a battle between heaven and hell, it's not all sweet words and pretty scenes. I am sorry if my writings offended anyone. Evil wears many different faces.

Congrats to all the new releases!!

Damyanti Biswas said...

I'm definitely in for some scifi beverage. Thanks for always sharing so generously about other writers--adding a few to my TBR pile.

Meka James said...

The family went to see Venom 2 yesterday. They all seemed to like the first one better. I won't make a determination until it hits one of the streaming services. I am a Bond fan so I'm interested to see how they wrap up Daniel Craig's time in the role, but again once I can watch it at home.

Loni Townsend said...

Good world-building is a prize!

I so want to see Venom 2, though it will probably have to wait until it comes out on video so I can watch it with my son. He loved the first one, so I'm hoping he'll get a kick out of the second.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Interesting info about the fictional beverages. Might be time to add something like that to my books :-)

I'm passing on the movie selection this month -- the books look interesting, though.

Ronel visiting for IWSG day as co-host The IWSG Goodreads Book Club

Lynda Dietz said...

I love the Star Trek universe, and all the things that carry over and change, but are still a familiar anchor for die-hard fans. And I'm looking forward to seeing Dune in theaters . . . the book series is one of my husband's favorites, though he fully admits they go off-track into tedium here and there as they go forward.

As far as my writing? I'm kind of with you on that one. I always have in mind that my audience includes my pastor and a variety of friend and family groups. It helps to keep me on track.

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

I'll write something that I'd be afraid to show my pastor only if the story or events in them call for it; I just won't show it to my pastor. Friends to the End sounds like it might be good. A TV movie of Amityville does sound scary! Especially for me since I was never a fan of movies made for TV (a few exceptions).

Tyrean Martinson said...

Alex - thanks for hosting my guest post!

Shady - no, I hadn't heard that news yet.
Elizabeth - World-building is actually fun for me. I guess I'm a nerd.
Erika - that's a great idea for Halloween.
Liza - Star Trek and Star Wars lovers all love our trivia. :)
Steph - I like the gargle blaster, too. :)
Cheri - Thanks!
Diane - same.
Natalie - thank you!
Sandra - thanks!
Diane, Rachna, Carrie - it was fun writing about Romulan Ale because I love Star Trek.
Jemi, Cathrina, HR - Thank you!
Damyanti - thanks for adding to your TBR pile!
Ronel - it's fun to add in some comfort foods and beverages to sci fi worlds. :)

Jan Morrison said...

Fear is the mind-killer! I've waited at least 50 years for this movie!

As to your succinct answer I agree but with the proviso that my spiritual leader has to be the sort who reads everything!

Sherry Ellis said...

I like your statement about not writing anything you wouldn't show your pastor. That's classy.

Anonymous said...

I love where you draw your line. You make me want to be a better person. 💖

I'm up for the new Dune. I hope it will heal me. I'm still scarred from that first hot mess.

diedre Knight said...

Howdy Captain!

Lots of awesome information here! Enjoyed learning about Romulan ale. Reality squirming its way into fiction can be a good thing.

I like your answer to the IWSG question. I don't have a pastor, but I know my grandma's watching ;-)

I'm interested in all four books! I might see "Dune", and will probably watch "Amityville" from behind the sofa.

Have a wonderful month!

Arlee Bird said...

I'm with you on your writing criteria. If an author would be ashamed for someone else to be reading their writing then maybe they shouldn't be writing such stuff at all. I write to convey ideas and not to shock readers and drive some of them away.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

J E Oneil said...

Already got my ticket to go see Carnage. Nothing's keeping me out of that theater!

Chemist Ken said...

The wife and I are going to see 007 on Friday. Not sure if she'll want to see Venom, even though she watched the first one. But she'll use almost any excuse to buy movie popcorn, so the odds are good.

Carol Kilgore said...

Two great guest posts! Looking forward to the new Bond movie. Not thrilled about another Amityville. Been there, literally.
Happy October!

Mary Aalgaard said...

I'd love to try Romulan ale! That is a great way to pull us in as viewers/readers.
Thanks, again, for all you do, Alex! It's a blast helping to co-host IWSG day!

Fundy Blue said...

Happy IWSG Day, Alex! I love your answer about writing topics and language. Congratulations to all the of authors releasing new books! I plan to see "Dune" and "No time to Die" ~ In a real movie theatre! I'll be a little late making the rounds today, because I have some appointments! Take care, my friend!

Olga Godim said...

What a fascinating selection of books and movies. I have trouble choosing what to start with.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lidy, that's a movie I'm also looking forward to. Yes, seen too much violence in the real world.

Lee, and a reboot!

Carrie-Anne, I agree.

Cathrina, it doesn't sound offensive at all to me. We've also visited the theater many times in the past year.

Lynda, good plan!

Tyrean, you're welcome!

Jan - good point!

Lee, that made me chuckle.

Ken, if it's good popcorn, then of course!

Carol, but it's RiffTrax riffing the movie!


Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi Alex,

First, CONGRATS to Tyrean, C.L., Patsy, and Jemima for their new releases~ All the best!

Not much into movies lately... I pass on these, I'd rather read a good book and there are some great wants I want to read!

Happy IWSG DAY and Halloween everyone!

kjmckendry said...

I agree Alex, I don't feel I can write anything that I wouldn't want my mom or my kids to read! :)

Congrats to all the people with new books out! This group is so awesome!!

Melissa said...

Simple but thorough answer.

Congrats to all with new releases!

Denise Covey said...

Congratulations to Tyrean, C.L., Patsy, and Jemima for their new releases~ All the best! Prolific writing community! Looking forward to seeing the new Bond.

Lynn La Vita said...

The two guest interviews were a delight to read.
Your answer to the October Blog Hop question was similar to what I wrote. However, your answer was succinct and mine was long winded.

Mel Chesley said...

Ahh it's good to be back! Those books look intriguing! Thanks for being awesome, Alex!

Bish Denham said...

Congratulations to the authors! I'm thinking I'm going to have to check out some of them.

As for the line I draw, since I write for kids I like spread a little magic and wonder. There's enough angst and pain and suffering in the world already. I don't want to add to it when I'd rather go to Neverland or Wonderland.

Sadira Stone said...

Hubs is a major Trekkie, and your post makes me wonder--has anyone ever created a recipe book of Star Trek-themed cocktails? Someone must've formulated their own version of Romulan Ale. Happy writing in October!

Liz A. said...

That reminds me of the coffee substitute in Anne McCaffrey's Pern. Klah? Something like that. Someone somewhere has created Romulan ale, I'm sure.

Leigh Caron said...

Great interviews, and movie selections. I really want to see No Time to Die, and yes..in a movie theater. I haven't been in almost 2 years. And that's a great answer about showing your pastor.

Cherie Colyer said...

Thanks Jennifer, Steven, Rachna, Michael, and Denise, as well as all the other good wishes.

I realized I didn't answer this month's question. I draw the line at anything I wouldn't want my friends reading.


(a.k.a C.L. this month.)

Rhonda Albom said...

Who doesn't love a great ghost story in October?

And as for writing, I keep it clean, what my mom can read, like someone, maybe you, said above.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Congrats, Tyrean, on your exciting new release!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kathy, good for you!

Lynn, I am a man of few words.

Bish, exactly!

Sadira, good question!

Liz, I think that's it.

Pat Hatt said...

Easy way to sum up your line.

I think I'll go for 4 PM on a Friday. Then I can die in my car in the middle of traffic and tick everyone off even in death. lol too wordy of a title?

Gwen Gardner said...

HaHa! Using your pastor as a guideline is an excellent answer.

J Lenni Dorner said...

Sure, I'd drink the ale. And there are ghostly legends all over the place here. I reviewed at least one of the books that's about some of the local haunting legends here. Happy IWSG day.

kimlajevardi.com said...

Congrats to Tyrean!

Fantasy writers also make up food and drinks, at least I did. It’s part of the fun of writing worlds, isn’t it.

Jenni said...

I love your short but sweet line that you will not cross. I have a similar one.
I like how they used Romulan ale in Star Trek. It reminds me of the Star Wars blue milk, which we had to have when we went to Disney World.
Both these books sound intriguing! I like that Friends to the End was inspired by a real place!

Birgit said...

Congrats to all the new authors and ghosts may exist. Who would not like Romulan Ale, the best stuff is the stuff you are not allowed to have. I could never write or read a book glorifying a serial killer something like Dexter. We bought tickets, in advance, this Saturday, for No Time To Die. Gee, I just realize I’m going for surgery this Tuesday and I just wrote that title.

Juneta key said...

I am looking forward to seeing the new James Bond and Dune.

Susan B.Rouchard said...

Thanks for this heads up on the sci-fi. Also looking forward to the Dune and latest , two years old now, James Bond. Will be sad to see Craig go….
Watching Nolan’s Tenet……after Inception and Interstellar for the third time each..and a foray down memory lane with Contact for the second time. What can’t Jodie Foster pull off ?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Pat, I like it!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - I don't like overdoing things and thus wouldn't like reading it. The books by fellow authors look to be fun, and interesting and appropriate to this time of year - good luck to them. Not my sort of films - but I always enjoy your reviews ... cheers Hilary

Yolanda Renée said...

If I could drink alcohol, I would. I'll probably watch Halloween just to get in the mood. LOL

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Scary movies aren't for me, but I'd see Hocus Pocus.
Cheers, Alex.
Stay well and warm.

mail4rosey said...

My oldest (grown) son wants to see the new Venom. I still haven't seen the first one. Crazy that it's October already.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Scifi is a lot like epic fantasy--we are in charge of the world-building from the ground up along with food and beverages. It's quite fun!

newsstand pilgrim said...

I wonder what the name of the smoothie being prepared by Luke Skywalker's Aunt Beru was?

Maybe a Mos ICEley? Extra scum and villainy?

Truedessa said...

I am not a fan of scary movies. I have enough paranormal happenings in my daily life. It’s true.

I am looking forward to seeing Bond, I plan to go to the theater. I haven’t been in 18 months. Regal at the mall used to be busy and now it looks like a ghost town.

How is the editing going?

Emma L Gill said...

I can't wait to see the new Dune! And thank you for calling out some interesting new books for me to add to the never-ending 'to-be-read' list...
Have a great October :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Debs, thanks!

Yolanda, you can't?

Pilgrim - funny!

Stephen Tremp said...

Ha! I just watched a clip on YouTube of The Big Bang Theory they were drinking the blue stuff and it's the only thing that impressed Penny pretty funny stuff.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Congrats to all the authors featured today.

I always thought I'd avoid writing something I wouldn't show to my mum. Turns out, I can... and she's read it too!

Andrew Leon said...

I think pastors are a horrible way to make writing decisions.

Tammy Theriault said...

I write clean. I have teens I'm in charge of at church and though I'm in no place to ever tell them what they can or can't do, I can lead by example. Plus...Venom 2!!! Can't wait to see it.

John Wiswell said...

If I could see any movie this month, it would definitely be Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho. After Hot Fuzz, Shawn of the Dead, and At World's End, he's shown he's a master director. I'm super down to see him try a pure Horror movie.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

I'm with you, Alex. If my priest can't read the book, I can't write that book.

Excellent titles, covers, and blurbs about the new reads coming out. Bravo to all the authors.

As far as the movies go, aren't all Bond movies about "mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology"? That's what makes the Bond series so intriguing. All best to you, sir!

Liesbet said...

Congratulations to all the authors with new releases! Great answer to this month's question, Alex! Since I write non-fiction, I better stay truthful to the story and the dialogue. Yet, certain scenes might be omitted because I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing them, or reading them myself. :-)

I'd love to see the new James Bond movie. My mom saw Dune in Belgium (she read all the books) and enjoyed it. Not sure if it's my thing. But I would like to try Romulan ale, though. :-)

Happy weekend!!!

Janet Alcorn said...

Ooh, I'm glad to hear Felix Leiter is in the new Bond! A belated happy IWSG day!

Tara Tyler said...

Yay for new book releases!

I draw the line at cheesy sequels and remakes — Hollywood, please read outside your bubble and take a chance on new writers... ugh
But I will say Dune is one that could’ve used some improvement =D

Thanks for always encouraging writers and promoting. You are a primo example, jefe!

Hope you and yours are well
Tara Tyler Talks

Mary Kirkland said...

Romulan Ale is something every Star Trek watcher would smile about.

I am looking forward to another Venom movie.

DMS said...

Romulan Ale- as a hugs Star Trek fan I would have to give it a try if I ever had the chance. :)

Love the cover of Friends to the End.
~Jess

G. B. Miller said...

Re: Dune. Is that another reboot/rebirth of that book? Seems they've done quite a few versions of the book over the decades.

Re question: I would say that probably what is in a typical ToS in a website's platform (e.g. Blogger) would be the usual off-limits to what I'd write. There might be a few others that personally give me the creeps that I would write about either.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I'd already been excited when I heard they were making another Dune, but when I heard they were doing it as two films I was totally in. And what a great cast!

Christine Rains said...

Congrats to Tyrean and Cherie! Both books are ones I'm eager to get a hold of. I don't drink alcohol, but maybe some chocolate so good it's illegal! Lots of great horror films out this month and not enough time to sit down and watch them all. I'm very curious about Dune. Hope you do a review if you go to see it. :) Have a great week, Alex!

Al Penwasser said...

Didn't Romulan Ale give the officers of the Enterprise a wicked hangover in Star Trek VI?
Yes, I'm kind of a nerd that way.

Al Penwasser said...

Saw "The Many Saints of Newark" last week. I thought it was pretty and you didn't have to watch "The Sopranos" to appreciate it.
Next:
James Bond
then
Venom 2

Al Penwasser said...

Saw "The Many Saints of Newark" last week. I thought it was pretty good and you didn't have to watch "The Sopranos" to appreciate it.
Next:
James Bond
then
Venom 2

Sandra Cox said...

The Rayatana series sounds intriguing.
YOU have a great weekend.

Deniz Bevan said...

Ooh, I'd like to taste Romulan ale... I'd also still like to taste the butterbeer they have at DisneyWorld! And bake some lembas and... Food from books is always interesting :-)

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I've not heard too many good things about Venom, so not rushing to see it.

I need to grab Tyrean's book and add it to my extensive reading list. But I need to own it for the day when I have nothing to do!

Toi Thomas said...

Not sure how I missed this. Great post.
I'm enjoying Nexus.
Venom: Let There be Carnage is high on my list. I feel like I might venture out to see Dune. No Time to Die will be seen just because I've seen all the other ones.

Susan Kane said...

Good to see your name. Toi Thomas said what I wanted to say. RiffTrax would be great fun. Will check it out, see when and where.

Susan Kane said...

Good to see your name!

We haven't been to a movie in a month, a year before that. Dune, I hope it is good. The 1983 version was disappointing. Max Van Sydown, Patrick Stewart and many others were good.

Blue Grumpster said...

I hope that Bond movie is worth our while, Alex. No agendas being pushed down our throats, I mean.

I had no idea there was going to be a 2nd Venom in theaters.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I won't hurt animals in my writing, unless it's off the page/in the past. (It is a big tell of a serial killer.) I also won't do gratuitous violence, and I'm not much for gore. I don't "get back" at real people in my work, either. Everything is fictional.

Great post as usual, Alex!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I get the impression that Romulan Ale leaves one with one hell of a hangover. However, it appears to be one of the beverages that is most sought after. I'm wondering if it just tastes really good.