Monday, September 18, 2023

Top Ten Werewolf Movies and IWSG Day Responses

Today I have a special guest, fellow author and my publisher, L. Diane Wolfe!

Top 10 Werewolf Movies

In celebration of the release of the third novella in my series, In Darkness: The Werewolf, Alex asked me about the top ten werewolf movies. There are dozens of lists, so I decided to go with MY top ten werewolf movies.


Silver Bullet – 1985

In a small town, brutal killings start to plague the close knit community. Marty Coslaw, a paraplegic boy, is convinced the murders are the doings of a werewolf.
This one will always be my favorite. I loved the story and the scenes with the werewolf scared the crap out of me. (I should mention that most werewolf movies scare me. A giant, vicious, furry creature outside? Probably why I never camped in a tent.) And I do own that German movie poster to the right, too.

Brotherhood of the Wolf – 2001
In 18th-century France, the Chevalier de Fronsac and his Native American friend Mani are sent to the Gevaudan province at the king's behest to investigate the killings of hundreds by a mysterious beast.
This foreign film is so stylish. There are so many things going on besides the beast killing people and quite a twist near the end.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans – 2009
An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans.
I could’ve filled up most of this list with the Underworld films since they all have lycans in them. This hits all the notes and is bittersweet.


Ginger Snaps – 2000

Two death-obsessed sisters, outcasts in their suburban neighborhood, must deal with the tragic consequences when one of them is bitten by a deadly werewolf.
This was a big surprise for such a small film. You really care about the two leads.

The Cabin in the Woods – 2011
Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin, where they get more than they bargained for, discovering the truth behind the cabin in the woods.
The werewolf is only in a little bit of this crazy-ass film, but he looks the part!

An American Werewolf in London – 1981
Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.
This one tops most lists as the transformation by Rick Baker was revolutionary at the time. Another bittersweet tale.


What We Do in The Shadows – 2014

Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav are vampires who are struggling with the mundane aspects of modern life, like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts.
Just a lot of laughs and the vampires are sworn enemies of the werewolves.

The Wolf of Snow Hollow – 2020
Terror grips a small mountain town as bodies are discovered after each full moon. Losing sleep, raising a teenage daughter, and caring for his ailing father, officer Marshall struggles to remind himself there's no such thing as werewolves.
Not perfect, but another quirky film that was tense and enjoyable.

The Howling – 1981
After a bizarre and near deadly encounter with a serial killer, a television newswoman is sent to a remote mountain resort whose residents may not be what they seem.
Another one that tops a lot of lists, this classic is good but best when the werewolves are not clearly seen.

Wolfen – 1981
A New York cop investigates a series of brutal deaths that resemble animal attacks.
It’s been years since I’ve seen it, but this was a unique take on the legend and very brooding.

So, there you have it – my favorite werewolf movies!


In Darkness: The Werewolf
By L. Diane Wolfe


Souls shrouded in darkness…
On her own in England, Vicki trains at a prestigious fencing school. Face marred by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals his genuine interest and they begin to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she wonders why he’s so shy and reclusive.
Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every werewolf legend is challenged by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie accepts his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they trust love enough to overcome their physical challenges?


Romance/Paranormal/Shifter, Romance/Paranormal, Fantasy/Paranormal
$3.99 eBook ISBN 9781939844927
Links: Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Scribed, and Goodreads



A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Find her: website, blog, and at the IWSG site.



IWSG Day Responses


To say the last IWSG day was overwhelming is an understatement. You guys are amazing! So many touching responses to the question about what the IWSG means to you. Too many to name for sure!

I never envisioned this group would still be going twelve years later. The blog hop is smaller, but that’s all right. More intimate. (And I managed to visit everyone last time!) We also have other IWSG groups for writers to join – Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram. Pus don’t forget there is our newsletter and the main website.

So, thanks to everyone who is a part of the IWSG in some way. I’m excited it means a safe haven for writers for those who participate, because that’s exactly what I wanted A place for all of us insecure writers to hang out!


What are your favorite werewolf films? What did you think of the IWSG responses this month? You guys rock!

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s Twelve Year Anniversary and September Movie Preview


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

The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!

Today’s question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?


Over twelve years ago, a casual comment to a writer friend led me to the name and idea of an Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

We began as this blog hop before launching the website a year later. Then followed Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a newsletter. And book contests! Our Twitter pitch, #IWSGPit. Plus we even sell IWSG swag. (Profits help pay for the domain name and email.)

First, big shout-out to my fellow IWSG Admins - Michelle, Diane, Pat, C. Lee, Juneta, Sandra, and the dozen previous admins who kept everything going.

Second, a big shout-out to all of you! Those of you participating in the blog hop, members of the Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram groups, subscribe to the newsletter, participated in the contests and #IWSGPit, support writers by reading…you are all awesome!


September Movie Preview


Here are the theatrical releases for September. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.


1 –


The Equalizer 3
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Stars: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, David Denman, Sonia Ammar Robert McCall finds himself at home in Southern Italy but he discovers his friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends' protector by taking on the mafia.
How many sequels do we need before Denzel can balance his checkbook?


15 –


A Haunting in Venice
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Stars: Kelly Reilly, Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh
In post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.
Spoiler alert – the gondola did it!


22 –


Expend4bles
Director: Scott Waugh
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, 50 Cent. Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren
The Expendables will square up against an arms dealer who commands the might of a massive private army.
Surprisingly, this movie is about tea parties and long, intricate conversations…not!


When did you discover the IWSG and what has it meant to you? Any movies catch your interest this month?
Be back in a couple weeks with a special guest!