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 May 1 posting of the IWSG are Victoria Marie Lees, Kim Lajevardi, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!
May 1 question - How do you deal with distractions when you are writing? Do they derail you?
Life is a distraction. So, not much distracts me. I might take my time, but I keep writing and plodding forward. And, thank God, I’ve not had anything happen in my life that was so massive it derailed me. Other than a few years when nothing inspired me. (Then I envisioned CassaDark and another book sprang forth.) As for little distractions, headphones do wonders.
What about you?
We need co-hosts for the next few months! June through September. Let me know if you can help. We have to have at least three co-hosts each month. If you’ve never volunteered (and many of you haven’t!) consider doing so. It’s a ton of fun.
Series Review - Fallout
I’m a huge fan of the games. I’ve spent more time wandering the wasteland than I’d care to admit.
And I can safely say that this series was obviously made by dedicated fans who loved and admired the game. Every detail is near perfect.
If you’ve played the game, there are thousands of Easter eggs.
If you’ve never played the game, you can immerse yourself in the world with a compelling story, great acting, and amazing effects.
It’s rare I plow through a series (I’m not a binge watcher) but I watched all the episodes in five days – it was that good. (And I plan to rewatch them soon.)
If you like your post-apocalyptic stories on the crazy side, you will dig Fallout.
Highly recommended!
Upcoming Release!
ONE TUESDAY, EARLY by Annalisa Crawford
(14 May 2024, Vine Leaves Press)
You’re on your own and you shouldn’t be. Your partner is missing. The streets are empty. Even the birds have disappeared. What do you do?
Links: Vine Leaves Press store (paperback only) and all other retailers (paperback and ebook)
Mom’s Memories and Reflections on Motherhood by JQ Rose
Mom’s Memories and Reflections on Motherhood is adorned with bright yellow sunflowers and created with pages to chronicle mom's unique journey, capturing the laughter, tears, and growth that define motherhood.
Find it on Amazon
Margie "The Scaredy Dog" Finds A Home by Toi Thomas
Margie is a bit skittish. She’s a hunting dog who doesn’t know how to hunt, but she loves a good walk. Living in a shelter with other dogs, she has no idea that she could have a home and a set of humans all to herself.
Find it on Amazon
May Movie Preview
Here are the theatrical releases for May. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
3 –
Dragonkeeper
Directors: Jianping Li and Salvador Simó
Stars: Bill Nighy, Anthony Howell, Bill Bailey
In ancient China, dragons were once friends of humans, but our greed ended their alliance, and these magical creatures were hunted down. Years later, in a remote fortress, a young slave girl, Ping, strikes up an unlikely friendship.
A Chinese/Spanish production – now I’m hungry for egg rolls and tapas.
The Fall Guy
Director: David Leitch
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor
A down-and-out stuntman must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend's blockbuster film.
There better be a Lee Majors cameo or I’m walking!
10 –
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Director: Wes Ball
Stars; Freya Allan, William H. Macy, Kevin Durand
Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he's been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
Don’t count on any monkey business…
17 –
IF
Director: John Krasinski
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell
A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone's imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up.
Ryan Reynolds stretching his acting chops to play…Ryan Reynolds.
24 –
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Director: George Miller
Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke
The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and teamup with Mad Max.
I bet Charlize Theron is furiosa she didn’t get the part.
Director: Wes Ball
Stars; Freya Allan, William H. Macy, Kevin Durand
Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he's been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
Don’t count on any monkey business…
17 –
IF
Director: John Krasinski
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell
A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone's imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up.
Ryan Reynolds stretching his acting chops to play…Ryan Reynolds.
24 –
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Director: George Miller
Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke
The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and teamup with Mad Max.
I bet Charlize Theron is furiosa she didn’t get the part.
What distracts you when writing? Can you co-host this summer? Have you watched Fallout? And what movies will you be seeing this month?
66 comments:
I am not surprised that you don't let anything derail you.
And thank you for the heads up on forthcoming books.
I'm available to co-host. I'm also crossing my fingers for a Lee Majors cameo. Congratulations to Annalisa, JQ, and Toi!
Hi Alex - yes congratulations to those authors with new books coming out... I gather you're a slow-burner as far as getting your books out - slow but very sure! Fallout sounds entertaining for many - it's in Eastbourne at the moment ... but I won't be watching - one day perhaps! Cheers Hilary
Apologies I meant The Fall Guy ... cheers H
Hi, Alex!
When I am trying to write, noises distract me. Like you, I wear headphones to block external sound. Among the book release previews, Margie "The Scaredy Dog" Finds A Home is a story I would enjoy. Checking the May movie preview, I'd like to see The Fall Guy because I admire Emily Blunt of recent Oppenheimer fame and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes because I can't get enough of Wm H. Macy.
Have a merry month of May and I'll see you when I return to blogging a few weeks from now, good buddy Alex!
I'm one of those that's easily distracted. I admit it.😊
I really like Fallout too! --And it would be awesome if Lee Majors has a cameo in Fall Guy!
I never thought of wearing headphones!
I watched Fallout, and while some of the scenes were gruesome, I liked it.
Have a great month, Alex.
Thanks, Shannon!
Shady, the Apes film will be depressing but we'll still see it.
Cathrina, some were gruesome, but it fit the game so well.
Hi, Alex! Congratulations to all the authors with new releases! I can cohost in July, and I'm happy to do so. Enjoy your day!
I am looking forward to Fall Guy -- I like both leads. I may re-watch some of the original Fall Guy episodes. FALLOUT was fun, though I never played the game. Health and job issues prove pretty distracting for me.
Happy I WSG Day. Thanks for another great hop.
I agree, life is a distraction and you have to keep writing on.
Glad to hear that Fallout is highly recommended.
Thank you so much for mentioning my picture book. I wasn't expecting that.
Dragonkeeper looks cool. Hope it doesn't disappoint.
I hope there's a Majors cameo as well. I'd even love a sample from the theme song.
Krasinski and Carell together again! :)
Looking forward to watching the movie Late Night with the Devil - the preview alone creeped me out. :o
Hi Alex,
It's interesting what's going on in the background of our brains. CassaDark sprang forth and more quickly followed.
For me, my writing was dry as a technical document. I was stalled until AI showed me how to add emotions and senses to my writing. When you read my May IWSG post, you'll see an example.
Life is indeed distracting! Plodding along sounds familiar.
I went to the movie theater for one of the first times since 2020 and saw Challengers, a tennis film that was kind of crazy! But most of the previews turned me off. Hollywood and I don't see eye-to-eye these days.
I just keep a going. Life can throw curveball, but one can still get it done eventually in most cases.
Fallout was really good indeed.
Wouldn't want to stretch Reynolds too much lol
If I ever get Amazon Prime again I'd probably watch Fallout even though I didn't play the games. I vaguely remember Fall Guy from the 80s though I'm sure this will be pretty different. At some point I'd probably watch the Apes movie. I'm not a fan of Furiosa or prequels so probably just pass on that one.
Life is a distraction, but it sounds like you've got that covered.
Congrats to the authors! And a couple of those movies actually don't sound half bad.
It's always great to see #IWSG writers out with new books!
Hi Alex, you and I agree on the headphones for the small stuff. I can do another stint at co-host. June or September should work for me.
Hi Alex, Happy IWSG Day! I agree on headphones for public places. Although I can't do noise cancelling ones, they make me feel claustrophobic. I need to listen to music if I wear them.
LOVED Fallout! Walt Goggins rocked it!! I'm a binger but my son forced me to go an episode at a time. Looking forward to revisiting Outer Range and Bridgerton (I'm diverse in my TV appetite!). Have bad ears so I can't use headphones except for brief periods of time. Sigh. But I've been known to knock out a chapter in the airport!
Life is a distraction for sure, but I can't think of any better distraction than that. Besides, after all is said and done, I guess most of what we do in life that is not related to survival is vanity. At least that's what Solomon said.
Lee
Congrats to these 3 authors on their books. Each one of them sounds like a book I'd love to read.
Louise, thanks!
Toi, you're welcome.
Madeline, we just watched it - not scary but very engaging.
Liza, thanks!
Nancy, I tried to space out the episodes, but it didn't happen.
I’m the same. I just plod along. When I’m highly focused I just tune everything out and any distraction feels as if it’s coming from the other end of a long tunnel. Funny thing is that when it’s too quiet or there’s no distractions it is sometimes distracting for me.
My hubby and son love Fallout. It is interesting and crazy but I can’t get too into it. Although I can’t get the line “she steals dad” out of my head.
Congrats on the upcoming book releases! The Fall Guy seems interesting and I know my sons would love If. They love Ryan Reynolds.
I'm almost done with Fallout. My husband loves the game so he's been filling me in along the way.
Yay for more planet of the apes! I've always loved those and Ryan Reynolds movies. I haven't seen one yet that didn't make me laugh.
I can co-host in September. My schedule calms down in the fall. :)
Hello Alex: I have done the co-host duties before and would be happy to be co-host again, anytime. Regarding distractions? Almost nothing derails my writing; well, except someone telling me I have to finish in two weeks, any time limit. I can't add two plus two if I hear a clock ticking. Blessings
Life distracts from living(not existing) I guesse. I wear headphones when I'm angry. Never thought of wearing them when distracted until now. I think I'll watch 'IF'. Have a nice day:)
Nowadays, life has a million distractions and people often think they have ADD. I think many, including me, have DDD - distractions & disturbances disorder. Would love a cure. And the Fall Guy sounds great. Love those actors.
What distracts me when...wait. Sorry, I had to fix my chipped nail polish and the right hand ring finger and left hand index and then a fly landed on my window sill and then...Actually, emotions take me to tough places and sometimes block me for lengthy stints of time. Everything I write is personal. But the less so, the less I'm distracted.
Be well, Alex.
Thanks for the info on movies, new publications and all.
Everything distracts me. And I am free to co-host in June, July and probably August.
I heard the biggest problem with the Fallout series is that it's not true to the games, in that it's not super bugged like normal Bethesda products.
Another Planet of the Apes??? Sheesh.
Howdy, Captain!
There is so much good stuff here! I don't know about any games, but I do want to watch Fallout. I love the premise of IF, and "The Scaredy Dog" sounds precious. I can help co-host in August. Have a terrific month of May!
Dragonkeeper sounds wonderful, right up my alley.
I can co-host any month you need.
Headphones are definitely my go-to means of blocking out distractions. With the right kind of music playing, I'm in a little world of my own ...
'Life is a distraction.' I love that:)
That's great that you were able to come up with a new book idea after not being inspired for a while.
I can co-host!
I've been derailed for the past year, but I hope to be back on track soon.
You can sign me up as co-host, just let me know when :)
Looks like some good books are coming out. The movies? Meh.
Another Planet of the Apes? That explains why they were all in Hulu last month and featured.
I watched The Pod Generation. 👎
It was a thinker, I suppose. But there was like one moment near the end where action almost happened. Almost. Then the movie just ended. Like they skipped Act 3. I don't know.
I can cohost in Sept. LMK?
Wow! Really enjoyed your post and reviews of books & movies & that tv series. How do you have time for all this AND writing? AND visiting so many? Thank you for being the energy behind IWSG!!!!
Which is your favourite Fallout game?
I have played a lot with the Fallout 1, but never finished it.
I recently tried the big Fallout board game which was a huge disappointment. I think the Fallout Shelter board game is much more fun.
Life is a distraction. Good philosophy... just accept it and keep going. Congrats for book releases, Annalisa's books are always quality. The Fall Guy looks fun.
IF sounds like a fun movie, but at this point we just expect Ryan Reynolds to be himself - I like that he doesn't take himself too seriously.
Thank you for mentioning my new release, and congrats to the other authors with books out soon.
I've read Toi's new book and found Margie absolutely adorable.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Adventures in Audio: An Introduction to Audio Production
Hi,
I haven't watched Fallout, but I have been thinking about it since it is on Prime.
Congrats to the authors on the new releases.
July or August, I can co-host.
As for distractions, I like your statement. It's true. Learning to move with the flow is, however, not easy, but when you learn how to keep going, it is heavenly.
Shalom shalom
My husband and I watched Fallout over 3 days, starting Friday evening and spending the weekend enjoying. He's played the games, and he raved about how they managed to get some of the settings amazingly accurate. It was a fun watch.
A few good books in your list. None of the movies caught my eye. My sis is coming in June. Any suggestions for us? We always try to go to a movie together.
I'm kind of looking forward to the "Planet of the Apes" film. I've only seen a few of the ones from the original 60s and 70s movie series and haven't seen any from the new series. I was kind of hoping to at least see the original of the new series but haven't been able to find it on free streaming anywhere lately. I may have to either rent it or check it out at a library that offers it. This new movie sounds like it might be good based on the trailers I've seen.
Alex, I have been distracted easily as of late. I intended to plow through the A to Z challenge this year and fell horribly short. April was supposed to be calm and it was far from it. I started watching Fallout recently but didn't know much about the game. I game as well but I enjoy the frantic pace of first person shooters (COD). Not much into the "Apes" or "Mad Max" movies but I'll probably take in IF at some point. I'm a Ryan Reynolds fan. Emily Blunt and Blake Lively do not hurt either. If needed, I can co-host in the upcoming months. Doing so will help keep my engaged. I struggle with having interest in things at times, especially if I running crazy like I have been lately.
Life does like to distract me a lot. It's kinda annoying like that. LOL
Jean, thanks!
Feather, awesome.
Karen, funny!
Rebecca, thanks!
JE, it is exactly like the games but no bugs.
Deidre, thanks!
Olga, appreciate that.
Sarah, thanks!
Gwen, thanks.
Yvonne, thank you!
Beth, appreciate it!
Rave, hard to say. New Vegas was really good and glad the series is going there next.
Annalisa, you're welcome.
Pat, thanks!
Kim, appreciate that.
Loni, very cool!
Jacqui, A Quiet Place: Day One is coming out near the end of June.
IB, thanks.
I don't play video games but I plan on watching Fallout because it looks good.
For me, it was the World Wide Web. It got to the point that out of one hour on the computer, roughly 75% was spent not writing.
Solved it by writing by hand, which made my life so much easier.
Yes, Alex, life is a distraction. More power to you to keep plodding forward. That's the only way to do it. Bravo. You know, I think the best Planet of the Apes story was the first one way back with Charleston Heston in it. All best to you!
Oh, I can get easily distracted..big hang up of mine. I eventually finish things but, it’s eventually..lol. As for these movies…I’d like to see If. It sounds inter to me
ha - Life is a distraction always something happening to derail my train of thought.
There isn't much I want to see at the theater (maybe, The Fall Guy). Really another Planet of the Apes. I just want to scream.
I wish you would feel motivated to write again. A short story would be nice!
Anyway, have a great week
@Alex--Thanks so much for mentioning my new release, Mom's Memories and for your dedication to the IWSG. Congratulations to Toi and Annaleesa on their releases too! And thank you to all the commenters for their congratulations. Releasing a new book never gets old. I think I am addicted to writing a book, just for the fun of releasing it! ha ha
I'm curious about that Planet of the Apes movie. Not sure I want the main character to be the young ape. But I imagine the sights and sounds in this new movie will be 100% better than the original. However, I loved the old Planet of the Apes. I will always remember that last scene.
Social media is a major distraction for me, so I turn it off when I need to write, and headphones help me quite a bit, too. Also, I find dedicated time and self-imposed deadlines help me.
Ha! I literally LOL'd at that Furiosa pun! My biggest distraction is daydreaming a story rather than actually writing it, but that's better than not being inspired at all, right? Eventually, I'll write it down!
Earphones can definitely help with focus!
I keep seeing Fallout on Prime. I'm not a gamer, but I do enjoy some post-apocalyptic stuff. I'll give it a go. :)
hi Alex. Is there a way to send you a message other than this public blog?
I did not realize Chris Hemsworth was in Furiosa.
Gonna get me some Planet of the Apes. I've loved every movie in the series, with the exception of that dreadful Marky Mark edition.
Hey Alex - I've been derailed by some sad family drama. Not up on my commenting. But, as always, your snark movie comments crack me up. Take care and happy May.
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