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 October 2 posting of the IWSG are Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jacqui Murray, and Natalie Aguirre!
October 2 question - Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What's your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.
I’m old, so even though it’s not a ghost story, it’s The Exorcist for me. I found it incredibly disturbing. It was the first film to deal with demonic possession and in such a horrible way, taking over a young girl. It’s been duplicated and watered down over the years, but at the time, the original was terrifying.
And on most horror movie lists, it’s number one.
Another top pick is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, both the book and the movie. Read the book as a kid and was fascinated by an apparition that terrorizes a town, and it’s the basis of a lot of urban legends you hear about today.
We need one more co-host for December! If you can help out, please leave a comment or send me an email.
New Releases!
Top Five Movies Set in Japan
By Sherry Ellis
By Sherry Ellis
Bubba and Squirt’s final adventure, The Legend of the Lost Pearls is set in Japan. In honor of its release, I’ve come up with my top 5 picks of movies about or set in Japan. Here they are:
1. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), starring Ziyi Zhang, is the story of Nitta Sayuri, a young Japanese woman who as a child was taken from a fishing village and later became one of Japan’s most famous geishas.
2. The Last Samurai (2003), starring Tom Cruise, is set in 19 th century Japan. Nathan Algren, a US army captain is hired by the Emperor of Japan to train his army in modern warfare techniques. It becomes a struggle between two eras.
3. Tokyo Pop (1988), stars Carrie Hamilton who plays Wendy, an aspiring singer who travels to Tokyo with dreams of making it big in the music business. There she meets Hiro, a rock and roll musician who makes her the lead singer in his band.
4. The Karate Kid Part II (1986), stars Pat Morita. Daniel accompanies his mentor, Mr. Miyagi to Okinawa. Miyagi visits his dying father and faces an old rival. Daniel falls in love and ends up with a rival of his own.
5. Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), stars Mike Myers. After discovering his father has been kidnapped, Austin Powers travels to 1975 to defeat the villain, Goldmember who is working with Dr. Evil.
Are you familiar with these movies? Do you have a favorite? Any not on the list that you like?
A big thanks to Alex for having me as a guest and getting the word out about Bubba
and Squirt’s The Legend of the Lost Pearls!
Bubba and Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearls by Sherry Ellis
Journey to the past!
Bubba and Squirt embark on their most dangerous quest yet. Whisked away through the vortex to Japan, they must find two fabled pearls that hold the key to saving their father.
To top it off, they must go back and change the events of the past. As they race against time, the fate of their father, and their own lives, hang in the balance.
Will they outwit the cunning creatures that stand in their way or face their own demise trying to save their father?
Print ISBN 9798988625124 $8.95/ eBook ISBN 9798988625131 $3.99
Juvenile Fiction - Action Adventure / Fantasy & Magic / Legends, Myths, Fables – Asian
Find the book on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Goodreads
Mystery Loves Company by Elizabeth Spann Craig
Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries | Book 25
Truth blooms in unexpected corners.
Purchase options here
October Movie Preview
Here are the theatrical releases for October. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
4 –
Joker: Folie à Deux
Director: Todd Phillips
Stars: Joaquin Pheonix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Ken Leung
Failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while in Arkham State Hospital. Upon release, the pair embark on a doomed romantic misadventure.
I guess it’s a better name than Joker: The Musical.
Monster Summer
Director: David Henrie
Stars: Mason Thames, Lorraine Bracco, Mel Gibson
When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island.
I’ve always wanted a mash-up of The Goonies and Lethal Weapon.
25 –
Venom: The Last Dance
Director: Kelly Marcel
Stars: Tom Hardy, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans
Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie's last dance.
I just can’t believe we live in a world that has three Venom movies…
What’s your favorite ghostly tale? Picking up either book? Any movie catch your interest this month? Seems to be slim pickens the next few months! And can you help co-host in December?
66 comments:
I think I'll skip the movies this month, though I do like the idea of a Lethal Weapon and Goonies mash-up...
I can help to co-host in December. You have my email address.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Adventures in Audio: Recording and Publishing Audiobooks
Hi Alex. I thought of Sleepy Hollow too. I have never seen The Exorcist and I'm pretty sure I never will. Bad enough friends talked me into watching Rosemary's Baby, and I didn't sleep for days after! I can help in December.
I haven't yet watched The Exorcist. But I'm looking forward to it now.
I watched the first Venom but missed the second one so I don't know if I'd know what is going on. That Joker movie just looks weird.
I saw the original Karate Kid movie. I liked that one.
Thanks for featuring Sherry and her new book!
I watched The Exorcist just once. I never saw it again. The whole demonic possession thing was very disturbing.
The Exorcist and The Omen messed me up for days, as did The Amityville Horror. Many of those '70s and '80s horror movies weren't very good, but they did manage to strike a nerve.
All my favourite Japanese movies are anime. Oh, except the Seven Samurai, I'll pick that one. And Yojimbo.
The first Joker movie was fine, and I'm curious about the sequel. The first two Venom movies were dumb in a fun way, so I'm down for one more. And Monster Summer sounds just up my alley.
/facepalm. I forgot about the question of the month. Grats to Sherry on the new release! And I'm looking forward to Venom. I enjoyed the others so much!
Congratulations, Sherry!
I'd love to co-host in December :-)
Hi Alex - congratulations to Sherry for her new release … there are a lot of Japanese films available … we've had a number via our film society, eg: the Seven Samurai … Congratulations to Elizabeth for her new release …
As I've mentioned elsewhere … The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde ...and others … I've noted a few I'd forgotten or not known about … cheers Hilary
Hi, Alex!
One of the first films with ghosts that left an indelible mark on me at a very early age was, believe it or not, the 1951 holiday classic Scrooge starring Alastair Sim. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet To Come all sent a chill through me.
Hello to my good friend Sherry and congratulations on her new book Bubba and Squirt’s The Legend of the Lost Pearls. The cover art is compelling.
I saw the disturbing 2019 Joker film. The sequel, which pairs edgy actor Joaquin Phoenix with entertainment icon Lady Gaga, is must see for me. After seeing her brilliant performance in Fargo, I am already sold on Juno Temple starring in Venom: The Last Dance.
Enjoy the rest of your month, good buddy Alex!
Thanks, Ronel!
Thanks, Liza!
Pat, the director claims it's not a musical, but it is. Just weird.
John, yes they did.
Deniz, thanks!
Shady, that was a great version of A Christmas Carol.
I agree. The Exorcist was extremely disturbing! I haven't watched it, nor will I, since the first time going to the theater = way back when. I like scary, but not explicit bloody scenes...
Yes, The Exorcist was terrifying! Haven't watched it in a long time, but just thinking of it makes me shudder.
My older sister insisted I go with her to see The Exorcist (she was afraid to go alone). It's a scary movie. It'll be fun. I don't think I closed my eyes at night for a week. Just the first hint of the theme song gave me PTSD. Her next choice - Last House of the Left. When will I learn?
The green barf in The Exorcist is the stuff of legends!
Congratulations to Sherry. I also enjoyed the movie, Lost in Translation set in Japan.
An incredible selection of movies! I'm looking forward to watching the new Joker -- the first movie was so memorable and I have high hopes for this one. I'm not too sure about Venom, though. The sequel was not a hit in my household.
The first scary movie that came to mind was Amityville Horror. I cannot watch movies like these they scare me. The supernatural can be powerful. I remember seeing a marionette show about Sleepy Hollow in a dark theater with flashing lights and sound effects. It was truly disturbing and I am sure some kids had nightmares after that show.
Every year I read a book from our author friends Brandon and Bryan - Lost and Found a psychological thriller filled with haunted spirits.
Congrats to Sherry on her new book - the cover is wonderfully done.
Yes! E was extremely scary. I think the religious element made it more so. Happy IWSG day, Alex.
Thanks for another great hop! I've always been interested in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and related works. Congrats to Sherry Ellis on a new Bubba and Squirts release. I'm a few books behind but look forward to catching up. Movie selections are slim right now, but that's the world we live in. LOL!
Ewwh - The Exorcist. Couldn't sleep for weeks after that one. My sister had to come and sleep on my floor beside my bed. Sleepy Hollow was also quite frightening - the story - didn't watch the movie.
I have to say that The Exorcist is one of the scariest movies I've ever seen. Just reading the title creeped me out all over again!
Couldn't think of a ghost story while writing my blog post last night but now I've thought of one.
Poltergeist.
Remember I used to flinch and jump whenever I heard a creak or knocking. Of course, we lived in an apartment, so of course there were noises coming from above, below and each side of us. That still didn't stop me from being wary and knocking on wood.
Hi, I remember when the Exorcist came out after twenty minutes, I had to stop watching it. It was really horrible.
Shalom shalom
I might stick to some favorite spooky movies for October. Great question this month!
Hi Alex,
Some folks sure love to be scared. Just for me. I am fascinated reading everyone's comments.
The Exorcist can never be on my watchlist. That's what makes the real horror cut, right?
Congrats to Sherry on her new release. I haven't watched any of the movies she mentioned, but like C.D. Gallant-King, I watched and loved several Japanese anime films.
Never, ever will I watch The Exorcist. Even if it is a part of the culture that shaped me. I have trouble with scary stories. Scary movies are way too much for me :) SEnt you an email--I'm available for co-hosting.
Congrats to Sherry!
None of the movies are pulling me in this month.
Scary stories never really scare me, but they sure are fun.
I can't believe we live in a world with ONLY three Venom movies.
Urban legends have always fascinated me. My all-time favs are the chicken skin tales of marching spirits and ghostly appearances in Hawaii. Thanks for continuing to host the monthly #IWSG, Alex.
Congratulations to Sherry and Elizabeth! I had to laugh at your snark for Venom 3. The Exorcist feels timeless to me and still so effective, but maybe not for modern audiences.
Congratulations to those with new books out. I have The Legend of Sleepy Hollow on my reading list already. It might have moved up a few places...
I am one of the few who has never seen The Exorcist. A record I will probably keep.
Congratulations to Sherry.
I'm such a coward, Alex, I stay clear of all scary stuff.
Happy, spooky October to you.
Truedessa, the remake of Amittyville Horror with Ryan Reynolds was actually quite good. And Brandon and Bryan are great storytellers.
Good to know the Exorcist got to so many people!
Good choices! The Exorcist has terrified me every time I've read or seen it. (And I revisit it every few years because I love the spooky stuff). @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
I love the Exorcist movies. They are so creepy. I love The Headless Horseman/The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. That has always been my all time favorite.
Those venom movies are good.
Hi, Alex! Scary movies are too intense for me, so I'll skip them! I want to read Sherry's latest Bubba and Squirt book, and I'd like to read Elizabeth's too. A protagonist named Myrtle! I will never forgive J. K. Rowling for Moaning Myrtle ~ lol!
The calendar page before I was ready - eek! I don't like horror as a genre or scary tales in general, anyway.
Alex - I'll co-host December.
I saw "The Exorcist" once, thought it was made really good but found it very disturbing. I'm not planning on seeing it again.
I'm actually looking forward to the new "Nosferatu" movie that's supposed to be coming out this month, unless they postponed it. "Monster Summer" looks like it could be neat, but I think I'll save that one for, uh, summer, since I'm a seasonal kind 'a guy. But here in California the summer weather has crept into October (it's forecasted to be 103 degrees today! Gee wiz!) that it may not matter anyway.
Wishing Sherry and Elizabeth much success.
'Lo, Alex. Glad you and yours are alright.
The first exorcist I remember finding disturbing watching as a kid too. I've seen 3/5 movies in the list.
Hey. Why not have 3 venom movies, even if they are horrible? They've had 4 meatballs movies and 7 police academy movies lol not sure why I thought of that.
Congratulations to Sherry and Elizabeth!
I enjoyed the animated version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Happy October!
Congrats to Sherry. The only movie set in Japan that pops in my mind is Walk, Don't Run. From the '60s. Starring Cary Grant and taking place during the Tokyo Olympics.
I am completely not a fan of scary movies be they ghosts, monsters, or serial killers. I don't mind books, but not movies.
I loved "Ghost Story" by Peter Straub and Stephen King (if I remember correctly). Loved the movie, as well, even though the book, as usual, was superior. Alice Krige killed the role of the titular ghost (good Borg queen, as well). I liked the tale of how an innocent (?) woman was used by young men, prompting her revenge. Plus, it's spooky atmosphere was a delight.
The Exorcist is a solid choice. Sleepy Hollow is a good runner up too.
The Exorcist freaked me out! Both the book and the movie were terrifying. The Omen was also really good.
Sleepy Hollow is definitely a classic! Not seen The Exorcist and not sure when I'm getting to it. Congrats to Sherry.
Congratulations to Sherry and Elizabeth! No horror movies for me eversince I hid under the theater seat during a horror movie and stayed there for the entire show. My brothers loved the movie. (0f courset they wouldn't take me home.
The Omen. Stopped me from going to see anything else of its era or since. Although I did see Jaws on tv last year and really enjoyed it!
The Exorcist definitely terrified me when I first saw it. Nothing much at the movies this month is grabbing my interest. I'm curious about Megalopolis, but not sure if I'm curious enough to pay to see it.
Thanks, PJ!
Steven looking forward to that one as well. And that's hot!
Pat, not to mention however many Halloween movies.
Al, she was a good Borg queen.
Kate, after the fake review scandal not sure I want to see it.
Totally agree about The Exorcist and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow!
Congrats to Sherry. Her books are great for kids. No thanks to the movies you listed, even though I'm sure Gaga is weirdly good. I think I've said it before - The Omen with Gregory Peck scares the bejezus out of me, especially the big black dogs in the cemetery scene. Have a very safe scary month of October - Boo!
We happened to be looking for a house about the time Amityville came out. We decided not to move ;-)
Congratulations to Sherry and Elizabeth!
I'm definitely watching The joker...I think.
Happy October!
I can’t watch Exorcise, Alex. Much, much, much too scary for me.
Congratulations on the new books, Sherry and Elizabeth! Bravo! The covers are wonderful! Have a beautiful day!
There was one book I read as a kid (Something in the Attic) that terrified and awed me. Never forgotten it. It was about a kid who is haunted by a ghost who had been a slave and was killed in the house. Miraculously, the protagonist is able to go back in time and join his new "friend" in trying to change history.
Yay for Sherry & Elizabeth!
I'm looking forward to Monster Summer...reservedly. If they do it right, it should be fun. If not, well... I'm hopeful.
I remember watching the animated Sleepy Hallow cartoon as a kid. I loved it. That's definitely one of my favorite spooky stories.
Not a big fan of horror/ghost stories, unless you count the many, many, many t.v. incarnations of "A Christmas Carol" that I've seen, some good (like with Jack Palance) some not so good.
Just want to say thank you for IWSG. This month, I met alot of people like me who'd prefer not to see a scary movie or read a scary story, as well as learning marketing tips and hearing about various wips in progress.
I saw Joker this weekend because I thought the first one was good. Disturbing but good. This one wasn't entertaining at all, and without giving anything away for anyone who might see the comment, I didn't care for the plot of the leading lady or the ending.
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