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 November 6 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Lisa Buie Collard , Kim Lajevardi, and JQ Rose!
First, IWSG Admin Michelle is building an independent online teaching business and will be integrating aspects of creative writing into the business. You can learn more about it on her FaceBook page.
November 6 question - What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?
Guitar! I play in a Christian band, so I love the ability to rock out for God. I’ve played multiple instruments over the years, but guitar is my favorite. I’m lead, but I sometimes let our rhythm guitarist play the lead. It’s not about me, it’s about honoring and worshipping God. And while I’ve enjoyed writing and the five published books, music is still my first passion.
And it’s been so long that I should probably note my published works for those who are new to my site:
CassaDawn - free prequel short story
CassaStar - first in the series and my first published book
CassaFire - second in the series
CassaStorm - third in series and possibly the best story I’ve ever written
CassDark - fourth in the series
Dragon of the Stars - an independent, stand-alone story and also one I am very proud of
November Movie Preview
Here are the theatrical releases for November. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
8 –
Conclave
Director: Edward Berger
Stars: Ralph Fiennes. Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope, where he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
You haven’t seen balls-to-wall action until you’ve seen a bunch of Cardinals meet to elect a new Pope!
15 –
Red One
Director: Jake Kasdan
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu
After Santa Claus (code name: Red One) is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world's most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.
This was written by AI. Or someone threw Scrabble tiles on the floor and this is the result.
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22 –
Gladiator II
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington
After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.
Gladiator II: Electric Boogaloo!
27 –
Moana 2
Directors: David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Auli’I Cravalhov After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced.
Moana 2: Electric Boolagoo! (They are making these too easy.)
What creative outlet do you have outside of writing? Did you know about my published work? And what movies catch your attention this month?
67 comments:
First? Wow! Guitar and music in general is a great outlet. I tried playing, but didn't get anywhere near the prowess you obviously enjoy. I will probably check out Gladiator 2. It's so long since the first one this might well be a very different beast.
Been around long enough to know music is your number 1.
Sadly, AI could probably do better than a lot of the drivel coming out these days.
Your snark made me smile!
Writing is really my only creative pursuit, but then I don't have time for any other!
Your joy at expressing your passion through music is beautiful. Rock on!
A long time ago I used to sing, now I sing in the garden or the car and that's about it.
I've always thought the playing the guitar is the like the coolest thing. I've daydreamed of leaning it someday and now I look forward to at least try the ukulele. Been excited for Moana 2 since Moana 1!
I used to play and sing in a band. I don't play my guitar regularly anymore, which makes me sad because music is in my soul.
I think that everyone who knows you knows that music is a passion for you. I've always wanted to sing, but sadly, I can't sing on key.
Nick, you might pick it back up later.
Pat, good movies are now few and far between...
Elizabeth, not when you produce as many books as you do in a year!
Anastasia, hope you get the opportunity to learn!
Teresa, I'm sorry!
Christian band? Love that!!! Any place to find your music? Or do you only do live performances?
I love the sound of the guitar. Piano was my musical instrument, but I didn't enjoy it. I think I would have preferred drums. However, I can play castanets and finger cymbals.
Hmm, might try Conclave and Gladiator II. I remember liking the first Gladiator movie....
We did see Speak No Evil (with James McAvoy) and it was totally chilling/unnerving!
What a meaningful way to worship: playing guitar in a Christian band! I loved Gladiator--not sure if a sequel will be as good without Russell Crowe. I hope you're having a happy day, Alex. I sure am!
Hi,
I can understand your passion for music. It's the same with me, music will always hold a place in my heart.
Shalom shalom
Music is always a beautiful, creative pursuit!
I envy those with musical talent. I have zilch of that!
You'd think they could come up with more creative titles than Gladiator 2 and Moana 2. That Red One definitely sounds like one of those where someone (or something) just threw a bunch of popular actors and ideas. I might watch it for "free" on a lark but that's it.
Nothing is more creative or beautiful than music.
I'm also a musician. I play the piano.
Well, dang. I was hoping the Christmas movie Red Once would be fun.
Hi, Captain!
I thought you might mention music ;-) Between that and your books, you have much to be proud of. You are a wonderful inspiration to us all - thank you!
Finally! A movie I really want to see - Red One sounds fantastic! Conclave might be interesting.
Have a terrific Thanksgiving!
I can't even sing!
None of those movies look interesting,
I wanted to learn to play the clarinet when I was younger. I thought it looked pretty cool. But knew our family couldn't afford it. Used to get requests to sing from my family when I was younger though. My aunt even pulled me up on stage to sing in a large event. Too bad, it didn't end well with me fainting in front of everyone.
There's nothing I want to watch coming out this month.
Love that you play in a worship band. I sing in one and it's so much fun, the group is great, and we get to worship.
I've been trying to decide on seeing any of these movies. Glad I waited till now!
I've been wondering about Conclave. It sounds pretty good.
I am glad, and unsurprised, that you have another creative outlet.
I saw a clip of Conclave at the cinema last weekend. It look really good and it has a brilliant cast as well. I'll definitely be going to watch that.
I always envied those who could play music instruments and sing. I love music, love listening to it, but I don't have the ear, could never reproduce a melody even if my life depended on it. My parents got me piano lessons when I was young, but after about a year, both my teacher and I parted with mutual relief.
Music is a great outlet! It's one of mine, for sure, though I'm not (no longer) good enough to play in a band.
The last couple of weeks longtime health issues have commandeered my time and energy, but medical interventions have occurred, and I'm ready to re-delve, so this month's prompt was perfect! Thanks, as always
Music? Yes! Our daughter heard the violin when she was 6 and that changed her life. What richness she brought to us . . . and to many others. May music continue to be your passion.
I'm going to end up watching both Red One and Moana 2 thanks to my kids.. Honestly between the two I think I'd rather Red One.
I love that you play in a worship band. What an awesome gift you have and share with others.
You're in a band? That's so cool. I'm sure that's a lot of fun.
I tried to learn to play a guitar. It was pretty sad! But I get tremendous pleasure from listening to great guitarists. All of your published works are great, Alex!
Playing guitar in a christian band, giving praise and glory to God through music is the best! Alex, have a wonderful November!
Leigh, just live.
Madeline, will have to watch it.
Pat, not sure I even want to see it for free.
Diedre, thank you!
Lidy - oh no!!
Tyrean, it's so amazing, isn't it?
Olga, that is both sad and funny.
Beth, that's awesome!
Miffie, thanks.
Mary, it is!
Louise, appreciate that.
Cathrina, thank you! I could play no other way.
That's great that you're so passionate about your music!
I love music, but I don’t play an instrument. And don’t get me started on my voice. 😂
How many movies is Dwayne Johnson in, anyway? Yikes.
My husband played bass guitar in our church's worship band a decade or so ago. He loved it.
I really want to see Conclave, but I want to read the book first. The concept of Red One sounds amazing, but your snark suggests it didn't live up to its promise. Too bad.
My husband and I were quite taken with the idea of Red One, so it's a bit disappointing to read your comments.
I don't have creative outlets other than writing, but I love strength training and that's where I put my energy - creating an improved version of me!
Liz, a lot!! Over one hundred.
Janet, that's really cool.
Annalisa, go see it anyway.
LOL, great comment about Red One. I might want to see Gladiator II, but not much interest in the others. And I knew what your answer was to this month's question.
Why am I not surprised you play lead guitar?! You rock, anyway.
And nothing will induce me to see Gladiator II. The original was perfect.
Knitting is my other creative outlet. It's relaxing and rewarding to take a piece of yarn and turn it into something.
That's awesome about the worship band! I teach a number of kids who perform in worship bands.
If I need a new creative outlet, it's totally music. I'm a vocalist and composer, but occasionally, I just have to sit down to the piano and see what comes out. Granted, I've been engaged heavily in theater for the last 4 years but it stresses me out. (Too much of a perfectionist.)
Playing the guitar is a really neat creative activity which goes good along side other types of art such as writing (as with your case) or painting!
Wow, I did not know that you were a musician. What a great creative outlet and passion to have. Fantastic, Alex!
I still love mini Alex and his guitar <3
I haven't even seen the first Moana, and now I want to see this one!
I think snark is a valid creative outlet. I snorted out loud on the Conclave comment.
I like to walk, swim, pickleball (I really need this rotator cuff thing to get done). Reading is my big entertainment. I haven't been creating anything in a long time. Maybe just a mess or two! Happy weekend.
Great question this month. When I am not writing art it my outlet, specifically Zentangle drawings.
I love listening to guitar! My dad used to play when I was a kid and my son has been lead guitarist in several bands, it's such an awesome instrument to play! I'm not too excited about any of those movies-it does kinda seem like they are throwing the script writing to AI :(. I'm a couple days late this month but I'm finally getting around to visit people!! Have a great November!
Besides writing, dancing is a great outlet for me. I think I need to boogie this weekend.
Seeing your striking montage of books - very impressive looking. The quality is just as good.
Cheers, Alex.
Wow, I appreciate instrumentalists. I tried learning the guitar once and realised it wasn't for me.
Creative outlets? Travel has always been one, and for the last few years, perfume has made the list. I've become a collector of sorts without realizing it and I soak up all of the information on it that I can. Then, when I wear it, it's only one or two sprays, just so I can enjoy it, which seems to defeat the purpose of collecting/loving perfume (or so I've been told), but that's okay. A creative outlet is for you, not anyone else. :)
I would love to play guitar- and I love my clarinet (I play it from time to time). I draw and paint as other creative outlets. And take photographs. :)
I’m so late here…I hope you still see this. Glad you keep up your guitar playing and that you enjoy it still. I love making cards, creating things..you name it. I love Ralph Fiennes so I want to see this film about the making of a Pope. I might see the Christmas movie on TV. Not a fan of AI to be honest.
I play in a Christian band, too. It's one of my favorite gigs!
You rock, Alex! It takes a big person to not always be center stage. And you are right. It's about praising the Lord. Not yourself. Your church is lucky to have you. My daughter will be watching Moana 2 for sure. Happy Thanksgiving!
I must admit, I'm curious about Red One. It could go either way:)
I do a lot of walking and hiking while listening to podcasts. It's about the only way I get my daily exercise in.
It's so awesome that you play guitar!
I think I'll skip this month's movies and rather read a book (or five).
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Find Your Inner Dragon
It's kind of a curse to know quite a bit about Roman history so I suspect that Gladiator II will have its share of historical inaccuracies. That said, I'll more than likely enjoy it quite a bit. Just like I did with the first Gladiator.
I've read several of your books and thoroughly enjoyed them.
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