Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, February Movie Preview, and New Shows


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 February 5 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Louise Barbour, and Tyrean Martinson!

February 5 question - Is there a story or book you've written you want to/wish you could go back and change?

I might go back and do some fine-tuning edits on my first three Cassa books, but there is nothing major I would change about any of them. I’m very proud of that four-book (and one short story) series. It’s received great reviews and a ton of sales. Paid my mortgage on several occasions.


I don’t think there are many edits I would do, but I'd like to change the amount of readers of my solo book, Dragon of the Stars. I recently went back through it (something I rarely do) and I think I created a fun and adventurous story based on an almost mythical war ship. Truedessa, you are the biggest fan of Dragon and I thank you for that. For anyone who reads it, there is a short story sequel, Dragon’s Destiny, available for free – and written for Truedessa as she didn’t want the adventure to end.

We need co-hosts for April, May, and June! And one more for March wouldn't hurt. It's a lot of fun and you get new visitors that day. Let me know when you can co-host.

We are going to be trying some new things over in the IWSG Facebook group, so be watching for that.

We’d also like to formally extend an invitation to our members to write an article for the IWSG site – something beneficial to the group about writing, publishing, marketing, etc. You’d get a chance to feature your latest book! Contact me or email the IWSG email if interested.

For Your Viewing Pleasure


Season two of The Rig recently dropped. Looking forward to more weirdness.

Season two of Squid Game is also available. Taking a little different direction this time.

Part one of the six hour movie Horizon is out. Western set in the Wild West after the Civil War and starring Kevin Costner. It's okay - would've been better as a series, especially with the huge cast of characters.

Alice in Borderland
recently became available. A Japanese series, it follows a gamer guy who finds himself in an alternate dimension Tokyo playing games for his life. Twisted but fun.

Watched The Cursed, a 2021 movie set in the 1800's. A land owner massacres a Gypsy village on his land and they place a curse on his family. Really good and a really unique take on the werewolf legend.

Also watched Howl, a 2015 film set in Britain. A train breaks down in the woods and the passengers are hunted by a pack of creatures. Also good and another unique take on werewolves.


February Movie Preview

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


7 –


Love Hurts

Director: Jonathan Eusebio
Stars: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Mustafa Shakir
A realtor is pulled back into the life he left behind after his former partner-in-crime resurfaces with an ominous message. With his crime-lord brother also on his trail, he must confront his past and the history he never fully buried.
I watched the trailer and now I think I’ve seen the movie…


14 –


Captain America: Brave New World
Director: Julius Onah
Stars: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Rosa Salazar, Liv Tyler
Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident and must discover the motive behind a nefarious global plan.
Love Anthony as Falcon, but Captain America is supposed to have super powers. It should’ve been Bucky.


21 –


The Monkey
Director: Osgood Perkins
Writers: Osgood Perkins and Stephen King
Stars: Adam Scott, Theo James Osgood Perkins
When twin brothers Bill and Hal find their father's old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths start. The siblings decide to throw the toy away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years.
I prefer my monkeys playing symbols but one playing drums is okay…


28 –


Last Breath

Director: Alex Parkinson
Stars: Woody Harrelson, MyAnna Buring, Simu Lui, Finn Cole
A true story that follows seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crew mate trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface.
It’s like Deep Water Horizon, The Poseidon Adventure, The Abyss, and Cheers all had a baby…


What story or stories would you like to go back and change? What are you watching this month on television? Any movies catch your eye?

52 comments:

Leigh Caron said...

I almost drowned twice so I will watch Last Breath but will be breathing heavy throughout the movie.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

A six-hour movie? Can't imagine why they wouldn't make that a limited series instead.

Señorida Anastasia said...

Thanks for the movie recommendations. Summer vacation's(infinite time) coming up in April to watch all those.
I do agree that Bucky should have been Captain America. I've always wanted the Falcon to be THE FALCON. But guesse we got an immitator:) Still looking forward to watch it though!!!

Happy IWSG Day!

Nick Wilford said...

I haven't really thought about changing anything in what I published before. I believe once it's out there, you should stand behind it. Cassa series is definitely to be proud of. I'll be catching up on series 2 of Squid Game for sure.

Liza said...

Am I the only one impressed that you paid your mortgage with proceeds from your books?? Thanks for the recommendations as always, Alex.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

So awesome that your books paid for your mortgage! I'm watching Reacher, based on the books by Lee Child. So much fun!
.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Help Needed for Spreading the Word About Irascible Immortals

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leigh, that's terrible!

Thanks, Nick.

Liza, it did happen a few times.

Ronel, that's a great series.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

It's good to see Woody Harrelson has another movie out. He never fails to entertain us. Happy IWSG Day, Alex.

Jennifer Lane said...

I think we could all go back and tweak our former works--seems like the editing never ends! That is special to be able to pay your mortgage at times off your writing. I will think about writing a IWSG post for the website, and I can co-host in April.

Loni Townsend said...

Yeah, I haven't encountered anyone who would go through and change their already published books... not like me, anyway. Tweaks, yes, but full rewrite? I guess I'll see as I visit people today!

I want to watch Love Hurts. It looks fun to me.

Samantha Bryant said...

I'm more focused on what I'm writing now rather than worrying about the work I've already released into the wild. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act

Truedessa said...

Happy Wednesday Alex! I still love Dragon of the Stars. I have read it a few times. Now, I am thinking it may be time for me to revisit that story. I am forever grateful for the short story you wrote.(thank-you) But, I must confess I started a sequel to your short story as my heart and mind wanted the adventure to continue. Maybe, it is time for me to revisit that project I started.

I think you should try to re-market Dragon of the Stars get some more viewers. It would make a fine sci-fi film. Just saying...

Have a great week!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Your books are great as-is.

I might be able to co-host in April.

Toi Thomas said...

Happy IWSG Day. Thanks for another great hop!
I adore Dragon of the Stars. It deserves more readers.
It's cool that you guys are opening up features to members on the website.
It is disappointing how some trailers give so much of the story away.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Well now, I want to was The Cursed and Howl! 😅It's been awhile since I've watched or read good werewolf stuff.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I'm going to check out those two older movies you mentioned - The Cursed and Howl. We've had a streak of bad new/newer movies around here lately....

Lidy said...

My hubby and sons love Squid Game and Alice in Borderland. I’m just along for the ride, more for the former than the latter. Finished watching Squid Game season 2 and my hubby was upset it ended on a cliffhanger. And that he’ll have to wait for part 2. Haven’t seen Alice in Borderland season 2 yet. Just started watching the Chinese drama Perfect Match on Netflix.

Willing to give the new Captain America movie a try. My hubby feels the same as you that Bucky should’ve been made the new Captain America instead of Falcon. I believe in the comics, Bucky had a storyline where he wore the Captain America mantle as well.

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

"The Monkey" at first caught my attention until I watched the trailer at IMDB: it seems to be more gore and obscene language exploitation and not enough character or story development. I read the Stephen King short story which I thought was good.

"Last Breath" seems like it could be really neat, I just hope they dont over-fictionize it like Hollywood does wirh so many films based on true stories.

I haven't been watching too many new series on TV. I've actually been trying to catch up on my Star Trek original series. The last time I followed the series so closely was when I was a teenager and that was more than 20 years ago!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - well I haven't seen any of the movies ... thought I did see 'A Complete Unknown' about Dylan - which I thoroughly enjoyed. I definitely would amend some of my blog posts - but that's gone now! Cheers - Hilary

Jean Davis said...

Being able to pay your mortgage with book sales is awesome! Congratulations on the successful sales.

I can co-host in June if there are still openings.

Jenni said...

That is so cool that you extended your story for a fan. Congrats on all your successful sales! I could co-host March or April if you still need people.

F. Stone said...

Hi Alex: I came within seconds of drowning. Ever since then I can't stand anything over my face. Kissing my husband on the lips had to be short and sweet. Did you send out an email for this month's blog hop? I didn't get it. I'm available to help with being a co-host anytime. Thanks for all you do for writers.

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

I wouldn't mind doing some tweaks on my early works--not changing the stories, but some of the dialog, etc. Overall, though, I prefer to keep moving ahead. And I, too, have a stand-alone fantasy I wish would get more love!

Astonishingly, I expect to be available for any of those IWSG posts where you need a co-host, so call on me as needed!

Lynn La Vita said...

Thanks for asking about TV shows.
Last show of the night is "Still Standing." Staring Jonny Harris. Thanks to Harris, the show is loaded with humor and inspiration.
Harris plays Constable George Crabtree in Murdoch Mysteries.
We've just started watching "Murder in a Small Town." It's in Gibsons, British Columbia. It premiered in September 2024 and renewed for a new season.
Love the Canadian style of entertainment.



Jemima Pett said...

I love your snark comments, and I love the Cassa series, too. I can jump in to co-host any time you're short, email me at jemima.pettatbtinternet.com if you need me.

Ray Rousell said...

All the films sound good to me!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm looking forward to the new Captain America. I think the new season of Reacher is coming at the end of February. I hope so.

Sherry Ellis said...

I'm not sure I would go back and change my books. Except maybe I wouldn't include the potty humor jokes in my first book, Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China. Some people might find them offensive.

Birgit said...

I can't get into Harrison Ford as A Red Hulk. It's just too weird. The Woody movie sounds good. We're watching 1923, also with Harrison Ford and it's quite good. Loved 1883. We will see Horizon but Kevin will need to work a long time e to make up all the money he lost on it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Jennifer!

Truedessa, I would love to read it.

Thanks, Diane!

Toi, I appreciate that.

Lidy, it ends on a cliffhanger? Thanks for the warning.

Jean, thanks! Yes there are.

Jenni, thanks, and good to have you back.

Feather, the newsletter is running late...

Rebecca, thanks!

Jemima, thanks!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

The Monkey looks eerie. No thank you.
Hope all's well, Alex.

Melissa said...

I can co-host in June. I'd be willing to write an article for the site, too, but I'd need to plan that for sometime in the future. The next couple of months are going to be busy at my day job.

Sandra Cox said...

I love that you wrote a short sequel for True:)

diedre Knight said...

Howdy, Captain!
Lots going on here!
How awesome to know your work can pay the bills. The Monkey sounds a bit terrifying, I think I'll love it.
I've been struck by lightening twice, but only almost drowned once. These days, I try to be a little more careful ;-)

kimlajevardi.com said...

I can co-host in June.

G. B. Miller said...

I have one that I want to re-visit to re-write and re-publish, only because I've learned so much in the proceeding decade since publishing it, than it needs to be updated.

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Alex! I loved your "Dragon of the Stars!" I'll have to track down Truedessa's sequel. I had a slow start to IWSG visits today. On my 5th visit, I ran into something that locked my computer and it took a while for me to get Apple to help me. Thank goodness for Apple Support. But I did visit everyone from 41 to 80. I'm going to continue with my visits until it's time for a mai tai and happy hour snacks at my favorite place. Your post was great!

Liz A. said...

None of the movies really catch my eye. I haven't been in a movie mood lately.

Arlee Bird said...

So much stuff to watch. And read and listen to as well. Never enough time to do as much as I'd like. Where does all the time go anyway?

Lee

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
Good for you!
To have a series like that is a blessing. I wouldn't change a book or series that is already shining.
I can also co-host in June.
Shalom shalom

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melissa, awesome! I'll send an email.

Diedre, that's scary.

Kim, thanks!

Thanks, Louise!

Thanks, Pat!

Sarah Foster said...

Loved Squid Game! Can't wait for the final season.
I'm so behind on Marvel content and I'm honestly not sure if I even want to catch up.

Kim Elliott said...

That’s awesome that your Cassa series has been successful and something you can be proud of! I love hearing author success stories.

I agree that Captain America should have powers. Falcon should have received super serum!

Patricia JL said...

I want to say it was 2019 I went back and reread my first books and I was pleasantly surprised with how satisfied I was with them. There were a few spots I saw that I could have written better now, but over all, I still liked what I read. I didn't want to change much.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Wow! Those look like some scary movies. And interesting that Harrison Ford is in Captain America.

I can help in April and May for cohosting. All best to you, Alex.

J.S. Pailly said...

It's been a while, but from what I remember of the Cassa books, I wouldn't change anything either.

Mary Kirkland said...

The Rig is out? Oh, I'll have to go find that and watch it. I loved the first season. That is a great show so far. Last Breath looks good too, gonna have to catch that at some point.

The Happy Whisk said...

I love that you took the time to go back and then wrote more. That sounds so fun!

Joanne said...

Howdy - I live by the words of Edith Piaf - Je ne regret rien - I regret nothing. I'll live with words I've put into print.
Meanwhile - I always enjoy your movie briefs. No real snark this time - Alas! But yes - it's always...Bucky! Sebastian Stan rules. Especially since he sucked it up for a Tr#*% role. Great acting!

Cheers and Happy February - almost Valentine's!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Last Breath is one out of the group that I will watch. Sounds very interesting.

I have read most of your books. I need to read your short story.

dolorah said...

Wow, that was an exhausting experience finding a way to comment here. The world sucks sometimes.
Totally agree on Bucky as the new Captain America.
I remember writing a review on your first novel - and had critique you weren't happy with, mostly about backstory or minute details only I look at. Still the books were very well written, and the overall concept was awesome. I think I've read them all - I love series concepts.
I'd change a few things on some of my publications too, but like you, not much more than editing concerns.

Olga Godim said...

I can co-host if you still need one. Any month but March.