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 August 5 posting of the IWSG are Shannon Lawrence, Diedre Knight, Liza, and Pat Garcia!
August 5 question - As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process?
I regret the time between my fourth and fifth books. Dragon of the Stars came out in 2015. CassaDark came out 2022. Seven years later and almost nine years after the third book in the Cassa series.
If you are an author, I really don’t recommend going that long in between release. Yes, I had a short story Cassa prequel during that time, but it was not enough. I lost all momentum with my readers. I’m sure most don’t even know CassaDark exists…
What is your regret?
We are good for September, but if you can co-host the IWSG in October, November, or December, leave a comment or shoot me an email. Thanks!
Movie Reviews
The Odyssey
The beginning was a bit slow and difficult to get into, but once it got going I found it fascinating and compelling. Also frustrating and at times breathtaking.
The subtitle could have been ‘Odysseus Runs Away a Lot.’ It almost gave me Monty Python giggles (Run away! Run away!) even though the situations were often dire.
I liked the film and was emotionally invested and moved by the powerful narrative. Most of the special effects are practical as opposed to CGI (which made it look more real) and the scenery stunning. It’s a very ambitious film, like Interstellar but better.
Recommended
Masters of the Universe
I didn’t grow up watching the cartoon and found overall it was fluff but enjoyable fluff. And like most movies today, too long.
All of the actors were game for their parts. I’m sure fan boys would geek out at all the Easter eggs I missed.
Glad I didn’t go to the theater to see it but it wasn’t a bad way to pass a couple hours. Certainly better than the 1980’s movie!
Mildly recommended
August Movie Preview
Here are the theatrical releases for August. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.
7 –
Ice Cream Man
Director - Eli Roth
Stars - Eli Roth, Darrin Baker, Ari Millen
An idyllic summer town descends into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with horrifying results.
Takes creepy ice cream man to a whole new level.
14 –
The End of Oak Street
Director – David Robert Mitchell
Stars – Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, PJ Byrne
The Platt family bands together to navigate their new surroundings after a cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood to someplace unknown.
Jurassic Park in your neighborhood!
The Brink of War
Director – Michael Russell Gunn
Stars – Jeff Daniels, Jared Harris, JK Simmons
President Reagan races to save a nuclear deal with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev as pressure mounts all around him. Every word spoken could move the world closer to peace - or destruction.
Two old men talking. Go to your local retirement home for a free preview.
21 –
Mutiny
Director – Jean-Francois Richet
Stars – Jason Statham, Annabelle Wallis, Adrian Lester
After his billionaire industrialist boss is murdered in front of him, Cole Reed is set up to take the fall for the crime -- leaving him on the run as he works to uncover an international conspiracy.
This might come as a surprise but Statham punches and shoots a lot of people…
28 –
The Dog Stars
Director – Ridley Scott
Stars – Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Jacob Elordi, Guy Pearce
In a post-apocalyptic world, a virus wipes out humanity. Survivors face roaming scavengers called Reapers. Protagonist Hig, a pilot, survived the flu but lost his wife.
Post apocalyptic romp with Josh Brolin, Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Benji, and Digby the World’s Biggest Dog.
What do you regret? Seen either movie? And what film catches your attention this month?
36 comments:
Alex, I think of the Star War Movies, and the time that passed before the entire series was released. It seemed kind of backwards.
I've totally lost my momentum too, not in years though. This usually happens during the summer months, but this time I don't have the urge to sit down and write, and nothing is coming together in my noggin.
I agree with you that you lose momentum if there are too many years between books in a series. But even published authors like Susan Collins have waited to continue their series. I can help whenever you need me to,
You made me giggle with “Run away! Run away!” Quite a few Monty Python snippets come out of our mouths in this house! I can host in October or November, Alex.
Yeah, that big gap between releases... It's rough. Until you've experienced the publishing world, you can't know. Momentum is fleeting.
It's a bummer that having a gap between releases (when life gets in the way) can lead to a loss of momentum or sales. I've heard different takes on The Odyssey and haven't decided if I'll see it in the theaters. Though I'm not a Marvel fan, we're taking my niece to see Spiderman tonight in D-Box seats.
"Run away, run away!" Loved that.
Yes, Odyssey has those moments. I enjoy (well, that might be strong, but mostly enjoy) the Odyssey as an epic poetry book - reading it first in college, and then again a few times (it's been ten years again now), and I really enjoyed the movie, wanted the Cyclops section to be closer to the book, and was super impressed by the way they filmed it and the stunning, epic quality of the film and the acting.
Masters of the Universe was a fun romp that I saw as a matinee with friends who loved the cartoon series.
And, my friends and I went to see the 3D version of the latest Spiderman movie and though it was really cool on a different visual scale. I think it may have been the best Spiderman movie I've ever seen.
My biggest regrets about writing all have to do with self-doubt.
My hiatus was forced on me, and I hated losing that momentum. Now Amazon's algorithms have changed and made it worse. I wish I could have ridden the wave back when.
I agree about long movies. I finally watched Hail Mary (free with Amazon Prime) on my flat screen last week. It was generally enjoyable, but I had trouble staying focused at times, and it definitely didn't wow me. That said, one scene triggered me and gave me chills. The time the MC recalls how he ended up on the spaceship gave me flashbacks to the medical tyranny of the pandemic. *shudders*
Hola, Alex! I've missed you. It's great to be a part of this again. I totally identify with your regrets. I think I killed my series by taking too long between books too. Lesson learned!
I'm looking forward to seeing The Odyssey.
You are still one of our best-selling authors.
The End of Oak Street looks fun.
I haven't watched either of those movies, but now I might! I've missed you, though I've been MIA as well.
At least you had momentum, Alex! Your books are so good. I still need to see the Odyssey and I'd like to see The End of Oak Street. Take care.
I appreciate your Odyssey review. I've heard mixed opinions. I want to love it. Wow was it expensive!
Jason Statham--didn't know he had another coming out. I've loved and hated his movies.
That's a long gap, for sure. But now that they are all out, anyone who discovers the first can read the whole series! I'm available to co-host, November or December are better bets than October but I could do any.
Sometimes we need space between books just to recalibrate. As to the Odyssey...I'm looking forward to indulging in this lengthy film. You're the third person who has thought it worth the time. Thanks.
Good point about the momentum. I've been agonizing over such a big break in-between publishing anything at all, but I had a feeling it's better to get all of the books I have planned done during this long break and then release one a year (or so). That's the current goal, anyway. Happy IWSG day!
I love your commentaries on the movies. Oak Street looks really interesting! I can see what you mean about momentum. I've been hearing a lot of talk that you should wait to have a few books ready before you publish or seek publication for that reason.
The Odyssey was the first movie I've seen in a theater since Dune! I thought it was very good. I'm a Nolan fan, though.
Happy Wednesday my friend. Regrets I have a few mostly my lack of confidence in writing. I loved all your books and I wish you would write again.
I saw previews for The End of Oak Street. I guess I don't need to see another dinosaur movie. lol..
Breathe and be in the light...peace
It's tough when there are huge gaps between books in a series, but I really think you've done well with the other books. Hopefully readers will find your newer ones.
I plan on watching The End of Oak Street and Masters of the Universe. I used to watch the He Man cartoons a lot as a kid.
I think I want to watch both movies you recommend. They sound enticing, especially compared with the movies you preview for August.
I'm sure you have many loyal readers who loved CassaDark. Almost like a victory lap after the hiatus. End of Oak Street does sound interesting out of the crop here.
Cathrina, me neither!
Thanks, Natalie!
Liza, you rock. On both accounts.
Tyrean, best one, huh?
JH, glad to have you back!
Thanks, Diane.
Rebecca, thanks!
Elizabeth, so am I! Ever since Memento.
Howdy, Captain! Momentum is something I lost along the way as I struggled with seizure meds and broken bones - no one over 8 yrs old should ever break a bone ;-)
I cannot possibly watch Ice Cream Man as it already scares me unduly ;-) I adored the neighborhood Ice Cream man when I was young. The End of Oak Street sounds good. Happy August!
Hi, Alex,
I have two releases that I am working on. But I am taking my time because I am recovering slower than I thought.
I can do November or December..
All the best.
Shalom shalom
My summer regret is that my second knee replacement has prevented me, so far, from going to see The Odyssey, so I'm sharing it with you for your review. I hope it remains in IMAX theaters until the fall so I can go!
Ooof, yeah that's a long gap between releases in a series. I try to aim for a year or less, but sometimes life or other projects get in the way.
I may have to check out The Dog Stars. I'm a sucker for Josh Brolin. ;)
I'm positive you can rekindle momentum with your readers. And I can appreciate it takes time and effort to keep a series going.
I can co-host in November.
It seems as if everyone saw The Odyssey. Movies just haven't appealed to me lately. I've been more invested in TV shows.
I hear ya on distance between books. I had six years between Silverhills and Return To Silverhills.
I enjoyed Masters of the Universe. Love the cring-iness of it and the nostalgia it evoked. (I watched the 80s version before going to the theatre)
Looking forward to The End of Oak Street, but might watch it on Prime instead of the theatre.
'Regrets I've had a few but then again too few to mention' :) Mildly regret not getting into writing/poetry more seriously earlier on in life. However, everything happens at its appointed time...so...
I watched The Odyssey and totally loved it, film ended too soon. Wish Nolan had kept the bit about Penelope asking Odysseus to move their marriage bed, but apart from that, perfection.
Hello! Last, but not least, I worked my way through the entire blog roll today. I didn't hate Masters of the Universe. I liked that it didn't take itself too seriously. I feel like the 80s one with Dolph Lundgren took itself very seriously, but it's been ages since I watched it, so who knows. I hear you on waiting too long to release the next book in the series. I'm seeing that the standard way for people to do it these days is rapid release of the entire series by having it all prewritten before releasing it. Too late for Myth Stalker, but something I'll consider in the future.
I don’t believe in regrets because even when I’ve done…or not done something, I look back and realize I learned from it no it made me the person I am, lumps and all. I actually hope you write another book, maybe in a different genre?? 😁
I hope to see Ulysses this weekend because it should be seen on the big screen. I read the book in grade school and I do love the Kirk Douglas version. I don’t know the others but I love your snark. Jason Statham is one that I always enjoy watching even though I lose body count after a half hour:)) is that last movie just another theme on man eating zombies mutated after a flu takes over the world? How many variations are there on this done and done movie genre?
Yeah, readers need a consistent publishing schedule for a series to stay invested (except for those die-hard fans). On the other hand, the right readers will find it :-) I'll co-host whenever you need me.
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