Big Thanks, Ninja News, and a Movie Review

Big thanks to everyone who participated in the First Loves Blogfest! (And if you didn’t, you missed something epic.) I wasn’t sure when I selected the subject, but I was overwhelmed by the amount of participants for my sixth solo blogfest – one hundred, fifty-three. For those of you still visiting participants, all links on the list lead directly to the First Loves post. (Yes, I spent time adding the exact links to the list.) Thanks for making this the best blogfest yet!

And special thanks to Jeremy at Retro-Zombie, Jeremy at Geeky Tendencies, and Jamie at Mithril Wisdom - you guys visited most of the participants and I really appreciate that.

For my next blogfest… I have no idea at this point! But I guarantee it will be something fun.

NINJA NEWS

I have an interview today over at Jessica Salyer’s site, Just Following a Dream! Jessica is really awesome and she asked some deep questions that could change the course of the universe. Well, maybe not that deep! But it was fun and I hope you’ll pay her a visit.

Jessica Bell's new book, Fabric, came out this week – congratulations, Jessica! You are just so talented.

Roland Yeoman’s latest book, Best of Enemies, is also now available. You rock, Roland!

Lynda Young is one of six authors appearing in the anthology, Make Believe, which will be released this December. Way, to go Lynda! You are such a positive force and I’m really happy for you.

And yes, Diablo III is AWESOME!!!!

MOVIE REVIEW

The Adventures of Tintin
Finally caught this on NetFlix. The visuals are beyond stunning – not a hundred percent realistic, but getting much closer. The film also had a Raiders of the Lost Ark feel. However, there was something… ODD about this film. It was too serious for kids and yet had moments that were too silly for adults. The story just didn’t engage me _ I was almost bored. I am not familiar with the original comic though, so I’m sure core fans enjoyed it more. Just didn’t do it for me.

SPECIAL THANKS

Wanted to thank all of my awesome followers and blogger buddies who’s supported and followed me these past few months as I’ve floundered my way through another book release, the IWSG, the A to Z Challenge, my blogfest, and all the crazy features along the way. I’ve tried to do my best and know I sometimes fall short. This blog is now all about you guys and I want to keep it positive and fun. Whatever I can do to help my blogger buddies, you know I am there for you.

What did you think of the First Loves Blogfest? Excited about all the new books this week? Playing Diablo III right now? What did you think of Tintin? Am I doing all right? Don’t forget to visit Jessica Salyer!

Last Movies of the Year!

Yes, it’s time for December movies. Less than a month to Christmas! Nobody panic.

Before I dive into the movies, a couple quick announcements and reminders:

S.A. Larson’s picture book story is in a publisher’s competition and it would be really cool if you could go vote for her! Visit her SITE for details. Kelly Polark’s piece is also in the competition! Too many awesome writers...

Never thought about posting a link for CassaFire, but for those who’d like to add it to your Goodreads TBR shelf, go HERE.

My blog is a finalist in Karen's Blog Awards! You can vote now at A Peek At Karen’s World I'm under Favorite Writing Blog. (Ironic, huh?)

And the next installment of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is in one week! You guys have amazed me with your posts and the support you’ve shown to one another. Hopefully it keeps growing so that more writers can benefit.

Now for the December movie releases. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

9 - 

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy 
In the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent within MI6's echelons.
Director: Tomas Alfredson
Stars: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy
Oldman is such a cool actor… 


16 - 

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty.
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris
Downey is perfect as Holmes – can’t wait for this one! 


23 - 

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol 
The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name.
Director: Brad Bird
Stars: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton
It looks cool and I’ve enjoyed all of the M:I movies so far.

The Adventures of Tintin 
Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor. But someone else is in search of the ship.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
The animation looks stunning! One of two Spielberg movies this December.

(Daniel Craig is also in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - busy man!) 


25 - 

The Darkest Hour 
In Moscow, five young people lead the charge against an alien race who have attacked Earth via our power supply.
Director: Chris Gorak
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, Max Minghella
This has the quirk factor going for it. 

War Horse 
Follows a young man named Albert and his horse, Joey, and how their bond is broken when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the trenches of World War One. Despite being too young to enlist, Albert heads to France to save his friend.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, David Thewlis
Somehow, I have a feeling my wife will drag me to see this one. We saw the last stupid horse movie… 

Which movie catches your eye? Still playing catch-up from November? Or is there a special Christmas movie you plan to watch this month? One can never see A Christmas Story too many times…