Underrated Treasures Blogfest! Plus Dragon and Ninja, BOTB Results, and Ninja News

Time for the Underrated Treasures Blogfest!

But first…

Ninja News

At the A to Z Blog today is Mina Burrows, who rocked the Challenge with her theme – classic monsters!


This Wednesday at the IWSG Site is the awesome Jennifer Hillier!

Don’t forget to either submit your work or post on October 1 for the IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond!
We’ve received a lot of writing pieces and need more publishing and marketing.
Also, please do not include quotes, as there may be a copyright issue with them.

How I Found the Write Path is available now!
Put together by Carrie Butler and PK Hrezo, many of us posted for the book blogfest earlier this year, and now the book is available.
It’s on Amazon and other sites – check it out!




Thanks to these two wonderful ladies for also featuring one of my books in their entry for the Shelfie Bloghop. (Tara, is there a prize for the most features?)

CD Coffelt

MJ Fifield

Battle of the Bands Results

It was really close!! Sadly, even with my vote, Stream of Passion did not win the Street Spirit battle. Shame, because the lead singer has what I call a voice of glass. But that’s all right, it’s still my favorite (the singer is amazing) and the inspiration for CassaStar.

Radiohead -20

Stream of Passion - 18

Dragon and Ninja

I’d like to share some images of a very special gift that is coming my way soon.
I am part of a special private blog group called Fellowship of the Dragon, founded by Father Dragon Al. He started creating the dragon (made in his own image) as a reward for the person who achieved their goals on a consistent basis.
I was honored to be named that person.
But even more, I was blown away by the talent and generosity of my friend, who not only spent countless hours making the dragon, but made a Ninja to go with him.
Al, I will treasure it always. You are an amazing Dragon friend.

 

Underrated Treasures Blogfest! 

Everyone has a favorite movie or band that no one else has ever heard about. For whatever reason, they remain undiscovered and underrated. Now is your chance to tell the world about this obscure treasure!

Today, September 22, post about your favorite unknown –

MOVIE – BAND/ARTIST – TV SHOW – BOOK

Post about one or all four – dealer’s choice!

Here are my recommendations of underrated treasures:

BOOK –
The Light at the End by John Skipp and Craig Spector
It’s been many years since I read this one, but it’s a really intense horror/suspense story. It follows vampire Rudy Pasko and the man who wants to kill him, Joseph Hunter. It was extreme back in the day (published almost thirty years ago) although a bit tamer now by today’s standards. But the vampire is nasty, as he should be! Was out of print for years, but now available as an eBook.

TV SHOW –
The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
Set in the Wild West, the show possessed the same humor as Firefly. It was a mix of Wild West, Indiana Jones, and James Bond. Bruce Campbell rocked in the title role and the show was a lot of fun. It only ran two seasons, 1993 to 1994, and unfortunately is not available on NetFlix yet, just DVD.

MUSIC –
7th Wonder – Mercy Falls
A progressive rock band, Mercy Falls is their best album and probably one of the greatest albums ever. It’s a concept album – a man in a coma is trying to escape and come back to reality. The music is so amazing and catchy. I highly recommend checking out all of their albums. (And the lead singer also now sings in Kamelot.)

MOVIE –
Edge of Tomorrow
I decided to select a film from this year because this movie just didn’t find an audience, especially in America. And it deserved one – the movie is brilliant, smart science fiction. Beyond that genre, it possesses incredible special effects, a clever storyline, solid acting, intense action and moving drama, and is a complete package. Despite what you may think of Tom Cruise, this film is awesome – watch it!

What underrated treasures would you recommend? And have you read/listened to/seen any of those?


Contributing to the IWSG book? Picking up How I Found the Write Path? BOTB results surprise you? Do you want your own Dragon and Ninja? And what are your underrated treasures…?

Retro A to Z Challenge: P – Porcupine Tree 2007 (and Special Thanks)

Porcupine Tree – Fear of a Blank Planet – 2007

This band has undergone many changes over the years. Their earlier work is surreal and trippy, but they continued to progress and are now an outstanding prog rock band. The title is a play on another album, and there are six amazing tracks. The longest - Anesthetize at almost eighteen minutes – is by far the best, and like a blend of three songs. They are a mellow prog band, with great melody, and an easy introduction to someone venturing into the world of progressive rock.

2007 fun facts –
*Cost of gas - $3.38
*The Tesla Roadster, the world’s most efficient electric car, debuted at car shows
*On June 29, the iPhone was released
*The last book in the series was released, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Movies released –
Transformers
The 300
Ocean’s Thirteen
Ratatouille
No Country For Old Men
3:10 to Yuma
The Bourne Ultimatum

Music released –
Rush – Snakes and Arrows
Chevelle – Vena Sera
Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace

Games released –
Mass Effect
Bioshock

And why is 2007 special?
It’s the year Misha Gericke was a freshman at University, and the first time she truly got to spread her wings in a world was filled with possibility!

Misha is an author with goals to make it a career. She crafted a detailed plan and schedule to make it happen in five years and is well on her way. She shares all nitty-gritty, from the good to the bad. Misha is genuine, honest, and an inspiration. She blogs at The Five Year Project.

Ninja News!

CD Coffelt has a prequel for The Wilder Mage available now, Out of Magic. And Saturday and Sunday, it is free! Get it on Amazon HERE

River Fairchild revealed the awesome cover for her next book, A Dragon's Lament, Jewels of Chandra, Book 2. It’s due out next month.

And the Ninja’s lair has been spotted! Father Dragon’s dwarves snapped this shot while out scouting the neighborhood. However, they are no match for my security system and will be teleported off the premises immediately!

Special Thanks!

I would like to take this moment to thank two very special groups of ladies.

First, I would like to thank the awesome admins over at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group : Joy, Michelle, Joylene, Susan, Diane, and Lynda.
All of you have done an amazing job with Challenge posts at the site. Before April even began, you had the schedule filled and ready to rock. Thank you for your dedication to the IWSG!

Second, I would like to thank my A to Z Challenge Minions: Joy. Michelle, SL. Susan, Rhonda, Madeline, LG, Cathy. Diane, and Melanie
You have done an awesome job keeping up with our section of the list. As the keeper of the Linky List (I’m the one who spends at least an hour a day fixing and deleting links) I could NOT do this without your help. Thanks for all of your efforts to stay on top of things!

You’ll notice several of these ladies are on both lists. Many are pulling double and even triple duty, as some are also posting for the Challenge. They are uber-awesome! If you are looking for dedicated friends, you’d do well to follow them.

And notice that all of my helpers and admins are women? I am one lucky dude!

Familiar with Porcupine Tree? Following the awesome Misha? Excited about the new releases? Think you know where the Ninja lair resides? Do you have an support team that just rocks? And what do you remember best about 2007…?

Frozen Movie Review and December Movie Preview!! Plus Curiosity Quills and the IWSG, and Some Awesome Ninja News.

I was asked to do an article about the Insecure Writer’s Support Group for Curiosity Quills! It’s up today at their website.

Movie Review

Frozen
Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen, Frozen is the story of two princess sisters, Anna and Elsa. When Else’s secret powers plunge their kingdom into an eternal winter and she runs away, Anna sets off to find her and make things right.
This is a very sweet story, genuine and innocent. It’s not an epic story, but it’s really enjoyable to watch.
The animation is stunning, especially in 3D. The frozen ice is incredible. (And my wife now wants an ice castle.)
The strength of the story lies with the sisters, especially Anna. She is a true heroine. She’s also a combination of resourceful awkwardness, which makes for some humorous situations.
Olaf the snowman is a riot. Most of the humor comes from his optimistic sweetness and desire to experience summer. Sven the reindeer is also funny.
If you’re looking for a sweet story about love and family devotion, wrapped up with amazing animation and great humor, then this is your film. Highly recommended.

Ninja News

Roland Yeomans is this month’s featured Challenge participant at the A to Z Blog. His theme was “Words of Wisdom for Writers,” so check it out.

Those of you signed up with The Fussy Librarian - CassaStar is the featured science fiction book for Tuesday this week!

Cassie Mae’s Switched is out today – congratulations, Cassie!

CD Coffelt’s prequel to Wilder Mage, Out of Magic, is available for free on Tuesday, December 3.



Created by Pat Hatt of It’s Rhyme Time have been working on a project - Translate Your eBook. It’s really awesome, so visit his SITE for details.


Sean McLachlan is looking for beta readers for his next novel. Radio Hope is a post-apocalyptic thriller, sans zombies, and it comes out February 1. Details HERE. Also, check out his "How Can I Help You?" page for some cool stuff he offers.

Nutschell at The Writing Nut is raising money two ways to help the typhoon victims back home in the Philippines:

1. CBW-LA.ORG, my nonprofit group, is donating 50% of its book sales (for STORY SPROUTS: CBW-LA WRITING DAY EXERCISES & ANTHOLOGY) from Nov. 2013 to the end of Jan. 2014. Find it on Amazon HERE.

2. Doce Pares L.A., my Filipino martial arts group is raising money through the Payong Drive campaign. Basically they are selling shirts for $20 each. Up to Dec.15, if you have other friends/relatives interested in supporting our fund drive, send the number of shirts and sizes (Small up to 3XL) to: LADocePares@yahoo.com (Sizing Chart) You can make checks payable to "Erwin Mosqueda" or via Paypal: PayongFundDrive@gmail.com Local U.S. shipping and handling will be free (except Hawaii, Alaska & Puerto Rico).

David List has started a Kickstarter project for his upcoming novel, A Sawmill’s Hope:
 
Visit Kickstarter HERE for more information and to contribute. Good luck, David!

CheersFest 2.0 is one week away on December 9! We are roasting Lee ‘Arlee Bird’ of Tossing it Out.

The next posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is this Wednesday.

There will also be a cool contest with some awesome prizes announced at the IWSG Website on Wednesday, so don’t miss it! 

December Movies

Here are the upcoming movies for December! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

6 –

Out of the Furnace
When Rodney Baze mysteriously disappears and law enforcement fails to follow through, his older brother, Russell, takes matters into his own hands to find justice.
Director: Scott Cooper
Stars: Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson
It’s Christian Bale month – he also stars in American Hustle, coming out on December 20.

10 – DVD – Despicable Me II

13 –

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring.
Director: Peter Jackson
Stars:Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch
Despite the haters, I still thought the first installment was amazing and can’t wait for this one. Bring on Smaug!

20 –

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.
Director: Adam McKay
Stars: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell
The first one really wasn’t the funny, but I give them credit for hyping this one to the max.

Saving Mr. Banks
Author P. L. Travers reflects on her difficult childhood while meeting with filmmaker Walt Disney during production for the adaptation of her novel, Mary Poppins.
Director: John Lee Hancock
Stars: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Ruth Wilson
Sappy, sentimental, and feisty – one heck of combination. Sure it will be really good as well.

25 –

47 Ronin
A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.
Director: Carl Rinsch
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kô Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano
Looks amazing. Now if I can just get Ted Theodore Logan out of my head…


Did everyone have a great Thanksgiving? Did you see Frozen? Anything in the Ninja News catch your eye? Ready for the IWSG post this week? And what movies are looking forward to in December?

Don’t forget to visit Curiosity Quills!

CD Coffelt and Selfish Writers, Gravity Review, the IWSG and Why I’m Not on Facebook, and the Ninja News

Today I welcome Wilder Mage author, CD Coffelt from Spirit Called!

Writers are Selfish Cusses - Huntress

Have you ever noticed how self-centered we are? The writers in this forum and all other writerly venues?

Yes. Even Alex. *gasp of horror*

What evidence do I have? Why do I commit this blasphemy? Here is the proof:

Writers, bloggers, agents, editors, and published authors all help the people just starting out. They give their time, experience, and expertise. They show them how to format their manuscript, write a query, and create scenes and hooks. They improve a newbies’ grammar, style, and critique their work. They promote book covers and new releases.

Why?

“Light bulb.” – Gru, Despicable Me

It’s because we’re greedy. All of us. From me up the line. Insatiable. From Alex to Stephen King, Jim Butcher, and nearly every author who has made it to the top.

We help the up-and-comer, the ones just starting out, give them hope, and encourage the ones just rejected. We aid them in all their endeavors for One Reason Only.

Because we love to read.

Molding the new writer into Published Author is the best way we know how to create new reading material.

We just want more good books to read.

Looking out for our own self-interests, that’s all.

*tongue firmly in cheek*

Wilder Mage, by Huntress aka CD Coffelt, an Amazon Best Seller

The earthquake wasn’t his fault. Not this time.

Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Musa Publishing, and Goodreads

Ninja News

Pat Hatt is this month’s featured Challenge participant at the A to Z Blog. Find out how Pat and his cat rhymed their way through the Challenge.

Milo James Fowler and Tony Laplume both have a story featured in The Kennedy Curse. Congratulations, guys! Find it on Amazon.

Ella had her butterfly garland featured in the current issue of Somerset Life. Congratulations, Ella!

A J Walker’s The Maze of Mist is available now! You can find it on Amazon. He’s also like to thank everyone who weighed in on the cover art last week.


The very awesome Robyn at Life by Chocolate posted photos of the swag package she won here a couple weeks ago. Robyn, you rock, and so glad that you were the winner!

Second Avenue, Second Hand is now out! This collection of short stories was put together by Wendy Tyler Ryan and features Roland Yeomans, Donna Hole, Stuart Sharp, and others. Congratulations, everyone!

Eye of the Soul by Terri Rochenski comes out today! Congratulations, Terri. First of many books.

And today Stephen Tremp is revealing the cover for his next book, Escalation. This is the third and final book in his Chase Manhattan series. Congratulations, Stephen – looks awesome!

Movie Review

Gravity
Staring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as two astronauts trying to survive after an accident leaves them stranded in space.
Ninety minutes is the perfect run time for this tense film. Nothing could be scarier than stranded in space and pelted by debris.
The visuals are beyond incredible. (Oscar winner for sure.) Never has a film captured the essence of space so well. There is also something fascinatingly beautiful about watching a space station being shattered. The sound is also minimal, exactly what you’d expect in space.
Bullock is excellent as the medical engineer turned astronaut, and her reactions are what you’d expect during someone’s first trip into space. She has moments of panic, denial, and despair, fighting oxygen deprivation while clinging to her training.
The character building is minimal and the film occasionally feels a little cold. But you are invested in Bullock’s character and on the edge of your seat as she fights to survive.
For those of you who suffer motion sickness, there is one spinning scene you won’t want to watch!
A must-see in 3D and in the theater.
Highly recommend.

IWSG’s Future and Why I’m Not on Facebook

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group website continues to grow, as does the Facebook Group. That has led to several people asking if I will be joining Facebook.

My answer – no.

I have my own personal reasons why I’ve never joined. I’ve heard enough complaints about Facebook’s privacy issues and time suck capabilities that I’ve avoided it. I was also warned to limit my social sites to two-three maximum. I’ve chosen blogging, Twitter, and Google+. (Plus there is Goodreads.) It is all I can do to maintain those, especially now that we’ve launched the IWSG site. There simply isn’t time for me to do more – I barely have time to practice my guitar, let alone write.

Truth is, the Facebook page is running just fine without me! Several of the admins have taken the group and run with it, planning a schedule, approving members, and answering questions.

I want both sites to be self-sufficient and continue to grow and expand beyond me. The IWSG is really important to me and I want it to benefit writers long after I am gone. (And nobody panic – the Ninja is not leaving anytime soon!)

Today my post at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website talks about the importance of the group and the site and where it is headed. I also ask the question – what does the IWSG mean to you?

Are writers selfish cusses? Did you follow Pat during the Challenge? Think Stephen’s cover rocks? Did you see Gravity? And is it all right if the Ninja avoids Facebook?

Visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website and let me know what the group means to you…

Blogging Rules and The Wolverine Review! Plus Ninja News, New Covers, Video Game Trivia, and an Interview With Byron’s Son

Today there is a very special interview at the blog of C. Lee McKenzie. Why is it special? It’s Bassan’s first interview! Just ten years old and he’s doing his first interview. Want to know more about Byron’s son? Then visit Lee’s site!

Ninja News

Michael Di Gesu has jumped back into illustrations and he began with a book cover design for Siv Ottem. Today is the beg reveal, so visit Michael’s site this morning!!

The Tree of Life project continues at Sam’s site, with numerous entries from blogger buddies of ours. Comment on each entry to win prizes, including a signed copy of CassaStorm!

Roland Yeomans is offering some amazing prizes for reviews of his audiobooks. The prizes include Thor II cast and Johnny Depp autographs. Visit his blog for details!

Melanie Schulz has an amazing blogfest/anthology!
“I will be hosting a blogfest/contest on September 2, 2013. All the stories entered will be complied into an anthology ebook that will be available on Kindle- all proceeds to go to Operation Purple, a great organization that sends children of our military to summer camp, free of charge. One randomly chosen entry will win a $50.00 amazon gift card, as well as a signed copy of my book, The Newstead Project.”

Cate Masters’ latest, Cinderella Dreams, is now available. Congratulations, Cate!

Michelle Gregory needs your input! “For the next IWSG, I want my writing friends to share the most encouraging thing they've learned about writing. It could also be a favorite writing quote, even if the quote comes from you.” Leave a comment or send her an email by this Wednesday, July 31.

Sarah Allen’s short story collection, Cross-Eyed, is now available – and it’s free! Congratulations, Sarah.


Melanie Schulz also posted one of the nicest reviews of CassaFire last Friday!

Cover Reveals!

Félicité Found by Julia King

Spiders by Doralynn Kennedy

The Wilder Mage by Huntress, aka CD Coffelt And you can also check out the cool book trailer!

How Do You Follow Blogs

Thanks to everyone who voiced their opinion last Wednesday. It seems less people are using GFC to follow now.

However, as I am SO damn close to 1900 GFC followers, it would still be really awesome to hit it!!

As Brandon and Bryan from A Beer For The Shower stated:

“It seems people are following in other ways. But, but... how can I justify my blogger existence if people can't see just how many friends I have???”

Video Game Trivia Answers

1 - What is the best-selling iPhone game? Angry Birds
2 - How many Pokemon films have been made? Sixteen
3 - What’s the highest grossing movie based on a video game? Prince of Persia @ $335 million
4 - What is the longest running video game franchise still being made? Mario, which has spawned over 200 games since 1981

Blogging Rules

There aren’t really any rules, but most of us operate under implied guidelines. When we first start out, most of us don’t have a clue when it comes to blogging etiquette

What I’ve listed are my blog rules – feel free to share yours.

Follow me and I’ll follow you. There are exceptions, but I’ll follow someone who follows me if I can find a link to his blog.

Comment here and I’ll return the comment. Same as above applies. (And I do miss people now and then - sorry!)

I won’t post on days I can’t visit and comment back. I know everyone has their opinion about this one, but if I’m gone for the day or won’t have access to my computer, I don’t post. I won’t ask you to visit me when I can’t visit you. That just feels rude.

If I can’t think of anything worthwhile, I won’t post anything. Doesn’t happen often, but I have skipped posting for that very reason.

I’ll ease back when writing, but I don’t stop posting and visiting. Again, it would just feel wrong.

When I follow a new blog, I give the person two weeks to return the follow and/or comments. If not, then I un-follow. I have too many devoted friends to spend time on someone who doesn’t want to be friends.

If I comment, I’ve read the post. I won’t comment just to say I was here or I was first or anything.

I won’t post just to self-promote. Even September 17 won’t be all about me.

I don’t worry about hits or blog visits. (Everything I’ve read says they are very inaccurate anyway.) I won’t post something just to get hits.

As they say, don’t blog angry. (Or is that don't drive angry?)


And finally, I’ll never forget my beginnings – an unknown blogger and author with no followers.

What are some of your rules?

Movie Review

The Wolverine
This film picks up not long after after X-Men III ends.
Similar to Iron Man III (he’s in the suit, he’s out of the suit) I was frustrated with the ‘he has his powers, he doesn’t have his powers’ aspect. Only this one didn’t get any better.
The storyline just doesn’t hold up, especially by the end. It’s a convoluted mess. There were so many opportunities for Wolverine to kick ass – and they didn’t materialize. I see a movie with Wolverine, I expect him to kick ass as some point.
There was also a relationship with a girl less than half his age that felt creepy. And we’re talking Jackman’s age, not Wolverine’s.
The overall tone was just too dark. It wasn’t really enjoyable. I’ve never read the comics, but I bet Wolverine has a nemesis that would’ve been more interesting.
On the plus side, the Japan setting is cool and the character of Yukio kicks butt.
I walked out of the theater thinking it was at least decent, but the more I thought about it, the less I liked this film.
Not recommended.

Excited about the contests and cool covers? Get any of the trivia right? Anyone else see The Wolverine? And what are some of your blogging rules?

Don’t forget to visit C. Lee McKenzie and Bassan!