Interstellar Review, Jousting in the Realms Faire, Mini-Alex, Five Years of Blogging, and Ninja News and Writing Opportunities

I’m a guest at Caffe Maggieato today for the Author Interview Series: Behind the Scenes with Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Interstellar Movie Review

The earth is dying and a group of explorers is sent through a wormhole to find a new home. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey.

Interstellar is a unique film. It has the feel of 2001: A Space Odyssey and tackles some really big concepts – worm holes, relativity, gravity, and time.

The effects are amazing, especially those of the wormholes. Nolan really shows what it might feel like to travel to another galaxy.

It’s a slower paced film, but it’s incredibly intense with some excellent action scenes. The film is long – 169 minutes – and probably could’ve been trimmed shorter.

Emotionally it packs a punch. This is not a feel-good film, but there is a sense of hope. You will be exhausted when it’s over.

The film isn’t perfect. There are tiny holes and I have no idea how much of the science is accurate.

Considering the scope and time frame of the film though, Interstellar is incredibly ambitious. Not many directors would’ve been capable of pulling off such a massive story. It sticks with you and you’ll find yourself thinking and talking about it for hours.

Recommended.

Realms Faire!

Today kicks off the week-long event of the Realms Faire, hosted by M Pax.

And today the Ninja Knight is jousting! Visit M Pax. and cheer for me today (my cheer - Ninja Army Rocks!) and you will be entered to win a review copy of Dragon of the Stars.

There are tons of games and prizes all week long. You can continue to cheer for me every day and be eligible to win books and gift cards. Plus the knight with the most cheers at the end of the tournament wins!

Please show everyone that the Ninja Army is a force to be reckoned with!

Ninja News

At the A to Z Blog today is Karen Jones Gowen with her theme of life in Guatemala.

Thanks to all who commented on the cover for my next book, Dragon of the Stars. (And you can add it on Goodreads now!) Thanks to those who shared it on their site. It releases April 7, 2015, right in the middle of the A to Z Challenge, and several of you suggested I make it part of my Challenge theme. Thanks, I intend to do that!

Tonja Reynolds is the new fiction editor at Licking River Review, a literary/arts journal published annually at Northern Kentucky University. We are accepting submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, critical essays, and art until January 31. We invite submissions of traditional and experimental styles by both new and veteran writers. Please review the submission guidelines for details.

Samantha Redstreake Geary announced this opportunity: Enter the world Of Mist And Magic, where fairy tales are reimagined under the influence of Epic Music Vn & Really Slow Motion‘s enchanting music! Submit your own twist on a classic fairy tale, inspired by composer, Phill Lober‘s ‘The Eternal Rest of a Ronin‘ (featuring gifted violinist, Kelly Ryu), and YOU could win a spot in the upcoming Of Mist And Magic anthology!

Interested in reviewing books? Sher A Hart has started a Review Queue for kid lit authors – visit her site for details.

PK Hrezo has started a Story Scientist service for writers – see her site for details.
Plus, her book, Induction Day, is now available!

New Releases:

Gears of Brass is a steampunk anthology published through Curiosity Quills. Within the pages, you’ll come across clockwork inventions and steampunk-ified fairy tale retellings. Eleven authors will guide you through worlds filled with airships, top hats, and corsets – including our very own S.A. Larsen
Find Gears of Brass at Curiosity Quills Press.

Now available – The Attic of Sand and Secrets by Medeia Sharif

Lily, a learning disabled girl, attempts to unravel the mystery of her abducted mother using supernatural clues from an ancient stranger, even when it means posing a danger to herself.

The book takes place in 1976. Every host for this book blast is going to post one fun fact for that year.

My fun sports facts: The Pittsburg Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys in Superbowl X, the Montreal Canadians beat the Philadelphia Flyers for the Stanley Cup, and the Boston Celtics beat the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals.

Christmas novella, Married by Midnight by Talli Roland
Find it at Amazon US and Amazon US

You Cannot Kill a Swan by Carrie-Anne Brownian

Mini-Alex

Just a friendly reminder – forty-four more days until Christmas!

Five Years

And November 9 marked five years since I began blogging. That first post was lame and I had no followers. My heartfelt thanks to those who decided to follow me and continue to visit. You are all awesome friends and I could not have done it without you. Here’s to another five years!

Anyone else see Interstellar? Participating in the Realms Faire? Interested in those writing opportunities and new books? What do you remember about 1976? And who’s done with his Christmas shopping? And how many years have you been blogging…?

Be sure to cheer for my Ninja Knight at the Realms Faire!
And visit Caffe Maggieato!

Why Speculative Fiction Kicks A$$! Science Fiction Recommendations, New Releases, Ninja News, and Rock Music Trivia Answers

I have two epic guests today! And both ladies are discussing a favorite topic of mine – speculative fiction. First up is the awesome Terri Rochenski, followed by the multi-talented Jessica Bell.

And can a Ninja rhyme? You don’t think so? Find out today at Pat Hatt’s It’s Rhyme Time.

Ten reasons Spec Fiction kicks @$$

Spec Fiction has been a love of mine since I learned to read. I wanted to BE Lucy and enter the wardrobe. I wanted to BE Princes Leia and kiss Han Solo.

Why?

I had my reasons back then, but more have sprung up as my reading tastes developed AND I started writing the stories gnawing away at my brain.

In no particular order, my top ten reasons Spec Fiction kics @$$...

1. Who DOESN’T like to ask, “What if”?
2. Because as kids, we KNEW our Barbi, stuffed animals, and Stretch Armstrong could carry on a conversation.
3. It’s an outlet for the creative mind.
4. ESCAPE FROM REALITY!!
5. I saw Spec Fiction described once as being the cheapest way to travel. In my case, I’ve always wanted to fly among the stars. Thanks you ninja leader!
6. Its stimulating.
7. Can give a new outlook on life or insight into human nature.
8. Instills an appreciation for unique, beautiful imaginations.
9. It’s outside the norm.
10. From a writer’s perspective – unlimited possibilities.

How ‘bout you? What is the ONE reason spec fiction rocks your world?

Secret of the Souls (Pool of Souls #2) by Terri Rochenski
J. Taylor Publishing - Adult Fantasy

Thrust out of their homes by a human High Priest on a vengeful mission, the Natives of Derlund no longer have a place to call their own. One escaped capture, however, and now she, Hyla, is the only one who can save her people.

Find Secret of the Souls Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and enter the giveaway HERE

Find Terri at Blog, Website, Facebook, and Goodreads




 

MY SCIENCE FICTION MISHMASH by Jessica Bell

If you know me well, you know I’m not an obsessive science fiction book reader. I do, however, like to read science fiction if written by authors I love, and the story is captivating, for example, The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, and Neuromancer, by William Gibson are two of my very favourites. I have also dabbled in writing science fiction myself, but in a very different form— a cyberpunk short story in verse.

And my current WIP is speculative fiction. So I’m not not a fan. I’m just fussy.

(Btw, I was told to add some humour to this post, but I can only be funny when I don’t try to be, so I’m really sorry this post isn’t going to make you laugh. I might however, be able to make you smile if you watch this video of me in a dressing gown, and my fabulous Dalmatian, dancing to Joan Jett.)

Right, back to the science fiction stuff. Regardless of what I said above, I am a HUGE fan of science fiction film and TV. I really can’t get enough.

So here’s my top five list of movies, and top five list of TV shows, in no particular order:

MOVIES

Blade Runner (the director’s cut, of course!)

Contact

The Fifth Element

Edward Scissorhands

Barbarella

TV

Orphan Black

Fringe

Red Dwarf

Lost (I know, I know ...)

The X Files

What science fiction books, TV series, or movies have you read/seen lately? Got any recommendations for me?

COMMENT TO WIN JESSICA BELL’S THRILLER, WHITE LADY!

To celebrate the release of Jessica Bell’s latest novel, WHITE LADY, she is giving away an e-copy (mobi, ePub, or PDF) to a random commenter on this blog.

Sonia yearns for sharp objects and blood. But now that she’s rehabilitating herself as a “normal” mother and mathematics teacher, it’s time to stop dreaming about slicing people’s throats…

Click HERE to view the book trailer.

Click HERE for purchase links.

Connect with Jessica online: Website, Retreat and Workshop, Blog, Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Facebook and Twitter

Ninja News

At the A to Z Blog today is Carrie-Anne Brownian, whose awesome theme took us on a tour of Asia and Europe – check it out!

I was one of the Shelfie Blog Hop winners!

Pat Hatt also continued his zombie story and my clones were involved…

New Releases!

A Lizard's Tail by Bish Denham

When a feral cat threatens the lives of all who live at Stone Wall, Marvin knows his destiny has finally arrived. But how can a young, vain lizard get rid of such a dangerous enemy?

Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

Soulless (Maiden of Time Book 2) by Crystal Collier

Find it on Amazon

Her tour starts today – follow along!

Tales of Firelight and Shadow - anthology from Double Dragon Books with retold folk tales, some very, very creepy.

Featuring Patricia Stoltey’s first traditionally published short story, "Three Sisters of Ring Island" is a retelling of a Norwegian tale, "Three Billy Goats Gruff." Find it at Double Dragon

The Adventures of an Arkansawyer by Charles Gramlich 

Find it on Amazon

Music Trivia Answers!

1 – Persistence of Time (1990) - Anthrax

2 – Astro-Creep: 2000 (1995) – White Zombie

3 – …And Justice For All (1988) - Metallica

4 – Jar of Flies (1994) – Alice in Chains

5 – The Art of Balance (2002) – Shadows Fall

6 – Hold Your Fire (1988) - Rush

7 – Empire (1990) - Queensryche

8 – Images and Words (1992) – Dream Theater

9 – Flying in a Blue Dream (1989) Joe Satriani

10 – Vulgar Display of Power (1992) - Pantera

Whoa! What are some of your reasons speculative fiction kicks a$$? What shows and movies can you recommend to Jessica? (Don't forget your comment could win a book!) Picking up some new books? Get any of the trivia right?

Don’t forget to visit Pat Hatt’s It’s Rhyme Time!

Wednesday – more fun stuff, trivia, movie reviews and news, Mini-Alex, and… I have an awesome announcement!!!

Star Wars Director News, Box Office, Movie Reviews, Writing Progress, and Ninja News

The awesome Charity Bradford interviewed me and you can read it today. Short and to the point, plus I reveal the best compliment I’ve ever received regarding my writing.

Science Fiction Movie News

Big announcement last Friday – Rian Johnson will write and direct Star Wars VIII and possibly IX.
Jo Blo posted that while J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars VII, the reins are being turned over to Johnson after that. (Johnson directed Looper and Brick.)
Gareth Edwards (Godzilla and Monsters) is directing the first standalone film, which comes out December 16, 2016. Josh Trank (Fantastic Four and Chronicle) will direct the standalone film that comes out in 2018.

This is how recent science fiction films have fared at the overall world-wide box office:
#61 - Captain America: The Winter Soldier - $710.7 million
#64 - The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - $702.8 million
#69 - X-Men: Days of Future Past - $677.8 million
#160 - Godzilla (2014) - $443.2 million
#418 - Edge of Tomorrow - $255.5 million

Book Progress

On the writing front, I’m now on round three of edits. I like editing SO much more than writing the first draft! Anyone else weird that way?

I had to add quite a few scenes after the first draft was finished, beyond just adding description. (I’m a bare bones writer.) The word count is over 70,000, which stuns me because when I hit the midway point of writing in my outline, it looked like I’d be lucky to hit 50,000 words. So I’m really happy with the current word count. I know, most writers have to cut stuff to hit a word count. Just how I roll.

Maybe some of you roll that way as well…

Ninja News

Today’s Themes That Rocked feature at the A to Z Blog is Bob Miline and his speculative fiction book covers.

Pat Hatt’s latest is out - Cassie and The Wild Cat: A Ball At Cat Hall! Buy it on Amazon

Donna Weaver’s Torn Canvas is also available! Pick it up on Amazon

Carrie-Anne Brownian’s Little Ragdoll is out! If you like epic historical fiction, check it out.

Tara Tyler’s Broken Branch Falls comes out June 24!!

Cover reveal –

Effigy by M.J. Fifield
Release date: July 22, 2014
Cover art by Ravven

The survival of a once-mighty kingdom rests in the hands of its young queen, Haleine Coileáin, as it slowly succumbs to an ancient evil fueled by her husband’s cruelty.

Add it on Goodreads now.


Mark Noce’s story at Every Day Fiction got so many hits, they are doing a special feature on him this week. They also accepted another story of his last week at Every Day Fiction. Congratulations, Mark!

Songs of Summer Blogfest
Armchair Squid, Suze, and Cygnus
On Friday July 11, post your top five favorite summer songs – and why.
(I’ll be posting mine on Monday of that week.)

Don’t forget Heroes of PHENOMENA is now available for free at Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords. It includes my short story, CassaFate, along with stories from a dozen other authors.



And finally, has anyone heard from Fanny Barnes Thornton? She was taking a break at the end of May, but failed to return for the June IWSG as promised. Several bloggers have emailed her with no response. If you’ve heard from her, please let me know!

Quick NetFlix Movie Reviews

The Art of the Steal
Starring Kurt Russell, Matt Dillon, and Jay Baruchel
I’d never heard of this film until it showed up on NetFlix. It turned out to be a surprisingly entertaining film! Good heist caper movie that features twists and turns similar to an episode of Leverage.

Anchorman 2
Sorry to say, I didn’t laugh that much. As a character, Ron Burgundy works best in five minute spurts or less. However, if you liked the first one, you’ll like this one.





Picking up some new books or signing up for the blogfest? Heard from Fanny recently? How’s your writing progressing? Seen either of those movies? And what do you think about the Star Wars VIII director choice?

Don’t forget to visit Charity Bradford!