The Great A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal! Plus News on Daredevil, Kingsman 2, Indiana Jones 5, and Ninja News

Today is the Great A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal! But first…

Entertainment News

Daredevil – Season Two is now available on NetFlix!
It was tempting to binge-watch the whole season, but I’m going to spread it out a couple weeks and enjoy it.
The first episode kicked off with a bang as The Punisher entered Daredevil’s world. It also has the same flavor as season one, which bodes well to yet another awesome season.

A sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service is in the works.
From JoBlo:
Matthew Vaughn's upcoming KINGSMAN sequel is set to kick off production next month with Taron Egerton reprising his role as Gary "Eggsy" Unwin. News of other cast members, both new and old, have been trickling in and now Deadline is reporting that Edward Holcroft, who played smarmy turncoat Charlie Hesketh in the first film, will be returning for the sequel as well.

From Blastr, we find that yes, they are making Indiana Jones 5.
Steven Spielberg re-teaming with Harrison Ford and they are bringing on writer David Koepp. Now, Koepp did write the screenplay for the amazing Jurassic Park, but he also wrote Indiana Jones 4. Not good…

Ninja News

New Releases:

Under a Purple Moon by Beverly Stowe McClure
No love in the Garden of Eden...
Find it at iTunes, Nook, Amazon and Amazon UK

Deb’s Daily Drivel by Deb Church
Find it on Amazon

Mage, Maze, Demon by Charles Gramlich
This publication is by David Cranmer’s Beat to a Pulp.
This is book #3 in their Veridical Dreams series.
Find it on Amazon

Witch of the Cards by Catherine Stine
Find it at iTunes, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble

Can You Catch My Flow? By Lidy Wilks
Find it at Amazon

The Great Theme Reveal!

Today is the A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal. Those of us with themes are revealing them today.

Most of you know my themes tend to be simple yet complex. As a co-host, I usually go all out. This year, I scaled it back a bit. One theme – three items.

And my theme is…

Origins of Science Fiction Terms and More!

The term, its meaning, and its first book appearance – a movie that features this term – and a featured blogger buddy who reminds me of that term!

Yes, that is scaling it back a little bit… And had to feature a blogger buddy for each letter, as that’s now a Challenge staple.

So join me on April 1 as we take a fascinating look into where those odd science fiction terms originated. Who knows? You just might learn something…

Visit others who are revealing their theme today, including the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Did you start watching Daredevil this past weekend? Does an Indiana Jones 5 worry you? Picking up some new books? Curious where some of those science fiction terms came from? And what is your theme for the Challenge?

Geekdom House, IPad Pro Update, Into the Badlands Review, Mini-Alex, Christmas Blog Hop, and Ninja News

Geekdom House

Two months ago, I was asked to contribute a story to Geekdom House for their quarterly magazine, Area of Effect, and website. Today, my contemporary piece, Dungeons and Cookies, appears at their site!

What is Geekdom House?

Geekdom House is a Christian non-profit organization which celebrates the bridge between one’s Faith and one’s fandom—science fiction, fantasy, comics, anime, board games, video games, computers, and all the art and creativity that comes along with these things. The Area of Effect magazine is published four times a year.
Geekdom House’s three-fold Mission Statement:
The first is for the nerds and geeks who identify as Christian believers.
The second is for the nerd and geeks who do not have a faith-filled community.
Lastly, the third is to build the bridge and bring these two groups closer together.

My story also appears in their Winter edition of Area of Affect. You can check out the magazine HERE.

Big thanks to Allison from Geek Banter for recommending me!

I’m also visiting Elizabeth Seckman - it’s Christmas with the Ninja!

IPad Pro with Pencil Update

Now that I have the accessory to go along with it, I’m pleased to report that my ‘like’ might have slipped into ‘geek-boy puppy love.’

With the addition of some graphics apps (including Autodesk Graphic, and Sketchbook), the iPad Pro has morphed into a very good production tool.

How does it compare to the Surface Pro? While the Surface is a great tool, you’d have to spend $1800 for the mid-range version to match what the iPad Pro does. (In comparison, it’s $899 for the Pro, plus $250 for the pencil and keyboard, for a total of $1149.) I didn’t even bother with the keyboard, so I spent less than that. What it really comes down to is the eco system you’ve already invested into.

Since I’ve been with Apple since the Nano and the iTouch, might as well stick with them! (Although all of our computers are PCs.) Besides, I’m so close to an iPad for every room of the house…

Into the Badlands Review

From the IMDB - A mighty warrior and a young boy search for enlightenment in a ruthless territory controlled by feudal barons.
It’s an ultra-cool show set in the future.
The action sequences are unparalleled on television. They’re as good as anything from The Matrix or Crouching Tiger. They simply drip with style.
The storyline and characters are also compelling.
This show just reeks of coolness. If you haven’t seen it, check it out!
Highly recommended.

Ninja News

Today’s Themes That Rocked the Challenge feature at the A to Z Blog is Diane Gordon from Part Time Monster!

New Releases:

Heart in a Box by Catherine Stine

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters by Donna McDine
Find it on Amazon

Crimson Earth by Anna Soliveres

Coming December 18
Six Degrees of Boss by Rayven Godchild (Angela Brown)
He was the shadow who saved her life. She was the spark who reawakened his soul.
Find it on Amazon

Christmas Joy Bloghop

Hosted by Elizabeth at Liz’s Random Ponderings

Tell us what makes Christmas special for you. Here are some things you could include:
- A special Christmas memory
- Favorite Christmas song/carol
- Share why you celebrate Christmas
- Favorite decorations, favorite food or treats, etc.v - The best gift you ever gave or received
- Traditions

My favorite Christmas tradition is spending Christmas Eve with my wife, munching snacks and watching Christmas movies.

The best gift I ever received was a guitar. Two, in fact! (My wife is awesome.)

And the reason I celebrate Christmas is because it is the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Have you ever checked out Geekdom House’s site? Interested in the iPad Pro now? Watching Into the Badlands? See some new books you want? And what makes Christmas special for you?

Mini-Alex and I would like to wish you all a most Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

We’ll be lurking some and then taking a break – see you January 4.

A to Z Challenge – I – Cult Classics – The Iron Giant, Iron Maiden, I Am Legend, and More! Plus a Special Tribute…

Today I am visiting Damy at Daily (w)rite. She’s been a very special friend for many years, and I’ve really missed her presence on the A to Z Challenge Team. I’m discussing the ‘What If’ of writing, so be sure to stop by!

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – I

Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term

Movie –

The Iron Giant
Based on a 1968 book, the story harkens back to a more simple and innocent time and features Vin Diesel as the voice of the giant. (It was also the first DVD I ever purchased without seeing the film first - and I was not disappointed!)

Music –

Iron Maiden – Piece of Mind
First album with the iconic Maiden lineup, this Platinum selling album was listed as one of the greatest metal albums of all times and included hits such as The Trooper.

Science Fiction Books –

I Am Legend – Richard Matheson
Influential in developing the zombie genre, this book was adapted at a film three times–The Last Man on Earth (1964), The Omega Man (1971), and I Am Legend (2007.)

The Island of Dr. Moreau – H. G. Wells
Published in 1896, this book explored moral responsibility and animal cruelty. Shortly after the book’s release, the first anti-vivisection groups were formed.

Bloggers –

Holly at I am HR Sinclair
Want to know more about gemstones? Learn some things about blogging? Have access to cookbooks full of tasty treats? Then Holly is your person!

Catherine Stine at Idea City
Want to meet an author of many genres? One who is supportive of others with book features and reviews? Then Catherine is the fire you need!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Isadore
She is Hyrath’s current Queen, overseeing the Council and all districts. Isadore understands Hyrath’s position of power and wants to keep it at all costs.

Dragon of the Stars is out now!
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.

And there is a Scavenger Hunt! An autographed copy of the book, bookmarks and swag, and $20.00 iTunes gift cards to the winner. Just visit the sites below and leave a comment – where do you think Mini-Alex is in the photo? Open until midnight April 11 – winner announced here April 13. Now go!

Melissa Maygrove * Eva Solar * Father Dragon Al * Suzanne Furness * Karen Walker * Dianne Salerni * Christine Rains * Nick Wilford * EE Giorgi * Murees Dupe * L Diane Wolfe * Helena * Tyrean Martinson * Robin * Heather Gardner * Jo * Lynda Young * SL Hennessy * Toi Thomas * Lori MacLaughlin * Jess at Author Tracker, * Truedessa, * Annalisa Crawford, * Patricia Lynne, * Lisa at Flash Fiction, * Julie Flanders, * Julie Kemp Pick, * Nicki Elson, * Mark Koopmans, * Sydney Aaliyah!

Special Tribute

This has been a wild week with a book release right in the middle of the challenge. I’d like to thank those who made this week awesome.

Thanks to those listed above who posted for the scavenger hunt. Some of you added it to your Challenge posts, which was awesome.

Thanks to everyone who joined the Thunderclap campaign. I saw the full list of everyone who signed up and it really meant a lot to me.

Thanks to those who pre-ordered or purchased my book! Some of you have already finished reading it, which just blows me away.

Thanks to those who posted on their own about my book -
Cathrina Constantine, Ellie Garratt, Randi lee, Elizabeth Seckman, Lisa Buie-Collard, Susan Gourley, Mina Burrows, Dani at Entertaining Interests, Yvonne Lewis, Elana Johnson, Lanise Brown, and Ella. All links go directly to their posts, which were touching and sweet.

A special thanks to Brandon Ax! He always draws a cartoon of himself with a dragon, and he did one in honor of my book. You rock, Brandon.

And a special thanks to Roland Yeomans for sending me on yet another wild adventure across the stars. Searching for the Dragon with Mark Twain and being accosted by Princess Aura – that could only happen to me!

Bottom line, you guys all rock! As always, I am humbled by the support. And I never even wanted to be an author.

And if you are still wondering about those Kargrandes…

Seen the Iron Giant? Fan of Maiden? Read the books? (Or seen any of the many movie versions?) Following those awesome bloggers? And who has helped you this week? Who would you like to thank?

Don’t forget to visit the awesome Damy!

Ender’s Game Movie Review and the iPad Air! Plus What Drew Me into the Wormhole of Science Fiction, New Walking Dead Site, Battle of the Bands Results, and Ninja News

I am visiting the wonderful Donna Weaver today! The topic? What Drew Me into the Wormhole of Science Fiction…

Jeremy Hawkins has a new site - Hate the Captcha, a tribute site to the Walking Dead. So if you are a Walking Dead fan, you need to check it out.
And I’ve been meaning to highlight the fun animation he did for my book in September – here it is:

IPad Air

With so much going on last Friday, I didn’t get to touch upon the release of the iPad Air. I don’t have mine yet, but I will be ordering it in the next week or two. Here’s the quick facts:

The iPad Air is the fifth generation of iPad. It’s only .29 inches thick and weighs one pound. The iOS 7 added many new features, although difference isn’t as noticeable as with the iPhone. Where you will notice a big improvement is with certain apps, especially game apps. It also comes with iLife and iWork apps for free.

Unlike the latest iPhone, it doesn’t come with the TouchID fingerprint sensor. (However, the next iPad Mini will feature Retina Display.) There are no huge jumps in technology except an increase in memory and storage – there’s now a 128GB iPad for $799. (Definitely the one I will purchase!)

My wife wants a new one as well. I’m thinking Christmas gift. Of course that will mean we have several extra iPads.

If my goal is an iPad and a guitar in every room of the house, I’m well on my way…

Ninja News

Sean McLachlan is this month’s featured Challenge participant at the A to Z Blog. His theme was the Civil War and Wild West history, and it was a lot more wild than you’d imagine!

Medeia Sharif signed a contract with Prizm Books for an edgy YA novel entitled Vitamins and Death. You can add it to Goodreads HERE. Congratulations, Medeia!

The Fussy Librarian is a great site for book recommendations – and if you are an author, you can list your books there if they have enough favorable reviews. (CassaStar and CassaFire are both on the site, but I moved too slow with CassaStorm and now have to wait until November 30.)

Mark Koopmans is doing something really special this coming Christmas – the 50 States of Pray Event. Check out his site for details on how you can participate!

Catherine Stine accepted an offer from Inkspell Publishing for her new adult romance novella, Model Position. It will come out early next year in eBook form and she’s using the pen name, Kitsy Clare. Congratulations, Catherine!

Susan Gourley’s latest is now available from Crescent Moon Press - First Dragon, book #1 of The Morbunda Saga. And look at that wicked cover! Congratulations, Susan.

Roland Yeomans’ Sounds of Voodoo is now available in audio book and Lucifer’s Orphan: Battlefield Hell is free on Amazon. Congratulations, Roland!

Joylene Nowell Butler announced a special on her mystery thriller, Dead Witness. The eBook is marked down from $5.95 to $1.99 through November 16. See her site for all of the participating retail sites.

Dark Visions Volume 1 is now available from Grey Matter Press, and it includes a story by Milo James Fowler, along with a dozen other creepy tales. Milo asks: Have you ever considered submitting to a themed anthology? It's a great way to introduce your work to a broader audience, and it's always cool to share a table of contents with some of the more well-known names in any genre. Congratulations, Milo!

Coming Soon!

Diamonds and Dust by River Fairchild
Coming December 9, 2013


Magic is real. So is betrayal.
Two heirs. A Kingdom of dust on a troubled world. One might resurrect it. One might destroy it all….


Diamonds and Dust is available for pre-order here: Apple, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble


Find River - Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

Battle of the Bands Results

In the battle of Pink Floyd’s Welcome to the Machine remakes, the votes were:

Shadow’s Fall – seven
Arjen Anthony Lucassen – seven

It’s a tie! I guess it depends on whether you like the traditional version or one a little more creative. (And I contributed to the tie, as I voted for the more unique Lucassen version.)

Movie Review

Ender’s Game
The director did a good job capturing the cold tone of the book. Subplots were discarded and everything was condensed for time. (The very ending is different, but it would’ve taken too much time to set up.) Asa is good in the title role, although he spends half the movie either crying or about to cry. Ford plays the character exactly the same as the book – he’s just in a lot more of the movie.
The special effects are amazing. I think this movie would’ve really benefitted from 3D.
The book is of course better, because you’re in Ender’s head. There were many things the movie just didn’t explain.
The downside – if you’re not a fan of the book, this movie won’t change your mind. It’s an interesting science fiction film, but no better than that. The cold, impersonal tone of the book is really stark on the screen. (My wife hadn’t read the book and she really didn’t like the film – she didn’t buy the premise, didn’t like any of the characters, and was put off by the cold tone. And she normally digs science fiction films.)
If you’re looking for a fun romp, this isn’t it. Go see Thor this Friday instead.
If you want to support science fiction films so they’ll keep making more, then you could do worse than spending an afternoon watching Ender’s Game. (You could watch Prometheus instead – the horror!)

Anyone pick up the new iPad Air or place it on your Christmas list? Excited about all the great news today? Who else saw Ender’s Game? In the US, did you enjoy an extra hour of sleep? Ready for the IWSG on Wednesday? And who else is STOKED for Thor: The Dark World this Friday?

Be sure to visit Donna Weaver!

The July Movie Preview! Plus CassaStorm Updates, Wednesday Movie Quote, and Ninja News

Ninja News

Misha Gericke’s Paying it Forward nominations are open again! One category - Blogger Most Deserving of Having Their Day Made. See her site for details.

Nominate a self-published author for their weekly series spotlight at The Guardian.

Sarah Ahiers has a story, Smothered, in Dark Moon Digest’s YA quarterly edition. Congratulations, Sarah!

Available now!

Ruby’s Fire by Catherine Stine

If everything about you changes, what remains?

Find Ruby’s Fire at Amazon, Amazon Kindle, and Goodreads.


Author Samantha Redstreake Geary is collaborating with the motion picture music production house, Audiomachine, for their album release "The Tree of Life" beginning July 15th. She’s hosting a "Tree of Life: Branching Out" writing challenge/contest for guest writers, each contributing their own 150 word excerpt to a continuing story collectively written over the course of 25 days. Guest writers can spin the story in whatever direction they choose, as long as it relates to the previously posted excerpt and is inspired by the featured Audiomachine track. When the collective story is complete, fans will vote for their favorite excerpt -- the top three writers will be awarded prizes. See her site for details.

Updates!

After making one widget featuring my blogger buddies’ books (see left side bar – bottom) I realized I’d missed some, so I made a second one. A few books I couldn’t find (the widget is through Amazon) and I apologize. Hopefully I’ve featured one book from everyone!

I will be taking Fridays off through July so I can complete all the revisions for CassaStorm. I’ll still be visiting, but I won’t be posting.

And… the book trailer for CassaStorm should be ready soon! My publisher asked for three key taglines, and other than shorter than the first two trailers, I don’t know anything else about it. I’m really eager to see it, though!

Wednesday Movie Quote

Today’s genre – superhero films!


I have to go with The Avengers:

“Puny god.”

Next week – water movies! (You may interpret that any way you like.)

July Movie Preview

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

3 – 

The Lone Ranger
Native American warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice.
Director: Gore Verbinski
Stars: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkinson
Verbinski and Depp have done it before – can they do it again?

Despicable Me 2
Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal.
Directors: Pierre Coffin | Chris Renaud
Stars: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Ken Jeong
The Minions are back! Who doesn’t dig the Minions?



12 –

Pacific Rim
When an alien attack threatens the Earth's existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace.
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Charlie Day, Rinko Kikuchi
Giant robots versus giant monsters and directed by del Toro – need I say more?


19 –

Red 2
Retired black-ops CIA agent Frank Moses reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device.
Director: Dean Parisot
Stars: Bruce Willis, Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich
Great cast and the first one was hilarious.

R.I.P.D.
A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.
Director: Robert Schwentke
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Bacon
Undead police… um, sure.

Turbo
A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500.
Director: David Soren
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Maya Rudolph, Samuel L. Jackson
It’s Ryan Reynolds day! Maybe we’ll get singing slugs like the ones in Flushed Away.



26 – 

The Wolverine
Wolverine makes a voyage to modern-day Japan, where he encounters an enemy from his past that will impact on his future.
Director: James Mangold
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto
It’s got to be better than his origins film!



See some interesting news today? Anyone as excited as me to see the trailer for CassaStorm? (Well, probably not.) What’s your favorite superhero film quote? And what movies will you be seeing in July?