A to Z Challenge - Memento, Meant to Live, Ninja News, and the Big Surprise!

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

Memento

Nolan’s greatest masterpiece. The story is told backwards, which makes you think as every new scene unfolds. You do not leave your brain at the door for this one! Guy Pearce is exceptional as the man with memory issues searching for his wife’s killer. This film is the ultimate mind bend.

Leonard Shelby is focused on his goal. He might forget things, but never his ultimate target. Since every moment is new to him, Leonard possesses a child-like innocence.

Who is Leonard?

Charity Bradford!

Her goal was published author and she never wavered on that path, achieving it this past February. Charity also possesses that innocence, and it comes through in her smile and her Faith. Her passions shine, no matter what she is doing.

Charity is the author of The Magic Wakes and a devoted mother and wife.

To you I dedicate Meant to Live by Switchfoot. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

“We were meant to live for so much more… And everything inside screams for second life…” I will see that second life, Charity!

Trivia and Facts:

Did you know that Leonard’s medical condition is real? It’s called Anterograde Amnesia – the inability to form new memories – and is a result of damage to the hippocampus.

Switchfoot is a term from what sport/activity?

L’s trivia answer - Nancy’s son attends Arizona State University and Rush formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Ninja News

Shannon Lawrence at The Warrior Muse has a story, "The Family Ruins," in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, which releases today. Congratulations, Shannon!

The latest in Andrew Leon’s Shadow Spinner series, Part 19, is available today and free at Amazon. You can also pick up Parts 15-18 free, along with his book The Evil That Men Do. Congratulations, Andrew!

The Big Surprise!

The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest – May 17

That’s right – another fun and easy movie blogfest! Something simple after the insanity of the Challenge and my last one until the fall.

Hosted by me, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, and Al Diaz.

When Hollywood runs out of ideas, they remake older films. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it fails miserably.

On May 17, list the best remake you’ve ever seen and the worst.

Added bonus – list the worst and/or best song remake you’ve ever heard!

Sign up below!



Fan of Memento? Following the awesome Charity? Know the trivia answer? Eager to get Shannon and Andrew’s books? And ready for one final blogfest until the fall? I KNOW you can think of a really crappy remake…

A to Z Challenge – Inception and I Walk Beside You by Dream Theater, Plus Ninja News

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

Inception

Christopher Nolan is a genius. Original science fiction is so rare that you should treasure it when you find it. The cast is stellar and the storyline intricately perplexing.

Ariadne comes to the group young, fresh, and very talented. But she’s not naïve or easily fooled. She knows what she’s doing and keeps the others in line. Ariadne is the grounding force.

Who is Ariadne?

Tina from Life is Good!

(Much to her surprise, I’m sure.)

Tina may think she’s scattered and unorganized. But she’s really on the ball and full of great ideas. One of the A to Z co-hosts, she’s behind the scenes keeping things moving. Nothing gets past her. Everything she does is for the best of the group and her blogger friends. Tina is that spark we all need. And messages, comments, and emails from her just brighten my day!

Tina is originally from Sweden and is a writer and devoted A to Z Challenge Co-Host.

To you I dedicate I Walk Beside You by Dream Theater. (Song title links to YouTube video.)

“I walk beside you, Wherever you are, Whatever it takes, No matter how far…”

Trivia and Facts:

In her posts, Tina often refers to someone called “The Engineer” – who is he?

Did you know that in Greek mythology, Ariadne aided Theseus in overcoming the Minotaur by giving him a ball of red thread so he could find his way out of the labyrinth?

H’s trivia answer – Hellboy’s father was played by John Hurt.

Ninja News

I am looking for co-hosts for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group for the next few months. If you can help by visiting twenty to twenty-five blogs on the list the first Wednesday of the month, please let me know. Thanks!

Rachel Schieffelbein revealed the cover to her upcoming book, Secondary Characters, which releases May 28. Congratulations, Rachel!



Don’t forget the Goodreads giveaway ends next week:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends April 21, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Fan of Inception and Nolan? Following the ever-awesome Tina? Can you help with the IWSG in the coming months? Excited for Rachel? Don't forget the giveaway at Goodreads and here! And can you believe a third of the Challenge is now over...?

UNSTOPPABLE - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

UNSTOPPABLE

Bossy Betty
This wonderful woman with a penchant for humor and eye for photography underwent a life-changing event last year, one that nearly wiped her out. However, she is not Bossy Betty for nothing! Struggling through the pain and sorrow, she bravely set out on the new path. I admire her strength and endurance and watch in awe as she tackles life renewed. Betty, you are truly unstoppable!

Leigh at Em-Musing
Her posts may be a wandering musings, but not her actions. Leigh is on the hunt, submitting her queries with determination. Add to her challenges a recent move to Mexico. But that won’t stop her either. And I know all of that unstoppable energy will one day meet with success.

Christopher Nolan
He certainly seems unstoppable with a string of one great film after another. Starting with Memento (from an earlier post) through Batman and Inception (also posted) he has a knack for hitting one home run after another. I can’t wait for the third of the Batman trilogy “The Dark Knight Rises.”

NINJA NEWS!

Wendy Tyler Ryan is putting together the Second Avenue Second Hand Anthology – see her site for details on how to submit.

Full details on the A to Z Reflections post May 7 are posted at the A to Z Blog

Don’t forget the First Loves Blogfest on May 14 – First loves of movies, music, books, and person.

NINJA CONTEST!

To celebrate 1500 followers, I’m holding a giveaway – a copy of CassaStar and CassaFire! This will be a little different though. The books will be donated to the winner’s choice of public or high school library, along with a selection of bookmarks. (The winner also gets bookmarks.)

How to enter: (and must be a follower)

Comment on my posts (just once) U-X (Tuesday through Friday) – one point

Ten extra points for the first comment (please don’t melt my blog)

Ten extra points if you blog about this contest (leave a link so I know)

Winner will be announced Monday during the Z post!

Following Betty and Em-Musing? Think Christopher Nolan rocks? Ready to share your thoughts about the Challenge on May 7? Entering the giveaway? And who do you know who is unstoppable?

Thanks again everyone for making 1500+ followers a reality. And despite the cool suggestions yesterday, I’m sticking with Ninja Captain. After all, Jean Luc Picard was an awesome captain!