Guardians of the Galaxy Review, Interstellar Trailer, Marvel Movie Trivia, Music to Write By with MJ Fifield, and Ninja News

I have an interview with Richard P. Hughes for his “What I like about where I live” feature today!

Movie Review

Guardians of the Galaxy

Best movie of the summer!

The Guardians are part of the Marvel universe, but this felt more like Indiana Jones meets Serenity rather than a superhero film. It harkens back to those fun 80’s movies and I sported a big grin for the duration of the film.

The movie hits all the right notes. The action is well paced, the humor spread evenly, and the sentiment shines at the right moments. The five characters come from troubled backgrounds (well, we assume Groot does – he only speaks four words) and grow as they learn to come together as a team.

The banter between the characters is priceless. Think Serenity and Firefly. Each has numerous funny lines and humorous situations. Rocket (the raccoon) pulls off some of the best one-liners. (But the funniest scene involves the interior condition of Peter Quill’s ship. And fortunately, it will go right over kids’ heads.)

They are backed by a great supporting cast. Stan Lee has his cameo, Del Toro returns as The Collector, and even Rob Zombie has a role. And – we finally get to see Thanos!

Overall, it’s one fun and satisfying ride and now my second favorite Marvel film. And from the setup, I predict we will see the Guardians in the third Avengers film.

Highly Recommended!

Music To Write By

Please welcome the awesome MJ Fifield!

I like creating playlists for my WIPs. I know I’m getting serious about a WIP when I start compiling a playlist for it. But I have one playlist that isn’t WIP-specific. It’s called “Mood Music” and when people have seen that particular CD lying around, their minds immediately go somewhere they shouldn’t.

It’s not that kind of mood music. What it is is instrumental music in which I get lost, melodies that make me see and feel my characters. It’s what I listen to when I need to find that deep, often elusive, writing zone.

Today, I thought I would share with you some of the soundtracks which help me do that.

—The Lord of the Rings (composed by Howard Shore)—Sweeping and epic, and everything a fantasy soundtrack should be. From the very first track to the last, this is perfect music to get me in the mindset to write. Standout tracks include: The Bridge of Khazad Dum and The Riders of Rohan.

—Battlestar Galactica (composed by Bear McCreary)—Unless Joss Whedon is involved, I’m not much for shows set in space. The Battlestar Galactica reboot became the exception—and the music was part of the reason why. The main title music is gorgeous, but my standout track here is Passacaglia.

—The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (composed by Jeremy Soule)—A video game soundtrack to a game I’ve never played. Fortunately, Pandora Radio introduced it to me, and I knew instantly that I had to have it. Standout track is From Past To Present.

—Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Score (composed by Christophe Beck)—From the television show. I particularly love Slayer’s Elegy, Sacrifice, and The Loneliness of Six. There’s another track not on this collection, though, and that’s The Final Fight by Rob Duncan, which appears in the series finale. That track always helps me with—you guessed it—fight scenes.

—Game of Thrones (composed by Ramin Djawadi)—The newest addition to my Mood Music collection. I can’t deny how it makes me feel. Just beautiful, inspirational music. Standout track: Winterfell from season two.

Have any music you like to write to? Please let me know because I’m always on the hunt for new additions to my playlists.

Thanks for having me here today, Alex!
Pick up Effigy on Amazon

Ninja News

Rereleased! Snapshops by Patricia Lynne
Find it at Amazon, Goodreads, and Smashwords



Ali Cross announced the date and location for Indie ReCon Live - Sandy Utah, October 10-11th. Get all the details at Indie ReCon Live


George from Cinemarvellous now has a Facebook Page. If you are on Facebook, please ‘like’ his page.

Shag Carpet Toilet by Al Penwasser now available in print!

Had to share this picture Ellie Garratt posted of Ninja Alex with Beaker!




And don’t forget that Wednesday is Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day!

Interstellar Trailer

In case you missed it last week – an awesome new trailer for Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. Now I’m getting excited for this film!

Movie trivia

Marvel movies – easy trivia! (All answers are Marvel movies.)

1 – Vampire trilogy

2 – Actor who started in one series and then hit it big with another series

3 – Blind superhero

4 – In X-Men 3, Jean Grey becomes…

5 – Worst rated Marvel film of the past twenty years

Answers on Wednesday!

What music inspires you to write? Any news strike your fancy? Excited for Interstellar? Know the trivia answers? Ready for Wednesday’s IWSG post? And who else saw Guardians of the Galaxy…?

Be sure to visit Richard P. Hughes!

Edge of Tomorrow Review, Phoenix Prophetesses and Ninjas, Then and Now Blogfest, and Major Ninja News!

Edge of Tomorrow Review

Fighting an alien invasion, Tom Cruise is caught in a loop – every time he dies, he returns to the same moment in time.

If you’re looking for a good science fiction story, this is it. The film is extremely entertaining. The battle sequences are nothing short of thrilling. Time travel is always interesting and it’s used to great effect here
.
There are a LOT of elements from other movies and stories, but they pull them together into a really solid story that’s tense and exciting. Think Saving Private Ryan, Starship Troopers, Groundhog Day, and a pinch of 50 First Dates.

You might not like Cruise as a person, but he’s really good in this film and a bit of a different character than you’ve seen before. Plus Emily Blunt is great – something about her that’s just HOT!

Highly recommended!

Five Ways Phoenix Prophetesses Are Like Ninjas

1. Although Phoenix Prophetesses can really see the future, Ninjas—with their lightning fast reflexes—appear to be able to see the future.

2. Both Phoenix Prophetesses and Ninjas have perfect accuracy. If they throw something, it will hit their target.

3. A Zen-like state can balance Ninjas and Phoenix Prophetesses alike.

4. They can sneak around and hide in the shadows.

5. Last, but definitely not the least, they both look stunning in black.

To save a kingdom, a prophetess must challenge Fate.

Available in Ebook and Print! To purchase Reborn: Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Nook, OmniLit, Smashwords, Createspace, and Google Play

"The authors of Untethered Realms and I are giving away over $50 worth of books to one lucky winner. The giveaway is open internationally. Go HERE to enter."

A self-proclaimed bookworm, Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. Reborn is her debut novel. For more information, please visit her website.

Major Ninja News!

Heroes of PHENOMENA is now available on Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords!!


Today’s Themes That Rocked feature at the A to Z Blog is Charity Bradford and her Dr. Who theme!


George at Cinemarvellous had one of his quotes included in a DVD trailer!


Jennifer Hillier hit it big time! Jimmy Fallon does a segment every week on The Tonight Show where he picks a hashtag on Tuesdays and invites people to tweet something funny about it. He posts the best ones on the show on Thursdays. Last week it was #WorstSummerJobs – and Jennifer’s was the last one he read!

Talli Roland’s The No Kids Club is out now! You can buy it on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. Amazon US and Amazon UK

Nigel Mitchell just released Quantum Tales - Volumes 1 & 2

Botanist fromViews From the Bald Patch just released a new book - Ghosts of Innocence. Find it on Amazon and Smashwords.

T.B. Markinson’s latest, A Woman Lost, is on sale for 99 cents. Find it at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Maggie at Just Get it Written nominated me for the Lighthouse Award. Check her site for the rules, but I pass this on to Gary at Klahanie.

Eva at My Miracle Life selected me as her Written Acts of Kindness blogger last month. Father Dragon Al has started a special encouragement group, proving he’s one of the most encouraging people I know. (See Eva’s site for rules.)

Then and Now Blogfest

Hosted by The Armchair Squid, Suze, Nicki Elson, and Nancy Mock.

The greatest films stand the test of time, speaking to us in different ways at various life stages. Is there a movie that was a part of your life when you were younger that you see differently now? Like fine wine, has it improved with age or did it die in the bottle? Has maturity brought you new insights you missed in your youth?

I’ve selected two movies:

Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster
Fun movie when I was a kid, as I was big into Godzilla.
Saw it again as an adult courtesy of Mystery Science Theater 3000 – and they brought a whole new level to it, poking fun at the cheesiness, bad acting, and rubber suits.
“They’ve run acrab! It’s kaBob and kaSteve.”

Jaws
Saw it in the theater when I was a kid and scared the crap out of me. Didn’t go near a bathtub for months.
Have watched it many times as an adult, and despite all the problems they had with Bruce the Shark, it still holds up to this day. Great acting, scary and tense moments, and some of the greatest lines ever.
“You’re going to need a bigger boat.”

Whoa! Anyone else see Edge of Tomorrow? Picked up Reborn yet? Catch that spot on the Tonight Show? Excited about the new books? And what movie do you see differently now than you did as a kid?

Cassa and Ninja Myths! Plus Despicable Me 2 Review, Ninja News, and Special Thanks.

Cassans and Ninjas - Myths and Answers

Thanks everyone for the awesome comments on CassaStorm’s book trailer and my IWSG POST last week! Since there were some interesting comments and questions, I decided to set the record straight about a few things. I was also informed there is never anything about ME on my own blog. So you're getting me. (Hope this isn’t a mistake of epic proportions.)

The Trailer

CassaStorm’s trailer was created by my publisher, Dancing Lemur Press.

No, I am not Byron’s voice.

Not sure how long it took them to make it. Between one and two months?

Yes, the visuals are awesome! I want a Cassa movie now.

The only thing I contributed was a short summary of the plot. (And those four lines were changed for the trailer.)

My Books

CassaStorm is written from three points of view – Byron, Athee, and their son, Bassan.

Bassan is ten years old.

Yes, I’m feeling the pressure of this third book and wrapping up the trilogy.

When CassaStorm is released, I’m sure there will be eBook giveaways that will be open to everyone. Those in North America can enter the Goodreads giveaway for a review copy now.

Re-releasing the first two books? No sure what that means. Will ask my publisher.

The general consensus is that sales will boost up again when the third one is released. Both CassaStar and CassaFire enjoyed time on the Amazon US and UK best seller charts, and the first time didn’t occur until almost a year after CassaStar’s release. I also think sales are slower now because a lot of people who read space opera have already purchased the books. (It’s not a really popular genre.)

The Ninja

Yes, I do remember stating I only had one book in me when I began this journey. What the heck did I know?

‘Is this really my last book?’ I am still undecided. Music takes a lot of time now, and I am very focused on improving my guitar skills and playing the best for our band. Either way, I get to be creative, which is very cool.

‘I’m a bit intimidating and viewed as a celebrity.’ Folks, I’m just Alex. If you’re a visitor or fan who comes by but is hesitant to follow or comment because you don’t think I’ll notice – I will notice! I’ve enjoyed the friendships I’ve made online, and I’m grateful for every connection and comment.
But otherwise, I’m just a dude with a guitar and a couple books. (And possibly a clone machine…)

Any other questions? Did I confuse anyone? I think I confused myself...

Ninja News

CineMarvellous is hosting a giveway for a free television! Open to UK residents, you could win a free 19 inch Alba HD TV. Check out his site for details.

Cassie Mae’s book is out – Friday Night Alibi

In the wealthy town of Sundale, Kelli Pinkins has hatched the perfect plan to capitalize on her sweet reputation. For a generous fee, she will be every trust-fund baby’s dream: a Friday-night alibi…

Congratulations, Cassie!!

Tara Tyler’s book is out – Pop Travel

In a futuristic cat-and-mouse game, hard-boiled detective J.L. Cooper is chased across the world using Pop Travel teleportation, which has a deadly flaw he is determined to expose…

Find it on Amazon

Congratulations on your first book release, Tara!

Special Thanks

A very special thanks to my buddies Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse and Jeremy at Being Retro for the awesome features they did for CassaStorm and its trailer. You guys rock!

And a big thanks to Father Dragon Al for his very moving post on Friday and including me on his Dragon’s Eleven team. You are one awesome dragon!

Movie Review

Despicable Me 2
Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League, and he and his partner Lucy must find a mystery super criminal.
This one is almost as good as the original. It falls just short due to the fact the plot is thin and secondary to everything that is happening.
That said, it’s still a lot of fun! The Minions are even funnier and get more screen time. The animation is stunning. And very colorful.
Will there be a third film? This one made $142 million dollars over the Fourth of July. Pretty sure you will see a Despicable Me 3.
Highly recommended for adults and kids!

Any other questions about the trailer, my books, or me? (No, I will not reveal the location of the clone machine. Last time I did that, we were up to our ears in Dwarves.) Excited about the new releases? Anyone else see Despicable Me 2 this past weekend? And would anyone care to clone a Minion...?

Counting Alligators, Ninja News, Speed Readers, and More Movie Trivia

Today I have a very special guest, author C. Lee McKenzie. Now, most people count sheep. Lee counts alligators…

Counting Alligators

When all else fails . . . do research. Let's face it, sometimes the writer has to turn off his brain, or at least switch it to idle. When I need to take a break from a manuscript, I dive into research.

When I do, I always find things that let me flesh out a story with confidence, or I get a great idea for a scene that hadn't occurred to me. Sometimes I just bump into something that's interesting and that I never would have found if I hadn't been hunting for information to use in my story--a little serendipity.

When I started writing Alligators Overhead I didn't know much about those reptiles except they scared the bejeebers out of me. But then I read that when Hurricane Katrina destroyed a lot of their habitat, thousands of these expert swimmers drowned, and conservationists worried they might not make a come back. Not so. They're back and they're back up to healthy numbers.

When I read that, I had to ask, "How do they count alligators?" Two ways was the answer. Find the nests and count the eggs. Euuuu! Not a job I'd want. Alligator mommies do not take kindly to anyone messing with her babes.

There had to be an easier way, right? No, but there was a harder one. Take a boat out into the swamp at night, shine the flashlight around the water hyacinths and red eyes stare back at you. Yep. You can count alligators because their eyes glow red at night. Hmm. Maybe the nest method isn't so bad.

In any case, that little bit of information made for a great scene with my two boys on their first venture into the swamp at night and a trail of red-eyed alligators behind them.

Once you start looking into counting alligators, you’d be surprised what pops up, like, Woody Pines and his Louisiana beat. This is Counting Alligators the safe way.



As writers do you put your brain on idle while you research, or do you have other ways to refresh while you’re working through a manuscript?

Great to be here, Alex. Gotta go and count me some alligators now.

Bio: A native Californian, C. Lee McKenzie lives on the edge of a redwood forest with her husband and assorted cats. When she's not writing or blogging she's hiking or practicing yoga. She usually writes young adult fiction that deals with contemporary, realistic issues. In Sliding on the Edge (2009) she dealt with cutting, and in The Princess of Las Pulgas (2010) she wrote about a family that loses almost everything and has to rebuild their lives together. Alligators Overhead is her first Middle Grade novel. Lee blogs HERE and her website is HERE. Watch the trailer for Alligators Overhead on YouTube

Ninja News!

Thanks to everyone who has signed up for my next blogfest, Genre Favorites! I’m overwhelmed by the response. I wanted to keep it simple and open for everyone. Look forward to everyone’s posts on September 17.

George at CineMarvellous celebrated three years of blogging this week Congratulations! Don’t ever quit on us, man.

Do you write historical or alternative fiction? Edi’s Book Lighthouse highlighted a new magazine called Alt Hist that features short stories. You can read about edition number four at Edi’s site.

AJ Walker has a new book out, At The Gates, Book II of the Timeless Empire series. It’s $2.99 for a limited time on Amazon. You can also pick up Book I, Hard Winter, for just 99 cents at Amazon. Congratulations, AJ!

Fast Readers

Someone else recently posted on the subject of how fast some people read. I admit, I’m in awe of those of you who crank through several books a week. I do good to read one or two a month. (I’m not a fast reader.) I also don’t do many reviews, although I will at least post a star rating on Goodreads.

I always buy my blogger buddy’s books though! I have so many on my iPad right now it just might explode. So even though it may take me forever to finally read your book, I do try to show support by purchasing it.

Movie Quotes!

Science fiction edition - because that's how I roll. Can you name the movie or actor who said…

1 – “His pattern indicates two-dimensional thinking.”

2 – “You know, Burke, I don’t know which species is worse, You don’t see them (screwing) each other over for a (X) damn percentage.

3 – “Can I ask you a personal question? Have you ever retired a human by mistake?”

4 – “But, the place where you’re supposed to have the toilet paper, you got this little shelf with three sea shells on it.”

5 – “This was supposed to be my weekend off, but noooooo! You got me out here draggin’ your heavy ass through the burning desert with your dreadlocks sticking out of the back of my parachute.”

And the Ninja will be gone a few days next week for a much needed vacation. So no post on Monday, but I will be lurking…

Do you count alligators? Signed up for the blogfest? How fast do you read? And know any of the trivia answers?

CassaFire Tour Last Day, Ninja News, Trivia, and FandomFest2012

We made it! Last day of the party and last stop in the tour. I don’t know about you, but I’m one day away from being beat!

The final stop of this crazy tour is at Sia McKye’s Thoughts Over Coffee

I met Sia just under two years ago – I think! She’s my one and only returning host, as she also hosted me on my tour for CassaStar. Sia hosts authors often and always compels them to provide thoughtful insights into their world. Well, can’t say I did something thoughtful, but Sia did beat an account of how writing has changed my life out of me. Yes, life used to be so simple…

Think you’re ready for the changes? Then go visit Sia McKye’s Thoughts Over Coffee

Don’t forget that everyone who comments here on my blog will be entered to win this cool prize package from my publisher. Last day to comment!

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who visited Damy at Daily Writes to see why critique partners rock.

My buddy George at Cinemarvellous is celebrating his birthday today! Yes, I thought it was Thursday. But today he’s posting his top ten favorite movies of 2011 to celebrate. Please go wish him a happy birthday!

Dreaming About Other Worlds posted a really thoughtful, in depth review of CassaFire on Thursday. All the major reviewers seem to echo the same thought – my books are throwbacks to the Golden Age of Science Fiction. I can live with that!

Yes, I did pre-order my iPad 3. Can't wait!

And to top off one heck of a blog tour, I’m almost to 1400 followers. Whoa! I remember when I had fourteen...

FandomFest2012

Earlier this week I got an email from the organizer of FandomFest2012 This convention attracts over ten thousand people and this year’s headliners are Timothy Zahn and Bruce Campbell.

The email? Would I like to attend and be one of the featured authors?

To have my name listed on a program with Zahn and Campbell? To be able to meet them in person, two of my heroes? Are you as shocked as I was???

Well, here’s where I’m really going to throw you for a loop. I declined.

Yes, I will one day regret it! But that weekend was already dedicated to a vacation I promised my wife back in January. She said she’d be willing to cancel, but I couldn’t do that. She’s watched me prepare for CassaFire’s launch, spending more and more time online. She’s hardly seen me for the past month. After all the sacrifices, the last thing I want to do is disappoint my wife. Besides, this isn’t going to be my career or anything.

So, I’m not going. But you know what – I was ASKED. And that’s really damn cool!

Special thanks to my buddy Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse - the organizer had seen my interactions with Edi and was very impressed. Plus I’m sure Edi put in a good word (or twenty) for me!

Trivia answers from Thursday

Quotes – name the movie:
1 – “I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sitting on the porch with my family, singing and dancing.” The Jerk
2 – “They don’t advertise for killers in the newspaper. That was my profession. Ex-cop…” Blade Runner
3 – “Where are you going, Mr. Fat Jack?” Splash
4 – “Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!” Blazing Saddles (It’s been in other movies, but that was MY source – awesome movie!)

Final Trivia – are you ready?

What is your name?

What is your quest?

What is your favorite color?

Who’s ready to win that prize package? Winner will be announced on Monday! (And I’ll do a post about my blog tour – what worked, what didn’t.) Think I made the right decision about the convention? Get any questions right from Thursday? Understand the real meaning behind the three today? Anyone got a sponge? Think after two weeks of catching fire I’ve melted…

Now, go visit Sia McKye’s Thoughts Over Coffee!

CassaFire Tour Day Nine, IWSG, Ninja News, Movie Trivia

Two more days to party. Can you stand the heat? If not, sorry, I probably added too many Hot Tamales.

Today’s stop is with Damyanti at Daily Writes

I met her last year during the second A to Z Challenge. She wrote a piece of flash fiction for every letter and then composed it all into a book called the A to Z Stories. I was so impressed! She really gave her all to the Challenge. And this year she is one of the co-hosts. I also call her Damy, since that’s what used to show up when she left a comment, and I really hope she doesn’t mind…

For this stop, I explained why critique partners rock - visit Damyanti HERE

Don’t forget that everyone who comments here on my blog over the next two weeks will be entered to win this cool prize package from my publisher. So be sure to comment every single day!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Wow, once again your posts for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! were amazing. I’m not even halfway through the list. And I apologize to everyone that I haven’t visited yet! Not sure why I selected a Wednesday, since we tend to have meetings at work every Wednesday morning. But I will try to visit all the newcomers to the IWSG. So glad you could join this awesome family. And thank you for your comments here. They made everything I’ve gone through all worthwhile!

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who visited my stop with Lee yesterday!

I was asked to be a part of a huge science fiction conference – details tomorrow. Headliners include Timothy Zhan and Bruce Campbell!

My buddy George at Cinemarvellous is celebrating his birthday Friday! And he’s posting his top twenty favorite movies of 2011 to celebrate. No one reviews movies like George and he knows his stuff. Please go wish him a happy birthday!

Angela Felsted is offering her book Scarred for free until Friday. You can download it HERE Thank you, Angela!

Rick’s book, Tainted Blood, is now available for the Kindle. Congratulations, Rick!

 Trivia answers from Wednesday:

1 – “Turning Japanese” 1980’s The Vapors
2 – “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” 1993 Crash Test Dummies
3 – “Axel F” 1984 Harold Faltermeyer
4 – “Turn up the Radio” 1985 Autograph

Trivia Questions – Movies again!

Quotes – name the movie:

1 – “I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sitting on the porch with my family, singing and dancing.”

2 – “They don’t advertise for killers in the newspaper. That was my profession. Ex-cop…”

3 – “Where are you going, Mr. Fat Jack?”

4 – “Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!”

Are you still laughing that I could offer any writing tips? Were you moved by the posts for the IWSG? Get yesterday’s trivia right? How about today? Last chance!!!


Now, go visit the awesome Damyanti!

The Insecure Writer's Support Group

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

 
So many good things have happened in the last year. My first book’s release and eventual rise on Amazon’s Best Seller chart. The scheduled release of my second book next February. Over a thousand blog followers. The success of the IWSG.

Will all of that change me? Will I have to change who I am if that success is to continue?

I’ve tried to remain humble. After all, I’m still just Alex. I’m an average writer with a movie, music, and science fiction obsession. I’ve done nothing really special. I’ve just been me.

And I want to continue being me. I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I wasn’t true to myself. I certainly wouldn’t be here if not for my friends and fans! For you, I want to remain true. I want this blog to stay the same – an informative celebration of your achievements. It’s your growth and success that fuels the fire.

So, here’s hoping I’ll remain just Alex!

I do want to mention that The Movie 411 Awards is now open for voting!!! I’m up for two awards, Best Science Fiction Blog and Best Post for the Worst Movies Ever Blogfest. (Remember that blogfest? And the voting is really close for that award.)
But I really want my Ninja Army to support my blogger buddies who are also nominated:
Cinemarvellous! nominated for Best Design, Best Gossip, and the Gold Award. Nebular is such an awesome friend and he runs a top-notch movie site.
iZombie! is nominate for Best Horror. You may remember Jeremy when I featured his book, Chatterbox.
Melissa at Melissa’s Imaginarium is up for Sexiest Female. Melissa’s had so many challenges lately – she really needs a big win.
MsMariah’s Space Blog-yssey is up for Best Newcomer.
And A Life in Equinox is up for Best Action.
If you haven’t voted yet, please go vote for my awesome movie buddies!

And Friday I have a special guest, one of my very best blogging buddies in the world...

Now, what’s your insecurity today?

The Big Idea, Cursing, and a Ton of News

I have the honor of a guest post at Sommer’s Tell Great Stories today! It’s all about the BIG IDEA. She is an awesome writer and motivator, so stop by after you’re done here…

The Movie 411 Awards are now open for voting!!! I’m up for two awards, but my buddies Cinemarvellous, Melissa, iZombie, and MsMariah are also up for awards and need your vote. Nebular’s Cinemarvellous is in the running for three awards including GOLD. I don’t care if you vote for me but please vote for my awesome buddies!!!

I was also asked to contribute an article to The Specusphere, an online magazine for Australian writers. It’s called The Long Road to a Surprise Best Seller, describing how CassaStar became an Amazon Best Seller a year after its release. Actually, it’s more of my best guess!! Anyway, I was really honored that they featured my article.

Fantasy Nibbles reviewed CassaStar this weekend and I couldn't be more pleased with the review! Thanks so much.

Some awesome new books:

Ground Rules by Cate Masters came out last week.

Marta Szemik’s Two Halves also came out last week. It’s available at Amazon



Congratulations, ladies!!

Other cool happenings:

Jamie’s Mithril Wisdom just celebrated two years of blogging.

MaineWords is holding a 200 followers giveaway.

My buddy TS at The Non Review just celebrated two years of blogging and is almost to 300 followers.

Jen at Unedited is competing in the My Heroine Tournament as Hermione and she needs our help to win the fight!

And Reid Kemper is hosting a Blog Swap Blogfest.

Jenna at Meandering in a Field of Words gave me the Great Comments Award.
I have so many awesome buddies who always comment! But I decided to limit it to five who stop by here every single time:
Nancy Thompson
Suze at Analog Breakfast
Laila Knight
Robyn at Life by Chocolate
Christopher at Socially Awkward

Recent posts by David Powers King and Michael Offutt tackled cussing in books. I thought that would make a good topic for a CassaFacts post.

I don’t mind cussing in books if it fits the story and the characters. I recently read The Lies of Locke Lamora and there was a fair amount of language – but the characters were low-life thieves, and as the story progressed and they became more wordly, the cussing decreased. So it fit.

Another example is Game of Thrones. There’s some cussing but it fits. Now Spartacus… that is SO over the top! I’m not sure why they even bother with proper sentences.

So, how much cussing is in CassaStar and CassaFire? Well, how much cussing do you see on my blog? In my books, it’s probably even less. And here’s why:

I write science fiction space opera. Like Star Wars. Now, how much cussing is there in Star Wars? It just doesn’t fit my genre.

While I don’t mind reading it, I could never write something that was curse-word heavy. It would just bother me, as I do feel my writing is a reflection of me.

I think back to the books I read when I was younger. Adult fantasy and science fiction rarely had anything inappropriate in the content, so I was allowed to read it when I was a child. My passion for reading came from books such as The Sword of Shannara. I wanted my books to be appropriate for young people as well. I wanted a kid who loves Star Wars to be able to read CassaStar as well.

And finally, while I’ve read plenty of books that used cussing excessively, I have never read a book and thought “You know, if the author had just dropped the F-bomb a few times, it might’ve been a good story.”

So I ask you guys – did I make the right decision with my books?

Now, go check out my guest post at Tell Great Stories and vote for the The Movie 411 Awards!

The Long Weekend News...

Lots of cool stuff happening! And Thanksgiving for my American friends. Food, family, and football – the essentials to a comatose day of overindulgence. 

All nominations for The 411 Movie Awards must be in by November 28! I’ve been nominated for Best Science Fiction Blog and Best Blog Post (for the Worst Movies Ever Blogfest.) But, it’s only the top five nominated blogs who go on to the voting stage. No groveling, but I would be really thankful if you clicked over and nominated me. 

And don’t forget these awesome sites, also in the running for an award or two:  

Cinemarvellous! GOLD! Nominate George’s site for the Gold Award and Best Design! 

iZombie! 

Melissa’s Imaginarium  

The Geek Twins 

DL at Cruising Altitude, along with several co-hosts, are holding a Déjà vu Blogfest. 

“On December 16, re-post your favorite blog offering or one that never received the exposure it should have.” 

I already know which post I’ll select – do you? 

This is also the weekend for three family-friendly movie releases. I’m not ashamed to say I will be seeing the Muppet movie. It’s part of my childhood. A part I’m not letting go of just yet! No laughing – I’ll have to sic Animal on you. 

Arthur Christmas also intrigues just because it’s from Aardman Animations. (The people who created Flushed Away, Wallace and Gromit, and Chicken Run.) Ladies, you can swoon over James McAvoy’s voice – he’s Arthur! 

And since it’s Thanksgiving weekend, here’s my short list of things for which I am grateful: 

My wife 

My relationship with Jesus 

My job 

My home 

My friends, including all of you

The case of Hot Tamales I’ve requested from Santa for Christmas 

(And a new guitar would be cool as well!) 

Your turn – what are you grateful for? 

Don’t forget The 411 Movie Awards nominations. 

And the Déjà vu Blogfest. 

And Muppets! 

Don’t make this Ninja go all Animal on you…(Bet some of you would like that, wouldn't you?)

November Movies and Movie Awards!

One month closer to Christmas…

Big announcement this week – the 411 Movie Awards are back! These were a lot of fun last year and I had the honor of winning the Best Science Fiction Blog. I encourage everyone to visit their SITE and nominate YOUR favorite movie-related blog.
Some excellent suggestions:
Cinemarvellous!
MsMariah’s Space Blog-yessy
A Life in Equinox
The Geek Twins
Scifi Media

Now on to the November movies. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

11 -

Immortals
Theseus is a mortal man chosen by Zeus to lead the fight against the ruthless King Hyperion, who is on a rampage across Greece to obtain a weapon that can destroy humanity.
Director: Tarsem Singh
Stars: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, John Hurt
I’m not as excited about this one as I should be. The graphics in the trailer just don’t WOW me…

J. Edgar
As the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life.
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts
Cast and director caught my eye with this one…

There’s also some Harry Potter movie coming out on DVD…


22 -

Super 8 and Conan both come out on DVD


25 -

The Muppets
With the help of three fans, The Muppets must reunite to save their old theater from a greedy oil tycoon.
Director: James Bobin
Stars: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper
Who doesn’t like Muppets????

Hugo
Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee
Scorsese directing an animated kids film? I think hell just froze over...

Arthur Christmas
On Christmas night at the North Pole, Santa's youngest son looks to use his father's high-tech operation for an urgent mission.
Director: Sarah Smith
Stars: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy
Yes, three kid’s movies on the same day! Wonder who will win…?


29 -

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil on DVD!


Don’t forget to nominate your favorite movie blog!

Which movies catch your eye this month? And does anyone know more about that Harry Potter film…?
And I have to mention this - I never look, but I checked my Amazon Kindle ranking last night and CassaStar was number eight in science fiction-space opera! I was in the Amazon Top Ten!!!!!