A to Z Challenge – Z – Cult Classics: Rob Zombie, Zap Gun, and More! Plus may Preview – San Andreas, Challenge Reflection Post, IWSG, and Ninja News

Last day of the Challenge – we did it!

A to Z Challenge– Cult Classics –Z

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

Movie –

Zardoz
This bizarre post-apocalyptic film was written, produced, and directed by John Boorman in 1974. It features star Sean Connery in the worst outfit ever.

Music –

Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Deluxe
His best-selling album to date, Rob’s first solo album away from White Zombie went Triple Platinum. Giving homage to horror films, the album featured such hits as Dragula and Living Dead Girl.

Science Fiction Book –

The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick
This 1967 novel was originally published as a serial and was one of his earliest works.

Blogger –

PK Hrezo
Want to follow someone who is multi-talented in writing and in art? Follow someone with a genuine heart, compassion, and passion for what is right? Then you need to be following author PK!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Zeal
Defined at ‘great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.’ While Aden’s pursuit of a command and the queen’s daughter is more dogged and methodical, Ensign Pavott’s pursuits are more heartfelt and passionate.

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.

Ninja News

Next week will be the A to Z Challenge Reflections posts. Post your thoughts on this year’s Challenge anytime Monday-Friday and then add your direct link over at the A to Z Blog.

Don’t forget next Wednesday is Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day!


Reedsy is a great site for authors with tips and more, connecting writers with other industry professionals. They just started a new feature for authors to create a profile and integrate their social media, goodreads, amazon and blogging platform in one place. Get the details HERE.

Available today!
The Dragon Chronicles
Featuring a short story by Ted Cross - Dragon Play.


Cindy Borgne, who blogs at Dreamer’s Perch, has another blog called Good Book Alert. They are looking for indie authors to guest post, plus reviewers. If interested, see the site for details.

The Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest is May18 - movie/show/book that exemplifies the theme. (Or part of theme.) Hosted by me and Heather Gardner.

May Movie Preview

Here is the final upcoming theatrical release for May. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

May 29 -

San Andreas
In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey across the state in order to rescue his estranged daughter.
Director: Brad Peyton
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Alexandra Daddario, Carla Gugino, Colton Haynes
Fissures will open, buildings will crumble, and pecs will jiggle.

Have you suffered through Zardoz? Fan of Rob Zombie? Ready for the IWSG next week? Signed up for the blogfest? Going to see San Andreas? And how do you feel about the end of the Challenge…?

(I am BEAT! I’ll be taking Friday OFF and enjoying Avengers: Age of Ultron and some time with my wife. Catch up with comments on Saturday.)

And if you missed it, yesterday I visited Janice Hardy’s Fiction University and discussed the pros and cons of small presses.

A to Z Challenge – Y – Cult Classics: Yellow Submarine, Yes, and More! Plus More May Movie Preview – Tomorrowland – and Ninja News

Today I have the highest honor of appearing at Janice Hardy’s Fiction University. I’m discussing pros and cons of marketing and the small press. If you want to know more about what a small press can and can’t do for you, then check it out.

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – Y

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

Movie –

Yellow Submarine
This animated feature capitalized on a psychedelic pop culture and was nominated for a Grammy and a Hugo. Ironically, while the Beatles performed the songs and appeared in person at the end, other actors did their voices during the cartoon segment.

Music –

Yes – Fragile
Released in 1971, the fourth studio album became the band’s biggest commercial success so far and featured the icon song Roundabout.

Science Fiction Book – 

The Year of the Quiet Sun by Wilson Tucker
This 1970 time travel novel won a John W. Campbell Memorial Award and was nominated for a Nebula and a Hugo.

Blogger –

Yolanda Renee –at Defending the Pen
Enjoy a good murder mystery with a little more? Want to meet a supportive author with a wonderful spirit? Then you need to meet Yolanda!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Year
A year on Hyrath would be longer than a year on Earth, although only by a few weeks. Their division of time is also numerically different, as their days have twenty-five hours. Their months and weeks are also more evenly divided.

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.

Ninja News

NA Alley is holding an auction this week to raise money for this young lady:
Back in 2008, Queena was a vibrant eighteen-year-old with her whole life ahead of her. That changed the night she was brutally raped, beaten, and left for dead after dropping books off at the library. The attack left her blind and unable to walk or talk, requiring around-the-clock care.
PK Hrezo is currently writing a book about this young lady as well.

Available now!
Scattered Seasons by Sandra Ulbrich Almazan
Only .99 cents for a week.
Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and Kobo

May Movie Preview

Here is the continuation of upcoming theatrical releases for May. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

Tomorrowland
Bound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory.
Director: Brad Bird
Stars: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, Raffey Cassidy
For all your tomorrow needs. Off the beltline. Free hotdogs and balloons for mom. (MST3K fans will get that.)

Remember Yellow Submarine? Fan of Yes? (And have you seen them in concert?) Would you want twenty-five hour days? Checking out the auction? And is Tomorrowland a must-see for May…?

Don’t forget to visit Janice Hardy’s Fiction University!

A to Z Challenge – X – Cult Classics: Symphony X, Xenocide, Xanadu, and More! Plus May Movie Preview Continues – Mad Max: Fury Road and Maggie

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – X

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

Movie –

Xanadu
This 1980 musical fantasy starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly and won the first ever Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director. However, the soundtrack album went Double Platinum and spawned five Top 20 singles for Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra.

Music –

Symphony X – Paradise Lost
Released in 2007, the band’s seventh album was the first to hit the Billboard and many other charts. It’s a concept album, loosely inspired by John Milton’s 1667 epic poem, Paradise Lost.

Science Fiction Book –

Xenocide by Orson Scott Card
This was the third book in the Ender’s Game series and nominated for both the Hugo and Locus Awards in 1992.

Bloggers –

Since no one had an X name, I decided to go with those who had the X-factor instead!

Truedessa
Want to read some of the most beautiful and flowing poetry online? Want to follow the adventures of Pat and the Cat? Then you can do no wrong following this lovely lady, Truedessa!

Dixie at An Artful Blogger
Like a daily dose of humor? A funny image or comic (or two or three or more…) to give you a smile? Want to meet someone who is dedicated to her friends? Then you need to meet Dixie!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

X Factor
Defined as ‘a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome,’ Dragon of the Stars has several X Factors, both in terms of people and in situations. While the obvious factor might be the Dragon itself, it’s an assortment of smaller variables that make the difference in the story.

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.

May Movie Preview

Here is a continuation of the upcoming theatrical releases for May! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

May 8 –

Maggie - (Limited Release)

A teenage girl in the Midwest becomes infected by an outbreak of a disease that slowly turns the infected into cannibalistic zombies. During her transformation, her loving father stays by her side.
Director: Henry Hobson
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson
This one is actually getting some good buzz. (Arnold could sure use a good film about now…)


May 15 –

Mad Max: Fury Road
In a post-apocalyptic world, in which people fight to the death, Max teams up with a mysterious woman, Furiousa, to try and survive.
Director: George Miller
Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
It’s a continuation of the story, not a remake, and it looks bad ass!

Agree Xanadu’s soundtrack was better than the film? (RiffTrax needs to tackle that film!) Fan of Symphony X and prog rock? Following those two wonderful bloggers? Eager to learn more about the Dragon and the Kargrandes? And do either of those two films spark your interest…?

And if you missed it, yesterday I visited Jay Noel to talk about the Dragon – legend or myth?

A to Z Challenge – S – Cult Classics: Suspira, Spaceballs, Soundgarden, and More! Plus The Equalizer Movie Review and Galaxy Quest Series

Today I am visiting the awesome Donna K. Weaver. My topic is - How to Build a Strong Online Presence While Maintaining Privacy

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – S

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

Movies –

Suspiria
Directed by Dario Argento, this Italian horror film boasts a unique style and a soundtrack by progressive rock band Goblin. Nominated for two Saturn Awards, this was Argento’s most successful film ever.

Spaceballs 
This 1987 film parodies Star Wars, along with numerous other science fiction films. With an all-star cast, this is Mel Brooks’ most popular film.

Music –

Scorpions – Blackout
This Platinum album gained the band a wider audience and featured the hit No One Like You. It paved the way for their mega-hit album, Love at First Sting.

Soundgarden – Superunknown
Released in 1994, this was their breakthrough hit, producing five singles. It went five times Platinum and won two Grammys.

Science Fiction Books –

Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy – Timothy Zahn
These three books sold fifteen million copies combined and were adapted as comics and role playing games. Their success rekindled interest in the Star Wars franchise.

Stranger in a Strange Land – Robert A. Heinlein
This 1961 novel won the Hugo, was the first science fiction book to enter the NY Times Best Seller list, and was named one of the books that shaped America by the Library of Congress.

Bloggers –

Sarah Ahiers
Want to follow the journey of a writer dedicated to her craft? Someone who absolutely does not give up? Enjoy weird tales and funnies on Friday? Then follow the awesome Sarah and her dog, Yvie!

Sherry Ellis at Mama Diaries
Want to follow the funny stories of a mother? Think you’re smarter than a grade schooler and a German Sheppard? Then you need to follow the delightful author Sherry on her adventures!

Sia McKye
Want to enjoy life in the Rockies? Meet new authors and learn more about writing and marketing? Then stop by for coffee with Sia!

Stephanie Faris
Want a little slice of pop culture humor and observations? Enjoy middle grade books with a happy spin? Then visit the delightful Stephanie today!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Shadvey
Lt. Shadvey is the squadron leader on board the Ryzell. The son of a Duke, he is an honorable man and cares about the pilots who fly under him. He’s known Aden since childhood and is probably his closest friend.

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.

Movie News and Review

A Galaxy Quest series is in development! Visit JoBlo for details.

For some reason, studios keep giving him money – M. Night Shyamalan has another movie coming out this fall called The Visit. Read more at JoBlo - trailer to debut on Thursday.

The Equalizer

Based on the television show, Denzel Washington is a man trying to live a normal life until he intervenes on behalf of a girl and goes after the Russian mob.
The movie is very stylish. It has an early Michael Mann feel to it. It’s not a fast paced movie – it’s more character driven than anything else – but when there is action, it’s electric.
Denzel plays Denzel and he does it well.
The villains are a bit too cookie-cutter though, and the film could’ve been twenty minutes shorter.
The best part of the film is when Denzel is interacting with the girl in the diner. Those are very genuine moments. (The girl is played by Chloe Grace Moretz – she was Hit Girl in Kick Ass.)
Overall it was a good film. Recommended as a NetFlix rental.

Spaceballs fan? Listen to those bands? Read Zahn’s Star Wars books? Following those wonderful bloggers? Have you seen The Equalizer? Think Shyamalan needs to stop making movies? And do you want to see Galaxy Quest on television?

Don’t forget to visit Donna K. Weaver!

A to Z Challenge – R – Cult Classics: Rush, Reservoir Dogs, Ringworld, and More! Plus New Jurassic World Trailer and New Releases

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – R

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

Movies –

Re-Animator
Loosely based on an H.P. Lovecraft story, this film is one of Entertainment Weekly’s top cult films and launched actor Jeffrey Combs’ career.

Reservoir Dogs
Quentin Tarantino’s debut film features an all-star cast and extreme violence. A favorite at its Sundance Film Festival debut, it’s heralded by Empire magazine as the greatest independent film ever made.

Music –

Rush – Hemispheres
The band’s sixth studio album was a landmark of complex progressive rock music and featured their first instrumental, an overly-ambitious piece called La Villa Strangiato.

Science Fiction Book –

Ringworld – Larry Niven
This 1970 novel spawned three sequels, four prequels, and ties in with other books set in Known Space. It won the Nebula, Hugo, and Locus awards.

Bloggers –

Rebecca Bradley
Do you enjoy crime fiction with a British flair? Want to know more about first drafts? Want to follow an author who fights through incredible physical challenges? Then visit Rebecca today!

Rhonda Albom at Albom Adventures
Do you enjoy traveling? Sailing? Amazing photos? Want to know how to travel around the world on a shoestring budget? Then you need to meet writer and photographer Rhonda from New Zealand!

Robyn Campbell
Want to meet a friendly and supportive writer? One who also faces challenges but with grace and strong moral values? Then you need to get to know this amazing woman!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Ryzell
The Ryzell is a Hyrathian battleship. When the story begins, Aden Pendar is the Lt. Commander, second in command to Captain Jaxon Fyall. Her crew includes Lt. Shadvey, the squadron leader; Lt. Asher, senior weapons officer, and Ensign Pavott, junior weapons officer. The Ryzell is one of the first ships to see action in war.

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.

New Releases!

Last fall, I had the honor of being a judge in a high school anthology contest. And now the book is out!
Bold New Worlds edited by Charity Bradford
12 Students – 12 Stories
Find it on Amazon

Vibrizzio by Nicki Elson

Lyssa Bates doesn't need a man. Not when the world is fully stocked with double A batteries and a wide array of options in Amazon's health and sexual wellness category.

Nicki asked me this: Because you're a guy, I'd love to also get your one sentence (or less) honest reaction to that blurb.

My honest reaction – Oh, my!

Pick it up on Amazon

On the Altar by Jeff Chapman

Once upon a Nightmare: A Collection by Cherie Reich
A legend awakens…
Now available in print and ebook formats on Amazon.
The eBook is on sale for $0.99 until April 30th.

Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest!

Hosted by me and Heather Gardner.

Visit yesterday’s post for details and to sign up!

Jurassic World Movie Trailer

Courtesy of JoBlo, here is the second trailer for the movie – and it looks awesome!!

Seen either movie? Fan of Rush? (If not, don’t say it!) If you’re a dude, what is your reaction to Nicki’s book? Ready for Blood, Boobs, and Carnage? And who’s stoked for Jurassic World…?

If you missed it, my stop yesterday was with the awesome Hart Johnson - and I revealed a lot about Dragon of the Stars.