Movie Reviews – Bloodshot, My Spy, Greyhound, and more! Plus You Beneath Your Skin Movie, New Release Dates for Delayed Movies and New Book Releases

Movie Reviews

A slew of new movies (and one from last year) for you!

Bloodshot
From the IMDB:
Ray Garrison, a slain soldier, is re-animated with superpowers.
One of the last movies to hit theaters this year before they all closed, it stars Vin Diesel, Guy Pearce, and Eliza González.
The first twenty minutes are predictable and nothing new. Ray’s wife is murdered in front of him, he’s killed, re-animated with no memories, then starts to remember her murderer’s face. But after he pursues and kills the man, the movie takes a unique twist, elevating it above just average.
The effects are good and there are some tense action scenes. Diesel plays his standard tough-guy character, but he had fun doing it – and we have fun watching.
Definitely worth a rental – recommended.

My Spy
From the IMDB:
A hardened CIA operative finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
An Amazon original movie starring Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Kristen Schaal, and Ken Jeong.
This film has all the potential to be corny and childish, but thanks to a sharp script, it never goes there. The characters have depth and real motivation, and the humorous scenes are genuinely funny.
Coleman excels as the precocious and very smart little girl. She succeeds where no one else ever has – she gets Bautista to care about other people, including his under-appreciated stakeout partner, Schaal.
This was far more enjoyable than I thought it would be – definitely recommended.

Greyhound
From the IMDB:
Early in World War II, an inexperienced U.S. Navy captain must lead an Allied convoy being stalked by Nazi U-boat wolfpacks.
An Apple TV original film starring Tom Hanks, Elisabeth Shue, and Stephen Graham.
We get a few minutes of history, and then the action begins and never lets up. If you like sea battles, this movie is for you.
Tom Hanks is really good and believable in the role.
Some of the special effects are good, some not so much. It was a little hit or miss.
Overall it was really enjoyable though. Recommended.

The Old Guard
From the IMDB:
A covert team of immortal mercenaries are suddenly exposed and must now fight to keep their identity a secret just as an unexpected new member is discovered.
Based on a graphic novel series, it stars Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, and Matthias Schoenaerts.
The science fiction – superhero aspect prompted me to check out this film despite a title that’s a bit lame. It’s more action–thriller–war than anything else.
It doesn’t offer us anything we haven’t seen before. The best I can say is that it’s serviceable and watchable.
Theron now has this badass, tough as nails, humorless character she likes to play.
There’s nothing really wrong with the movie but there’s nothing really great about it either.
Watch if you’re bored.
Or maybe go check out the graphic novels instead.

Rambo: Last Blood
From the IMDB:
Rambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission.
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, and Sergio Peris-Mencheta.
Wouldn’t call it a mission but hopefully it is the last.
The movie centers on a tough subject – human sex trafficking – which made parts of it a little uncomfortable.
Stallone’s in his seventies but still in shape and still able to do action-hero stuff. His character does make some dumb decisions, though. As do some of the other characters.
It really doesn’t seem like a Rambo film until the end. Then, you do get a spectacular sendoff.
If you’re a die-hard Rambo fan or just curious and have time to spare, worth a casual watch. 

You Beneath Your Skin as a Movie by Damyanti

My debut novel You Beneath Your Skin has been optioned for screens by Endemol Shine, and to mark the occasion, it is on Free Kindle promotions till 11th August. To approximate the kind of movie this book will be on screen, here are five movies that are similar to the book and deal with the topics it discusses: conflicted parenthood, acid attacks, family secrets and corrupt cops.

So here are five movies that have similarities to You Beneath Your Skin:

1. We Need to Talk About Kevin
Kevin's mother struggles to love her strange child, despite the increasingly dangerous things he says and does as he grows up. But Kevin is just getting started, and his final act will be beyond anything anyone imagined.

2. Chhapak
The trials and triumphs of Malti, an acid attack survivor. From the investigation of the attack to the court proceedings, the medical treatment to the emotional healing. Chhapaak is the story of the unquashable human spirit.

3. Mystic River
As the investigation of the death of a young woman tightens around three old friends, and ominous story unfolds that revolves around friendship, family and innocence lost too soon.

4. Night Falls in Manhattan
A newly elected District Attorney finds himself in the middle of a police corruption investigation that may involve his father and his partner.

5. Training Day
A rookie cop spends his first day as a Los Angeles narcotics officer with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears to be.

Damyanti's short fiction has been published or is forthcoming at Ambit, Litro, Griffith Review Australia, Pembroke magazine, Atticus Review, and other journals in the USA and UK. She serves as one of the editors of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her debut literary crime novel You Beneath Your Skin was published by Simon & Schuster in autumn 2019, and optioned for screen adaptation by Endemol Shine.
All the author proceeds from You Beneath Your Skin will support the education and empowerment of women at Project WHY and Stop Acid Attacks.
Find it on Amazon

Delayed Movies

The virus has thrown the movie and theater industry into chaos. With so many theaters closed (and many will never reopen), the studios needed to shuffle their release dates, sending a ripple into the next three years.

Here is a selection of films that have been bumped:

Avatar – moved from December 17, 2021 to December 16, 2022
A Quiet Place Part II – moved from March 8, 2020 to April 23, 2021
Black Widow – moved from May 11 to November 6, 2020
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – moved from May 7, 2021 to March 25, 2022
The Flash - moved from July 1, 2021, to June 3, 2022
Ghostbusters: Afterlife - moved from July 10, 2020, to March 5, 2021
Godzilla vs. Kong - moved from November 20, 2020, to May 21, 2021
The Matrix 4 - moved from May 21, 2021, to April 1, 2022
Minions: Rise of Gru - moved from July 3, 2020, to July 2, 2021
Morbius - moved from July 31, 2020, to March 19, 2021
Mulan - moved from March 27 to August 21 and then taken completely off the calendar
The New Mutants - moved from April 3 to August 28, 2020
No Time to Die - moved from April 10 to November 20, 2020
Shazam! 2 - moved from April 1, 2022, to November 4, 2022
Tenet - moved from July 17 to Labor Day weekend 2020
Wonder Woman 1984 - moved from June 5 to October 2, 2020

For a full list of movie releases affected, visit Vulture.

New Releases!

Mask of Ghosts by JH Moncrieff
No good deed goes unpunished.
Roxi thought the Balinese mask would make the perfect gift for her brother Jackson and his girlfriend Kate. Unbeknownst to her, a deadly curse was part of the package. A young woman slaughtered during a massacre haunts the mask. Her spirit wants revenge, and she's determined Roxi is the only one who can get it for her.
To free his sister from the mask's curse, Jackson must travel to Bali with Kate to solve the mystery behind the woman's murder. They've tangled with their share of angry ghosts in the past, but this one will pose the greatest threat yet.
Can they save Roxi from the vengeful spirit before more blood is spilled and Jackson's sister is lost forever?
This fifth installment of the award-winning GhostWriters series exposes the shadow lurking behind all that Balinese sunshine.
Find it at Amazon

Marly in Pieces by Cathrina Constantine
Marly refuses to believe her friend, Rae, committed suicide. Even though her wrists were slit, Marly knows her beautiful, vibrant bestie would never do that.
Even though the two had drifted apart, Marly and Rae made a blood promise long ago. Even in death, Marly intends to honor that vow.
Determined to find Rae’s killer, Marly faces a long list of potential suspects. It seems everyone has secrets or lies that they are covering up... including the boy she loves. Can Marly uncover the murderer’s identity before she becomes the next victim?
Find it at Amazon

The Happy War by Eve Gaal
After a successful blind date, Linda and Eric want to change the world.
Find it on Amazon

Molly Unplanned by Nicki Elson
Molly had a plan. But when her almost-fiance opts for a surprise Plan B, she’s left with no boyfriend, no money, and nowhere to live.
Find it on Amazon

And finally, this book is on sale! I read it last year and it is bat-crap crazy good.

Big Red On sale Aug. 10-14 for $2.99 Amazon eBook US,UK,CA, and AU


Have you seen any of those films? Picked up Damy's book? Bummed by the delay in releases? See any good books to pick up?

Quick update - I will see you all September 2 for the next IWSG post.

Breaking Epic Fantasy Rules, RiffTrax Images, Cherished Blogfest, Movie Review, New Releases, and Ninja News

Today I welcome author Misha Gerrick!

Top Ten Reasons to Love and/or Hate My YA Epic Fantasy Series

Thanks so much for having me over, Alex!

My books break a lot of YA Epic Fantasy “rules”, so after a bad review from someone who didn’t get the book, I’m telling everyone which rules I broke. This way can decide whether you’ll take a chance on the series or not after I warned you/told you why this series is uniquely awesome.

Reason One: My book starts with a dream. Pretty much because everyone kept saying “DON’T START BOOKS WITH DREAMS.” Actually that’s not true. Callan’s dreams are actually vitally important.

Reason Two: You read that right. Dreams. As in plural.

Reason Three: You know how the chosen one or high king never seems to be a girl? I have five guys and one girl telling the story, but the girl tells more than half of it for two books.

Reason Four: There is no chosen one.

Reason Five: My main characters are teenagers in some highly stressful situations. They neither speak nor act like they’re in church.

Reason Six: I used a lot of tropes

Reason Seven: And turned most of them on their heads.

Reason Eight: The story-line in The Vanished Knight might not feel quite as epic as you might be used to, and the things that tie everything together are very subtle.

Reason Nine: The Vanished Knight ends on a HUGE cliffhanger. Some might argue it makes you have to buy The Heir’s Choice. Which is why I was nice enough to publish the two simultaneously.

Reason Ten: I worked under the assumption that Young Adult Epic Fantasy readers are smart enough to keep up with the story, which has (without my intending it) been compared to Game of Thrones by three quarters of my beta readers.

Bonus Reason: I’m not sorry about any of it.

The Vanished Knight
The entity living inside Callan’s soul orphaned her at age eleven…
Find it here: Goodreads, Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble

The Heir’s Choice
After discovering her parents had kept a whole world secret, Callan races to discover her past…
Find it here: Goodreads, Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble

Misha Gerrick has been creating stories long before she could write and is currently going after her dream of making a living as a writer.
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New Releases!

I had the honor of reading this first book before its release and I promise you, Robyn does not disappoint, both with her humor and her raw honesty.

Available today –
Woman on the Verge of Paradise by Robyn Alana Engel

Though offered a contract on her first attempt at publication, this rogue new author decided to do it her way.

“It’s a powerful glimpse into one woman’s quest for happiness. Robyn will yank on your heartstrings one moment and then tickle your funny bone the next. Hang on for the ride!”
-Alex J. Cavanaugh, Author of the best-selling Cassa series and Dragon of the Stars

She’s 4 feet, 8 inches of heartfelt ferocity, and nothing can stop this post-pubescent spitfire from claiming her fairytale—not jarring tragedy, not penile incompetence, not even the explosive demise of a new marriage. Not until Robyn finds her happily ever after…alone.

Buy it now at Amazon!

Precious Atonement by Melissa Maygrove
Western Historical Romance

Ruined women don’t hope, killers don’t dream, and the dead don’t feel pain.

Find it here: Kindle, Amazon paperback, Nook, and Goodreads

Gabriel (Path of Angels Book 4) by Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine

The end is in sight...

Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

Ninja News and Movie Stuff

Liz at Laws of Gravity posted a link to a perception test online. I’m not the most perceptive person in the world, so I was stunned when I scored Flawless Perception! Try it yourself HERE.

Movie Review – The House at the End of Time
After strange things start happening in the house, Dulce’s husband is killed and her son taken by supernatural forces. Imprisoned for the crime, she returns to the house many years later and strange things begin again.
From Venezuela, this film was four and a half stars on NetFlix (stunning since NetFlix reviewers are harsh), so I gave it a shot. And I was impressed!
This film is a blend of horror, drama, science fiction, and mystery. Told in flashbacks between the two timelines, we see the mystery both unfold and deepen as connections are made to the house and the family. It’s an atmospheric piece with unnerving horror elements as opposed to shocking ones.
I can’t say too much without revealing the story. But I thought this was an excellent film and truly unique. If you’re looking for a film with atmosphere, intrigue, and light on horror, rent it.
Highly recommended!

And just because I wanted to share some more RiffTrax shots with you:

The Cherished Blogfest

Hosted by Damyanti, and Dan Antion, Paul Ruddock, Peter Nena, and Sharukh Bamboat.

I’m going to give you three things:

My most cherished in this world is my Lord and Savior.

Next most cherished is my wife. She’s my best friend, a great supporter, and keeps me very happy.

After that, I will go with an item. Several in fact – my guitar collection. I own several high-end guitars and they are a joy to play. I’m blessed I had the opportunity to learn guitar and can now play in a Christian band.

(And I’ll add a fourth thing – my friends, including you guys!)

What do you think about breaking all those fantasy rules? Picking up any of the cool new releases? Have you seen The House at the End of Time? And what is your most cherished thing?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus Best Time for Blog Posts, New Releases, and Ninja News

Double shot today!
I am visiting Roan Publishing with The Importance of Community – How to Get Involved and the Unicorn Bell with What If?
Special thanks to Terri and Liz for those opportunities.

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.

My awesome co-hosts today are Charity Bradford, S.A. Larsen, AJ, Tamara Narayan, Allison Gammons, and Tanya Miranda!

I wanted to point out that the awesome Julie Flanders wrote an article for College and Research Libraries News about some of the best websites for writers, and she listed the IWSG site! Thanks, Julie.

Thanks also to everyone who helped announce the boxed set of my trilogy, CassaSeries! (And if you’ve read all three books, the series could use with some love on Goodreads.)

At the moment, I’m working on a short story that will take place after Dragon of the Stars. Truedessa has read the book three times and she told me it was because she was hoping for a different ending for Aden and Tamsin. So I am writing one for her that promises some happiness in their future.

And finally, this just blew me away. Thanks to Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse for finding it. The Best Sci-Fi Books site listed The 21 Best Space Opera Books and CassaStar was number four. FOUR!!! Ahead of Dune and Ender’s Game. In reality, no way, but it was really awesome to see.

Be sure to visit other members of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Ninja News

Thanks also to Edi for this one – Dark Roasted Blend listed the World’s Strangest Theme Parks. (That site always has the wildest stuff.)

The the WEP-Write...Edit..Publish Bloghop is back!
Hosted by Denise Covey and Yolanda Renee, this is a fun monthly event you don’t want to miss.

Damyanti is hosting a blogfest on July 24, 25, and 26 – The Cherished Blogfest.

MsMariah at A Space Blogyssey is hosting a blogfest – This is How I Work Blogathon. The deadline is July 20 to join and post.

Liesel Hill gave me the Creative Blogging Award.
Thanks, Liesel!
I’m passing it on to Pat Hatt and the Cat at It’s Rhyme Time.

New Releases

Hands by L. Ashley Straker (Known to the blogging world as Ash-Matic.)
A novella
Find out more about the book HERE and purchase it Amazon

A Taste of Pain by G.B. Miller
For an autographed copy, visit his site HERE

When is the Best Time for a Blog Post?

I’ve always heard that it was best to post around 5:00-6:00 am Eastern. I thought I’d do a bit of research and found some interesting stats.

According to the Huffington Post:
70% of users say they read blogs in the morning
More men read blogs at night than women
Mondays are the highest traffic days for an average blog
11am is usually the highest traffic hour for an average blog
Comments are usually highest on Saturdays and around 9am on most days
Blogs that post more than once per day have a higher chance of inbound links and more unique views

From the graphic, it appears that the lowest times are in the middle of the night for those of us in the USA. 12:00–4:00 am are the worst. However, I’m not too sure about the highest comments coming on Saturdays. (Mine come on Mondays, except for IWSG Wednesday.)

Kissmetrics had a great graphic, breaking down times and readers. They also stated:
The average blog gets the most inbound links on Monday and Thursday.
The average blog gets the most inbound links at 7am Eastern Time

Bang for the bucks, I’m sticking with my 5:00 am Eastern Monday postings.

When do you see the most comments and visits?

What are your writer insecurities today? Signing up for any of the bloghops and fests? Picking up some new books? And when do think is the best time for blog posts to go live?

Don’t forget to visit Roan Publishing and the Unicorn Bell!

Happy Fourth of July to my American friends!

X-Men Days of Future Past Review, You Rock Awards, and Ninja News

Movie Review – X-Men Days of Future Past

One of the best X-Men movies so far!

I can’t say too much about it without spoilers. It’s a compelling story that melds past and future together well.

There is an all-star line-up of mutants. You’ll see a lot of familiar faces and several new mutants. (One of the best and funniest scenes involves Quicksilver.)

This film is epic in scope – the storyline, action, and special effects. You will walk out of the theater thinking ‘Wow!’ It’s a spectacle movie you’ll want to see in the theater.

It competes with Captain America: Winter Soldier for the best superhero film of the year, and definitely one of the best movies so far. And with this film, they have completely rebooted the series.

Highly recommended!

Ninja News 

Today I am at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website with tips on author etiquette online.

Over at the A to Z Blog, Themes that Rocked the Challenge continues with Lanise Brown,
who posted images of amazing libraries from around the world.

Out now!
Leverage by Nancy Thompson
This is the sequel to The Mistaken, an incredible thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
You can pick up Leverage on Amazon

Pat Hatt has a new book – The Cosmic League: Rise of the Allies.

Citadels of Fire, Book 1 of Kremlins by LK Hill comes out on Tuesday!

Shelly Arkon and her pups gave me the Bonefied Blogger Award. Her husband was recently in the hospital, so prayers for Shelly.

During the A to Z Challenge, Sia McKye was recovering from an injury, but author Kat Sheridan was awesome enough to step in and blog for her. Kat’s first book, Echoes in Stone, came our recently, and you can purchase it on Amazon


Eric Buffington is giving away copies of Stones of Power Book 1, The Exile this month. Use coupon code sw69s at Smashwords


From Randy Johnson at Not the Baseball Pitcher - Ten Coolest Movie Spaceships

You Rock Awards!

Time for the fifth annual You Rock Awards!

Every year, I select a handful of blogger buddies and highlight them. I keep making new friends, so it doesn’t get any easier as the years pass! The people below are very special to me, and I hope you’ll read why and then pay them a visit.

Past recipients include Arlee Bird, Yvonne Lewis, RaShelle Workman, Hannah, Jeffrey Beesler, Gail, Rusty Webb, Chuck, George, Jeremy Hawkins, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland Yeomans, Melissa Bradley, Robyn Englel, Lynda Young, Michael Di Gesu, Heather Gardner, Stephen Tremp, and Father Dragon Al.

This year’s You Rock recipients are:

Tina at Life is Good

This one is long overdue. Tina has been a dear friend for years, and through her posts and email exchanges, I know more about her than anyone else.. She is an integral part of the A to Z Team, which could not function without her organization and wit. Yes, if you’ve not met Tina, that’s the first thing you need to know – she is hilarious. I never know what she’s going to say, but I know it will be both funny and genuine. Tina, you are a delight in all things you do, and I could not be more honored to be your friend. Since we both claim Jeremy as a brother, that would make you my sister. Yeah, aren’t we a wild family?
Tina, you rock!

Damyanti at Daily (w)rite

Another one that is overdue! I’ve known Damyanti for even longer, and she’s also an important part of the A to Z Team. Hailing from India, she is an incredibly talented writer and deep thinker. She’s a gentle soul with an inner strength. And she’s very forgiving and patient – she’s put up with me calling her Damy for years! (I worried I would misspell her name.) We have a strong mutual respect for each other and I know I can always count on her. Damy, you can always count on me – I have your back.
Damyanti, you rock!

Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse

I met Edi four years ago while searching for book bloggers who reviewed science fiction. Not only did he agree to review CassaStar, he posted the most amazing review just before its release. I’d already become a fan of his blog, and from that point onward, we became more than reviewer and author – we became friends. Sometimes you just need someone who ‘gets you’ and understands the heart behind what you write. Edi is that person. We have a lot in common and I always trust his judgment. If we ever get the opportunity to speak in person (he lives in Germany) I know we’d discuss books, movies, ideas, and life well into the night. Edi, honored to be your friend – and to know you by your real name.
Edi, you rock!

Suze at Subliminal Coffee

Suze is probably the most introspective and wise person I know. If you visit her blog, take your brain. There’s no skimming her posts – and you wouldn’t want to, as you would miss so many nuggets of wisdom. No one knows how to craft words like Suze. (She’s currently working on a rewrite for an agent and he damn well better sign her, because no one deserves publication more than Suze.) You’ll learn a bit more about life and people, and come away looking at the world a little differently after spending time with her. Lest you think she’s all pomp, she does have a geek side, and it’s fun to see that come out now and then! (The geek stuff is probably why she visits me. Either that, or I amuse her.) Suze, you challenge me, my friend. And that’s good.
Suze, you rock!

Karen Walker at Following the Whispers

I believe Karen was one of my first followers. (I think we were in the BBT group together?) She is incredibly honest and open, and in ways I can’t ever imagine sharing with the world. There is such strength in that kind of transparency. She’s devoted to her friends and I don’t believe she’s ever missed one of my posts except when traveling overseas. Karen’s both author and singer, so we share a love of writing and music. (And if you’ve never read her book, Following the Whispers, pick it up today!) Karen also makes me think. She makes me appreciate life. And she prods me to live for the joy of today. She is a true friend.
Karen, you rock!

Elizabeth Spann Craig

Elizabeth is one of my very first followers. (Probably one of the first ten!) Considering she is the most successful author I personally know, I’ve never figured out why she followed me – or why she visits every time I post. (I must amuse her as well!) Elizabeth maintains a very professional author site, offering incredible information and tips. She shares what she’s learned and even set up the Writer’s Knowledge Base to help others. A full time writer, she really has her act together. And she’s real. I think that is what I admire most about her.
Elizabeth, I know the award doesn’t fit your site, but it fits you – and you rock!

My friends, I’ll email you a personalized You Rock badge today!

And I will be on vacation this Friday through Monday with very limited Internet! So no post on Monday. Looking forward to getting away and I will even have a little time to write.

Anyone else see X-Men this weekend? Excited about the new releases? Do anything fun Memorial Day weekend? And what blogger buddies rock your world…?

Don’t forget to visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and remember IWSG post day is Wednesday, June 4!

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!