Fun RiffTrax Halloween Movies, Stranger Things and X-Files Trailers, Completing a Book Series, Monday's Music, New Releases, and Movie Trivia Answers

I need a IWSG co-host for November 1! If you can help, please leave a comment.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan is also here to talk about finishing a series, but first...

Fun Halloween Movies from RiffTrax!

The next RiffTrax: Live is Wednesday, October 25 - Night of the Living Dead!

We recently watched this one and the movie has not aged well. I don’t remember it being that bad. But that makes it ripe for RiffTrax fodder.

If you’ve not seen them live, you’re missing a great time! Check showtimes at RiffTrax for a theater near you.

If you’re in the mood for some scary movies, we recently watched a few from RiffTrax. Sadly, they will only scare you in how bad they are. Fortunately, Mike, Bill, and Kevin are there to bring intended humor to the films.

Arachnia
A cast of stereotypical misfits trapped in a house and surrounded by giant spiders.
Ray Harryhausen’s stop motion special effects will look high-tech compared to the effects here.
Yes, it’s a SyFy movie. Yes, it’s horrible. And yes, apparently they hate us.

The Bermuda Triangle
A cast of stereotypical misfits on a boat looking for…well, they don’t know what they’re looking for and neither do we.
Add creepy evil doll for creepy evil looking little girl. And John Huston. Someone must’ve had pictures of him with a donkey or something.

When a Stranger Calls Back
A cast of stereotypical misfits…just kidding! Just Charles Durning and Carol Kane, in it for the money.
Oddly enough, the stranger never calls. He just sneaks in and moves a few things around. Too bad he doesn’t clean while he’s at it.

Creepy Fun Trailers!

Season two of Stranger Things – October 27!

Season eleven of The X-Files – January 2018!

Thoughts on Finishing a Series

I came up with the core idea of the fantasy Season Avatars series—a quartet of women who have to work together to save their country from magical storms that mix up the seasons—about twenty-one years ago. I was single, between jobs, and living in another state. Since then, I’ve moved several times, worked four different jobs at two companies, got married, and had a son. The publishing world has also changed. Self-publishing wasn’t easy and was heavily stigmatized in the 90’s, but now it’s allowing me to fulfill a life goal: completing a series.

Finishing a series carries a lot of mixed feelings with it. There’s relief that the story will be complete before you die and that readers won’t be left hanging for a resolution. There’s definitely a feeling of accomplishment, even elation. If writing one book is a marathon, writing and rewriting five of them is an Ironman and a half. Plotting across a series requires even more forethought than plotting (or pantsing) a single book.

Certainly I’ll miss my heroines, but as I plan to write a spin-off series, they’re not gone completely. They’re adult children now, stopping back occasionally to visit and bringing new characters from their world with them. Writing “The End” is never truly the end, but another beginning.

Summon the Seasons

Kay might be the youngest, smallest, and least confident Season Avatar, but her weather magic makes her the most powerful of her group. Now that she also can contact the souls of dead Avatars, her quartet has a chance to end Chaos Season permanently. All Kay and her sister Avatars need are three more bones.
To obtain them, Kay’s quartet must travel across Challen, evading the King’s Watch and Selathens who want to protect their demigoddess, Salth, creator of Chaos Season.
Kay’s deepest beliefs about her God and her longtime rival, Dorian, will be challenged during the trip. If she loses her faith and newfound courage, she will fail, and the rest of the Season Avatars with her.

Pick up Summon the Seasons HERE

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan is the author of the SF Catalyst Chronicles and the fantasy Season Avatars series. She’s also a QA Representative, a wife, a mother, a Beatles fan, and a member of the 501st Legion, but mostly she’s very tired.
Sandra can be found online at the following links: website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram

Monday’s Music Moves Me

Hosted by Marie at Xmas Dolly.

This one is from Voyager, a pop-prog band from Australia. They are so underrated! These guys should be huge.

New Releases

Marked Beauty by SA Larsen - available October 17
Uncovering hidden secrets can sometimes kill you . . . or worse, steal your soul.
Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Find Sheri at her Website or Blog

City of Ghosts by JH Moncrieff
On the day the villagers were forced to flee Hensu, not everyone got out alive.
Find it on Amazon Barnes and Noble, and iTunes

Jalapeno Cupcake Wench by Carol Kilgore
A Hot and Spicy Taste of Murder – and Beyond
Jalapeno Cupcake Wench is the first book in The Amazing Gracie Trilogy, a story so big, it takes three books to tell it. 
Find it on Amazon

Swing Vote by Donna K. Weaver
An IED blew up more than Marc North's career as a Cobra pilot—it shattered his plans for marriage.
Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Christian Bale, Taye Diggs 2002 - Equilibrium
2 – Michael York, Jenny Agutter 1976 - Logan’s Run
3 – Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich 1997 – The Fifth Element
4 – Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman 2014 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
5 – Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman 2013 - Oblivion
6 – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone 1990 – Total Recall
7 – Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux 1960 – The Time Machine
8 – Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence 1981- The Road Warrior (Mad Max 2)
9 – Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer 1997 – Starship Troopers
10 – Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman 2010 – The Book of Eli

Ready for some scary RiffTrax movies? Stoked about the next seasons of Stranger Things and X-Files? Have you wrapped up a series? Picking up some new books? Get the trivia right? And have you entered the IWSG Anthology Contest yet? You have until November 1. And let me know if you can co-host next month.

I’ll be offline this weekend but back on Monday with another guest and a slew of scary movie fun.

Geek Television Programs, Favorite Fantasy Romance Movies, What Are the Kargrandes? Small Press Pros and Cons, and Ninja News

What happens when the Ninja is overwhelmed with trying to write guest posts for his tour, prepare A to Z Challenge posts, and juggle several sites at once? He double books himself!

Today I have not one, but two awesome authors here to amuse you!

SAME GEEK TIME, SAME GEEK CHANNEL

by Christine Rains

I could name dozens of television shows that geeks love to watch. Goodness knows I've stared at the screen for hundreds of hours in the past year, I mean, in my life. Yes... What's trickier is picking out great shows starring geeks.

I'm adding a level of difficulty to this quest: I'm going to give you a type of show and the obvious nerd answer. Then I'm going to give you a show that you might not know about.

Documentary:
Obvious answer - Cosmos hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Who doesn't love Neil? He's the laid-back astro-nerd in a ship of the imagination.
Not so obvious answer – Globe Trekker hosted by Ian Wright. There have been other travelers on this show, but Ian is my favorite. Goofy, geeky, and hilarious, he travels to various places in the world where you get a peek at things other shows usually don't show.

Reality Show:
Obvious answer - King of the Nerds hosted by Lewis and Booger from Revenge of the Nerds. It's like Survivor for geeks, but with more video games and cosplay.
Not so obvious answer – Face Off. Artistic geeks creating awesome makeup for monsters, aliens, or whatever might be that week's theme. These are super talented nerds in their element.

Sitcom:
Obvious answer – The Big Bang Theory. This is probably where everyone's mind went when I mentioned TV and nerds. No explanation necessary.
Not so obvious answer – Community. It's by far geekier than the obvious answer. Oh yes! Watch it and compare. And it stars Joel McHale, a geek whom I loved since he hosted The Soup.

What are your favorite shows starring geeks?

About the author: Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. (South Central Indiana Fiction Interface). She has several short stories and novellas published. The Dice & Debauchery series is her first contemporary erotic romance.
Please visit her Website and Blog
You can also find Christine onTwitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads
Purchase Loose Corset here: Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, Kobo, and Ellora’s Cave

Ten Movies Similar to Fade Into Me by Charity Bradford

Alex, thanks so much for having me today! My newest story is a tiny bit scifi, a lot fantasy and definitely a romance. So today I want to share some fantasy romance movies for you to fill February with. I mean, Valentines is coming up pretty quick. If nothing else, pick one to share with someone special this Saturday. Here are 10 movies that have something in common with Fade Into Me

1. Princess Bride—when it’s true love there can be no other
2. Stardust—thinking you want one thing, but what you need is right in front of you
3. The Lake House—modern world, soul mates lost in time
4. Penelope—the true love that saves her is when she learns to love herself
5. Splash—they are from two different worlds
6. Somewhere in Time—he’s willing to do anything to be with his love
7. Simply Irresistible—love and magic, and food!
8. Brigadoon—there’s a vacation in Scotland
9. Practical Magic—using magic to find love
10. Timer—can you fall in love if you don’t find your soul mate?

What are your favorite science fiction or fantasy romantic movies?

Find Charity at her: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, YouTube Trailer, and read the First Two Chapters

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is the fifth one, and there are new clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? Fifth clue up this week- http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes #scifi @alexjcavanaugh

Solve the mystery before April 7–what are the Kargrandes? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes #scifi @alexjcavanaugh

And there have been some great reviews so far, but this one really touched me. Posted by Charity Bradford on Goodreads, it’s a really detailed and thoughtful review, and I’ll share just a snippet with you:
I love that Alex writes complex stories that don't feel complex until you take a step back and really look at it.
That's talent! I mean, there is amazing technology laced throughout this book, but you never feel bogged down by it. Alex also presents these great science fiction themes in a way that feels fresh and new.
I write complex stories – that just blows me away. Thanks, Charity!

Ninja News

I am posting at the IWSG site today on The Pros and Cons of Small Publishers. I asked several authors with small presses to contribute and together we came up with a great list. Check it out!

At the A to Z Blog today is Tracey Lynn Tobin from No Page Left Blank. She chose a really fun theme for the Challenge!

Ian S. Bott has a website that features his artwork. If you’re looking for some awesome science fiction images, check it out HERE



Ava Quinn signed with Patricia Nelson of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Congratulations, Ava!

New Releases -

Don’t Forget to Breathe by Cathrina Constantine
Find it at Amazon

Polar Day by Julie Flanders
Find it on Amazon

A Season of Change by Donna K. Weaver
Pick it up here for only .99 cents: Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Available February 11 –
A Jumble of 500+ Writing Prompts by Tyrean Martinson
Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, and Goodreads





Whoa! Still trying to figure out the Kargrandes? See some cool new books you want? What are some of your favorite fantasy romance movies? And what geek shows do you enjoy? (Face Off is one of my favorite!)

Don’t forget to visit the IWSG site for pros and cons on small presses.

I’ll be back Wednesday with some movie reviews, trivia, and a special guest. Plus – the IWSG site will be hosting our first literary agent that day!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus Massive Book News

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 Mark Koopmans, Joylene Nowell Butler, Elsie, and Lisa Buie-Collard! Please stop by their sites and thank them for helping today.

Now that the insanity of the Challenge is over – I am working on my manuscript again! I’m in the final stretch and it was no effort to jump back in and continue with the story. Endings have always come first for me, so what I am about to write has played over in my head a hundred times. So I am eager to finish the first draft. Then editing, which will involve adding many new elements and twists. Good thing I really like the editing phase.

But I did write more than blog posts during April!

I was asked to contribute to audiomachine’s next project, an eighteen track movie soundtrack called Phenomena. There will be a free eBook available for download. With every purchase, audiomachine will make a donation to the LA Youth orchestra. My story will accompany a piece called Drakon's Empire.

What’s my story about? Well, it focuses on a young man by the name of Bassan…

Be sure to visit other IWSG members!

Book Releases and More!!

Break Time
A Steampunk Anthology
by Pat Bertram, J.Conrad Guest, J.J. Dare, Dale Cozort, Suzanne Francis, and Joylene Nowell Butler

Welcome to Break Time, a collaborative steampunk anthology written by seven authors from four countries -- USA, New Zealand, Canada, Australia -- who have never met.

Available on Amazon - eBook and Print

Living the Afterlife: A Death and Chronos flash fiction collection
By River Fairchild

Thirty stories filled with laughter and mishaps as a Harley-riding Death and anachronistic Chronos create havoc in Purgatory and on Earth. A host of Immortals join in the misadventures.

Buy it on Amazon

How to Seduce a Band Geek (How To #2)
by Cassie Mae
Buy it at Amazon


Hey, I resemble that...

Rescue Squad, Book 9 of A Shot in the Light
By Hart Johnson
Buy it at Amazon

Chasing Luck
by Brinda Berry
A Serendipity novel - New Adult Romantic Suspense
Buy it at Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble

Second Chances 101, the fifth Ripple Effect Romance Novella
By Donna K. Weaver
Buy it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Stones of Power: The Invasion
By Eric Buffington
Buy it at Center One Publishing and Smashwords








Altered Perceptions is an anthology of great authors, donating their work to help author Robison Wells, who's crippled by debt, caused by his mental illnesses. David Powers King is pledging one dollar for every comment on his IWSG post today. So visit David and donate his money!

Whoa!
Anyone else diving back into their writing this month? Picking up Phenomena? (You should see the list of authors contributing stories to the eBook!) Picking up any of the new releases? And what’s your writing insecurity today…?

And heads up – I will be out and about enjoying life this weekend, so you won’t see me around much. After last month, I hope I remember how…

And please, special prayers for Melissa Bradley. She was admitted to the hospital on Monday and they discovered a huge mass around her lymph nodes. The biopsy is today, so please keep her in your thoughts.

June Movie Preview, Supporting Other Authors, A Change of Plans, IWSG Wrap-up, and Ninja News

Special guest today - Donna K. Weaver, author of the new release, A Change of Plans!

Alex said I needed to be humorous, so I decided to share a personal experience that inspired a scene on the ship. My father was career Navy, and we traveled by ship to and from some of his duty assignments.

On our way to the Philippines, the waters outside of San Francisco were really rough--plus it was the beginning of 21-day trip. I didn't have my sea legs yet (when your inner ear gets used to the movement). I don't get seasick, but it's still a crazy sensation when the ground is constantly swaying underneath you. You tend to stumble a lot. This ship was a military transport and nothing compared to modern cruise ships.

I remember clinging to the railing as I came down the stairs, staggering into the lounge, and collapsing on to a couch. I didn't really want to get up again right away, so I raised my bump up off the couch to reach for a magazine. The steward, who was vacuuming behind me, thought I was getting up for good and took the chance to move the chair to clean under it.

Um, yeah. I straightened, the ship rocked, and I tried to collapse on the couch again . The couch that wasn't there anymore. Unfortunately, there wasn't an attractive guy behind me with a convenient lap for me to fall into.

Congratulations, Donna – I thought it was funny.

IWSG Wrap-up

Another awesome Insecure Writer’s Support Group posting! There were so many positive and encouraging posts this time. Big thanks to my co-hosts, Sheena-kay Graham, Suzanne Furness, and Laura Eno.

Participants, be sure your blog is on the list! If you’ve missed a couple months, you may have been removed and need to add your blog again. A few I couldn’t find on the list at all. So be sure to look at the LIST.

Ninja News

Cheers for Susan Gourley - she retires from teaching today and becomes a full-time author!!!

Charmaine Clancy is holding a giveaway on her site and the grand prize is a Kindle Fire! Check it out.

Available now – Dystopolis by Ian Anderson (Known as Man O’ Clay on his blog.)

Adam and his companion Zoe are survivors of a war that rips their world apart. The ensuing chaos changes Adam and his ability to cope with reality. Evie has survived as well; she spends her days searching the war-torn city for food, for hope, for life. Will their meeting be one of hope, or will mankind continue in its blindness?

Only .99 at Amazon

Also available now – Aberration by Lisa Regan

FBI analyst Kassidy Bishop is assigned to the “For You” Killer’s Task Force after a series of sadistic murders bearing the same signature arise in different parts of the country, but when the investigation leads directly back to her, she is forced to delve into her own past.

A Question of Support

A friend’s post this week regarding supporting authors received quite the firestorm of comments. (And a really cool cat drawing, which had nothing to do with the post, but it was clever!) It had to do with promoting books through reviews, cover reveals, and release announcements – and do you promote a book you haven’t read?

Here’s my thoughts – that’s up to the individual. And whether it fits the blog or not. (Because some have a theme and it just doesn’t fit.)

Obviously I do post announcements and covers. And here’s why:

1 – The Ninja News
Everyone tells me they come here to get caught up on releases and what’s happening around the blogging world. I’m just reporting the news. And I’m happy to announce anything cool happening with my followers.

2 – The Ninja Army
Once I crossed a thousand followers, I realized I could be really effective at spreading the word for my friends. This blog became a little less about me and more about you guys.

3 – Friendship
When I post about a release or announcement, I’m endorsing the person. I’m doing it because I believe in YOU.

I do it without expecting something in return. I don’t get paid. (Despite the fact I’m bombarded with ad companies and could make money that way. That’s just not how I roll.) I don’t do it just so you will support my books. If you never buy one or post about my books, I’m cool with that. I don’t give to get. I give for all those reasons above.

Where do you fall with promotions? Please no firestorm. (Violators will receive a visit from one or more clones who will proceed to paint your blog a funny color.)

June Movie Preview

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

12 –

This Is the End
While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.
Directors: Evan Goldberg | Seth Rogen
Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Paul Rudd
The guys play themselves during the apocalypse – and they get their butts kicked by Emma Watson!


14 –

Man of Steel 
A young journalist is forced to confront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race.
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe
Here’s hoping it’s epic! Maybe they’ll finally make a Justice League of America movie.


21 –

World War Z
United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.
Director: Marc Forster
Stars: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, David Morse
Zombie apocalypse! Based on a book by Mel Brooks’ son. I wish Mel would adopt me.

Monsters University
A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.
Director: Dan Scanlon
Stars: Nathan Fillion, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Billy Crystal
Might just be me, but the previews aren’t funny.


28 –

White House Down
While on a tour of the White House with his young daughter, a Capitol policeman springs into action to save his child and protect the president from a heavily armed group of paramilitary invaders.
Director: Roland Emmerich
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Richard Jenkins
Admit it – you want to see the White House blow up!

Did you enjoy this month’s IWSG? Excited about the books? What movies catch your eye this month? And how do you feel about promoting others and what are you willing to do?

A to Z Challenge – Dark Knight Rises and Dare You to Move, Plus A Change of Plans and IWSG Thanks!

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!

The Dark Knight Rises

Christopher Nolan infused these films with a sense that they could exist in our world. The movie captures the essence of the Dark Knight comics. Nolan is a director of such high caliber that he took a comic book character and elevated him into mainstream critical acclaim.

John Blake is the young detective with a troubled past and desire for justice. He knows Batman’s secret and wants to help fight for the cause. His drive and ambition hint at the possibility he would take on the duties of Batman, maybe even as Robin.

Who is John/Robin?

Nick Wilford at Scattergun Scribbles!

His recent blogfest and book for his son, Andrew, probe he’s ready to fight the cause. Nick has a goal and a purpose, and he will make it happen no matter what. He still possesses that youthful idealism so necessary for achieving success. And he’s definitely a superhero.

Nick is a writer and the editor of the anthology, Overcoming Adversity.

To you, I dedicate Dare you to Move by Switchfoot. Because you dared…

“I dare you to move, I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor…”

Trivia and Facts-

Switchfoot’s seventh studio album won a Grammy in 2011 – name the album or the Grammy category.

D’s trivia answer – Ernie Hudson also played a cop in The Cowboy Way and No Escape.

A Change of Plans!

Coming June 1, 2013 -

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
Adventure-Romance

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates…

Add A Change of Plans on Goodreads

Find Donna - Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

I met Donna during the second A to Z Challenge and I could not be more happy for her!

IWSG Thanks!

Once again, you guys amaze me! Special thanks to my co-hosts this month, Annalisa Crawford, Julie Luek, and Elsie.

Between the Challenge and the IWSG, I was overwhelmed yesterday. My apologies to anyone I skipped or missed. I will be catching up this weekend on IWSG posts and on all of the awesome comments here.

Big thanks to Damy and Carolyn for featuring my books yesterday, and to several others who mentioned them in their posts. Whoa!

Next year, I’m taking the whole first week of April off from work so I can keep up!

Fan of the Dark Knight movies? Fan of Nick? Know the trivia answer? Excited to pick up Donna’s book? Did the IWSG rock this week or what? And anyone else feeling a bit overwhelmed…?