Reviews – Wild Robot, Black Bag, and The Bondsman; Fanfiction; plus New Releases

Surprise! I’m posting on a non-IWSG day. That’s because I had more reviews and new release announcements than room that day.

And, most importantly, I wanted to highlight something very special.

People write fanfiction all the time for Star Wars and Star Trek. They are huge franchises. But last week, someone wrote fanfiction for me! Truedessa posted part of a story that happens after the end of Dragon of the Stars.

So, please check it out. Truedessa, thank you. I feel like I’ve arrived as an author!

The Wild Robot

An AI service robot is stranded on an island and finds herself raising a baby goose with the help of a fox.
A bit of a clumsy beginning (literally, as Roz is the clumsiest robot ever) but once the orphaned goose and fox enter the picture, the movie shines. It’s about finding one’s place in the world, working together, and the meaning of love and family.
The animation is beautiful and the setting adds to the lushness. (Wild guess is the island is near/actually is Vancouver Island.)
There are some funny moments – when you have voice talents such as Bill Nighy, Ving Rhames, and Mark Hamill, no surprise there!
Recommended

Black Bag

An intelligence agent is giving a list of people and told to find the spy among them. The twist – his wife, also an intelligence agent, is on the list.
This is MI6 – a mix of Mission Impossible meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, it will keep you guessing. The dialogue is fun and the characters quirky.
And at ninety-three minutes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome!
Recommended

The Bondsman

Series streaming on Amazon. A bounty hunter is resurrected and told his new bounty targets are demons.
Stars Kevin Bacon and Beth Grant (who plays his mom) are the reason to watch this show. They are both excellent and funny, with Grant stealing nearly every scene she’s in.
The show is quirky and irreverent, but it also has a heart. It also takes dark subjects and makes them light and sometimes funny.
It is a twisted premise though so the show might not be for everyone.
Love the thirty-minute format though. Again, doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Season ends on a cliffhanger so there better be another one.
Recommended

New Releases

Dirtbag Satan Worshippers From Down by the Bay (Gale Harbour Book 3) by CD-Gallant-King

Niall O’Neil is wallowing in teenage angst, still getting over Harper Jeddore, his childhood crush who helped him save the sleepy town of Gale Harbour from otherworldly monsters. Twice. When he meets a new, less-complicated girl named Stacey, it seems his life might be turning a corner. But Niall is pulled back into his old world when people start disappearing around town again, seemingly abducted by Satan-worshipping rednecks.
Torn between his new existence of simple happiness and his messy feelings for his old flame, Niall must make a decision: Enjoy dating girls, experimenting with drinking and making new friends, or risk his life to save the town one more time?
The fate of the entire world may depend on the choices of a hormonal fourteen-year-old with a flair for the dramatic.
Join Niall, Harper, Pius, Keith and Skidmark as they band together for one last adventure…

Find it on Amazon

A Murder Down Memory Lane by Elizabeth Spann Craig

Reunions can be murder, especially when the past refuses to stay buried.
Myrtle is less than thrilled to receive an invitation to her high school reunion. Fond memories of her teenage years? Not quite. Besides, who throws a 67th reunion, anyway? But curiosity gets the better of her when she learns that several classmates are making the trek from far-flung places.
The reunion turns out to be a haphazard affair, with a sparse turnout. Things take a turn for the mysterious as the event unfolds. Who organized this affair? Who sent out the invitations? And what’s the real reason behind the oddly-timed gathering?
When a body is discovered, the reunion goes from awkward to alarming. It’s up to Myrtle and her trusty sidekick Miles to unravel the mystery before anyone else takes a fatal trip down memory lane.

Find it on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo

Badlands (Book 2 of Savage Land trilogy) by Jacqui Murray

In Badlands, Book Two of the trilogy, the tribes split up, each pursuing dangerous but necessary goals, all at the mercy of the Nature. How they collaborate despite their inborn distrust could end this journey before it starts or forge new relationships that will serve both groups well in the future.

Find it on Amazon Amazon

Have you seen either movie or the show? Which new release strikes your fancy?
Thanks for all the IWSG co-host offers! We are set through September. And the responses to this month’s question were touching.
Enjoy your May and see you next month!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Ghost Stories, and October Movie Preview

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.

The awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jacqui Murray, and Natalie Aguirre!

October 2 question - Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What's your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.

I’m old, so even though it’s not a ghost story, it’s The Exorcist for me. I found it incredibly disturbing. It was the first film to deal with demonic possession and in such a horrible way, taking over a young girl. It’s been duplicated and watered down over the years, but at the time, the original was terrifying.
And on most horror movie lists, it’s number one.

Another top pick is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, both the book and the movie. Read the book as a kid and was fascinated by an apparition that terrorizes a town, and it’s the basis of a lot of urban legends you hear about today.

We need one more co-host for December! If you can help out, please leave a comment or send me an email.

New Releases!

Top Five Movies Set in Japan
By Sherry Ellis

Bubba and Squirt’s final adventure, The Legend of the Lost Pearls is set in Japan. In honor of its release, I’ve come up with my top 5 picks of movies about or set in Japan. Here they are:
1. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), starring Ziyi Zhang, is the story of Nitta Sayuri, a young Japanese woman who as a child was taken from a fishing village and later became one of Japan’s most famous geishas.
2. The Last Samurai (2003), starring Tom Cruise, is set in 19 th century Japan. Nathan Algren, a US army captain is hired by the Emperor of Japan to train his army in modern warfare techniques. It becomes a struggle between two eras.
3. Tokyo Pop (1988), stars Carrie Hamilton who plays Wendy, an aspiring singer who travels to Tokyo with dreams of making it big in the music business. There she meets Hiro, a rock and roll musician who makes her the lead singer in his band.
4. The Karate Kid Part II (1986), stars Pat Morita. Daniel accompanies his mentor, Mr. Miyagi to Okinawa. Miyagi visits his dying father and faces an old rival. Daniel falls in love and ends up with a rival of his own.
5. Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), stars Mike Myers. After discovering his father has been kidnapped, Austin Powers travels to 1975 to defeat the villain, Goldmember who is working with Dr. Evil.
Are you familiar with these movies? Do you have a favorite? Any not on the list that you like?

A big thanks to Alex for having me as a guest and getting the word out about Bubba and Squirt’s The Legend of the Lost Pearls!

Bubba and Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearls by Sherry Ellis

Journey to the past!
Bubba and Squirt embark on their most dangerous quest yet. Whisked away through the vortex to Japan, they must find two fabled pearls that hold the key to saving their father.
To top it off, they must go back and change the events of the past. As they race against time, the fate of their father, and their own lives, hang in the balance.
Will they outwit the cunning creatures that stand in their way or face their own demise trying to save their father?

Print ISBN 9798988625124 $8.95/ eBook ISBN 9798988625131 $3.99
Juvenile Fiction - Action Adventure / Fantasy & Magic / Legends, Myths, Fables – Asian

Find the book on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Goodreads

Mystery Loves Company by Elizabeth Spann Craig

Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries | Book 25

Truth blooms in unexpected corners.

Purchase options here

October Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for October. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

4 –

Joker: Folie à Deux
Director: Todd Phillips
Stars: Joaquin Pheonix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Ken Leung
Failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while in Arkham State Hospital. Upon release, the pair embark on a doomed romantic misadventure.
I guess it’s a better name than Joker: The Musical.

Monster Summer
Director: David Henrie
Stars: Mason Thames, Lorraine Bracco, Mel Gibson
When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island.
I’ve always wanted a mash-up of The Goonies and Lethal Weapon.

25 –

Venom: The Last Dance
Director: Kelly Marcel
Stars: Tom Hardy, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans
Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie's last dance.
I just can’t believe we live in a world that has three Venom movies…

What’s your favorite ghostly tale? Picking up either book? Any movie catch your interest this month? Seems to be slim pickens the next few months! And can you help co-host in December?

#IWSG day! July Movie Preview and New Releases

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.

The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are JS Pailly, Rebecca Douglass, Pat Garcia, Louise-Fundy Blue, and Natalie Aguirre!

Don't forget to add your link over on our IWSG Facebook page - it helps people find those who have posted.

The July 3 question: What are your favorite writing processing (e.g. Word, Scrivener, yWriter, Dabble), writing apps, software, and tools? Why do you recommend them? And which one is your all time favorite that you cannot live without and use daily or at least whenever you write?

Despite all of the tools and software out there, I really only use Word. I know, there are all these neat programs like Grammerly and AI software, but I’m happy to just use Word and its features. Simple but it works.

Thanks for all of the suggestions from last month’s question! We pulled together some of the top requests and are trying to work them into the system. We’ll keep you posted.

And please welcome the newest IWSG Admin, M. Louise Barbour!
She is taking over for Sandra Cox.
Sandra, thanks for helping us and being a part of the Admin team.
Louise, welcome to the rocking IWSG Admins!
Now, everyone go tell her she’s awesome.

New Releases!

Ghostly Protector by Stacy McKitrick

He finally found his long-lost love, but will he have to arrest her for murder?

Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Google, and Smashwords

Out of Circulation by Elizabeth Spann Craig

In the sun-kissed haven of Charleston, Ann and Grayson race to solve a deadly puzzle before more than just books are out of circulation.

Buy links for every platform are here.

July Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for July. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

3 –

Despicable Me 4
Directors: Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage
Stars: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Joey King
Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.
Um…Banana!!!!

12 –

Longlegs
Director: Oz Perkins
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt, Maika Monroe
FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes unexpected turns, revealing evidence of the occult. Harker discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again.
Nicolas Cage, bat-crap crazy. Take one thousand!

19 –

Twisters
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Stars: Glen Powell, Katy O’Brian, Kiernan Shipka
An update to the 1996 film 'Twister', which centered on a pair of storm chasers who risk their lives in an attempt to test an experimental weather alert system.
Different movie. Or is it the same cow?

26 –

Deadpool and Wolverine
Director: Shawn Levy
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth, Deadpool. They team up to defeat a common enemy.
The Reese's Peanut Butter cup of movies. Two great things that (we hope) go great together.

What software do you use for writing? Picking up either new release? What movies catch your eye this month?

I'll be gone for a while this month, so catch you guys here and there.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, #IWSGPit, Godzilla x Kong Review, April Movie Preview, and New Releases

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.

The awesome co-hosts for the April 3 posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, T. Powell Coltrin, Natalie Aguirre, and Pat Garcia!

April 3 question - How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed?

I began blogging fifteen years ago. It took me a year or so to find my footing. Then blogging just exploded. The A to Z Challenge. I was a Blog of Note. Then I began the Insecure Writers Support Group. It was a roller coaster ride.
Things began to change maybe six-seven years ago. The pandemic didn’t help. Blogging has since really dipped.
However, the core people involved are still going strong! New people join the IWSG every month. I am grateful for those of you who still blog every month for the IWSG. And stop by here once or twice a month for some movie, music, and writing stuff. This is still a great way to connect.

I want to take a moment to thank all of the writers, publishers, and agents who participated in #IWSGPit on March 27. Tweets were into five digits, with tons of pitches and many Tweets from agents and publishers. I also want to thank the IWSG admins who monitored the thread that day, including previous admins Elizabeth Seckman and Tyrean Martinson.
This will likely be our last pitch event, as we simply don’t have enough admins to cover all the shifts. That might change in the future or we’ll choose another platform. Either way, we appreciate those of you who’ve participated in our nine events.
And if you land a publisher or agent from this last one, please let us know!

Movie Review – Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

The fifth in the franchise (and fourth with Godzilla), this one goes for it in a big way.
Plot – strange signal coming from Hollow Earth, where Kong lives. The signal triggers Godzilla to attack more Titans. A crew ventures down to see what’s happening and Kong finds a tribe of giant apes. Battles ensue.
Heck with the plot - all I can say is this film was a lot of fun! A good balance of monsters and people, the highlights were of course the epic monster fights. We get a ton of giant beasts in this film, and they and the scenery look amazing.
It also accomplishes something unique. It captures some of the silliness of later Toho films but makes it look really damn good.
Two very funny moments:
After one battle, Godzilla curls up in Rome’s Colosseum like a cat would in a kitty bed.
Godzilla jumps into the air and eventually lands in the ocean. And all I could think about was the ending scene from Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster done by MST3K – ‘I can fly! I can fly! I can’t fly. I can swim!’
And a certain Titan makes a return. (Can’t tell you, that would spoil the surprise.)
I’d place this one above the previous film. A ton of fun that will put a smile on your face.
Highly recommended! 

New Releases!

A Toast to Murder by Eizabeth Spann Craig
Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries | Book 24
April 9, 2024
Uncorking secrets, one grape at a time.
Find purchase links here

The Type-A Guide to Solving Murder
A Sunset Ridge Mystery | Book 1
April 9,2024
Sam turns murder into her most challenging project yet.
Find purchase links here

April Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for April. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

5 –

Monkey Man
Director: Dev Patel
Stars: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash
An anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless.
Is this a prequel to Planet of the Apes?

The First Omen
Director: Arkasha Stevenson
Stars: Nell Tiger Free, Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga
A young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, but encounters a darkness that causes her to question her faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.
I thought The Omen was the first Omen?

19 –

The Ministry Ungentlemanly Warfare
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Henry Cavill, Cary Elwes
The British military recruits a small group of highly-skilled soldiers to strike against Nazi forces behind enemy lines during World War II.
Superman, Jack Reacher, and the Dread Pirate Roberts duke it out!

26 –

Boy Kills World
Director: Moritz Mohr
Stars: Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery
A dystopian fever dream action film that follows Boy, a deaf mute with a vibrant imagination. When his family is murdered, he is trained by a mysterious shaman to repress his childish imagination and become an instrument of death.
Is this a video game? Do I get to play that character?

How long have you been blogging and how has it changed? Did you participate in #IWSGPit? Catch Godzilla x Kong yet? And what movies catch your interest this month?
Good luck to all of you A to Z Challengers! I will be taking most of April off, but there were some really cool themes revealed that I will have to check on throughout the month.

A to Z Challenge – G – Cult Classics: Galaxy Quest, Ginger Snaps, Guns N Roses, and More! Plus the Scavenger Hunt is On…

Today my tour stop is with author David Powers King as I help him out with one of the characters from his book, Woven!

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – G

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

Movies –

Ginger Snaps
A small, low budget film with a unique twist on the werewolf theme. This 2000 film won several awards and spawned two sequels.

Galaxy Quest
The perfect parody of Star Trek and its fans, done with love and humor. This 1999 film starred Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver and won both Hugo and Nebula awards.

Music –

Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction
This album put them on the map and almost a year after its release. Topping the charts in 1988, this album went eighteen-times Platinum and was ranked as one of the best albums ever by many.

Science Fiction Book –

Gateway by Frederik Pohl
Serialized in Galaxy before being published as a book in 1977. It won the Hugo, Locus, Nebula, and John W. Campbell Memorial Award.

Bloggers –

GB Miller at Father Nature’s Corner
You want an author with snark and attitude? One with a twisted sense of humor and not afraid to tell it like it is? Then GB is your guy.

Deniz Bevan at Girdle of Melian
Want to know what it’s like to live in Switzerland? Want to follow an author’s account of life abroad, writing, blogging, and everything in between? Then Deniz is that author! (She also made Mini-Alex's awesome scarf!)

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Graham –
The father of Aden, Graham Pendar is a Duke and the owner of numerous processing plants that turn sea kelp into food, energy, and Ceteroll. He has hopes his son will one day follow in his footsteps in business and perhaps become a member of the Council.

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.

And there is a Scavenger Hunt! An autographed copy of the book, bookmarks and swag, and $20.00 iTunes gift cards to the winner. Just visit the sites below and leave a comment – where do you think Mini-Alex is in the photo? Open until midnight April 11 – winner announced here April 13. 

Now go!

Melissa Maygrove * Eva Solar * Father Dragon Al * Suzanne Furness * Karen Walker * Dianne Salerni * Christine Rains * Nick Wilford * EE Giorgi * Murees Dupe * L Diane Wolfe * Helena * Tyrean Martinson * Robin * Heather Gardner * Jo * Lynda Young * SL Hennessy * Toi Thomas * Lori MacLaughlin * Jess at Author Tracker, * Truedessa, * Annalisa Crawford, * Patricia Lynne, * Lisa at Flash Fiction, * Julie Flanders, * Julie Kemp Pick, * Nicki Elson, * Mark Koopmans, * Sydney Aaliyah!

Ninja News

Truedessa, who is participating in the Scavenger Hunt, posted the most amazing science fiction poem for Dragon of the Stars. She’s an awesome person, so please check it out. Thanks, Truedessa – that rocked my world.

Released last week:
A Body at Bunco, Myrtle Clover #8
By Elizabeth Spann Craig

Shannon Lawrence’s short story, Know Thy Neighbor, was just published in Under the Bed Magazine, Volume 3, Number 7






Fan of either movie? (We have to get out of here before those creatures kill Guy!) Like old school Guns ‘n’ Roses? Following those awesome bloggers? Did you read Truedessa’s poem? And have you found all of the Mini-Alexes yet?

Don’t forget to visit David Powers King!

THOUGHTFUL/TENACIOUS - A to Z Challenge

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

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

THOUGHTFUL/TENACIOUS

Mark at Aloha! Mark Koopmans says hi from HI
At first glance, Mark appears just a little crazy. He’s Mr. Super Irish Guy. He’s a stay at home dad with three boys. (Now that would make me crazy!) But once you get to know Mark, you realize he is incredibly thoughtful. He has that genuine spirit of love that makes anyone around him feel blessed. Mark, may your green luck never run out!

Michael at In Time
I’ve know Michael for almost two years now. The man does not give up. He is tenacious times ten when it comes to his writing. Michael might have moments of despair, but those set backs only seem to make him more determined to succeed. And if you’ve ever read any of his Earthly Angels posts or received an email from Michael, then you know he is as thoughtful and considerate as they come. Michael, don’t ever give up on that writing dream – you rock, dude!

Zombieland
Without a doubt one of the best zombie movies ever (and certainly the funniest) this film features four people trying to survive the zombie apocalypse. While their determination to remain human is strong, it is redneck, gun-toting tough guy Tallahassee’s Twinkie quest that burns stronger. He is tenacious in his pursuit of the creamy Hostess desert. (Fortunately for him, Twinkies would survive any disaster.)

NINJA NEWS!

Real Steel - Movie review
It was formula and predictable but really enjoyable. The relationships were touching and pulled on the heartstrings. (My wife cried near the end, but not sure if that was due to the story or the Hugh Jackman. I didn’t ask!)

Elizabeth Craig and Hart Johnson are celebrating the joint release of their books with the Crazy Cozy Blogfest Congratulations, ladies!

And a special thanks to EJ for his post on Saturday. I really appreciated your kind words!

NINJA CONTEST!

To celebrate 1500 followers (something I never thought I’d hit – thank you everyone) I’m holding a giveaway – a copy of CassaStar and CassaFire! This will be a little different though. The books will be donated to the winner’s choice of public or high school library, along with a selection of bookmarks, in his or her name. (The winner also gets bookmarks.)

How to enter (must be a follower):

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

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

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

Winner will be announced Monday during the Z post!

Following Mark and Michael? Seen Zombieland or Real Steel? Participating in Elizabeth and Hart’s blogfest? Want to win the contest? 1500 followers – does this mean I need a ranking other than Captain? And who do you know who is thoughtful or tenacious?

ORDERLY/OPTIMISTIC - A to Z Challenge

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

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

ORDERLY/OPTIMISTIC

Elizabeth Spann Craig at Mystery Writing is Murder
This mystery writer is one of my very first followers. Her blog is so orderly and professional, I have to admit I was very intimidated at first. She founded the Writer’s Knowledge Database, the largest collection of writing information I have ever seen. I’m not sure how she finds and organizes it all, but I am impressed beyond words. She’s also a full time writer, something that is difficult to achieve. If you’re not following her Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers, then you need to get with it!

Ciara Knight
What strikes me first with Ciara is her optimistic attitude. It’s genuine and solid. Her feature “Did I Notice Your Book?” speaks volumes of her feelings towards her fellow authors. I imagine that after time in her presence, one would walk away feeling confident and ready to conquer the world. Ciara, sometimes we wonder if we are making any difference. Well, rest assured – you are making an amazing impact!!

Andie MacDowell as Rita in Groundhog Day
Here was a character of such unfettered optimism that it even prompted Bill Murray to utter the line “Gosh, you’re upbeat.” Anytime I hear someone spout overly optimistic jargon it calls to mind the classic words of Bill Murray and the hilarious movie “Groundhog Day.”

NINJA NEWS!

Laura Pauling signed a contract for How to Survive Ancient Spells and Crazy Kings. Congratulations, Laura!!

Just to highlight another great A to Z theme – Jamie at Mithril Wisdom is highlighting metal and progressive rock bands with a fantasy/horror/science fiction edge. He's Welsh, so Jamie has only stumped me on a few of them.

And just to clarify yesterday’s post – my wife is far hotter than Kate Beckinsale! Yes, I am damned proud of that fact.

Finally, this is for those who never saw Chris Phillips’ post over a year ago. (Which I imagine is most of you.) He’d asked what songs influenced the writing of the author’s book. Most selected three songs, but I went with only one. “Street Spirit” by Stream of Passion was the emotional drive behind a key scene in CassaStar. I wrote revisions to that scene, the most difficult I’ve ever written, while listening to this song. If you don’t have time to listen, I understand. But for those who’ve read CassaStar, you’ll know what scene I mean:



Are you following Elizabeth and Ciara? Watched Groundhog Day? Digging Jamie’s metal A to Z posts? Know what scene “Street Spirit” embodies? Do you have a scene in your book/manuscript that will forever eat at your heart? And who do you know that is orderly or optimistic?

The Ninja News… and More!

Guest post!

I’m honored to have a guest post this afternoon at TL Conway’s site giving a convincing argument that NaNo Novels Can Rock!

Thanks again to Lynda at W.I.P. It for allowing me to talk about writer support on her blog this week!

New Books!

Elizabeth S. Craig’s new book came out on Tuesday - Hickory Smoked Homicide.

Donna Shield’s book, The Swan Cove Murders, comes out November 9.



Groups!

Charity Bradford’sBirth of a Novel Blog Chain is available for those not officially participating in NaNo. (And she’s looking for guests.)

Sommer Leigh’s group is for those officially participating in NaNo.
(You’re covered either way!)



Giveaways and Awards!

Lydia Kang is hosting an awesome 1000 followers giveaway.

Karen is hosting the Best Awards Show Ever Blog Awards. Nominate your favorite today.

The 411 Movie Awards are still in the nomination stage. 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! George at Cinemarvellous! had been nominated for Gold and Best Design and Melissa at Melissa’s Imaginarium for Sexiest Female Blogger, so don’t forget these awesome bloggers when casting your nomination.



Fests and Opportunities!

The A to Z Challenge blog is up, so be sure to follow to get all the news on this awesome challenge for next April.

Dave Wrote This is hosting The Noughties Blogfest on November 14.

And Draven at Another Slightly Scary Story is looking for short scary stories or guest posts.

To wrap it up, this week’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group! posts were amazing and so heartfelt. You guys are awesome in the way you supported one another. Which I appreciate, because try as I might, this Ninja can’t be everywhere…

And yes, now I understand the obsession of checking Amazon rankings. I can’t help it - it’s freaking me out!

Don’t forget to visit TL Conway’s site this afternoon for NaNo Novels Can Rock!

That’s the Ninja News. I’m your host, Ninja Captain Alex…

Whew! Did I miss anything? Any movies this weekend? How is Nano coming along? (And since so many of you are writing, I just might take Monday off. But be back Wednesday for an awesome guest post from another Ninja!)