Unique Horror Films, Unique Halloween Decorations, Toi Thomas’ Birthday Bash, Scary Good Reads, and Ninja News

Recommended Unique Horror Films

To get you into the Halloween mood, here are some horror films I recommend. Rather than go with mainstream ones you’ve probably already seen, I decided to pick some smaller, less known films.

Near Dark 1987
Starring Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, and Jenette Goldstein. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this film is a unique addition to the vampire legend, and even more so that they never say the word vampire. Pasdar is bitten by Wright and then abducted by the rest of the vampire gang. Paxton really goes all out as a bad-ass vampire and it’s a great balance of action and quiet moments.

Ginger Snaps 2000
Directed by John Fawcett and staring Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins. This one tackles the werewolf lore and again, in a unique manner. Isabelle and Perkins are sisters with a goth streak who dabble in fake gory photos. Things go awry when Isabelle is bitten by a wolf. A mixture of horror and coming of age with some decent effects. The sequels were all sub-par though.

Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn 1987
Starring Bruce Campbell and directed by Sam Raimi, this is one of those rare sequels that outshines the original. Now a cult classic, this film showcases Raimi’s unique filming style and is still his best film. Campbell and his girlfriend happen upon a cabin where the Book of the Dead’s contents has been unleashed. Over the top and gory, this film is funnier than it is scary and filled with one-line zingers you won’t soon forget.

The Devil’s Backbone 2001
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro with English subtitles, this is one of the director’s early masterpieces. Set at an orphanage/school during the Spanish Civil War, this film is as much a drama as a horror film. There is a ghost haunting the place, but it’s the horrors of the live people that are much more frightening. Filled with symbolism and poignancy, this stylish film is filled with atmosphere.

Let the Right One In 2008
Directed by Tomas Alfredson, this Swedish film is both powerful and creepy on so many levels. Many have seen Let Me In, the American version, but this film still shines with its unnerving atmosphere and undertones. A young boy befriends a neighbor girl who is a vampire and the movie follows their growing friendship even as the violent deaths escalate. While it doesn’t push all the limits found in the book, this quiet film carries a heavy impact.

Unique Halloween Decorations

Looking for just the right decoration to scare all of your neighbors? Here are some fun ideas.

If you are on a budget, this almost foot tall moveable skeleton rat is only ten bucks.

After the recent release of It, the six foot tall hanging clown with red flashing eyes is perfect.

You could also go with the six foot tall hanging animated phantom.

The barking skeleton dog with glowing eyes would be fun.

So would the four feet wide inflatable spider with kaleidoscope light.

And if you have the cash and want to go big, how about a six foot tall skeleton T-Rex with glowing eyes?

Welcome to Jurassic Park…

It’s Toi Thomas’ Birthday!

Hi there, Toi here. October 21st is my birthday so, all my ebooks are on sale $0 - $1.99 from October 20th – October 24th + I’m offering my Top 5 Angel Books as a giveaway on Amazon.

Legend of the Boy, In the Window, and Other short stories - Collection of multi-genre stories. The first title story is that of a boy who must destroy the world so he can save humanity.

It’s Like the Full Moon - A romantic comedy; the first in a series. The mild-mannered Rebecca gets caught up in a most unlikely love-triangle and her BFF Lisa isn’t much help.

Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel – He’s a creature out of time. Mira’s a doctor trying to classify him. Beauty and the Beast meet Jekyll and Hyde in this paranormal romance with biblical influences. *40 Days and Nights of Eternal Curse- a nonfiction companion guide to the novel.

Eternal Curse: Battleground - A family saga that touches the past and future. Giovanni’s story brings you to tears as loss and duty blur the lines of hope for what is to come. *Battleground Survival 101- a nonfiction companion guide to the novel.

Chip and Skip Need Each Other & What Does Joe Need - Two simple, yet vibrant, stories teach young children, and those with special needs, the difference and importance of needs and wants, at home, school, and overall. Sold separately.

Plants and Animals Change Over Time & Land Changes Over Time - Two simple, yet vibrant, stories teach young children, and those with special needs, the importance and inevitability of change in living things and the world. Sold separately.

If you aren’t familiar with me yet, don’t worry; this is your chance to learn that I love Batman, Betty Boop, Star Wars, and Angels. I like all kinds of angels. Good ones, bad ones, and even creatures with wings that look like angels. I don’t think it’s just a matter of wings. There are some winged creatures I don’t like such as flying monkeys or seagulls. LOL! But seriously, I’ve grown fond of angel lore and stories about and or containing angel-like creatures. Heck, I even write about them in my Eternal Curse Series. While my books are influenced by Bible tales, a many angel stories are not. Either way, if it’s about angels, I’m probably going to like it. Here’s a list and giveaway of the Top 5 angel books I’ve read in at least the last ten years; in no particular order.

Ninja News

Just a week to go to send in your submission for the IWSG Anthology Contest!
You have until November 1…

For those who like audio books or would like to see if you’d like it, you can listen to a sample of Dragon of the Stars on SoundCloud.

New release!
Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library
Book 2: Fairday Morrow Series
By Jessica Haight & Stephanie Robinson
Middle grade mystery from Willow Press

Fairday Morrow had no clue that moving from Manhattan to the small town of Ashpot, Connecticut, would lead to an unsolved mystery. Her parents’ dream of renovating a crumbling Victorian, called the Begonia House, into a bed and breakfast had seemed like treachery at the time. But Fairday found out that her new house kept secrets, and once inside its twisted front gates, anything was possible. When mysterious notes start showing up warning that a librarian is in trouble and a bookworm is eating words, Fairday thinks the Begonia House has more skeletons in its closets. What happens to stories when their words get eaten?

Recommended Halloween Reads:

Since I won’t post again until November 1, I’m sharing some good Halloween reads from my publisher.
Some are spooky, some are creepy, and some just full of tension:

Bloodwalker by L.X. Cain
Matowak: Woman Who Cries – Joylene Nowell Butler
Maski: Broken but not Dead– Joylene Nowell Butler
Parallels: Felix Was Here – IWSG Anthology
Hero Lost: Mysteries of Death and Life – IWSG Anthology

What would you recommend?

Have you seen any of those horror films? What decoration do you want in your front yard – and why? Ready to try some new books from Toi? Entered the IWSG Anthology Contest? And who is up for a scary good read?

See you November 1 for the IWSG monthly posting!

A to Z Challenge – E – Cult Classics: Eraserhead, Evil Dead II, ELO, Ender’s Game, and More! Plus Furious 7 Review and Last Hint – What Are the Kargrandes?

Today I have the honor of visiting Bob at Beauty in Ruins and taking over for him for E – Exploration!

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – E

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

Movies –

Eraserhead
David Lynch’s first movie is horror at its most surrealistic. Shot in black and white and featuring disturbing, dream-like images, the film became a midnight movie staple. Released in 1977, it’s now preserved in the National Film Registry.

Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn
The first one gained director Sam Raimi attention, but this sequel/remake is over the top gory, funny, and memorable and was nominated for many awards.

Music –

ELO – Out of the Blue
This double album – and its ensuing tour with a spaceship as part of the stage – became their biggest hit ever. Released in 1977, it’s listed as one of the ‘1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.’

Science Fiction Book –

Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
This award-winning novel has become a staple of the generations of X and beyond, winning a Nebula and a Hugo.

Bloggers –

Eva Solar at Lilicasplace
Want to be inspired to overcome your challenges? Want to meet the most genuine and caring soul on the Internet? Someone who is both friend and sister? Eva is your gal!

Elephant’s Child
Want to enter another world? Want a beautiful view of the land down under? Want to meet one of the strongest women on the Internet? Then visit this child today!

Elsie at Mock Turtle Musings
Do you appreciate brutal honesty? Do you need to connect with someone who will inspire you with her conviction and devotion? If you need support, you won’t find anyone more amazing than Elsie.

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Energy –
It’s a hot commodity on Hyrath. Those with the sea kelp plants provide, and control, the energy that fuels the cities and towns. The only thing the plants don’t fuel are the space ships. Especially the Dragon…

Dragon of the Stars comes out April 7, 2015 – tomorrow!!! And there is a cool scavenger hunt planned, so don't miss it.

Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story. Last clue posted today.

Sample Tweets: 

What are the Kargrandes? Are they sentient? Should the galaxy know the truth? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? The mystery will be solved April 7 2015! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

And last day to join the Thunderclap campagin for the book!

Ninja News

Out today!
Hope For Us by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
Pick it up on Amazon

Just released!
Biggun by L.X. Cain
Pick it up at Smashwords

Movie Review – Furious 7

The seventh film in the franchise has Jason Statham as the bad guy seeking revenge for what Toretto’s gang did to his brother.
What can I say? It was a lot of fun with lots of laughs. Just leave your brain at the door.
The action and stunts are crazy and over the top. Don’t try jumping through three skyscrapers kids – you won’t live through it. However, it did make for an amazing sequence.
My only complaint is it could have been just a little shorter. (The film clocks in at 2:20.)
The ending was also a beautiful tribute to Paul Walker who died before filming was complete.
If you enjoyed the last two movies, you will enjoy this one. There are no surprises – you’ll get exactly what you expect. Fortunately, it’s awesome. Highly recommended!

Seen either movie? (Maybe at a midnight showing?) Fan of Ender’s Game? Any aother cult classics you can think of? Following those awesome ladies? Did you see Furious 7? And what do you think fuels the Dragon…?

Be sure to visit Bob at Beauty in Ruins!

A to Z Challenge – Evil Dead II and Epic – Plus Ninja News-Movie Style and Amazon Buys Goodreads

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!

Evil Dead II

Best cinematography ever! With only a tiny budget, Sam Raimi brings the camera to life as if it were a character. Bruce Campbell is brilliant – this is HIS role. The film is a hilarious sendoff of horror conventions. It’s the 80’s version of Cabin in the Woods.

Ash is the everyday man thrust into the world of the supernatural, fighting for his life. A sense of humor is definitely needed. Despite the chaos, Ash becomes the stabilizing force. He’s the one that holds it all together. And he makes it look easy.

Who is Ash?

Jay Noel!

(Can't you just see that man with a chainsaw?)

Jay travels for his job, which puts a constraint on his time, and yet he’s still maintained his cool. A blogger since 2005, he is the rock in a stormy sea. And he does possess a great sense of humor. Jay is no nonsense in his approach while maintaining his passion.

Jay is the author of Dragonfly Warrior, which will be released this year.

And to you I dedicate Epic by Faith No More. (Click on song title for YouTube video.)

Because what is about to happen to your life will be completely epic – trust me!

Facts and Trivia -

Without looking, what is Jay’s theme for the Challenge?

How many films of Sam Raimi’s has Bruce Campbell appeared in?

D’s trivia answer – Switchfoot won a Grammy for their album Hello Hurricane in the Best Rock Gospel Album category.

Ninja News – Movie Style!

Roger Ebert died yesterday at age seventy. His blog post on Tuesday stated he would be slowing down and reviewing less due to the return of cancer. His final words were “I’ll see you at the movies.” Critics are usually just that – critics. But Ebert made it an acceptable and honorable profession and he will be missed.

Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim comes out this summer, but he’s already at work on his next movie, due out in 2014 – Crimson Peak. It’s a ghost story and gothic romance, staring Emma Stone, Charlie Hunnam, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Here’s hoping it harkens back to the likes of The Devil’s Backbone!

And from Screen Crush - Early Movie Concept Art.

What some characters could’ve looked like.

Such as Yoda:

For a good laugh, check it out!

And since everyone has been talking about it all week – what do you guys think about Amazon buying Goodreads? Good for authors and readers or not? Is Amazon gaining too much control of what we read? Will giveaways still be around?

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends April 21, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Fan of Evil Dead II? Can you quote it line by line? (I can – scary, huh?) Fan of Jay? Remember Faith No More? Know the trivia? Saddened by the loss of Roger Ebert? And how do you feel about Amazon buying Goodreads?