JESTER - 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.

JESTER

Gail at Familiar Spirit
Gail posts pictures of her farm critters every day, and a cute or funny line accompanies each photo. I started leaving my own snappy comeback in the comments, and thus our humorous sparring was born. Sometimes I get the touché and sometimes Gail earns the honor. But it’s all in fun, as Gail is just the sweetest woman. I think most days she is just humoring me!

TS at The Non-Review
TS is a man of comedy. His 7-Word Weekend feature highlights new movie releases and occasionally we get to hear what cats are thinking. (Poor Melvin!) Recently the Dinosaur Party Debates were going on as prehistoric presidential candidates vied for our votes. So for a little fun at the expense of dinosaurs, movies, and Melvin, visit jester TS!

In Flames symbol
While recording their amazing third disc, “The Jester Race,” two of the members of In Flames came up with a symbol that has appeared in some incarnation on all of their covers and merchandise. In Flames has been shredding since 1990 and their latest release “Sounds of a Playground Fading” is one of my favs.

NINJA NEWS!

My buddy Sean’s book is now available in print! For more information on A Fine Likeness, visit Civil War Horror He’s also offering to request your book at his library if you will do the same.

Another blogger buddy alerted me to this one: Jones Party of 5 is offering a contest for a customized blog layout including header graphic.

And I was thinking about doing a giveaway for the person with the most first comment here, but I’d really hate to see anyone hurt themselves…


Following Gail and TS? Familiar with In Flames? (Probably not!) Any news I missed? Still having fun with the Challenge? Who is the jester in your life? Come on, we all know at least one fool. I mean, jester!!!

Rejections and You Rock!

Special treat today! But first, don’t forget a certain wizard movie comes out today. You didn’t forget, did you?

And special thanks to Budd at SciFi Media for the surprise review of CassaStar!

The Fantastic Friday Writers topic today is handling rejections. Fun for all!

Nobody likes rejections, but they happen to everyone. I think it’s easier when you don’t place your life’s value on acceptance. Earlier this week, Karen Walker had a guest post on expectations, and it really resonated with me. I didn’t have high expectations. Writing a book wasn’t the only thing I wanted to do with my life, either. So, those initial rejections didn’t kill me. I decided if it wasn’t going to happen, I would be all right. (Thus, I was really surprised when it did happen!)

Check with my FFW partners Elizabeth, Anastasia, J. D., Deirdre, M. Pax, and Jeffrey for their take on handling rejections.

I created the You Rock! Award last year to honor some very special blogging buddies who’ve made my life awesome. Of course, everyone who reads this blog is awesome! (Even if you’re just humoring me.)

This year, I’m giving it to five more bloggers who rock…

Jeffrey at World of the Scribe
We can’t do this alone, and Jeffrey has been one of my biggest supporters. His words of encouragement and assistance appear when I need it the most. I can always count on him. And I’m ready for his series to be unleashed on the world. Jeffrey, you rock!

Gail at Familiar Spirits
She’s my blog sparring partner – we try to out-snark each other. But she has a sweet spirit and a kind heart. I was so honored when she read my book, although I’m sure she questioned that purchase at first. Thank you, Gail – you rock!

Rusty at The Blutonian Death Egg
This dude needs to realize he rocks! Rusty is an awesome blend of ideas, humor, and encouragement. I had the honor of helping him with last minute edits when a publisher requested his full manuscript – he thinks it was a sacrifice, but his story is awesome. Rusty, you rock!

Chuck at Apocalypse Now
He’s genuine – a rare trait these days. Dedicated to his blog, followers, and friends, I can always count on Chuck for a boost and a laugh. His blog has really morphed and grown over the past year, and it’s been cool to watch. I want the best for you, Chuck – you rock!

George at CineMarvellous!
He reminded me earlier this week about the real meaning of friendship – we stick by one another no matter what. We’re a kindred spirit when it comes to movies and it sucks that he lives on the other side of the world. Appreciate the friendship and support, George – you rock!

You guys pass this on to a friend or two who rock your world.

Now, any thoughts on rejection? Friendship? A certain wizard movie perhaps?

A to Z Challenge - F

For the A to Z Challenge, I am featuring some awesome bloggers, many of whom are participating in the Challenge. These individuals have offered so much support of my book, CassaStar, and me on my blogger journey. Of course, I’ll be keeping up with the world of movies, music, and pop culture stuff as well! Ninjas are just talented that way...

Familiar Spirits
Gail posts daily photos of her critters on the farm with a cute caption. I usually counter with a funny comment, but don’t worry - she often zings me back! Gail’s a faithful commenter and a great encourager, and you’d do well to go visit the spirits on her farm…

Falen Formulates Fiction
Sarah always opens her ponders with "In Which I..." - and you never know what's coming! Except on Friday. Yvie takes over the post then. Sarah is a trip - a fantasy writer with a wicked sense of humor. Go say hello. And don't forget Yvie!

And I know my regular followers are sick of this, but my book trailer is in another contest! You Gotta Read Videos posts a trailer a day for each month and voting runs the 21-26. Today the trailer for CassaStar is featured! If you have time to watch it now, it's only a minute long - GO HERE I'll let everyone know when voting opens on the 21. Thanks guys!