Legion Series and John Wick 2 Review, IWSG a Top 100 Site, Hank Hogs Number One, New Releases, and Movie Trivia Answers

Legion Series Premier

Based on the Marvel Comics, it follows a troubled young man who may be the most powerful mutant ever. Airs Wednesday nights.
Talk about must-see television! This might be the best series opener I’ve ever seen. This could’ve been a major motion picture with all of the talent and skill they poured into it.
Written and created by Noah Hawley, the genius behind television’s Fargo, Legion delivers on every level. Everything about the show – cast, writing, cinematography, direction – is out of this world.
However, this is an X-Men show for adults only. It’s dark and mature.
Even if you’re not a superhero fan, you’ll be enthralled with this show.
Highly recommended!

Movie Review – John Wick: Chapter 2

John Wick is forced from retirement to repay a marker. A large body count ensues.
This one is for true action fans only. The plot is thread-bare at best. And when the action kicks in, it doesn’t let up. For almost two hours.
High marks for location and style. Reeves and cast do a fine job with what they’re given.
My main complaint is the excessive, non-stop violence. After about fifty people had been shot in the head at point-blank range, I lost track. I think it ended somewhere around two hundred. Maybe more.
If you like your action films brutal and violent, this film is right up your alley.

The IWSG Made a List!

The IWSG was listed under Writing Communities for The Write Life’s 100 Best Websites for Writers for 2017!

Thanks to all of you who are part of that community, either through the weekly posting, following the site, following us on Twitter, receiving the newsletter, or part of the Facebook group.

We have some big things planned this year and we’ll be announcing those plans as they come together.

Special Writer Feature

We have such a great community of bloggers and writers here that I’ve decided to start featuring some cool people you may not have met yet.

Today I’m featuring Hank Kaykuala who blogs at Rainbow.

Hank is a poet who lives in Kuala Lumper in Malaysia. He has two published books - Rainbow - Poetry and Prose and Pearls That Shine, published under pen name Hank P. Luz.

I met Hank a few years ago, and while I don’t always understand poetry, I can certainly recognize his incredible talent at taking a few random words and making something beautiful. He’s also fast on the draw, getting the top comment spot almost every time. (Kind of like a Ninja, he just slips in.) The dude rocks!

Why the passion for the genre you write?
1. It allows one to venture out further into realms of creative writing
2. Poetry allows openness without inhibitions in language usage better than the normal way of expression

What started the quest for the number one spot?
1. Enhancing the competitive spirit
2. Better peer group awareness

What is your favorite movie?
1. Ten Commandments
2. Ben Hur
Both are even and both beat them all

Well said, Hank! And I like your movie choices. Now, will you be number one to comment on your own special feature…?

Ninja News

SyFy’s show Faceoff is back!
This season, it’s the all-star version, with past contestants returning and competing in pairs.
Some great creations so far – don’t miss it!

New Releases

In A Not So Universal World by Pat Hatt
Book eight in the series.
Find it on Amazon

Deep Current (Totem #6) by Christine Rains
Find it on Amazon

Coming February 14 -
Abducted Life by Patricia Josephine
Savannah Janowitz’s perfect life was destroyed the night she and her boyfriend vanished without a trace.
Find it on Amazon

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, John Ratzenberger 2008 – WALL-E
2 – Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko 2013 - Oblivion
3 – Charlton Heston, Leigh Taylor-Young, Chuck Conners 1973 – Soylent Green
4 – Christian Bale, Sean Bean, Taye Diggs 2002 - Equilibrium
5 – Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Ray Stevenson 2010 – The Book of Eli
6 – Michael York, Jenny Agutter, Richard Jordan 1976 – Logan’s Run
7 – Jason Clarke, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis 2014 – Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Anyone else see Legion last week? Go to see John Wick 2? Ready for all the great new things coming for the IWSG? Friend of rocking-cool Hank? Watching Faceoff? Picking up new books? And how many movies did you guess? (I think the most anyone got right was five.)

I’m taking a four day weekend for President’s Day weekend, so I’ll be scarce those days and I’m taking Monday off from posting. Next post - March 1, IWSG post day.

MST3K/RiffTrax Fanboy, BattleBots, You Rock Awards, and Ninja News!

Why This Fanboy Loves MST3K/RiffTrax

Back in the early 90’s, I was flipping through the channels when I came upon Invasion USA on what was the Comedy Channel. Only this wasn’t just the crappy 1950’s film – there were three people silhouetted in the right bottom corner. A guy and two robots were making fun of the movie.

At first, I thought it was weird but interesting. Slowly, I realized just how hilarious the jokes were. About twenty minutes, I got into the vibe and was hooked. The humor was right up my alley – bad puns, snarky observations, and tons of pop culture references.

The premise of this silly show that made fun of movies – evil scientists had shot an employee into space so they could experiment on him by making him watch bad movies. Trapped on the Satellite of Love, he created robots to keep him company – Crow T. Robot, Tom Servo, Gypsy, and CamBot.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 went through many changes. The creator, Joel Hodgson, envisioned it more as a kid’s show. When he left, Mike stepped into the role as the man trapped on the Satellite of Love. Coupled with Kevin (Tom Servo) Murphy’s sense of humor, this led to more adult stuff.

When Trace Beaulieu left, there was cause for concern. Not only was he the main evil scientist, he was the voice of Crow T. Robot. However, the very first show with Bill Corbett as Crow started with this line – ‘Screw you, Greenland!’ And all was right with the world.

It won many awards but was eventually cancelled in 1999. Since then, the core MST3K guys started with Film Crew and then moved on to RiffTrax. It’s not quite the same as MST3K, but it’s the same guys telling the jokes and therefore awesome. They provide tracks to hundreds of popular films – all you do is sync them up with the actual movie. They then moved on to riffing older films, some of which they’d done as MST3K, and selling the videos.

It really became awesome when they moved to live events. The first one I saw was Jack the Giant Killer. I’d seen the MST3K Movie in the theater and there’s something magical about being surrounded by geeks who get you – and the RiffTrax experience was no different. That is why I am now a big fan and refuse to miss any RiffTrax event!

Including June’s MST3K Reunion show…

For more information, visit:
RiffTrax
MST3K
MST3K Reunion Show Tickets
MST3K on Twitter
RiffTrax on Twitter

BattleBots

That’s right – it’s back! Last week was the play-in round and on June 23 on ABC, season two of the BattleBots reboot begins!

The homemade robots are back for season two, where they will battle against each other in a single elimination tournament until there is one champion. The ten episode series will feature next generation robots – bigger, faster and stronger than ever before. The show will continue to emphasize the design and build elements of each robot, the bot builder back stories, their intense pursuit of the championship and the spectacle of the event. While there’s only one weight-class, there are a huge variety of deadly weapons. Forty-eight robots will enter, but, in the end, only one will win the Giant Nut.


Yes, it’s giant BattleBot robots destroying each other – what could be more awesome?

Ninja News

The Last Hotel Room by Sean McLachlan is competing in the Kindle Scout program.
This book is important to me because I've been working a bit with refugees and wrote an article a while back about one young refugee I met in Iraq who became the inspiration for this novel. If I win, $500 of my advance will go to a charity helping refugees from the war zone there.
Vote for the Last Hotel Room HERE

Available now!

Seismic Crimes by Chrys Fey
Buy it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and The Wild Rose Press

The Haunted Stepsister by Medeia Sharif
Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Cloaked in Blood by TF Walsh
Find it at Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes and Noble

And if you are looking for something cool in t-shirts, check out the creations of Jeremy Hawkins!

He produced the awesome IWSG T-Shirt.

And he designed the A to Z Challenge Survivor T-Shirt

Get yours now!!!

You Rock Awards

I started this six years ago, right after the very first A to Z Challenge. This is to honor blogger buddies who have come to mean so much to me over the years.

Past recipients include Arlee, Yvonne, RaShelle, Hannah, Jeffrey, Gail, Rusty, Chuck, George, Jeremy, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland, Melissa, Robyn, Lynda, Michael, Heather, Stephen, Father Dragon Al, the late Tina, Damyanti, Edi, Karen, Elizabeth, Suze, Susan, Pat, Jo, Michelle, Brandon and Bryan, Christine, and Truedessa.

This is always such a difficult choice! I’ve made so many friends over the years. But certain people have really stuck with me and come to mean a lot to me.

So, this year’s You Rock recipients are…

Rachna Chhabria at Rachna’s Scriptorium
She is just about the sweetest person I know online. A talented author who possesses a wonderful way with words, her weekly offerings will make you think. She is also a huge supporter and cheerleader. We’ll never meet in person, but we’ve met in spirit. Rachna, you have made a difference to this Ninja – and you rock!

Liza at Middle Passages
We’ve been blogger buddies for years. I remember when she wasn’t working and all the things she’s gone through since then. She continues to write and take amazing photos of her beautiful coastal town. She’s always been there for me and I appreciate her friendship and support. Liza, you rock!

Yolanda Renee at Defending the Pen
Another friend who’s been around for a while. I still remember when her first book came out. She knows how to put a twist on a story like nobody’s business. She defends not only the pen, but her friends. And she’s a Ninja Minion above and beyond! I hope she’ll always be there. Yolanda, you rock.

Nilanjana Bose at Madly-in-Verse
We met through the Challenge, so only fitting she was one of my Minions this year. She writes amazing poetry and prose and really does her research. Nila is always there and something about her presence is reassuring. I imagine she’s always smiling, her joy contagious! She’s a whisper on the wind – and she rocks!

Fundy Blue at Standing Into Danger
You want someone down to earth and genuine? Fundy is that and more. A traveler by heart, she’s working on a book based on the letters her father wrote while teaching Indian children in the far, far north. And the posts about these letters are fascinating. What’s amazing is that no matter what, Fundy shows up online all bubbly and excited. Your excitement is contagious, Fundy – and you rock!

Hank Kaykuala at Rainbow
Yes, I like the ladies! But there are a few cool dudes out there as well. Hank is one of them. I remember visiting Pat Hatt’s site and wondered – who is this dude who has to be number one all the time? Eventually, we became friends, and I realized the cultural diversity Hank offered in his poetry and prose posts. I can always count on him. Hank, you’re number one and you rock!

JH Moncrieff 
If you’ve not met JH, you are missing out. This great horror writer looks like she stepped right out from her own goth pages. She knows all about the supernatural and the unknown, and she tantalizes us with unique events and unsolved mysteries. Don’t let the dark fool you, though. She is a bright light of genuine appreciation and friendship. JH, you rock!

Anyone else a longtime fan of MST3K? Been to a RiffTrax event? Excited for the next BattleBots? Picking up some new books? Have you got your t-shirt yet? And are you following those awesome, rocking bloggers?

New RiffTrax, Dinosaur Movie Trivia, Are You a Genre Purist, CassaFire Translation, and Ninja News

I’m visiting EE Georgi’s at Chimeras today, discussing the path of my books and what it took to start over with a new universe in Dragon of the Stars. (*It's live now!)

And if you missed it, I talked about the secret to marketing at Patricia Stoltey’s last Thursday.

New From RiffTrax!

Remember the travesty that was Rock ‘n’ Roll Nightmare?

RiffTrax describes it as hair metal meets hideous puppets!

Go HERE to download or stream.

Ninja News

Today at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group we have none other than the amazing Elizabeth S. Craig, discussing audio books for independent authors.

And at the A to Z Blog, the Themes That Rocked the Challenge guest is Hank Kaykuala. He highlighted his friend, Yusuf Hashim, who takes people on photo adventures around the world. Be sure to stop by!

Out Now –

Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat Story by Vanessa Morgan

Find it on Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, and Amazon FR, Amazon NL

And visit her site this month for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, a signed book of Avalon, a cat collar, and a pack of cat toys!

Available June 9!

Jophiel: Path of Angels by Patricia Lynne

They must fight to stay on the path…

Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

Find Patricia: Website-Blog, Twitter, Wattpad, and Goodreads





Battle of the Band results –

The song was Shock the Monkey and despite early votes one direction, favor swung later on. The voting tally, counting mine for Coal Chamber:

Suburban Tribe - 15

Coal Chamber - 22

CassaFire Translation Details

Appreciated all of the congratulations last Wednesday!

Several of you had questions regarding the translation of CassaFire into Turkish, which I will do my best to answer here.

The publisher is Gürer Yayıncılık Publishing, LTD and CassaFire will be the beginning of their science fiction line. (Yes, they picked my book first! No idea why…)

The translation won’t be available until next year. I’ll keep you posted on the release date.

I hope to get a copy of the book (they are doing a print run as well as eBooks) but it depends on how many copies they send to my publisher.

No, I can’t read the Turkish language! But if I get a copy, it will be really cool to see my book in another language.

My titles are available worldwide, but this will be the first translation.


And in other news, Andrew Leon gave CassaStorm a really in-depth and thoughtful review last Friday. I even managed to surprise him! Double Ninja Score.

Movie Trivia

With Jurassic World coming out this Friday, I thought it was time for a little dinosaur trivia. Name the dinosaur movie from the clues. Answers on Monday!

1 - This 1975 movie with Doug McClure took place during WWI and involved a German sub finding a place called Caprona.
2 – This 1969 film was half Western and involved a T-Rex.
3 – This 1988 animated film spawned many, many sequels.
4 – This 1997 movie involved two groups of people with different agendas on an island with dinosaurs.
5 – This 1993 film was produced by Roger Corman, spawned two sequels, and starred Diane Ladd.

Genre Selective or Purist?

I’m going to throw this question out for you – are you a genre purist when it comes to books? Do you read several genres or stick to one main genre? If you are a writer, do you primarily read in your genre or do you explore others?

They say to read other books in your genre to get a feel for it and keep up to date. And I know authors who read almost exclusively in their genre. But they also say to expand your literary horizons and read a variety.

I may write science fiction, but I probably read more fantasy than anything else. I also read a variety, especially as I have author friends who write a in variety of genres. (I’ve read paranormal romance, memoirs, chick lit, poetry, and all sorts of books I wouldn’t have read otherwise.)

What about you? Do you stick to your genre and rarely venture further? Or do you read a wide variety?

Going to check out RiffTrax’s Rock and Roll Nightmare? Picking up some new books? Know any of the trivia? Seeing Jurrasic World this weekend? And do you read mostly your genre or do you read a variety?

Don’t forget to visit EE Georgi’s Chimeras!

I'll be on vacation this week from Thursday through Sunday with limited Internet. I will be checking my email though. If I miss your visit, I will catch you next week.

A to Z Challenge – H – Cult Classics: Heavenly Creatures, Heavy Metal, Sammy Hagar, The Handmaid’s Tale, and More! Plus the Latest Movie Remakes

My tour stop today is with the multi-talented Samantha Redstreake Geary. This one is really special! Samantha is very connected with the music industry, and today’s spot features music by composer Steve Jablonsky. (He’s worked on soundtracks for the Transformers movies, The Island, etc.) So please hop over and see what Jablonsky scores match best with Dragon of the Stars!

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – H

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

Movies –

Heavy Metal –
Based on the magazine, this movie brought artists together from around the world. Released in 1981 and featuring a great soundtrack, it became the subject of many midnight showings.

Heavenly Creatures -
One of Peter Jackson’s first efforts, this dark and twisted film is based on a real event. Released in 1994, it was nominated for an Academy Award and marked the debut of actress Kate Winslet.

Music –

Sammy Hagar – Standing Hampton
One of his biggest commercial hits, this 1982 release spawned numerous hits, including There’s Only One Way to Rock.

Science Fiction Books –

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
Originally a BBC Radio 4 broadcast, it became a series of books, stage shows, television series, computer game, comic books, and a movie.

The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
This dystopian novel won the Governor General’s Award and the very first Arthur C. Clark Award, and has been adapted for film, stage, radio, and opera.

Bloggers –

Hank Kaykuala at Rainbow
You want to read dynamic poetry? Want to follow one of the most precise and knowledgeable poets on the Internet? Then Hank is your #1 guy!

Hilary Melton-Butcher at Positive Letters.... Inspirational Stories
Want to expand your knowledge? Want to know details about Britain, art, food, causes, and more? Then this delightful Dame is who you need to visit!

Huntress at Spirit Called
Want a little magic? Want a touch of farm life, pop culture, books, and all with a bit of humor? Then Huntress (a.k.a. author C. D. Coffelt) is your gal!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Hyrath –
Aden’s home world, Hyrath is over eighty percent water, with the bulk of her land mass located near the equator. The oceans are their greatest resource, as the many varieties of kelp provide energy, food, and drugs. Hyrath is governed by a council composed of leaders from each district, and overseen by the Queen. They also possess the strongest fleet in the galaxy.

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!

Movie News

Time for some movie remakes!

From JoBlo -
Deadline reports that the studio has selected Carl Ellsworth to write a new draft of the GREMLINS reboot which is being produced by Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus.

Due out July 24, 2015 is the remake of Poltergeist, staring Jarred Harris and Sam Rockwell.

And they are also remaking Pete’s Dragon and Ben Hur.

That’s right folks – they have run out of ideas in Hollywood!

Familiar with those H movies? Fan of the Red Rocker? (Or his tequila?) Following those awesome bloggers? Found every Mini-Alex yet? And do you think those movies should be remade…?

Be sure to visit Samantha Redstreake Geary!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus January Movie Preview, Goodreads Giveaway, New Releases, and Snarky Blogfest

The lovely Chrys Fey is kicking off the new year with an interview and feature, and I am her first guest! Please visit her site to learn some interesting things about my blog and posts.

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 Elizabeth Seckman, Lisa Buie-Collard, Chrys Fey, and Michelle Wallace!

We asked IWSG members to introduce themselves today. Here’s mine:

I work in web design, graphics, and technical editing. I’m also a guitarist in a band. Online I’m the Ninja Captain, founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, and an A to Z Challenge co-host. My genre is space opera and I’m author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm. My next book, Dragon of the Stars, comes out April 7. And I never even wanted to be an author…

It looks like everything is falling in place for the release of Dragon of the Stars. My publisher sent out review copies and is sending a lot of promotional material to upcoming science fiction conventions. My blog tour is mostly set. And I have a secret project I’m working on with my publisher that involves a website and a grassroots movement. When it’s all set, I hope to get help spreading the word.

And there’s another Goodreads giveaway!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Dragon of the Stars

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends January 13, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

New Releases!

Sudden Secrets by C Lee McKenzie
Find it on Amazon
Enter the Goodreads giveaway

This one came out last year, but it slipped in under the radar…
Rainbow: Poetry & Prose by Hank Kaykuala

Sarcasm, Snark, & Sass Blogfest

Hosted by LG Keltner, who is celebrating three years of blogging.

On Friday, January 9th, 2015, give me a post that celebrates something sarcastic, snarky, or just satisfyingly sassy. You can give me an example from real life, a favorite film or book, or you can give me an original piece of fiction. The sarcasm can either be well understood, or hilariously misunderstood.

Here is my snarky offering:

Hey, Johnny Football!

Eddie Munster called.

He wants his haircut back. 

January movie preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for January! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

9 –

Taken 3
Ex-government operative Bryan Mills is accused of a ruthless murder he never committed or witnessed. As he is tracked and pursued, Mills brings out his particular set of skills to find the true killer and clear his name.
Director: Olivier Megaton
Stars: Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
They’re going to tone it down for Taken 4. Someone will take his sandwich from the lunchroom.


16 –

Blackhat
A man is released from prison to help American and Chinese authorities pursue a mysterious cyber criminal. The dangerous search leads them from Chicago to Hong Kong.
Director: Michael Mann
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Wei Tang, William Mapother
The preview looked cool until I saw it was directed by Mann – then it looked uber-cool!

Paddington
A young English boy befriends a talking bear he finds at a London train station. A live-action feature based on the series of popular children's books by Michael Bond.
Director: Paul King
Stars: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent
Why wasn’t this released over Christmas? Would’ve been perfect timing.




23 –

Mortdecai
Art dealer Charles Mortdecai searches for a stolen painting that's reportedly linked to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold.
Director: David Koepp
Stars: Johnny Depp, Olivia Munn, Ewan McGregor, Gwyneth Paltrow
Just when you thought a Depp character couldn’t get more cartoonish or annoying…


What are your writing insecurities today? Did you introduce yourself? Entering either Goodreads giveaway? Feeling snarky? And what films do you want to see in January?

Be sure to visit Chrys Fey!