Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Riff Trax Live, December Movie Preview, and Ninja 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 Heather Gardner, T. Drecker from Kidbits, Eva E. Solar at Lilicasplace, and Patsy Collins!

First, thanks again to everyone who contributed to and downloaded The Insecure Writer’s Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond.
You can download it for free (almost) everywhere - Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords

Between preparing for the IWSG’s book release and my own book, Dragon of the Stars, I’ve been securing a lot of guest spots and setting up promotional stuff. I was grateful for a few days off around Thanksgiving last week. I needed that break!

I have seven dates set already for blog stops next April and need a few more. There are a couple big science fiction sites I’d like to secure, but getting the attention of those sites is sometimes difficult. I’m not a big name author with an agent, so despite the success of my previous books, I get overlooked. I’m sure some of you know what it feels like to be mid-list or lower author and struggle the same way. (At least I hope it’s not just me.

I’m also trying to come up with other marketing ideas. I have an idea for the A to Z Challenge that will include information about my book. There’s a possible campaign that will involve Twitter and maybe a website in the works. Plus my publisher wants to do an ad campaign for CassaStorm next March. (I think I just need two more reviews on Amazon to make it happen.)

Yeah, it’s a bit overwhelming! You guys feel that way when it comes to marketing?

Be sure to visit others on the IWSG list!

Riff Trax Live!

Thursday, December 4, at a theater near you – Riff Trax Live: Santa Claus!

Broadcast live from Nashville, TN and playing in hundreds of theaters across the nation. If you loved Mystery Science Theater 3000 (or if you just want to know what it’s all about) go HERE for details.

I saw them in person last month and it was amazing. (If you live in Nashville, see if tickets are still available.) I’m seeing the live broadcast this time and will give a full report next Monday. How could I miss Santa and the devil, together again? Yes, such a classic children’s tale… NOT!

Ninja News

Hart Johnson has a cool idea that involves bloggers, authors, and reviews – and a mutual benefit to all. Check out her site for details.

Available now –
The Trouble With Faking
By Rachel Morgan

December Movie Preview

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

12 –

Exodus: Gods and Kings
The defiant leader Moses rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver
Why the hell can’t someone do a Bible story that’s true to the source material? This film starts with Moses having delusions and God played by a creepy child. That’s offensive and wrong on so many levels. Not a chance I will give money to this film…


19 –

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Bilbo and Company are forced to be engaged in a war against an array of combatants and keeping the terrifying Smaug from acquiring a kingdom of treasure and obliterating all of Middle-Earth.
Director: Peter Jackson
Stars: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett
The end of the trilogy promises to be epic! Jackson has pulled so much together for this final installment and created a much bigger story.

Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb
Larry spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.
Director: Shawn Levy
Stars: Robin Williams, Rebel Wilson, Dan Stevens, Ben Stiller
The first two were surprisingly good. Plus it has Williams in his final role.





26 –

The Interview
Dave Skylark and his producer Aaron Rapoport run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the two least-qualified men imaginable, to assassinate Kim Jong-un.
Directors: Evan Goldberg | Seth Rogen
Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Lizzy Caplan
So sue me – I think it looks funny! And I’m not even a fan of Rogan’s films…

What are your writer insecurities today? Did you download the IWSG book? Seeing Riff Trax Live? And what movies strike your fancy this month…?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, What is Traditional Publishing, and Ninja 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 for today are Krista McLaughlin, Kim Van Sickler, Heather Gardner, and Hart Johnson! Be sure to pay them a visit and thank them for helping today.

Last weekend, I handed my manuscript off to my test readers.

This was after a month of edits, which included adding numerous small scenes, embellishing on others, expanding some subplots, killing off pet words, and eliminating weak adverbs and adjectives. Plus finding misspelled words. (Why is it after writing four space operas I continue to spell hangar wrong?)

Now, I’m one of those writers who prefer the editing phase. Getting my thoughts onto paper or screen is difficult. I’m usually not fond of my story while actually writing it. During edits is when I really start to like what I’ve written. The vision comes together and I’m happy with it.

My test readers aren’t writers. They’re just readers of science fiction. As my target audience, they let me know if the story works for them, what wasn’t clear, and what more I need to add. They’re actually tougher than any critique partner. I’m not too concerned though.

My real concern is that I only have one critique partner now. And within the next couple weeks, I have to find two more.

Any speculative fiction authors looking for a critique partner?

And… I nailed the synopsis this week! (Until my publisher gets a hold of it of course.)

Big News!

CassaStorm is a finalist in the eFestival of Words Awards for science fiction!! If you enjoyed it, please vote HERE

Ninja News

I need co-hosts for the next few months for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. If you’ve participated but never co-hosted, you’re missing a lot of fun. (Trust me, it’s even more fun to be on the host side of the equation!) If you can help in August, September, or October, just leave a comment or shoot me an email. Thanks!

Susan Gourley’s final book in The Recon Marines series, The Marine's Doctor, is out now! Pick it up at New Concepts Publishing.

Remake by Ilima Todd on the cover of Publishers Weekly!





Jeremy Hawkins is hosting What is Your Favorite T-shirt. Check his site for details.
And be sure to see all his new t-shirt designs at the NeatOShop!

Colin Frake - On Fire Mountain Event

Coming soon – On Fire Mountain by Colin Frake

Epic music masters, Two Steps From Hell, stretch the boundaries of the e-book, combining intriguing storytelling from Nick Phoenix, forty six hand drawn pen and ink illustrations from Otto Bjornik, and unforgettable musical themes from Thomas Bergersen—recorded with a live orchestra. Additional music by Nick Phoenix. Soundtrack & ebook available NOW on iBooks andCD Baby

Create the most epic book trailer in literary history for Two Steps From Hell’s enhanced ebook, Colin Frake, using Thomas Bergersen’s compelling orchestral track, “Battle At Hoback”, a brilliant blurb from the mind of master storyteller, Nick Phoenix, and intriguing hand drawn illustrations by Otto Bjornik!

The top 3 cinematic winners, chosen by TSFH, will be featured in Epic Music Vn’s 2-year celebration tribute video and awarded copies of the Colin Frake ebook and soundtrack, as well as signed cover artwork! The overall favorite will also receive a signed future public release album!

Hosted by Samantha Redstreake Geary and Epic Music Vn

Traditional Publisher and Author Question

It came up on another blog about what is a traditional publisher and a traditionally published author? The assessment was that an author is only traditionally published if he is with one of the big five. Otherwise he can’t call himself traditionally published, only independently published.

I did some digging and found this:

SWFA’s site where they define traditional publisher, self-publisher, and subsidy press:
A commercial or trade publisher (a.k.a. a traditional publisher) purchases the right to publish a manuscript (usually together with other rights, known as subsidiary rights). Big houses and larger independents pay an advance on royalties; small presses often don’t. Commercial publishers are highly selective, publishing only a tiny percentage of manuscripts submitted. They handle every aspect of editing, publication, distribution, and marketing. There are no costs to the author.

This was from Writers Digest Shop:
Traditional book publishing is when a publisher offers the author a contract and, in turn, prints, publishes, and sells your book through booksellers and other retailers. The publisher essentially buys the right to publish your book and pays you royalties from the sales.

This is from Scribendi:
In traditional publishing, the author completes his or her manuscript, writes a query letter or a proposal, and submits these documents to a publishing house (or has a literary agent do this for them, if one can be acquired). An editor reads it, considers whether it is right for the house, and decides either to reject it (leaving the author free to offer it to another publisher) or to publish it. If the publishing house decides to publish the book, the house buys the rights from the writer and pays him or her an advance on future royalties. The house puts up the money to design and package the book, prints as many copies of the book as it thinks will sell, markets the book, and finally distributes the finished book to the public.

Jan Friedman had an Infographic on the subject.

And I happened to find this on the history of traditional publishing at Cyber College:
Before the 1960s, the book publishing industry was composed mostly of independent companies whose only business was books. But, growing profits made the business attractive to large corporations looking for new investments.
(Sad so many small publishers were gobbled up, isn’t it?)

I also sent an email to my publisher. They responded that they were surprised to find out they weren’t a traditional publisher anymore and that would be news to the tens of thousands of other small and mid-sized publishers out there. (Yeah, from their tone, I think my question amused them.) Their answer - I'm a traditionally published author.

So, what do you think is the definition of a traditional publisher? If you're an author and not self-published, do you consider yourself traditionally published? Are independent publishers still traditional publishers?

(Bet you guys never thought I’d throw out something like this for discussion, did you?)

What are your writing insecurities today? Any science fiction writers looking for a critique partner? What’s your favorite t-shirt? And how do you define a traditionally published author?

And if you can, please vote for CassaStorm at the eFestival of Words Awards!

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.

Retro A to Z Challenge: W – Whitesnake 1984 (plus R.I.P.D. Movie Review and Ninja News)

Whitesnake – Slide It In 1984

Greatest Whitesnake album ever! People tend to gravitate toward the over-commercialized album that followed, but the infectious groove of this bluesy rock album is superior. And yes, every song title is a dirty double entendre.

1984 fun facts –
*Cost of a new home - $86,730.
*Average income - $21,600.
*Cost of a movie ticket - $2.50
*Cost of a new Corvette - $23,392.
*The first commercial CD players became available
*The MTV Music Awards debuted
*Dan Marino passed for 5,084 yards, a record that would stand until Drew Brees broke it in 2011 with 5,476 yards. (Which was topped in 2013 by Payton Manning with 5,477 yards.)

Movies released –
The Terminator
Ghostbusters
Gremlins
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
This is Spinal Tap
Beverly Hills Cop
Nightmare on Elm Street
Sixteen Candles
Starman

Music released –
Rush – Grace Under Pressure
Y & T – In Rock We Trust
Iron Maiden – Powerslave
Ratt – Out of the Cellar

Games released –
Pitfall II
Paperboy
Duck Hunter

And why is 1984 special?
It was the year Hart Johnson started college and she loved it!

Hart is the author of numerous mystery novels and serials. She hails from Ann Arbor, MI, and is the mother of two. Hart writes in her bathtub and is aiming for naked world domination. One of my first blogger buddies, Hart is a true friend and the master of snark. She blogs at Confessions of a Watery Tart.

Ninja News!

Tara Watson’s Hands-On Therapy is free April 26 - today! Download it at Amazon.

Thanks to everyone who visited me at Ellie Garratt’s site on Friday for her new Where I Write feature! I know everyone is busy with the Challenge, so I appreciate you adding one more stop.

Don’t forget - the final installment of Lord of the Clones, a video masterpiece courtesy of Father Dragon Al, is going down next Tuesday. And you will be asked to vote for your favorite! The awesome Ninja Cloner (me!) or Lord Baldernot (Mark Koopmans.)

Our fate will be in your hands…

Movie Review – R.I.P.D.

Finally caught this on NetFlix. This time, it’s the opposite of The Lone Ranger – it wasn’t as horrible as the critics claimed.

Now, it was completely derivative of movies such as Ghostbusters and Men in Black. And it was completely forgettable.
However – it was very entertaining!
Reynolds and Bridges worked well together. They had some funny lines.
It’s the proto-typical leave-your-brain-at-the-door popcorn film. And sometimes that’s all right.
Good for a rental from NetFlix.

Fan of Whitesnake? Following naked-advocate, Hart Johnson? Going to vote for me next Tuesday? Have you seen R.I.P.D.? (Think I watch too many movies?) And what do you remember about 1984…?

Three more days to go!!

Retro A to Z Challenge: G – Groundhog Day 1993

Groundhog Day – 1993

Bill Murray is the cynic reporter trapped in Punxsutawney, reliving Groundhog Day over and over again. At first he takes advantage of the situation, something I’m sure we’ve all wished we could do at some point – a day without repercussions – before becoming a changed man and finally escaping the loop. One of Murray’s funniest movies and a sweet romantic comedy to boot.

1993 fun facts –
*Cost of a house - $113,200 / UK - 67,856 pounds sterling
*Harley Davidson celebrated ninety years
*The first Dyson vacuum debuted
*The NFL awarded two new teams, the Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars (Their first season was 1995)

Movies released –
Jurassic Park
The Fugitive
Cliffhanger

Music released –
Anthrax – Sound of White Noise
Def Leppard – Retro Active
Type O Negative – Bloody Kisses

Games released –
Myst
Magic the Gathering

And why is 1993 special?
Because that’s when PK Hrezo was twenty and she remembers a life full of friends, music, and possibilities!

And she still looks twenty, doesn’t she? PK is an author, a mom, and an airline agent. She’s incredibly creative and very generous with her blog and her time. She’s very involved in this blogging community, and her observations are honest and wise. PK is one of those happy friends you’d want to hang out with! You can find her blog HERE

Ninja News

I’m at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website today, posting about genres. There have been some great topics there for the Challenge – if you’re a writer, I recommend following the site.

I also need a couple more co-hosts for the IWSG in May, and for the months following. If you would like to co-host, let me know what month(s) you are available. Thanks!

Available now – Boom Town by Milo James Fowler. Buy it on Amazon HERE

Coming soon – Secret of the Souls by Terri Rochenski!







And over at Blastr, they have a dozen images and posters from X-Men: Days of Future Past that blend the past with the present.

Seen Groundhog Day? (Over and over and over…?) Following the wonderful PK Hrezo? Picking up some new reads? Excited about the upcoming X-Men movie? And what do you remember best about 1993…?

Retro A to Z Challenge: F – Foo Fighters 1997 (and Captain America II Review)

Foo Fighters – The Colour and the Shape – 1997

It wasn’t their first, but this was their breakout album and established the band as a legitimate force. The songs are very catchy and include some of my favorites – Everlong, Monkey Wrench, and My Hero. The music videos also revealed the band’s humorous side!

1997 fun facts –
*Cost of a house - $124,100.
*Scotland voted to create own Parliament after 290 years union with England
*Woolworths closed its last store after a hundred years of operation
*Microsoft became the most valuable company at 261 billion
*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released

Movies released –
Men in Black
Titanic
The Lost World
The Fifth Element

Music released –
Faith No More – Album of the Year
Deftones – Around the Fur
Catherine Wheel - Adam & Eve
Big Wreck – In Loving Memory

Games released –
Fallout
Need for Speed II

And why is 1997 special?
It was the year after Shannon Lawrence got married, which was a good year despite the fact they were working all the time and yet broke because she was close to extended family for the first time since she was a child.

Shannon is a writer living in Rockies of Colorado. She’s also an excellent photographer and shares the scenery and wildlife of her area on her blog. If you’re looking for places accepting submissions or contests, Shannon always has a great list. Shannon is stability in all things, especially friendship, and you can always count on her. You can find her at The Warrior Muse.

Ninja News

Book 8 of Hart Johnson’s Shot in the Light Serial is out - Belly of the Beast.

GB Miller just released Broken Promises.

Movie Review

Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The best Avengers film since The Avengers!
It’s practically impossible to discuss the story without spoilers. Let’s just say this film is a MAJOR game-changer. You don’t want to miss it.
The film is also equal parts espionage-thriller and superhero story. It’s definitely more serious than the first one. (Although Black Widow has some really funny lines.)
Captain America comes off as a butt-kicking hero from start to finish. The supporting cast is also awesome as their characters – Nick Fury, Black Widow, and Falcon. (The latter is an excellent addition, complimenting the Captain well, plus the wings are amazing.) The Winter Soldier is a total badass. However, he’s not the key point of the film.
The filmmakers have found their stride with action sequences, and of course the effects are top notch.
There's even a nod to Pulp Fiction.
And stay for the end of credit scenes. Yes, there are TWO! One after the first set of credits then another after all the credits.
Did I mention this film is a game-changer?
Highly recommended!!!

Anyone else a Foo Fighter fan? Following Shannon? Reading Hart’s series? Who else saw Captain America? (Am I right? You can’t really tell anyone the story?) And what do you remember about 1997…?

Third Time’s a Charm, Mini-Alex, Gratitude, Wormfest, Movie Trivia Answers, and Ninja News

All of the Challenge Co-Hosts are to do an ‘About Me’ post at the A to Z Blog.
I decided to pass the job to Mini-Alex and let him post instead.
I really hope he did a good job.

Mini-Alex wouldn’t turn on me, would he…?

Third Time's A Charm

By the awesome Hart Johnson (aka: Alyse Carlson)

So you know how the first time you are nervous and excited and you worry that you don't know what you're doing, but you're also in a rush and want to just do it already, so you go for it. You fumble a bit because you don't quite have this skill set, but people are helpful if you ask... Though some of THEM don't know what they're doing, either...

And it goes okay, but mostly you are just stunned to have gotten through it. You are a little wiser now, if a little bruised around the ego.

So you get another chance to give it a go and you think... yeah, I've done this before... I can do it again! I know what I'm doing! I've got nimble fingers and moxy... Dare I say it? I'm sexy! And you give it a try... and somehow you realize you have forgotten some things... and there were things you maybe we excused on the first time as a newbie that this time you should have gotten right... and it's just... AWKWARD. In fact you have to give it a couple attempts before everyone is even satisfied, which is not very satisfying...

But see the THIRD TIME... you know how to do it and you even feel the confidence to try a few new things... break a couple rules... get a little kinky!

So I am releasing my third book tomorrow... What? You thought this was TMI Hour? *cough* Seriously, folks... and it was a BLAST to write, because I neither had the 'I don't know what the heck I'm doings' OR the 'Yeah, I got this... wait, WHAT?'s when I was writing it. I knew my characters well and knew my genre well enough to follow all the necessary rules, while adding some twists to shake things up from typical Cozy fare. My two most reliable beta readers BOTH said it is their favorite of the set, so I think it comes across how much fun I was having.

Keeping Mum is the third Cozy Mystery in the Garden Society Mysteries by Alyse Carlson (pen name for Hart Johnson).

Cam and her best friend, Annie, are planning a gala for a local Senate candidate—a murder mystery themed silent auction where the guests bid on who will be the night’s “victim.”
Murder mystery dinner. What could go wrong?

Hart/Alyse writes books from her bathtub and can be found at Confessions of a Watery Tart and multiple places on Facebook (Hart Johnson personal, Hart Johnson Author, Alyse Carlson Author). On rare occasions she Tweets, but she's sort of a Twit about it.

Ninja News

Jeremy Hawkins is back today! He broke his ankle several weeks ago and has not been online, but he rejoins us today.

Jamie Ayers posted about a boy in her class (she’s a teacher) who died last week. She came to know him better because he read and enjoyed her books, and her touching post is about how we as authors can make a difference. God really can use us to change lives!

Tara Watson is hosting the Self-Lovin’ Bloghop. Between March 17-21, writers are to share what they are good at. (I signed up – anyone care to tell me what I’m good at?)

Steven Symes is looking for critique partners!
“…my paranormal writing crosses genre lines many times. It's not really horror, my current book touches on some low fantasy and science fiction as well as thriller, and I have interests in writing for pretty much all age groups as well as fiction and nonfiction. The big common thread is the paranormal slant on my stories.”

Nigel Mitchell posted a list of links to some really good writing articles, especially if you write in our genre, science fiction.

Cover reveal –
Sidelined (Game On Book 3) by Kyra Lennon
Release Date: March 31st 2014
At the age of twenty-one, Bree Collinson has more than she ever dreamed of. A handsome husband, a fancy house, and more shoes than Carrie Bradshaw and Imelda Marcos combined. But having everything handed to her isn’t the way Bree wants to live the rest of her life. When an idea to better herself pops into her head, she doesn’t expect her husband to question her, and keep her tied by her apron strings to the kitchen.

Don’t forget, Wednesday is Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day!!!

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Title character from The Iron Giant, 1999 – Vin Diesel
2 – Z from Antz, 1998 – Woody Allen
3 – Title character from Puss in Boots, 2011 – Antonio Banderas
4 – Moses from Prince of Egypt, 1998 – Val Kilmer
5 – Sulley from Monsters, Inc., 2001 – John Goodman
6 – Rocky from Chicken Run, 2000 – Mel Gibson
7 – Fozzie Bear from Muppets From Space, 1999 – Frank Oz
8 – Emperor Kuzco from The Emperor’s New Groove, 2000 – David Spade

Wormfest Potluck Party!

On Monday March14th, Stephen Tremp will be kicking off his Escalation Blog Tour right here! He thought the best way to launch his tour is have one big party for the inhabitants of Blogdom. And you’re all invited. Just bring a dish cleverly named as a pun. Example. Stephen Tremp is bringing Square pies (pi) and Interstellar Cookies. They’re out of this world.

You can choose a food inspired by science, sci-fi, a book, movie, or music. But it’s open to any and all food puns. You can leave the food you’re bringing in my comments. Examples of dishes you could bring: Harry Potter jelly beans, Motley Crutons, Souper Salad, You should get married if you cantaloupe, A salt and battery Fish and Chips, Tequila Mockingbird, Locks Stocks and Bagels, Lettuce enjoy this salad, Iggy Popsicles, etc.

Use your imagination or Google food puns, then stop by Stephen’s blog Monday March 10th and leave what you bring in the comments. (This is separate from the actual 2014 Wormfest Bloghop, although both events kick off the same day.)

It’s All About Gratitude Bloghop

Hosted by SA Larsen

There are so many things I am grateful for – my beautiful wife, my church family, my Lord and Savior, my job and home, the talents God has given me… I’m really grateful for this amazing community. You guys have always been there for me.

Gratitude keeps me humble. None of this is a given. I didn’t earn it. It’s a gift from God.

All I can do is to attempt to pass on the blessings.

What has gratitude done for you?

Is the third time a charm? (I know my best writing is in my third book, even if it’s not sold as many as the other two.) Did you read Jamie’s post? Can you critique for Steven? Ready for IWSG day? Get any of the trivia correct? What can you bring to the Wormfest potluck party? And what has gratitude done for you…?

Be sure to visit Mini-Alex at the A to Z Blog!