A to Z Challenge – Inception and I Walk Beside You by Dream Theater, Plus Ninja News

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!

Inception

Christopher Nolan is a genius. Original science fiction is so rare that you should treasure it when you find it. The cast is stellar and the storyline intricately perplexing.

Ariadne comes to the group young, fresh, and very talented. But she’s not naïve or easily fooled. She knows what she’s doing and keeps the others in line. Ariadne is the grounding force.

Who is Ariadne?

Tina from Life is Good!

(Much to her surprise, I’m sure.)

Tina may think she’s scattered and unorganized. But she’s really on the ball and full of great ideas. One of the A to Z co-hosts, she’s behind the scenes keeping things moving. Nothing gets past her. Everything she does is for the best of the group and her blogger friends. Tina is that spark we all need. And messages, comments, and emails from her just brighten my day!

Tina is originally from Sweden and is a writer and devoted A to Z Challenge Co-Host.

To you I dedicate I Walk Beside You by Dream Theater. (Song title links to YouTube video.)

“I walk beside you, Wherever you are, Whatever it takes, No matter how far…”

Trivia and Facts:

In her posts, Tina often refers to someone called “The Engineer” – who is he?

Did you know that in Greek mythology, Ariadne aided Theseus in overcoming the Minotaur by giving him a ball of red thread so he could find his way out of the labyrinth?

H’s trivia answer – Hellboy’s father was played by John Hurt.

Ninja News

I am looking for co-hosts for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group for the next few months. If you can help by visiting twenty to twenty-five blogs on the list the first Wednesday of the month, please let me know. Thanks!

Rachel Schieffelbein revealed the cover to her upcoming book, Secondary Characters, which releases May 28. Congratulations, Rachel!



Don’t forget the Goodreads giveaway ends next week:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

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

Enter to win

Fan of Inception and Nolan? Following the ever-awesome Tina? Can you help with the IWSG in the coming months? Excited for Rachel? Don't forget the giveaway at Goodreads and here! And can you believe a third of the Challenge is now over...?

DEEP - A to Z Challenge

It’s the Insecure Writer’s Support Group posting day. And Laura Bambrey at The Daily Dodo has a new book on Amazon - 100 Blog Prompts that mentions the IWSG! (Under Insecurities – thanks, Laura!) It’s also 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.

DEEP

First, my contribution to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

As I’ve posted before, my writing is not deep. It doesn’t contain a multitude of layers riddled with many meanings. There is no hidden message wrapped in eloquent prose and stylish words. You won’t find the answer to life’s mysteries or the meaning of life. (It’s 42 anyway – in case you didn’t know.)

There is a theme though – friendship.

And despite the simplicity of what I write, I will stand by that theme to the very end.

Do you feel equally convicted when it comes to the theme of your work?

Roland Yeomans at Writing in the Crosshairs

No other blogger is as in tune with writing and the world as Roland. He knows so many writing secrets and is willing to share them with those who will listen. Whether channeling Twain or Hemingway, Roland reaches those depths we all want to achieve and yet so often fall short. It spurs this simple writer to do better. Maybe one day I will be on par with this amazing author, but I doubt it. For wisdom beyond the ages, Roland is your guy!

Inception
Put this in your brain and chew on it for a while. An idea thief is charged with planting an idea in a victims mind. The idea must be buried deep enough that the victim truly believes that it is their idea. Mind officially blown.

Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime
Next to Rush’s “Hemispheres” this is my favorite concept piece. This album had a quiet debut but has, over the years, become a game changing moment in progressive rock. A timeless concept album!

Ninja News!

Stephanie at Scribbler to Scribe had a story chosen for the Crimson Pact Volume 3 anthology – congratulations, Stephanie!!

Donna at Weaving a Tale or Two reviewed CassaFire yesterday. She reads it to her husband so they can both enjoy. Thanks, Donna!

CM Brown selected CassaStar for her teaser yesterday. (And chose I scene I really like!)

And thank you Laura Eno for mentioning CassaFire yesterday!

Any insecurities today? Think my theme is all right? What's your theme? Following Roland? Seen Inception? Queensryche fan? Inquiring Ninjas want to know…

Movie Review - Inception

This movie will raise your expectations of what a real movie experience should be on every level imaginable.

The basic premise follows a group who extracts secrets from the subconscious mind through dreams. They are hired to do the impossible - inception, the planting of an idea.

This movie is similar to Nolan’s Memento - layers upon layers upon layers of precise detail. The complexity of this movie is incredible. Similar to the concept of inception, Nolan started with an idea and built this film’s world from that point. It’s an ever-widening circle of intricate beliefs and thoughts, like the rings of an onion.

This is not an action-packed, special effects extravaganza. The scenes from the previews are not the images that will stick with you, either. Nolan excels at taking a single moment in time and cranking the tension and expectation almost to the breaking point. These solitary images will haunt you long after the film has ended.

The actors do a superb job in their roles and there are secrets locked within those characters as well.

As with Memento, you cannot leave your brain at the door. Inception will force you to think, wrapping your brain around deep and complex concepts. Some people will leave the theater not understanding what they’ve just witnessed. (Judging from the content of the very few negative reviews, those reviewers simply did not get it.) Nolan stands alone as a director with a singular vision no one else shares. He’s a truly unique artist in his craft.

I am running out of superlatives just trying to describe this film! I wish my writing was on par with his directing. (I think everyone will walk out wishing they could do anything as well as Nolan!) So, to conclude this review…

In a summer of simple movies and vapid disappointments, Inception shines with brilliance. Best movies of the summer? No - best movie of the year!!!

.

And if you missed my book trailer, see the post below this one. I am thrilled with what my publisher created for CassaStar - it's my own little movie!