MST3K – The Gauntlet Review, Aquaman News, Endgame Trailer, Literary Book Gifts, New Releases, Mini-Alex, and More!

Mystery Science Theater 3000 – The Gauntlet

On Thanksgiving Day, the next season of MST3K dropped on Netflix. Turkey Day had returned!

While only six episodes, it was presented as The Gauntlet – a challenge for Jonah and the bots to sit through six movies back-to-back. (Fortunately, we managed to spread them out over three days.)

Mac and Me – 1988 film where a lost alien befriends a boy in a wheelchair. Why no, it’s not an E.T. rip-off…
The actors gave it their best, but this one suffers from a lot of nonsense (why is the alien drilling a hole in the wall?) and placing characters in mortal danger many times. Too dark for kids, too dumb for anyone over the age of eight.
However, thanks to Jonah and the bots, it has one of the best lines ever – “This film is exactly like a Pixar movie in that they both exist.”

Atlantic Rim – Exactly what it sounds like – an Asylum Films rip-off of Pacific Rim.
The robots are almost passable, but the monster is beyond horrible and the characters shallow and over-dramatic.
The folks at Asylum aren’t even trying to make a decent film. They must be stopped.

Lords of the Deep – A rip-off of The Abyss filmed in an office building.
Strange creatures surround an underwater office – I mean, research facility – while the characters do their best to be bland and boring.
Almost unwatchable if not for Jonah and the bots.

The Day Time Ended - A solar-powered desert home is visited by aliens and thrust into a time warp.
This is one of those cheap 70’s science fiction films that’s a bit of a drug-induced mind trip. Interesting idea but all over the map in story focus and effects.
You will believe a tiny alien can dance. Well, maybe not…

Killer Fish – Lee Majors, Karen Black, jewel thieves, and piranhas in this campy 70’s film.
Produced by Fawcett-Majors Productions, this was obviously a little pet project for Lee Majors. Over the top characters and a stupid title don’t help though.
According to the film, piranhas eat a hundred times their weight and never stop eating. Ever!

Ator, Fighting Eagle – Before The Blade Master/Cave Dwellers, there was Ator…
The son of Torren goes to avenge…oh, who cares? It’s a terrible Conan rip-off. Plus Ator wants to marry his sister. And there are explosions!
If spiders creep you out, don’t worry – the giant spider in this film is in no way convincing at all.

Will you survive The Gauntlet…?

Aquaman News

Early screenings of the film are coming in and people love it! Not perfect, but a lot of fun, great effects, and the second best DC film ever.
You can read some of the reviewer’s tweets at Screen Rant.

I also caught this on JoBlo:

Aquaman's Jason Momoa takes on Jimmy Fallon in trident throwing challenge.

Avengers: Endgame Trailer

The next Avengers’ movie trailer dropped last week! It doesn’t give us much, but the ending is funny. Watch it here or on YouTube.

Christmas Gifts for Writers

Literary Book Gifts is an online store devoted to showcasing unique literary designs on shirts and totes.
Authors range from Henry David Thoreau to Jane Austen.
There is truly something for every book lover in the collection.

And, as a special treat for my readers, a discount code of 20% off!
The code ALEXJCAVANAUGH20 can be entered at checkout for 20% off your order. No minimum, no expiry.
So go check out Literary Book Gifts!

New Book Releases

Beware the Jade Christmas by Roland Yeomans
Your past sins had teeth. This Christmas Eve, they bite back.
And while the Jade Christmas ghost isn’t real, the rest of the spirits in the book come from French Quarter legends!
Find it on print and eBook on Amazon

To Have & To Hold by Scarlet Knight (Melissa Maygrove)
True love is worth sacrifice.
Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Are We Nearly Famous? by Patsy Collins, Sheila Crosby, Rosemary Kind, and Lynne Pardoe
This collection of short stories is about journeys; literal, metaphorical and literary. Those both of the characters and the authors.
Pick it up for free at Amazon

Finding the Magic by Jack Lewis Baillot
Belle is sent to the countryside to escape the London bombings during WWII.
Find it on Amazon

Ninja News

Another great posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

It was interesting to see what everyone had in their writing areas.

The next posting is January 2 – the day after New Year’s Day. We’ll be announcing the winners of the IWSG Anthology Contest that day, so don’t miss it.

We also need co-hosts for next year – February, March, and April. All you have to do is visit twenty blogs within a section of the list. Leave a comment if you can co-host any of those months. It really is more fun on the host side…

Here are the prompts for IWSG Instagram this month:

Google+ is going away in January! If your icon, comment box, or follow widget is connected to Google+, go in and change it back to Blogger or Wordpress. Or no one will find you through your icon. Or comment on your site. (Sorry, all of your older comments will vanish...)

And finally, since so many commented that they had no idea Hot Tamales were a candy, here is Mini-Alex posing with some of my stash. They are chewy hot cinnamon bites of total delight!

Anyone else watch the new season of MST3K? Excited for Aquaman? (I think half of you commented last week that you were!) Looking for a gift for a writer? Some new books? Ready to try Hot Tamales? And can you co-host next year?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group! X-Men: Apocalypse Review, June Movie Preview, Buddy Movie Trivia Answers, 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 Murees Dupe, Alexia Chamberlynn, Chemist Ken, and Heather Gardner!
 
Last week my blog post was Does Going Through Crap Make One a Better Writer?

While tragedy and strife add to our experience, you all agreed that empathy was the quality most required. And yes, I have to agree. Experience is good, whether it comes from age, variety, or being well-traveled. (I’m blessed I’ve lived in so many places.) But being able to empathize with those going through a struggle is very important.

I did want to share one comment…

Any life experience, good or bad can be channeled into writing. But even without drama, a writer has to be tuned into nuance and detail in the real world, and have an open imagination, and then be capable of shaping all that together with with words and scenes that intrigue. Liza at Middle Passages

Thanks to everyone who responded last week! Now, be sure to visit other IWSG members.

Movie Review

X-Men: Apocalypse
Now sure what film critics saw. I’ve never read the comics – maybe the movie didn’t jive? Regardless, I don’t get it. Because I enjoyed it.
If you liked the last two X-Men film, you’ll like this one. It brings back favorites and introduces new twists. One thing this trilogy does better than the first trilogy is depth of character, especially with Magneto.
Special effects – amazing. 3D all the way if you want the full effect.
Once again, Quicksilver steals the movie. His prime moment is the stand-out piece of the film.
Only complaint is the length. It could have been shaved by fifteen minutes or so.
A lot has been said about the last twenty minutes of the film, but I thought it was great and very exciting.
If you dig superhero movies, it’s a no-brainer – go see it!

Ninja News

Sylvia Ney posted about Southern Writers Magazines’s short story contest. For more details, visit their SITE.

Black and White Publishing Company is now accepting flash fiction for their UBooks. See their submission guidelines for details.

New releases-

Trouble By Any Other Name by Lori MacLaughlin
Tara Triannon is no stranger to trouble…
Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iTunes

Brothers-In-Arms by Jack Lewis Baillot

Movie Trivia Answers – Buddy Movies

1 – Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin 1988 – Midnight Run
2 – Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith 1997 – Men in Black
3 – Nick Nolte, Eddie Murphy, 1982 – 48 Hrs
4 – David Spade, John Goodman 2000 – The Emperor’s New Groove
5 – Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell 1989 – Tango and Cash
6 – Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker 1998 – Rush Hour
7 – Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy 2001 - Shrek

June Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for June! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

3 -

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
The Turtles return to save the city from a dangerous threat.
Director: Dave Green
Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry, Laura Linney
The first was an unpleasant surprise. This one will also be unpleasant but it won’t be a surprise.





10 -

The Conjuring 2
Lorraine and Ed Warren travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.
Director: James Wan
Stars: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Franka Potente, Maria Doyle Kennedy
The first was a pleasant surprise. We’ll see if the second one can scare up a good time.

Now You See Me 2
The Four Horsemen resurface and are forcibly recruited by a tech genius to pull off their most impossible heist yet.
Director: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Lizzy Caplan, Mark Ruffalo, Daniel Radcliffe, Jesse Eisenberg
The first was a pleasant surprise. We’ll see if the sequel retains the magic.

Warcraft
The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their family, their people, and their home.
Director: Duncan Jones
Stars: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, Dominic Cooper
The game was a pleasant surprise. The movie looks like a generic mess.



17 –

Finding Dory
The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish reunites with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.
Directors: Andrew Stanton | Angus MacLane
Stars: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Idris Elba, Kate McKinnon
Finding Nemo was a pleasant surprise. We’ll see if Dory sinks or swims.





24 –

Independence Day: Resurgence
Two decades after the first Independence Day invasion, Earth is faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind's new space defenses be enough?
Director: Roland Emmerich
Stars: Maika Monroe, Liam Hemsworth, Joey King, William Fichtner
The first was a ridiculously over-bloated surprise. Pretty sure this one will at least be over-bloated.

Anyone else pleasantly surprised by X-Men? Get any of the trivia right? What movie catches your eye for June? And what is your insecurity this month…?

MST3K and RiffTrax, iPad Pro review, Cassa Animation, Monster Movie Trivia, School of Rock/Monday’s Music Moves Me, and Ninja News

I have a guest post at Write-Edit-Publish - Writing Science Fiction – It’s Not Really That Alien!

MST3K and RiffTrax

Don’t forget that every Monday, RiffTrax releases a new MST3K episode!

And since Thanksgiving used to be MST3K Turkey Day, you can now run your own marathon of bad movies.

The next RiffTrax Live show is December 3 – Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny! Doesn’t that just sound awful?

IPad Pro Review

Sometimes it’s challenging to be an early adopter. The iPad Pro is incomplete without the pen, which won’t ship until next month.

The good news:
The work area is large and the screen gorgeous.
Working with two apps at the same time in split screen is a big plus.
It’s very, very fast.

The bad news:
This is where being an early adopter sucks. I haven’t found an app yet that measures up to what this device is capable of doing. They just aren’t taking advantage of the bigger screen yet.

I really like it, but until I get a pen and more apps become available for the iPad Pro, it’s just a really big iPad.

But yeah, it’s still really cool! And I have been doodling with a regular iPad pen. The creative applications will be incredible once I get the official iPad Pro pen.

Cassa Animation!

One of my very best blogger buddies, Jeremy Hawkins, made this awesome animation for my trilogy. Jeremy, you rock!!!

Ninja News

Don’t forget, Wednesday, December 1 is the last post day for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group this year!

New Releases:

The Vig by Amy Brook
Available at Amazon in paperback and eBook

Pat Hatt has three more books out!
Find them at Amazon:
Profanity Granny's Crime Fighting
Ready Eddie’s Confessions
Happy Humper’s Confessions

Under the Willow by John Boswell (Jack Lewis Baillot)
Find it at Createspace

It's An Adventure by Kenneth Lynch (Al Penwasser)
Find it on Amazon

Ella is a cover girl!
Her article made the front cover of Green Craft magazine.





The very first volume of the Charleston Anvil is out!
Featuring Making Her by John Wiswell

School of Rock and Monday’s Music Moves Me

School of Rock hosted by Shady Del Knight.
Monday’s Music Moves Me hosted by Xmas Dolly.

I’m going to introduce you to two prog rock bands you’ve probably never heard of. I picked one from each end of the spectrum, just to show you the diversity.

First, we have the band Evergrey, formed in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden. This prog song is very melodic. Title – Black Undertow.

Next, we have the band Scar Symmetry, another Swedish band formed in 2004. This one is very heavy. Title – Limits to Infinity.

You’ve now been schooled on Swedish prog rock!

In honor of MST3K, today’s trivia revolves around movies they have riffed. Name the classically bad monster film from the clues!

1 – 1975, eight legged creatures, Alan Hale Jr. in the cast
2 – 1955, sequel to fish man hit, Clint Eastwood’s first role
3 – 1959, starring James Best of Dukes of Hazzard fame, featuring giant rodents that were actually just dogs with carpets draped over their backs
4 – 1957, directed by Bert I. Gordon, and featuring a really big bald guy
5 – 1965, first in a series of many, this Japanese monster gave Godzilla a run for his money
6 – 1957, another Bert I. Gordon classic, starred Peter Graves, featured really large insects

Answers on Wednesday, December 2!

Ready for some MST3K? Anyone else pick up the iPad Pro? What did you think of the Cassa animation? Picking up some new books? Familiar with either prog rock band? And do you know any of the trivia questions?

Be sure to visit Write-Edit-Publish.

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! I’ll be gone the end of this week and won’t be back to posting until next Wednesday.

Hawkeye Joins Civil War Cast, Arrow and JLA, What Are the Kargrandes, Movie Soundtrack Trivia, Mini-Alex, and Ninja News

I am over at the A to Z Challenge Blog today with a ‘Getting to Know Your Co-Hosts’ segment. Still time to sign up for the Challenge! We’re also hosting Twitter chats every Thursday.

Movie News

Hawkeye will be in Captain America: Civil War

From two sources -

JoBlo announced that Renner is scheduled to shoot Civil War next spring:If true, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is going to be one jam-packed film. The confirmed cast already includes Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, and Chadwick Boseman in his first appearance as Black Panther.

And from Cinema Blend: While the bulk of Steve Rogers' team has already been confirmed for the third Cap installment, it wasn't until nowthat we got confirmation that Hawkeye will also show face.

According to io9, DC is creating a Justice League in the Arrow universe: With the announcement that the CW is expanding its superhero show roster with an Atom/Firestorm/Black Canary team-up show, it looks like we might finally be getting something Smallville tried (and ultimately failed) to do: Create the Justice League on television.


 

And finally, now that we are into March, we can list the top films of 2014:
Transformers: Age of Extinction - $1,091.4 million (no idea why!)
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - $954.5 million (still making money)
Guardians of the Galaxy - $774.2 million

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is clue number nine – new clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? Ninth clue – can you guess? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes #scifi @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? Are they connected to the Dragon? Solve the mystery by April 7! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

The Thunderclap campaign went live late Wednesday morning! If you missed it, please sign up to announce the release of Dragon through Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr. I am at the halfway point and need more commitments for the Thunderclap to happen. If you can share my campaign, I’d greatly appreciate it. Would really suck to miss it by just a couple sign ups.

JC’s Book Haven also had a really nice review up last Friday.

Ninja News

Editor Dianne Gunn is this Wednesday’s guest at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Milo James Fowler posted about a new site for both authors and readers - Quarter Reads. The short stories are basically .25 cents each and the author sees .22 cents of that. Milo has a huge list of stories available HERE. Sounds like a great opportunity for short story writers!

Donna McDine announced a very special library drive:
Numerous studies from both government and the private sector provide clear evidence that early reading skills are an investment in a child's future. Early reading skill development dramatically affects the quality of life for children as they grow into adulthood. Sadly, a recent article by Carole Dickerson on the Journal Standard website quoted a local social worker who stated that many of the parents in the homes she visits do not own a single children's book.
This is quite shocking to me and in response, I am announcing a children's book drive within my county to support the Rockland County Department of Social Services. I encourage other authors of children's books to do the same or if you have gentle used children's books to please donate to the book drive.

A to Z Challenge Minions urgently needed!
The following co-hosts still need a few more Minions:
Jeremy Hawkins (He only has one!!)
Joy Campbell
Heather Gardner
Zalka Csenge Virág
Susan Gourley
Matthew Rush

Jack Lewis Baillot is hosting a WWII themed contest and giveaway! See her site for details.

Out now –
Song Remains the Same from Tony Laplume
The second volume from his Mouldwarp Press Presents anthology series.
Find it in paperback and eBook on Amazon

Mini-Alex

Mini-Alex soaks up some afternoon sun with his best Dragon friend.

Trivia – Movie Soundtracks

I’ve listed the song, artist, and year – name the movie!

1 – Ratt – Body Talk, 1986
2 – Queensryche – Real World, 1993
3 – U2 – Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, 1995
4 – AC/DC – Who Made Who, 1986
5 – Journey – Open Arms, 1981
6 – Guns ‘n’ Roses – You Could Be Mine, 1991
7 – Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son, 1977
8 – Extreme – Play With Me, 1989

Answers on Monday!

Have you figured out the Kargrandes yet? Can you help with the book drive or as a Challenge Minion? Know any of the trivia answers? Excited Hawkeye will be in the next Captain America? And can you help with the Thunderclap campaign…? (I’m willing to grovel.)

Be sure to visit the A to Z Challenge Blog.

The Next Ninja Blogfest! Plus Golon the Grumpy Dwarf, Movie Reviews, IWSG and Thoughts, and Ninja News

A lot happening today! Hope the recent shift to less promotional stuff and more fun stuff, including movie reviews and a bit about me, is to your liking.
If not, Mini-Alex will play his guitar until your ears bleed...

Golon the Grumpy Dwarf

Today I welcome Golon from Jack Lewis Baillot’s latest novel, A Test of Loyalty, Book Two. He’s a dwarf with an ornery streak and his party is on a quest to save Prince Lachlan. We had some fun with the interview…

Are you any relation to Gimli?
Who is Gimli? Is this some kind of trick question? Is it because our names are kind of the same? I have a feeling this is something I should understand and my Author is laughing at me for not doing so. She laughs at me a lot though, so it is hard to tell the cause of it.

If you are Grumpy, then which Dwarf is your brother?
I am only grumpy around Elves...and hermits. And certain princes. And sometimes my brother. Oh, right, there is more to this question. This I understood because I looked it up. He would be the one they call Dopey.

What are some of the ways you like to annoy people?
I mostly just taunt their cooking skills, and their race. Elves are easy to annoy. Just insult their bows and their gardens.

Do you think Dwarves are represented fairly in literature?
While looking up the Grumpy reference I discovered the tale he is from and I do not think that was an accurate representation. As a general rule, we don't sing cheerily when we go off to work. What is called Tolkien's work, however, is accurate.

What's your weapon of choice?
I don't have just one. I use an ax a good deal of the time but I would be lost without my short sword. Therefore, I have to say both.

Do you like Dragons?
I am pleased to say I have never met one. I have heard they do exist, but I question that as they have become more of legends, and one can never really trust a legend.

And tell us what you really think of your brother....
Ahem...well, since he isn't here. He annoys me, as only younger brothers can, but I would be truly lost without him. He has been my constant companion since the time he could walk and he does ensure my life is always interesting as he finds ways to drag me along on some of his wilder adventures.

And since that is the last of the questions, I will bid a fair well, and a thank you.

Jack is an Author. Basically, run. She's not impossible, just a bit unlikely.
Find A Test of Loyalty Book Two on Amazon

Ninja News

Today’s Themes that Rocked the Challenge features Andrew Leon, who posted about abandoned places. Check it out at the A to Z Blog.

Released last week – Shear Trouble by Elizabeth Craig

Available now - Trench Raiders by Sean McLachlan

Movie Reviews

(Space Pirate) Captain Harlock
Harlock and the crew of the Arcadia battle the Gaia Coalition in hopes of returning to Earth and saving mankind.
Visually stunning – some of the best computer animation I have ever seen.
In typical anime fashion, the storyline is convoluted. This was compounded by the subtitles when all I wanted to do was watch the graphics. However, it’s really unique and worth slogging through the story for the visuals alone.
Recommended

I Frankenstein
Mercifully, it was short – not counting ending credits, it clocked in at 1:21.
An A list cast heads up a D- story with C+ special effects.
Apparently Angels take the form of gargoyles to battle demons. (Who only live a couple blocks away – how convenient.) I won’t go into how Frankenstein’s monster is horseshoed into this nonsensical plot. But it wasn’t good.
Skip unless you’re a glutton for punishment.

Open Grave
Man wakes up in pit of bodies with no memory and finds a nearby house with five others who also don’t remember who they are. There are no phones, no cars, and deranged people running about.
This is a unique twist on zombies, as they aren’t really zombies but infected with a disease that destroys the mind. It’s more of a mystery as the six characters try to piece together what happened. Lots of tension and definitely not a feel good film.
Worth a NetFlix rental.

IWSG and Ninja Thoughts

Last week’s IWSG was awesome, as always!

Special thanks to my co-hosts and to Marta Szemik and L. Diane Wolfe – those two ladies have not missed a single post day since the IWSG’s inception. (The only other person who hasn’t missed is me. That would look really bad if I missed a post!)

There were some amazing posts. As writers, we are all unique in our style. I started writing down my thoughts as I read the posts Wednesday:

Someone talked about remembering why she started writing in the first place. I know why I started, but I don’t know how to stop.

Most people edit in layers. I work on everything with each pass. Yes, I fix typos and grammar mistakes in sections I might later delete. They distract and annoy me if I don’t.

I’m a really lazy writer. If I didn’t set word count goals and deadlines, I’d never write anything.

Crap, I take a long time to put together an outline. Most people are on their second and third drafts by the time I start my first.

I really want to go see Guardians of the Galaxy again…

Wait, I probably wasn’t thinking that when I was reading. But I do plan on seeing it again this weekend!

What were some of your thoughts?

Underrated Treasures Blogfest!

Because it’s been ages since I hosted a blogfest! Time for some fun.

Everyone has a favorite movie or band that no one else has ever heard about. For whatever reason, they remain undiscovered and underrated. Now is your chance to tell the world about this obscure treasure!

On Monday, September 22, post about your favorite unknown –

MOVIE – BAND/ARTIST – TV SHOW – BOOK

Post about one or all four – dealer’s choice!

Underrated Treasures Blogfest signup -


What did you think of Golon? Seen any of the movies? What were your thoughts on last week’s IWSG? And who’s ready to share some underrated treasures…?

Hercules Review, August Movie Preview, Waiting for Acceptance/Rejection, Movie Trivia Answers, and Ninja News!

Movie Review

Hercules

A new twist on the legend of Hercules - caught this in 3D last Friday.

This movie is the perfect B-grade film with an A-list of actors on board.

The plot is pedestrian. What elevates it beyond the average story is great acting and exciting action scenes. (The ending is spectacular.) The movie pokes fun at itself – it knows it’s a B-grade film and plays that angle to the max.

The cast did a great job. Rufus Sewell gets to play a good guy (it’s been so long!) and Ian McShane has all the best lines. Johnson turns in a good Hercules, although ultimately it’s the supporting cast who really rock the show.

Overall, it’s just a fun B movie. Leave most of your brain at the door.

Waiting for Acceptance/Rejection

Please welcome the awesome author, C Lee McKenzie!

Subbing manuscripts, then waiting to hear back is one of the hardest parts of traditional publishing. And, let’s face it, you know you may never hear back.

“If you haven’t heard from us in X weeks, then consider yourself REJECTED!”

Awk! Is that rude or what? It’s rude, but it’s the reality.

So when I’m hanging out, waiting to hear if they’re accepting my book or not, here’s pretty much what I do when the week of GO or NO GO has arrived.

4AM
Check email. Do not find acceptance letter. Make coffee. Consider giving up writing. Drink coffee. Talk to self about unrealistic expectations.

5AM
Gird loins. Check email. Do not find acceptance letter. Consider writing new book. Talk to self about unrealistic expectations. . .again. Sulk.

5:10AM
Shut off all digital clocks. Turn analog ones to wall. Check email. Do not find acceptance letter. Leave house with backpack and water. Lots of water.

?AM
Sneak past computer. It’s asleep. Wonder what time it is, but choose not to know. Make a list of neglected household chores: cupboards, refrigerator, floors, laundry. Toss list. Check email. Do not find acceptance letter. Talk to self about what to do if I never write another original sentence.

Noonish
Talk to self about life and priorities. Stare at ceiling. Curse agents/editors/publishing in general. Check email. Do not find acceptance letter. Stomp out door and drive to town. Talk to non-writers. Find they are a happy group. Decide to join their ranks.

Sometime after noon
Clean one cupboard. Eat ice cream. Chew last nail. Curse the universe.

Sometime after dark
Go to bed. Pull covers over head and wait for sun.

Sunrise
Climb out of bed. Squint at computer, stand as far away as possible and boot. Check email. Find acceptance letter. Do Happy Dance, then go back to bed and think, “Must be a mistake. They sent that email to the wrong author.” Back to computer. Check address. “No. They meant to send it to me.” Restore clocks. Make coffee. Toast the universe. All is good.

I have a whole other angst routine for when I Indie publish. The hours are about the same, the concerns are a bit different.

Find Lee at her Website or Blog
Buy Double Negative at Evernight Teen

Ninja News

The awesome Lexa Cain is featured today at the A to Z Blog! Lexa’s theme for the Challenge was hauntings and it was really cool.

Timothy Brannan’s blog, The Other Side, is up for an award! His blog was nominated ‘Best Blog’ for the ENnies Awards, the biggest awards in the RPG business. To vote, go HERE

Medeia Sharif, Lexa Cain, and Beth Fred are hosting the International Potluck Blogfest. You can win books and an Amazon gift card – see their sites for details.



Carolina Valdez Miller is offering free editing services.

New Releases!

A Little Skittle Spittle by Pat Hatt

A Test of Loyalty, Book Two by Jack Lewis Baillot
(And Jack will be stopping by here on August 11!

Bella’s Point by Elizabeth Seckman

Challenging Destiny by Cherie Coyler

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – The four Pevensie children from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy
2 – The four Ghostbusters – Peter Venkman, Pay Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddmore
3 – The five captains from the five Star Trek series – James T. Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard, Benjamin Sisko, Kathryn Janeway, and Jonathan Archer
4 – The nine crew members of the Serenity from Firefly – Captain Malcolm ‘Mal’ Reynolds, Zoe Washburne, Hoban ‘Wash’ Washburn, Lee ‘Kaylee’ Frye, Jayne Cobb, Inara Serra, Shepherd Book, Dr. Simon Tam, and River Tam
5 – The Fellowship of the Nine from LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring – Gandalf, Frodo, Samwise, Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir

August Movie Preview

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

1 –

Guardians of the Galaxy
In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan.
Director: James Gunn
Stars: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana
This could be the film of the summer – don’t miss it!



8 –

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Four mutant warriors fight to save their city from an evil kingpin.
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Noel Fisher
Bringing back the turtles for a new generation so today’s kids will be able to recite by heart their five favorite turtles – Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, and Megan Fox.

Into the Storm
A group of high school students document the events and aftermath of a devastating tornado.
Director: Steven Quale
Stars: Sarah Wayne Callies, Richard Armitage, Jeremy Sumpter, Nathan Kress
Could be fun, could be the SyFy Craptastic film of the week – Thorin Oakenshield battles the weather.


15 –

Expendables 3
Barney and his team, known as "The Expendables", come into conflict with ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks, the Expendables' co-founder, who is determined to destroy the team.
Director: Patrick Hughes
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Antonio Banderas
Five million B-list actors + zero plot + PG13 rating = highly questionable time at the movies.

22 –

When the Games Stands Tall
The journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel), who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport.
Director: Thomas Carter
Stars: Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig, Michael Chiklis, Laura Dern
Always a sucker for a heartwarming sports tale of overcoming.


Whoa! Yes, packed in a lot today. Next week, look for some changes. Maybe even Mini-Alex will make an appearance…

Anyone else see Hercules? Gone through a day like Lee’s? Excited about the new releases? Get any of the trivia right? And what movies spark your interest for August?