Why Speculative Fiction Kicks A$$! Science Fiction Recommendations, New Releases, Ninja News, and Rock Music Trivia Answers

I have two epic guests today! And both ladies are discussing a favorite topic of mine – speculative fiction. First up is the awesome Terri Rochenski, followed by the multi-talented Jessica Bell.

And can a Ninja rhyme? You don’t think so? Find out today at Pat Hatt’s It’s Rhyme Time.

Ten reasons Spec Fiction kicks @$$

Spec Fiction has been a love of mine since I learned to read. I wanted to BE Lucy and enter the wardrobe. I wanted to BE Princes Leia and kiss Han Solo.

Why?

I had my reasons back then, but more have sprung up as my reading tastes developed AND I started writing the stories gnawing away at my brain.

In no particular order, my top ten reasons Spec Fiction kics @$$...

1. Who DOESN’T like to ask, “What if”?
2. Because as kids, we KNEW our Barbi, stuffed animals, and Stretch Armstrong could carry on a conversation.
3. It’s an outlet for the creative mind.
4. ESCAPE FROM REALITY!!
5. I saw Spec Fiction described once as being the cheapest way to travel. In my case, I’ve always wanted to fly among the stars. Thanks you ninja leader!
6. Its stimulating.
7. Can give a new outlook on life or insight into human nature.
8. Instills an appreciation for unique, beautiful imaginations.
9. It’s outside the norm.
10. From a writer’s perspective – unlimited possibilities.

How ‘bout you? What is the ONE reason spec fiction rocks your world?

Secret of the Souls (Pool of Souls #2) by Terri Rochenski
J. Taylor Publishing - Adult Fantasy

Thrust out of their homes by a human High Priest on a vengeful mission, the Natives of Derlund no longer have a place to call their own. One escaped capture, however, and now she, Hyla, is the only one who can save her people.

Find Secret of the Souls Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and enter the giveaway HERE

Find Terri at Blog, Website, Facebook, and Goodreads




 

MY SCIENCE FICTION MISHMASH by Jessica Bell

If you know me well, you know I’m not an obsessive science fiction book reader. I do, however, like to read science fiction if written by authors I love, and the story is captivating, for example, The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, and Neuromancer, by William Gibson are two of my very favourites. I have also dabbled in writing science fiction myself, but in a very different form— a cyberpunk short story in verse.

And my current WIP is speculative fiction. So I’m not not a fan. I’m just fussy.

(Btw, I was told to add some humour to this post, but I can only be funny when I don’t try to be, so I’m really sorry this post isn’t going to make you laugh. I might however, be able to make you smile if you watch this video of me in a dressing gown, and my fabulous Dalmatian, dancing to Joan Jett.)

Right, back to the science fiction stuff. Regardless of what I said above, I am a HUGE fan of science fiction film and TV. I really can’t get enough.

So here’s my top five list of movies, and top five list of TV shows, in no particular order:

MOVIES

Blade Runner (the director’s cut, of course!)

Contact

The Fifth Element

Edward Scissorhands

Barbarella

TV

Orphan Black

Fringe

Red Dwarf

Lost (I know, I know ...)

The X Files

What science fiction books, TV series, or movies have you read/seen lately? Got any recommendations for me?

COMMENT TO WIN JESSICA BELL’S THRILLER, WHITE LADY!

To celebrate the release of Jessica Bell’s latest novel, WHITE LADY, she is giving away an e-copy (mobi, ePub, or PDF) to a random commenter on this blog.

Sonia yearns for sharp objects and blood. But now that she’s rehabilitating herself as a “normal” mother and mathematics teacher, it’s time to stop dreaming about slicing people’s throats…

Click HERE to view the book trailer.

Click HERE for purchase links.

Connect with Jessica online: Website, Retreat and Workshop, Blog, Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Facebook and Twitter

Ninja News

At the A to Z Blog today is Carrie-Anne Brownian, whose awesome theme took us on a tour of Asia and Europe – check it out!

I was one of the Shelfie Blog Hop winners!

Pat Hatt also continued his zombie story and my clones were involved…

New Releases!

A Lizard's Tail by Bish Denham

When a feral cat threatens the lives of all who live at Stone Wall, Marvin knows his destiny has finally arrived. But how can a young, vain lizard get rid of such a dangerous enemy?

Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

Soulless (Maiden of Time Book 2) by Crystal Collier

Find it on Amazon

Her tour starts today – follow along!

Tales of Firelight and Shadow - anthology from Double Dragon Books with retold folk tales, some very, very creepy.

Featuring Patricia Stoltey’s first traditionally published short story, "Three Sisters of Ring Island" is a retelling of a Norwegian tale, "Three Billy Goats Gruff." Find it at Double Dragon

The Adventures of an Arkansawyer by Charles Gramlich 

Find it on Amazon

Music Trivia Answers!

1 – Persistence of Time (1990) - Anthrax

2 – Astro-Creep: 2000 (1995) – White Zombie

3 – …And Justice For All (1988) - Metallica

4 – Jar of Flies (1994) – Alice in Chains

5 – The Art of Balance (2002) – Shadows Fall

6 – Hold Your Fire (1988) - Rush

7 – Empire (1990) - Queensryche

8 – Images and Words (1992) – Dream Theater

9 – Flying in a Blue Dream (1989) Joe Satriani

10 – Vulgar Display of Power (1992) - Pantera

Whoa! What are some of your reasons speculative fiction kicks a$$? What shows and movies can you recommend to Jessica? (Don't forget your comment could win a book!) Picking up some new books? Get any of the trivia right?

Don’t forget to visit Pat Hatt’s It’s Rhyme Time!

Wednesday – more fun stuff, trivia, movie reviews and news, Mini-Alex, and… I have an awesome announcement!!!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day and Anthology! Plus Books, Writing Contests, Bloghops, and a Solid Gold Godzilla

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 Kristin Smith, Elsie, Suzanne Furness, and Fundy Blue!

Today marks the one year anniversary since the IWSG site and Facebook group opened. We invite all IWSG members, Facebook members, and followers to contribute to The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond, whether you are a writer on the journey or a published author. Post your contribution today or email your submission to the IWSG or me. Full details posted today at the IWSG site.
 
If you are posting for the anthology today be sure to include: title, topic (writing, publishing, or marketing), a one line bio (with your name, book(s), and blog), and state that you give us permission to use it. After you have posted, please add your link HERE.

As I mentioned earlier this week, I completed revisions on my latest manuscript and sent it to my publisher last Friday. Yeah, baby – done!

While there are things I can’t share yet about the story (at least until I hear back from my publisher) I can give you a few hints.

It’s a stand-alone space opera story. Set in a world different than the Cassa series.

The story was inspired by a song – the lyrics tell one story, and I just rearranged them to tell another story. (So every line of the song is in the story, just not in the same order. Don’t worry, that will confuse you even further when I post the song.)

It’s third person point of view, but told from the viewpoint of just one character. (Sorry, I don’t do first person. I didn’t want to be in this guy’s head any more than I was in Byron’s.)

I discovered that writing an entire story based on an ending inspired by a song was a little more difficult than I imagined…

There’s more than one woman in this book!

There is also a bit of a fantasy element in the story. Blame the song. It started it…

I aimed for grittier. I missed. You would think since I’ve been reading Joe Abercrombie lately some of that would’ve rubbed off.

This story has been with me for ten years, ever since I first heard the song that inspired it.

And if I have my way, it’s the last one I intend to write…

Ninja News

Don’t forget October 20 is the Survive and Thrive Bloghop. It’s all about prevention and staying healthy, so please join us.

Available today -

Hope for Her by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 
Buy it on Kobo Amazon Barnes and Noble
There's also a great giveaway - visit Sydney's site for details.

White Lady by Jessica Bell 
Jessica will be visiting the Ninja Army on October 13!


Now open for submissions - Bold New Worlds
A National Speculative Fiction Short Story Contest for High School Students
Organized by Charity Bradford
Spread the news! If you have a high school student, encourage them to enter.
(I’m also one of the judges, which is really exciting!)

Hosted by Patricia Lynne - the Trick-Or-Treat Book Blog Hop
Authors sign up for a blog hop, write a post about the books they are handing out and post it on Halloween, people visit their blogs and comment trick-or-treat and the author gives them an ebook. EBOOKS ARE THE CANDY!

And from Blastr - if you happen to have a spare 1.5 million dollars lying around, you can be the proud owner of a 24-karat solid gold Godzilla based on the original 1954 look:

Picking up a solid gold Godzilla? Know a high school student who’d like to enter the writing contest? Anyone else base a story off of a song? What are your writer insecurities today? And are you contributing to the IWSG book…?

July Movie Preview, Sci-Fi Movie News, and Ninja News

No movie review today. Since Transformers 4 received awful reviews, I decided it wasn’t worth sacrificing over two and a half hours of my life to watch mindless explosions.
The real bummer was that Snowpiercer, which came out last year to rave reviews, only had a limited release here in the USA. How limited? One theater. In New York! Hopefully it will open to a wider audience soon, as I really want to see this film.

Here’s the description: In this sci-fi epic, a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet. The final survivors board the SNOWPIERCER, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. When cryptic messages incite the passengers to revolt, the train thrusts full-throttle towards disaster.

In other movie news…

According to ScienceFiction.com, Frank Darabont may direct the sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman. Good news for the ladies – the movie will focus on Chris Hemsworth’s character with no Snow White/Kristen Stewart in sight.

And Pacific Rim will be getting a sequel! Scheduled release date is April 7, 2017, so don’t get too excited…

Ninja News

Joy Campbell’s Taming Celeste is now available! Buy it at Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Smashwords

Clarissa Draper’s second book is now out - The Electrician’s Code.

Rachel Morgan’s The Trouble with Flying is now out.

Brinda Berry got the rights back to her book and has rereleased Watcher of Worlds with a new cover.

Do you like to read psychological thrillers? Well, Jessica Bell's giving away her latest release, WHITE LADY, for FREE, to every single person who signs up to the "Two Lies & a Truth" Blog Tour (taking place October 1 - 31). It's hassle-free. All you have to do is post what she sends you to your blog (or Facebook page) and Bob's your uncle. She will also be giving away a copy of the book to one lucky reader of your blog. More details and sign up form HERE.

Yvonne Lewis was sweet enough to send a copy of her book to me! Arlee Bird provided the forward and is featured on the cover.


And I got to supply a blurb for the back! So honored...

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

July Movie Preview

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

4 –

Deliver Us From Evil
NY police officer Ralph Sarchie investigates a series of crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rituals of exorcism, to combat the possessions that are terrorizing their city.
Director: Scott Derrickson
Stars: Eric Bana, Édgar Ramírez, Olivia Munn, Chris Coy
Great name for a Christian sandwich shop. Well, maybe not...

Earth to Echo
After receiving a bizarre series of encrypted messages, a group of kids embark on an adventure with an alien who needs their help.
Director: Dave Green
Stars: Teo Halm, Astro, Reese Hartwig, Ella Wahlestedt
80’s ET rip off meets 2000’s found footage nonsense – time to nauseate your kids.


8 –

DVD – The Raid 2

11 –

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.
Director: Matt Reeves
Stars: Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Kodi Smit-McPhee
Get your hands off me you damn dirty sequel! (Actually I really enjoyed the first one and look forward to this film.)

25 –

Hercules
Having endured his legendary twelve labors, Hercules, the Greek demigod, has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord.
Director: Brett Ratner
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane, Joseph Fiennes
See Dwayne Hercules for all your demi-god and real estate needs…

29 –

DVD - Mystery Science Theater 3000 XXX


See any movies this past weekend? Been watching the World Cup? Picking up some new books? And what movies will you be seeing in July…?

See you Wednesday for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group and CassaStorm Book Trailer!!!! Plus Ninja News, Wednesday Movie Quote, and Special Announcement.

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 Nancy Thompson, Mark Koopmans, and Heather Gardner! Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

This month I am finishing final edits on CassaStorm. I’ve already seen a few of the reviews for my third book. (He shoots – he scores!) My tour is set and my publisher notified me of some major promotions they will be doing for its release.

My insecurity right now has to do with how well this last book will do and where the other two are right now. Sales have slowed this year for CassaStar and CassaFire. Which I can’t complain about, because when they were at the top of the charts, they were moving big time. But I’m concerned that slower sales now for the first two will hurt CassaStorm.

Like most writers, I think I improved, and the third one is the best of the trilogy. I think with a younger character like Byron’s son it will have an even wider appeal. But will enough people find it? It could be my last book – I’d really like to send it out with a bang.

Anyone else looking at the final book in their series the same way?

Visit others on the IWSG LIST!

Ninja News

Julie Flanders signed a publishing contract for her second novel, The Ghosts of Aquinnah. Congratulations, Julie!

LG at Bards and Prophets posted about the Content Idea Generator. So if you need a cool idea for a blog post, check it out!

Talli Roland has a short story in the anthology Sunlounger, organized by Belinda Jones. Congratulations, Talli!

Lynn Rush revealed her secret identity – she’s Reese Monroe! And her agent, Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency, helped her acquire a three book deal! She signed a deal with Entangled Publishing for her Bound by Hades trilogy. Congratulations, Lynn!

Looking for MG/YA.NA reviewers? S.A. Larsen compiled a huge list, and if you know of more, please let her know and she’ll add them.

Jessica Bell has a music video!!! We finally get to see her sing and jam one of her songs from String Bridge.

Lisa Regan’s book, Finding Claire Fletcher, is a Finalist in the 2013 eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook Awards in TWO categories - Best Novel and Best Heroine! She needs votes to win though – see her site for details. Very awesome, Lisa!

Sarah’s Book Reviews is giving away copies of all of C. Lee McKenkie’s books! Go HERE, HERE, and HERE for your chance to win.

Wednesday Movie Quote

Name your favorite. Today’s genre – water movies!

I have to go with The Abyss:

“So, raise your hand if you thought that was a Russian water tentacle.”

Next week – Free-For-All! Come at me with your most favorite movie quote ever.

CassaStorm News and Trailer!

First the news – my publisher is doing another giveaway on Goodreads. Open to the USA, Canada. AND Mexico!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends July 22, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

And now, the trailer! (Like you didn’t scroll down to see it first anyway, right?)



Short and to the point – I like it! I knew they weren’t doing a long, involved trailer this time. But this one is really cool and a great way to finish the series. (If you can’t see it here, watch it on You Tube.)

Whoa – post overload!!!!
What’s your insecurity today? Ready to play with the Idea Generator? Know some good reviewers for the list? Entering any of the contests? And what did you think of the trailer?

Have a great Fourth of July my American friends! I’ll be enjoying a BBQ and Despicable Me 2…

A to Z Challenge – YYZ by Rush, May Movie Preview, Indiestructible, and Seeing Ghosts

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!

Since I couldn’t name a favorite movie for this letter, and I needed a place to announce the May movie releases, this offering will be a little different. My monthly feature of listing a variety of upcoming movies reminds me of someone else who does a regular feature of movie clips variety.

Robin at Your Daily Dose!

She has a weekly feature called Here’s to You Thursday where she dedicates movie and TV footages to certain people. And it’s cool to figure out why she chose that particular clip. But that feature exemplifies her greatest quality – a caring spirit. Everything from her posts to her comments reveals her affectionate and devoted nature.

Robin is a writer and unofficial blog therapist.

To you I dedicate YYZ by Rush. (Title leads to YouTube.)

Because it is one of the most amazing and intricate instrumentals, and the song cannot be placed neatly in a box – and neither can you!

Trivia and Facts:

Did you know YYZ is one of the songs on Guitar Hero?

What year did Rush form?

X’s Trivia answer – X2’s William Stryker was played by Brian Cox.

Inspiring Publishing Stories

INDIESTRUCTiBLE: INSPIRING STORIES FROM THE PUBLISHING JUNGLE
Edited by Jessica Bell
Available September 16, 2013.

This book will bring readers the experiences of 29 authors, both indie and small press—their passions, their insights, their successes—to help other authors make the leap into indie publishing.
It will be sold as an e-book for 99c for the first six months. Royalties will be donated to BuildOn.
Find it now on GoodReads

I am honored to be one of the contributing authors, and we are asking for help promoting this book. You can get all of the information and sign up HERE to help spread the word September 16. (The day before CassaStorm’s release – how cool is that?)

Cover Reveal

Seeing Ghosts 
by James Garcia Jr


Paul Herrera finds himself bequeathed a mysterious old house near the California central coast by a deceased aunt he never knew…

May Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming movies for May! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

3 -

Iron Man 3
When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.
Director: Shane Black
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Don Cheadle
What can I say? Can’t wait for Friday!!!



17 -

Star Trek Into Darkness
After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.
Director: J.J. Abrams
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto
Eager to see the direction they take with the series.


24 -

Fast & Furious 6
Agent Hobbs enlists the aid of Dom and team to help bring a rival gang, led by Owen Shaw, to justice. In exchange for clear records, they must put an end to their schemes, no matter how personal the cost.
Director: Justin Lin
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez
The sequels have been getting better so expect this to rock. (No Johnson pun intended.)

Epic
A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group characters in order to save their world -- and ours.
Director: Chris Wedge
Stars: Amanda Seyfried, Beyoncé Knowles, Josh Hutcherson, Colin Farrell
Tree huggers of the world – unite!


31 -

After Earth
A crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and his father Cypher stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after events forced humanity's escape. With Cypher injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help.
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Stars: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Isabelle Fuhrman, Sophie Okonedo
Great twist ending – M. Night actually died while filming the Sixth Sense. I see bad movies…

Following the awesome Robin? Can you guess my favorite bands now? Know the trivia? Can you help spread the word about Indiestructable? And what May movies have your interest?

One more day, one more blogger buddy to feature…

And special prayers for co-host Damyanti Biswas - her sister-in-law died a few weeks ago and yesterday, her mother-in-law died after being bitten by a poisonous snake. Please be thinking about her family today.

Ninja News, Secondhand Shoes, Movie Trivia Answers, She Said What Blogfest, and the Level Up! Blogfest

Today I am visiting the The Alliterative Allomorph! Jessica Bell is a super talented author and musician and somehow she talked me into a guest post that compares the two. (Yes, it’s garage-band man meets Joe Satriani.)

Ninja News

Literary Rambles is holding a 3000 followers giveaway with tons of books and a five page critique. They are also looking for young adult and middle grade writers and authors, so stop by.

Mark Koopmans won the “2013 Best Memoir” Award at the Southern California Writers' Conference last weekend. Way to go, Madman Mark!

Misha Gericke’s Paying it Forward Awards are now open for February nominations, and there are twice the prizes available!

Friday is the big reveal for CassaStorm’s cover! Thanks to all who signed up to help HERE. (I’ll be sending the cover and back cover synopsis Thursday.)
And just a sneak peek…

Run-Away-Bride Give-a-way

Secondhand Shoes by Shelly Arkon is available now!

Spread the News and Cheer on the Run-Away-Bride Give-a-way! The eBook is free through February 21. She’s also be giving away two fifteen dollar amazon cards and two autographed copies of Secondhand Shoes, but they must give Lila some helpful advice and promise to spread the news. I mean, it is her wedding day, after all.

Secondhand Shoes is now available on Amazon either in paperback or as an eBook. Paperback is $13.50. Ebook is $4.99. But from February 19 through the 21 the eBook is FREE to everyone.

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Kurt Russell and James Spader, 1994 - Stargate
2 – Peter Weller and Nancy Allen, 1987 - Robocop
3 – Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, 1995 - Twelve Monkeys
4 – Ron Pearlman and John Hurt, 2004 - Hellboy
5 – Lori Petty and Ice-T, 1995 - Tank Girl
6 – Keanu Reeves and George Carlin, 1989 - Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

She Said What Blogfest

Hosted by Elise Fallson and Michelle at Writer In Transit. Fill in the blank captions.

Michelle: I over-twisted the braids on my head. I'm pretty sure I'm hallucinating.

Elise: You think you got problems. I just barfed up a hairball.

Elise: Oh, for the love of....did you just get tangled in my hairball vomit?

Michelle: Yes, hoist me up before the champagne and LSD start running out my nose.

V-Boy: Pardon me ladies....but do you have any Grey Poupon?

Elise: On my honor...this is the last time I mix Orange Tango with massive amounts of psychotropic drugs.

Michelle: All right...my buzz is starting to wear off.

Elise: Are these breasts or pockets?

Extinct Dino Dude: Kids, drugs are dangerous. Take my advice.....just say no.

Ladies: A message from Mothers Against Cheeky Children Doing Drugs.

Level Up! Blogfest

Hosted by Jamie at Mithril Wisdom and Allison at Geek Banter - name your favorite games.

1. Movie Trivia Games
If you need someone to fill out your movie trivia team, then I am your man. I've watched so many movies that it's either very impressive or really pathetic. I have a knack for remembering actors, directors, plots and titles. I love all sorts of movie trivia from board games to iPad apps. I give my wife fits because when I am dialed in, I can win a game without giving her a turn. However, this happens with less frequency because I've watched so many movies that my brain is turning to tapioca.

2. StarCraft
This is a no brainer (which is helpful for good ol' tapioca brain.) For my money, the greatest RTS game ever made (that's Real Time Strategy for you noobs.) Featuring three distinct races (Terran, Zerg and Protoss), a great tech tree, an engaging campaign, and a pop-culture sense of humor, StarCraft is a rare game that works on every level and has amazing replay ability. Even though the graphics are a bit dated, the game still rocks and deserves a spot on the Mount Rushmore of gaming.

3. Dungeons & Dragons
I know, this just screams nerd in the basement with a 20-sided die and a half-elf named HoHo the Magic Newt. Well, that nerd was me. This game helped me to harness my imagination, develop problem solving, and taught invaluable lessons on how to work as a team. (And the consequences if you don't.) It also played a role in my moral upbringing. The scenarios that we encountered offered so many moral and social dilemmas. It's been a long time since I played but I will always treasure the friendships and the camaraderie.

Whoa! Some awesome news today. Picking up Shelly’s Secondhand Shoes? Get any of the movie trivia right? Participating in Elise and Michelle’s blogfest? What are some of your favorite games? Think I watch too many movies…?

Don’t forget to visit Jessica Bell.

And Friday… prepare for a CassaStorm!

Ninja News, Michael Pierce and Susy Asylum, Jessica Bell and The Book, Movie Trivia Answers, and Favorite Science Fiction Movie Quote

Ninja News

Misha Gericke is hosting a monthly Paying Forward Award with great prizes. Some awesome people nominated – and big thanks to someone for nominating me for Most Encouraging Blogger! Visit her site for the list and then send your selections to her via email. Thanks for hosting this award, Misha!

The Geek Twins had a “Caption This” contest and they chose my suggestion.

Thanks Maurice and Nigel!

Cover Reveal!

Coming Soon - the anticipated sequel to Michael Pierce's PROVEX City.

SUSY Asylum
The Lorne Family Vault, Book 2
by Michael Pierce

In SUSY Asylum, there is no release. There is no escape. No hope. In SUSY Asylum, the patients come face-to-face with their mirrors, locked away with the other halves of themselves who are thirsty for more than blood. Or so says Commodore Chaos.

Oliver and Desiree are introduced to the writings of the mysterious blogger, Commodore Chaos, when they return to Provex City to indulge in what the sublime city has to offer. The blogger claims the Lornes are collecting people venturing between the higher planes of awareness and locking them away in their mythical asylum. But are these legitimate concerns for inter-plane travelers or just the ramblings of an anonymous conspiracy blogger?

Oliver looks to the city as his only connection to his father while Desiree looks to the city as an escape from the torment of losing her best friend—again. Provex City is a wonder of beautiful treasures, entrancing them to continue returning. But behind the beauty, wolves have continued hunting Oliver, a boy who is still mostly unaware of his importance in the rebellion.

Oliver’s belief is waning. Desiree will not always be by his side. Mr. Gordon will not always come to his aid. Oliver finds himself alone, forced to confront his biggest fears, fight his inner demons, and face the very cold reality that no one is coming to save him.

Welcome to SUSY Asylum.

Cover Art by Sketcher Girl Studios and the awesome Vic Caswell!

Now Available!

Ever wondered how a five-year-old girl perceives the world? Then you definitely need to get your hands on THE BOOK, a novella by Jessica Bell.

"Jessica Bell’s surprising risks with language capture a child’s clear vision in a world of adult heartbreak. Indelible. Courageous." ~Thaisa Frank, author of Heidegger's Glasses and Enchantment

This book is not The Book. The Book is in this book. And The Book in this book is both the goodie and the baddie.

Bonnie is five. She wants to bury The Book because it is a demon that should go to hell. Penny, Bonnie’s mother, does bury The Book, but every day she digs it up and writes in it. John, Bonnie’s father, doesn’t live with them anymore. But he still likes to write in it from time to time. Ted, Bonnie’s stepfather, would like to write in The Book, but Penny won’t allow it.

To Bonnie, The Book is sadness.
To Penny, The Book is liberation.
To John, The Book is forgiveness.
To Ted, The Book is envy.
But The Book in this book isn’t what it seems at all.

If there was one thing in this world you wished you could hold in your hand, what would it be? The world bets it would be The Book.

Available at all major retailers in e-book and paperback, including Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Alien Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Yes, she knows it’s a multi-pass! The Fifth Element
2 – Look, I have one job on this lousy ship. It’s stupid, but I’m going to do it, okay? Galaxy Quest
3 – What the hell are you? Predator
4 – Somebody in this camp ain’t what he appears to be. Right now that may be one or two of us. By spring, it could be all of us. The Thing (1982)
5 – I hope you’re not going to take your skin off, because I really like skin on a woman. Cocoon

The Wednesday Movie Quote

Every Wednesday will be Movie Quote Day for a certain genre. You can post on your own blog or just leave your favorite quote here.

Today it’s futuristic science fiction.

My favorite:

From Blade Runner – “I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time... like tears in rain... Time to die.”

What’s your favorite? Next week – light fantasy.

Excited about Michael's new book? How about Jessica's? Did you get the trivia right? (A couple of you got all of the answers!) And what is your favorite science fiction movie quote?

Don't forget to visit Misha Gericke to vote!