Metal Band Name Generator, Muse Party Blogfest, Bee Shortage, Movie Review, and New Releases

Today I am visiting Tyrean Martinson and discussing writing influences. And there's trivia!

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest!

Heavy Metal Band Name Generator

In need of a metal band name or just a good laugh? Check out Heavy Metal Band Name Generator – one press of the button randomly generates a suitable metal name.
So far, my favorite has been Boob Holocaust.

Movie Review

Probably seeing Tomorrowland today, so will post review next week. In the meantime…

White House Down
Directed by Roland Emmerich, the story is ridiculous and very unrealistic. It’s full of gaping plot holes.
However, the leads are very likeable and manage to pull some entertainment out of the flick.
Watch if you’re really bored.

New Releases

Fixation by J. L. Campbell
Find on Amazon and Smashwords

A Change of Mind and Other Stories by Nick Wilford
A Change of Mind and Other Stories consists of a novella, four short stories and one flash fiction piece. This collection puts the extremes of human behaviour under the microscope with the help of lashings of dark humour, and includes four pieces previously published in Writer’s Muse magazine.
Find it here: Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Goodreads

Ten Zany Birds by Sherry Ellis
Find it on Amazon

Bees in Danger by Jo

Jo on Food, Life and a Scent of Chocolate mentioned a shocking report she had read on honey bees and how they were declining in numbers. A report featured on IFLScience described how in recent decades honey bee numbers in the US had declined by 60%. This is shocking in itself but the latest report by the Bee Informed Partnership together with the Apiary Inspectors of America, which surveyed over 6,000 apiarists, indicates that there has been a further loss of 42% of honey bee colonies in the United States. Some of this has been caused by the destructive varroa mite, a lot of the problem is related to toxic chemicals used by humans, but some is totally unexplainable. While the bulk of the cereal crops (which are wind pollinated) would survive, many fruit and vegetable crops would disappear. Australia has been protected from pests like the varroa by their very strict quarantine laws but, even if they end up with the only healthy honey bee population, that won't save the world's food crops. We need the honey bee. If it dies out, we are in serious danger of dying out too. Visit the blog of Helen Venn for more information.

The Muse Party Blogfest

Hosted by Sarah Foster.

I don’t really have a muse, so I decided to bring along one of my characters instead.

Who is your muse (or character)? Tell us a little bit about him/her and why you brought them. I’m bringing Athee from my Cassa series. She’s beautiful, strong-willed, outgoing, and will offset the fact I’m not really a party guy.

What are you guys wearing? Dressing up or keeping it casual? I’m always dashing in a tux and I hope she’s wearing something low cut.

It's a potluck! Did you bring something yummy? She would bring a traditional Tgren dish with all the trimmings and I would bring a traditional snarky guy dish of Hot Tamales and Gummy Worms over rice.

Open bar! What are you both drinking (booze or otherwise)? I’m drinking whatever makes me not care about the awkward words coming out of my mouth.

Wallflowers or social butterflies? I’m the wallflower of the two.

What song(s) will you and your muse sing for karaoke? She opts for a traditional Tgren song and I opt for Cowboys From Hell by Pantera.

What's your favorite party game? Whatever gets my date naked the fastest. (Hey, you asked!)

Which one of you is more likely to end up dancing on a table top? Definitely Athee. I will be sleeping under the table at that point.

Has your muse been a good date and would you ever hang out with them again? Excellent date… reminds me a lot of my wife!

What heavy metal band names did you get? Seen White House Down? Picking up some new books? Have you seen a decrease in bees in your area? And what would your muse or character be like at a party?

Don’t forget to visit Tyrean Martinson!

And happy Memorial Day.

Bloody Mary with Chrys Fey! Plus the You Rock Award and Ninja News.

Today I have the honor and privilege of appearing at C S Lakin’s Live Write Thrive. My topic - How to Handle Writer Insecurity.

I was that Kid...

By Chrys Fey

I was the skinny girl who would sit in the dark with a flashlight, making up ghost stories to frighten my friends. Their squeals were cheers to me.

When I was twelve, my friends and I liked to huddle in a dark bathroom, stand in front of the mirror and call out, “Bloody Mary.” One of my friends would say “Bloody Mary” once and then chicken out. Another would shriek, “Did you hear that?” or “Something touched me!” Yet another would be in charge of the lights and would turn them on if we got too scared. The lights went on a lot.

I was the girl who would have the guts to blurt out “Bloody Mary” three times. Immediately after, I’d hear gasps of fear and awe. Seconds later someone would scream, which would prompt us all to scream and shove each other out of the bathroom only to go back in minutes later and do it again.

Available Now: GHOST OF DEATH at Amazon US, Amazon UK, The Wild Rose Press, and Nook.

Available for PRE-ORDER: WITCH OF DEATH at Amazon US and Amazon UK

Find Chrys: Blog, Facebook, Website, and Goodreads

Ninja News

Today at the A to Z Blog, I am kicking off the Themes That Rocked the Challenge feature with someone really awesome - J.H. Moncrieff! You like strange, ghostly, and bizarre? Then check it out.

Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse announced a writing contest – Epic Worlds. Check out his site for details.

Available now!
Iron Warrior by Jay Noel
(The Mechanica Wars Book 3)
Find it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Available May 13!
A Taste Of Pain by G. B. Miller
Find it at Smashwords

The Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest is May18 – next Monday! Movie/show/book that exemplifies the theme, or part of the theme. Hosted by me and Heather Gardner. Join us – it will be epic!

You Rock Award!

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

Past recipients include Arlee Bird, Yvonne Lewis, RaShelle Workman, Hannah, Jeffrey Beesler, Gail, Rusty Webb, Chuck, George, Jeremy Hawkins, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland Yeomans, Melissa Bradley, Robyn Engel, Lynda Young, Michael Di Gesu, Heather Gardner, Stephen Tremp, Father Dragon Al, the late Tina Downey, Damyanti, Edi, Karen Walker, Elizabeth Spann Craig, and Suze.

Every year, it gets harder! There are those on the IWSG team, the A to Z Challenge team, and my faithful blogger buddies. How do I only pick a handful when so many are worthy? You guys are all awesome. I can only honor a few though.

This year’s You Rock recipients are…

Susan Gourley
She’s one of my IWSG admins and a fellow A to Z co-host. She’s a talented writer and an excellent organizer. No matter what, I know I can always count on her. But more than that, she’s been an awesome friend for so many years now. I don’t know what I’d do if this amazing woman vanished from the blogging world. Susan, you rock!

Pat Hatt at It’s Rhyme Time
Pat is a talented writer and poet, with dozens of books to his credit. He is owned by two cats, Orlin and Cassie, and blogs a snarky poem every single day. His sense of humor is awesome and matched only by his giving heart. Despite the fact he’s buried Mini-Alex in the litterbox more than once, Pat is a dedicated and amazing friend. Dude, honored to call you a friend – you rock!

Jo at Jo on Food, Life, and a Scent of Chocolate
Hailing from Canada, Jo posts daily about her life, interesting facts, and recipes. She also has a quick wit – her animal for Z last month was a zebra, followed by a recipe for zebra! She is also Grandmother Dragon to our private Dragon Fellowship group, watching over us and giving sage advice. Jo, you’re a very caring and supportive friend – you rock!

Michelle at Writer in Transit
From South Africa, Michelle is one of my IWSG admins. She’s a flash fiction master and isn’t afraid to tackle anything. What I admire most about Michelle is her enthusiasm. Plus her creativity knows no bounds. She gets an idea and runs with it. I’m fortunate to know her. Michelle, you keep me on my toes – you rock!

Brandon and Bryan at A Beer For the Shower
I’ve known these dudes for five years now, although we lost touch for a while during blogging growth spurts. The authors of numerous books, their site is bursting with humor and snark. These boys pull no punches – they call it like it is. Despite the rough edges they exhibit, both have morals and strong values. (Bryan is even a minister!) They are just the nicest guys and I’m honored they are my friends. Brandon and Bryan – you guys rock!

Christine Rains
Christine is a talented hybrid author, dabbling in numerous genres. I’m always astonished by what she accomplishes considering her busy schedule. She writes and blogs on a tight schedule, and always with considering as to how she can help her fellow writer. She is indeed ‘Fearless’ and an amazing friend. Christine, I really admire you – and you rock!

Truedessa
Most of the You Rock recipients I’ve known for years, but every now and then someone comes along who really speaks to your heart. Truedessa is an amazing poet, one with a gentle and loving spirit. She often embarks on adventures with Pat Hatt, and her natural innocence and pure heart shines through even then. Truedessa, you are the brightest star in the sky – and you rock!


Did you ever say Bloody Mary to a mirror? Ready for Blood, Boobs, and Carnage? Do you miss the A to Z Challenge? (Road Trip opens this week.) Are you following those blogger? Who rocks your world…?

Be sure to visit C S Lakin’s Live Write Thrive!