Avengers: Age of Ultron Review! Plus A to Z Challenge Reflections and Ninja News

Today I am visiting Teresa at Journaling Woman and discussing a writing schedule that works. Need help with your schedule? Then check it out!
Plus, Mini-Alex is also stalking Pat Hatt's cats today...

Avengers: Age of Ultron Review

Tony Stark uses Loki’s scepter to create a higher level of artificial intelligence to protect the planet. The result is Ultron, an unbeatable villain determined to bring peace by purifying the Earth.
In a nutshell – the movie is chalk full of geeky goodness!
There are many great action scenes and the story moves at a rapid pace.
It contains a huge cast, even bigger than the first Avengers. There are several new characters and few returning from other films.
There is a bit more character development as past issues and current situations are revealed and relationships develop.
The banter between the characters is awesome. There were so many funny lines, it will take multiple viewings just to remember half of them.
The film continues to expand the Avengers and the Marvel universe.
(Slight spoiler! It sets up the Infinity Wars and the inclusion of the Guardians of the Galaxy next time.)
And to address a few of the reviewer’s complaints – the plot does make sense in a comic book universe, Thor is not left out of the story, and Hawkeye doesn’t take over.
Ultimately – it’s a lot of fun and a worthy follow-up to the first Avengers film. Highly recommended!

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2021/07/how-it-started-how-its-going.html

Ninja News 

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


The Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest is May18 - movie/show/book that exemplifies the theme. (Or part of theme.) Hosted by me and Heather Gardner.

And Next Monday – the You Rock Awards!

A to Z Challenge Reflections

Between May 4 and May 8, post your thoughts on the Challenge – what you liked, didn’t like, your experience, etc. AFTER you have posted, go add the direct link to the Linky list at the A to Z Blog.

My theme this year was Movies-Music-Science Fiction Book-Bloggers-Dragon of the Stars Term. As always, it was a lot to research and put together, plus gathering of links and images. Choosing blogger buddies to feature was tough, as I know so many awesome bloggers, but I did my best to feature those I knew well and hadn’t featured in the past. Most of them found their feature, which was cool.

I’d like to thank all of my fellow co-hosts - Jeremy Hawkins, Nicole Ayers, Stephen Tremp, Heather M. Gardner, AJ, Pam, Matthew MacNish, Zalka Csenge Virág, S. L. Hennessy, C. Lee McKenzie, Joy Campbell, Susan Gourley, Lisa Buie-Collard, and John Holton. Special thanks to Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out for starting this back in 2010. And thanks to all of you for allowing me to skip a section of the List to monitor this year. I might’ve imploded otherwise.

And a big thanks to my Insecure Writer’s Support Group admins who kept the site rocking with inspiration throughout the Challenge.

As always, the main issue is time. The Challenge opened on Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day, which meant double-duty for me. Plus my book, Dragon of the Stars, came out on April 7. Add to the fact that I average over a hundred comments per post, and you can imagine I was really strapped for time to get it all done.

The only thing that saved me was switching tactics at the end of the second week. I started focusing on those who were leaving comments. I realized there were a lot of blogs I was visiting, blogger buddies even, who were not returning my visit. That was a sad realization, but it helped to lighten the load by sticking to those who did visit me.

Of course, this meant I didn’t get to visit a lot of new blogs. The past few years, that has really frustrated me. Fortunately, several new followers found me, and I did make some new friends. So, I welcome you, and hope I can continue to entertain you!

We always suggest posts of three hundred words or less. And of course, there are those who ignore that and write these long tomes. I did my best, but I’m a slow reader, and could only visit a few with long posts.

Some people never returned comments. Or follows. It’s easy to just drop a feed into Feedly or Bloglovin’, but unless there is a follow through Google Friends Connect or Google+, I have no way of knowing. (So if you are following but haven’t hit one of those two, please do, so I’ll know!)

There were some amazing themes this year. I’ve already started scheduling Themes That Rocked the Challenge posts for the A to Z Blog.

Ultimately, I’m beat. And I still have the IWSG post this Wednesday. Plus my tour continues every Monday through June. So Lord, just give me the strength to keep going…


And if you survived this year’s Challenge, be sure to pick up your survivor t-shirt, courtesy of Jeremy Hawkins, at the Neatoshop.


Did you see the new Avengers movie this weekend? What are your thoughts on the Challenge? Did you make a lot of new friends? Who had the coolest theme? Did you feel overwhelmed? (Or left out if you didn’t participate?) What was your favorite part of the Challenge?

Don’t forget to visit Teresa at Journaling Woman and Pat Hatt!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Ninja News, Wednesday Movie Quote, and the Super Bowl

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 two awesome co-hosts this month are Stephen Tremp and Julie Flanders! Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

This week finds me doing final revisions on CassaStorm for my publisher. I think I finally nailed the back cover synopsis as well. And hopefully I’ll get to see the cover by the end of next week! (Guess I need to plan a cover reveal date, don’t I?)

Otherwise, I have made a decision regarding writing. With so much happening in the blogging world, including the A to Z Challenge in two months, and the amount of time I am putting in playing my guitar, I am putting writing on hold until May. Too much pressure otherwise. I do have an idea for another book, but it’s a vague idea at the moment. So I’ll just let it brew for a while (coffee, Rusty?) and focus on other areas of my life. In three months, I’ll reassess.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll write a song for you guys instead!

Be sure to visit other members of the IWSG – the list is on a tabbed page above – and show your support!

Ninja News

Teresa at Journaling Woman has a short piece in the March/April issue of Writer’s Digest! She said: “The challenge was 'In 25 words or fewer, write the opening sentence to a story based on the photo prompt below.' Under the photo are these words, ‘Out of more than 1,300 entries, Writer’s Digest editors and forum members selected the following story openers.’”
Congratulations, Teresa!

Juliana Haygert revealed the cover art for her upcoming book, Destiny Gift. Awesome cover, Juliana!

Mark Koopmans is putting together a retreat in Hawaii! The Writers’ Weekend will be from Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, which coincides with the 41st Honolulu Marathon. You can also visit the USS Arizona on December 7, the “date which shall live in infamy.” See his site for details – the man needs help!

Thanks to everyone who signed up for the Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest, set for March 18, 2013.
Your ten favorite movies – simple and easy!

Wednesday Movie Quote

Today’s favorite movie quote theme is “Crime Thriller.”


My favorite comes from The Usual Suspects:

“The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

Truer words have never been spoken…

Feel free to post your favorite crime thriller quote here or play along with Wednesday Movie Quotes on your own blog!

Next week’s theme – “Romantic Comedy.”

The Super Bowl

Won’t go into the game except to show you that Mini-Alex was at the party and tried to get in on the action. (Proof that he wasn’t the one who cut the power after halftime!)

And as far as commercials, this year was really lame. Outside of the cool movie trailers (Fast and Furious VI, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and Iron Man III) the best ones were Best Buy with Amy Poehler, Deion Sanders/Leon Sandcastle, and “God made a farmer.” (And yes, the Budweiser Clydesdale was cute.)

What’s your writer insecurity today? Ready for a retreat in Hawaii? Signed up for the Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest? What’s your favorite crime thriller movie quote? And do you think Mini-Alex could’ve scored some points?

Author Ciara Knight Weighs in on Science, Ninja News, and Ninja out of the Shell

Special treat today! Author Ciara Knight is here to talk about the science in science fiction. Or rather, that lack thereof. (Hey, I can totally relate!) Take it, Ciara…

I’d like to thank Master Ninja Alex for allowing me to be here today. You are the most giving blogger I know, and you write my favorite genre, science fiction. I’ve always wanted to write in this genre, but avoided it. I hope you don’t mind, but that’s what I’m going to talk about today.

No, not Science!

I’ve avoided writing science fiction because I’ve always been scared of the supporting science. When I began writing The Neumarian Chronicles, I fell completely in love with the story, characters, and plot. I started typing my ideas down as they came flooding in with little effort until I hit the dreaded technology question. What is the power source?

The Neumarian Chronicles is a futuristic post-war setting with airships, so I couldn’t ignore this problem. I consulted some old friends including a mechanic, NASA writer, fighter pilot, and my hubby (The man is aggravatingly brilliant. Of course, I find that totally sexy).

I researched heat engines (Internal combustion and external combustion), electric, pneumatic motors, and molecular motors. I found each one had some issues. In Weighted and the beginning of Escapement (book I of The Neumarian Chronicles) they are in the Mining Territory, located in the wasteland (AKA western USA). I did some research on natural resources that would have likely survived the war, and discovered uranium as an option. Great, I’ll have the airship use a nuclear steam-powered Stirling engine. Problem solved, right?

No.

There are ships, trains, and boats from other areas. I continued my research and discovered what else would most likely survive a great war. Coal in one region, salt-water in another, etc…

You’ve probably already solved my dilemma, but I was so deep in research I didn’t see the obvious.

*Palm to head* Dah!

Why does there have to be one technology? There is no internet, phone, or easy transportation. This world is rebuilding under tyrannical rule. There would be no ONE power source. They would be scavenging for whatever they could to survive.

The funny part is that most of the science isn’t discussed in the book, but I know how everything works. Also, you smarty-pants out there won’t call me out for using the wrong power source. Okay, I know someone will, but that’s okay. I loved the process and learned so much about science, technology, and myself as a writer.

Now, I totally accept the roll of a fearless Ninja of science. Well, at least in my writing.

Weighted blurb:

The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.

Author bio:

Ciara Knight writes to ‘Defy the Dark’ with her fantasy and paranormal books. Her debut novel, The Curse of Gremdon, was released to acclaimed reviews, securing a Night Owl Top Pick and five stars from the Paranormal Romance Guild. Also, released in 2012 is her young adult series, Battle for Souls.

For a full list of her work, please go to her website.

Ciara is extremely sociable and can be found at Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and her blog.

Ninja News

Milo James Fowler at In Medias Res is holding a contest for the latest volume of Bardic Tales and Sage Advice (in PRINT), which includes his story "The Second Option." Visit his blog for details.

Part Three of Andrew Leon’s book, Shadow Spinner, is available for free on Amazon now.

Thanks to everyone who visited Teresa at Journaling Woman last Friday. Glad you liked my writing tip.
I think it’s my new motto!

Today is the special cover reveal of EJ Wesley’s new book!! 
Congratulations, EJ!!!

And he's holding a giveaway at his blog, so check it out.

My movie trivia question on Friday – which movie series/franchise has TWO films in the top ten of all time? Believe it or not, Pirates of the Caribbean! On Stranger Tides and Dead Man’s Chest are both in the top ten with over a billion dollars each. (No idea why, but that’s the answer.)

Beyond the Ninja Shell

Several of you commented that you enjoyed finding out things about me at Teresa’s blog that you don’t find here. I’ll admit, I don’t divulge much on my own blog, whether because I’m a private person, or yeah, I’m still shy, or just the fact I don’t think I’m all that interesting. So I’ll leave it up to you guys – what do you want to know? I won’t reveal all, but I’ll do my best. And snark may or may not be involved.

Questions for Ciara about science? (Hey, can’t ask me – I still don’t know how a teleporter works.) Get the trivia question right? And anything you’d possibly want to know about the Ninja…?

Ninja News, Video Feature, Movie Remakes, 2012 Movie Grosses, and Interesting People!

Teresa at Journaling Woman has a special feature called “Friday’s Interesting People.” And guess what? Today I’m the interesting person! (Hey, one day out of the year’s not bad.) So stop by her blog and check it out.

Ninja News!

Want to know what’s involved in setting up and running a writer’s retreat? Just ask author Jessica Bell. She’s also running a special Wednesday feature, so leave your question HERE.

Melynda’s Labor Day Blogfest and Bookfair – “This September, Wayman Publishing is honoring Melynda Fleury for her brave fight against diabetes by offering a 3 part giveaway to get everyone involved in reading and this giveaway!” See Siv Maria’s site for details.

Overused words! Want some alternatives? Bish Denham posts a great list of alternatives every Thursday as she makes her way through the alphabet. See the full list of overused words HERE.

Sean McLachlan at Civil War Horror is having a birthday sale until the end of August! Check out the details on his blog.

Video Feature!

I had issues with C. Lee McKenzie’s book trailer last week, so posting it for her today!

Movie Remakes Question

Hollywood has been pumping out the movie remakes lately. Some have worked well (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) some have failed (Total Recall.) Most of us would prefer they made some new films, even if they are based on books. (Hollywood, feel free to contact my publisher about movie rights to CassaStar and CassaFire.)

However, since they appear determined to continue remaking older films, here’s my question – what old film would you LIKE to see remade?

My selection – 1979’s Buck Rogers.
Yes, I had a huge teen crush on Erin Gray, but the film is as cheesy as hell.
Make one that is more serious, with great effects, and no Twiki noises, and it just might rock. (Maybe Erin can make a cameo appearance?)

Movies – the Money-Makers so Far

With two-thirds of the year gone (when did THAT happen?) here are the biggest money-making movies so far. All totals are world-wide because that’s what really matters.

1 – The Avengers - $1.48 billion

2 – The Dark Knight Rises - $900 million

3 – Ice Age: Continental Drift - $800 million

4 – The Amazing Spider-Man - $692 million

5 – The Hunger Games - $623 million

6 – Men in Black 3 - $623 million

7 – Madagascar 3 - $565 million

I’ve seen six of the seven! How many have you seen?

And quick movie trivia – one movie series has TWO films in the top ten of all time – name the series.

Lots of good news today! Did you like the book trailer for Alligators Overhead? What movie do you want to see remade? Surprised by the top movies so far? (Ice Age 4 – really???) And do you know the answer to my trivia question?

Don’t forget to visit Teresa at Journaling Woman!

GRATEFUL/GREGARIOUS - A to Z Challenge

It’s 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.

GRATEFUL/GREGARIOUS

Teresa at Journaling Woman
This wonderful woman sees the big picture. She understands grace and is humbled by it. You have only to read her posts to see the gratitude and love. I never miss her posts, especially on Sunday. She keeps me humble and in sync with my true purpose in life. Thanks Teresa!

Tyrean at Tyrean’s Writing Spot
Every day is a blessing to Tyrean. She sees the world through the eyes of innocence and gratitude. Visiting her blog is like going home – you know you’ll be safe and surrounded by the love of family. Tyrean is gracious, encouraging, and a true joy!

Cassie Mae at Reading Writing and Lovin' It!
Gregarious times ten! She once said there were no awkward silences around her and I believe it. But it’s not just her chatter that’s contagious. Cassie understands how to spread the love. She’s everywhere, like a little matchmaker, bringing blogger friends together.

No movie or music today because I wanted to let everyone who visits the blog of this geeky, movie and music loving author know that I am very grateful for you! Thanks for all of your support this week.

Ninja News!

For those who missed it, I am hosting the First Loves Blogfest on May 14 – First loves of movies, music, books, and persons

Hope everyone is enjoying the Challenge. Wanted to wish all of my followers a Happy Easter. It's a day for which I could never express enough gratitude.


Are you following Teresa, Tyrean, or Cassie? Did you sign up for the blogfest? Who in your life is grateful or gregarious? And what is your favorite Easter candy? I’m partial to Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs myself…