News to the Page, Goodbye Dear Tina, Movie Trivia Answers, and Ninja News

I have the awesome Julie Musil here today!

I also have a special tribute to a dear blogger buddy who is no longer with us…

From the News to the Page

I remember the moment when inspiration struck for my latest YA release, The Summer of Crossing Lines. I was watching the local Los Angeles news. A small white pickup truck led police on a high speed chase, and by the end of the chase, two teens were splayed out on the freeway. Spotlights shone down on them as cops moved in. A cache of weapons had been found in their truck.

My writer brain went into overdrive. That news event became a major scene in my book.

How can authors steal “ripped from the headlines” events and make them story-worthy? Try asking these questions:

Who are these people?
How old are they?
Where did they get those weapons/bruises/ratty shoes/extra children?
What led them to that point in their lives?
What happens next?

Once we’ve brainstormed intriguing answers to these questions, we can take a regular news article and build an entire story around it. If you’re watching a crazy news event you may first wonder, Who in the heck would do that? and then you could think, My character, that’s who.

Have you ever based a story on a real-life news event? Which one? Did you add it to the beginning, middle or ending of your book?

Julie Musil writes from her rural home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband and three sons. She’s an obsessive reader who loves stories that grab the heart and won’t let go. Her YA novels The Summer of Crossing Lines and The Boy Who Loved Fire are available now. For more information, or to stop by and say Hi, please visit Julie on her blog, on Twitter, and on Facebook.
Find The Summer of Crossing Lines on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and Kobo.

Ninja News

Today’s Themes that Rocked the Challenge features Rhonda Albom who posted AmaZing Photos from around the world. Check it out at the A to Z Blog.

Found a cool site called Book Goodies and already have CassaStorm listed. (Still need to fill out the interview.) But I think it’s something a lot of you guys could benefit from using, so check it out.

Michael Di Gesu is putting together an anthology to benefit Melissa Bradley and Gilda's Club Chicago, an organization that helps women fight cancer. See his site for details. You can also click on the big button in my right sidebar to donate directly to Melissa.

Out now in print and eBook – A Sawmill’s Hope by David Silexare

Sean McLachlan got to attend the seventy-second world science fiction convention, WorldCon. He shared this photo and you can see many more and read about WorldCon in his article at Blackgate.

Out now – The Real Thing by Cassie Mae

80’s Trivia Answers

1 – What city did the LA Clippers move from in 1984? San Diego
2 – This band’s debut single was Goodbye to You. Scandal
3 – This famous actor played Chris in the soap opera Another World. Brad Pitt
4 – This MLB manager managed a National League (Phillies) and an American League (Indians) team in the same season. Pat Corrales
5 – Robert De Niro said the line ‘Sarrano’s got the disks’ in what movie? Midnight Run
6 – Comedian Sam Kinison released a remake of what Trogg’s song? Wild Thing

Goodbye Dear Friend

Many of you saw this on Sunday – we lost a very dear member of the blogging community on Saturday, Tina Downey. She was a huge part of the A to Z Challenge Team and her blog was called Life is Good because she really believed it. Tina experienced some health challenges this year - you can read what happened at her blog.

What I want to share isn’t what Tina did or even who she was to everyone online. Many of you knew her and realized how much she touched the lives of others. She leaves behind kids and a husband, and I can't imagine the pain they are enduring. I could not go on without my wife. But that's not what I want to share.

What I want to share is what Tina meant to me.

Tina was more than a friend. She was like a sister. She was the rock of stability. Within the A to Z Team, I always said Tina was the one who held us together. Which is why it’s so hard to think that glue is gone. Her wit and whimsy are silent. Never again will I get a long, snarky, no-holds-barred email from Tina, one that makes me chuckle for hours afterwards. Right now it feels like a really deep void. I’ve lost blogger buddies in the past, but this time is the worst.

I’ll make it no secret I loved and adored Tina, and I shed tears for her and her family this weekend. She told me once that I was as real to her if not more so than any real-world friend, and I felt the same way about her. If I had to count the blogger friends on one hand whom I trusted as the dearest friends on earth, Tina would've been one of those people.

I know you’re with the Lord now, Tina, but I am really, really going to miss you. I hope your family leaves your blog in place so we can continue to enjoy the wonderful stories you shared over the years. I promise to keep giving my all to the A to Z Team, although I am certainly no super glue. Not like Super Tina.

You’ll always rock, Tina. And we’ll meet again one day.




Have you based a story on real life events? Can you contribute to the cancer anthology? Get any of the trivia right? Did you know Tina? Feel free to share your thoughts here...

Due to Labor Day, I won’t be posting again until September 3 for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I hope you’ll stop by then, as we have an incredible announcement for our three year anniversary.

Ubuntu Bloghop and Humanity, Mini-Alex and Snow, Movie Trivia Answers, and Ninja News

Today I am visiting the lovely Julie Musil talking about the small publisher debate. Please join us and weigh in your thoughts.

Cherie Colyer has a Features and Spotlights she does every Friday, and this week it is on my series! Thanks, Cherie!

I finally let Mini-Alex out for a snow day and the scarf was very much needed!

Special thanks again to Elise for the creation of Mini-Alex and to Deniz for making his scarf!

Ninja News

The IWSG Website has a great guest today – the amazing Anne R. Allen!

Our good friend Roland Yeomans is undergoing surgery today for cancer. Please keep him in your prayers this week. Since Roland is also struggling with the funds for this surgery, Sean McLachlan suggested a Buy-A-Thon for his books. I’ve read several of Roland’s books and highly recommend following the adventures of one Victor Standish. Visit Roland’s author page on Amazon to see a complete listing of his eBooks and audio books. If you’ve never read any of Roland’s work, now is a great time to do so!

Did you catch Father Dragon Al’s Lord of the Clones Challenge Part 2? 



Sir Baldernot at his finest!




Patricia Stoltey signed a contract with Five Star/Cengage for her first standalone suspense novel, Dead Wrong. The book is scheduled for a November 2014 release.

Terri Rochenski announced that Roane Publishing offered her a contract for Love's Sorrow, the first book in my Means of Mercy series.

Cindy at Dreamer’s Perch has a poll going on - if you had to choose, what is your favorite kind of science fiction? Visit her site to vote for the poll in her sidebar.

In a brand new series, Donna Hosie revisits Logres with THE CHILDREN OF CAMELOT.

Two worlds, one thousand years apart. And those worlds are about to collide.

THE RING OF MORGANA will be released in ebook and paperback on the 15th June 2014.

The Ubuntu Bloghop

Michelle Wallace at Writer-in-Transit is celebrating her third blog anniversary with a bloghop!

What is ubuntu? "In Africa, there is a concept known as UBUNTU – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others." – Nelson Mandela.

When I signed up, I had no idea what I was going to post for this bloghop. I knew poetry was out of the question. (You should all be grateful for that.) I thought about posting a video or a Bible passage.

But the best example of humanity towards others came on Monday when so many rallied around Jeremy Hawkins and left comments of encouragement at his special tribute at the A to Z Blog. Over 160 people showed their support through the efforts of the A to Z Co-Hosts and DL Hammons’ Blog Blitz Team. You guys were awesome and really cheered up Jeremy!

Movie Trivia Answers

1 - Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Al Pacino – 1995 – Heat
2 - Morgan Freeman, Bruce Willis, Karl Urban – 2010 – Red
3 - Joe Pantoloano, Carrie-Anne Moss, Guy Pearce – 2000 - Memento
4 - Bonnie Bedelia, William Sadler, Bruce Willis = 1990 – Die Hard II
5 - James McAvoy, Liam Neeson, Tilda Swinton – 2005 – Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Have you read one of Roland’s books yet? Excited about the new book deals? How would you define Ubuntu? Get any of the trivia right? And who wants to play in the snow with Mini-Alex?

Don’t forget to visit Julie Musil today and Cherie Colyer on Friday!

Movie Reviews, Movie Trivia, Ninja News, and Cosmic Knighthood!

Something cool is happening at David Powers King’s blog today – the Ninja is now a Cosmic Knight! Check it out as we discuss teleporters, blogging, and Hot Tamales.

Movie Reviews

The Croods - 2012
A caveman family trying to survive as their world falls apart.
It was better than expected and had a good heart. Beautiful visuals, humor, and a good story about being willing to try new things. Probably the best film Nicolas Cage has done in the past ten years.
Recommended

The Sorcerer and the While Snake - 2011
A monk (played by Jet Li) tries to protect a young man from a thousand year old snake demon.
While the sets are colorful and lavish, the special effects fall short. So does the story, which is all over the map, following several characters. The movie isn’t sure what it wants to be – it’s too intense for kids and yet the dialogue and action are too childish for adults. I’ve seen worse, but I’ve seen a lot better!
Not recommended

Movie Trivia

Location, location, location! In what city or town does most of the action in these films take place?

1 – Rango 2011
2 – Tremors 1990
3 – Ocean’s Eleven 2001
4 – Doc Hollywood 1991
5 – Ghostbusters 1984
6 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 1986
7 – Ratatouille 2007

Ninja News

Sarah Ahiers has an agent!!! Congratulations, Sarah.

Michelle Wallace is celebrating three years of blogging with THE UBUNTU BLOGHOP February 18-21.
What is ubuntu? "In Africa, there is a concept known as UBUNTU – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others." – Nelson Mandela. Any form of creativity that captures the spirit of ubuntu is welcome!
See her site for details and to sign up.

On February 28, Kyra and Rachel are hosting the WIP Movie Bloghop. See their sites for details.

Julie Musil’s book, The Boy Who Loved Fire, was released this week!

This Friday is the release of Decadent Kane’s second book in The Trouble With Elves series, Tempting Clover!

Ali Cross announced the dates for IndieReCon 2014 - February 25-27. See her site for details.

The A to Z Challenge list is open and filling fast! You don’t want to miss the biggest blogging event of the year. And if you need ideas for your Challenge theme, Lisa at Flash Fiction posted a great list.

Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post date is next Wednesday!

And the Epic 2000 Followers Giveaway continues!

Who will be GFC follower number 2000?




Have you seen either movie? Know the trivia answers? Excited about the new books and blogfests? Did you sign up for the A to Z Challenge? You know resistance is futile…

Don’t forget to visit David Powers King!

M Pax’s Favorite Astronomizing Moments, WALL-E and ET Pumpkins, Ninja News, Monster Trivia Answers, and Mini-Alex!

I’m visiting fellow science fiction author, Sandra Ulbrich Almazan, and answering a few questions about myself, my creative process, and words of wisdom. (Don’t laugh at that last one…)

M. Pax is here today to discuss her best moments as a star guide!

Best Moments of Astronomizing

September 27th was the end of my 6th summer as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory. Despite the growing light pollution from an expanding population in Central Oregon, we still have relatively dark skies – skies that let us view the Milky Way in all its starry glory. Glorious it is. It never fails to awe me and make my heart race. Here are some of my favorite moments:

1. Discovery. Every time I find an object, it’s as thrilling as the first time. I don’t use a computer. I use star charts and an electronics-free telescope. When I started, my astronomy friends taught me how to point at Jupiter. It and the Moon were my entire repertoire. Now I can find a hundred objects.

2. My favorite summer object: M24. It’s a densely packed star field – a star cloud – above Sagittarius. It fills my eyepiece with stars. It’s stunning. Overall, the Orion nebula is my favorite [winter object].

3. Giving Robert his life’s dream. Robert visited a few summers ago. He told me it was his life’s dream to see a nebula. I gave showed him five then told him he needed a new life’s dream, because 9 was way too young to be done with that sort of thing.

4. Showing kids how to use my telescope and letting them. “Come see my star,” they like to say. Awesome.

5. Being able to give a person in a wheelchair a tour of the night sky. It was possible with my Dobsonian.

Yeah, most of my triumphs have to do with giving someone a special night, one made of stars and dreams. It’s the most awesome job, and that joy is what I’m paid. I can’t wait until next summer.

M. Pax-- Inspiring the words she writes, she spends her summers as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory in stunning Central Oregon where she lives with the Husband Unit and two demanding cats. She writes science fiction and fantasy mostly. You can find out more by visiting her at: Website, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Wattpad

Find Beyond the Edge: Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, and Kobo

Ninja News

Doralynn Kennedy’s Spiders comes out today. Congratulations, Doralynn!

Karen Lange’s Homeschool Co-ops 101 is now available! Buy it at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Congratulations, Karen!

Nigel Mitchell’s latest is now available – Six Guns of Madness. Purchase it at Amazon. Congratulations, Nigel!

Cover Reveal

THE BOY WHO LOVED FIRE, by Julie Musil
Release date – January 2014
Add to Goodreads

Manny O’Donnell revels in his status at the top of his high school food chain…

Julie Musil is the author of YA fiction. As the mother of three teen boys, she’s immersed in teen speak, drama, and gym socks. She loves to chat--just ask her Super Supportive Hubby, the guy with the glazed eyes. Connect with Julie on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.

Monster Movie Trivia Answers 

1 – Ginger Snaps 2000 - Werewolf
2 – Them! 1954 - Giant Ants
3 – Tremors 1990 - Graboids
4 – Dead Alive 1992 - Zombies
5 – Near Dark 1987 - Vampires
6 – Mimic 1997 - Insects

Mini-Alex and the Cassa Poster

I’m always envious of the prizes you guys win. This time however, my publisher sent me one of them – the Cassa Universe poster!

And Mini-Alex was very happy…

More Cool Halloween Pumpkins

From EgoTV Online - visit the site for even more!

Every viewed the stars from an observatory? Excited about the new books? Get any of the trivia right? And did you carve a pumpkin this year…?

Be sure to visit Sandra Ulbrich Almazan!

A to Z Challenge - The Princess Bride and Passion, plus the Ninja News

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

The Princess Bride

This film is just about as close to a perfect movie as one can get. It has a good heart, great comedy, and a genuine spirit. This movie will have you smiling from beginning to end – and quoting the awesome lines for years to come!

Buttercup is the princess-to-be who still believes in true love. She is the gentle spirit that captivates the heart of those who come in contact with her. Innocent but knowing, Buttercup seeks truth, fairness, and her chance for happily-ever-after.

Who is Buttercup?

Kimberly at Art of Infiltration!

She not only possesses Buttercup’s spirit, she even looks a little like her! Kimberly is a believer in everyone she encounters. A seeker of truth and knowledge, she desires the happily-ever-after for everyone.

Kimberly is a writer, a teacher, and a mother.

To you I dedicate Passion by Stream of Passion. (Title leads to YouTube,)

Because passion is what you possess!

Trivia and Facts:

Did you know there was a real Dread Pirate Roberts, also known as Black Bart, who is reckoned by many to be the greatest pirate ever?

Who wrote both the novel and the screenplay for The Princess Bride?

O’s trivia answers – Annalisa Crawford lives in Cornwall, UK, and Orgy’s first hit was a cover of New Order’s Blue Monday.

Ninja News

Julie Musil walks you through the steps to setting up an author Facebook page.

Roland Yeoman’s book, The Legend of Victor Standish, will be released as an audio book this summer! That is so cool – congratulations, Roland!

My awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group will be Lynda Young, Mark Koopmans, and Rachna Chhabria! Thanks to all of you who offered – I will be getting back to you guys in the coming months.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Best/Worst Movie Remake Blogfest on May 17!



Can you rattle off Princess Bride Quotes? Following Kimberly? Fan of Stream of Passion? (You now know they are a Dutch prog rock band.) Know the trivia? Do you have an author Facebook page? And are you still having fun with the Challenge? I may break the clone machine by the time it’s over…

A to Z Challenge - J and more...

For the A to Z Challenge, I am featuring some awesome bloggers. These individuals have offered so much support of my book, CassaStar, and me on my blogger journey. Of course, I’ll be keeping up with the world of movies, music, and pop culture stuff as well! Ninjas are just talented that way...


And for all of your encouraging words yesterday - thank you!

Julie Musil
Julie always has some awesome writing tips! And they aren’t from the usual angle, either. She also employs visuals and really gets me to thinking about my own writing. Julie is just a cheery ball of wisdom!

The Journey
Colene boasts a smirk in everything she does! She loves the blogfests and throws out some great funny videos on Friday. (When we need them the most!) She has fun with definitions and word verification. Basically, Colene is just a lot of fun!

As for movies and the new iPad...

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Yes, I finally caught this flick on NetFlix. Quirky as hell, funny, and over the top. I can see why teens dig it - a mixture of graphic novel and video game. No real message - just goofy fun. My only complaint would be the run time - I was ready for it to end about twenty-five minutes before that happened.


As for the iPad - wow! The second generation rocks. So much faster. And the camera is pretty good, plus it has Facetime. And I'm happy to report I loaded both Tron: Legacy and Voyage of the Dawn Treader on my iPad this weekend, so I'll be watching some cool movies soon. Care to join me?