A to Z Challenge – I – Cult Classics – Jacob’s Ladder, Journey, Judas Priest, Jurassic Park, and More! Plus Some Cool Links For Writers

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – J

Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term

Movies –

Jacob’s Ladder
Directed by Adrian Lyne in 1990, this psychological thriller featured bizarre elements and unnerving scenes.

Music – 

Journey – Escape
Their best-selling studio album, Escape produced four hits, including the staple Don’t Stop Believin’. It even spawned a video game.

Judas Priest – Screaming for Vengeance
The band’s eighth album was their big commercial breakthrough, selling five million copies and producing the hit You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.

Science Fiction Book –

Jurassic Park – Michael Crichton
This 1990 book inspired one of the biggest blockbuster movies ever. It was followed by The Lost World and three more movies.

Bloggers –

Jack Lewis Bailot at However Improbable
Do you like movie quotes and Lord of the Rings? Do you enjoy ready quirky fun posts? Then author Jack is your gal!

Julie Flanders
Do you enjoy thrillers set in Alaska? Do you have a passion for animals? Then you can’t go wrong following this delightful author!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Jaxom Fyall
Captain Fyall commands the Ryzell, one of Hyrath’s battleships. He’s a fair man who knows how to lead people. When the story opens, Aden is serving as Lt. Commander under Fyall.

Dragon of the Stars is out now!
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.

And there is a Scavenger Hunt! An autographed copy of the book, bookmarks and swag, and $20.00 iTunes gift cards to the winner. Just visit the sites below and leave a comment – where do you think Mini-Alex is in the photo? Open until midnight Saturday, April 11 – winner announced here April 13. Now go!

Melissa Maygrove * Eva Solar * Father Dragon Al * Suzanne Furness * Karen Walker * Dianne Salerni * Christine Rains * Nick Wilford * EE Giorgi * Murees Dupe * L Diane Wolfe * Helena * Tyrean Martinson * Robin * Heather Gardner * Jo * Lynda Young * SL Hennessy * Toi Thomas * Lori MacLaughlin * Jess at Author Tracker, * Truedessa, * Annalisa Crawford, * Patricia Lynne, * Lisa at Flash Fiction, * Julie Flanders, * Julie Kemp Pick, * Nicki Elson, * Mark Koopmans, * Sydney Aaliyah!

Ninja News

Rebecca Bradley posted about a new app called Clean Reader that changes objectionable words in a book to something cleaner. See her site for more information on this new app.

Out now!
Adventures of Arkansawyer by Charles Gramlich


Cindy Borgne posted a link to a great list of homonyms. If you tend to mix up your words, you need to check out this site.

And don’t forget, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is also participating in the Challenge and posting daily tidbits of encouragement and inspiration.

Seen Jacob’s Ladder? Do those albums bring back memories? Fan of Jurassic Park? Figured out the Kargrandes? See some helpful sites? And have you found every Mini-Alex…?

A to Z Challenge – Jurassic Park and Journey on the Waves of Time, Plus Ninja News and Another Blog Reader - Bloglovin'

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!

Jurassic Park

One of the best action films ever. Spielberg did an amazing job capturing the book and bringing it to life. The special effects still hold up, even after twenty years. The performances are so good they invest you completely in the story.

Dr. Ian Malcolm is Mr. Logic. He sees the holes in any plan and isn’t afraid to poke more holes. Armed with a wicked sense of humor and a sharp tongue, he’s very unique.

Who is Ian Malcolm?

Andrew Leon at Strange Pegs!

He’s very analytical and known as the Grammar Nazi for a reason. Andrew sees more than most of us and can never be accused of going with the flow. That’s the very thing that keeps conversations with him refreshing and memorable. You want an intelligent discussion? Go see Andrew! (Dry humor included.)

Andrew is the author of The House on the Corner, The Shadow Spinner series, and others.

To you I dedicate Journey on the Waves of Time by Ayreon. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

Because you are like the Universal Migrator, looking for truth. “Give me the answers to questions, Reveal to me secrets of life…”

Trivia and Facts:

Ayreon founder, Arjen Lucassen, has started and controlled many projects and bands over the years. After the success of the debut album Embrace the Storm, he let the members of this band continue on their own, and they now have several albums – name this Dutch progressive metal band.

I’s trivia answer – when Tina mentions “The Engineer,” she is referring to her husband.

Ninja News

Chuck at Apocalypse Now had an awesome post for I – Imagination – and he named four authors, most of whom you all know, as those he felt had the most imagination. To my surprise, I was one of them!! Thanks, Chuck – you the man!

He was the blogger featured for A, but you may have missed some of Al Diaz’s amazing creations. Look at this dragon:

He was also at Julie Luek’s yesterday and revealed a piñata that won him third place in a contest hosted by Museum of Popular Art:

You can see more details by watching the YouTube Video.

Al, you have an amazing talent!

I also discovered a new reader to replace Google Reader - Bloglovin’ At the moment, I like it even better than Feedly. You can transfer your Google Reader files directly, but if you follow even half as many people as I do, it will take a few minutes. You have been warned…

Dig Jurassic Park? Following Andrew? Ever heard of Ayreon? Know the trivia answer? Think Al’s artwork is amazing? And anyone else tried Bloglovin’?