September Movie Preview, Science Fiction Lyrics Trivia Answers, and CassaFire Wins an Award! Plus Battle of the Bands, Ninja News, and Cover Reveals

Shaking things up today as we’ve a lot to cover!

Science Fiction Metal-Rock Lyrics Trivia Answers

1 – “Strange shapes light up the night, I’ve never seen ‘em though I hope I might, Don’t ask if they are real, The men in black their lips are sealed.” Blue Oyster Cult – Take Me Away
2 – “People of the earth can you hear me? Came a voice from the sky on that magical night, And in the colors of a thousand sunsets, They traveled through the world on a silvery light.” Billy Thorpe – Children of the Sun
3 – “An ill wind comes arising, Across the cities of the plain, There’s no swimming in the heavy water, No singing in the acid rain, Red alert, red alert.” Rush – Distant Early Warning
4 – “Foreign life forms inventory, Suspended state of cryogenics, Selective amnesia’s the story, Believed foretold but who’d expect, The military intelligence.” Megadeth – Hangar 18
5 – “He was turned to steel in the great magnetic field, When he travelled time for the future of mankind.” Black Sabbath – Iron Man

Cover Reveals

A GUILTY GHOST SURPRISED by Gwen Gardner

Paranormal happenings at the Eady household are the norm. Recently, things have become downright peculiar. Childish giggles at odd hours of the night lead Indigo Eady to her little cousin, Bryan, a guileless cherub spirit, complete with Spider Man pajamas and a set of faux angel wings. The problem is that Bryan died nearly three years ago in a hit and run that killed him and his mum…

Add to Goodreads
Haunt Gwen at the following: Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

THEY ALL FALL DOWN by Angela Brown

Abby and Basil: New love reaches new heights as they finally give in to their lust and desire for each other.
Q: Consumed by the Devourer within and his base need to claim Abby as his own.
The crave: What it all boils down to. A crave for souls. A crave to keep love intact beyond betrayals. A crave for a second chance. A crave for power and The Fall of mankind.

Add to Goodreads
Haunt Angela at the following: Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

Covers look awesome, ladies!!

Ninja News

Libby Heily’s latest collection of short stories is now available on Amazon. The Victory Rule is a collection of soft science fiction stories with a typical Libby Heily twist. To celebrate the release, The Victory Rule and Fourth Degree Freedom are available for free until Friday August 30. Congratulations, Libby!

Justine Dell’s latest book is available now - Until Next Time. You can also enter to win a Kindle Fire HD – see her site for details. Congratulations, Justine!

Jessica Ferguson’s book is also available this week - The Last Daughter. Congratulations, Jess!
And thanks again for letting me invade your blogs on Monday.

Battle of the Bands

Started a few weeks ago by Farawayeyes and Stephen T. McCarthy, this series pits two bands singing the same song against each other every Friday. When Arlee Bird said he was participating as well, I had to join the fun.

I decided my first offering would be two versions that are just about as far apart as possible. Which version do you like better? (I’m guessing most won’t pick Zombie, but I think it’s an awesome twist on an old 70’s hit! If KC were dead, he'd be rolling in his grave. Plus the video starts as if it’s an old monster kid’s show.)

September Movie Preview

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

6 –

Riddick
Left for dead on a sun-scorched planet, Riddick finds himself up against an alien race of predators. Activating an emergency beacon alerts two ships: one carrying a new breed of mercenary, the other captained by a man from Riddick's past.
Director: David Twohy
Stars: Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff, Jordi Mollà
Hoping for a return to the awesomeness that was Pitch Black!

13 –

Insidious: Chapter 2
The haunted Lambert family seeks to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world.
Director: James Wan
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye
The first one was all right but not enough for me to want to see another. However, Patrick Wilson is on a roll with paranormal movies…


20 –

Prisoners 
When Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family?
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Sounds depressing, but the wife digs Jackman. Sigh.


27 –

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
Flint Lockwood now works at The Live Corp Company for his idol Chester V. But he's forced to leave his post when he learns that his most infamous machine is still operational and is churning out menacing food-animal hybrids.
Directors: Cody Cameron | Kris Pearn
Stars: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Will Forte, Neil Patrick Harris
The first one was actually really good and I chuckle every time I see the previews for this film – “There’s a leek in the boat!”

Rush
A biography of Austrian Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his British rival, James Hunt.
Director: Ron Howard
Stars: Daniel Brühl, Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer
Not my kind of film, but for the ladies, it has Hemsworth, and for the guys, Wilde.

CassaFire News!!

My publisher notified me Wednesday that CassaFire won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Science Fiction!

Yes, that’s officially the first award I’ve ever won. Probably the last, but I’ll take it!

Whoa! Get any trivia right? Excited about the new and upcoming books? Which version of the song would you pick? Any September movies strike your fancy? And can you believe CassaFire won an award? (Because I sure can’t!)

Since Monday is a holiday, I’m taking it off – but will be back Wednesday for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Remember, I’m announcing a special two-year anniversary surprise that day!

WE’VE GOT MOVIE SIGN! Ninja News, Wednesday Movie Quote, Movie Review, March Movies, and Movie Trivia

And bonus points if you can name the movie/show from that first sentence!

Ninja News

Justine Dell’s All-American Girl hit the shelves on Tuesday. She’s on tour with many opportunities to win free books and stuff. Congratulations, Justine!

Isis Rushdan, awesome person that she is, will be giving away copies of my books today! You rock, Isis.

Don’t forget, Wednesday March 6 is the next posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. My awesome co-hosts will be Misha Gericke and Joylene Nowell Butler!

Thanks to those who’ve continued to post my next book’s cover this week. (And to clarify, my publisher did the cover for CassaStorm. Carrie Butler made the three book graphic.)
Michael Di Gesu at In Time posted on Monday with a “Journey into Space” and the series continues all week – check it out!The Ninja Captain and Cadet Michael are traveling the universe.

And since today is all about movies, don’t forget that March 18 is my Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest.

Wednesday Movie Quote

Leave your favorite quote in the comments or play along on your own blog.

Today – romantic comedies.

My quote comes from one of the best romantic comedies ever made, When Harry Met Sally, and it’s a classic:

“I’ll have what she’s having.”

Next week – cell animation movies.

Movie Review

Ted
Despite the fact it was directed by Seth MacFarlane, I couldn’t bring myself to see this in the theater, but I caught it last weekend on NetFlix.
A childhood wish brings Ted to life, and many years later, he and Wahlburg’s character are still friends. Yes, it’s crude, and crosses the line more than once. (A lot less than Family Guy does though, which surprised me.) Ted is snarky but not mean-spirited. Their friendship is tested when Wahlburg’s girlfriend suggests Ted moves out on his own.
I liked it more than I thought I would. What surprised me was that at its heart, this is romantic comedy. If you can get past the crude aspects, it’s both funny and sweet.

March Movie Preview

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

1 -

Jack the Giant Slayer
The ancient war between humans and a race of giants is reignited when Jack, a young farmhand fighting for a kingdom and the love of a princess, opens a gateway between the two worlds.
Director: Bryan Singer
Stars: Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy
If you’ve seen the original (preferably the version slayed by MST3K’s Riff Trax guys) then you know this has to be better!

8 –

Oz the Great and Powerful
A small-time magician with dubious ethics arrives in a magical land and must decide if he will be a good man or a great one.
Director: Sam Raimi
Stars: James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis
The previews are great and Rami as director raises its chances. (And it has Rachel Weisz!)

Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey
Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey follows the real life rock-n-roll fairy tale story of Filipino Arnel Pineda, who was plucked from You Tube to become the front man for iconic American rock band, Journey, thereby becoming the latest performer to go from the Internet to real life celebrity. Having already overcome a life full of painful obstacles and now saddled with the immense pressures of leading a world renowned band and replacing a legendary singer, the film follows Arnel on this personal journey.
Director: Ramona S. Diaz
Stars: Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory
I won’t catch it in theaters, but the success of Pineda as Journey’s new front man is amazing.

15 –

Upside Down
Adam and Eden fell in love as teens despite the fact that they live on twinned worlds with gravities that pull in opposite directions. Ten years after a forced separation, Adam sets out on a dangerous quest to reconnect with his love.
Director: Juan Solanas
Stars: Jim Sturgess, Kirsten Dunst, Timothy Spall, Agnieshka Wnorowska
This one has been delayed a while. Never a good sign!

22 –

The Croods
The world's very first prehistoric family goes on a road trip to an uncharted and fantastical world. Directors: Kirk De Micco | Chris Sanders
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener
Can anyone name a Nicolas Cage film in the last ten years that was good? Maybe since he’s just a voice it will be all right.


29 –

G.I. Joe: Retaliation
The G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. Director: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Ray Park, Bruce Willis
This one was delayed from last summer. And it has Dwayne Johnson. This could be road kill.

Movie Trivia!

Quotes from blockbuster movies – name the movie:

1 – "Certainty of death, small chance of success… What are we waiting for?"

2 – "You HAVE the right to remain silent. What you lack is the capacity."

3 – "Sir, I’m gonna have to ask you to exit the donut."

4 – "No, I’m, I’m simply saying that life, uh… finds a way."

5 – "That when a willing victim who has committed no treachery, is killed in a traitor’s stead, the stone table will crack, and even death itself would turn backwards."

Ready for next week’s IWSG? Following the Journey into Space? What’s your favorite romantic movie quote? Excited about any of the March movies? And care to take a stab at the trivia?

Ninja News, Recaptured Dreams, Touchy Question, Award, Guest Posts, and Music Trivia!

Ninja News!

The next installment of Andrew Leon’s book, Shadowspinner – Part Five: The Police Car, is free today on Amazon!

If you’re looking for an awesome t-shirt, Jeremy at Retro Zombie has a slew of great shirts available at the NeatoShop.

Angela Orlowski Peart’s new book, Forged by Greed, is now available! You can purchase the eBook on Amazon for the special price of $3.50 through Sunday morning and paperbacks will soon follow. Congratulations, Angela!

Steven Symes new children’s book, Gracie the Ghost Eater, is now available! Congratulations, Steven.

Special cover reveal from Atom Book Blog Tours:

Abandon by Elana Johnson

seduced by power,
broken by control,
and consumed by love...

Coming June 2013. Mark it to-read on Goodreads today!

And Mark Koopmans says save the date – November 19, 2012! See his blog for vague details.

Recaptured Dreams!

Now available – Recaptured Dreams by Justine Dell

Her favorite line from the book:
“Xavier had thought he was in paradise before. He’d been wrong. Sophia was more than paradise. She was the very reason he breathed.”

Find Recaptured Dreams on Amazon. Goodreads, and Facebook,

Find Justine on Facebook, her Blog, and Twitter. Contact Justine by email: dell.justine@gmail.com

Watch the book trailer on You Tube

Touchy Question

Word verification. I encounter it most often during blogfests and IWSG posts. Now, a couple of my blogger buddies have used it for years and I’m all right with that. But most blogs with word verification are newer blogs.

My question – since word verification is the default setting and most bloggers probably don’t even know they are using it, would it be wrong to let them know in the comments? Just a “Hey, did you know you have word verification on?” As a co-host, I did that a couple times during the A to Z Challenge, but I’ve been hesitant to do it since.

What do you guys think?

Award!

Livia gave me the Daisy Award – thank you!
I’m to list seven weird things about me:
1 – I don’t own a cell phone
2 – I’ve attended over a hundred rock concerts
3 – I want to replace my lawn with Astro Turf
4 – I can write with music blaring and the TV on
5 – I want rocket launchers mounted on the front of my car
6 – I own a Klingon Bat’leth
7 – I never intended to become an author

I’m passing this on to the delightful and quirky Robyn at Life by Chocolate!

The Reason for Guest Posts and Features

Most of you have read my guest post guidelines and know that they are reserved for my blogger buddies. (Most of whom are listed in my sidebar – I need to update it again soon.)

I do this to give back and show support for those of you who support me. There are millions of blogs online and you chose to come visit me. Thousands of authors and writers and you’ve chosen to feature my books. So many people willing to do guest posts and you invite me. That means a lot to me, which is why my blog is open to you. Anything I can do to give back and support my friends.

I do it because I believe in you. It’s not just your book or achievement –  
I believe in you.

Music Trivia!

Remakes – name the song:

1 – In 1995 Dream Theater remade this song by Elton John

2 – In 1998 Orgy remade this song by New Order

3 – 2002 by Shadows Fall, 2012 by Arjen Lucassen, and 2007 by Queesnryche saw the remake of this Pink Floyd song

4 – In 1999 Coal Chamber remade this song by Peter Gabriel

5 – In 1996 White Zombie remade this song by KC and the Sunshine Band (really!)

So many cool new books! Any going on your list? Would you let someone using word verification know? What’s your reason for letting others provide guest posts? And any idea on the music trivia? Go ahead and make a wild hairy guess – you might be right! And who else is seeing Dredd this weekend?

Ninja News and One Downside to the A to Z Challenge

Thanks to everyone who said my guest post policy was fair. My Ninja Army always comes first.

Ninja News to the extreme – are you ready?

We’ve been doing “Getting to Know Your Hosts” over at the A to Z Challenge Blog and today it is my turn! Do you know your Ninja Captain…?

Patsy Collins is currently on a blog tour for her upcoming book, Escape to the Country. Follow along HERE. Congratulations, Pasty!!



Prayers for Charles Gramlich and Lana as they face a tough challenge.

Diane at Spunk on a Stick’s Tips is hosting a Sad Songs Blogfest on March 31.


Congratulations to Theresa Milstein, Justine Dell, Jocelyn Rush, Roland Yeomans, and Hart Johnson for making the second ABNA cut. You guys rock!

Don’t forget the next posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is April 4. That’s the letter D for those doing the A to Z Challenge, so be sure to work it into your post. (Hopefully everyone doesn’t pick ‘Despair’ as their word!)

Big thanks to Rick and White Cat Publications for the awesome review of CassaFire this week.

And special thanks to CM Brown for her review of CassaStar!

One downside to the A to Z Challenge

You’ve all heard me talk about how the first Challenge changed my blog forever and that this year’s Challenge will be equally awesome. So what on earth could be the downside?

Not participating in the A to Z Challenge.

Last year as I visited blogger buddies who weren’t participating, I noticed something. With everyone focused on the Challenge, those blogs not involved seemed to get less comments than normal. So if you don’t participate, there is definitely a downside, which is why I encourage everyone to get involved.

However, those of us doing the Challenge need to be sure we don’t forget blogger buddies who aren’t participating. Ignoring those who aren’t involved for the whole month isn’t in the spirit of the Challenge, which is to make friends. And hopefully those not participating will continue to visit us as well. (I do know of one blogger who is unfollowing anyone doing the Challenge, which is really sad.)

So remember to maintain those friendships while you’re out making new friends!

Now, for a little insight into my world, visit the A to Z Challenge Blog.

Did I miss any news? Did I miss anyone who made the second ABNA cut? Are you ready for the Challenge? Starts Sunday April 1! And is anyone seeing a little movie called The Hunger Games this weekend…?

NaNo, Giveaway, MIA, and Award

I’ve signed up for NaNoWriMo! I intend to use that time to complete the sequel to CassaStar. If anyone wants to be my ‘buddy,’ I am HERE



One of my virtual tour stops is giving away a copy of CassaStar! See Scribbler to Scribe for details. And Mesmerix created a really cool post for it, too. (Less than two weeks - I'm getting nervous!)

And one of you asked about a countdown widget!! It's in place now, but I don't remember who asked me. Sorry!

MIA!
Has anyone heard from Cassandra Jade? She’s not blogged in two weeks.
And, does anyone know what happened to Mr. Stupid? He’s not blogged in two months!!

And finally, Yvonne at Welcome to my World of Poetry gave me the “Go Away - I’m Writing” Award. (Please don’t go away though!!) Thanks, Yvonne!

I’m passing this on to three ladies who I know are either writing or revising right now:
Ali Cross
Karen Walker
Justine Dell

Anything I missed?