Showing posts with label LK Hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LK Hill. Show all posts

Monday, September 12, 2016

Fifty Years of Star Trek, Underworld Blood Wars Trailer, IWSG Updates, New Releases, and CassFire Audio Book Winners

Fifty Years of Star Trek

On September 8, 1966, the first Star Trek show debuted. And life has never been the same.

Wikipedia had an entire page dedicated to the influence of Star Trek, stating Star Trek is one of the most culturally-influential television shows, and is often regarded as the most influential science fiction TV series in history. Many astronauts claim Trek influenced their career decision and George Lucas has stated that Trek was a big factor in the creation of Star Wars.

While I was a tad too young to watch the original series during its run, I spent many hours watching the reruns in syndication. The show broke through so many barriers, showing us a bigger and better world. I was captivated by the possibility of what existed beyond our solar system. It was the beginning of my love for science fiction, which would eventually lead to me writing in that genre.

There are a ton of events happening this month and hundreds of articles online celebrating fifty years of Star Trek. The LA Times has a ton of articles and you can find more news at Blastr.

Picking one favorite Trek would be impossible. I’m digging the reboot movies even as I still love the movies First Contact and Wrath of Khan. The closest I can come to a favorite is the series Deep Space Nine. There have been a few missteps (Star Trek V, the search for God?) but otherwise I’ve enjoyed them all.

What is your favorite Star Trek? And does anyone else own a bat'leth? Great for home defense!

Underworld Blood Wars

That’s right! Kate is back for another Underworld movie.



Insecure Writer's Support Group

Thanks to everyone for another awesome IWSG post day.

I try to get to as many as possible, but I hope everyone understands I can’t visit everyone. (That’s why we have co-hosts.) I’m making an effort to visit those I haven’t seen in a while though. Plus the newbies. I appreciate every single person who posts.

If you’ve missed posts in the past, make sure you’re still on the list. I visited several who were posting but they’d missed two in a row at some point and were no longer on the list.

And special thanks to all of the volunteers. Co-hosts are booked through next January now!

Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is now open! We have some great judges, an awesome theme, and we’re looking forward to reading the entries. You have until November 1, so get cracking.

New Releases

Baby Moo's Great Escape by Julie Flanders

Baby Moo has a dream. He wants to travel the world and sing on the stage of the Sydney Opera House!

Julie Flanders will donate $1 to Sunrise Sanctuary, home to Baby Moo and numerous other rescued animals, for each copy sold in September.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Desolate Mantle (Street Games Book 2) by LK Hill

Walking the Slip Mire nightly, dressed in her disguise and trying to infiltrate a homicidal gang, Kyra Roberts sees plenty of things she can’t explain, and begins to think a serial killer may be on the prowl...

Find it on Amazon

Winners of CassaFire on Audio

And the winners are…

and

Congratulations!


Are you a Star Trek fan? What’s your favorite show/movie? Ready for more Underworld? (I really need to get that outfit for my wife.) Enjoy the IWSG last week? Picking up some new books? Are your books on audio?

Last Friday I was a guest at Rebecca Bradley’s site for her First Draft series of interviews.

I’ll also be gone all day Friday for training, so I’ll catch Friday posters this weekend.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus NetFlix’s Daredevil, Ninja News, and New Releases

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 awesome co-hosts today are Eva Solar Melanie Schulz, Lisa-Buie Collard, and Stephen Tremp!

Dragon of the Stars came out last month in the middle of the A to Z Challenge. It was a struggle to balance my blog tour, marketing for Dragon, and the Challenge. The book has sold well and promotion efforts continue. My publisher is working with a lot of science fiction conventions and my blog tour continues. (My stop this week was at Teresa’s Journaling Woman site.)

Anne R. Allen posted this week reasons why authors should write short stories. I’ve contributed to four anthologies, and since my novels are all really short, short stories might be something I pursue. I do have an idea for an adventure involving Bassan…

But the one thing I really want to focus on now is the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I want to bring in some awesome guests, add many more sites to the database, and elevate the site to Writer’s Digest level quality.

Writing is tough business. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I’m hesitant to continue. (I didn’t sign on to do more than one book anyway.) I know the bad reviews on Amazon were inevitable, but it always sucks. I’ve been through some incredible highs and lows, and I want to do my part to help other writers going through the same stuff. I’m not a great writer, but maybe I can be a great supporter.


Ninja News

If you’re looking for my A to Z Challenge Reflections post, it is HERE.
 
Sarah Foster is hosting The Muse Party Blogfest on May 25 2015 – visit her site for details.


Cherie Reich’s book Reborn is a finalist in the Rone Awards – please help her by voting HERE.

Michael G D'Agostino just started a monthly hop - Question of the Month. It’s on the first Monday of the month, so sign up at his site for June.


Ray at Don’t Throw a 1 is hosting a mega 500 posts giveaway. If you are a gamer or a painter, you definitely want to check it out.


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.



Just Released!

Titanic: Newly Discovered Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Holy Ghost Writer

The Bear Who Wouldn’t Leave by J.H. Moncrieff


The Botanist by Liesel K. Hill

Melissa Maygrove announced the release of Romance and Mystery Authors on Writing. She and many other contributed to the book, which was edited by JQ Rose.

Daredevil Review

If you’ve not been watching this series on NetFlix, you are missing out!
This is one of the finest shows I have ever seen. It not only sets the standard for comic book series, but for any series.
It’s not a candy-coated comic book show. It’s real and sometimes brutal – part character study, part serious drama, and part amazing action sequences. It’s built for people who love comics and those who’ve never read one in their life.
All of the characters, good and bad, and fully fleshed out and real people. You sympathize not only with Matt as Daredevil but with Wilson Fisk as the villain.
This is an event series – and they don’t come around often.
Highly recommended!


Joining any of those blogfests? Picking up some new books? Have you been watching Daredevil? And what are your writing insecurities this month?

Monday, May 26, 2014

X-Men Days of Future Past Review, You Rock Awards, and Ninja News

Movie Review – X-Men Days of Future Past

One of the best X-Men movies so far!

I can’t say too much about it without spoilers. It’s a compelling story that melds past and future together well.

There is an all-star line-up of mutants. You’ll see a lot of familiar faces and several new mutants. (One of the best and funniest scenes involves Quicksilver.)

This film is epic in scope – the storyline, action, and special effects. You will walk out of the theater thinking ‘Wow!’ It’s a spectacle movie you’ll want to see in the theater.

It competes with Captain America: Winter Soldier for the best superhero film of the year, and definitely one of the best movies so far. And with this film, they have completely rebooted the series.

Highly recommended!


Ninja News 

Today I am at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website with tips on author etiquette online.

Over at the A to Z Blog, Themes that Rocked the Challenge continues with Lanise Brown,
who posted images of amazing libraries from around the world.

Out now!
Leverage by Nancy Thompson
This is the sequel to The Mistaken, an incredible thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
You can pick up Leverage on Amazon

Pat Hatt has a new book – The Cosmic League: Rise of the Allies.


Citadels of Fire, Book 1 of Kremlins by LK Hill comes out on Tuesday!

Shelly Arkon and her pups gave me the Bonefied Blogger Award. Her husband was recently in the hospital, so prayers for Shelly.

During the A to Z Challenge, Sia McKye was recovering from an injury, but author Kat Sheridan was awesome enough to step in and blog for her. Kat’s first book, Echoes in Stone, came our recently, and you can purchase it on Amazon


Eric Buffington is giving away copies of Stones of Power Book 1, The Exile this month. Use coupon code sw69s at Smashwords


From Randy Johnson at Not the Baseball Pitcher - Ten Coolest Movie Spaceships



You Rock Awards!

Time for the fifth annual You Rock Awards!

Every year, I select a handful of blogger buddies and highlight them. I keep making new friends, so it doesn’t get any easier as the years pass! The people below are very special to me, and I hope you’ll read why and then pay them a visit.

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 Englel, Lynda Young, Michael Di Gesu, Heather Gardner, Stephen Tremp, and Father Dragon Al.

This year’s You Rock recipients are:

Tina at Life is Good

This one is long overdue. Tina has been a dear friend for years, and through her posts and email exchanges, I know more about her than anyone else.. She is an integral part of the A to Z Team, which could not function without her organization and wit. Yes, if you’ve not met Tina, that’s the first thing you need to know – she is hilarious. I never know what she’s going to say, but I know it will be both funny and genuine. Tina, you are a delight in all things you do, and I could not be more honored to be your friend. Since we both claim Jeremy as a brother, that would make you my sister. Yeah, aren’t we a wild family?
Tina, you rock!

Damyanti at Daily (w)rite

Another one that is overdue! I’ve known Damyanti for even longer, and she’s also an important part of the A to Z Team. Hailing from India, she is an incredibly talented writer and deep thinker. She’s a gentle soul with an inner strength. And she’s very forgiving and patient – she’s put up with me calling her Damy for years! (I worried I would misspell her name.) We have a strong mutual respect for each other and I know I can always count on her. Damy, you can always count on me – I have your back.
Damyanti, you rock!

Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse

I met Edi four years ago while searching for book bloggers who reviewed science fiction. Not only did he agree to review CassaStar, he posted the most amazing review just before its release. I’d already become a fan of his blog, and from that point onward, we became more than reviewer and author – we became friends. Sometimes you just need someone who ‘gets you’ and understands the heart behind what you write. Edi is that person. We have a lot in common and I always trust his judgment. If we ever get the opportunity to speak in person (he lives in Germany) I know we’d discuss books, movies, ideas, and life well into the night. Edi, honored to be your friend – and to know you by your real name.
Edi, you rock!

Suze at Subliminal Coffee

Suze is probably the most introspective and wise person I know. If you visit her blog, take your brain. There’s no skimming her posts – and you wouldn’t want to, as you would miss so many nuggets of wisdom. No one knows how to craft words like Suze. (She’s currently working on a rewrite for an agent and he damn well better sign her, because no one deserves publication more than Suze.) You’ll learn a bit more about life and people, and come away looking at the world a little differently after spending time with her. Lest you think she’s all pomp, she does have a geek side, and it’s fun to see that come out now and then! (The geek stuff is probably why she visits me. Either that, or I amuse her.) Suze, you challenge me, my friend. And that’s good.
Suze, you rock!

Karen Walker at Following the Whispers

I believe Karen was one of my first followers. (I think we were in the BBT group together?) She is incredibly honest and open, and in ways I can’t ever imagine sharing with the world. There is such strength in that kind of transparency. She’s devoted to her friends and I don’t believe she’s ever missed one of my posts except when traveling overseas. Karen’s both author and singer, so we share a love of writing and music. (And if you’ve never read her book, Following the Whispers, pick it up today!) Karen also makes me think. She makes me appreciate life. And she prods me to live for the joy of today. She is a true friend.
Karen, you rock!

Elizabeth Spann Craig

Elizabeth is one of my very first followers. (Probably one of the first ten!) Considering she is the most successful author I personally know, I’ve never figured out why she followed me – or why she visits every time I post. (I must amuse her as well!) Elizabeth maintains a very professional author site, offering incredible information and tips. She shares what she’s learned and even set up the Writer’s Knowledge Base to help others. A full time writer, she really has her act together. And she’s real. I think that is what I admire most about her.
Elizabeth, I know the award doesn’t fit your site, but it fits you – and you rock!

My friends, I’ll email you a personalized You Rock badge today!

And I will be on vacation this Friday through Monday with very limited Internet! So no post on Monday. Looking forward to getting away and I will even have a little time to write.

Anyone else see X-Men this weekend? Excited about the new releases? Do anything fun Memorial Day weekend? And what blogger buddies rock your world…?

Don’t forget to visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and remember IWSG post day is Wednesday, June 4!