Special guest today -
Donna K. Weaver, author of the new release,
A Change of Plans!
Alex said I needed to be humorous, so I decided to share a personal experience that inspired a scene on the ship. My father was career Navy, and we traveled by ship to and from some of his duty assignments.
On our way to the Philippines, the waters outside of San Francisco were really rough--plus it was the beginning of 21-day trip. I didn't have my sea legs yet (when your inner ear gets used to the movement). I don't get seasick, but it's still a crazy sensation when the ground is constantly swaying underneath you. You tend to stumble a lot. This ship was a military transport and nothing compared to modern cruise ships.
I remember clinging to the railing as I came down the stairs, staggering into the lounge, and collapsing on to a couch. I didn't really want to get up again right away, so I raised my bump up off the couch to reach for a magazine. The steward, who was vacuuming behind me, thought I was getting up for good and took the chance to move the chair to clean under it.
Um, yeah. I straightened, the ship rocked, and I tried to collapse on the couch again . The couch that wasn't there anymore. Unfortunately, there wasn't an attractive guy behind me with a convenient lap for me to fall into.
Congratulations, Donna – I thought it was funny.
IWSG Wrap-up
Another awesome
Insecure Writer’s Support Group posting! There were so many positive and encouraging posts this time. Big thanks to my co-hosts,
Sheena-kay Graham, Suzanne Furness, and
Laura Eno.
Participants, be sure your blog is on the list! If you’ve missed a couple months, you may have been removed and need to add your blog again. A few I couldn’t find on the list at all. So be sure to look at the
LIST.
Ninja News
Cheers for
Susan Gourley - she retires from teaching today and becomes a full-time author!!!
Charmaine Clancy is holding a giveaway on her site and the grand prize is a Kindle Fire! Check it out.
Available now –
Dystopolis by Ian Anderson (Known as Man O’ Clay on his blog.)
Adam and his companion Zoe are survivors of a war that rips their world apart. The ensuing chaos changes Adam and his ability to cope with reality. Evie has survived as well; she spends her days searching the war-torn city for food, for hope, for life.
Will their meeting be one of hope, or will mankind continue in its blindness?
Only .99 at
Amazon
Also available now –
Aberration by Lisa Regan
FBI analyst Kassidy Bishop is assigned to the “For You” Killer’s Task Force after a series of sadistic murders bearing the same signature arise in different parts of the country, but when the investigation leads directly back to her, she is forced to delve into her own past.
A Question of Support
A friend’s post this week regarding supporting authors received quite the firestorm of comments. (And a really cool cat drawing, which had nothing to do with the post, but it was clever!) It had to do with promoting books through reviews, cover reveals, and release announcements – and do you promote a book you haven’t read?
Here’s my thoughts – that’s up to the individual. And whether it fits the blog or not. (Because some have a theme and it just doesn’t fit.)
Obviously I do post announcements and covers. And here’s why:
1 – The Ninja News
Everyone tells me they come here to get caught up on releases and what’s happening around the blogging world. I’m just reporting the news. And I’m happy to announce anything cool happening with my followers.
2 – The Ninja Army
Once I crossed a thousand followers, I realized I could be really effective at spreading the word for my friends. This blog became a little less about me and more about you guys.
3 – Friendship
When I post about a release or announcement, I’m endorsing the person. I’m doing it because I believe in YOU.
I do it without expecting something in return. I don’t get paid. (Despite the fact I’m bombarded with ad companies and could make money that way. That’s just not how I roll.) I don’t do it just so you will support my books. If you never buy one or post about my books, I’m cool with that. I don’t give to get. I give for all those reasons above.
Where do you fall with promotions? Please no firestorm. (Violators will receive a visit from one or more clones who will proceed to paint your blog a funny color.)
June Movie Preview
Here are the upcoming movies for June! As always, descriptions courtesy of the
IMDB. Snarky comments by me.
12 –
This Is the End
While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.
Directors: Evan Goldberg | Seth Rogen
Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Paul Rudd
The guys play themselves during the apocalypse – and they get their butts kicked by Emma Watson!
14 –
Man of Steel
A young journalist is forced to confront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race.
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe
Here’s hoping it’s epic! Maybe they’ll finally make a Justice League of America movie.
21 –
World War Z
United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.
Director: Marc Forster
Stars: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, David Morse
Zombie apocalypse! Based on a book by Mel Brooks’ son. I wish Mel would adopt me.
Monsters University
A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.
Director: Dan Scanlon
Stars: Nathan Fillion, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Billy Crystal
Might just be me, but the previews aren’t funny.
28 –
White House Down
While on a tour of the White House with his young daughter, a Capitol policeman springs into action to save his child and protect the president from a heavily armed group of paramilitary invaders.
Director: Roland Emmerich
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Richard Jenkins
Admit it – you want to see the White House blow up!
Did you enjoy this month’s IWSG? Excited about the books? What movies catch your eye this month? And how do you feel about promoting others and what are you willing to do?
