A to Z Challenge – Zombieland and Zooropa by U2, Ninja News, and Big Thanks

Last day of the Challenge – did you survive?

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! Winners will be announced May 6.

Zombieland

One word – hilarious. Two words – double tap! This film isn’t just funny, it’s very educational in learning how to survive a zombie apocalypse. Great performances from everyone, especially Harrelson as he searches for his Twinkies.

Little Rock is wise and crafty for her age. And yet her youthfulness shines through in her uninhibited joy and enthusiasm. All she really wants is to go play at that amusement park and she doesn’t want to do it alone.

Who is Little Rock?

Livia!

(Even though she doesn’t like horror films. And probably thinks I forgot her!)

Livia is young and full of enthusiasm. She’s a bundle of joy and energy that us older folks wish we could bottle as save for later. Livia throws herself into her passions one hundred percent, and that includes her devotion to her friends. It has been a total delight getting to know her.

Livia is a writer, movie buff, and resident cheerleader.

To you I dedicate Zooropa by U2. (Title leads to YouTube.)

Because it has a timeless feel to it, something your spirit possesses. “And I don’t know the limit…” (And because I’m sure dedicating T-Ride’s Zombies From Hell would’ve disturbed you, even if it did fit the movie. That’s all right, Livia – we still adore you!)

Trivia and Facts:

All of the characters in Zombieland were named after cities – name them! (I already gave you one answer.)

Y’s trivia answer – Rush formed in 1968.

Ninja News

Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group tomorrow!

Don’t forget the Best/Worst Movie Remake Blogfest on May 17!
Hosted by me, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, and Al Diaz.
When Hollywood runs out of ideas, they remake older films. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it fails miserably.
On May 17, list the best remake you’ve ever seen and the worst.
Added bonus – list the worst and/or best song remake you’ve ever heard!

Big Thanks to the Team!

Thanks to my fellow A to Z Hosts, Damyanti Biswas, Tina Downey, DL Hammons, Jeremy Hawkins, Shannon Lawrence Matthew MacNish Konstanz Silverbow, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, L. Diane Wolfe, and Nicole.
Special thanks to founder Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out. Four years now and it’s still just as awesome! Thanks for your incredible vision.

A big thanks to my awesome Ninja Minions team, Al Diaz, Baygirl, Ciara Knight, Elise Fallson, Heather Gardner, JL Campbell, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Michelle. You helped me far more than you realize.

Special note to Father Dragon Al-

Good news and bad news!

No dwarves were harmed or killed while performing their minion duties. In fact, they have picked up many amazing Ninja skills. Even Pancholin is graceful and confident now.

However, they found the clone machine. I will be returning four times as many dwarves as were sent.

Oh, and they now want a cloning machine for the Dragon Cave. And a teleporter if possible.

Sorry. I think I spoiled them.

Good luck and thanks, Al!

Fan of Zombieland? Following Livia? Any U2 fans out there? Ready for the IWSG tomorrow? Signed up for the blogfest? And did you have a good time with the Challenge?

Big thanks to everyone who visited me this past month – you guys rock!

Beginnings, Ninja News, The Hobbit Blogfest, Movie Trivia Answers, and the “Cheers Blogfest” Winners and Special Mentions

Today I have the honor of a guest post at Leave it to Livia. Now, if you’ve not met this enthusiastic fireball, get ready! Livia will knock your socks off. She asked me to share my beginnings, so brace yourself and jump on over to her site.

Ninja News

The Indelibles are starting new group that posts the second Wednesday of every month called Indie Life:
“Starting in the New Year, the Indelibles will host a monthly feature called INDIE LIFE. Modeled after Alex Cavanaugh's awesome Insecure Writer's Group, this will be a chance for indie authors to post about indie life, find each other, offer support, encouragement, news, helpful hints, and anything else that makes life as an indie author a little easier.”
See their site for details and to join the group!

The third book in the Desolation series by Ali Cross is now available – Destined. You should see the amazing stuff she is giving away as well. But wait, but you will, because the awesome Ninja Ali will be my guest on Monday!

Purchase Angela Felsted’s Chaste by December 15 and not only will all proceeds go to help victims of Hurricane Sandy, she’ll match them dollar for dollar. Full details at Jessica Bell’s site or at Lydia Kang’s site.

The voting is close in Karen’s Annual Blog Awards contest. If you haven’t voted for Blog of the Year, hop on over!!

Authors, need a book trailer? Brinda Berry is hosting a giveaway for one. See her site for details.

The Marquis by Christine Rains is now available!! This is the first book in The 13th Floor series. Congratulations, Christine.

Shelly F. Batt at Voice of a Writer is offering to critique the first twenty-five pages of one – two manuscripts – if you’re looking for a little help, see her site for details.

January 2, 2013 is the next posting date for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and the co-hosts will be Jamie from Mithril Wisdom and Tyrean.

The Hobbit Blogfest

Hosted by two awesome ladies, M Pax and Tyrean!

What is your favorite hobbit characteristic/or the one that you think closely resembles you . . .? They know how to relax. (Although I could use more of that right now.)

If you could choose between a scrumptious second breakfast and a perilous unexpected journey – which would you prefer? Second breakfast - I am so not the adventurous type.

Have you ever left behind something on a journey (expected or unexpected) and wished you could have it over and over again? Well, I lost my virginity on a band trip, but at the time, I really didn’t want it back. (That’s right – I was a heathen once!)

What is your Favorite part or quote from the book that you hope will be in the movie? The full exchange with Gollum – the riddles were cool.

Movie Trivia Answers

1 - What is the name of Rudolph’s dad? Donner
2 – In what city did “A Miracle on 34th Street” take place? New York
3 – Who played Scrooge in “The Muppets Christmas Carol?” Michael Caine
4 – What is the full name of the BB gun Ralphie wanted in “A Christmas Story?” Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle
5 – What song made Santa’s sleigh fly at the end of “Elf?” Santa Claus is Coming to Town

“Cheers Blogfest” Winners, Special Mentions, and Next Year

Over a dozen truly amazing posts went into the guitar case. Two names were drawn…

First Place – an autographed copy of CassaStar or Cassafire:
Elise Fallson!

Not only did Elise write a great flash piece that featured the blogfest hosts and say that Nathan Fillion could play me in a documentary, she made this:

Is that not awesome? I’m immortalized forever in plywood. And she’s sending him to me! Thank you SO much, Elise.

The Grand Prize – a picture of me and a recording of my guitar playing (and wow, that looks like a sorry prize on paper):
Ellie Garratt!

Ellie completely blew me away with what she claimed was her first video attempt ever:



Whoa!! Ellie, it’s amazing. Thank you so much for putting it together. You are a special friend.

And I hinted there might be a bonus prize, so I drew one more name…
Jeremy Hawkins!

Jeremy not only nailed it with his answers, he made several awesome banners for me:

And one had Kate! Dude, you are the man. Bonus prize is your choice – photo of me OR the guitar recording OR (since you live too far away for us to meet for a beer) a phone call from the Ninja.

Honorable Mentions:

TS at The Non-Review “What Cats are Saying About Alex…” HILARIOUS! Dude, thanks for bringing Melvin back for me.

Hart at Confession of a Watery Tart She wrote me a song to the tune of “Walk the Way” that is PERFECT!

Heather at The Waiting is the Hardest Part She had Stormy the Weather Gnome do the post – do I need to add anything? Stormy rocks!

Tara Tyler Look at the cool drawing she did for me!

And before this post gets any longer, special thanks to Chuck, Cassie Mae, Julie Kemp, Kimberly, DL Hammons, Angela Brown, Robyn Campbell, SpacerGuy, Mina Burrows, ”T” Tanya, Livia, and everyone else for the heartfelt and/or hilarious words.

And a big thanks to the awesome hosts, Mark, Morgan, Stephen, and David.

If you missed this event, you missed something really special. Everyone was saying this was different. It wasn’t about me – it was about this awesome community. You guys understand the importance of supporting one another and it really showed.

Several asked if this will be an annual event. Not with me! But Mark said I could name the Cheers Blogfest victim next year, and a couple people have already come to mind. Mark, because he was the madman who thought up this crazy idea, and Arlee Bird (Lee), the founder of the A to Z Challenge. Both are men of integrity with great attitudes and they understand the importance of this blogging community. And yes, I will be more than happy to co-host a Cheers Blogfest in either man’s honor! The roasted Ninja is ready for paybacks…

Whoa!! Sorry for the length. See some exciting news or new books? How would you answer the Hobbit Blogfest questions? (And are seeing it this weekend? I’m seeing it Friday afternoon!) Get any trivia correct? Did you read the blogfest winners’ and special mentions’ posts? Ready to roast someone else next year? I know I am…

Don’t forget to visit Leave it to Livia!

Ninja News, Show & Tell in a Nutshell, 2013 Movies, Movie Remakes, and More Critique Comments!

Today I have the honor of a guest spot on Ellie Garrett’s site! I’m discussing critique partners, so if the thought of others reading your work scares you, visit Ellie today. Or if you just want to read more great critique comments from Cassie and Rusty!

Ninja News

Today’s Special Challenge Participant Feature at the A to Z Blog is Nick Wilford. His Challenge theme was “26 Things that Made Me a Writer,” so visit the A to Z Blog for some inspiration.

Christine Rains revealed the cover for her upcoming book, 1301 - The Marquis, which will be out December 13. Congratulations, Christine!

Sean McLachlan has a new article series, Destination: Iraq, about his 17-day trip through Iraq. It’s over at Gadling and the first article is Going on Vacation in Iraq

Julie Luek at A Thought Grows called for revision tips from blog visitors. She compiled them into one post on Monday, and there were some good ones. You’d be amused by her favorite…

 Don’t forget the I Miss You Blogfest is this Friday! Show appreciate for the bloggers you miss and those you would miss.

And my co-hosts for the December 5 posting for the IWSG are Livia and Tasha Seegmiller. Thank you, ladies! I know you will rock.

Show & Tell in a Nutshell

Have you been told there's a little too much telling in your novel? Want to remedy it? Then this is the book for you!

In Show & Tell in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Telling to Showing you will find sixteen real scenes depicting a variety of situations, emotions, and characteristics which clearly demonstrate how to turn telling into showing. Dispersed throughout, and at the back of the book, are blank pages to take notes as you read. A few short writing prompts are also provided.

Not only is this pocket guide an excellent learning tool for aspiring writers, but it is a light, convenient, and easy solution to honing your craft no matter how broad your writing experience. Keep it in the side pocket of your school bag, throw it in your purse, or even carry it around in the pocket of your jeans or jacket, to enhance your skills, keep notes, and jot down story ideas, anywhere, anytime.

If you purchase the e-book, you will be armed with the convenient hyper-linked Contents Page, where you can toggle backward and forward from different scenes with ease. Use your e-reader's highlighting and note-taking tools to keep notes instead.

Purchase the paperback:
$4.40 on Amazon US or £3.99 on Amazon UK
Purchase the e-book:
$1.99 on Amazon US, £1.99 on Amazon UK, or $1.99 on Kobo

For more information about Jessica Bell, please visit: Website, Blog, Twitter, or Facebook

Movies in 2013

It’s not 2013 yet, but there are some amazing movies coming out next year! Just a few to whet your appetite:

May 3 – Iron Man 3 – Guy Pearce is in the cast. Been a while since he’s been in a movie that didn’t suck.
May 24 - The Fast and the Furious 6 – After the awesomeness of the fifth movie, I’m ready!
July 12 – Pacific Rim – Directed by Guillermo del Toro. Need I say more?
November 8 – Thor: The Dark World – Thor battles an ancient race of Dark Elves. Yes, it’s a year away, but get excited, people!

Movie Remakes

Since Hollywood is determined to remake every film, thought we’d have some fun with it. What’s one of the worst remakes you’ve ever seen? What’s one of the best? What film would you like to see remade? And what film do you pray no one ever remakes?

Worst remake – Clash of the Titans
Yes, the original is campy, but it had heart and Ray Harryhausen creatures. The remake was a soulless piece of special effects.

Best remake – The Thomas Crown Affair
The original was good, but with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo, it’s perfect.

Please remake – The Relic
Including the main character, Agent Pendergast, would be a big plus!

Never remake – Aliens
Cameron’s masterpiece is the ultimate roller coaster ride. Remake my favorite movie and I WILL go all Ninja on you!
(And while I’m at it, don’t remake Raiders of the Lost Ark, either.)

See some things you’d like to read? Ready for the blogfest this Friday? Did you pick up Jessica’s book? Excited for the 2013 movie season? And what movies were the best/worst remakes and what do you want/not want remade?

Be sure to visit Nick at the A to Z Blog and Ellie Garrett for more Cassie and Rusty comments!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Ninja News, Looper Review, and Location Results

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.


I’m in the waiting phase right now, as my third and final book, CassaStorm, is with my critique partners.

My final book? Well, unless something epic hits me, yes. I had one story I wanted to tell. That was it. Then readers wanted more. I have now written two books past my initial goal. Heck, with both CassaStar and CassaFire now Amazon US & UK best sellers, I am way beyond what I imagined! Tens of thousands of people have purchased my books. Whoa! And I didn’t even want to be an author…

When I started to think about what’s happened with my books and this blog, and how it all came to be, I realized it could only be God. I know this blog is no longer about me, and I’m sure my books aren’t either anymore. I wasn’t even online until a year before my first book was released - look how far He has brought me. The friends I have made on this journey are priceless to me. Now that I am in a band and very involved in my guitar playing, that may be the direction God takes me instead of more books. Whatever is expected of me, I’ll be at peace with it. And I'll try not to mess it up!

But rest assured, the Ninja isn’t going anywhere for a very long time! I am here to serve, inform, and amuse. Sometimes more of the latter…

Be sure to click HERE or on the tabbed page above for a list of other participants. Someone is waiting for a word of encouragement from YOU!

Ninja News!

Today’s Special Challenge Participant Feature at the A to Z Blog is author Cherie Reich! Be sure to stop by and check out her answers to my ridiculous questions.

Bish at Random Thoughts is hosting her Second Annual BlogtoberFest! And she’s giving away five prizes this month to celebrate five years of blogging. Congratulations, Bish!

Jamie at Dancing Down Serendipity Street is having a birthday bash! She has her own line of jewelry she makes and is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway. Visit her site for details. And happy birthday, Jamie!

Livia honored me with Blog of the Month! Thank you so much, Livia. Your kind words just blew me away.

Movie Review

Looper

WOW!
The story starts simple and grows complex and intricate as it progresses. Set in 2044, Loopers are killers hired to assassinate those sent back thirty years from the future. Closing the loop is when you kill your future self. Fail to close that loop…
I was completely blown away – this movie exceeded my expectations and then some. It’s a brilliant piece of filmmaking. Looper is smart and creative in the same vein as Noland’s Memento. It leads you down one path only to provide a scene later that changes everything.
The entire cast is brilliant. Every character is complex and flawed. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is young Joe and Bruce Willis is older Joe. Emily Blunt is awesome as well.
I can’t tell you much about the film without giving away any key points. However, very few films in recent memory contain a scene as powerful as one near the end of this movie. Do note it is rated R for a reason!
One of the best movies I’ve seen in years. Smart filmmaking at its finest – go see Looper!!!

Where are all the writers?

Thanks to everyone who commented Monday! In addition to Utah, many other states have a large population of writers. I discovered there are a lot more in the Carolinas and after that, Ohio had the largest representation. (Not just for lovers I guess!) Texas, California, and Florida also hosted many writers. As for countries, Canada and the UK dominated. Thanks guys – it was cool to see all of the states and countries represented!

What are your writing insecurities today? Excited about the contests? Did you see Looper yet? Discover there are more writers in your state than you realized? Think my next book will really be my last…?

Don’t forget to visit Cherie at the A to Z Blog!

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?