Insecure Writer’s Support Group and January Movie Preview

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.

The awesome co-hosts for the December 4 posting of the IWSG are Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine!

December 4 question - Do you write cliffhangers at the end of your stories? Are they a turn-off to you as a writer and/or a reader?

I do not write cliffhangers. All of my books are one complete story line and arc. As a reader, cliffhangers are annoying. Enough so that I just might not pick up the next book to find the answers. I also like my movies to end without cliffhangers. (Although it’s okay if there is a part two to the film, just not more than one year away. I’m talking to you, Dune and Fast and Furious!)

Television series are different. I can handle a cliffhanger from one season to the next. Just be sure there is a next season! (Curses to those who cancelled Outer Range on a cliffhanger.)


I want to mention special prayers for IWSG admin Juneta Key. She's been going through a terrible ordeal and is right now in a terrifying place. If you know her, please contact her and give her some encouragement. She needs a miracle in her life.

We need co-hosts for January, February, and March! Leave a comment or send me an email.

And note that the next IWSG post date is January 8!!! We are not posting on January 1, New Year’s Day.

December Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for December. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

6 –

Werewolves
Director: Steven C. Miller
Stars: Frank Grillo, Lou Diamond Phillips, Katrina Law
Two scientists try to stop a mutation that turns people into werewolves after being touched by a super-moon the year before.
Like the movie poster says, illegal to turn – meaning impossible to turn this into something good.

12 –

Kraven the Hunter
Director: JC Chandor
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Russell Crowe, Christoper Abbott
Kraven 's complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff, starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.
I think they are releasing this close to the end of the year because it’s an Oscar contender…?

13 –

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Director: Kenji Kamiyama
Stars: Brian Cox, Miranda Otto, Lorraine Ashbourne
A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg.
Somehow they took Middle Earth and moved it to Tokyo…

20 –

Mufasa: The Lion King
Director: Barry Jenkins
Stars: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner
Simba, having become king of the Pride Lands, is determined for his cub to follow in his paw prints while the origins of his late father Mufasa are explored.
It’s no longer the circle of life but the circle of cash.

25 –

Nosferatu
Director: Robert Eggers
Stars: Bill Skarsgård, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin
A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman, and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her causing untold horror in its wake.
Kraven the Hunter versus Pennywise!

29 –

Alien Wars: Judgement Day
Director: Jeffery Schneider
Stars: Donna Hamblin, Nick Dent, Luc Bernier
After an alien catastrophe, a few remaining human souls try to hold on to their sanity and their reality as humanity slowly slips into darkness.
There’s only in theaters, only on NetFilx, and only with RiffTrax. Guess which one this is?

How do you feel about cliffhangers? Can you co-host next year? Any of those movies look interesting?
Remember, the next IWSG day is January 8!!!

I will be offline for most of the second half of December. Everyone have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A to Z Challenge – Lord of the Rings and Limelight by Rush, Plus Ninja News and Apologies

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!

Lord of the Rings trilogy

Total epic masterpiece. This trilogy was Jackson’s love letter to Tolkien. It is without a doubt the greatest book adaptation ever and set the bar high for future fantasy films.

Eowyn is the niece of King Theoden, and no less a warrior than her brother, Eomer. She’s willing to do whatever she can for her people. Eowyn is tough but with a soft side, and still trying to find her place. She doesn’t realize all she is capable of doing.

Who is Eowyn?

Nancy Thompson!
 
Nancy is tough – just ask her characters. But her heart is gentle, and she champions those she cares about. You couldn’t ask for a better friend. Like Eowyn, I don’t think she’s aware of her full capabilities yet. When she does – watch out! She possesses all she needs to handle the world.

Nancy is the author of The Mistaken and a very dear friend. Just look at that smile! (And special hello to Jennifer Hillier who is visiting Nancy this weekend.)

To you I dedicate Limelight by Rush.(Song title leads to YouTube video.)

Because you are indeed in the limelight now! “Living in the limelight, the universal dream…”

Trivia and Facts:

Where does Nancy’s son go to college?

Where did Rush form?

K’s trivia answer – Kiss From a Rose is from the movie Batman Forever.

Ninja News, Great Themes, and Cool Stuff

Elizabeth Seckman is posting fun trivia for the Challenge. All of the answers line up with the letter of the day. If you want to test your knowledge, check out her site.

EJ Wesley just released the third book in his series, Dark Prelude, Moonsongs Book 3. Congratulations, EJ! You can purchase the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords
 

For those of you who delight in the popping of bubble wrap, Carrie Butler posted a link to a site with virtual bubble wrap. Check out Hit Free Games
 

Apologies!

Big apologies to anyone I skipped this week. I knew I would have to miss a few of my regulars now and then, although I hate doing it. But when a hundred and fifty of my blogger buddies are posting every day, plus my new followers, and I’m trying to return comments, AND visit those in my section of the Challenge list – well, something has to give. I’m trying to spread it around and not miss anything vital. Just not enough clones…

Most of you visit me every day regardless - thanks, my friends!

And, to my new followers – if I have not followed you in return, PLEASE leave a comment! Many of those icons in the Google Friends Connect widget don’t lead to a profile or blog. And I feel bad when I can’t return the follow.

Think LOTR is the greatest trilogy ever? Following the awesome Nancy? Any Rush fans out there? Know the trivia? Anyone else falling behind on their blog visits? Think you can beat Father Dragon Al to comment number one hundred?

Don’t forget – awesome surprise on Monday!!