Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Television Show Update, A to Z Challenge, IWSG Newsletter, 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 Lauren Hennessy, Lisa Buie-Collard, Lidy, Christine Rains, and Mary Aalgaard!

Most of my writing has been A to Z Challenge posts (simpler than previous years but still require a bit of work) but I did outline a story last month. Not sure it would be enough for a novel, but I went back to the Cassan universe and planned an adventure for Byron’s son, Bassan.

At this point in my career, I don’t feel any pressure to whip out another book. Just enough has drizzled out to keep interest in my other books, plus I have a story in The Thing That Turned Me, and anthology coming out later this year from Stay Classy Publishing. So, I’m just going to take my time.

Be sure to visit others on the Insecure Writer’s Support Group list!

Television Show Updates

Here are some short updates on recent shows:

The Chronicles of Shannara
Still enjoying it, but maybe they should’ve called it Fifty Shades of Shannara. (I was thirteen the first time I read the books – trust me, I would’ve remembered if there was ANY sex in them!)

Better Call Saul
Very intriguing – so far, the second season is as good as the first.

Supergirl
Some hit and miss episodes, but Supergirl is so darn cute, I don’t care.

Face Off
This is how all reality based artistic competitions should be handled – it’s all about the art and zero drama.

X-Files
Part of me thinks it was the perfect way to end its six episode run and part of me wants to slap the crap out of creator Chris Carter.

IWSG Newsletter

Many of you received the first issue of the newsletter last week! Whether you are part of the monthly IWSG blog or not, you can sign up for the next issue HERE. It’s packed with articles, writing tips, and information.


It also features an article every month by an IWSG member! Here’s the details:

Topic Ideas: your number one writing, publishing or marketing tip; a motivational pep talk or inspirational story; a snippet about something you used to be insecure about but overcame or an aha moment you had about writing/publishing.

Length: 200 words or less

How to Submit: Send a DOC attachment to Chrys Fey at ChrysFey(at)yahoo(dot)com Put “Member Article” in the Subject Line.

A to Z Challenge

April is the A to Z Challenge – blogging every day but Sundays and in the order of the alphabet. If you’ve not yet signed up for this incredible event, go HERE.

For those participants with a theme for the Challenge, there is the A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal happening on March 21. Sign up HERE.

We also have chats every Thursday evening at 9:00 pm Eastern – look for #azchat and join us – ask questions and make friends.

If you’ve never participated, 2016 is a great year to begin. I was part of the very first one in 2010 and it changed my blog forever. I had fun, I made a ton of new friends, and I proved I could come up with a post almost daily. (I also had no theme, something I will never do again!)

Only one month away – join us!

New Releases

Flicker: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry by Tyrean Martinson
An eclectic mix of 90 short stories and poems written between 2013 and 2015.
Pick it up HERE

Catalyst by Lydia Kang
Now in paperback!
Pick it up on Amazon

Just Because…

Saw this on Heather Gardner’s site last week. Really, it’s not one of my goals (well, maybe when I was younger) but I found the snark hilarious:

What are your writing insecurities this month? Did you enjoy the first newsletter? Want to contribute an article? Have you seen any of the television shows? Signed up for the Challenge? And who else wants to slap Chris Carter...?

April Movie Preview, What Are the Kargrandes, The Machine Movie Review, New Releases, and My World During the A to Z Challenge

I am visiting the delightful Stephanie Faris today with a humorous and snarky piece on giving from the heart.

I’m also at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, outlining what is to come in April.

And I updated my blogroll! It is now alphabetized and in smaller sections. If you're a regular here and don't find your blog listed, please let me know.

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is clue number twelve – only one more to go! New clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? What are their powers? Are they sentient? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? Can you solve the mystery by April 7? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

If you haven’t signed up for the Thunderclap campaign, please do. If you are on either Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr and want to help me spread the word of the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7, click HERE.


And to celebrate my upcoming release, my publisher will be dropping the price of my third book, CassaStorm, to .99 on Wednesday! So if you haven’t picked it up, later this week will be your chance.

Movie Review

The Machine
Set in the near future, scientist Vincent McCarthy creates a self-aware artificial intelligence modeled after his late assistant. Britain’s Military of Defense wants to use Ava as a weapon though.
This is another quiet, slower-paced film. It explores a lot of issues surrounding life and death. When the military starts training Ava and it bothers her, it raises a lot of questions about what is right and what is wrong, as does the presence of soldiers from earlier experiments who have undergone unique transformations.
The other half of McCarthy’s mental and emotional struggle is his dying daughter. He has been working with the military on AI in hopes of finding a cure for her.
The special effects are good and the movie is well done. It’s one of those smaller films that’s good but not enough to really stick with you. This movie came out in 2013 and ironically there is another film coming out in April that is very similar.
Worth a watch if you’re in the mood.

New Releases

Michael – Path of Angels by Patricia Josephine

There is only one path.
Born mortal along with his three brothers, Michael is an Archangel with a specific role: hunt fallen angels and send them back to Hell…

Find Patricia and her books at Website/Blog, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Wattpad

Catalyst by Lydia Kang

Sequel to Control

Purchase it at Barnes and Nobel, Amazon, and Powell’s

April Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for April! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

3 –

Furious 7
Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for the death of his brother.
Director: James Wan
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham
Early reviews say it’s a fitting tribute to Paul Walker…






10 –

Ex Machina
A programmer wins a competition to spend a week at the private mountain estate of the company's brilliant and reclusive CEO. Upon his arrival, he learns he’s been chosen to be the human component in a Turing Test-charging him with evaluating the capabilities, and ultimately the consciousness, of the latest experiment in artificial intelligence. That experiment is Ava, a breathtaking A.I. whose emotional intelligence proves more sophisticated--and more deceptive--than the two men could have imagined.
Director - Alex Garland
Starring – Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson
Artificial intelligence? Abd she’s named Ava? Now, why does that sound familiar…?

17-

Self/less
An extremely wealthy man, dying from cancer, undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the body of a healthy young man. But all is not as it seems when he starts to uncover the mystery of the body's origin and the organization that will kill to protect its cause.
Director: Tarsem Singh
Stars: Matthew Goode, Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, Michelle Dockery
Considering the director’s track record of doing beautiful looking films that are vapid, they might want to re-title this one Plot/less…

My World During the Challenge

The A to Z Challenge kicks off in just two days! There is still time to join us for the biggest blogging event of the year.

My theme is Cult Classics and I have all the posts formatted and images ready to go. I also have my posts scheduled at the A to Z Blog and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site.

However, this year will be a little more insane as I have a book release and tour going on at the same time.

I’m still going to aim for my usual blog visits during the Challenge, which is one hundred and fifty a day, spread between blogger buddies, Challenge participants, and commenters. I’ll also have tour stops that are a top priority. I’ve already taken two days off from work to handle the load. (April 1, since it’s both day one of the Challenge and IWSG post day and April 7, since that’s Dragon’s release day.) But there are two other days during the month when commitments elsewhere will prevent me from visiting as many, at least right away.

My promise to everyone is that I will do my best. I may not get to every single post you toss out there, but I will try to get to as many as possible. Know that if you leave a comment, I WILL visit no matter what.

Remember, in addition to cult classic movies, albums, science fiction books, and a term from Dragon of the Stars, I will be featuring one to four blogger buddies every single day!

Plus there will be a giveaway and a scavenger hunt on April 7 to celebrate the realse of Dragon. And some awesome tour stops, all unique and really, really short!

I might even have a blogfest to announce….

Still puzzled by Kargrandes? Picking up some new books? Seen The Machine? Any April movie catch your eye? Is your April going to be just as crazy? Have a plan for coping?

Don’t forget to visit Stephanie Faris and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

The Best of 2013, New Books, Ninja News, and What Was Your Best Year?

The Best and Personal Favorites of 2013

It was another awesome year for movies, music, and everything in between. Here were some of the highlights for me, in no particular order.

Favorite Movies

Star Trek Into Darkness – non-stop and just a very good and solid movie
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – another great entry and roller coaster of a ride
Pacific Rim – giant robots versus giant monsters – need I say more?
Gravity – very intense and Oscar-worthy
Thor: The Dark World – even better than the first one
Man of Steel – liked it even more the second time

Favorite Music

Rush – Clockwork Angels Tour DVD/CD – great live show and the orchestra puts it over the top
Dream Theater CD – their best album since Awake
Ayreon – The Theory of Everything CD – another amazing concept album from Arjen

Favorite New Television Shows

The Blacklist – Spader makes it
Almost Human – great interaction between the leads
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – fun and expands the Marvel universe
Defiance – support your local good science fiction show!
House of Cards – you’ll need a shower afterwards but it’s fun

Favorite Game 

Rocksmith 2014 – a lot of fun and better designed



What were some of your favorites?

New Books!

Lydia Kang’s Control is now out – her first book!

Roland Yeomans’ Death in the House of Life is now available!


Another masterpiece from Roland...

EJ Wesley’s Vampire's Ball, Moonsongs Book 5 was unleashed.

Watcher of Worlds by Brinda Berry
Whispering Woods Book 3
ISBN: 978-1-941133-00-2

Senior year should bring fun, friends and happiness. Not portals, treachery, and murder.

Find it on Amazon

Anne R Allen’s The Lady of Lakewood Diner in now out!

Emilyann Girdner’s The Labyrinth Wall was released!

Kimberly Afe’s The Headhunter’s Race came out last week!

Ciara Knight’s Pendulum is out!





Congratulations to all!

Ninja News

Today at the A to Z Blog is an interview with the awesome Michael Di Gesu! He turned his theme into a lucrative endeavor – check it out.

Terri Rochenski announced an opportunity with her publisher, Roane Publishing. They have an open sub call for an upcoming fantasy anthology titled Portals. See her site for details.

Special thanks to Robyn Campbell and Edi’s Book LIghthouse who both placed CassaStorm at the top of their favorite books of 2013. You both rock!!

For those of you who write poetry, Bossy Betty had a really creative idea!

Pat Hatt created a special video for Christmas, and I’m proud to say I defeat Evil Santa with my guitar playing! (And not because I was playing badly either.)



The 2014 A to Z Challenge Team is coming together! We’ll announce them and open up the sign-up list on January 27. We’ll also be looking for Minions again. Any volunteers…?

2013 and Our Best Year

2013 was another good year for me, although 2012 seemed better. However, I did launch CassaStorm, the final book in my series. I made huge improvements in my guitar playing. And of course, the launch of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website was a major highlight.

We remember years that boast major accomplishments and happy occasions. I can remember living in England, marrying my wife, accepting Jesus, and the launch of my very first book. Those were all good years.

So I ask you – what was your best year and why?

See you Wednesday for Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day!

What were your favorite movies, shows, books, etc. in 2013? Picked up any of the new releases? Ready for the A to Z Challenge? (Want to be a Minion?) And what year shines in your memory – and why?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus Ayreon Review, Newscaster as Ron Burgundy, and Ninja News

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 CD Coffelt, Tina Downey, Isis Rushdan, and Michelle Wallace! Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

Where am I at right now? Haunted by one question – do I continue writing?

I have a basic outline for another space opera. At this stage, it’s very straightforward and will need a lot of twists and some depth. I’m working on characters, arcs, and a deep, resonating theme.

Will I write it though?

If I do, some things will have to change. My life is already full with work, my band, my home life. There is only one area I could adjust at this point. My time online.

The most amazing part of this journey has been getting to know all of you. That was something I never foresaw when I began. The Insecure Writer’s Support Group website is also very important to me, and all of you who post every month for the group. I have an amazing group of admins helping with the site and the Facebook page. They will help me with its upkeep and growth, as we are still adding links to the site.

It’s the time I spend online that I’d have to scale back. Yes, I’m fortunate to do some of that from work. But what if I was writing instead? Especially in the evening? If I do decide to write another book, I will have to scale back the hours I spend here, and of course I’ll have to scale back my blogging days. (Because I refuse to blog when I can’t visit others.)

How would you guys feel if I was only around one day and the others were hit and miss? I don't want to let anyone down. Should I keep writing?

Visit other participants HERE.

Ninja News

Join the YA Revolution! Liz Fichera is seeking unique YA books – see her site for details.

Nutschell announced the release of the anthology she’s been putting together - Story Sprouts: CBW-LA Writing Day Exercises and Anthology 2013. A fresh take on an old classic, the Anthology uncovers the creative process in its raw form, celebrating the seeds of story generation. Framing the authors’ contributions are the 10 writing exercises that guided them along their journey, as well as tips and techniques shared at the workshop. Congratulations, Nutschell!

MJ and Tina are hosting The Holiday Food Drive Blogfest. This is your chance to give back to your local community. See their sites for details.

Kittie Howard’s Louisiana's A-Z Something Extra: Lagniappe is now available. Congratulations, Kittie!

Lydia Kang is holding a pre-order giveaway for her upcoming release, Control. Some cool swag – see her site for details.

Karen’s Annual Blog Awards are now open for nominations! Favorite blog, favorite new blog.. Visit her site to nominate someone!

And it’s not too late to sign up for the How I Miss You Blogfest this Friday!

Hilarious News Clip

For Halloween, Denver’s Channel 6 sports anchor, Paul Gerke, was Ron Burgundy from The Anchorman. Only he didn’t just dress like him – he stayed in character for the entire newscast! The result is hilarious. It’s over five minutes, but very funny, especially the end where they let him do a little of the weather…

Music Review

Ayreon – The Theory of Everything
Arjen Anthony Lucassen has created another progressive rock masterpiece.
If you like Ayreon’s The Human Equation (not only their best, but the most brilliant concept album ever) then you will dig this disc.
The basic storyline (as if anything about Ayreon was basic): a troubled young man with a brilliant mind locked within his head is the central character. His parents take him to a psychologist who suggests an experimental drug, but the mother says no. However, the father is working on the theory of everything and needs to unlock his son’s brilliance if he is to solve the equation. He starts slipping his son the drug, with consequences…
This is a true progressive rock album, so the music is intricate and not easily accessible. However, with every listen, new elements are revealed and the genius behind the concept and music grows. Plus there are so many great guest musicians!
And the Theory of Everything? There are forty-two songs on the disc – major homage to Douglas Adams.
Highly recommended!

What’s your writing insecurity today? Should I try to write another book? Excited about the new books, blogfests, giveaways, and awards? Did you watch a minute of the video? Anyone else an Ayreon or progressive rock fan? And two more days to Thor: The Dark World!!!

Tyrean Martinson and Champions, Overcoming Adversity with Nick Wilford, Ninja News, Amazon and Authors, and Boomtown Craze

Champions

My dear friend and awesome fellow follower of Christ, author Tyrean Martinson, is here today to talk about true champions.

Before I begin, I have to say that I am beyond honored to be here at the no-hyper-link-needed Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh’s blog. Wow! Thank you, Alex!

My novel, Champion in the Darkness is set in the world of Aramatir. It’s a world in which only one Champion exists at a time. Each Champion upholds the highest values of faith, strength, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. There are other legendary Sword Masters, Law-Givers, and Shepherds, but Champions have a special status in the world of Aramatir as the best of the best. Clara, my young MC is ready to be a Sword Master, and she’s dreamed of making legendary status, but Champion? She doesn’t know if she’s ready for that huge task.

In our world, each of us can be a Champion. Many of us have personal Champions: parents, grandparents, coaches, teachers, friends, and others who inspire us. Today I would like to honor one Champion I know in the blogworld: Nick Wilford. Nick is a Champion for his stepson, and has put together a number of giving opportunities to help his stepson get to a specialist college, including the Overcoming Adversity Anthology. If you don’t know Nick, go meet him. He’s a Champion that upholds the highest values and puts them into action.

Who, in your life, is your Champion?

Champion in the Darkness is YA Christian Fantasy, and is the first book in the Champion Trilogy.

Tyrean Martinson lives and writes in the Northwest, encouraged by her loving husband and daughters, and reminded to exercise by her dogs and cat. Champion in the Darkness is the first book in the Champion Trilogy, and she has previously published short stories and poetry.

Champion in the Darkness can be found at these links: Amazon, Nook, Kobo, and Goodreads.

Tyrean Martinson can be found at these links: Blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

Overcoming Adversity – A True Champion

Overcoming Adversity: An Anthology for Andrew edited by Nick Wilford

A collection of seventy moving and uplifting original pieces - real life, flash fiction, and poetry - about battling against the odds and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The contributors include Amazon bestselling authors Alex J. Cavanaugh and Kyra Lennon, and the cream of upcoming talent.

The anthology is part of a fundraising effort to send the editor's stepson, Andrew McNaughton, to a specialist college in England. Andrew has cerebral palsy, and is a remarkable young man with a promising future. However, the free further education options offered in his own country of Scotland will not challenge him and allow him to progress. In order to access the education he deserves, Andrew will have to pay exorbitant fees, thus creating a situation of discrimination.

Help us get Andrew to college by buying a book that runs the full gamut of human emotions, ultimately leaving you inspired and glad to be alive. Whatever struggles you are going through, our sincere hope is that this book will help.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Smashwords, and Goodreads.

Nick Wilford is a writer and stay-at-home dad. Once a journalist, he now makes use of those rare times when the house is quiet to explore the realms of fiction. When not writing he can usually be found spending time with his family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s Muse magazine. Nick is also co-running a campaign to get a dedicated specialist college built in Scotland.

Ninja News

Lydia Kang is hosting a huge giveaway for her upcoming release. Swag for Control and many other authors’ books are the prizes. Check it out – the giveaway is huge!

Jess is hosting the From the Ashes blogfest on March 8 in celebration of her first book release!

Sharon Bayliss’ novel, The Charge (which won in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Competition) is available now!

Not only did Still Moments Magazine select one of Gail’s stories for publication, they used her photograph on the cover. Congratulations, Gail – double score!

The Desert Rocks’ story, The Escape was published in Anything Prose…and Poetry, Too! It’s a collection of works written by thirty-two talented authors. Congratulations, Desert!

And special thanks to MJ Joachim for her wonderful words the other day!

Indie Authors, Free Books, and Amazon

I caught a couple interesting articles regarding changes in Amazon’s Affiliation Program and how they will affect authors trying to promote free books. The first was at To Become A Writer - Bad News if You Use Amazon Select. The second one was at Failure Ahoy! Adventures in Digital Publishing - Amazon is About to Throttle Free Books. Since many of you are indie authors, I thought I would pass this along to you.

A Grand New Age of Boom or Dust?

Boomtown Craze, Book 3 in the Backworlds series is here!

In the far future, humanity settles the stars, bioengineering its descendants to survive in a harsh universe…

From March 4 to March 22, folks can enter to win the following:
1 set of signed Backworlds paperbacks, including The Backworlds, Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge, and Boomtown Craze. Will only ship to US residents.

Available in ebook at: Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

M. Pax is a Browncoat and SG fan, she’s also slightly obsessed with Jane Austen. In the summers she docents as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory where the other astronomers now believe she has the most extensive collection of moon photos in existence. No fear, there will be more next summer. She lives in stunning Central Oregon with the Husband Unit and two lovely, spoiled cats.
Find her: Website, Blog, Twitter, and Goodreads.



Picked up Tyrean’s book? Who is your champion in life? Picking up Nick’s book? See any awesome news? Will the changes with Amazon affect you? Part of the Boomtown Craze? Ready for my review of Jack the Giant Slayer on Wednesday – and the IWSG? Ready for the A to Z Challenge so these posts will be shorter?

Epic Ninja News, Movie Review, and Kela Thinks I’m Famous

Special Feature and Special Request!

Kela is the sweetheart who runs Teardrops on my Books. Tuesday, she honored me by saying I was famous. Thursday, she featured me in her Thursday Tag HERE. For your amusement, I invite you to read my answers. Thanks, Kela – you rock, my friend!

I have a very special request of the Ninja Army. Not for me, for my friend Andrew. I’d previously mentioned the book he did for his students, Charter Shorts, which goes to benefit the school.
Friday is the last day for Briane's Star Wars Trivia Marathon. Andrew is in second place but can still pull out a win with some help. If you go to Briane’s blog and state that you Champion Andrew, he gets an extra 10,000 points. (And it’s been an ongoing thing this week, so if you’ve already commented on an earlier post, you can comment again on the latest one.)
Thanks to all who showed their support for Andrew! Championing is now over.

Epic Ninja News!

This is what happens when I skip posting just one day…

Candilynn Fite has started a monthly contest, Follow My Lead – and the prizes include a fellow author’s books. This month, it’s Roland Yeoman’s End of Days. Awesome idea, Candy!

Here’s the basics:

Entries must be original work of the writer.

Only one entry per contestant.

300 words or less.

The piece must follow the prompt provided, but may sway in any direction.

The contest piece should be written about the image, in some form or fashion.

The prompt should be used in the story and included in word count.

Ends June 30, 2012

Jamie at Mithril Wisdom has more fun at work than I do – they created a zombie game app that works with Google Maps. Visit his site so you too can send zombies to attack your friends where they live!

The awesome Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out is looking for people to hijack his blog! If you are interested in doing a guest post, contact Lee.

Author Bryan Thomas Schmidt lists Five Great New Epic Series for Your Summer Reads. And hey – my Cassa books are listed! Thanks, Bryan.

Michael Abayomi had some great news about his 6-part epic fantasy series, Guardians & The Lost Paradise: “The first two chapters are now on display at The Lost Paradise as part of my about-to-be-launched Indiegogo campaign to raise enough money to produce all 6 books in the series.” Good luck, Michael!

The ladies at Falling for Fiction (Cassie, Jade, Hope, Kelley, and Jenny) are hosting the Hookers & Hangers Blogfest on July 16 and 18. Go HERE to sign up!

Rick at The Writer and the White Cat announced that starting the first of July, White Cat Publications, LLC. will begin accepting submissions for their new magazine of urban poetry titled Nain Rouge a Journal of Urban Poetry, Prose and Art.

Lydia Kang is hosting an amazing giveaway – critiques, books, and Amazon gift card!

JA Bennett is hosting a two hundred followers giveaway – Amazon gift card and a critique!

Heads up! Since the next posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group falls on the USA’s Fourth of July holiday, we will be posting BOTH Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.

Movie Review

Immortals
Finally saw this on NetFlix. Glad I waited.
This movie misses the mark on every level. It’s poorly edited and constructed. Everything about it feels odd. Even the special effects. The worst part is the goofy costuming. My wife commented that in one scene, the Oracles looked like matching salt and pepper shakers. Part of the problem is this movie takes itself way too seriously. Directed by Tarsem Singh who directed The Cell and… not much else. The best thing I took away from the film was that actor Henry Cavill will make a good Superman in the remake.

Don’t forget to visit Kela You guys are awesome!

Whoa! Participating in Candy’s monthly contest? Ready to unleash some zombies? Reading for some summer reading? Feeling lucky with a contest or two? Did you lose part of your life watching Immortals? Both Brave and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter come out this weekend – seeing either of them?

KNOWLEDGEABLE - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

KNOWLEDGEABLE

Mooderino at Moody Writing
I read a lot of writing tips online, but no one beats Moody. Her posts are precise and easy to understand. She is a sheer writing genius! If you are a writer, you need to be following the very generous Moody.

Lydia Kang at The World is My Oyster
Lydia is sharp in so many ways. In addition to being a soon-to-be-published author, she is a doctor. Yes, a real MD! Her “Medical Mondays” cover all sorts of topics, giving writers ammunition for killing or harming their characters. Don’t let that scare you though – Lydia is just a sweetheart.

Maurice at The Geek Twins
Maurice (and his brother) run a sharp science fiction site. They are on top of the latest stories, giving readers things they might not find elsewhere. The focus is movies, but you will find all sorts of geeky fun on their site. Maurice recently opened up The Geek Twins to guest posts and I was honored to receive the first invite. Sadly, due to my crazy schedule, that won’t happen until June. Until then, for all your science fiction and geek news and updates, check out The Geek Twins.

Agent Pendergast and Sherlock Holmes
Preston and Child’s beloved character of Agent Pendergast of the FBI is most certainly based on the Arthur Conan Doyle's character, Sherlock Holmes. Both have an amazing wealth of knowledge at their disposal and an eidetic memory. And once the game is afoot, they always solve the case.

NINJA NEWS

Charity Bradford secured a publisher - Sendek: The Magic Wakes will be a book soon. Congratulations, Chairty! And here you were so worried about sending out queries…

Facebook just spent one BILLION dollars to acquire the site Instagram. And no one in the world knows why…

And don’t forget the First Loves Blogfest on May 14 – First loves of movies, music, books, and person.

Following Moody, Lydia, and Maurice? Fan of Preston and Child or Sherlock Holmes? Know why on earth Facebook would spend a billion dollars on a tiny site with a free app that converts nice, clean photos into faded Polaroids? Who would you classify as knowledgeable?