James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction, You Rock Awards, Movie News, Trivia Answers, and New Releases

James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction

Mondays on AMC.
This six-episode series is extremely fascinating!
Each show covers a specific area – aliens, space, monsters, dark futures, intelligent machines, and time travel.
James Cameron sit down with some other big names in the business and discusses each one as to how it has impacted science fiction movies today. Interspersed is commentary from dozens of other people, from major actors (Sigourney Weaver, Will Smith, etc.) to musicians, directors, artists, and others who played a part in the movies being discussed.
They discuss Cameron’s films of course, but also focus on the movies from the main guests. In the first episode, he discussed Close Encounters with Steven Spielberg, including its influences, behind the scenes tidbits, and its nods to earlier films and books.
I’m looking forward to episode three which features Guillermo del Toro (monsters) and episode four which features Christopher Nolan (dark futures).
If you are a science fiction geek, you must check it out!

Geek Movie News

No official reviews are allowed yet of Deadpool 2, but JoBlo posted a slew of Tweets from those who saw an early preview last week.

My Favorite:

Want to see Incredibles 2 two days before its release? Want to see it in IMAX? And as a double feature with the first movie?

Go to IMAX movies to see if it’s play in a theater near you on June 13!

The rumors are true!
From JoBlo:
After almost 30 years of waiting, it's time to throw up your horns and bust out your aggressive air guitar, because Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are set to reprise their roles as Theodore "Ted" Logan and "Bill" S. Preston Esq. for the much-anticipated sequel BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC! News of a third film in the franchise moving into production emerged from the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, along with the announcement that Dean Parisot (RED 2, FUN WITH DICK AND JANE, GALAXY QUEST) would direct from a script penned by the original creators of the series, Chris Matheson(IMAGINE THAT) and Ed Solomon (MEN IN BLACK).

Grunge posted a list of movie trilogies that will never be completed.
On this list is Hellboy and Tron, plus a few that will surprise you. And a couple you’ll be grateful they quit when they did.

And do note - Black Panther comes out May 15, Tuesday!

New releases:

Both from IWSG Admins!

One out now -
The Raindrop that Wanted to Stop by Pat Hatt
Release number 120 I believe?
Pick it up on Amazon

And one on May 15 -
Some Very Messy Medieval Magic by C. Lee McKenzie

Pete’s stuck in medieval England!

Find it at Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes, Amazon, and Foyles

You Rock Award

Every year, I give out the You Rock award. This is for special people who have made an impact on me.
Except for last year. For whatever reason, I failed to do the awards. Maybe because I always give them out right after the A to Z Challenge, and last year I didn’t participate.
Which means I have some making up to do!
First, I’d like to honor these fellow and former bloggers who received it in the past: Arlee, Yvonne, RaShelle, Hannah, Jeffrey, Gail, Rusty, Chuck, George, Jeremy, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland, Melissa, Robyn, Lynda, Michael, Heather, Stephen, Father Dragon Al, the late Tina, Damyanti, Edi, Karen, Elizabeth, Suze, Susan, Pat, Jo, Michelle, Brandon and Bryan, Christine, Truedessa, Rachna Chhabria, Fundy Blue, Hank Kaykuala, JH Moncrieff, Nilanjana Bos, Liza, and Yolanda Renee.

Despite missing last year, I’m going to keep it short and simple, despite the fact I had over a dozen people on the list.

Spacer Guy
A fellow Star Trek fanatic, Spacer Guy has been with me for years. He knows so much about Trek, which allows me to geek out right along with him. But he’s also been so supportive and always willing to help a buddy out. I feel privileged to know his real name! Spacer Guy, you rock!

Elsie Amata
Do not let the title of her blog deter you! Doesn’t matter if you’ve never dealt with sex addiction. Elsie is about being real. She’s about baring your soul. You will come away changed. And she has a really great sense of humor. Elsie, I really admire you. You rock!

L. Diane Wolfe
This one has been a long time coming, but I’ve held off for professional reasons. (She’s the senior editor and owner of my publisher’s company.) But had it not been for that yes and her faith in my first book, I never would’ve embarked on this journey. Plus she knows so much about book marketing, which she shares often on her blog. Diane, a million thanks, and you rock!

Natalie Aguirre
Many years ago, a blogging friend asked me about helping her find other writers and growing her blog. Now Natalie’s Literary Rambles has twice the followers I do, and I couldn’t be happier for her! She focuses on middle grade/young adult authors and agents, but she was ever so gracious to let me visit her blog when CassaStorm was released. Natalie, I’ve watched so much happen in your life as if I was right there with you. In spirit, I was. You rock!

Sandra Cox
It’s been so long, I’m not sure how I met Sandra. Probably during a Challenge. She keeps it light and upbeat and very real. We’ve never met although I think we only live a few hours apart, but I know we’d get along just great if we did. Her themed posts will make you smile. And she always checks back with you. Sandra, you rock!

C. Lee McKenzie 
Lee’s been a long time author friend and joined the IWSG Admin team last year, handling publicity relations. Watching her in action behind the scenes – Lee is ambitious and not afraid to try! She’s so professional and together and I really admire that. Lee, I appreciate you as a friend, a fellow author, and a damned good IWSG admin! You rock.

Trivia Answers

Name the television series from the author and lead actor:
1 – Author Laura Ingalls Wilder, starring Michael Landon – Little House on the Prairie
2 – Author Craig Johnson, starring Robert Taylor - Longmire
3 - Authors Richard Hooker & W. C. Heinz and starring Alan Alda - M*A*S*H
4 – Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock
5 - Author Stephen King, starring Mike Vogel – Under the Dome
6 - Author James S. A. Corey and starring Thomas Jane – The Expanse

Have you seen James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction? Ready for Incredibles 2 or another Bill and Ted movie? Picking up Pat or Lee’s new book? Get any of the trivia correct? And are you following those rocking bloggers?

I will be offline on Friday. I’m taking a personal day, sleeping in, then spending the day with my wife which will include seeing Deadpool 2. It will feel so wrong and yet I will laugh so hard…

Retro A to Z Challenge: X – X-Files 1998 (plus Odd Thomas Movie Review)

The X-Files Movie – Fight the Future – 1998

After years of watching the series, fans finally got a big screen version. It focused on the main mythos of the alien colonization of earth, complete with spaceship at the end. (Which of course, Scully didn’t see!) The film was true to the series while placing the X-Files on a much grander scale.

1998 fun facts –
*Average cost of new house - $129,300.00.
*Average Income - $38,100.00.
*Cost of Gas - $1.15
*Average cost of new car - $17,200.00
*First Class stamp - .32 cents
*The biggest airport in the world opened in Hong Kong
*Free Willy star Keiko went to Iceland for eventual release back into the wild
*Europeans agreed on a single currency the Euro
*The Search Engine Google was founded.
*The Denver Broncos won their first Super Bowl

Movies released –
Titanic
Saving Private Ryan
The Mask of Zorro
It’s a Bug’s Life
The Big Lebowski
Blade
Dark City

Music released –
Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Delux
Orgy – Candyass
Monster Magnet - Powertrip

Games released –
Starcraft
Fallout II
Baldur’s Gate
Half-Life

And why is 1998 special?
Because that year, Al Diaz said someone believed in him so much that it made him believe in himself as well. It was also the year Natalie Aguirre adopted her daughter from China in April, and it was the year Jamie Ayers got married!

Father Dragon Al is an artist and writer who hails from Mexico. He’s a wise old dragon, tended to by many dwarves. (Even more the year they got a hold of my cloning machine.) Al is a multi-faceted person – devoted, caring, and a man of honor. My best friend, I’d trust him with my life. Al blogs at Dragon on a Mission.

Natalie is a writer and co-hosts a top young adult site. She gets the insider scoop on authors and agents and shares them with the world. One of the nicest people I know, Natalie is very involved and knowledgeable when it comes to books. She blogs at Literary Rambles.

Jamie is a young adult author and a teacher. She lives in sunny Florida with her husband, kids, and basset hound. Jamie has a passion for young people and a strong spiritual foundation. She’s a special lady who knows how to make everyone feel important. Find Jamie HERE

Ninja News

Milo James Fowler has a slew of new releases coming out over the next two weeks. He also signed the deal for a sequel to his novel and it will come out in November. Way to go, Milo!

C. Lee McKenzie has been featuring other bloggers for the Challenge through a contest. Each week is a new prize, and the winner drawn from those who guess the most bloggers correctly from her posts and hints. Last week, I won! Thanks, Lee.

Don’t forget - the final installment of Lord of the Clones is tomorrow! Visit Father Dragon Al and vote for your favorite. The awesome Ninja Cloner (me!) or evil Lord Baldernot (Mark Koopmans.)

Movie Review – Odd Thomas

Based on the novel by Dean Koontz and directed by Stephen Sommers.
The film follows a young man with clairvoyant abilities as he tries to uncover a terrible event that’s about to take place in his town.

The best way to describe this film is it’s a murder-mystery, supernatural, comedy thriller.
The ‘I see dead people’ concept isn’t original, but the movie executes it very well. It’s incredibly entertaining, powerful, and hits all the right notes.
It has a great cast. Anton Yelchin (Chekov from the latest Star Trek films) is Odd and plays the character perfectly and believably. Willem Dafoe is solid in his role as the police chief who not only benefits from Odd’s abilities, but he helps keep them a secret.
Overall, I was very impressed with this film and highly recommend it!

Fan of the X-Files? Following Al, Natalie, and Jamie? Read any of Milo’s books? Seen Odd Thomas or read the book? Ready to visit Al tomorrow and cast your vote? And what do you remember best about 1998…?

SUPPORTIVE/SPIRITED - 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.

SUPPORTIVE/SPIRITED

M. Pax at Wistful Nebulae
I’m not sure when I discovered Mary’s site. I think it was during one of her Pine Mountain Observatory stints. But here was a woman who was totally a science fiction geek! More than that, I quickly discovered that Mary was incredibly dedicated and supportive of her friends. And in return, she is someone I would go out of my way to champion and defend. Shame she lives on the other side of the USA, as I would love to meet Mary in person.

EJ at The Open Vein
EJ is everything – supportive, spirited, steadfast, and any other S word I could imagine. EJ’s spirit is honest and open to any who will listen. His motives are pure and words so true. EJ, don’t change your style for anything!

Jen at Widdershins and Skeleton Keys
The moment you see Jen’s icon, you know you have a spirited individual on the other side! She is a breath of fresh air. Jen, you may not think you are making a difference here in the blogging world, but your words have a big impact on me!

My wife fits both of these words perfectly. She stuck with me through all the writing, rejection letters, and frustration. Her motivation and spirit gave me fuel to achieve all my hopes and dreams.

NINJA NEWS!

First, a HUGE thanks to Michael at In Time for devoting his R post to me. I was humbled by his words and first attempt at science fiction writing, which was really good. Michael, you rock!

One of my most devoted commenters is Natalie Aguirre. She helps run Literary Rambles, which just made Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers for May/June. Congratulations, Natalie! That is just mindblowing.

Cherie Reich’s Flashes of Foxwick is available as an eBook! If you haven’t been following her A to Z posts, you need to check out these fantasy flashes.

And a HUGE thanks to everyone who has followed the bloggers I've featured. My greatest joy has been checking their sites and seeing all the new followers and comments. Thanks - you guys rock!

Following M. Pax, EJ, and Jen? Is Michael not just the most awesome friend? Do you have friends that just amaze you sometimes? Who do you know who is supportive or spirited? I know how much I appreciate those who’ve supported me - how about you?