A to Z Challenge – Hellboy and Heroes and Villains by T-Ride, Plus Ninja News

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!

Hellboy

Guillermo del Toro is a genius. It takes a director of his caliber to capture the quirkiness of the comics and transfer it to the big screen. The film works on every level – funny, exciting, odd, and wonderful.

Hellboy is crude, funny, and answers to no one. He also has a soft side, as evidenced by his affinity for cats.

Who is Hellboy?

Powdered Toast Man from Just the Cheese!

PTM (real name, Jamie) knows how to push the limits without going off the edge. (Not too far, anyway.) He has a wicked sense of humor and a go for it attitude. He’s also a devoted friend and quite the innovator. Jamie, you are still one cool dude! And you keep me young.

PTM/Jamie is a newlywed, a comedian, and occasionally attacked by birds who are after his toast head.

To you I dedicate Heroes and Villains by T-Ride. (Title leads to YouTube video.)

“Cause breaking the rules that they told, Was something I had to do…”

Trivia and Facts:

Did you know that Powdered Toast Man, a character who appeared regularly on the Ren and Stimpy Show, was based on a Frank Zappa inspired character called Studebacher Hoch?

Who plays Hellboy’s father in the movie?

G’s trivia answer – the Billboard number one hit from Extreme’s Pornograffitti was “More Than Words.”

Ninja News

Cassie Mae just signed TWO book deals! She has a three book deal with Swoon Romance, for her YA books, starting with How to Date Nerd, coming this September. And she has a two book deal with Random House FLIRT for her NA books, starting with Friday Night Alibi, coming July 29th and Pulling the Switch, coming this December. Congratulations, Cassie – big score!

Next Monday is the release day for Flights of Fiction, published by Handcar Press, and one of the eleven stories in this anthology is "Motive" by LD Masterson. Congratulations, LD!

Also, due to blogging situations, two people have new blogs – A to Z Challenge co-host Stephen Tremp and Yvonne Lewis.

Fan of Del Toro or the Hellboy series? Following PTM? Ever heard of T-Ride? Know the trivia answer? Excited for LD and Cassie? Think we should start betting how long it takes the featured blogger to find this post? Wondering how many clones I’m going to burn out this month…?

A to Z Challenge – The Crow, Eric Draven, and Rush's Carve Away the Stone – Plus the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Ninja News

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!

The Crow

An incredibly haunting film. Brandon Lee’s death infused the movie with presence that you feel when watching it. The cinematography and set design are spectacular and the performances spot-on. The creator of the original graphic novel series wrote it in response to his own real-life tragedy, which adds even more depth to the film. An underappreciated masterpiece. (And a kick-ass soundtrack.)

Eric Draven is the tragedy. Haunted by his own death and that of his fiancé, Eric has returned to exact justice on those responsible. Armed with his guitar, his wits, and a sense of humor, he sets off on his quest. There is an air of sorrow beneath his strength, and he just wants to right the wrongs and find his peace.

Who is Eric?

Michael Offutt!

Michael has had his fair share of challenges, but he continues to fight. He’s both talented and smart in many areas, delving into the details above and beyond. Some days he is overwhelmed by the weight of it all, but not his quest. I admire his tenacity and hope he finds his peace. He is a good friend.

Michael is the author of Slipstream and Oculus.

To you I dedicate Carve Away the Stone, by Rush. 

“You can carry that weight, With an iron will, Or let the pain remain behind you…”

Trivia and Facts:

Brandon Lee was accidentally shot on the set on March 31, 1993, and pronounced dead at a Wilmington, NC hospital six hours later. This was just seventeen days before he and fiancé Eliza Hutton, who also worked on the film, were to be married. She petitioned that the film be completed, and it was released a year later, dedicated to the couple.

Co-star Ernie Hudson played a cop in The Crow, and a cop in two other films release that year – name them.

B’s trivia answer – Satriani played lead guitar for Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

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 this month are Annalisa Crawford, Julie Luek, and Elsie.
 
Today I’d just like to extend an invitation to any writers out there who haven’t heard about the IWSG. Every month, this group amazes me even more. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. If you are a struggling writer or seasoned veteran, you find yourself welcome into the group. Once a month, we post our insecurities or a word of encouragement for others. It’s a safe outlet for those frustrations we often face.

I am humbled by the power of this group. The success of my books cannot compare to the success of the IWSG. I am recharged every month by the members and their dedication to each other. Join us, and you’ll see what I mean…

Ninja News!

Author and Geek Twin, Nigel Mitchell, composed a large list of editors for indie publishers HERE.

PTM’s theme for the Challenge is fictional characters including but not limited to cartoons, TV shows, video games, etc. Today, he is interviewing Cookie Monster – played by me! Snark may be involved. Check it out HERE

Damyanti at Daily (w)rite has been featuring books this month for the Challenge, and today it is my latest book, CassaFire! Thanks, Damy.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends April 21, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Fan of The Crow or Michael? Familiar with Dream Theater? Know the trivia question? Are you a member of the IWSG? (If no, please join us!) What is your insecurity today?

Be sure to check out PTM’s SITE for a side of Cookie Monster you’ve never seen…

Game On Time! Fearless! Ninja News! And the Director's Cut of Movie Trivia...

I am happy to host author Kyra Lennon today as part of her blog tour for Game On! Knowing I have a thing for music, Kyra wanted to talk about music and writing…

Some writers write to music, others find it a distraction. I fall somewhere between the two. When I first wrote Game On, I had no issues writing to music. In fact, if there was no music, I wasn’t getting anything done! The story first came together in 2006, and back then, the music that got me through was Fozzy. I’m not sure whether everyone has heard of them, but for those who haven’t, the band is fronted by WWE’s Chris Jericho. There is something kind of … hot about rock music, and playing their songs motivated me like crazy.

Another of my favourite musical inspirations is Maroon 5. Adam Levine’s voice and lyrics seem to hit me in places I didn’t know existed (minds out of the gutters please! :p) Levine writes such beautiful songs, it’s hard not to be inspired by it.

The problem I had when I was doing rewrites for Game On, six years later, was that I no longer have the same concentration levels I once had. Music became a distraction, not a motivator. I was a bit gutted, because I love my music. But I did what I had to do. Turned it all off and got the work done.

I put it down to my aging brain making me unable to do two things at once, but I hope that I can find a way to get music back into my writing process because I really miss it. Plus, Maroon 5 have an awesome new album out which is playing in a constant loop whenever my laptop goes off!

Do you write to music, or does it mess with your concentration? What music do you like to listen to while you’re working? Have any bands or singers inspired your stories?

Game On Synopsis
After swapping her small town life to work for one of the top soccer teams in the U.S, Leah Walker thought she could finally leave the ghosts of her past behind. However, when she meets serial womanizer, Radleigh McCoy, the memories of her old life come swarming back, and she is forced to ask herself whether she has really changed at all.

Game On Buy Links: Amazon eBook Amazon Paperback Amazon UK eBook Amazon UK Paperback Smashwords eBook

Fearless!

Christine Rains’ awesome book is available now!

I read parts of it during the A to Z Challenge, and every morning I looked forward to the next excerpt.

Christine is also hosting a blogfest to celebrate her books’ release, Who Was Your Childhood Monster? It runs August 7 – 9, so you still have time to participate. Tawa wants YOU!

Fearless is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. And you can find Christine at her Blog and Website.

Ninja News!

Roland Yeomans is holding another contest! You can win an autographed copy of Iron Man II’s Robert Downey Jr. OR Scarlett Johansson. See his site for details.

Cate Masters has a new book out – Death is a Bitch. Congratulations, Cate!

Siv Maria has been working on a book and the first chapter will be published as a short story in a Fantasy Anthology, Open Doors, on September 4th by Wayman Publishing. Congratulation, Siv!

Congratulations to Powdered Toast Man and LC Frost for winning copies of CassaStar and CassaFire from The Writing Nut. And special congratulations to Terry who won a bonus third book for her grandson Caden.

And big surprise!! Voting is now open for Diane's Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest – and I was notified I'm one of the three nominees! Thanks so much, guys. You rock! Voting runs until this weekend.

Movie Trivia!

Ever played Director’s Cut?


Three clue words – name the movie:

1 – Broderick – Military - Chimps

2 – Holden – Newman - Ratings

3 – Costner – Protection - Singer

4 – Lobotomy – Fletcher - McMurphy

5 – Spielberg – Genetic - Dinosaurs

Big Bonus!! - Lucas – Automatons - Pleasence

Do you prefer silence or music? Picked up Game On or Fearless? Participating in Christine’s blogfest this week? Want to watch me grovel for votes? And any ideas on the movie trivia? Come on, a couple are really easy…