Reviews - Toy Story 4, NOS4A2, Prodigy, and Baroness’s Gold and Grey Album – Plus New Releases

Jamie at Just the Cheese is interviewing Chewbacca (played by me) on Wednesday – check it out for some slightly raunchy laughs!

Plus – we have a guest at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site today who got a three book deal all because of #IWSGPit! So check it out.

Movie Reviews

Toy Story 4 

There was no short before the film, which was fine. (The one about the woman eating her dumpling son was just weird.)
This film had the feel good sensibilities of the first movie and it felt similar in tone. It picks up not too long after Andy gave the toys to Bonnie.
It was great seeing all the characters again. Newcomer Forky added a lot of humor. Bonnie made him at school out of a spork from the trash and he keeps climbing back into trash cans while Woody does what he can to convince Forky he’s Bonnie’s new favorite toy, not trash.
The animation is of course spectacular.
On the surface it seems like a kid’s movie, but the many adult themes that weave their way through the story will resonate with adults. Woody was purposeless and didn’t know where he fit in anymore – that’s a heavy concept for kids.
It was a fitting way to end it, if it really is the end this time.
Not my favorite Toy Story but better than three and I enjoyed it.
Recommended

NOS4A2

From the IMDB - Charlie Manx, a seductive immortal who feeds off the souls of children, has his whole world threatened when a young woman (Vic McQueen) in New England discovers she has a dangerous gift.
For those who think famous people’s kids get all the breaks – well, they do. I’ve never read any of the books by Joe Hill (a.k.a. – Joe KING) so I can’t speak to the man’s writing prowess. But after watching the first couple episodes, the story is very entertaining.
It’s like X-Men combined with horror. Some people have unique special powers. Some can go anywhere through a magical bridge and find lost things (like Vic McQueen), some can see the future through Scrabble tiles, and some (like Charlie Manx) can stay perpetually young by siphoning life from children.
It’s an interesting twist on the vampire legend. Stephen King called it ‘Scary as hell,’ but it’s not really scary – just very intriguing. (Yeah, don’t you wish your dad was famous and gave you a blurb like that?) Although it is starting to drag just a little bit...
The show is on AMC – recommended.

Prodigy

From Rotten Tomatoes - A secret branch of the military calls upon psychologist James Fonda to take the case of a dangerous patient, nine-year-old Ellie.
This is an effective film on a very tiny budget, taking place in one building. It’s a science fiction thriller/drama that’s all psychological, so don’t expect a lot of action. It’s a cat-and-mouse battle of wits between Ellie and James.
What really sells the movie is the actress playing Ellie, Savannah Liles. She is chilling as the gifted, super-genius, and very dangerous child. She’s also cold and heartless, making it even more difficult to get through to her. And scary to try!
It doesn’t break new ground, but it’s definitely worth a watch.
Recommended

Baroness - Gold and Grey

I picked up their first album, Red, in 2007. While I enjoyed it, the album reminded me of Mastodon. I kind of forgot about them until Purple was released in 2015 and I fell in love with their unique brand of rock, sludge, and prog rock.
Cut to Gold and Grey which furthers their sound and cements them in my eyes (or ears) as one of the most vibrant and interesting bands making music today.
Every song has its own feel and style, and yet they all fit together to create a cohesive – dare I say – masterpiece. Practically every song is an earworm in the best way possible.
So catchy and inventive, it’s my second favorite album of the year. (Right behind Devon Townsend’s Empath.) I recommend it for people who enjoy music that challenges them.

New Releases

Windy Hollow
Beast World MG Fantasy Series, book #3
By Tara Tyler

In BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, Gabe and his friends go on a quest to save their school, blowing up all the rules, and discover their origins.
Then they go to CRADLE ROCK and meet some real live humans, scaring them into attack mode. The Beasts realize they have to spread the truth ASAP.
Now, school's out, and Gabe is ready for a break from all the drama...
Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings.
Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!

Find it on Amazon

The Demon Kiss
Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy, Book 1
By Juliana Haygert
A young woman with a secret heritage. A man who made a deal with the devil. And an academy where the students are just as dangerous as the demons...
Find it on Amazon

City of Wished 4: The Eternal Night
By Rachel Morgan
Cinderella retold: Fae, vampires, shifters, and a Godmother who’ll grant you any wish—if you pay the price.
Find it on Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes and Noble

Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest is open and taking submissions!

Genre is middle grade historical – adventure/ fantasy and the theme is voyagers.

See the site for full details.

Anyone else see Toy Story 4? Watching NOS4A2? Seen Prodigy? Want to take a chance on Baroness’ great new album? Picking up some new books? And are you entering the IWSG Anthology Contest – just two more months to send your submission!

See you next Wednesday for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post.

And don’t forget to visit Just the Cheese !

Finding Dory and Conjuring 2 Reviews, New IWSG Feature, New Releases, and Movie Trivia

I am posting about world building at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group today!

And if you missed the sad news this weekend, actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a freak car accident. He was Chekov in the Star Trek reboot, Kyle Reese in Terminator Salvation, and Charlie Brewster in the Fright Night remake. Details at Blastr.

Movie Reviews

Finding Dory
Dory’s memory starts to come back and she takes Marlin and Nemo off to find her parents.
If the movie has a downside, it’s in the familiarity. The plot is similar to Finding Nemo and many of the elements are repeated.
That said, it’s still very engaging and funny. Lots of new characters, including Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale, and Hank the octopus – who has the funniest lines and moments.
The short before the film – The Piper – has some of the most amazing animation I’ve seen since the movie Rango. Stunningly realistic.
Family fun – recommended.

The Conjuring 2
It falls just a little short of the first one, but it’s still a creepy good horror film.
The movie begins with the Warrens in the Amityville house, but soon they are off to England to evaluate a claim of possession and haunting.
The performances are what ground the film, especially that of the actors playing Ed and Lorraine Warren. The whole family did great, especially the young lady who played Janet, the one possessed.
The nun demon is one of the creepiest figures you will ever see.
One thing I really like about these films is that it’s the power of God that defeats the evil. I had a couple minor quibbles with the film, and one CGI moment pulled me out of the story, but overall it’s very effective and creepy.
And at least you’ll leave the theater feeling good!
Recommended.

New IWSG Day Feature!

We’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive.

Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers - Sign-up List.

The July 6 question - What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

New Releases!

Murder Has A Price by Pat Hatt
Detective Hollerin has received his badge after a few short years with only one thing in mind, find the real person who was behind the murder of Torrie and Kurt Price and put them in the ground.
Find it on Amazon

And a big congratulations to Pat – this marks book number one hundred!

Paranormal Attractions boxed set
Featuring Phantasm by J.L. Campbell

A Faerie’s Secret by Rachel Morgan
Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes and Noble

Heart Stopper and Other Stories by Tamara Narayan
Find it on Amazon

When it Hooks You by Nicki Elson
Find it at Amazon

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – V.I.N.C.E.N.T. and B.O.B., 1978 – The Black Hole
2 – Evil Robot Us-es and Good Robot Us-es, 1991 – Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey
3 – Bishop, 1986 - Aliens
4 – Hector, 1980 – Saturn 3
5 – Gunslinger, 1973 - Westworld
6 – Dot Matrix, 1987 - Spaceballs
7 – Bubo, 1981 – Clash of the Titans
8 – Huey, Dewey, and Louie, 1972 – Silent Running

Have you seen Finding Dory or The Conjuring 2? Picking up some new books? Get any of the trivia right? And what do you think of the new IWSG feature?

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

Bone Tomahawk Film Review, November Movie Preview, Monday’s Music, Introvert or Extrovert?, Tails for Vets, New Book Releases, Battle Results, and Ninja News

I have a short interview at Tim Knight’s site, Hero Press. If you’re into geek stuff, Tim runs an awesome site.

Movie Review – Bone Tomahawk

Four men set out in the Wild West to rescue a group of captives from cannibalistic cave dwellers.
This can best be described as an arthouse Western/horror film with drama.
Some might be frustrated by the slow pace. (Remember my review of Slow West?) However, I enjoyed the slow burn. By the end of the film, I was really invested in the characters.
It has some funny moments and all of the actors do an amazing job, especially Russell and Jenkins.
There are only a couple bloody horror scenes, but be warned – they are graphic. (As a dude, I really cringed at one scene.)
If you have to have a lot of action, skip this film. If you like a slow pace and watching the characters and story unfold at a leisurely pace, then I recommend this one.
Now playing in theaters and on Direct TV.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

Hosted by Xmas Dolly She asked if I would be this week’s Spotlight Dancer. (Little did she know, I can’t dance.)
Fortunately, no dancing is involved. I get to pick the theme for today.
After deciding that Scandinavian heavy metal music might be too limiting (not to mention scare the crap out of the other participants) I chose the theme of Movie Soundtracks.


Here are my picks:

First off, I had to go with Extreme’s Play With Me. (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure) 

Sadly, there’s no really good video version of this song…

Megadeth – 99 Ways to Die (Beavis and Butthead Do America) 

You might not like the music, but the video has a great message.

Pantera – Cemetary Gates (Tales From the Crypt – Demon Night) 

Great song, and probably their most accessible.

Visit Xmas Dolly to join the fun and visit other participants.

Ninja News

Stephanie Farris listed CassaStar as one of the best books she’d read in October. Thanks for taking a chance on a new genre, Stephanie!

Tails for Vets!

Tails of the Apocalypse is a collection of dystopian/post-apocalyptic stories featuring animals and features a story by E.E. Giorgi.

Samuel Peralta, who produced this anthology, paired with Pets for Vets, an organization that matches shelter dogs with military veterans. Pourteau plans to donate $1.00 to Pets for Vets from every copy of Tails of the Apocalypse sold through the end of the calendar year, regardless of format‚ e-book, paperback, or audiobook.

The project is called Tails for Vets, and you can help two different ways –

1 – Join the Tails for Vets Street Team

2 – Buy the Book – It releases on November 20, but you can pre-order now on Amazon.

New Releases!

Mayhem in the Air by the authors at Untethered Realms

Find it at Amazon, Smashwords, and Google Play

A Faerie’s Revenge by Rachel Morgan

The fifth book in the Creepy Hollow series, and the second book in Calla’s story.

Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Redemption (Children of the Gods #3) by Jessica Therrien

Nobody promised freedom would be peaceful…

Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads

The first two books are only .99 cents at Amazon - Oppression and Uprising

There’s also a Rafflecopter giveaway.

Max Blizzard and The Cup of Kings by Pat Hatt

Find it on Amazon

Deadly Undertaking by J.Q. Rose

A handsome detective, a shadow man, and a murder victim kill Lauren’s plan for a simple life.

Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books We Love Bookstore

Battle of the Banned Results

Hosted by Shady Del Knight. Here are the results from last Monday.

Two songs from horror movies – and this is how the votes fell:

Dokken – Dream Warriors from Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Warriors - 15

Lou Gramm – Lost in the Shadows from The Lost Boys - 10

Dream Warriors got off to an early lead and never let it go…

Question of the Month

Hosted by Michael at A Life Examined.

This month’s question - “Are you an introvert or an extrovert?”

This one is easy. Introvert. However, I’m not a shy, awkward, don’t want to deal with the world introvert. I’m a musician who performs on stage and an author with several books published, so I have to be extroverted to some degree. I enjoy people and certainly enjoy this online community of friends. But I prefer to stay more in the background and let others take the spotlight. I’d rather ask questions and learn more about people than talk about myself.

Of course, my home is my castle and sanctuary and still the best place to hide!

November Movie Preview

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

6 –

Spectre

A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

Director: Sam Mendes

Stars: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Léa Seydoux

Bond is back and probably not doing anything we’ve not seen before, but we’ll go anyway…

13 –

The 33

Based on the real-life event, when a gold and copper mine collapses, it traps 33 miners underground for 69 days.

Director: Patricia Riggen

Stars: Naomi Scott, James Brolin, Antonio Banderas, Lou Diamond Phillips

Just a word of caution – this movie not suitable for minors.

20 –

The Night Before

In New York City for their annual tradition of Christmas Eve debauchery, three lifelong best friends set out to find the Holy Grail of Christmas parties since their yearly reunion might be coming to an end.

Director: Jonathan Levine

Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lizzy Caplan, Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie

Rogan turns what is meant to be a joyous family time into a night of vulgarity, debauchery, and excess. Merry Christmas, everybody.

27 –

The Good Dinosaur

An epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend.

Director: Peter Sohn

Stars: Raymond Ochoa, Jeffrey Wright, Steve Zahn, A.J. Buckley

The only good dinosaur is a dead dinosaur. Oh, wait…

Victor Frankenstein

Told from Igor's perspective, we see the troubled young assistant's dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein, and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man - and the legend - we know today.

Director: Paul McGuigan

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott

This one could sneak in and be a cool gothic thriller for the holidays. (Fingers crossed.)

Anyone else see Bone Tomahawk? What soundtrack music moves you today? Can you help Tails for Vets? See some good new releases? Are you an introvert or extrovert? And what movies interest you this month?

See you Wednesday for the IWSG post!

And don’t forget to visit Hero Press!

CassaSeries is Available! Plus Cherie Reich's Favorite Monsters, IWSG T-Shirt, Monster Trivia Answers, and Ninja News

CassaSeries releases today! But first…


I am visiting Beverly Stowe McClure at Story of a Writer with a short piece on the best and worst of writing.


And the super talented Cherie Reich joins us here today!

Cherie Reich’s 5 Favorite Horror Monsters/Villains

1. Pennywise from Stephen King’s It. A clown with very, very sharp teeth. Can we get any scarier?

2. Big Jim Rennie and Junior from Stephen King’s Under the Dome. I loathed them in the book, almost as much as Umbridge from Harry Potter. They were cruel, manipulative, and downright evil. I must admit I like them more in the TV series, although Big Jim is still quite manipulative and evil.

3. The aliens from M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs. These aliens are no E.T. or Alf. We may be their cattle, but at least we have water on our side. Strangely, I could have sworn I saw one in real life when I was a child (years before I watched the movie).

4. Michael Myers from John Carpenter’s Halloween series. My mom said she’d seen the movie while pregnant with me. I wonder what that says about us. Heh. I’m a big fan of the Halloween series, and my former housemate and I would spend hours discussing our theories about Michael Myers. No matter how slow he walks, he’s very persistent. Just be sure to cut off the right head, okay?

5. Jason from Friday the 13th series. A mother’s love can bring her creepy son back to life. Just be sure to stay away from lakes and cabins. And I have to admit seeing Jason beating one girl in a sleeping bag with another girl in a sleeping bag was the most memorable moment in Jason X.

What’s your favorite monster/villain from a horror book/movie?

A monster hunts us. After hibernating for a decade, it’s ravenous. We long to stop this nightmare, but the end of the road is far. There is no waking up once a legend sets its sights on you.

Purchase Once upon a Nightmare: A Collection by Cherie Reich at Amazon. From June 22-28, the collection is only $0.99!

Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction author and library assistant living in Virginia. Visit her website and blog for more information.

Ninja News

Nigel Mitchell posted about a Hemmingway app that can be used to improve your writing.

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group t-shirt is available now! Designed by the very talented Jeremy Hawkins, members can now show their support and commitment to the group.

Purchase your IWSG shirt at the NeatOShop.

New Releases:

Summer Vacation Devotions by Tyrean Martinson includes fifteen devotions for families having fun on summer vacation and center around God's Word and activities like car trips, camping, building sandcastles and cooking s'mores. The author earnings will go to Peace Rehabilitation Center in Nepal to fight human trafficking.
Available as an eBook and paperback.

Brave New Girls: Tales of Girls and Gadgets
Featuring a story by Leandra Wallace
Find it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

A Faerie’s Secret by Rachel Morgan
Book Four in the Creepy Hollow Series
Find it at Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Hellraiser 1997 - Cenobites
2 – Reign of Fire 2002 - Dragons
3 – Near Dark 1987 - Vampires
4 – Lake Placid 1999 – Giant Crocodile
5 – Battleship 2012 - Aliens
6 – Deep Blue Sea 1999 - Sharks

Available today!

CassaSeries
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
ISBN 9781939844118
Price - $5.99 eBook boxed set
Science fiction/adventure (FIC028010) and science fiction/space opera (FIC028030)

The Amazon Best-Selling Series!

CassaStar - Few options remain for Byron. Slated to train as a Cosbolt pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth to his instructor, Bassa. As war brews on the edge of space, Bassa must make a decision that could decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission destined to stretch their abilities to the limit?

CassaFire - Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters behind him, the detection of alien ruins sends him to the planet of Tgren. Forced to train a Tgren named Athee and deal with an eager young scientist, he feels invaded. Tensions mount as the ruins reveal a potential weapon, plunging him further into the chaos. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

CassaStorm - Commanding the base on Tgren, Byron watches as a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the planet. When the war hits Tgren, it triggers nightmares in his son. The ancient alien ship begins transmitting a deadly code and the probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago returns. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

Find it at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Goodreads


What is your favorite monster? (Mine would be Godzilla.) See some cool new books? Picking up the IWSG t-shirt? Get any of the trivia right? And if you’ve never read the trilogy, CassaSeries is a great bargain!

Don’t forget to visit Beverly Stowe McClure!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Riff Trax Live, December Movie Preview, 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 Heather Gardner, T. Drecker from Kidbits, Eva E. Solar at Lilicasplace, and Patsy Collins!

First, thanks again to everyone who contributed to and downloaded The Insecure Writer’s Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond.
You can download it for free (almost) everywhere - Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords

Between preparing for the IWSG’s book release and my own book, Dragon of the Stars, I’ve been securing a lot of guest spots and setting up promotional stuff. I was grateful for a few days off around Thanksgiving last week. I needed that break!

I have seven dates set already for blog stops next April and need a few more. There are a couple big science fiction sites I’d like to secure, but getting the attention of those sites is sometimes difficult. I’m not a big name author with an agent, so despite the success of my previous books, I get overlooked. I’m sure some of you know what it feels like to be mid-list or lower author and struggle the same way. (At least I hope it’s not just me.

I’m also trying to come up with other marketing ideas. I have an idea for the A to Z Challenge that will include information about my book. There’s a possible campaign that will involve Twitter and maybe a website in the works. Plus my publisher wants to do an ad campaign for CassaStorm next March. (I think I just need two more reviews on Amazon to make it happen.)

Yeah, it’s a bit overwhelming! You guys feel that way when it comes to marketing?

Be sure to visit others on the IWSG list!

Riff Trax Live!

Thursday, December 4, at a theater near you – Riff Trax Live: Santa Claus!

Broadcast live from Nashville, TN and playing in hundreds of theaters across the nation. If you loved Mystery Science Theater 3000 (or if you just want to know what it’s all about) go HERE for details.

I saw them in person last month and it was amazing. (If you live in Nashville, see if tickets are still available.) I’m seeing the live broadcast this time and will give a full report next Monday. How could I miss Santa and the devil, together again? Yes, such a classic children’s tale… NOT!

Ninja News

Hart Johnson has a cool idea that involves bloggers, authors, and reviews – and a mutual benefit to all. Check out her site for details.

Available now –
The Trouble With Faking
By Rachel Morgan

December Movie Preview

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

12 –

Exodus: Gods and Kings
The defiant leader Moses rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver
Why the hell can’t someone do a Bible story that’s true to the source material? This film starts with Moses having delusions and God played by a creepy child. That’s offensive and wrong on so many levels. Not a chance I will give money to this film…


19 –

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Bilbo and Company are forced to be engaged in a war against an array of combatants and keeping the terrifying Smaug from acquiring a kingdom of treasure and obliterating all of Middle-Earth.
Director: Peter Jackson
Stars: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett
The end of the trilogy promises to be epic! Jackson has pulled so much together for this final installment and created a much bigger story.

Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb
Larry spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.
Director: Shawn Levy
Stars: Robin Williams, Rebel Wilson, Dan Stevens, Ben Stiller
The first two were surprisingly good. Plus it has Williams in his final role.





26 –

The Interview
Dave Skylark and his producer Aaron Rapoport run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the two least-qualified men imaginable, to assassinate Kim Jong-un.
Directors: Evan Goldberg | Seth Rogen
Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Lizzy Caplan
So sue me – I think it looks funny! And I’m not even a fan of Rogan’s films…

What are your writer insecurities today? Did you download the IWSG book? Seeing Riff Trax Live? And what movies strike your fancy this month…?

Audiomachine’s Tree of Life, Snarky Critique Partners, Western Movie Trivia, Shelfie Blog Hop, and Ninja News!

Tree of Life

On the heels of the wonderful turnout for Sunflowers for Tina on Monday, Samantha Redstreake Geary made this announcement:

“As a lasting tribute to Tina, I, along with 25 amazing authors, are publishing audiomachine‘s TREE OF LIFE: Branching Out collaborative story in ebook format on Amazon, launching Sept. 12th! Stunning book cover designed by gifted graphic artist and composer, Ryo Ishido. All proceeds of the TREE OF LIFE ebook will benefit the Downey Education Fund set up for Tina’s two boys.”

Tina also contributed to this anthology - look for it Friday! I will include a direct link in my Monday post as well.

Shelfie Blog Hop

This is my contribution to the Shelfie Blog Hop, hosted by Tara Tyler, Heather Gardner, Christine Rains, Elizabeth Sechman, CD Coffelt, MJ Fifield, Vikki Biram, and Rena Rocford:

Ninja News

Today at the IWSG Site we have none other than the awesome Elana Johnson! So head on over and make a wish.

Yesterday was Jeremy Hawkins’ birthday! We celebrated with the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Go wish him a belated happy birthday.

PK Hrezo has been asked to write the story of an amazing young lady by the name of Queena. Six years ago, she was strangled, beaten, raped, and left for dead. She suffered multiple brain injuries and lost a lot of her mobility. PK has started a Kickstarter fund for this project. Help her by either donating or spreading the word. See her site for details.

Out now - The Test of Time by Nicole Zoltak

Just released – The Trouble with Flirting by Rachel Morgan

Don’t forget – Underrated Treasures Blogfest
On Monday, September 22, post about your favorite unknown –
MOVIE – BAND/ARTIST – TV SHOW – BOOK
Post about one or all four – dealer’s choice!
Sign up HERE

Movie Trivia

Westerns!

1 – What was John Wayne’s last film?

2 – Who directed Once Upon a Time in the West?

3 – How does Doc Holiday die in Tombstone?

4 – How many Oscars did Unforgiven win?

5 – Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, and Danny Glover starred in what Western?

Critique Partners

My post at the IWSG this week was about what to look for in a good critique partner.
One of the items I mentioned was a sense of humor. I’m blessed to have critique partners who excel at snarky humor.
So for those of you who dread critiques and worry they might upset or anger, let me show you why I chuckle my way through them:

Heather, who also had some funny visuals I wish I could include –

We might be gone for a while, he thought.
Aden is always thinking.

And I can’t win if I can’t play.
You have an ‘and’ at the beginning of your sentence addiction.

Damn, what have I done?
WHAT? I thought you were kidding!

Rusty and his ongoing issue with eyebrows –

…his scowl pulling his brows into one.
Hey!!!! I remember this discussion. I like how you married to the two into a sorta compromise (although I still contend we only have one brow anyway).

…his brows together.
Still bugs me.

The com officer’s brows…
Knife in my heart

Vardy’s drawn brows…
You’re rubbing my face in it, aren’t you?

Lynda felt sorry for the com buttons –

Aden mashed the com button…
These com buttons get a beating ;)

…mashing a final button.
Looks like the Balkan's buttons are going to get a beating too ;)

He mashed the com button.
You know all the com buttons are going to unite in protest for better treatment of buttons... they might even revolt. Better watch your back ;)

…her short stature a hindrance.
Hey! Short people can run fast too!! :P
Short people and buttons unite!! ;)

Downloading Tree of Life on Friday? Have you posted your Shelfie yet? Ready for my next blogfest? Know any of the trivia? And do your critique partners make snarky fun comments…?