Announcing the Anti-Blogfest Gary Fest! Plus Ninja and Cassa News, The Bay Movie Review, and Monster Movie Trivia Answers

Ninja News

Milo James Fowler has stories in TWO publications this week – Big Bad Anthology and Bards and Sages Quarterly. Congratulations, Milo!

My blogger buddy Jeremy Hawkins just released four art books in the “It’s Time” series! Congratulations, Jeremy. He will be touring next month, so expect a visit from the Retro Art Master in August.

Rachel Morgan has several short stories in the textbooks Grade 7, 8 and 9 Core Readers for English First Additional Language. Congratulations, Rachel!

At lot of cool news came out of Comic Con this past weekend, including the fact that Zack Snyder will direct the next Superman-Batman movie. Yes, both superheroes in one film! Fans were also treated to a Godzilla experience similar to a ride at Universal Studios. And the metal band Metallica was even there for a panel!

Cassa Updates

Charity Bradford posted her early review of CassaStorm on her blog last week, with high praises for the world building and science elements. That blows my mind, because those areas are not my strong suit. (Although I am currently reading a book that glosses over those elements more than I do.) I guess Byron isn’t the only one who has grown and changed over the years.

CassaStorm is also on the Goodreads list for Can’t Wait Sci Fi Fantasy of 2013. It won’t take many more votes to get it into the top ten, so if you’d like to add your vote, I would appreciate it!

Monster Movie Trivia Answers!

1 – What was the monster in Brotherhood of the Wolf? A lion
2 – How many times have Godzilla and Gamera fought? None
3 – DeForest Kelley fought giant rabbits in what film? Night of the Lepus
4 – Which X-Men cast member starred in Deep Rising? Famke Janssen
5 – What year was the original King Kong released? 1933
6 – What was the giant creature in Lake Placid? A crocodile
7 – In Godzilla vs. the Thing, what was the Thing? Mothra

Movie Review

The Bay
Written and directed by Barry Levinson, this movie chronicles an ecological disaster in a small Maryland town which was covered up by the government.
An entry in the ‘found footage’ genre, this one is unique in how it handles the footage, piecing together views from dozens of cameras to reveal what happened one fateful Fourth of July. Something has infected the water – a combination of pollution, poultry farm runoff, and an unknown entity – and people are dying. The movie follows numerous characters, most notably a college student as a junior reporter for the local news.
What makes this film effectively creepy is the realism. What is killing the people is a real threat that kills fish. The possibility that in the right toxic soup it could kill people is disturbing.
It’s rated R and there is gore, but it’s not sensationalized.
Not for everyone, this movie will stay with you for a while.

The Anti-Blogfest to end all Blogfests!

Announcing the "Anti-Blogfest Gary Fest" on August 12, a blog hop in honor of Mr. anti-blog hop himself, Gary at Klahanie.

Hosted by Mark “Madman” Koopmans, Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh, “Life is Good” Tina, Rockin’ Robyn Engel and Morgan “The Morg” Shamy.

The rules are *very* simple.

Create the titles of three PG-13 rated blogfests you would never join - and then add a descriptive sentence or two. That's it!

For example, I would never sign up for the:

Cheesecake & Cauliflower Bloghop - "where dinner and dessert is mixed in one dish."

OR the

Blocked up Toilet Blogfest - "where crap happens."

OR even the

Alphapet Zoo-mbie Bloghop - "where cuddly undead toys learn how to spell."

Sign up below!




Can you see growth in your writing? Have you seen The Bay? Get the movie trivia correct? (Joshua nailed it!) Can you vote for CassaStorm? And who’s in for some anti-blogfests?

Ninja News, Movie Trivia Answers, and This Year’s YOU ROCK Award Recipients!

That’s right – time for the fourth annual YOU ROCK awards!

But first…

Ninja News

Thrill of it all Blogfest
Hosted by Tara Tyler, who is celebrating her upcoming book, Pop Travel, and Heather Gardner, celebrating her newly released book, Maguire’s Corner.
“On June 24th, share a big thrill with us to be entered into The Thrill of it All blogfest contest! We will judge the biggest thrills and give out some thrilling prizes. Entries may be real or fiction.”

The 3-Ups-Blog Hop, hosted by Randi Lee at The Emotional Process of Writing a Novel, is in full swing right now.
My assignment – author Diane Carlisle.
This was the first time I’ve met Diane and here’s what I discovered that’s cool about her:
1-UP – She offers a lot of great writing tips
2-UP – She has a forum on her blog and welcomes discussions, news, and stories.
3-UP – She’s involved in the writing community!

VikLit’s “Celebrating the Small Things” is today. I’m celebrating a three day weekend, taking off from work early again to see a movie (Fast and Furious 6), and the joy of friendship with those listed below. What are you celebrating?

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Goodfellas – 1990 – Martin Scorsese
2 – Empire of the Sun – 1987 – Steven Spielberg
3 – The Fifth Element – 1997 – Luc Besson
4 – Unforgiven – 1992 – Clint Eastwood
5 – Contact – 1997 – Robert Zemeckis

The YOU ROCK Award!

Time to pass out the fourth annual YOU ROCK Award. Every year it becomes more difficult! I could easily give it to dozens of people. But I keep it to four to seven special recipients, people who have really touched my heart. And this year the award is personalized! All recipients past and present will receive a personalized badge.

Past recipients include: Jeffrey Beesler at World of the Scribe, Gail at At The Farm, Rusty Webb at The Blutonian Death Egg, Chuck at Apocalypse Now, George at CineMarvellous, Lee at Tossing it Out, Yvonne Lewis at The Written Word, RaShelle Workman at A No. 2 Pencil Stat, Hannah at The Write Mood, Jeremy at Retro Z’s, Matthew at The QQQE, Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances, Ella at Ella’s Edge, M Pax, Roland Yeomans at Writing in the Crosshairs, and Melissa Bradley at Melissa’s Imaginarium.

I know everyone likes to skim, but I hope you will take a moment to read about these amazing people.

This year’s truly rockin’ cool bloggers:

Robyn at Life By Chocolate
I met Robyn three years ago when some of us were planning a group blog. We never could agree on a name (I think at one point it was One Cool Chick and Seven Dumb Guys) and eventually it fell apart. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Robyn at first, but once the joint blog fell through, I finally got a chance to know her. And in her I found one of the most witty, charming, and delightful woman I’ve ever met. She is just a joy and I've treasure our exchanges over the years. She’s also been in the hospital this week, so I hope this brings a smile to her face today. Robyn, I adore you – you rock!

Lynda Young
I met Lynda about three years ago and knew at once she was a kindred spirit. A fellow writer and Christian, she possesses a true joy and peace. Much to my amazement, I discovered we shared the same tastes in in all things geek. Lynda is my geek sister and twin, and our lives mirror many of the same experiences and values. She is a true friend, stable and supportive. Lynda, I appreciate you more than you know – you rock!

Michael Di Gesu at In Time
Dedicated, expressive, and compassionate are the first words that come to mind when I think of Michael. That he cares so much for others is reflected in his posts, whether it’s highlighting a friend’s book or taking about earthly angels. He possesses tenacity and drive in all things he does. And it’s this genuine heart and spirit that make you such an amazing friend. Michael – you rock!

Heather at The Waiting is the Hardest Part
My posts are not complete until Heather has left one of her perky and thoughtful comments. It’s difficult to convey emotion online, but a big smile comes through in everything she writes. She has a great sense of humor (the woman carries a gnome around, taking pictures!) and her bubbling personality shines in Stormy. But it is you Heather who’s the great friend, and you rise to the occasion every time. I can always count on you. Heather – you rock!

Stephen Tremp
One of my very first followers, Stephen has always been there. He is consistent and persistent in everything he does. He’s very supportive, and not afraid to jump into any project if it benefits others. And when the world falls apart, he digs in his heels, offers a smile, and says “We’re going through!” Stephen, I really admire that in you. Thanks for the many years of friendship. Stephen – you rock!

Al at Father Dragon Writes
Last but not least is Al. Usually it takes years to build a solid friendship, but once in a while you meet someone so real and true that it happens overnight. Al is the epitome of strength, wisdom, and commitment. His genuine heart is indeed a dragon’s heart. Some days he struggles far more than most realize, but Al’s good for his word and will always come through for his friends. He’s trusting to a fault. (And after the clone machine incident with his dwarves, he’ll probably never loan them to me again!) Al, you are that friend that never leaves our side, even when it gets ugly, and I’m honored to know you. From one Alex to another – you rock!

Thanks so much, guys! Your awards will be emailed to you later today.

Joining either bloghop? Get any of the trivia right? Who’s seeing Fast and Furious 6 this weekend? Follow these amazing, rocking bloggers? And who would YOU nominate for the YOU ROCK Award?

Since Monday is a holiday, I am taking the day off!! I will be back on Wednesday for the Get Healthy Bloghop.