We Interupt This Post for an Awesome Book Trailer!!!

Yes, I scrapped today's post when I got the email from my publisher Tuesday evening - the book trailer for  CassaFire is live!!

They are a small publisher with a limited budget, so that I have a trailer at all is just incredible. Now I have two!

And not only do you hear Byron speak, but you get to see him! And Athee. And some of the key scenes from the book. All in High Definition as well!

All right, I'll just shut up and let you watch...



And if you can’t see it on my blog, watch it on YouTube HERE

What do you guys think???

Transformers III, FFW, and Swamp Shark - a Play-By-Play!

Ninja party today!

Elizabeth Mueller has a HUGE contest/giveaway for the release of her new novel, Darkspell. There are some cool prizes, including a gargoyle, so check it out. She’s also making a guest appearance here on July 11.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Giant fighting robots! Lots of action! Special effects! Chicago in ruins! (Sorry, Michael.) And if you’re expecting anything more from the third film from Michael Bay based on a toy line, forget it. Wasn’t perfect – editing seemed rushed – but better than the second film. And in 3D – whoa! Leave brain at door and prepare for eye candy.

Fantastic Friday Writers - The Science in Science Fiction

I’m not tech or science heavy in my writing. (You want some science tips, visit Stephen Tremp.) But it does all have to make sense, even if you’re messing with physics. And it needs consistency. My greatest challenge was with the teleporters found on the Cassan’s ships. It’s almost a symbiotic relationship between the mechanical device that powers the jump and the Cassan’s mental ability to fold space. Once I had the logistics figured out, I had to adhere to the rules I’d created. (Which meant the final battle scene went through many rewrites as I tried to figure out how to make it all work!)

Check with my FFW partners Elizabeth, Anastasia, J. D., Deirdre, M. Pax, and Jeffrey for a take on science that actually makes sense!

And now – Swamp Shark – a play-by-play!

Entertainment Weekly gave this cinematic suppository an F+. My expectations are not quite that high.


9:00 - When the producer of the film is named Badish, it pretty much sets the tone.


9:02 - Drunken revelers starting off a movie about a rogue shark. Now where have I seen that before?


9:10 - I'm literally watching D.B. Sweeney and Kristy Swanson destroy their careers (sad.)


9:12 - This movie was either edited by seven monkeys with scissors or Freddie Krueger and Edward Scissorhands.


9:14 - Just to make sure they have every movie stereotype in place, they now introduce the moronic, hard-partying frat boy.


9:16 - Impatiently waiting for the loveable drunk to get eaten.


9:17 - Does this mean the shark is now drunk or is it more like eating half a rum cake?


9:42 - Apparently, there is an app for hunting a rogue shark with gator radio beacons lodged in its stomach. Apple rocks!


10:18 - D.B. Sweeney takes Kristy Swanson to see chewed up corpses in the morgue - now that's what I call a first date. (Eat your heart out ladies!)


10:22 - Idiotic frat boy finally gets eaten - and there was much rejoicing.


That's all I can take folks, I can't watch anymore. However, I assume the shark ends up eating the entire state of Louisiana, gets bad indigestion from a funky batch of gumbo, and explodes.

Now where’s my Hot Tamales???

And to my American friends, have a great Fourth of July!

Science Fiction-Fantasy News and My Odd Answers

First, a little science/fantasy fiction news for you…

During a recent interview with Jewel Staite (Serenity, Stargate:Atlantis) she revealed she’s working with former S:A castmember, David Hewlett, on a secret project. She also revealed that if given the choice between Simon and Mal, she’d select Inara. Crap, I guess I know where I stand...

From the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly: “Skip I Am Number Four, see Starman instead. They’re both about hunky aliens, so why bother with the cruddy one?” (Sorry, found that rather funny!)

And Jason Momoa is already talking about Conan 2 and 3. Let’s hope 1 lives up to the hype!

And my odd answers?

Summer Ross at My Inner Fairy tagged me with this meme, and I decided to have some fun with it…

Do you think you're hot?

Is molten lava hot? Is the center of the sun hot? Is the middle of an inferno hot?
Eh, I’m all right.

Upload a picture or wall paper you are using at the moment


Kate...!
Okay, not really. This is my wallpaper, because it motivates me to finish the damn sequel!

When was the last time you ate chicken meat?

I like to start off my day with a protein based breakfast consisting of Cocoa Puffs and BBQ chicken. Oh, and a sliced banana.

The Song(s) you listened to recently?

The entire new While Heaven Wept CD
Amon Amarth’s song, “War of the Gods”
Oh, and, the J.G. Wentworth 877-CASHNOW jingle (Someone please help me get it out of my head!)

What were you thinking as you were doing this?

Maybe I’ll add Hot Tamales to my Cocoa Puffs…

Do you have nicknames? What are they?

Captain Ninja Alex!

Tag eight Blogger friends

Eight? I don’t know if I could find eight who haven’t already been tagged. Damn, I don’t want to be responsible for a dead rabbit. So, I shall tag Bossy Betty and let the rabbit die with her!

I know - that's not right!

Heard any odd news lately?

Sci Fi Wire

I've already reviewed the iPad - time to show you some of its tricks!

Sci Fi Wire is an app available for the iPad, iTouch, and iPhone. (And probably soon for the Android.)

Here's the description on SyFy.com:

Stay up-to-date with the latest SCI FI Wire news, photo galleries and videos on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch wherever you go. The free SCI FI Wire Reader App connects you to the latest over EDGE, 3G or a WiFi connection.


Okay, but what does it do???

Streaming science fiction news:
This is how I found out that Frank Frazetta had died.

Images:
Most are in connection with a story.

Videos: Clips, interviews, and movie trailers.

Sci Fi Wire is THE news source for iPad owners. It's updated constantly. Even better - the app is FREE! Can't beat that price.

To see all the apps available on SyFy.com or go directly to the iTunes store for Sci Fi Wire
One app down - fifty more to go!

What's Your Genre of Choice?

First, thanks to everyone now following my blog and for all those who’ve expressed interest in my book! I’m stunned how people say they want to read it. I’m also surprised that the cover is appearing on other blogs and websites. (And Dez rocks – he put it up at his, too - Hollywood Spy ) I’ve been offered a blog tour stop as well. And CassaStar doesn’t even come out until October! You guys are too cool.

This got me to thinking – what does everyone like to read? What’s your genre of choice? I know a few of you read science fiction – and Beth was sweet enough to say she wants my book even though she doesn’t read science fiction – but how about the rest of you?

Obviously I like science fiction. Timothy Zahn is one of my favorites. I also like fantasy. I’ve read all of Terry Brooks’ books. Read Gaiman and Jordan, although I finally gave up on The Wheel of Time series. My favorite authors are Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Their books are real page turners! I also like Michael Crichton, Clive Barker, and some of John Grisham’s books.

What does everyone else like to read?

And for my 100 followers feature, I drew numbers and Shannon at Faith, Hope and Love was the winner. I hope to have a feature up for this lovely lady this Friday.