Insecure Writer’s Support Group, In Honor of Jo Wake, and New Releases

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.


The awesome co-hosts for the February 3 posting of the IWSG are Louise - Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!

February 3 question - Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?

Have I made any friends? Hundreds! Some very special to me. And it was a total surprise when I began blogging in 2009. I had no idea I would come across so many friendly, giving, and amazing people. I met a few in the beginning, the through the A to Z Challenge, I met a ton more. Blogfests and platform building exercises brought more. Then the IWSG. And of course the early A to Z admins and all of the IWSG admins became great friends. I won't start naming people because we'd be here all day...

Thanks to all of you for caring and being a friend. You all rock!

In Honor of Jo Wake

On February 3, share a recipe that brings them warm memories of friendship and love in honor of blogger Josephine “Jo” Wake at Jo on Food, Life, and a Scent of Chocolate. who passed away December 16, 2020.

Jo was a dear friend for many years and one of the Dragon Fellowship, a special, private group founded by Father Dragon. We called her Grandmother Dragon and the group feels so empty without her.

Jo loved her asparagus. She would go out of her way to get it while in season and prepared it hundreds of ways.

Unfortunately, I really don’t like asparagus. But there is a special dish that speaks love and fond childhood memories to me.


Christmas Tree Spritz Cookies

My mother makes those cookies every year for Christmas and has since I can remember. She sends them to me now when she feels up to making them. They are pure Christmas Heaven.

I don’t have the recipe, but I found one at the Semisweet Sisters. (Photo credit also Semisweet Sisters.)

Join us and share your friendship and love recipe.

New Releases

From fellow Dancing Lemur Press author -
The Window by Dave Cole

A dark window to the future…
Everything changed the day Brian Bingham looked out the attic window and saw something that wouldn't happen for another week. Through a mysterious window no one else can see, Brian gains a portal into the future. But the future is not always something he wants to see.
Brian has enough troubles in the present without worrying about the future. His parents are constantly fighting, his grades are plummeting, and his new relationship with Charlotte, a girl way out of his league, is in jeopardy.
When the window reveals his best friend's brutal death, Brian’s world is turned upside down. He must find a way to change the future…or die trying.

$13.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 170 pages
Print ISBN 9781939844767 / EBook ISBN 9781939844774
Young Adult – Paranormal (YAF045000) / Contemporary Fantasy (YAF019010) / Horror (YAF026000)
Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Goodreads

Flight to Fez by Sean McLachlan

Only in Tangier could a literary event turn into a murder scene.
I’m “Shorty” MacAllister, private detective. I’ve investigated all sorts of crazy cases in this lawless town, tracking down con men and Nazi fugitives, anarchists and bank robbers, all the while running my own secret angle.
But I never thought that when I went to hear my friend Jane Bowles read her latest story I’d end with a murdered man in my lap, and an old war buddy getting pinned with the crime.
After that, things got a whole lot more complicated.

Find it on Amazon

How many friends have you made in the blogging world? Did you know Jo Wake? Is there a special recipe that reminds you of family or friends? Want to see the future in The Window?

Elephant’s Child posts weekly writing word prompts and this month, I got to supply four weeks’ worth of words! Give yourself a fun challenge and check it out.

I’ll be back on February 8 with some show and movie reviews.

Galaxy Quest and Deep Space Nine Documentaries, Dynazty: The Dark Delight Review, Alex’s You Rock Awards, and More!

Specials to Watch

Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary

Galaxy Quest is the best Star Trek movie ever made. Granted, it wasn't actually a Star Trek movie, but the 1999 sci-fi comedy is all about the power of fandom, especially geeky movie fandom.
A new documentary -- Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary -- celebrates how the meta movie became an enduring fan favorite, and influenced everything from the Star Trek movie reboots to quirky Marvel superhero movies like Guardians of the Galaxy.

This came out last year and it’s just about as funny as the movie.

It goes in depth how all of the elements worked perfectly together. The love for Star Trek is there, as is the high respect for the fans, and if any of that had been handled differently, the tone would’ve been all wrong. We get to learn where the Thermians got their funny walk and Mathesar his unique style of speech.

Sadly Alan Rickman is missing, but most of the cast makes an appearance.

Check out the trailer – then check out the special!

What We Left Behind – Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

What We Left Behind: Looking Back At Star Trek: Deep Space Nine celebrates the 25th anniversary of the self-proclaimed "black sheep" of the Star Trek spin-off series. Often described as dark and edgy, Deep Space Nine was maligned by many fans and critics at the time as a show that did not fit into Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future. But now, two decades after it left the airwaves, Deep Space Nine is being re-discovered by new, younger fans through streaming services, and championed by those who stuck by it from the start.

Also released last year, this documentary was fan-funded. And UI didn't need to see it to be convinced - DS9 was always my favorite of the Trek series.

Most of the actors return to discuss the love they felt for this show, although Avery Brooks is absent. Terry Farrell talks about how both she and the fans were upset when she left in season six. Aron Eisenberg talks about how influential Nog’s role was. (Sadly the actor died last September.) The cast looks great and it’s touching to hear them discuss the show with such passion and love.

At the end, the director and a group of writers brain-storm a potential eighth season episode that leaves you wondering – could it happen?

Here’s the trailer – again, check out the special!

Music Review

Dynazty – The Dark Delight

This is another band from Sweden. (Does everyone born there possess a high proficiency level of guitar playing?)
Now, power metal is not my normal gig. But the first track was so catchy – great hook and chorus – that I decided to check it out.
If you’re a fan of radio-friendly metal from the 80’s, this album is definitely for you. It has great singing (provided by the male half of the band Amaranthe), huge choruses, and phenomenal guitar playing. There are three solos on this album that are truly epic.
It’s a great band playing catchy music – recommended.
Just wish their name wasn’t so goofy!

Ninja News

The Case of the Karnak Killer by Sean McLachlan

The fourth in the Masked Man of Cairo series.

A scandal in America. A murder in Cairo. 

Find it on Amazon

Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is open!

Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 4500-6000
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Dark Matter
Submissions accepted: May 6 - September 2, 2020
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Our judges: Dan Koboldt, Lynda R. Young, Colleen Oefelein, Damien Larkin, Ion Newcombe, Julie Gwinn, and David Powers King

Alex’s You Rock Award

Every year, I give out this award to special blogger buddies. There are so many deserving, but I am keeping the list short this year.

First, here are the previous recipients of the award, some of whom no longer blog… 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, Yolanda Renee, Spacer Guy, Elsie Amata, L. Diane Wolfe, Natalie Aguirre,
Sandra Cox, C. Lee McKenzie, Elizabeth Seckman, Magic Love Crow, Birgit, JE Oneil, LG Keltner, Chemist Ken, and Sherry Ellis

And now for the bloggers who have made this journey a heck of a lot better:

Kim Lajevardi
Kim posts interesting articles every week and she is very consistent. And dedicated! I know I can always count on Kim, from blog visits to co-hosting the IWSG. She rocks!

Shady
Running the Shady Dell here online in honor of the real one he grew up with, Shady is all about the music. You’ll get retro at his site, but he’s willing to try and appreciate any music, which is just cool. Shady rocks!

Jemi Fraser
Jemi has been a blogger buddy for years and I was surprised I’d not awarded her sooner! A Canadian author with several books and a short story in one IWSG anthologies, Jemi has just such a great attitude. She rocks!

Mason Canyon
I think Mason was one of the first bloggers I followed, so I’m just as surprised she didn’t get an award sooner as well. She’s supportive in everything and very accountable. I can see sitting down with her and talking just like old friends. Mason rocks!

Stacy McKitrick

Stacy is a prolific writer and a world traveler. I know she is missing the multiple cruises she takes every year! She’s also a Penguins fan with a great sense of humor and a never give up (never surrender!) attitude. She rocks!

Have you watched either the Galaxy Quest or DS9 specials? Checking out Dynazty? Entering the IWSG Anthology Contest? Are you following those rocking bloggers? Which bloggers make your day?

See you July 1 for the next IWSG post!

Geek Christmas Gift Ideas, Movie Remakes, IWSG News, and More!

Geek Christmas Gifts

Got someone geeky or all into science fiction and stuff on your list? Here are some wild and fun ideas:

Firefly Playing Cards

Yes, I have these! Big surprise, huh?

Bluetooth Banana Phone

Is that a banana in your pocket…?

Jabba the Hutt Mug

Death Star Fire Pit

The Official BS Button by Gemmy

I desperately need this for work…

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Gauntlet

Season 12 on Blu-ray!

You Shall Not Pass Doormat

Han Solo in Carbonite Costume

Fallout Dogmeat Hoodie

Star Trek Enterprise Pizza Cutter

We have one! Works great.

Keyboard Waffle Iron

Just don’t get them mixed up…

Xbox Game Controller Table

Yes, it’s $1200, but free shipping!

Movie News

Remakes! Gotta love them. Or usually hate them. Here are some movies that are on the table for a remake in the next year or two:

The Nightmare Before Christmas – Disney wants to do a live action film. But of course!

The Matrix – Yes, really!

Labyrinth – Definitely without David Bowie.

Flash Gordon – Yes, the 80’s one was campy but I liked it. Still, curious about this one.

The Chronicles of Narnia – The Silver Chair was rumored, but now NetFlix has purchased rights to all of them.

Batman – Robert Pattinson is confirmed to play the role.

Mulan – Another Disney cash grab and move to live action.

The Neverending Story – That’s right! Your beloved memories are about to be trashed.

Short Circuit – Why?

The Creature From the Black Lagoon – With better special effects, this one might be good.

The Birds – And Michael Bay is attached to the project. Fans can scream now…

Ninja News

Nominations for best writing website are now open at The Write Life!
Please go nominate the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

The next #IWSGPit will be in January 15, 2020, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Visit the site for details.
Don’t miss it!

The Case of the Golden Greeks by Sean McLachlan
Third in the Masked Man of Cairo historical mystery series
Find it on Amazon and Amazon UK

What geek gifts look good? Need a Death Star fire pit in your backyard? What remakes are making you cringe? Ready for #IWSGPit 2020? And can you nominate the Insecure Writer’s Support Group over at The Write Life?

Thanksgiving is next week! I will catch you all on December 4 for the next IWSG post day.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Hobbs and Shaw Review, August Movie Preview, and Lots of 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 Renee Scattergood, Sadira Stone, Jacqui Murray, Tamara Narayan, and LG Keltner!

August 7 question - Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive and belated response to a submission you'd forgotten about or an ending you never saw coming?

This whole author thing in general I never saw coming.

But having a couple of my books hit the top of science fiction on both Amazon US and UK definitely took me by surprise!

Plus all the support when I got online surprised me.

What’s surprised you?


And quick report – I did get a lot written last month!

Don’t forget, only one month left to enter the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest!
Genre is middle grade historical – either adventure or fantasy – and the theme is voyagers.
See the site for full details.

Here is August’s IWSG Instagram:

 

The WEP Challenge for August is Red Wheelbarrow.
Use the time between now and then to write and edit your entry, so you're ready to post your direct link at the WEP site between August 21 - 23.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw – Movie Review

It continues the story with Hobbs and Shaw working together to find a deadly virus.
You know what you’re going to get with this franchise. If you’re a fan, you’ll enjoy it. If not, skip it.
I’m capable of leaving my brain at the door and just enjoying the crazy stunts and ridiculous, over-the-top action sequences. And those bat-crap crazy moments are spectacular.
The interaction between the leads is filled with funny insults and snarky comments. Toss in Ryan Reynolds (playing himself so well) and Kevin Hart and it’s funny from start to end. Idris Elba is a convincing and ruthless villain, and Vanessa Kirby is a kick-ass heroine.
As with the rest of the franchise, it’s all about family bonds.
And lots of wild car stunts.
Highly recommended.

New Releases!

Peel by Angela Brown
Published by Book Jaunts
Find it on Amazon and several other sites

Fractured Princess by Debra Renee Byrd
Available on Amazon in paperback eBook

Emergency Transmission by Sean McLachlan
Fourth book in the Toxic World series
Find it on Amazon

August Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for August! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

9 –

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
A group of teens face their fears in order to save their lives.
Director: André Øvredal
Stars: Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Dean Norris
PG-13 – they might actually have to rely on scares rather than gore.





16 –

47 Meters Down: Uncaged
Four teen girls diving in a ruined underwater city quickly learn they've entered the territory of the deadliest shark species in the claustrophobic labyrinth of submerged caves.
Director: Johannes Roberts
Stars: Nia Long, John Corbett, Sophie Nélisse, Brec Bassinger
Because there were so many unanswered questions from the first film…



23 –

Angel Has Fallen
Secret Service Agent Mike Banning is framed for the attempted assassination of the President and must evade his own agency and the FBI as he tries to uncover the real threat.
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
Stars: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Piper Perabo, Lance Reddick
How many things can fall in one guy’s lifetime?



Anything about your writing surprise you? Catch Hobbs and Shaw yet? Entering the IWSG Anthology Contest? (Less than a month!) Writing for WEP? And what movies will you be seeing this month?

My next post will be August 19 when I report on the final RiffTrax of the summer - The Giant Spider Invasion!

New Avengers: Endgame and Shazam Trailers, James Gunn and Guardians, In Flames Review, DIY MFA, and Ninja News

Movie News

Good news! James Gunn has been reinstated as the director-writer of Guardians of the Galaxy III.
Gunn was fired last year after some decade-old social media comments surfaced.
According to Deadline:
The social media messages were indefensible, but the filmmaker never did anything but blame himself for poor judgment displayed at a time when he was emerging from the Troma film factory and attempting to be a provocateur. There were no reports that Gunn ever engaged in the behavior he lampooned.
The entire cast of the film was outspoken in its desire to have Gunn back, saying that those satiric tweets did not match his personal actions.
Gunn didn’t murder or rape anyone, he didn’t abuse animals or people – he just said some dumb things ten years ago. This was mob mentality condemnation. Disney was wrong to fire him, but at least they hired him back.
And now we’ll get a third Guardians movie that doesn’t suck!

In case you missed the new Avengers: Endgame trailer last week:

There’s also a second international trailer for Shazam:

Despite being a DC fan, I was wary when I saw the first trailer, but a recent early screening revealed that this film knocks it out of the park.

Here is a tweet from @AshCrossan:
#Shazam was damn near PERFECT in my book. My FAVORITE DC movie (DCEU? What are we saying now?) by far. Pure of heart, incredibly funny, full of in-jokes and references. Brought me a childlike joy to watch. This role was MADE for @ZacharyLevi... & Jack & Asher & the entire cast

Read dozens of comments on the movie at JoBlo’s.

Review – In Flames: I the Mask

Every review I read regarding this band begins with a caveat explaining that the classic In Flames is gone and will never return. And while I don’t disagree with that statement, I appreciate that as a band ages and matures, their sound hopefully matures along with them.
So yes, the classic days of Colony and Clayman are gone. But I dig the new sound. Building on their Gothenburg, Sweden roots, it’s still heavy yet melodic and catchy.
It took a few listens for this album to grow on me, but I think it’s their strongest release in years.
Highly recommended.

Ninja News

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group will have some exciting news soon regarding this year’s anthology contest. Be sure to check out the site on April 3!

The A to Z Challenge is celebrating its tenth year. Ten years ago, a hundred of us made a commitment to post the alphabet daily for a month and at its height, there were over two thousand participants.
I stepped down as a co-host and no longer participate, but it’s still a great way to meet people and stretch yourself. Signups are open, so visit the site for details.



New Release:
Three Passports to Trouble by Sean McLachlan
Interzone Mystery Book 2
Back in the days when Tangier was an International Zone, the city was full of refugees. People fleeing Stalin. People fleeing Franco. People fleeing the Nuremburg Trials. Tangier offered a safe haven from the chaos of Europe.
The International Council had to keep a delicate balance, tolerating everything from anti-capitalist agitators to Germans with murky pasts. It was the only way to keep the peace, and it worked.
Until an anarchist was found dead with a fascist dagger in his chest.
And I got stuck with the case just when I had to smuggle a couple of Party operatives out of town.
Find it on Amazon

DIY MFA

We are partnering with DIY MFA this spring to bring you a great program for writers.

Before we announce details, we’ll be sharing several of their learning podcasts.

The next one is Episode 233: Crafting the Victorian Novel — Interview with David Morrell.

Check it out and be watching next month for details about the program.

Glad Guardians III has its writer-director back? Excited for Endgame and Shazam? Fan of In Flames? Participating in the A to Z Challenge? And want to guess on the IWSG anthology contest news?

Raccoonatics and Online Gaming, Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse Review, Second Godzilla Trailer and New Posters, Mini-Alex Christmas Wishes, and More!

Today I’m welcoming a Twitter buddy, Leo Wyld. In addition to being a Rocket Raccoon fan, he is an expert online gamer. Now, I’ve not played a lot of games online (although I am really digging the new Fallout 76), so I asked Leo to fill you in on etiquette and strategies. Take it away, Leo!

Cosmic Greetings! My name is Leo Wyld. It's not my legal name, but it's the name I use on my writing and nearly everywhere I frequent online. Here I'm representing two of my passions, writing and gaming. I'm not published as a writer but have worked as a contributor at a now-defunct Guardians of the Galaxy newsite called Guard the Galaxy. I also have designed and written my own sites, one of which is for fans of Marvel's superhero Rocket Raccoon. I dubbed the fandom Raccoonatics (combination of raccoon and lunatics) and raccoonatics.com is our site. Gaming is a hobby I've had since as long as I've had memories, starting with Atari back in the 80's. Today, though, I am writing about online gaming.

I had my first online computer in early 1999 and I've been playing some game or another online since then. Some advice and some of my favorite games:

Find friends and allies in the community. A good way to do this is to join a guild that fits your personality and playstyle. Even if you mostly play solo, having people to chat with. or group with when content requires, can make a game much more enjoyable.

Enjoy the journey. Not all players are the same and some people will enjoy simply focusing on numbers and being competitive. That said, a book is not as enjoyable by constantly focusing on page number or measuring how fast you read through it. So, enjoy your time in the virtual world as you would a good story. Read the quests. Learn some lore. Instead of a briefly-amusing pun name, think of a name and backstory for your character that fits in the game's world. That all might not be your thing, and that's ok, but you might also find a more profound appreciation for your time in the game. So give it a shot.

Learn, grow, but don't lose sight of the main goal. Everyone is new at some point. Don't be afraid to ask questions from the community. Some might be annoyed be frequently asked questions – see Mankrik's wife – but you'll likely find someone to give an answer. Don't forgot to use the Internet. Some of the toughest mechanics and quest-related quandries can be resolved by a quick web search. The more you play, you better you will become at the game. Keep in mind, there will always be players who are just better at the game and you will likely be judged at some point for your skill level (or lack thereof). Take advice when it is given kindly and work on improving where you struggle but always do so in a way you find enjoyable. Because above anything else I've said, a game is entertainment. If playing the game a certain way makes you miserable, it's just not worth it. Always put having fun first – if you can do that, you'll figure out how to navigate the other obstacles.

Now, for some online games I am currently enjoying...
World of Warcraft –PC only
Elder Scrolls Online –Is available on PC, PS4, and XB1.
Guild Wars 2 –PC only
Champions Online – PC only

I have some others I play less frequently, but I won't bother listing everything here (we'd be here a while). These listed are my most recommended. I think any of them you should at least try out. And, who knows, maybe you'll see me online. Have fun online!

Find Leo on Twitter and at the Raccoonatics website.

Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse Review

Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man and teams up with other Spider-Men from different dimensions to stop Kingpin from destroying all dimensions.
One word - wow!!
It's unlike any animated film you've seen before. It's literally a work of art put on the screen. It's also one of the best Spider-Man movies.
Combining elements of 3D, cell, anime, comic book, and graffiti art creates an amazing visual experience. It's certainly a must-see in 3D.
It focuses on Miles' story, but the other characters are also fleshed out nicely. There are many major villains in the film, but they don't distract from the story at all.
One of the funniest moments involves a scene with an elevated train - you will literally laugh yourself out of your seat. There were a lot of really funny moments, along with many touching scenes.
Even if you're tired of the superhero genre, this film is a breath of fresh air and a must see.
Very highly recommended!!

Latest Godzilla King of the Monsters Trailer and Posters

The second trailer dropped recently on YouTube. Wow! You get to see the monsters, including Ghidorah, in all their glory. They even made Mothra look bad-ass. And check out the new posters.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

Hosted by Xmas Dolly. And today it’s all about the Christmas music.

Our band has been really busy learning and playing new songs for Christmas. This is one of them – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by MercyMe. A rocking version that I’m sure is not what you are accustomed to! Watch on YouTube or below:



New Releases

Journey Through a Dark Forest: Lyuba and Ivan in the Age of Anxiety by Carrie Anne Brownian
This Russian historical is available in four volumes.
Find them on Amazon - Vol I, Vol II, Vol III, and Vol IV

Writing Secrets of the World's Most Prolific Authors by Sean McLachlan
What does it take to write 100 books? What about 500? Or 1,000?
Find it on Amazon

Fate Summoner by Juliana Haygert
The Fire Heart Chronicles Book 5
“Magic never lies. I’m forced to make a choice. And once I decide, I can never go back.”
Find it on Amazon

IWSG News

The next post date for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is January 2.
We’ll be announcing the winners of the 2018 IWSG Anthology Contest, so don’t miss it!
And we need one more co-host for that day!! If you can help out, please leave a comment or send me an email.

The #IWSGPit Twitter pitch is once a year now – and the next one is Tuesday, January15.
Don’t miss it, either!

The IWSG Goodreads Group is currently reading Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
The discussion will start January 23, 2019 and will go to the end of the month, but it will be up indefinitely, so you can hop in whenever you're able.

This will be my last post until January 2. I’ll be taking a break starting Friday. (And Aquaman was great! Such a fun movie.)

Everyone have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and enjoy your holidays!