Ninja News, The Partner's Progeny, Guests, NetFlix Reviews, and World Trivia!

Ninjas lead secret lives, but MJ Joachim asked if I would share a few personal things for my Blog Hopper Marathon spot. Visit her site today for the inside scoop.

Ninja News!

The Challenge Participate Feature is back at the A to Z Blog, and today it’s Mary Montague Sikes, who did a painting a day for the Challenge.


Big thanks to Rachna and everyone who visited Rachna’s Scriptorium last Friday for my time management tips!

Rebecca Bradley has an agent for Shallow Waters - Kate Nash of the Kate Nash Literary Agency. Congratulations, Rebecca!

TF Walsh just signed with Crimson Romance for her novel Cloaked in Fur, an adult urban fantasy. Congratulations, TF!

Doralynn Kennedy just signed a contract for her book, Spiders, with the Wild Rose Press. Congratulations, Doralynn!

Special thanks to MJ for her touching post about generosity and the awesomeness of this online community.

Book Release!

The Partner's Progeny by Shelly Arkon

Bullies rule … or do they?
For seventeen years, Victoria Sheek has been a paralegal surpervisor at the Law Offices of Pereene, Carr, and Sevino, specializing in injury law. Rumors portray her as a bully. She remains confident that her position will never cease because of close relations to one of the founding partners, Mr. Carr.
Until Mr. Pereene, the head partner, hires Monica Bowman. Smitten with her because of her resemblance to his deceases granddaughter, Melissa, and his memories of her, she can do no wrong.
Which one of the two girls will keep their position at the firm? It takes and unexpected event to decide the outcome of this rivalry.

Shelly Arkon is the author of Secondhand Shoes. She lives in New Port Richey with her husband and two dogs. She’s also a member of Florida Writer’s Association and Writer’s of Mass Distraction.

Guest Spots

I enjoy featuring my blogger buddies and welcome a couple guests here every month. My calendar tends to fill quickly, so if you have a book coming out or something interesting you’d like to share, drop me an email. Guest spots are open to my blogger buddies (most of whom are listed in my sidebar) and the guidelines are HERE.

Recently on NetFlix

I really have almost reached the end of NetFlix. Here are some recent watches:

Kill List
Death cult goes to great lengths to recruit man to be their anti-Christ.
Disturbing, creepy, weird, and depressing. Plus evil
Only recommended if you like those things in your movies.
I’ve also come to the conclusion that there are some really bad horror movies out there.

John Dies at the End
Man accidentally takes drug called ‘soy sauce’ and it gives him the ability to see other dimensions.
Weird, fun, quirky, and trippy.
Recommended if you enjoy those four things.

The Finder
Man comes back from the war with the ability to find anything, and once he starts, he can’t stop.
Very fun and funny. Yet another great show tragically cut short after only thirteen episodes.
Check this gem out – highly recommended!

World Trivia

For those of you stumped by my movie and music trivia, this one might be more your style.

1 – What drink did the Incas invent?

2 – Name either of the countries that are home to the Mayan Pyramids.

3 – What large tree grows in Yosemite National Park?

4 – What body of water is the saltiest in the world?

5 – Who is buried under Paris’ Arc de Triomphe?

Answers on Wednesday!

Cheers to everyone who signed contracts recently! Picking up Shelly’s book? Want a guest spot later this year? Seen either NetFlix movie or the show? And do you know any of the trivia answers?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group posts this Wednesday.

And be sure to visit MJ Joachim today for the inside scoop on the Ninja.

Get Healthy Bloghop, Fast and Furious 6 Review, Ninja News, Wednesday Movie Quote, and How to be Happy!

Today is the Get Healthy Bloghop!

But first…

Ninja News

Special thanks to Gina Goa at Modern World who posted about me for the 3-UP Bloghop!

The Special Edition of The Woven Tale Press is now available. Put together by Sandra Taylor, and out of thousands of posts submitted from this year's A-Z Challenge, twenty-six made their way into this "summary" of what the challenge is all about. It features several of my blogger buddies, including Chuck at Apocalypse Now, Tangent Shell, LG Keltner, Father Dragon Al, Marcy at Maine Words, and Steven Symes. Congratulations, guys!

Shelly Arkon, Norma Beishir, and William Kendall have a created a group on Facebook, Authors for Oklahoma. They’re looking for fellow authors to donate a book, either virtual or paper, to be raffled off or have a donation made to The American Red Cross, and/or make a money donation. The Facebook page is HERE Contact Shelly if you can donate a book!

Nancy LaRonda Johnson started a Tuesday’s Journal Past Blast, which involves posting an old journal or blog entry. She’s opened it up for others to join, so check it out.

Fran notified me of this UK site – Bloggers For Charity, “Wargames Bloggers joining forces to put on a Charity Demo Game at Triples 2014.” They support the charities Men Matter and Help for Heroes, so whether or not you’re a gamer, check it out.

And don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is next Wednesday, June 5! My awesome co-hosts will be Sheena-kay Graham, Suzanne Furness, and Laura Eno.

How to be Happy

Rebecca Bradley tagged me with the How to be Happy in 5 Easy Steps Meme.

I may or may not be doing this right, but these are my five steps to being happy:

Love the Lord with all my heart.
Love my wife with all my heart.
Give to others at every opportunity.
Take care of the temple, which includes my church, my home, and my body.
Give thanks in all things.

Think that about covers it!

Passing this on to Lee at Tossing it Out (because I think he’s probably ready for a happy post), Robyn at Life by Chocolate (she could also use a happy post), Mary at Play Off the Page, Hildie McQueen, and Kathe at It’s a Snap!

Wednesday Movie Quote

This week - apocalyptic films. (Before, during, or after.)

Mine comes from Zombieland:

Tallahassee: “My mama always told me someday I’d be good at something. Who’d a guessed that something’d be zombie-killing?”
Columbus: “Probably nobody.”

Next week – dragon movies!

Movie Review

Fast and Furious 6
Dom and the gang are back for one more gig.
While not quite as good as the fifth one, this film still delivers where it matters. The plot is simple (leave your brain at the door) – Hobbs (Johnson) entices Dom (Diesel) and Brian (Walker) to reassemble their crew to take down the commander of a large organization in exchange for full pardons and the chance to reunite with Dom’s girlfriend, Letty (Rodriguez.)
It’s all about the action, and watching Dom’s team race through London is awesome. The last thirty minutes really elevate the film to a new level with sequences involving a tank and an airplane. Kids, don’t try those stunts at home.
When the credits begin, stay in your seat – there will be a Fast and Furious 7. (And what an awesome villain they’ll face!)
Testosterone level – high.
Brain power – low.
Fun factor – full throttle!

Get Healthy Bloghop

Hosted by Stephen Tremp, L. Diane Wolfe, Michael Di Gesu, and myself!

Offer your best tips and plans to get healthy.

Mine is short and simple, and it’s the best thing you can do for your body.

Drink more water.

We’re supposed to get sixty-four ounces of water a day. While some of that can come from other liquids, water is still best. Most people don’t drink nearly enough water though.

Most of the time when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty. Rather than grabbing some chips, drink a bottle of water. (If you’re still hungry fifteen minutes later, then eat.) Water is also filling, so you’ll eat less.

Thirst is a poor indicator of when we need liquid. By the time you’re thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Drinking water often prevents this.

Other benefits – helps balance our body fluids, contributes to healthy skin, energizes muscles, and benefits the kidneys and other organs and body functions.

Only downside is more trips to the bathroom, but that’s exercise, right?

Visit others participating in the bloghop for more healthy tips!


Ready to help some charities? What are your steps to being happy? Got a good apocalyptic movie quote? And what are your tips for getting healthy?

Ninja News, Secondhand Shoes, Movie Trivia Answers, She Said What Blogfest, and the Level Up! Blogfest

Today I am visiting the The Alliterative Allomorph! Jessica Bell is a super talented author and musician and somehow she talked me into a guest post that compares the two. (Yes, it’s garage-band man meets Joe Satriani.)

Ninja News

Literary Rambles is holding a 3000 followers giveaway with tons of books and a five page critique. They are also looking for young adult and middle grade writers and authors, so stop by.

Mark Koopmans won the “2013 Best Memoir” Award at the Southern California Writers' Conference last weekend. Way to go, Madman Mark!

Misha Gericke’s Paying it Forward Awards are now open for February nominations, and there are twice the prizes available!

Friday is the big reveal for CassaStorm’s cover! Thanks to all who signed up to help HERE. (I’ll be sending the cover and back cover synopsis Thursday.)
And just a sneak peek…

Run-Away-Bride Give-a-way

Secondhand Shoes by Shelly Arkon is available now!

Spread the News and Cheer on the Run-Away-Bride Give-a-way! The eBook is free through February 21. She’s also be giving away two fifteen dollar amazon cards and two autographed copies of Secondhand Shoes, but they must give Lila some helpful advice and promise to spread the news. I mean, it is her wedding day, after all.

Secondhand Shoes is now available on Amazon either in paperback or as an eBook. Paperback is $13.50. Ebook is $4.99. But from February 19 through the 21 the eBook is FREE to everyone.

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Kurt Russell and James Spader, 1994 - Stargate
2 – Peter Weller and Nancy Allen, 1987 - Robocop
3 – Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, 1995 - Twelve Monkeys
4 – Ron Pearlman and John Hurt, 2004 - Hellboy
5 – Lori Petty and Ice-T, 1995 - Tank Girl
6 – Keanu Reeves and George Carlin, 1989 - Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

She Said What Blogfest

Hosted by Elise Fallson and Michelle at Writer In Transit. Fill in the blank captions.

Michelle: I over-twisted the braids on my head. I'm pretty sure I'm hallucinating.

Elise: You think you got problems. I just barfed up a hairball.

Elise: Oh, for the love of....did you just get tangled in my hairball vomit?

Michelle: Yes, hoist me up before the champagne and LSD start running out my nose.

V-Boy: Pardon me ladies....but do you have any Grey Poupon?

Elise: On my honor...this is the last time I mix Orange Tango with massive amounts of psychotropic drugs.

Michelle: All right...my buzz is starting to wear off.

Elise: Are these breasts or pockets?

Extinct Dino Dude: Kids, drugs are dangerous. Take my advice.....just say no.

Ladies: A message from Mothers Against Cheeky Children Doing Drugs.

Level Up! Blogfest

Hosted by Jamie at Mithril Wisdom and Allison at Geek Banter - name your favorite games.

1. Movie Trivia Games
If you need someone to fill out your movie trivia team, then I am your man. I've watched so many movies that it's either very impressive or really pathetic. I have a knack for remembering actors, directors, plots and titles. I love all sorts of movie trivia from board games to iPad apps. I give my wife fits because when I am dialed in, I can win a game without giving her a turn. However, this happens with less frequency because I've watched so many movies that my brain is turning to tapioca.

2. StarCraft
This is a no brainer (which is helpful for good ol' tapioca brain.) For my money, the greatest RTS game ever made (that's Real Time Strategy for you noobs.) Featuring three distinct races (Terran, Zerg and Protoss), a great tech tree, an engaging campaign, and a pop-culture sense of humor, StarCraft is a rare game that works on every level and has amazing replay ability. Even though the graphics are a bit dated, the game still rocks and deserves a spot on the Mount Rushmore of gaming.

3. Dungeons & Dragons
I know, this just screams nerd in the basement with a 20-sided die and a half-elf named HoHo the Magic Newt. Well, that nerd was me. This game helped me to harness my imagination, develop problem solving, and taught invaluable lessons on how to work as a team. (And the consequences if you don't.) It also played a role in my moral upbringing. The scenarios that we encountered offered so many moral and social dilemmas. It's been a long time since I played but I will always treasure the friendships and the camaraderie.

Whoa! Some awesome news today. Picking up Shelly’s Secondhand Shoes? Get any of the movie trivia right? Participating in Elise and Michelle’s blogfest? What are some of your favorite games? Think I watch too many movies…?

Don’t forget to visit Jessica Bell.

And Friday… prepare for a CassaStorm!