Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Ninja News, Wednesday Movie Quote, and the Super Bowl

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 two awesome co-hosts this month are Stephen Tremp and Julie Flanders! Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

This week finds me doing final revisions on CassaStorm for my publisher. I think I finally nailed the back cover synopsis as well. And hopefully I’ll get to see the cover by the end of next week! (Guess I need to plan a cover reveal date, don’t I?)

Otherwise, I have made a decision regarding writing. With so much happening in the blogging world, including the A to Z Challenge in two months, and the amount of time I am putting in playing my guitar, I am putting writing on hold until May. Too much pressure otherwise. I do have an idea for another book, but it’s a vague idea at the moment. So I’ll just let it brew for a while (coffee, Rusty?) and focus on other areas of my life. In three months, I’ll reassess.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll write a song for you guys instead!

Be sure to visit other members of the IWSG – the list is on a tabbed page above – and show your support!

Ninja News

Teresa at Journaling Woman has a short piece in the March/April issue of Writer’s Digest! She said: “The challenge was 'In 25 words or fewer, write the opening sentence to a story based on the photo prompt below.' Under the photo are these words, ‘Out of more than 1,300 entries, Writer’s Digest editors and forum members selected the following story openers.’”
Congratulations, Teresa!

Juliana Haygert revealed the cover art for her upcoming book, Destiny Gift. Awesome cover, Juliana!

Mark Koopmans is putting together a retreat in Hawaii! The Writers’ Weekend will be from Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, which coincides with the 41st Honolulu Marathon. You can also visit the USS Arizona on December 7, the “date which shall live in infamy.” See his site for details – the man needs help!

Thanks to everyone who signed up for the Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest, set for March 18, 2013.
Your ten favorite movies – simple and easy!

Wednesday Movie Quote

Today’s favorite movie quote theme is “Crime Thriller.”


My favorite comes from The Usual Suspects:

“The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

Truer words have never been spoken…

Feel free to post your favorite crime thriller quote here or play along with Wednesday Movie Quotes on your own blog!

Next week’s theme – “Romantic Comedy.”

The Super Bowl

Won’t go into the game except to show you that Mini-Alex was at the party and tried to get in on the action. (Proof that he wasn’t the one who cut the power after halftime!)

And as far as commercials, this year was really lame. Outside of the cool movie trailers (Fast and Furious VI, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and Iron Man III) the best ones were Best Buy with Amy Poehler, Deion Sanders/Leon Sandcastle, and “God made a farmer.” (And yes, the Budweiser Clydesdale was cute.)

What’s your writer insecurity today? Ready for a retreat in Hawaii? Signed up for the Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest? What’s your favorite crime thriller movie quote? And do you think Mini-Alex could’ve scored some points?

Super Bowl, Commercials, and Zombieland

The Super Bowl-

In one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent years, the Saints beat the Colts 31-17. The Colts started off in high Colts fashion, and it appeared the Saints would be no match. They remained calm and collected though, and simply wouldn't give up. The gutsy onside kick at the start of the second half really changed the tempo of the game. Payton's interception with only three minutes to go sealed the Colts' fate.

There were only seven penalties the entire game and Brees tied the record for most completed passes in a Super Bowl - 32.

I was pulling for the Saints! Ever since Brees' arrival, they've been a damned good team. Brees always flew just below the radar, but now he'll finally get some dap! Overall, a satisfying game.

The Commercials-

Not so satisfying! Very few commercials stood out from the crowd this year. Home Away with Chevy Chase was funny, as was the Doritos bit with the boy telling his mother's date to stay away from her and his Doritos. There were a few laughs, but rather a flat year for commercials.

And what was with all the men in their underwear? We didn't want to see that!!!

Zombieland-

Picked this up on DVD this past week. This is without a doubt the funniest movie of 2009. Woody Harrelson is in top form in his role as a man who has found his calling in life - killing zombies.
The zombies aren't actually undead - they are diseased. Driven mad with rage. And they are out to kill anyone in their path.
Yes, it's a gore fest. But it's more than that. It's four people coming together as a family in a time of crisis. And what keeps either aspect from being the 'heavy' in this film is the rapid-fire comedy. (Always remember the Double-Tap!) Add some heavy metal music and an amusement park, and this is one fun ride.