Insecure Writer’s Support Group and IWSG Twitter Pitch! Plus March Movie Preview, New IWSG Swag, New Releases, and Ninja 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 Tamara Narayan, Patsy Collins, M.J. Fifield, and Nicohle Christopherson!


March Question - Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?

That one’s easy – yes! I wrote a story as a young teen and it sat in a drawer for thirty years. When I found it again, I decided the characters and concept had merit so I completely rewrote it.
Did it work out? That story became my first published novel, CassaStar, and went on to become an Amazon best seller in science fiction, selling tens of thousands of copies.
So yeah, it worked out! Which is why I tell everyone not to give up on those old manuscripts.

Now for a couple big announcements:

The IWSG is proud to present the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Twitter Pitch Party!

Hashtag #IWSGPit

July 27, 2017, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time

All writers and authors are invited to participate in our very first Twitter Pitch. Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On July 27, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query. Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents.

We invite all of you to join us that day! Authors with a publisher or agent, please ask if they would like to participate or pass along their contact information to the IWSG. We intend for this to be a twice yearly event, July and January, giving our members a great opportunity for publication. Help us spread the word!

New Swag!

Check out the IWSG Swag page for some cool new stuff, including mugs and erasers.

The tiny profit we make from sales of IWSG swag goes to fund opportunities to make the IWSG better for everyone and extend our reach. We recently created our own business cards and have another amazing option that will provide benefits to our members as well.


Last but not least, we need co-hosts for April, May, and June. Co-hosting means a lot more visitors to your site that day and is even more fun that just posting. Please leave a comment if you can help.

Ninja News

Please support the next IWSG anthology, Hero Lost: Mysteries of Death and Life, by signing up for the Thunderclap campaign.
The anthology authors are working hard to market the book. They’ve also set up a Hero Lost website, covering everything from the theme and genre to the stories and authors.

LX Cain is giving away two audio books of her novel, Bloodwalker.
See her site for details.

New Releases:

Galactic Outlaws III: The Outlaw's Savior by Susan Kelley/Gourley
Find it at New Concepts Publishing

Monsters in Our Wake by JH Moncrieff
Find it on Amazon

White Witch Magic by Megan Morgan
Kentucky Haints #2
Find it at Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes and Noble

Adam's Apple and the Infinite Regress by LG Keltner
Read it for free at Smashwords and Wattpad

Dazzle Me by Juliana Haygert
Find it on Amazon

March Movie Preview

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

3 –

Logan
In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.
Director: James Mangold
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook
Jackman’s last chance to be in a Wolverine film that doesn’t suck…

The Shack
A grieving man receives a mysterious, personal invitation to meet with God at a place called "The Shack."
Director: Stuart Hazeldine
Stars: Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer, Tim McGraw, Radha Mitchell
A man goes to meet God at The Shack only to discover it’s Shaquille O'Neal.





10 –

Kong: Skull Island
A team of explorers and soldiers travel to an uncharted island in the Pacific, unaware that they are crossing into the domain of monsters, including the mythic Kong.
Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Stars: Brie Larson, Tian Jing, Tom Hiddleston, Corey Hawkins
No snark, just excitement. Giant, furry ape excitement!





17 –

Beauty and the Beast
An adaptation of the Disney fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love.
Director: Bill Condon
Stars: Dan Stevens, Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor
The touching true story of Donald and Melania Trump.
(Got to throw Trump haters a bone now and then!)



24 –

Life 
An international space crew discovers life on Mars.
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Stars: Rebecca Ferguson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada
Looks like a great science fiction film with a solid cast. I guess you could say I am pro-Life.




31 –

Ghost in the Shell
A cyborg policewoman attempts to bring down a nefarious computer hacker.
Director: Rupert Sanders
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Michael Pitt, Michael Wincott, Pilou Asbæk
Two hours of Johansson running around in skin tight outfit? Plot optional!

What are your insecurities today? Have you ever reworked an old manuscript? Joining us for our first Twitter pitch? Picking up some new swag? Picking up some new books? And what movies catch your attention this month?

Next Monday – MST3K returns!!

The A to Z Challenge List Opens! Plus David Powers King and Zombies, RiffTrax, Baroness-Purple Review, New Book Releases, and Ninja News

A lot happening today, including sign-ups for the 2016 A to Z Challenge!

But first, David Powers King is here to talk zombies with you.

The Wild and Varied World of Zombies

Thanks for having me, Alex! I think something needs to be said about what has become of the zombie state of things. There’s so many different kinds of ghouls nowadays that it’s hard to keep track of them all. I mean, the mindless monsters got their start with voodoo magic, but the people under that spell weren’t actually dead. Still, the idea spawned into a new kind of creature when George Romero combined the voodoo zombie with vampires in Night of the Living Dead.

Since then, we’ve had all kind of interesting freaks! Resident Evil brought us mutating zombies, 28 Days Later brought us the Rage zombie, and The Last of Us gave us fungal, bat-like zombies (no wings, though—maybe it’s time to give zombies their wings!). Thanks to The Walking Dead, zombies are now more mainstream than ever, and it’s picking up new fans. What kind of zombie have I produced in The Undead Road? You’re invited to learn more about Vectors on Amazon, where you can find the ebook free on KindleUnlimited. It’s also available now as a paperback!

Thanks again for having me, Alex. Be safe out there, my friends!


The Undead Road: My Zombie Summer: Part One by David Powers King
Nothing brings the family together like a zombie apocalypse…
Find The Undead Road: Amazon, Amazon CA, Amazon UK, and Amazon AU

RiffTrax!

RiffTrax is rebroadcasting one of its films from last year, The Room, this Thursday night! Check the site for details and for a theater near you.
It’s supposed to be one of the worst films ever, and since I missed this one last year, I’m looking forward to seeing the guys destroy it with snarky humor.

Album Review

Baroness – Purple
This album came out in 2015. This band had fallen off the radar for me until I read an article about a bus accident…
The tour bus was between two English towns when it left the road and fell thirty feet. Two of the members fractured their vertebrae and were forced to leave the band.
The lead singer used his lengthy rehab time to rededicate himself to this album, and the results are amazing.
They’ve compacted their work – it’s less prog and more just great rock songs. The sound is stripped down, and every song is accessible and catchy as hell. I can’t pick a favorite because it changes from listen to listen.
One of the best rock albums I’ve heard in a long time. Highly recommended!

The Thing That Turned Me Anthology

Due out later this year, this anthology is about turning points and those things in life that motivate us to change. You can find a list of contributing authors at Stay Classy Publishing.

And yes! I am one of the contributing authors. I decided to go back, before CassaStar, and write about a turning point in Byron’s early life. So, if you enjoyed my Cassa series, you’ll get a chance to revisit…

Ninja News

C. Hope Clark, founder of the site Funds For Writers, is visiting the Insecure Writer’s Support Group today!

If you haven’t already (or you are already part of the monthly blog posting), don’t forget to sign up for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s newsletter! Our new admin, Chrys Fey, has some amazing guests and articles lined up for the first issue, due out February 24. Sign up HERE.

Don’t forget - the Lost and Found: Valentine’s Edition Blogfest takes place February 1. For details and to sign up, go HERE.

TF Walsh and a few other others put together a group called Romance Addicts Anonymous. If you are a lover of the romance genre, an author needing a place to share your work, or a reader looking for a new read, go HERE for details on this Facebook/Twitter/ Instagram group.

Sarah Foster is hosting the Muse Party Blogfest – Anti-Valentine’s Day Edition on February 15. Visit her POST for details.

New Releases:

The Galactic Outlaws Book One: The Outlaw's Prize by Susan (Gourley) Kelley
Find it at New Concepts Publishing

A Whale of a Tale by Pat Hatt
Find it at Amazon

The Morrigan’s Curse by Dianne Salerni
Comes out Tuesday, January 26!

A to Z List opens!

Welcome to the seventh annual A to Z Blogging Challenge!

Please read and follow the sign-up instructions outlined below so you sign onto the list correctly!

The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out, the A to Z Challenge is posting every day in April except Sundays (we get those off for good behavior.) And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet. On April 1, blog about something that begins with the letter “A.” April 2 is “B,” April 4 is “C,” and so on. You can use a theme for the month or go random – just as long as it matches the letter of the alphabet for the day.

The A to Z Challenge is a great way to get into the blogging habit and make new friends. For more details and its history, go HERE

We recommend short posts, turn off Word Verification, and visit five blogs (or more) a day beginning with the one after yours on the list.

Blogs must be on an open platform – no Tumblr, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. – and comments enabled. Please make it easy for visitors to comment on your blog.

To streamline legitimate blogs from advertisement blogs, the Co-Hosts will be visiting each blog on this list throughout the Challenge. Once the Challenge begins, blogs showing no activity or those that miss five days in a row will be removed.

Please note your blog name and number in all correspondences. Remember that as blogs are removed, your number WILL change.

There are categories for those looking for like-minded blogs. Select ONE category code and enter it after your blog’s title/name. The code applies to your blog, not your theme for the Challenge and is purely optional. See the first few blogs on the list for examples. However, if your blog has adult content, you MUST mark it (AC) or it will be removed from the list. Codes are as follows:

ANIMALS: (AN)
BOOKS/REVIEWS: (BO)
CRAFTS/ART: (CT)
CULINARY: (CU)
EDUCATION/SCIENCE: (ES)
ENTERTAINMENT: (ET)
GAMING: (GA)
HISTORY/MYTHOLOGY: (HM)
HUMOR: (HU)
LIFESTYLE/SOCIAL: (LS )
PERSONAL: (PR)
PHOTOGRAPHY: (PH)
POETRY: (PO)
TRAVEL: (TR)
WRITING/STORYTELLING/MEMOIR: (WR)
ADULT CONTENT: (AC)

Be sure to grab the badge and display it in your sidebar so we know you are participating and link to the A to Z Challenge Blog.

For more information we recommend you follow the A to Z Challenge Blog and the hosts:

Arlee Bird @ Tossing it Out
Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh
Heather M. Gardner
Jeremy @ Hollywood Nuts
AJ Lauer
Pam @ An Unconventional Librarian
Damyanti Biswas @ Daily Write
Zalka Csenge Virág @ The Multicolored Diary
Joy Campbell @ The Character Depot
John Holton @The Sound of One Hand Typing

We also have a Facebook Page and Pinterest Site
Email address is contactatozteam@gmail.com
Twitter hashtag is #AtoZChallenge and Twitter id is @AprilA2Z

I’d also like to announce my awesome Ninja Minions - Rhonda Albom, Nicola Burggraf, Nilanjana Bose, Susan Gourley, Mason Canyon, Stephanie Faris, Yolanda Renee, Ann Bennett, Patricia Lynne, Donna McDine, JA Scott, and Melanie Schultz. Thanks, you guys rock!

Sign up below and join us for a month of alphabet fun!
(When you sign up, you agree to receive A to Z related emails.)



Who’s ready to hit the Undead Road? Willing to give Baroness a try? Signed up for the IWSG newsletter? Ready for next Monday’s blogfest? Picking up some new books? And are you joining us for the 2016 A to Z Challenge…?
Next week, I have some great guests, plus reviews for a couple cool television shows. (Sorry, too late Sunday night to write a review on the new X-Files mini-series. Way past my bedtime!) And don’t forget, next Wednesday is IWSG post day.

Bloody Mary with Chrys Fey! Plus the You Rock Award and Ninja News.

Today I have the honor and privilege of appearing at C S Lakin’s Live Write Thrive. My topic - How to Handle Writer Insecurity.

I was that Kid...

By Chrys Fey

I was the skinny girl who would sit in the dark with a flashlight, making up ghost stories to frighten my friends. Their squeals were cheers to me.

When I was twelve, my friends and I liked to huddle in a dark bathroom, stand in front of the mirror and call out, “Bloody Mary.” One of my friends would say “Bloody Mary” once and then chicken out. Another would shriek, “Did you hear that?” or “Something touched me!” Yet another would be in charge of the lights and would turn them on if we got too scared. The lights went on a lot.

I was the girl who would have the guts to blurt out “Bloody Mary” three times. Immediately after, I’d hear gasps of fear and awe. Seconds later someone would scream, which would prompt us all to scream and shove each other out of the bathroom only to go back in minutes later and do it again.

Available Now: GHOST OF DEATH at Amazon US, Amazon UK, The Wild Rose Press, and Nook.

Available for PRE-ORDER: WITCH OF DEATH at Amazon US and Amazon UK

Find Chrys: Blog, Facebook, Website, and Goodreads

Ninja News

Today at the A to Z Blog, I am kicking off the Themes That Rocked the Challenge feature with someone really awesome - J.H. Moncrieff! You like strange, ghostly, and bizarre? Then check it out.

Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse announced a writing contest – Epic Worlds. Check out his site for details.

Available now!
Iron Warrior by Jay Noel
(The Mechanica Wars Book 3)
Find it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Available May 13!
A Taste Of Pain by G. B. Miller
Find it at Smashwords

The Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest is May18 – next Monday! Movie/show/book that exemplifies the theme, or part of the theme. Hosted by me and Heather Gardner. Join us – it will be epic!

You Rock Award!

I started this five years ago, right after the very first A to Z Challenge. This is to honor blogger buddies who have come to mean so much to me over the years.

Past recipients include Arlee Bird, Yvonne Lewis, RaShelle Workman, Hannah, Jeffrey Beesler, Gail, Rusty Webb, Chuck, George, Jeremy Hawkins, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland Yeomans, Melissa Bradley, Robyn Engel, Lynda Young, Michael Di Gesu, Heather Gardner, Stephen Tremp, Father Dragon Al, the late Tina Downey, Damyanti, Edi, Karen Walker, Elizabeth Spann Craig, and Suze.

Every year, it gets harder! There are those on the IWSG team, the A to Z Challenge team, and my faithful blogger buddies. How do I only pick a handful when so many are worthy? You guys are all awesome. I can only honor a few though.

This year’s You Rock recipients are…

Susan Gourley
She’s one of my IWSG admins and a fellow A to Z co-host. She’s a talented writer and an excellent organizer. No matter what, I know I can always count on her. But more than that, she’s been an awesome friend for so many years now. I don’t know what I’d do if this amazing woman vanished from the blogging world. Susan, you rock!

Pat Hatt at It’s Rhyme Time
Pat is a talented writer and poet, with dozens of books to his credit. He is owned by two cats, Orlin and Cassie, and blogs a snarky poem every single day. His sense of humor is awesome and matched only by his giving heart. Despite the fact he’s buried Mini-Alex in the litterbox more than once, Pat is a dedicated and amazing friend. Dude, honored to call you a friend – you rock!

Jo at Jo on Food, Life, and a Scent of Chocolate
Hailing from Canada, Jo posts daily about her life, interesting facts, and recipes. She also has a quick wit – her animal for Z last month was a zebra, followed by a recipe for zebra! She is also Grandmother Dragon to our private Dragon Fellowship group, watching over us and giving sage advice. Jo, you’re a very caring and supportive friend – you rock!

Michelle at Writer in Transit
From South Africa, Michelle is one of my IWSG admins. She’s a flash fiction master and isn’t afraid to tackle anything. What I admire most about Michelle is her enthusiasm. Plus her creativity knows no bounds. She gets an idea and runs with it. I’m fortunate to know her. Michelle, you keep me on my toes – you rock!

Brandon and Bryan at A Beer For the Shower
I’ve known these dudes for five years now, although we lost touch for a while during blogging growth spurts. The authors of numerous books, their site is bursting with humor and snark. These boys pull no punches – they call it like it is. Despite the rough edges they exhibit, both have morals and strong values. (Bryan is even a minister!) They are just the nicest guys and I’m honored they are my friends. Brandon and Bryan – you guys rock!

Christine Rains
Christine is a talented hybrid author, dabbling in numerous genres. I’m always astonished by what she accomplishes considering her busy schedule. She writes and blogs on a tight schedule, and always with considering as to how she can help her fellow writer. She is indeed ‘Fearless’ and an amazing friend. Christine, I really admire you – and you rock!

Truedessa
Most of the You Rock recipients I’ve known for years, but every now and then someone comes along who really speaks to your heart. Truedessa is an amazing poet, one with a gentle and loving spirit. She often embarks on adventures with Pat Hatt, and her natural innocence and pure heart shines through even then. Truedessa, you are the brightest star in the sky – and you rock!


Did you ever say Bloody Mary to a mirror? Ready for Blood, Boobs, and Carnage? Do you miss the A to Z Challenge? (Road Trip opens this week.) Are you following those blogger? Who rocks your world…?

Be sure to visit C S Lakin’s Live Write Thrive!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, What is Traditional Publishing, and Ninja 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 for today are Krista McLaughlin, Kim Van Sickler, Heather Gardner, and Hart Johnson! Be sure to pay them a visit and thank them for helping today.

Last weekend, I handed my manuscript off to my test readers.

This was after a month of edits, which included adding numerous small scenes, embellishing on others, expanding some subplots, killing off pet words, and eliminating weak adverbs and adjectives. Plus finding misspelled words. (Why is it after writing four space operas I continue to spell hangar wrong?)

Now, I’m one of those writers who prefer the editing phase. Getting my thoughts onto paper or screen is difficult. I’m usually not fond of my story while actually writing it. During edits is when I really start to like what I’ve written. The vision comes together and I’m happy with it.

My test readers aren’t writers. They’re just readers of science fiction. As my target audience, they let me know if the story works for them, what wasn’t clear, and what more I need to add. They’re actually tougher than any critique partner. I’m not too concerned though.

My real concern is that I only have one critique partner now. And within the next couple weeks, I have to find two more.

Any speculative fiction authors looking for a critique partner?

And… I nailed the synopsis this week! (Until my publisher gets a hold of it of course.)

Big News!

CassaStorm is a finalist in the eFestival of Words Awards for science fiction!! If you enjoyed it, please vote HERE

Ninja News

I need co-hosts for the next few months for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. If you’ve participated but never co-hosted, you’re missing a lot of fun. (Trust me, it’s even more fun to be on the host side of the equation!) If you can help in August, September, or October, just leave a comment or shoot me an email. Thanks!

Susan Gourley’s final book in The Recon Marines series, The Marine's Doctor, is out now! Pick it up at New Concepts Publishing.

Remake by Ilima Todd on the cover of Publishers Weekly!





Jeremy Hawkins is hosting What is Your Favorite T-shirt. Check his site for details.
And be sure to see all his new t-shirt designs at the NeatOShop!

Colin Frake - On Fire Mountain Event

Coming soon – On Fire Mountain by Colin Frake

Epic music masters, Two Steps From Hell, stretch the boundaries of the e-book, combining intriguing storytelling from Nick Phoenix, forty six hand drawn pen and ink illustrations from Otto Bjornik, and unforgettable musical themes from Thomas Bergersen—recorded with a live orchestra. Additional music by Nick Phoenix. Soundtrack & ebook available NOW on iBooks andCD Baby

Create the most epic book trailer in literary history for Two Steps From Hell’s enhanced ebook, Colin Frake, using Thomas Bergersen’s compelling orchestral track, “Battle At Hoback”, a brilliant blurb from the mind of master storyteller, Nick Phoenix, and intriguing hand drawn illustrations by Otto Bjornik!

The top 3 cinematic winners, chosen by TSFH, will be featured in Epic Music Vn’s 2-year celebration tribute video and awarded copies of the Colin Frake ebook and soundtrack, as well as signed cover artwork! The overall favorite will also receive a signed future public release album!

Hosted by Samantha Redstreake Geary and Epic Music Vn

Traditional Publisher and Author Question

It came up on another blog about what is a traditional publisher and a traditionally published author? The assessment was that an author is only traditionally published if he is with one of the big five. Otherwise he can’t call himself traditionally published, only independently published.

I did some digging and found this:

SWFA’s site where they define traditional publisher, self-publisher, and subsidy press:
A commercial or trade publisher (a.k.a. a traditional publisher) purchases the right to publish a manuscript (usually together with other rights, known as subsidiary rights). Big houses and larger independents pay an advance on royalties; small presses often don’t. Commercial publishers are highly selective, publishing only a tiny percentage of manuscripts submitted. They handle every aspect of editing, publication, distribution, and marketing. There are no costs to the author.

This was from Writers Digest Shop:
Traditional book publishing is when a publisher offers the author a contract and, in turn, prints, publishes, and sells your book through booksellers and other retailers. The publisher essentially buys the right to publish your book and pays you royalties from the sales.

This is from Scribendi:
In traditional publishing, the author completes his or her manuscript, writes a query letter or a proposal, and submits these documents to a publishing house (or has a literary agent do this for them, if one can be acquired). An editor reads it, considers whether it is right for the house, and decides either to reject it (leaving the author free to offer it to another publisher) or to publish it. If the publishing house decides to publish the book, the house buys the rights from the writer and pays him or her an advance on future royalties. The house puts up the money to design and package the book, prints as many copies of the book as it thinks will sell, markets the book, and finally distributes the finished book to the public.

Jan Friedman had an Infographic on the subject.

And I happened to find this on the history of traditional publishing at Cyber College:
Before the 1960s, the book publishing industry was composed mostly of independent companies whose only business was books. But, growing profits made the business attractive to large corporations looking for new investments.
(Sad so many small publishers were gobbled up, isn’t it?)

I also sent an email to my publisher. They responded that they were surprised to find out they weren’t a traditional publisher anymore and that would be news to the tens of thousands of other small and mid-sized publishers out there. (Yeah, from their tone, I think my question amused them.) Their answer - I'm a traditionally published author.

So, what do you think is the definition of a traditional publisher? If you're an author and not self-published, do you consider yourself traditionally published? Are independent publishers still traditional publishers?

(Bet you guys never thought I’d throw out something like this for discussion, did you?)

What are your writing insecurities today? Any science fiction writers looking for a critique partner? What’s your favorite t-shirt? And how do you define a traditionally published author?

And if you can, please vote for CassaStorm at the eFestival of Words Awards!

Ender’s Game Movie Review and the iPad Air! Plus What Drew Me into the Wormhole of Science Fiction, New Walking Dead Site, Battle of the Bands Results, and Ninja News

I am visiting the wonderful Donna Weaver today! The topic? What Drew Me into the Wormhole of Science Fiction…

Jeremy Hawkins has a new site - Hate the Captcha, a tribute site to the Walking Dead. So if you are a Walking Dead fan, you need to check it out.
And I’ve been meaning to highlight the fun animation he did for my book in September – here it is:

IPad Air

With so much going on last Friday, I didn’t get to touch upon the release of the iPad Air. I don’t have mine yet, but I will be ordering it in the next week or two. Here’s the quick facts:

The iPad Air is the fifth generation of iPad. It’s only .29 inches thick and weighs one pound. The iOS 7 added many new features, although difference isn’t as noticeable as with the iPhone. Where you will notice a big improvement is with certain apps, especially game apps. It also comes with iLife and iWork apps for free.

Unlike the latest iPhone, it doesn’t come with the TouchID fingerprint sensor. (However, the next iPad Mini will feature Retina Display.) There are no huge jumps in technology except an increase in memory and storage – there’s now a 128GB iPad for $799. (Definitely the one I will purchase!)

My wife wants a new one as well. I’m thinking Christmas gift. Of course that will mean we have several extra iPads.

If my goal is an iPad and a guitar in every room of the house, I’m well on my way…

Ninja News

Sean McLachlan is this month’s featured Challenge participant at the A to Z Blog. His theme was the Civil War and Wild West history, and it was a lot more wild than you’d imagine!

Medeia Sharif signed a contract with Prizm Books for an edgy YA novel entitled Vitamins and Death. You can add it to Goodreads HERE. Congratulations, Medeia!

The Fussy Librarian is a great site for book recommendations – and if you are an author, you can list your books there if they have enough favorable reviews. (CassaStar and CassaFire are both on the site, but I moved too slow with CassaStorm and now have to wait until November 30.)

Mark Koopmans is doing something really special this coming Christmas – the 50 States of Pray Event. Check out his site for details on how you can participate!

Catherine Stine accepted an offer from Inkspell Publishing for her new adult romance novella, Model Position. It will come out early next year in eBook form and she’s using the pen name, Kitsy Clare. Congratulations, Catherine!

Susan Gourley’s latest is now available from Crescent Moon Press - First Dragon, book #1 of The Morbunda Saga. And look at that wicked cover! Congratulations, Susan.

Roland Yeomans’ Sounds of Voodoo is now available in audio book and Lucifer’s Orphan: Battlefield Hell is free on Amazon. Congratulations, Roland!

Joylene Nowell Butler announced a special on her mystery thriller, Dead Witness. The eBook is marked down from $5.95 to $1.99 through November 16. See her site for all of the participating retail sites.

Dark Visions Volume 1 is now available from Grey Matter Press, and it includes a story by Milo James Fowler, along with a dozen other creepy tales. Milo asks: Have you ever considered submitting to a themed anthology? It's a great way to introduce your work to a broader audience, and it's always cool to share a table of contents with some of the more well-known names in any genre. Congratulations, Milo!

Coming Soon!

Diamonds and Dust by River Fairchild
Coming December 9, 2013


Magic is real. So is betrayal.
Two heirs. A Kingdom of dust on a troubled world. One might resurrect it. One might destroy it all….


Diamonds and Dust is available for pre-order here: Apple, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble


Find River - Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

Battle of the Bands Results

In the battle of Pink Floyd’s Welcome to the Machine remakes, the votes were:

Shadow’s Fall – seven
Arjen Anthony Lucassen – seven

It’s a tie! I guess it depends on whether you like the traditional version or one a little more creative. (And I contributed to the tie, as I voted for the more unique Lucassen version.)

Movie Review

Ender’s Game
The director did a good job capturing the cold tone of the book. Subplots were discarded and everything was condensed for time. (The very ending is different, but it would’ve taken too much time to set up.) Asa is good in the title role, although he spends half the movie either crying or about to cry. Ford plays the character exactly the same as the book – he’s just in a lot more of the movie.
The special effects are amazing. I think this movie would’ve really benefitted from 3D.
The book is of course better, because you’re in Ender’s head. There were many things the movie just didn’t explain.
The downside – if you’re not a fan of the book, this movie won’t change your mind. It’s an interesting science fiction film, but no better than that. The cold, impersonal tone of the book is really stark on the screen. (My wife hadn’t read the book and she really didn’t like the film – she didn’t buy the premise, didn’t like any of the characters, and was put off by the cold tone. And she normally digs science fiction films.)
If you’re looking for a fun romp, this isn’t it. Go see Thor this Friday instead.
If you want to support science fiction films so they’ll keep making more, then you could do worse than spending an afternoon watching Ender’s Game. (You could watch Prometheus instead – the horror!)

Anyone pick up the new iPad Air or place it on your Christmas list? Excited about all the great news today? Who else saw Ender’s Game? In the US, did you enjoy an extra hour of sleep? Ready for the IWSG on Wednesday? And who else is STOKED for Thor: The Dark World this Friday?

Be sure to visit Donna Weaver!

June Movie Preview, Supporting Other Authors, A Change of Plans, IWSG Wrap-up, and Ninja News

Special guest today - Donna K. Weaver, author of the new release, A Change of Plans!

Alex said I needed to be humorous, so I decided to share a personal experience that inspired a scene on the ship. My father was career Navy, and we traveled by ship to and from some of his duty assignments.

On our way to the Philippines, the waters outside of San Francisco were really rough--plus it was the beginning of 21-day trip. I didn't have my sea legs yet (when your inner ear gets used to the movement). I don't get seasick, but it's still a crazy sensation when the ground is constantly swaying underneath you. You tend to stumble a lot. This ship was a military transport and nothing compared to modern cruise ships.

I remember clinging to the railing as I came down the stairs, staggering into the lounge, and collapsing on to a couch. I didn't really want to get up again right away, so I raised my bump up off the couch to reach for a magazine. The steward, who was vacuuming behind me, thought I was getting up for good and took the chance to move the chair to clean under it.

Um, yeah. I straightened, the ship rocked, and I tried to collapse on the couch again . The couch that wasn't there anymore. Unfortunately, there wasn't an attractive guy behind me with a convenient lap for me to fall into.

Congratulations, Donna – I thought it was funny.

IWSG Wrap-up

Another awesome Insecure Writer’s Support Group posting! There were so many positive and encouraging posts this time. Big thanks to my co-hosts, Sheena-kay Graham, Suzanne Furness, and Laura Eno.

Participants, be sure your blog is on the list! If you’ve missed a couple months, you may have been removed and need to add your blog again. A few I couldn’t find on the list at all. So be sure to look at the LIST.

Ninja News

Cheers for Susan Gourley - she retires from teaching today and becomes a full-time author!!!

Charmaine Clancy is holding a giveaway on her site and the grand prize is a Kindle Fire! Check it out.

Available now – Dystopolis by Ian Anderson (Known as Man O’ Clay on his blog.)

Adam and his companion Zoe are survivors of a war that rips their world apart. The ensuing chaos changes Adam and his ability to cope with reality. Evie has survived as well; she spends her days searching the war-torn city for food, for hope, for life. Will their meeting be one of hope, or will mankind continue in its blindness?

Only .99 at Amazon

Also available now – Aberration by Lisa Regan

FBI analyst Kassidy Bishop is assigned to the “For You” Killer’s Task Force after a series of sadistic murders bearing the same signature arise in different parts of the country, but when the investigation leads directly back to her, she is forced to delve into her own past.

A Question of Support

A friend’s post this week regarding supporting authors received quite the firestorm of comments. (And a really cool cat drawing, which had nothing to do with the post, but it was clever!) It had to do with promoting books through reviews, cover reveals, and release announcements – and do you promote a book you haven’t read?

Here’s my thoughts – that’s up to the individual. And whether it fits the blog or not. (Because some have a theme and it just doesn’t fit.)

Obviously I do post announcements and covers. And here’s why:

1 – The Ninja News
Everyone tells me they come here to get caught up on releases and what’s happening around the blogging world. I’m just reporting the news. And I’m happy to announce anything cool happening with my followers.

2 – The Ninja Army
Once I crossed a thousand followers, I realized I could be really effective at spreading the word for my friends. This blog became a little less about me and more about you guys.

3 – Friendship
When I post about a release or announcement, I’m endorsing the person. I’m doing it because I believe in YOU.

I do it without expecting something in return. I don’t get paid. (Despite the fact I’m bombarded with ad companies and could make money that way. That’s just not how I roll.) I don’t do it just so you will support my books. If you never buy one or post about my books, I’m cool with that. I don’t give to get. I give for all those reasons above.

Where do you fall with promotions? Please no firestorm. (Violators will receive a visit from one or more clones who will proceed to paint your blog a funny color.)

June Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming movies for June! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

12 –

This Is the End
While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.
Directors: Evan Goldberg | Seth Rogen
Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Paul Rudd
The guys play themselves during the apocalypse – and they get their butts kicked by Emma Watson!


14 –

Man of Steel 
A young journalist is forced to confront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race.
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe
Here’s hoping it’s epic! Maybe they’ll finally make a Justice League of America movie.


21 –

World War Z
United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.
Director: Marc Forster
Stars: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, David Morse
Zombie apocalypse! Based on a book by Mel Brooks’ son. I wish Mel would adopt me.

Monsters University
A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.
Director: Dan Scanlon
Stars: Nathan Fillion, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Billy Crystal
Might just be me, but the previews aren’t funny.


28 –

White House Down
While on a tour of the White House with his young daughter, a Capitol policeman springs into action to save his child and protect the president from a heavily armed group of paramilitary invaders.
Director: Roland Emmerich
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Richard Jenkins
Admit it – you want to see the White House blow up!

Did you enjoy this month’s IWSG? Excited about the books? What movies catch your eye this month? And how do you feel about promoting others and what are you willing to do?