Why Speculative Fiction Kicks A$$! Science Fiction Recommendations, New Releases, Ninja News, and Rock Music Trivia Answers

I have two epic guests today! And both ladies are discussing a favorite topic of mine – speculative fiction. First up is the awesome Terri Rochenski, followed by the multi-talented Jessica Bell.

And can a Ninja rhyme? You don’t think so? Find out today at Pat Hatt’s It’s Rhyme Time.

Ten reasons Spec Fiction kicks @$$

Spec Fiction has been a love of mine since I learned to read. I wanted to BE Lucy and enter the wardrobe. I wanted to BE Princes Leia and kiss Han Solo.

Why?

I had my reasons back then, but more have sprung up as my reading tastes developed AND I started writing the stories gnawing away at my brain.

In no particular order, my top ten reasons Spec Fiction kics @$$...

1. Who DOESN’T like to ask, “What if”?
2. Because as kids, we KNEW our Barbi, stuffed animals, and Stretch Armstrong could carry on a conversation.
3. It’s an outlet for the creative mind.
4. ESCAPE FROM REALITY!!
5. I saw Spec Fiction described once as being the cheapest way to travel. In my case, I’ve always wanted to fly among the stars. Thanks you ninja leader!
6. Its stimulating.
7. Can give a new outlook on life or insight into human nature.
8. Instills an appreciation for unique, beautiful imaginations.
9. It’s outside the norm.
10. From a writer’s perspective – unlimited possibilities.

How ‘bout you? What is the ONE reason spec fiction rocks your world?

Secret of the Souls (Pool of Souls #2) by Terri Rochenski
J. Taylor Publishing - Adult Fantasy

Thrust out of their homes by a human High Priest on a vengeful mission, the Natives of Derlund no longer have a place to call their own. One escaped capture, however, and now she, Hyla, is the only one who can save her people.

Find Secret of the Souls Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and enter the giveaway HERE

Find Terri at Blog, Website, Facebook, and Goodreads




 

MY SCIENCE FICTION MISHMASH by Jessica Bell

If you know me well, you know I’m not an obsessive science fiction book reader. I do, however, like to read science fiction if written by authors I love, and the story is captivating, for example, The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, and Neuromancer, by William Gibson are two of my very favourites. I have also dabbled in writing science fiction myself, but in a very different form— a cyberpunk short story in verse.

And my current WIP is speculative fiction. So I’m not not a fan. I’m just fussy.

(Btw, I was told to add some humour to this post, but I can only be funny when I don’t try to be, so I’m really sorry this post isn’t going to make you laugh. I might however, be able to make you smile if you watch this video of me in a dressing gown, and my fabulous Dalmatian, dancing to Joan Jett.)

Right, back to the science fiction stuff. Regardless of what I said above, I am a HUGE fan of science fiction film and TV. I really can’t get enough.

So here’s my top five list of movies, and top five list of TV shows, in no particular order:

MOVIES

Blade Runner (the director’s cut, of course!)

Contact

The Fifth Element

Edward Scissorhands

Barbarella

TV

Orphan Black

Fringe

Red Dwarf

Lost (I know, I know ...)

The X Files

What science fiction books, TV series, or movies have you read/seen lately? Got any recommendations for me?

COMMENT TO WIN JESSICA BELL’S THRILLER, WHITE LADY!

To celebrate the release of Jessica Bell’s latest novel, WHITE LADY, she is giving away an e-copy (mobi, ePub, or PDF) to a random commenter on this blog.

Sonia yearns for sharp objects and blood. But now that she’s rehabilitating herself as a “normal” mother and mathematics teacher, it’s time to stop dreaming about slicing people’s throats…

Click HERE to view the book trailer.

Click HERE for purchase links.

Connect with Jessica online: Website, Retreat and Workshop, Blog, Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Facebook and Twitter

Ninja News

At the A to Z Blog today is Carrie-Anne Brownian, whose awesome theme took us on a tour of Asia and Europe – check it out!

I was one of the Shelfie Blog Hop winners!

Pat Hatt also continued his zombie story and my clones were involved…

New Releases!

A Lizard's Tail by Bish Denham

When a feral cat threatens the lives of all who live at Stone Wall, Marvin knows his destiny has finally arrived. But how can a young, vain lizard get rid of such a dangerous enemy?

Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

Soulless (Maiden of Time Book 2) by Crystal Collier

Find it on Amazon

Her tour starts today – follow along!

Tales of Firelight and Shadow - anthology from Double Dragon Books with retold folk tales, some very, very creepy.

Featuring Patricia Stoltey’s first traditionally published short story, "Three Sisters of Ring Island" is a retelling of a Norwegian tale, "Three Billy Goats Gruff." Find it at Double Dragon

The Adventures of an Arkansawyer by Charles Gramlich 

Find it on Amazon

Music Trivia Answers!

1 – Persistence of Time (1990) - Anthrax

2 – Astro-Creep: 2000 (1995) – White Zombie

3 – …And Justice For All (1988) - Metallica

4 – Jar of Flies (1994) – Alice in Chains

5 – The Art of Balance (2002) – Shadows Fall

6 – Hold Your Fire (1988) - Rush

7 – Empire (1990) - Queensryche

8 – Images and Words (1992) – Dream Theater

9 – Flying in a Blue Dream (1989) Joe Satriani

10 – Vulgar Display of Power (1992) - Pantera

Whoa! What are some of your reasons speculative fiction kicks a$$? What shows and movies can you recommend to Jessica? (Don't forget your comment could win a book!) Picking up some new books? Get any of the trivia right?

Don’t forget to visit Pat Hatt’s It’s Rhyme Time!

Wednesday – more fun stuff, trivia, movie reviews and news, Mini-Alex, and… I have an awesome announcement!!!

Movie News – Iron Man 4, Dark Judges, and More! Plus Music Trivia, Ninja News, and Random Ninja Stuff

Movie News

Rumor of the day: Sony and Marvel might get together on Spider-Man! (Yeah, wouldn’t that be awesome?) Get the details on Blastr.


From JoBlo - on Ellen Degeneres' talk show, Robert Downey Jr. said that yes, an Iron Man 4 movie is coming. Before that, we’ll see Iron Man in Avengers: Age of Ultron on May 2, 2015.

JoBlo also has an exclusive clip of the Guillermo del Toro-produced animated film, The Book of Life. You can view it HERE

An unofficial Dark Judges mini-series is in the works. From Blastr:
Adi Shankar, producer of the first Dredd film, has secretly been filming his own seven-part Dredd miniseries focused on the Dark Judges arc. That’s right — Shankar has created his own, unofficial Dredd project that’ll be released for free online later this month.

And if you haven’t been watching, SyFy’s Face Off is halfway through the new season, and there have been some amazing makeups and creatures so far.

Ninja News

Industry expert and author, Anne R. Allen, is our guest at the IWSG Site today!

Thanks to Michelle for including my book in her Shelfie!







New Releases –

Tempting Fate (a Serendipity novel #2) by Brinda Berry

Secret of Souls by Terri Rochenski

Ghostly Gallows (Book II - Afterlife Series) by Gwen Gardner

Music Trivia!

Album title is listed – name the band.

All in the category of hard rock and prog rock.

1 – Persistence of Time (1990)
2 – Astro-Creep: 2000 (1995)
3 – …And Justice For All (1988)
4 – Jar of Flies (1994)
5 – The Art of Balance (2002)
6 – Hold Your Fire (1988)
7 – Empire (1990)
8 – Images and Words (1992)
9 – Flying in a Blue Dream (1989)
10 – Vulgar Display of Power (1992)

Random Ninja Stuff

Many of you asked about the song that inspired my latest manuscript. When and if I know it’s a done deal with my publisher, I’ll post the video for you. The song title is similar to the manuscript title, plus the lyrics give away some of the story, so you’ll have to wait a bit.

The Flash was really good last night. Had an excellent DC comics vibe to it. 

I finally set up my Author QandA at Goodreads. Had no idea I could do that. Thanks for the tip, Elizabeth! Feel free to ask a question – Goodreads generated a few to start, but they are rather bland…

Really random - peanut butter is awesome. I won't eat pancakes without peanut butter on them.

And my wife purchased some mums, so Mini-Alex would like to dedicate these to all of the ladies! The praying mantis tried to help with the guitar solo, but he wasn’t very good with the strings…

Think Sony and Marvel might get it together? Have you been watching Face Off? Excited about the new releases? Know any of the trivia? Think Mini-Alex should make more appearances…?

Retro A to Z Challenge: K – Kvelertak 2013 (and Rio 2 Movie Review)

Kvelertak – Meir – 2013

While not quite as good as the first album, Meir still delivers. It’s a crazy mash up of punk, metal, prog rock, death metal, and anything else they could throw in the blender. If you’re a fan of screaming metal, check out this unique band from Norway.

2013 fun facts –
*Cost of a gallon of gas - $3.80
*Cost of a movie ticket - $10.25
*A giant meteor exploded near Chelyabinsk in Russia
*Microsoft released the Xbox One and Sony released the Playstation 4
*House of Cards became the first web series to win an Emmy
*The 3D Printer hits the scene and the first 3D-printed gun was fired last May

Movies released –
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Star Trek: Into Darkness
Thor: The Dark World
Pacific Rim

Music released –
Amon Amarth – Deceiver of the Gods
Ayreon – The Theory of Everything

Games released –
StarCraft II – Heart of the Swarm

And why is 2013 special?
It’s the year Madeline Mora-Summonte released her flash fiction collection and Terri Rochenski released her first novel!

Madeline is an author with a fondness for sand and beaches. She’s the proud owner of two tortoises, Larry and Mrs. Larry, and you can sometimes catch their antics on her blog. Madeline is introspective and will make you think. (But she’s nice, so not too hard.) Find her at The Shellshank Redemption.

Terri is the author of several books and a mother to two girls. Rejection nearly derailed her twice, but she didn’t give up on her author dreams. A sweet and generous woman, she also hosts authors on tour. Terri blogs at Scribbler’s Sojourn.

Ninja News

My dear friend Yvonne Lewis just released her third book – Moments of My Life.
I was honored to supply a blurb for her book and look forward to getting my copy soon. (Who says poets and Ninjas can’t mix?)
You can buy it on Amazon HERE.
Congratulations, Yvonne!!

Movie Review – Rio 2

Let me begin by stating up front that I thought the first movie was ‘all right’ but nothing I ever wanted to see again.
However, I’d gladly sit through it if that meant I didn’t have to see Rio 2 ever again.

The second film picks up shortly after the first one ends. Blu and family travel to the Amazon to help Linda and Tulio find more blue macaws. The movie tosses in illegal logging, revenge, finding lost family, trying to fit in, and several other generic and clichéd plot ideas. (And Nigel the vengeful cockatoo with a lovesick tree frog made for a really weird pairing.)
While the movie is amazing to look at in 3D, the story is a bit flat, lacking in the first one’s charm and humor, and it’s overlong. There are also a lot of songs in this one. (I think one was called This is the Way We Pad the Film.)
Will kids like it? Probably. Will adults like it? Eh, good luck!

Have you ever heard of Kvelertak? Caught up on last year’s movies? Following Madeline and Terri? Enjoy Yvonne’s poetry? Keeping up with the Challenge? And anyone else get drug to a stupid bird movie this weekend…?

Retro A to Z Challenge: G – Groundhog Day 1993

Groundhog Day – 1993

Bill Murray is the cynic reporter trapped in Punxsutawney, reliving Groundhog Day over and over again. At first he takes advantage of the situation, something I’m sure we’ve all wished we could do at some point – a day without repercussions – before becoming a changed man and finally escaping the loop. One of Murray’s funniest movies and a sweet romantic comedy to boot.

1993 fun facts –
*Cost of a house - $113,200 / UK - 67,856 pounds sterling
*Harley Davidson celebrated ninety years
*The first Dyson vacuum debuted
*The NFL awarded two new teams, the Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars (Their first season was 1995)

Movies released –
Jurassic Park
The Fugitive
Cliffhanger

Music released –
Anthrax – Sound of White Noise
Def Leppard – Retro Active
Type O Negative – Bloody Kisses

Games released –
Myst
Magic the Gathering

And why is 1993 special?
Because that’s when PK Hrezo was twenty and she remembers a life full of friends, music, and possibilities!

And she still looks twenty, doesn’t she? PK is an author, a mom, and an airline agent. She’s incredibly creative and very generous with her blog and her time. She’s very involved in this blogging community, and her observations are honest and wise. PK is one of those happy friends you’d want to hang out with! You can find her blog HERE

Ninja News

I’m at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website today, posting about genres. There have been some great topics there for the Challenge – if you’re a writer, I recommend following the site.

I also need a couple more co-hosts for the IWSG in May, and for the months following. If you would like to co-host, let me know what month(s) you are available. Thanks!

Available now – Boom Town by Milo James Fowler. Buy it on Amazon HERE

Coming soon – Secret of the Souls by Terri Rochenski!







And over at Blastr, they have a dozen images and posters from X-Men: Days of Future Past that blend the past with the present.

Seen Groundhog Day? (Over and over and over…?) Following the wonderful PK Hrezo? Picking up some new reads? Excited about the upcoming X-Men movie? And what do you remember best about 1993…?

My A to Z Challenge Theme, Saving Mr. Banks Review, Melissa Maygrove’s Puzzle Contest, and Ninja News

Movie Review

Saving Mr. Banks
Staring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, and Colin Farrell, it focuses on author PL Travers as Walt Disney tries to woo her into a movie version of Mary Poppins. Half of the movie is told in flashback to Travers’ childhood and her relationship with her father, played by Farrell.
While a bit overlong, the story is charming and moving. All three leads shine, especially Thompson, and some of the best scenes involve the three writers working with Travers and moments with her chauffer, played by Paul Giamatti. At its core, the story is about letting go of the past.
Recommended

Ninja News

This Wednesday, March 26 – Milo James Fowler will be at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site, so be sure to stop by.

Carrie Butler’s Honesty (Mark of Nexus #2.5) is now available!



Nicole Singer posted funny, failsafe blogging tips. This was my favorite - when all else fails, mention Firefly!

The Hostile Smile by Pat Hatt is now available – this makes book #31!

Cover reveal –
Love’s Sorrow
By Terri Rochenski



And we are now just one week away from the start of the fifth A to Z Challenge!

Cover Puzzle Contest!

In anticipation of her debut cover reveal on Monday, March 31st, Melissa Maygrove is sharing some teaser images this week. A trivia question has been paired with each one. It’s a contest!

Hop around to participating blogs and collect all 7 answers, then give them to Melissa by Saturday. Your answers don’t have to be correct to win, but you must submit a complete list by the deadline to be entered in the drawing for the giveaway. The prize is a free e-copy of her book once it’s published and a $10 gift certificate to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

‘Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.’

Come Back

Western Historical Romance

Adult / New Adult

Coming May 2014

Teaser images designed by Carrie Butler, Forward Authority Design Services

Check Melissa’s blog for links to all the questions - HERE

A to Z Theme Reveal

Hosted by Damyanti’s team, you can visit team member Jemima Pett for the full list of participants.

Every year, my theme revolves around featuring my blogger buddies. I wasn’t sure how I would top last year, but I finally hit upon a cool idea –

Retro Feature!

I’m going retro this year – every day will be a movie or music feature (matching the alphabet) that corresponds with a given year.

There will also be fun facts and information with each year – cost of a house, world events, sports, and movies, music, and games released.

Where does the feature come in? Each year was chosen because something significant happened to a blogger buddy that year, and they will be featured!

It’s always a new batch of blogger buddies for the Challenge, but this year it’s wide open, so be watching – you never know who I will feature or when!

Anyone else see Saving Mr. Banks? Excited about the new and upcoming releases? Think you can solve Melissa’s puzzle? What’s your theme for the Challenge? And what do you think of mine?

My work project is almost done, but due to health issues within my family, I will be completely off the grid at the end of this week. (I’ll try to check emails once or twice a day.) My next post will be April 1, day one of the Challenge. Thanks for understanding.

Ubuntu Bloghop and Humanity, Mini-Alex and Snow, Movie Trivia Answers, and Ninja News

Today I am visiting the lovely Julie Musil talking about the small publisher debate. Please join us and weigh in your thoughts.

Cherie Colyer has a Features and Spotlights she does every Friday, and this week it is on my series! Thanks, Cherie!

I finally let Mini-Alex out for a snow day and the scarf was very much needed!

Special thanks again to Elise for the creation of Mini-Alex and to Deniz for making his scarf!

Ninja News

The IWSG Website has a great guest today – the amazing Anne R. Allen!

Our good friend Roland Yeomans is undergoing surgery today for cancer. Please keep him in your prayers this week. Since Roland is also struggling with the funds for this surgery, Sean McLachlan suggested a Buy-A-Thon for his books. I’ve read several of Roland’s books and highly recommend following the adventures of one Victor Standish. Visit Roland’s author page on Amazon to see a complete listing of his eBooks and audio books. If you’ve never read any of Roland’s work, now is a great time to do so!

Did you catch Father Dragon Al’s Lord of the Clones Challenge Part 2? 



Sir Baldernot at his finest!




Patricia Stoltey signed a contract with Five Star/Cengage for her first standalone suspense novel, Dead Wrong. The book is scheduled for a November 2014 release.

Terri Rochenski announced that Roane Publishing offered her a contract for Love's Sorrow, the first book in my Means of Mercy series.

Cindy at Dreamer’s Perch has a poll going on - if you had to choose, what is your favorite kind of science fiction? Visit her site to vote for the poll in her sidebar.

In a brand new series, Donna Hosie revisits Logres with THE CHILDREN OF CAMELOT.

Two worlds, one thousand years apart. And those worlds are about to collide.

THE RING OF MORGANA will be released in ebook and paperback on the 15th June 2014.

The Ubuntu Bloghop

Michelle Wallace at Writer-in-Transit is celebrating her third blog anniversary with a bloghop!

What is ubuntu? "In Africa, there is a concept known as UBUNTU – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others." – Nelson Mandela.

When I signed up, I had no idea what I was going to post for this bloghop. I knew poetry was out of the question. (You should all be grateful for that.) I thought about posting a video or a Bible passage.

But the best example of humanity towards others came on Monday when so many rallied around Jeremy Hawkins and left comments of encouragement at his special tribute at the A to Z Blog. Over 160 people showed their support through the efforts of the A to Z Co-Hosts and DL Hammons’ Blog Blitz Team. You guys were awesome and really cheered up Jeremy!

Movie Trivia Answers

1 - Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Al Pacino – 1995 – Heat
2 - Morgan Freeman, Bruce Willis, Karl Urban – 2010 – Red
3 - Joe Pantoloano, Carrie-Anne Moss, Guy Pearce – 2000 - Memento
4 - Bonnie Bedelia, William Sadler, Bruce Willis = 1990 – Die Hard II
5 - James McAvoy, Liam Neeson, Tilda Swinton – 2005 – Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Have you read one of Roland’s books yet? Excited about the new book deals? How would you define Ubuntu? Get any of the trivia right? And who wants to play in the snow with Mini-Alex?

Don’t forget to visit Julie Musil today and Cherie Colyer on Friday!

The Best of 2013, New Books, Ninja News, and What Was Your Best Year?

The Best and Personal Favorites of 2013

It was another awesome year for movies, music, and everything in between. Here were some of the highlights for me, in no particular order.

Favorite Movies

Star Trek Into Darkness – non-stop and just a very good and solid movie
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – another great entry and roller coaster of a ride
Pacific Rim – giant robots versus giant monsters – need I say more?
Gravity – very intense and Oscar-worthy
Thor: The Dark World – even better than the first one
Man of Steel – liked it even more the second time

Favorite Music

Rush – Clockwork Angels Tour DVD/CD – great live show and the orchestra puts it over the top
Dream Theater CD – their best album since Awake
Ayreon – The Theory of Everything CD – another amazing concept album from Arjen

Favorite New Television Shows

The Blacklist – Spader makes it
Almost Human – great interaction between the leads
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – fun and expands the Marvel universe
Defiance – support your local good science fiction show!
House of Cards – you’ll need a shower afterwards but it’s fun

Favorite Game 

Rocksmith 2014 – a lot of fun and better designed



What were some of your favorites?

New Books!

Lydia Kang’s Control is now out – her first book!

Roland Yeomans’ Death in the House of Life is now available!


Another masterpiece from Roland...

EJ Wesley’s Vampire's Ball, Moonsongs Book 5 was unleashed.

Watcher of Worlds by Brinda Berry
Whispering Woods Book 3
ISBN: 978-1-941133-00-2

Senior year should bring fun, friends and happiness. Not portals, treachery, and murder.

Find it on Amazon

Anne R Allen’s The Lady of Lakewood Diner in now out!

Emilyann Girdner’s The Labyrinth Wall was released!

Kimberly Afe’s The Headhunter’s Race came out last week!

Ciara Knight’s Pendulum is out!





Congratulations to all!

Ninja News

Today at the A to Z Blog is an interview with the awesome Michael Di Gesu! He turned his theme into a lucrative endeavor – check it out.

Terri Rochenski announced an opportunity with her publisher, Roane Publishing. They have an open sub call for an upcoming fantasy anthology titled Portals. See her site for details.

Special thanks to Robyn Campbell and Edi’s Book LIghthouse who both placed CassaStorm at the top of their favorite books of 2013. You both rock!!

For those of you who write poetry, Bossy Betty had a really creative idea!

Pat Hatt created a special video for Christmas, and I’m proud to say I defeat Evil Santa with my guitar playing! (And not because I was playing badly either.)



The 2014 A to Z Challenge Team is coming together! We’ll announce them and open up the sign-up list on January 27. We’ll also be looking for Minions again. Any volunteers…?

2013 and Our Best Year

2013 was another good year for me, although 2012 seemed better. However, I did launch CassaStorm, the final book in my series. I made huge improvements in my guitar playing. And of course, the launch of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website was a major highlight.

We remember years that boast major accomplishments and happy occasions. I can remember living in England, marrying my wife, accepting Jesus, and the launch of my very first book. Those were all good years.

So I ask you – what was your best year and why?

See you Wednesday for Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day!

What were your favorite movies, shows, books, etc. in 2013? Picked up any of the new releases? Ready for the A to Z Challenge? (Want to be a Minion?) And what year shines in your memory – and why?