NETWORKER/NAKED - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

NETWORKER/NAKED

Golden at The Eagle’s Aerial Perspective
No one knows how to network like Golden. She is everywhere, learning and soaking in what the blogging world has to offer. Golden is also one of the sharpest young ladies I have ever met, and it’s easy to forget she is a teenager. With her sharp mind and excellent skills with people, Golden will go very far in life!

Hart at Confessions of a Watery Tart
The Watery Tart is very sharp, but those of us who know her realize it’s all about one thing – Naked World Domination! Hart wants to do away with clothes because they are so restricting. She even writes while in the bathtub. (And I can only assume naked – she hasn’t confirmed this though.) While I’m not about to wander my own house naked, I admit certain pieces of clothing need to be banned. Now, if all this naked stuff has you nervous, let me assure you – Hart is one of the most awesome bloggers I have ever met. And in two months, her first book will be unleashed onto the world!

Kate Beckinsale
Okay, I admit when I hear the word naked I think of my wife and then Kate Beckinsale. (Yes, in that order.) She has appeared nude in many movies but has since sworn off nudity in deference to her child (I applaud that decision, and yet, it makes me sad.)

NINJA NEWS!

We’ve been working hard to clear all ad sites and non-participating blogs on the Challenge list. Hopefully you are encountering fewer of these sites.

Don’t forget May 7 is the Challenge Reflections post. On that day, we want to hear from you – what you liked, what you didn’t like, did you enjoy it, etc. A sign-up list will be available that day at the A to Z Blog and host sites. Once you’ve posted your reflections, add your post link to the sign up list.

If anyone would like to host a blogfest but you don’t have a Linky Tools subscription, let me know and I’d be glad to create a Linky List for you.

Following Golden and Hart? Part of the Naked World Domination movement? Anyone see The Cabin in the Woods this weekend? (Freaky movie, wasn’t it?) Who do you know who is a networker? (Or into being naked?) And I’m almost to 1500 followers – what should I do to celebrate?

MOTIVATED - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

MOTIVATED

Milo at In Media Res
If you’ve ever wondered if there was a market for short stories, then wonder no longer. Milo is THE short story master. He doesn’t just write and submit a couple a year – this dude submits weekly, and his rate of acceptance and publication reflects that. Last year during the Challenge, he posted links to sites that accept short stories, which was very generous. Milo is motivated times a thousand!

Jeffrey at World of the Scribe
Two years ago – maybe longer? – Jeffrey’s manuscript The Flettleglag Force was accepted for publication. He’s been waiting… and waiting… and waiting for its release. Jeffrey didn’t remain in limbo though – he continued writing and finally decided to self-publish his fantasy epic, Spell of Entrapment. I admire his bravery and determination to expose his work to the world. Jeffrey is also one of my awesome critique partners and one of the first real friends I made here in the blogging world. Dude, you rock – keep pushing forward!

Rush
This is a band that is motivated by the sheer joy of making music. Formed in 1968, the band’s first record dropped in 1974 but didn’t quite gel until drummer and lyricist Neil Peart joined later the same year. Nineteen studio records (with a twentieth coming this year) and the band is still going strong and sound just as good as ever.

NINJA NEWS! (And movie reviews)

The Cabin in the Woods
Wow! The trailer does NOT give away the twist. It’s not a parody, but rather a scathing satire of the horror genre. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, it’s clear the makers are in on the joke. With Whedon’s impeccable writing, some scenes are laugh out loud funny. I wouldn’t dare put any spoilers in this review, but sufficed to say, the third act is bat-shit crazy.

The Thing (2011)
This movie is well done, the acting decent, and the special effects really good. It was cool seeing the alien’s spaceship. As a prequel to 1982’s The Thing, you know where it’s going and it leads you right there. That said, it didn’t break any new ground or bring anything new to the table. And with CGI, they could do more, but gone was Carpenter’s skill of proper lighting to bring out the best in the special effects. Worth a watch if you’re curious. Or bored.

We are almost halfway through the Challenge!!! Good to hear so many are having fun with it. And some of you have worked SO hard on your themes – I am impressed. Don’t forget that May 7 will be the Challenge Reflections post, so mark your calendars. Details soon.

Following Jeffrey? If you write short stories, you definitely need to follow Milo. Fan of Rush? (And if you’re not, please don’t make the Ninja sad.) Did you see The Cabin in the Woods? Or The Thing? Any other movies? Having Challenge meltdown? And who do you know who is motivated?

LOYAL - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

LOYAL

Chuck at Apocalypse Now
I’ve developed some really great friends here in the blogging world. No one is more loyal than Chuck. He champions his friends at every opportunity. No matter how lame my post, I can always count on an encouraging comment from Chuck. He’s enjoyed my books and even passed them along to friends. (And claims he’s read them more than once – God Bless you, man!) Chuck always has my back – and I’ll always have yours, dude.

Brinda Berry
I’ve only known Brinda since last fall, but she at once jumped in with support for others. She’s usually one of the first to comment on my blog. (Not an easy feat! Competition is so fierce right now.) She’s quick to comment, quick to respond, and quick to help out others. Brinda, you are going to go far with that awesome attitude!

Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly
Another beloved character from a show that was cancelled long before its time. (Don’t get me started on a FOX rant.) Mal was a rogue and a scoundrel but would do anything for his crew. Mal literally died to save one of his crew in the episode “War Stories.”

NINJA NEWS!

Several Challenge participants are posting excerpts or short stories. One of the best I’ve seen so far is Christine Rains’s ongoing story. You’ll have to go back to her A post to catch up, but it’s worth it. I feel like a junkie looking for my fix every morning. What will happen next to Abby?

I’d also like to take this time to thank my Ninja Army. You guys have been wonderful in seeking out the bloggers I’ve recommended and following them. Thanks, I really appreciate that!

To my new followers, welcome! I hope to visit everyone after the insanity of the Challenge. For those who are writers, I invite you to check out the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

And big thanks to Geof at The Man Cave for an awesome review of CassaFire!

Folllowing Chuck and Brinda? Fan of Firefly? (Feel free to share your evil thoughts about FOX.) Have you been following Christine’s story? What’s the best story you’ve read here so far? Who in your life is loyal? And who is going to see Cabin in the Woods this weekend? I’m hitting it this afternoon….

HERO - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

HERO

Heroes come in all forms. Today, I want to recognize some of my true heroes.

Rusty Webb at The Blutonian Death Egg
He may have been the inspiration behind the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, but writing is the last thing Rusty should feel insecure about. He knows how to draw one into a story and keep the pages turning at a rapid pace. The only bummer is in reaching the end, because I want more. He’s also a guitarist, and I’m sure a thousand times better than me. Rusty is my hero. Maybe one day my writing (and guitar playing) will rock half as good. Until that time, I will bow to the most talented person I know. Honored to call you my friend, Rusty!

Of course, when I also think of hero (after my Lord and Savior), I think of my guitar heroes:

John Petrucci
The guitarist for Dream Theater never ceases to amaze. A perfect example of technical wizardry married with musical brilliance.

Alex Leifson
The guitar hero of my youth from Rush. Alex has such great riffs and musicianship and has inspired my own playing. (Not that THIS Alex plays on any level near Leifson’s!)

Dave Mustane
The shred master and genius behind Megadeth. Just listen to the “Rust In Peace” disc and you’ll see that Dave is a shredding genius.

NINJA NEWS

The Hunger Games once again dominated the box office, and has now made over $362 million dollars worldwide.
However, this Friday there are two big releases: Lockout and The Cabin in the Woods. At the moment, Joss Whedon’s Cabin is as 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and the reviewers are saying it redefines the horror genre. Yes, I am very stoked!

The Challenge posts have been amazing and some feature really original themes. I’d like to point out one of my favorite so far at The Waiting is the Hardest Part. Heather has brought back Stormy the Gnome and is photographing his adventures throughout the month. Last week we had Indiana Gnome and a round of 'Find the Gnome.' For a good laugh from a wonderful blogger, check out Heather’s site.

And don’t forget the First Loves Blogfest on May 14 – First loves of movies, music, books, and person.

Are you following the talented Rusty? Any musicians who’ve influenced you or that you really admire? Have you contributed to The Hunger Games’ box office take? Following Heather and Stormy? And who is the hero in your life?

Ninja News and the April Movie Preview

Ninja News!

Thanks to everyone for your comments Monday regarding Jeffrey Beesler’s book, Spell of Entrapment. And for reading my interview at Emily King’s blog.

Thank you to author Jessica Therrien for featuring my book on Monday. That was a nice surprise!

And over at Mark’s Aloha and hi! from HI he interviewed Cassie and I was an interview question! Yes, I do sleep. No, I do not have clones. I’m a super Ninja. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

The A to Z Challenge begins this Sunday April 1! I’ll be posting the basic guidelines and tips on Friday. Hope you’ve been preparing your posts. And I'm over at the A to Z Blog today talking about SHORT posts.

May 15 - Diablo 3. I am so there! And Baldur's Gate the enhanced edition is coming out soon for PC and the iPad. Yes, I will be getting both!

A movie is in development from the book, The Lies of Locke Lamora. That was my favorite book last year, so hopefully it doesn't fall into development hell.

And sometimes, we have epic Ninja fail. I completely forgot to mention Annalisa Crawford’s new book, Cat & the Dreamer, when it came out a few weeks ago. She is just the sweetest person and I feel like a shmuck for forgetting…

And now, here are your April movies!

As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

6 -

Titanic (1997) - [Opens April 4th in 3D]

Adventure | Drama | History | Romance

Director: James Cameron

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates

Why re-release in 3D? Because they can.

13 -

The Cabin in the Woods

Horror | Thriller

Director: Drew Goddard

Stars: Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford, Chris Hemsworth, Jesse Williams

Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods.

This Joss Whedon project looks amazing! It is not the horror story you think…

Lockout
Action | Thriller | Sci-Fi
Directors: James Mather | Stephen St. Leger
Stars: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare, Joseph Gilgun
A man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the U.S. is offered his freedom if he can rescue the president's daughter from an outer space prison taken over by violent inmates.

Ever since I saw the first trailer where Guy Pearce is smart mouthing the interrogator and getting punched for each response, this has been a must-see for me.

27 -

The Pirates! Band of Misfits
Animation | Adventure | Family
Directors: Peter Lord | Jeff Newitt
Stars: Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Piven, Brendan Gleeson
Pirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London.

It’s from the creators of Wallace and Gromit – how could you not want to see it?

The Raven
Thriller
Director: James McTeigue
Stars: John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans, Brendan Gleeson
When a madman begins committing horrific murders inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's works, a young Baltimore detective joins forces with Poe to stop him from making his stories a reality.

To quote the critics – “Nevermore!”

Anyone else get a good laugh out of Mark’s post? Did I miss any news? Ready for the A to Z? (I’m revealing my theme this Friday and I think some of you will really dig it.) Any movies catch your eye? Or are you holding out for May…?