A to Z Challenge - J and more...

For the A to Z Challenge, I am featuring some awesome bloggers. These individuals have offered so much support of my book, CassaStar, and me on my blogger journey. Of course, I’ll be keeping up with the world of movies, music, and pop culture stuff as well! Ninjas are just talented that way...


And for all of your encouraging words yesterday - thank you!

Julie Musil
Julie always has some awesome writing tips! And they aren’t from the usual angle, either. She also employs visuals and really gets me to thinking about my own writing. Julie is just a cheery ball of wisdom!

The Journey
Colene boasts a smirk in everything she does! She loves the blogfests and throws out some great funny videos on Friday. (When we need them the most!) She has fun with definitions and word verification. Basically, Colene is just a lot of fun!

As for movies and the new iPad...

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Yes, I finally caught this flick on NetFlix. Quirky as hell, funny, and over the top. I can see why teens dig it - a mixture of graphic novel and video game. No real message - just goofy fun. My only complaint would be the run time - I was ready for it to end about twenty-five minutes before that happened.


As for the iPad - wow! The second generation rocks. So much faster. And the camera is pretty good, plus it has Facetime. And I'm happy to report I loaded both Tron: Legacy and Voyage of the Dawn Treader on my iPad this weekend, so I'll be watching some cool movies soon. Care to join me?

NaNo, Surprise Video, Movie Review, and Award

Two days of NaNo and I can already tell my hunt and peck style of typing is going to be a problem. (You think?!)

I hit 3179 words last night and sent out a couple Twitter messages regarding my progress. Each one begins as a Stardate log. Maybe when I’m finished I’ll post a few here. It’ll be like my account of Sharktopus. Maybe more painful…

This was a total shock! I found this through a Google Alert on Monday – Ali Cross did a video review of my book on YouTube! Complete with space battle sound effects. It’s really sweet and inspires me to make the next book even better.



Is she not cute? Go give her a hug for me! Oh wait, read the rest of this post first…

Movie Review - Harry Brown (From Netflix)

You may not be familiar with this small film but it packs a vicious punch.

When a crew of drug-dealing gang members takes the life of his only friend, Leonard (David Bradley), retired Marine and widower Harry Brown (Michael Caine) decides to take the law into his own hands -- but his old-school training might be overmatched. Helmed by first-time feature director Daniel Barber, this gritty vigilante thriller set in England.

Gritty is definitely the word that sums up this little gem. It plays out like the British version of Gran Torino, however Harry takes it to the next level. Slow and methodical but never dull, Harry Brown will stir your inner vigilante who, upon seeing numerous horrors, finally decides he's had enough. I found the film compelling and the work of Michael Caine to be understated and powerful. Check it out if you are comfortable with a film that turns very violent at times.

Colene at The Journey gave me the Irresistible Blog Award! Does this mean I’m charming? Or just my blog? Either way, thanks Colene!

Passing it on to:
Rayna at Coffee Rings Everywhere
Yvonne at Welcome to my World of Poetry

Because I can’t go a day without visiting these two awesome bloggers!

Okay, back to writing…

Next Stop, Monsters, Awards, and CassaStar Made a Best List!

Today’s stop is at Stephen’s awesome site, Breakthrough Blogs. He interviews Byron and Bassa!

And thanks to those who visited Spunk on a Stick’s Tips yesterday as I shared about my character's telepathic abilities.

This came through my Google Alerts – wow! Top 5 List of Best Debut Sci-fi Books by New Writers CassaStar is on the list!!!

And a fan review from Randall at Not the Baseball Pitcher! Thanks, Randall - glad you enjoyed the book.

I caught Monsters last night on HDNet -

Six years after Earth has suffered an alien invasion a cynical journalist agrees to escort a shaken American tourist through an infected zone in Mexico to the safety of the US border.

A haunting movie, with an equally haunting score, Monsters is slow-paced. It's more of a character study than anything else - and surprise, it's also a romance.
The scenery is incredible, both the natural landscape and the devastation. The monsters are amazing - what the crew achieved with next to no budget will astound you. The characters are quite real and I appreciated the lack of stereotypes.
An original work of science fiction, drama, and romance, Monsters is quite an achievement, and I highly recommend it.

I’ve also been hoarding awards!!

First came from Lydia at The World is My Oyster – the A is for Awesome Award. Is that not cool? Awesome Alex thanks you, Lydia!

I’m passing it on to Cruella at The Giraffability of Digressions

Next, Clarissa at Listen to the Voices gave me the Cherry on Top Award – thanks Clarissa!

I’m passing it on to Laura at A Shift in Dimensions

Krista Lynne Jensen gave me the I’m a Literary Builder Award – thanks, Krista!

My five favorite words:
Anathema
Counterintuitive
Acrostic (not that I’m good at it)
Really? (must be said in loud exasperation as someone does something stupid)
Sex (hey, just being honest!)

I’m passing it on to Colene at The Journey

Finally, Charity at My Writing Journey gave me the Sunshine Award! Since I’ve received it before, I’ll just thank Charity for her kindness!

Friday wraps up my tour – whew!