A to Z Challenge – W – Cult Classics: Wizards, War of the Worlds, and More! Plus May Movie Release – Avengers: Age of Ultron

Today I am visiting amazing steampunk author, Jay Noel. His Challenge theme is World Mythology and I got to talk about a myth in my book.

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – W

Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term

Movie –

Wizards
This 1977 post-apocalyptic science fantasy film was written, produced, and directed by Ralph Bakshi. The film is a mix of war, magic, Nazi propaganda, and adult content.

Music –

Whitesnake – Whitesnake
The seventh studio album from the band produced numerous hits and sold over eight million copies. It won the Brit Award for Best British Group in 1988.

Science Fiction Book –

The War of the Worlds – H. G. Wells
Published in 1897, this was one of the first books to depict a conflict between earth and aliens. The book has never gone out of print and has spawned movies, radio dramas, comics, video games, television series, and more.

Bloggers –

Brian Miller at Waystation One
Do you want to follow a poet who is a master with words? One who can weave a story that will make you think, all the while bringing it down to where you live? Then you must plug into Brian’s world!

L. G. Keltner at Writing off the Edge
Do you enjoy flash fiction? Enjoy the geekier stuff in life? Then you couldn’t ask for a better friend who is a lot of fun than LG!

Chrys Fey at Write with Fey
Want some of the best writing tips on the Internet? Learn about the author journey and other fascinating things along the way. Then you need to visit the knowledgeable Chrys Fey!

Donna McDine at Write What Inspires You
Do you enjoy children’s books? Want to know about some great author events and festivals? Then stop by and see Donna today!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Weapons officer
Every ship has a weapons officer and often several. His primary duty is to control the ship’s primary weapons and direct exterior guns. One or two officers man the main station on the bridge, with junior officers manning the exterior guns from remote locations. The weapons officer needs to be precise and able to multi-task at a high efficiency level.

Dragon of the Stars is out now!
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.

Ninja News

I’m glad my tips for generating names were so helpful! If you missed it, check out Saturday’s V post.

Available today!
Zadekiel, book 2 in the Path of Angels by Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine
Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

Have you signed up for the Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest yet? Movie-show-book that exemplifies the theme. (Or part of theme.)
Hosted by me and Heather Gardner.
Sign up – you know you want to!!

May Movie Preview

Here is an upcoming theatrical release for May. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

May 1 –

Avengers: Age of Ultron
When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.
Director: Joss Whedon
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth
The sequel to one of my most favorite movies ever – time for total fanboy geek out!

Seen Wizards? Fan of Whitesnake? What’s your favorite version of War of the Worlds? Following those awesome bloggers? Signed up for Blood, Boobs, and Carnage? And who is going all fanboy this Friday?

Don’t forget to visit Jay Noel!

A to Z Challenge – War of the Worlds and Won’t Back Down, Plus Ninja News, Hemlock Grove, and Upcoming 2013 Movies

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

War of the Worlds

I really dug Spielberg’s take on the story. The first alien attack is harrowing. It’s a realistic portrayal of an alien invasion from the point of view of the average Joe just trying to stay alive. Cruise’s character doesn’t save the world, but he does save his family.

Ray’s had some family issues over the years, and the story begins right in the middle of those. Yet despite the challenges, he holds it together and does what is right for his kids. He gains their respect and love in the process, and he gains it for himself as well. Ray emerges stronger and better.

Who is Ray?

Karen Walker!

If you haven’t read her memoir, you need to. Karen went through some tough things with her family, and lost her own self-respect along the way. But she found her balance and peace, with herself and her family, and grew stronger and bolder. Her journey is to be admired.

Karen is the author of Following the Whispers and a professional singer.

To you I dedicate I Won’t Back Down by Fuel. (Title leads to YouTube.)

"I won't back down, I will not bow, I've come to bring you hell..." Because you aren’t backing down, Karen. You are bringing hell to your past and winning.

Trivia and Facts:

Where does Karen live?

What year did HG Wells write War of the Worlds?

V’s trivia answers – Mark’s wife is an U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, and “At any rate, I am convinced that God does not play dice,” an objection to quantum theory, was said by Albert Einstein.

Ninja News and Entertainment News

Mel gave me the Very Inspiring Blogger award. I’ve received it before, so just want to thank Mel.

Liesel Hill posted this yesterday and I thought it was awesome:
God did not create evil. Just as darkness is the absence of light, evil is the absence of God.--Albert Einstein

Hemlock Grove
This is a watch now original series on NetFlix.
It’s a slightly twisted Hardy Boys adventure. Like something you’d see on the CW except with gore and sex. Has a soap opera quality to it. I was a little disappointed with the season finale. Without giving anything away, all I can say is “Seen it! Do something new.”
If you’re in the mood for pulpy, gothic noir with smoking hot Famke Janssem, you could do worse than Hemlock Grove.


My May Movie Preview will be posted Monday, but thought I’d give you a sample of the awesome movies coming after that:
Man of Steel
World War Z
The Lone Ranger
Pacific Rim
The Wolverine
Elysium
Riddick
Ender’s Game
Thor: The Dark World
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Yes, this year is a geek’s paradise!

Fan of the War of the Worlds remake? Following Karen? Have you watched Hemlock Grove? And what movies are you excited to see?

Three more days… Three more bloggers to feature…