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?

A to Z Challenge - I

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...


izombie
As the blog name suggests, Jeremy is all about the zombies. This isn’t your typical zombie blog though - he’s a talented artist with a great sense of humor. He’s supportive in more ways than he realizes, too! So, follow the white rabbit…

in medias res
Milo is a fellow author who’s working on several projects. He discusses writing and books, and always includes great links. Milo’s posts will help anyone on the journey to publication. And the dude knows his short story market!

And an apology to all my blogging friends...

I was informed this weekend that my behavior last fall when my book was released was selfish and unacceptable. I'd asked for help announcing my first book's release, and many of you spread the word. I'd expressed my gratitude many times over, as more people repsonded than I'd ever imagined, helping to quiet the fears of a new author. However, I failed to offer those people compensation. I should have sent each one of you a complimentary book or something. (Book bloggers did receive an ARC from my publisher for review.) I apologize. I was not trying to use anyone. I was not trying to con people into promoting my book. I just asked for help.

This blogging community has been so awesome, and I've tried at every opportunity to give back. That is why I am featuring special bloggers every day for the Challenge. That's why I'll do everything I can to spread the word of new book releases and accomplishements. And don't send me your book - I'll just buy it! If that's not enough, please let me know. I don't want anyone else to feel slighted, to feel used, to feel cheated. I love all of you and would do anything on earth to support my friends. Because your friendship is so important to me.

I've lost one friend recently because of my selfish actions. I would rather not lose anyone else because I'm an idiot...