Wednesday, April 17, 2013

A to Z Challenge - Ocean’s Eleven and Opticon by Orgy, plus Great Themes, Defiance, and Book Trailer

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!

Ocean’s Eleven

It’s the ultimate caper movie. (As are both sequels.) Ensemble casts sometimes fall flat, but not here. The actors are on top of their game and the direction is sharp. This film is both classy and fun.

Rusty Ryan is Danny Ocean’s best friend. He’s clever, sly, and very witty. He’s calculating and confident as he works the steps of the plan, and Rusty makes it look easy.

Who is Rusty Ryan?

Annalisa Crawford!

She exhibits poise and confidence as she moves down the author trail. Annalisa possesses the perfect balance and is always taking action. It may not be easy, but she leads the way with such style and grace that we believe we can do the same.

Annalisa Crawford is the author of The Cat and the Dreamer and That Sadie Thing.

To you I dedicate Opticon by Orgy. (Song title leads to YouTube)

“Let’s fake it for all the fame, They’ll think delivering it was easy…” You don’t need to fake it though, Annalisa!

Trivia and Facts:

Where does Annalisa live?

Orgy’s first hit was a cover of this New Order song – name it.

N’s trivia answer – Near Dark was the last movie produced by DEG (DeLaurentis Entertainment Group)

Great Challenge Themes!

Diane at Spunk on a Stick’s Tips has been offering great publishing and promoting tips from her book.

Gillian at A Daft Scots Lass is providing (humorous) definitions for Scottish terms, plus highlighting an awesome place in Scotland.

Joy Campbell at The Character Depot has been giving blog tour tips.

Jay Noel is giving us a trip down memory lane – all thing s80’s.

JA Bennett has been offering up some awesome blogging tips.

And Leovi is blogging the most amazing abstract photos you will ever see.

Defiance

Defiance debuted on SyFy Monday night and I sacrificed sleep to see the two hour premier. (11:00 pm is WAY past my bedtime!)

It was good!

I went into this series with high hopes. The creator is Rockne S. Bannon, the man behind Farscape. That series was so incredibly original and fresh, and I’d hoped he’d bring his genius to Defiance. I was not disappointed.

After so many failed attempts at a successful science fiction series, I think SyFy has finally scored a big one. Not once did I think that what a character was doing was stupid, nor was any of it over-the-top melodramatic. The storyline was great (hints of Road Warrior, but that’s all right), the alien creatures unique but realistic, and the special effects really damn impressive. The interesting mix of characters guarantees something new every week.

All right, SyFy – don’t mess it up now!!

Book Trailer News

I received word from my publisher that they are working on a trailer for CassaStorm. It will be shorter than the others, but with a voice over similar to CassaFire.

And since I can’t share the video with you just yet, here is the animated book trailer for CassaFire:



Fan of The Ocean’s Eleven series? Following the awesome Annalisa? Remember the band Orgy? Know the trivia? Keeping up with those awesome themes? Did you watch Defiance? And I’m stoked to see the next book trailer – think it will top the one for CassaFire?


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

A to Z Challenge – Near Dark and No Excuses, Plus Ninja News and Ship My Pants

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!

Near Dark

A gritty and very original take on the vampire lore. (In fact, the word vampire is never uttered.) Moments of quiet atmosphere are followed by intense action. The cast is great and obviously had fun in their roles.

Mae is a quiet girl holding a secret. Her gentle spirit offsets the crass behavior of those around her. She’s consistent and devoted, doing what she can for the others.

Who is Mae?

Michelle at Writer-In-Transit!

She keeps her personal life and appearance hidden, but that doesn’t stop her spirit from shining through. Michelle is always there, quietly supporting in the background. If she were to leave though, it would leave a big hole in the blogging world.

Michelle is a writer, flash fiction master, and one awesome Ninja Minion.

To you I dedicate No Excuses by Alice in Chains. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

For the simple fact you don’t allow excuses – you are always there, always trying, always believing!

Trivia and Facts:

Near Dark was Bigelow’s directorial debut, but it was also the last film ever produced by this major studio, often symbolized by three letters – name it.

M’s trivia answer – Switchfoot is a surfing term. (The members are from California and big time surfer dudes.)


Ninja News

Anne R. Allen had an informative post this weekend about Amazon algorithms.

This weekend I received a sweet photo of Jennifer Hillier and Nancy Thompson out causing trouble. But they’re both cute, so they can get away with it.


Rachel Schieffelbein is hosting the Secondary Characters Blogfest on May 22 in honor of the release of her upcoming book.



Thanks to everyone who signed up for the Best/Worst Movie Remake Blogfest on May 17!


And I wanted to share commercial with you guys. Yes, this is a real Internet commercial.

'Ship My Pants' Kmart Ad: For The 12-Year-Old In All Of Us



Ever seen the movie Near Dark? Following the awesome Michelle? Any Alice in Chains fans? Know the trivia today? Excited about the blogfests? And after watching that commercial, what word did you hear besides ship…?

Monday, April 15, 2013

A to Z Challenge - Memento, Meant to Live, Ninja News, and the Big Surprise!

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!

Memento

Nolan’s greatest masterpiece. The story is told backwards, which makes you think as every new scene unfolds. You do not leave your brain at the door for this one! Guy Pearce is exceptional as the man with memory issues searching for his wife’s killer. This film is the ultimate mind bend.

Leonard Shelby is focused on his goal. He might forget things, but never his ultimate target. Since every moment is new to him, Leonard possesses a child-like innocence.

Who is Leonard?

Charity Bradford!

Her goal was published author and she never wavered on that path, achieving it this past February. Charity also possesses that innocence, and it comes through in her smile and her Faith. Her passions shine, no matter what she is doing.

Charity is the author of The Magic Wakes and a devoted mother and wife.

To you I dedicate Meant to Live by Switchfoot. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

“We were meant to live for so much more… And everything inside screams for second life…” I will see that second life, Charity!

Trivia and Facts:

Did you know that Leonard’s medical condition is real? It’s called Anterograde Amnesia – the inability to form new memories – and is a result of damage to the hippocampus.

Switchfoot is a term from what sport/activity?

L’s trivia answer - Nancy’s son attends Arizona State University and Rush formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.


Ninja News

Shannon Lawrence at The Warrior Muse has a story, "The Family Ruins," in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, which releases today. Congratulations, Shannon!

The latest in Andrew Leon’s Shadow Spinner series, Part 19, is available today and free at Amazon. You can also pick up Parts 15-18 free, along with his book The Evil That Men Do. Congratulations, Andrew!

The Big Surprise!



The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest – May 17

That’s right – another fun and easy movie blogfest! Something simple after the insanity of the Challenge and my last one until the fall.

Hosted by me, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, and Al Diaz.

When Hollywood runs out of ideas, they remake older films. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it fails miserably.

On May 17, list the best remake you’ve ever seen and the worst.

Added bonus – list the worst and/or best song remake you’ve ever heard!

Sign up below!



Fan of Memento? Following the awesome Charity? Know the trivia answer? Eager to get Shannon and Andrew’s books? And ready for one final blogfest until the fall? I KNOW you can think of a really crappy remake…

Saturday, April 13, 2013

A to Z Challenge – Lord of the Rings and Limelight by Rush, Plus Ninja News and Apologies

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!

Lord of the Rings trilogy

Total epic masterpiece. This trilogy was Jackson’s love letter to Tolkien. It is without a doubt the greatest book adaptation ever and set the bar high for future fantasy films.

Eowyn is the niece of King Theoden, and no less a warrior than her brother, Eomer. She’s willing to do whatever she can for her people. Eowyn is tough but with a soft side, and still trying to find her place. She doesn’t realize all she is capable of doing.

Who is Eowyn?

Nancy Thompson!
 
Nancy is tough – just ask her characters. But her heart is gentle, and she champions those she cares about. You couldn’t ask for a better friend. Like Eowyn, I don’t think she’s aware of her full capabilities yet. When she does – watch out! She possesses all she needs to handle the world.

Nancy is the author of The Mistaken and a very dear friend. Just look at that smile! (And special hello to Jennifer Hillier who is visiting Nancy this weekend.)

To you I dedicate Limelight by Rush.(Song title leads to YouTube video.)

Because you are indeed in the limelight now! “Living in the limelight, the universal dream…”

Trivia and Facts:

Where does Nancy’s son go to college?

Where did Rush form?

K’s trivia answer – Kiss From a Rose is from the movie Batman Forever.


Ninja News, Great Themes, and Cool Stuff

Elizabeth Seckman is posting fun trivia for the Challenge. All of the answers line up with the letter of the day. If you want to test your knowledge, check out her site.

EJ Wesley just released the third book in his series, Dark Prelude, Moonsongs Book 3. Congratulations, EJ! You can purchase the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords
 

For those of you who delight in the popping of bubble wrap, Carrie Butler posted a link to a site with virtual bubble wrap. Check out Hit Free Games
 
Apologies!

Big apologies to anyone I skipped this week. I knew I would have to miss a few of my regulars now and then, although I hate doing it. But when a hundred and fifty of my blogger buddies are posting every day, plus my new followers, and I’m trying to return comments, AND visit those in my section of the Challenge list – well, something has to give. I’m trying to spread it around and not miss anything vital. Just not enough clones…

Most of you visit me every day regardless - thanks, my friends!

And, to my new followers – if I have not followed you in return, PLEASE leave a comment! Many of those icons in the Google Friends Connect widget don’t lead to a profile or blog. And I feel bad when I can’t return the follow.

Think LOTR is the greatest trilogy ever? Following the awesome Nancy? Any Rush fans out there? Know the trivia? Anyone else falling behind on their blog visits? Think you can beat Father Dragon Al to comment number one hundred?

Don’t forget – awesome surprise on Monday!!