Ninja News, Movie Trivia Answers, and This Year’s YOU ROCK Award Recipients!

That’s right – time for the fourth annual YOU ROCK awards!

But first…

Ninja News

Thrill of it all Blogfest
Hosted by Tara Tyler, who is celebrating her upcoming book, Pop Travel, and Heather Gardner, celebrating her newly released book, Maguire’s Corner.
“On June 24th, share a big thrill with us to be entered into The Thrill of it All blogfest contest! We will judge the biggest thrills and give out some thrilling prizes. Entries may be real or fiction.”

The 3-Ups-Blog Hop, hosted by Randi Lee at The Emotional Process of Writing a Novel, is in full swing right now.
My assignment – author Diane Carlisle.
This was the first time I’ve met Diane and here’s what I discovered that’s cool about her:
1-UP – She offers a lot of great writing tips
2-UP – She has a forum on her blog and welcomes discussions, news, and stories.
3-UP – She’s involved in the writing community!

VikLit’s “Celebrating the Small Things” is today. I’m celebrating a three day weekend, taking off from work early again to see a movie (Fast and Furious 6), and the joy of friendship with those listed below. What are you celebrating?

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Goodfellas – 1990 – Martin Scorsese
2 – Empire of the Sun – 1987 – Steven Spielberg
3 – The Fifth Element – 1997 – Luc Besson
4 – Unforgiven – 1992 – Clint Eastwood
5 – Contact – 1997 – Robert Zemeckis

The YOU ROCK Award!

Time to pass out the fourth annual YOU ROCK Award. Every year it becomes more difficult! I could easily give it to dozens of people. But I keep it to four to seven special recipients, people who have really touched my heart. And this year the award is personalized! All recipients past and present will receive a personalized badge.

Past recipients include: Jeffrey Beesler at World of the Scribe, Gail at At The Farm, Rusty Webb at The Blutonian Death Egg, Chuck at Apocalypse Now, George at CineMarvellous, Lee at Tossing it Out, Yvonne Lewis at The Written Word, RaShelle Workman at A No. 2 Pencil Stat, Hannah at The Write Mood, Jeremy at Retro Z’s, Matthew at The QQQE, Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances, Ella at Ella’s Edge, M Pax, Roland Yeomans at Writing in the Crosshairs, and Melissa Bradley at Melissa’s Imaginarium.

I know everyone likes to skim, but I hope you will take a moment to read about these amazing people.

This year’s truly rockin’ cool bloggers:

Robyn at Life By Chocolate
I met Robyn three years ago when some of us were planning a group blog. We never could agree on a name (I think at one point it was One Cool Chick and Seven Dumb Guys) and eventually it fell apart. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Robyn at first, but once the joint blog fell through, I finally got a chance to know her. And in her I found one of the most witty, charming, and delightful woman I’ve ever met. She is just a joy and I've treasure our exchanges over the years. She’s also been in the hospital this week, so I hope this brings a smile to her face today. Robyn, I adore you – you rock!

Lynda Young
I met Lynda about three years ago and knew at once she was a kindred spirit. A fellow writer and Christian, she possesses a true joy and peace. Much to my amazement, I discovered we shared the same tastes in in all things geek. Lynda is my geek sister and twin, and our lives mirror many of the same experiences and values. She is a true friend, stable and supportive. Lynda, I appreciate you more than you know – you rock!

Michael Di Gesu at In Time
Dedicated, expressive, and compassionate are the first words that come to mind when I think of Michael. That he cares so much for others is reflected in his posts, whether it’s highlighting a friend’s book or taking about earthly angels. He possesses tenacity and drive in all things he does. And it’s this genuine heart and spirit that make you such an amazing friend. Michael – you rock!

Heather at The Waiting is the Hardest Part
My posts are not complete until Heather has left one of her perky and thoughtful comments. It’s difficult to convey emotion online, but a big smile comes through in everything she writes. She has a great sense of humor (the woman carries a gnome around, taking pictures!) and her bubbling personality shines in Stormy. But it is you Heather who’s the great friend, and you rise to the occasion every time. I can always count on you. Heather – you rock!

Stephen Tremp
One of my very first followers, Stephen has always been there. He is consistent and persistent in everything he does. He’s very supportive, and not afraid to jump into any project if it benefits others. And when the world falls apart, he digs in his heels, offers a smile, and says “We’re going through!” Stephen, I really admire that in you. Thanks for the many years of friendship. Stephen – you rock!

Al at Father Dragon Writes
Last but not least is Al. Usually it takes years to build a solid friendship, but once in a while you meet someone so real and true that it happens overnight. Al is the epitome of strength, wisdom, and commitment. His genuine heart is indeed a dragon’s heart. Some days he struggles far more than most realize, but Al’s good for his word and will always come through for his friends. He’s trusting to a fault. (And after the clone machine incident with his dwarves, he’ll probably never loan them to me again!) Al, you are that friend that never leaves our side, even when it gets ugly, and I’m honored to know you. From one Alex to another – you rock!

Thanks so much, guys! Your awards will be emailed to you later today.

Joining either bloghop? Get any of the trivia right? Who’s seeing Fast and Furious 6 this weekend? Follow these amazing, rocking bloggers? And who would YOU nominate for the YOU ROCK Award?

Since Monday is a holiday, I am taking the day off!! I will be back on Wednesday for the Get Healthy Bloghop.

Ninja News, Movie Trivia, Wednesday Movie Quote, and the Secondary Characters Blogfest!

Ninja News

Helping Oklahoma-
Shelly Arkon is donating all royalties from her book, Secondhand Shoes, to the Red Cross for the next three months. Visit her site for purchase links.
EJ Wesley posted a lot of links to places you can donate to help as well.

Marcy at Maine Words signed a deal with WiDo Publishing for her book Paradise. Congratulations, Marcy!

Jeffrey Beesler’s next book will be out soon and he revealed the cover art for Optical Osmosis yesterday. It rocks, Jeffrey!



Karen Lange just signed a book deal with Helping Hands Press for her homeschoolers book. Congratulations, Karen!

To celebrate the release of her second novel, Aberration on June 6, 2013, Lisa Regan is hosting The Aberration Blog Hop: Finding the Most Aberrant Characters. Prizes are involved!

Roland Yeomans’ book, The Bear with Two Shadows, is now available as an audio book! Congratulations, Roland! Now we can hear Hibbs in stereo…

Don’t forget the Get Healthy Bloghop next Wednesday, hosted by Stephen Tremp, L. Diane Wolfe, Michael Di Gesu, and myself!

Wednesday Movie Quote

Post your favorite here or play along on your own blog.

Today’s genre is sports movies.

Mine comes from Major League. (Censored for obvious reasons!)

Coach - “Nice catch, Hayes. Don’t ever f_____ do it again.”

Next week – apocalyptic films!

Movie Trivia!

Because I haven’t done any trivia since the Challenge.

Name the director:

1 – Goodfellas – 1990

2 – Empire of the Sun – 1987

3 – The Fifth Element – 1997

4 – Unforgiven – 1992

5 – Contact - 1997

Answers on Friday!

Secondary Characters Blogfest

Hosted by Rachel Schieffelbein and (several co-hosts) in celebration of her upcoming book, Secondary Characters. (Available May 28.)

I had several ideas for great secondary characters, including Lt. D’Agosta from Preston and Child’s Agent Pendergast series. But I decided to go with the best secondary characters ever created:

The cast of Serenity/Firefly!

The cast revolves around Mal. The show is all about him, his ship, his past, and the side he chose during the war. And what a great bunch of secondary characters:
Zoe – Second in command and a devoted, level-headed fighter.
Wash – Skilled pilot and comic relief.
Inara – Companion and romantic tension.
Kaylee – Mechanic and the sweet soul of the crew.
Jayne – Hired gun who is blunt and looking out for number one.
Simon – Skilled doctor and overprotective brother of River.
River – Child prodigy and just a bit unstable.
Book – Shepherd and the moral compass of the crew.
Throw them all together with a captain who aims to misbehave and you have one heck of a show!
And one more time for the record – curse you, FOX!

Excited about all the cool book news? Ready for the Get Healthy Blogfest? (Or in desperate need?) What’s your favorite sports movie quote? Know any of the directors? And who is your favorite secondary character?

I have something really cool planned for Friday!

Carol Kilgore Entertains the Ninja Army, Star Trek Into Darkness Review, and Ninja News

Today I have the wonderful Carol Kilgore visiting the Ninja Army!

Thanks for hosting me, Alex. Your blog is such fun!

This visit was initially going to be part of my early April blog tour for Solomon’s Compass, but with scheduling issues and the A to Z, that didn’t happen. So I’m going to pretend it’s still part of the tour and tell you about my new book.

Do you like strong female protagonists? A sexy hero? Sidekicks?
Taylor Campbell – Xena Warrior Princess of the U.S. Coast Guard
Jake Solomon – Former Navy SEAL now working for a global security firm
Dan Blair – Antique dealer and gallery owner
Kelly Wetmore – Uber computer geek

A quest to find buried treasure?
Taylor was certain the buried treasure was all in Uncle Randy’s dementia-riddled mind. The final words of his last email to her were “tell no one.” She had promised to honor his wishes, and a promise was a promise. She was so screwed.

How about a present-day mystery with its origins tied to an incident that occurred in Bangkok during the Vietnam Era?
The Beginning—Summer, 1970: The Patpong bargirl tapped his shoulder. “You go buy my friend drink.” She pointed toward the end of the noisy bar as she wrapped her other arm around Ham Norberg’s neck and let her fingers play with the short hair at the back of his head.

The story is set on the South Texas Gulf Coast, and features a cast of characters that one reviewer says “have the easy familiarity of characters created by Nora Roberts.” I’ll be forever grateful for such a fantastic comment.

If you visited me during the A to Z, you met the characters, visited the places, and caught a glimpse or two of the story.

I hope you’ll give the book a try.

You can find Solomon’s Compass on my author page at Amazon, along with links to everyplace I am on the web, and read the first pages using the Look Inside feature HERE.

Also, Solomon’s Compass is need of a little lovin’ on Goodreads, and I’d appreciate your adding it to your shelves.

Carol Kilgore is an award-winning author with several short stories, essays, and articles to her credit. Solomon’s Compass is her second novel, a blend of mystery, suspense, and romance she calls Crime Fiction with a Kiss. Carol and her Coast Guard husband live in San Antonio, Texas, with two herding dogs whose mission is to keep them safe from all danger, real or imagined.

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Best/Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest! All links on the list go directly to the person’s post, so feel free to continue to explore. Special thanks to my co-hosts, Stephen, Livia, and Al.

Ali Cross just released The Seer (Desolation Diaries #2) – congratulations, Ali!


Randi Lee is putting together a 3-Ups Bloghop. She says it will work like this: Each blogger will pick the blogger listed below them, visit his or her site, read a post or two, and then tell them three things they like about the person or his or her blog. Easy enough, right? And how good will you feel after making someone else’s day? I reckon pretty darn good. Visit her site for details.

Movie Review

Star Trek Into Darkness
One word – awesome!
The reboot has come into its own now. Into Darkness is even better than the first film. It’s non-stop story and action, with a good dose of humor thrown in. It’s as if the movie is winking at the audience and never takes itself too seriously.
The effects are stunning and the 3D very immersive.
The film is just a lot of fun. Highly recommended and better than Iron Man III! Can’t wait for the next Star Trek movie.
SPOILER – Stop reading now if you don’t want to know! This movie echoes the second Star Trek movie because we get Khan again. (And we are introduced to Dr. Carol Marcus.) There are similarities and yet this film goes in its own direction.

Have you picked up Solomon’s Compass yet? Did you have fun with the blogfest? And who else saw Star Trek this weekend?

Best/Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest, Ninja News, The Ghost Cover Reveal, and Cabbage/Phone Book Explained

Today is the Best/Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest! 

But first…

Ninja News

Melissa Sugar is holding a five hundred follower giveaway – and the prize is an iPad Mini! Congratulations, Melissa. See her site for details.

Don’t forget the Get Healthy Bloghop on May 29, hosted by Stephen Tremp, L. Diane Wolfe, Michael Di Gesu, and myself.

Cabbage and the Phone Book

Still wondering about those images?

Last month, Maurice commented that I could post the phone book and still get a million comments, and last week Gary commented that I could get that many comments posting a head of cabbage.

While I wouldn’t really do that to you, thought it would be fun to add them to a post and see what happened.

Oddly enough, the cabbage gathered the most comments. I guess produce is more popular!

Cover Reveal!

The Ghost (The 13th Floor series, #6)
By Christine Rains
Genre: paranormal romance
Release date: July 13th, 2013

Chiharo Black lives with six supernatural tenants in a haunted building's mysterious thirteenth floor. Of course, no one knows she's there except the cats. Being a ghost can be a bit frustrating and lonely, but it isn't as bad as her mother made it out to be...

Best/Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest! 

Hosted by me, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, and Father Dragon Al.

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

The Best Movie Remake -

I had several movies in mind – The Thomas Crown Affair, Ocean’s 11, War of the Worlds. But I had to go with one of my favorite movies:

John Carpenter’s The Thing

Have you seen the original, The Thing From Another World? Granted it’s a 1951 film, but it’s bad.

Enter John Carpenter. He created a film that is tense, atmospheric and isolated. The Thing is unlike any creature you’ve ever seen, taking the form of anyone it kills. Once it invades the Antarctic camp, no one is sure who is human and who is not. Add special effects that still hold up to this day (the film was made in 1992) and the ever-awesome Kurt Russell, and this is one creepy, powerful film.

And the 2011 prequel was just a thinly disguised lousy remake – its special effects weren’t even better!

The Worst Movie Remake –

There have been many average to below average remakes in the past few years. The one I selected is truly the bottom of the barrel.

Clash of the Titans

The original 1982 version had heart. It was also one of the last movies to showcase Ray Harryhausen’s work. It wasn’t a great movie, but something about it just really clicked. It was a throwback to the innocence of the 50’s and 60’s Sinbad movies and similar films. Classic actors such as Laurence Olivier and Burgess Meredith graced the screen, along with a pre- LA Law Harry Hamlin. Simple but a delight.

The 2010 version was the most soulless film ever. It ripped the heart right out of the story. It was all cold, empty special effects, and a cardboard cutout of Harry Hamlin could’ve done a better acting job than Sam Worthington. This was probably one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen in my life.

I’d rather watch Sharktopus again than the Clash of the Titans remake!

The Best Song Remake -
Love Lives Bleeding (live) by Dream Theater (Original version by Elton John)
Amazing cover made all the more brilliant that it’s live but sounds like it was recorded in the studio.

The Worst Song Remake -
Back in Black by Six Feet Under (Original version by AC/DC)
Normally I would rally around a metal band remaking a song, but the Cookie Monster belching out Back in Black repeatedly is hilarious.

Visit others participants for a good movie suggestion and a laugh:



Entering Melissa’s giveaway? Part of the Get Healthy Bloghop? What is your favorite or least favorite movie remake? Song remake? And what else might garner comments besides cabbage and the phone book?

I’m bugging out of work early today to see Star Trek – who’s with me?

Networking Tips for Shy Writers, Ninja News, Maguire's Corner, Blog Readers, Wednesday Movie Quote, and the Phone Book

Today I welcome the awesome Christine Rains!

NETWORKING TIPS FOR SHY WRITERS

I love to talk about writing. It's my passion. The problem is, like many writers, I'm shy. I can't just talk to anyone. Sometimes it's all I can do to remember to breathe when in social situations. I'm lucky I've not fainted yet. And yes, that noise is me knocking on wood.

This makes networking immensely difficult. Yet it's a necessity in our profession. How do I meet other authors and promote myself without losing my voice again? (Oh yes, it's happened.)

Thank goodness for the internet! Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, review sites, writer's groups, etc. There are many ways to get your name out there from the safety of your home. You can get cozy in your favorite chair, wear your Star Wars pajamas, and sneak some of your kid's Cheerios when he's not looking.

But one day, you'll have to leave the Godzilla slippers behind and venture out to a writing conference or book signing. Face-to-face with other people. Yikes! How do you survive?

Remember to breathe. It helps not to faint. Those other people are there for the same reason you are. As alone as you might feel, you are one of them.
Be yourself. You might be a little geeky, but so what? Be honest about who you are, let your passions shine through, and you'll be respected for it.
Use being shy to your advantage. Be a good listener, and even though you don't say a lot, remember it's quality over quantity.
Have business cards, flyers, and other promotional items at the ready. If you lose your voice, a card can speak for you. Plus, people love free things. Give stuff away and you'll be remembered.
Smile. A friendly smile will take you a long way.

In the not too distant future, all your networking will likely be done online. We can create avatars of ourselves from the cast of Firefly and chat about writing while hanging out in Serenity. (I call Zoe!) Until then, be proud of who you are. It's okay to be geeky or shy. What you have to say is important because you're the one saying it.

Do you have any face-to-face networking tips for shy writers?

Thank you so much for hosting me today, Alex!

1305 & 1306 – The Oracle and the Vampire (The 13th Floor series, #5)
By Christine Rains
Genre: paranormal romance

Having fallen for her gorgeous neighbor might not be so bad if Harriet McKay wasn't in her hideous banshee form every time Kiral saw her...

Find it here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She has seven novellas and twenty-one short stories published.
Website Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who commented on my interview with Tammy Theriault! She is willing to take on more victims…

Misha Gericke is hosting another Word Master Challenge – Famous Adaptation. See her site for details – you could win an Amazon gift card.

Ellie Garratt’s book, Passing Time, is free through this Friday. Download it from Amazon US or Amazon UK

Coming Soon!!!

Maguire's Corner
By Heather M. Gardner
Published by Front Porch Romance

Coffee shop owner Maggie Maguire doesn’t trust the new police chief her father hired to protect Maguire’s Corner. He’s a stranger, cold, bossy and annoyingly handsome. But, Maggie’s witnessed a serious crime and now someone’s trying to kill her. The man that aggravates her most might be the only one that can help her.

Police Chief Jack Munro likes his new job and his new town, and unfortunately he also likes the stubborn but beautiful town sweetheart. His self-imposed hands-off Maggie policy is about to be put to the ultimate test when he must keep her close to protect her while he tracks down a ruthless killer.

Determined to ignore Jack’s charms, Maggie attempts to help him unravel the mystery but when their lives hang in the balance she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to save the man she suddenly can’t resist.

Congratulations, Heather!

Blog Readers

After solving issues with both Bloglovin’ (couldn’t comment on some blogs) and Feedly (couldn’t delete blogs) I’ve decided I’m going to use… both! Feedly updates faster but Bloglovin’ looks better. (And I have the app.) So I’m just going to bounce back and forth between the two, depending on how I feel that day.

Google Reader may self-destruct now!

Wednesday Movie Quote

Post your favorite here or play along on your own blog.

Today’s genre is monster movies.

My selection comes from Lake Placid:

Mrs. Bickerman (played by Betty White): I'm rooting for the crocodile. I hope he swallows your friends whole. You might want to arrest me for that too. Is that a crime? To wish the chewing of law enforcement?

Next week – sports films!

The Phone Book

This is for Maurice:

Are you a shy writer? Fan of Christine’s series? Excited for Heather’s upcoming book? What Reader are you now using? What is your favorite monster movie quote? And just what is the meaning of the phone book…?

Tammy’s Interview Victim, May Monster Madness, Godzilla, Ninja News, Jewel of Shaylar, and Cabbage

When Tammy Theriault invited me to do an interview at her site, I knew it would be different. I knew there was a reason for the survival badge. How weird was it? Come sample the insanity HERE!

Ninja News

Ilima Todd just signed a two-book deal with Shadow Mountain – congratulations!

Mel Chelsey’s book, Adversarius, Shadow of the Rose: Book One, is now available in paperback on Amazon.

Sean McLachlan’s fantasy novella, The Quintessence of Absence, is now available! The 25,000 word story originally appeared in Black Gate magazine. Congratulations, Sean!


Jade Hart’s latest novel, Mirror Amour, is now available. Way to go, Jade!

The Best/Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest is this Friday! Name the best and worst movie remake you’ve ever seen. Sign up HERE.

Jewel of Shaylar

Laura Eno’s Jewel of Shaylar is now available!

Archaeologist David Alexander investigates the cave where his father disappeared and hurtles into another world, one filled with magic and bizarre creatures…

Purchase at: Kindle US, Kindle UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Trade Paperback, and Goodreads.

Laura Eno. Speculative Fiction wordsmith. The secret to her stories? Spread lies, blend in truths, add a pinch of snark and a dash of tears. Escape into her world. She left the porch light on so you could find your way down the rabbit hole. Follow Me: Blog, Facebook, Twitter

May Monster Madness!

Hosted by Annie Walls.
How does May Monster Madness work? Well, it's a blog hop featuring posts about monsters! Anything you can think of as long as it has something to do with monsters... crafts, lists, movies, funnies (a personal favorite)... anything!

I decided to go with my favorite monster as a kid - Godzilla.

Nothing was cooler than the Saturday afternoon monster movie featuring Godzilla. He’s ingrained in my childhood forever. He began as a terrifying, giant monster, and over the years became more of a protector and almost loveable creature. Godzilla changed the way I looked at monsters.

Yes, he was a guy in a rubber suit! But I’ll take a guy in a rubber suit over the monstrosity that was Emmerich and Devlin’s Godzilla. Here’s hoping Gareth Edwards can do better in 2014. (He rocked with 2010’s Monsters.)

And it didn’t hurt that Blue Oyster Cult did a tribute song to Godzilla!



Visit Annie Walls for other participants or to join this blogfest!

Cabbage

This is for Gary:

From Wikipedia

Have you ever been interviewed by Tammy Theriault? Excited about the new releases? Ready for Friday’s blogfest? Picking up Laura’s book? What is your favorite monster? Godzilla fan? And care to comment on the meaning of the cabbage…?

Don’t forget to visit Tammy Theriault!