IWSG - A to Z Challenge, I Haz a Sad

IWSG—Insecure Writers Support Group: The Final Frontier.

These are the continuing voyages of the Ninja Captain, AJC. His mission, to explore all new writing venues, to seek out new authors and new blogs. 

To boldly go where no blogateer has gone before.

Coming together on the first Wednesday of every month for a virtual pat on the back. 

A to Z. Congratulations to all A to Z participants. You are so cool for doing it. I’m envious. And sad. I wish I could do more. But it just is not to be. I appreciate all the work and marvel at the participants’ ambition. *Big Thumbs Up*.

But I just cant do it. I feel somewhat ashamed. 

I iz sorry

Don’t get me wrong. It was fun but just too much. Last year I repeated my A to Z theme, Guess the Movie. Then I discovered that not only did I use the exact same movie—Young Frankenstein—but even the very same quote as the clue that I used two years before. 

DOH.

So it's a No Go this year. But still...I'm wearing my frowny face.

April 5 Question: Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?

Answer: Not so much. I like the exposure and am proud of the badges. Heaven knows we earned those, right? But I haven't pushed it. 

Are you doing A to Z this year? Feeling remorseful? Wishing you could do more? *hanging my head*

A to Z Challenge, Unicorn Bell, Backing up Data...

...Updates, Conspiracies, Healthcare.gov, and the descent into Madness.

A to Z Challenge blogfest is huge, a monster. I participated in 2011 and a two more years after that. Don’t think the word challenge is there for looks because it is most definitely hard. Not only posting every day except Sundays, but commenting on other posts every day as well. But when it’s done, you’ve made new friends and experienced new outlooks on life. Plus instilled a discipline in your writing. Good stuff all around.

Over at Unicorn Bell—our writer’s blog—we are participating in this year’s Challenge. The eight moderators are taking turns posting each day, commenting on blogs, and bringing new perspectives to the game. Check in and see how we do.

Backing up info. My OCD comes out when backing up my documents, files, financial records, photos, and emails. I am

nothing if not redundant. Since I have Amazon Prime, I let it back up photos and docs. Google catches docs also. Norton makes my system image and backs up all of the above as well.

I have a Seagate 2 terabyte external drive for most stuff and use Google Cloud, Amazon Cloud drive, ICloud as backups for the backups of the backups.

Can’t be too safe with your important records.

HealthcareDotGov. The cost of our individual health insurance became unsustainable when it went from $500 a month to $1200 in four years, forcing us into the Obamacare marketplace.

If you’ve heard about the horrors of working through the bureaucratic morass of signing up, believe me it’s all true. I’m still fighting the paperwork.

Win 10. I became a conspiracy theorist—looking over my shoulder—right after I upgraded to Windows 10 and the

subsequent battle to clean it out again.

Rather than allow automatic updates to my computer, I check once a week for anything labeled “Security”. An Important or Optional update always rates another look and research.

One of the updates, KB3035583 is labeled important. Lookee here what it actually is, a way for Microsoft to worm its way back into my ‘puter.

Since I cleaned out the folder containing the mutant Win 10, I discovered it is still knocking on the door wanting in.

Are you an A to Z Challenge Crazy Person? Overindulge in backing up? Have skyrocketing insurance costs? Wonder who is peeking in your computer?Descending into Madness like me? 

Not this Time

...Or why A to Z challenge just isn’t possible this year.

It started in 2010 with 100 participants and grew exponentially every year since into the behemoth it is in 2015. I participated in 2011, 12, and 2014. Loved it. Absolutely Loved It.

But, Holy Smokes, the time it takes.

Reading the blogger posts of the participants enriched my writerly ways. Making new friends and viewing the world through their eyes was like standing on their front porch and seeing it for myself.

But there are only so many hours in the day and evidently, my organizational skills suck.

And so, I am not participating this year. But I will check the list of those who ARE participating from time to time, visiting my friends and making new ones. 

But I’m not posting or commenting 300 plus times like last year.

Thanks for peeking at my blog. Love having you and expect a return visit.

****

I take great pleasure in obscure accomplishments. The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America accepted my request for membership.

My peers know what it means to me. *Doing a Major Snoopy Dance*

Reflections, A to Z, 2014

I had it easy. My simple, fun theme of Guess the Movie was

a breeze because I loved every post.

Since I scheduled way in advance, there was no need to scramble for the next day’s post. I was able to visit nearly 300 blogs. 

There were many comments during the first week of the Challenge. Few at the end. I noticed my participation dropped off as well. I still visited many sites but if the blog was too wordy, if I had trouble finding the comment icon, or the color scheme made my eyes bleed, I moved on.

If the blogger was a day late, I was okay with that. Several days without a post though meant that I took the exit ramp and went to the next entry.

Sometimes I simply didn't know what to say.

My greatest delight was in meeting Sophie Duncan. She made my day.

A big round of cheers for all the participants, the new friends and old. 

And High-Fives to the hosts. 

A to Z Blogging Challenge - Z

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"It's amazing how quickly things can go from bad to total shit storm."

Highlight below for the answer:

Zombieland

A to Z Blogging Challenge - Y

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"Igor, help me with the bags." 

[Imitating Groucho Marx] "Soitenly. You take the blonde, I'll take the one in the toiben." 

"I was talking about the luggage."

Highlight below for the answer:

Young Frankenstein

A to Z Blogging Challenge - X

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"The first boy I ever kissed ended up in a coma for three weeks. I can still feel him inside my head. It's the same with you."

Highlight below for the answer:

X-Men

A to Z Blogging Challenge - W

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"Computer, define 'dancing.'"

Highlight below for the answer:

Wall-E

A to Z Blogging Challenge - V and Cephalopod Coffeehouse Chat - Blood Song

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"A silver stake? A crucifix? What, did you think we haven't tried everything before? We've shot him, stabbed him, clubbed him, sprayed him with holy water, staked him through the heart, and STILL he lives! Do you understand? No-one knows how to kill Dracula!" 

"Well, I could have used that information a little earlier."

Highlight below for the answer:

Van Helsing
* * * *
Cephalopod Coffeehouse Chat - Blood Song

From the ArmChair Squid: “The idea is simple: on the last Friday of each month, post about the best book you've finished over the past month while visiting other bloggers doing the same. In this way, we'll all have the opportunity to share our thoughts with other enthusiastic readers."

“I hate waiting.” – Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride

Either my taste has changed over the years, my patience has thinned, or there are a lot of blah books out there anymore.

So when I started a new book, I skimmed the first paragraph, the first page, and started the next.

Then I screeched to a halt in the middle of the second page and turned back to the first sentence.

I made a sound. Like a sigh or a gasp, I don’t remember. But a person makes this kind of sound when the waiting is over. Not just for a good book but to fill the time with something close to The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss. Mr. Rothfuss wrote one of the best epic fantasy series ever beginning with The Name of the Wind. Now I’m waiting, waiting, waiting for the third and final in the series.

And what to do with my time but look for a book that equals that pinnacle of fantasy.

I found it. Blood Song by Anthony Ryan:

Vaelin al Sorna faces death for years of apparent misdeeds. According to the people of the country he invaded at his king’s command, he has much to answer for. But no one’s heard his side of the story, a tale of his beginnings, of fear and hardship.

Vaelin doesn’t care if you forgive him or not. Sympathy has no place in his world.

These days, with Borders closed down and Barnes and Noble apparently about to, I buy e-books. Sad, I know but that’s how it is. I download a sample, read it through, and then decide whether to buy the digital version.

But sometimes, a strange thing happens. I read a page or two of the sample then, without reading further, buy the book.

Sometimes, even stranger, the book is so good that I buy the glue-and-paper kind too.

That phenomenon has happened twice. First time with The Name of the Wind. And now with Blood Song.

If epic fantasy is your oxygen, this book is for you.

Amazon

Don’t delay. Buy it.

Sign up for the Cephalopod Coffeehouse Chat Room.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - U and Destruction by Sharon Bayliss, part II

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"Adventure is out there!"

Highlight below for the answer:

Up
****

Title: Destruction

Authors: Sharon Bayliss

Series: The December People, Book One

Publication Date: April 14, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Synopsis
David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn't a choice.

Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without.

Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David's wife admits a secret of her own—she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children.

Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.

Amazon  |  Barnes&Noble  |  Goodreads

Author Bio

Sharon Bayliss is the author of The December People Series and The Charge. When she’s not writing, she

enjoys living happily-ever-after with her husband and two young sons. She can be found eating Tex-Mex on patios, wearing flip-flops, and playing in the mud (which she calls gardening). She only practices magic in emergencies.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest

A to Z Blogging Challenge - T and Destruction by Sharon Bayliss

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"Fill your hands you son of a bitch."

Highlight below for the answer:

True Grit
****

Light always exists and will always return when missing...

Publication Date: April 14, 2014
Series: The December People, Book One
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy 

David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn't a choice.

Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without. 

Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David's wife admits a secret of her own—she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children. 

Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.

Available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble

Add it on Goodreads!

About the Author

Sharon Bayliss is the author of The December People Series and The Charge. When she’s not writing, she enjoys living happily-ever-after with her husband and two young sons. She can be found eating Tex-Mex on patios, wearing flip-flops, and playing in the mud (which she calls gardening). She only practices magic in emergencies.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pintrest

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A to Z Blogging Challenge - S

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"I think I can go now. Just needed to do a couple of things. I needed to help someone; I think I did. And I needed to tell you something: You were never second, ever. I love you. You sleep now. Everything will be different in the morning."

Highlight below for the answer:

The Sixth Sense

A to Z Blogging Challenge - Q. And Out of Magic, free today and Sunday

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"This is about trust. You said you weren't motivated by revenge."

"I am motivated by my duty." 

"No... I think you're so blinded by inconsolable rage that you don't care who you hurt. When you can't tell your friends from your enemies, it's time to go."

Highlight below for the answer:

Quantum of Solace
* * * *

Free! Today and Sunday at Amazon

Sable Rounds has every basic need a seventeen-year-old girl could want. Shelter, food, and an education. 

She is safe. Clean. Provided for. Nothing is missing. Except parental affection. 

Their attitude changes on the day she speaks to a whirlwind. And it answers. 

Now they pay attention to her. They were only waiting for her magic to manifest. 

And the end of their duties. 

At Amazon

A to Z Blogging Challenge - P and Out of Magic starts Tomorrow

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"I do not mean to pry, but you don't by any chance happen to have six fingers on your right hand?" 

"Do you always begin conversations this way?" 

Highlight below for the answer:

The Princess Bride
****
Free, starting Saturday and Sunday only.

Sable Rounds has every basic need a seventeen-year-old girl could want. Shelter, food, and an education. 

She is safe. Clean. Provided for. Nothing is missing. Except parental affection. 

Their attitude changes on the day she speaks to a whirlwind. And it answers. 

Now they pay attention to her. They were only waiting for her magic to manifest. 

And the end of their duties. 

At Amazon

A to Z Blogging Challenge - O

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"Well, there are all manner of lesser imps and demons, Pete, but the great Satan hisself is red and scaly with a bifurcated tail, and he carries a hay fork."

Highlight below for the answer:

O' Brother, Where Art Thou

A to Z Blogging Challenge - N

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"Red, it took me sixteen years to get here. You play me, and I'll give ya the best I got."

Highlight below for the answer:

The Natural

A to Z Blogging Challenge - M

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"I'm doomed! And all 'cause Miss Man decides to take her little drag show on the road."

Highlight below for the answer:

Mulan

A to Z Blogging Challenge - L

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

 "Have you ever met anybody you didn't kill?"

"Well, I haven't killed you yet."

Highlight below for the answer:

Lethal Weapon

A to Z Blogging Challenge - K

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

[after "talking" to the dog] "She says she doesn't like it when you hide her favorite tennis shoe, and she doesn't hear so well on her left side, so don't sneak up on her anymore."

Highlight below for the answer:

K-Pax

A to Z Blogging Challenge - J

JUST WANNA SAY, THIS IS THE BEST 

A TO Z CHALLENGE EVAH!!! 

Love the participants and the diverse topics/themes. 

Just keep on truckin'. 

We'll get there folks.

And a big heartfelt thank you to the hosts. 

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014

Guess the movie!

"Witherspoon, you by-the-book asshole."

Highlight below for the answer:

The Jackal