IWSG... The March Experience

Hello Imaginarians, it's your I-Keep-Disappearing Mel, here. I'm a putz, I know. I am sorry for being quiet again. This comeback trail is very difficult. Kind of like that first month at the gym. Anyway, today is the first Wednesday and it's time for the Insecure Writers Support Group, an amazing group that helps all writers with our fears, triumphs and general insecurities, etc.

I have a laundry list, but today I'm going to rant a bit. I'm feeling feisty. I write erotica and here are some things I've been asked, discovered through research and what people assume. It used to give me a complex. I was so bad I was embarrassed to talk about my work.

1. If it can remotely be used in a sexual way, someone will try it. Cue hand drills. Yes, you read that right and it all has to do with being able to attach different things.

2. I do not know which fruit flavor tastes better with body fluids. Strawberry, peach...Yeah no. But thanks for your question, please buy my book.

3. I am perfectly aware of what is in the Bible and no, I don't believe I'm going to hell. Have you read Song of Solomon?

4. No, erotica writer is not a synonym for porn star or slut.

5. Yes, my mother knows what I write. She encourages me.

6. There is nothing on this Earth that does not turn someone on at some point. Cue bug crushing. Something to do with stiletto heels.

I love what I write and people are always going to have a problem with it. Hey, to each their own. My experience has taught me that all people have their personal fetishes. No matter how much they may deny and protest. Trust me. Think on that the next time you're at a PTA meeting or at Church. So I don't let the haters in my head anymore. Write what you love, be proud and you will get where you need to be.

I know this has been a very strange encouragement post, but that is how my mind works sometimes. Please visit my fellow IWSG ers if you can. They are amazing and would love to hear from you.

IWSG: The February Files

It is the first Wednesday and time for the Insecure Writers Support Group, one of my favorite groups ever and boy do I need my writers around me right now. I've hardly written a word. But instead of whining, I'm going to go through some of my favorite quotes hoping to inspire not only my fellow writers out there, but also myself. I have got to change my way of thinking and break out of this shadow I've sunk into.

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you sow." Robert Louis Stevenson

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot

"There are two way to spread light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton

"Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it's the only way you'll do anything really good." William Faulkner

"Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up." Jane Yolen

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances." Martha Washington

"To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You only need to accept yourself." Thich Nhat Hahn

"Action is the antidote to despair." Joan Baez

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail." Nelson Mandela

I hope these quotes inspired you today. I felt better as I put this post together. And I will leave you with a little Girl Power.

Happy New Year, IWSG And Where The Hell Have I Been

Hello Imaginarians and Happy 2014!! Greetings from Chiberia. That's our new name around here. Yesterday we were officially colder than some parts of Antarctica. I haven't gone outside since Sunday afternoon when I trekked through thigh high drifts to clear a path from house to garage. I had to shovel in layers because the snow was so heavy and deep. Five, that's right five, scoops per square foot of snow. Made it all the way to the garage and around the side to the big door, only to discover a downhill ski run where my driveway should have been. My neighbor across the street came over and stood atop one of the drifts to avoid a passing snowmobiler (yes, they could ride snowmobiles on my sidewalk), then asked me if I needed help shoveling. Just then, her father stopped his snow blower and said "She ain't gettin that with a shovel." Bless them, they cleared our driveway so we can now get out. Chicagoans rock!

I hope these last months have seen you blessed and well. I've been gone so long I feel like it's been a hundred years. I have missed you all terribly. My absence was only going to be for a few weeks to finish some writing, but I got laid off, fell into a depression and got a respiratory infection. I got no writing done either. I've been miserable and I'm only now starting to come out of it. What a way to start a new year.

How fortuitous that my return has coincided with the Insecure Writers Support Group. My deepest apologies to Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh and the rest of you for being a very bad group member and not participating these last couple of months. I really needed to be part of this, be inspired by you all and yet, I shut myself out. In fact, I had disengaged from all creativity. I've been so depressed I could not put sentences together for a simple paragraph, not even stir myself to color or make a bracelet. Nothing. I became really isolated, doing only basic chores at home, looked for work and screwed around on Facebook and Twitter. And sleeping, God I slept twelve hours a day sometimes. I was and still am, a mess, but thanks to one of the sweetest friends ever, Michael Di Gesu, I am starting to get it together. He forced me out when I would have remained at home in my shell. I am more grateful to him than I can say. Thank you, Michael, you are the best.

It's amazing how deep you can fall into the dark and so fast, you don't even realize it. Creative spirits are especially vulnerable, I think to this creeping awfulness. I was to the point where I no longer cared about writing another word. I still haven't written, but I'm at least thinking about my writing again. I'm also going to be blogging again. One foot in front of the other starts the journey. It's a new year with new possibilities.

Insecure Writers Support Group October Edition

Hello there! I know it's been too long since I've written anything here. I've been just harried with writing, working and other things right now. Real Life is being a bitch. Anyway, today is the October  edition of the IWSG. This awesome group is 2 years old already and I cannot believe it. I've gotten so much from this group, the support, encouragement and commiseration has been truly amazing. Thank you, Captain Alex and all the members of your team who have been there for all of us. And there is even a really cool website now for the IWSG. Whoo hoo!!

I wanted to talk today about stuttering. No, not the speech impediment, but stuttering in writing, you know when you get going, sputter out, get going a little more, run up against a block, get some more story done...And on and on. This stop start cycle is frustrating to me. I want to drive needles into my eyes and run screaming down the street. I've started writing outlines, but even they don't seem to help this. It's not a full blown writers block, because I do write, but it's like my Muse is teasing me. She sends the words, then she takes them away, sends a little more, yanks them back. I hate this!!

Please tell me I am not crazy and am not the only one who suffers from this. And if you are a fellow sufferer, how do you handle it?

A Storm On The Horizon

Happy Friday Imaginarians!! I know it has been a long ass time between posts, but I'm still working hard on my latest salacious tale of naughty goodness. Today, though, I want to talk about a storm, no not the ones that have been plaguing Chitown the last few days, but one created by our own Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh.

CassaStorm, the last of his Cassan trilogy is out. YAY!! Congratulations, Alex. I could not be any happier for you. Sales to the stars, my friend.

And with this release, I finally got Alex to answer one of my burning questions...What was the first album you listened to that made you want to play guitar? His answer:

Rush 2112! Everyone knows Neil Peart is the greatest drummer in the world, but Alex Lifeson is also an amazing guitarist.

Awesome. I am going to have to download that album, I think. 

Anyway, on with the big reveal...

CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”
- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews

“Cavanaugh has created wonderfully moving moments of great poignancy… CassaStorm could have been a dark story full of hardship and angst, but instead it's a cleverly balanced story about hope and triumph.” 
- Lynda R. Young, author of Make Believe

“One thing Alex does really well is 'sell' the reader on his world building. …an enjoyable, fast-paced read that not only delivered on the final climax, but also managed to pleasantly surprise me.” - Bob Milne, Beauty in Ruins

Find CassaStorm:

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002

Amazon -

http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670532-cassastorm

Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be

Insecure Writers Support Group

Hey Imaginarians, I know I've been sadly absent of late, but today is the IWSG and I just had to return for a bit because I love this group. Thank you, Captain Ninja Alex!

In light of my deadline ahead, I want to talk about emotion in writing. Not the emotion of the story, but your own emotional health. I've been going through a lot of late and my cynicism, bad attitude has been showing in all my writing. Which is not good when I am trying to craft hot scene between my characters or even when I am trying to leave a simple comment for someone.  My good friends have remarked on it, so I am trying to get in a good headspace. If you are under duress, stress , craziness, etc it will show in your writing. So take care of yourself before you sit back in front of that computer no matter what kind of deadline you are under.

Be well, my friends. And good luck with all your creative projects ahead.

Back to lurking about, writing and edits. See you soon!

Back From The Dead And So Much Missed News

I am so sorry I was gone the entire week. So much personal craziness and sickness, I can't even begin to discuss it all. Needless to say, I missed ALOT and I am going to make up for it today. I hope that my fellow American followers had an amazing Independence Day. I had a blast. Yours truly got to cruise the highway in 2013 white Dodge Challenger. A real beauty and I let the ponies run on those straightaways let me tell you. Check it out!

During my absenteeism here in the blogosphere, my awesome friend Tina over at Life Is Good tapped me for the Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award. How cool is that? Thank you so much, Tina. It has been a great joy to reconnect with you this year. You are incredible and inspirational.

Let me pass this great gift onto some wonderful sister bloggers:

Gwen Gardner, brilliant YA author
Robyn Engel at Life By Chocolate, my sister friend and amazing poet
Deniz Bevan at The Girdle of Melian, gifted fantasy and romance writer
PK Hrezo, wonderful writer and friend
Ella at Ella's Edge, friend and incredible positive energy force
KC Kendricks at Between the Keys magnificent writer, friend and fellow car lover
MJ Fifield at My Pet Blog epic writer, sports fan and fellow Whedonite
Susan Gourley Kelly at Susan Says super writer, friend and teacher
Mencara Mitchell, new friend and fierce writer

As if that were not incredible news enough, my amazing friend and cheerleader, Mina over at Some Dark Romantic also tapped me for an award, the Inspirational Liebster. Thank you so much Mina, sorry I am so late getting to this. Stop by her blog and say hello, she's a helluva woman and I adore her.  I'll have to do a proper post later as I want to do a proper acceptance.

Hanging my head in shame, I also missed the Insecure Writers Support Group. Sorry, Captain Ninja Alex and my fellow IWSG'ers. Here's an abbreviated post for that. Please check out my fellow members here.

As a writer, while it is important to kill our darlings, cut unnecessary words, scenes, dialogue, etc., it is also important to remain true to our stories and ourselves as authors. Never let anyone alter your voice or that of your characters. Edits should enhance a story, make it better, not change the course of your story, alter your characters to any great degree or change your voice as an author. It's important for first time published authors to know that a good editor makes your story better, he or she does not review your work or try to make huge changes. And never be afraid to ask for an explanation. It is your story.

Speaking of missing. I also missed the Blog Blitz for Brandon Ax at Writer's Storm. Go say hi.

If you love a horror, you should also check out the incredible super post by Craig Edwards of Let's Get Out of Here and Maynard Morrissey of Horror Movie Diary on  the horror classics I Know What You Did Last Summer and I Still Know Know What You Did Last Summer. These guys are terrific.

On the subject of terrific, the supercool Jeffrey Beesler drops by on Thursday to tell us all about Optical Osmosis, his incredible new story.

So what has been going on with everyone? I feel like I've been out a million years.

Insecure Writers Support Group

I can't believe that June is here already. Before I get started, I want to thank everyone who commented on my fitness post. You really made my whole week and touched me more than I'll ever be able to say. Thank you very much.I'm still working through comments, but I promise I will get back to all of you.

Anyway, it is another installment of the IWSG or Insecure Writers Support Group founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. We writers air our insecurities, triumphs and terrors and other things.

I'm afraid that today I don't have much to say because well, I have not been writing. At all. Not one syllable on any thing remotely resembling fiction. I have no desire to, don't know where it went. My crit partners are on my case, my awesome friend Michael Di Gesu has been kicking my butt, but to no avail. I used to write compulsively whenever the mood struck, which was quite frequently. Now, there's nothing. Zip. Zero. Nada. I'd rather watch or read a good story. I haven't even done my other creative pursuits like jewelry making, coloring, painting and drawing. I try to laugh it off, say I'm being lazy or whatever, because the truth is awful.

It's like there is this giant black hole where my Muse used to reside. I am utterly empty, I have no words at all. I was burned out for a while, but I don't know if that is the case anymore. What if I never get my creative mojo back? I know that sounds stupid, but I honestly feel that way.

Sorry to be such a complete downer, but I am just completely drained and sad right now.

Get Healthy Blog Hop

Our health is the most important thing and for a voluptuous chica such as myself, who LOVES food period, getting healthy and overcoming the bulge is a constant struggle. Today the awesome and truly caring quartet of Michael Di Gesu, Alex J. Cavanaugh, L. Diane Wolfe and Stephen Tremp are hosting a Get Healthy Blog Hop encouraging all of us to post health tips, recipes, etc. to encourage all of us to get healthy. It's a wonderful way to inspire and I thank them profusely for putting this together.

Yours truly has been fighting weight since birth, really, and when I was at the lowest point in my life, I tipped the scales at 360 pounds. Wow, did I just write that out loud? I've admitted it to friends, but never completely in public before. 360 pounds is 3 people. Three. I used food as a crutch, a comfort. I had been bullied in school and ate alot. Those Twinkies sure made the insults feel better. So did the extra slices of pizza. And  when you spend your 20's and part of your 30's taking care of catastrophically ill family members until they pass, you also need a lot of comfort.

Anyway, over the last 2 and a half years or so, I've managed to lose 110 of that. I did that by forcing myself to move, to change eating habits. At 360 you can't exactly jog, so I would walk. Around my neighborhood, park the car in the back of the Walmart lot and walk, take stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Anything that made me move. I would eat carrot sticks, blueberries, grape tomatoes instead of chips, pretzels, etc. Small changes that netted some great results. If I can do this by making small diet changes, so can you. Going cold turkey only encourages failure, I think. Big pictures start off small.

Now I need to find something else, dig deeper, as I have hit a plateau. Getting healthy means keeping going and always staying alert. Michael Di Gesu pointed out that I need to push myself no matter how tired, bored, depressed, etc. I may be. And he is right.

Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest

Happy Friday!! It's time for the awesome Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest. Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, Livia Peterson, Dragon Father Al Diaz and Stephen Tremp, we are here to skewer the worst and praise the best.

I like to start off with bad stuff first. So here are my Worst Remakes Ever:

The Women

What were they thinking? The subject matter really isn't that timely anymore unless you're talking the Ladies Who Lunch Tennis Set. And really no chemistry with Annette Benning, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Meg Ryan and Eva Mendes. YAWWWNNN... Norma Shearer and crew were so much better and wittier.

All The Kings Men

Why take a brilliant actor like Sean Penn and stick him in a play by play remake? Completely unnecessary to remake an already amazing film.

King Kong

Peter Jackson, you dumbass! We did not need a lame silly remake of a perfectly good giant ape film. I don't care how great your fx were ,the story stunk to high heaven and so did the acting. Your cast was more boring than Hayden Christiansen's performance in the Star Wars prequels. Like James Cameron with Avatar, you sought to dazzle us with frosting and hoped we would ignore the lack of substance underneath.

The Karate Kid

Will Smith, I love you, but you really did an injustice by bringing us this cross cultural nightmare. Hello! You can't call the him the Karate Kid if he is learning kung fu.

The Ring

Holy hell! This American remake of a brilliant Japanese horror flick was just pure comedy. I spent the entire time laughing at the ridiculousness of it.  Naomi Watts completely sucked and that creepy kid of hers was the only horror-esque part of this movie.

And now for my Best Remakes

The Thing

Best. Remake. Ever. Now I loved the original The Thing From Another World, but Carpenter's flick was off the chain incredible. it is one of my all time favorite performances by Kurt Russell as well as one of my fave movies of all time.

The Wolfman

Go ahead roll your eyes, call me crazy, but I thought this was creepy, atmospheric, stylish, sexy and had some great wolf attack scenes. It did awesome justice to the old Lon Chaney film and the cast was just brilliant. I love the unrated version and watch it whenever I need a pick me up. :)

Dracula

Second best remake ever. Gary Oldman and Francis Ford Coppola did an outstanding job bringing Stoker's novel to life. Far superior to the old Bela Lugosi film, which really could not delve into the sexuality of the Count. The cast was amazing and the script very well written.

3:10 To Yuma

James Mangold really delivered on this remake of the old Delmer Daves directed Glenn Ford vehicle. Intense from start to finish, this one was a worthy heir to the original. I loved all of the performances, especially Bale as Dan Evans.

Ocean's Eleven

George and Brad were just incredible. I loved this movie from start to finish. It was smart, sexy and oh so witty. I love me a great caper flick and this one delivered in spades.

Dawn of the Dead

Are you sensing a theme here? LOL Yes, I love my monster movies. I really dug George Romero's original, but this one made me love zombie movies forever. I watch it whenever I get a chance, even the spliced up versions on Syfy and AMC.

Go ahead and debate, call me insane, call me brilliant. (LOL well that last one is just a wee hope).

Have a super weekend my friends, my family!!

Hump Day Goings On

I know I was supposed to post on Monday and left you all hanging, I am really sorry. I had a wild weekend that just was surreal and I am still recovering. I partied like I was 25 and can't remember some of the things that happened. I crawled home as the sun was creeping over the horizon, then had to go to a Mother's Day cookout. All this after I was only going to drop off a birthday cake. Yeah, trouble will find me. LOL

My Bulls are stinking up the playoffs. I hate losing, but to the Heat makes it worse. They are part of the sports Trifecta of Evil for me. They are the loathed enemy and it is humiliating to get destroyed by them. LeBron James is more evil than the Emperor in Star Wars to me. Needless to say, I am not a happy camper.

I've hit a wall with my writing and am trying to get back on track. I've been trying to do some creative things to help stir my imagination. Minds out of the gutter! LOL

I've been popping round the blogsphere and finding some really intriguing news and posts. Maynard from Horror Movie Diary and Emma from Little Gothic Horrors did a great dual post on Beetlejuice, a classic film and a definite fave of  mine.

Mind of Mine is celebrating five years. Congrats, my friend!!

This Friday is the Best and Worst Movie remake blogfest hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh,  Oh my list is so long. There have been some really horrible, unnecessary remakes out there. Footloose, I'm looking at you. Don't worry Alex, I've still got plenty of ammunition for Friday.

Star Trek is this weekend!! I cannot wait. I'm taking my mom as she is a proud Trekkie, too. I'm also going to try and hit the Great Gatsby as I LOVE Baz  Luhrman and feel that there has not been a really terrific film of this novel. Redford lacked the fierceness  of Jay and played him like a cool courtier. So not Gatsby.

What is up? Let me know the scoop.

Field Trip To A Ninja Hideaway

Happy Monday!  I know, quit being being so perky, but hey, I have reason to be in a great mood. I saw Iron Man 3 yesterday and it totally rocked. It was beyond cool. The story, the dialogue and of course, the awesome action. RDJ just has chemistry with everyone and everything, I swear. My Bulls finally put the Nets in their place, on the bench til next season, and were led by my fave player, Joakim Noah with 24 points. He's such a big, happy guy with the heart and intensity of a tiger.

However, these reasons are not the main reason why I am happy. I am on a field trip today over at Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog talking my fave topic, badass women in film. So come on over, I'll be waiting.

C Is For Marcy Carsey

Day  3 of the big A to Z and we are cruising. I've really been enjoying meeting so many new people and reading the various creative ways they have attacked this challenge. Don't forget to visit the other brillint challengers by clicking at the top right of my sidebar.

Television has been the one area  that seems to have produced the most opportunities for women to work behind the scenes and gain a toehold in the male dominated world of Hollywood. One of the most successful has been Marcy Carsey.

In 1974 she started work at ABC as a comedy programming executive. During her time there, she developed the seminal television sitcoms Soap, Happy Days and Mork and Mindy. In 1980, after her stint at ABC, Marcy went on to form Carsey Productions. In 1982 she was joined by her long-time collaborator, Tom Werner. Carsey-Werner Productions changed the landscape of television in the 1980's with The Cosby Show, A Different World and Roseanne. Their streak of success continued in the 90's  and 2000's with Grace Under Fire, 3rd Rock From the Sun and That 70's Show.

Marcy was recognized in 2000 by Women in Film with the Lucy Award for her excellence in creative innovation and changing the perception of women on television. Without her, a lot of today's strong female character would look a lot different. Marcy has given voice to many women who had been overlooked or made to fit unrealistic images.

Since it is Wednesday, it's also time for the Insecure Writers Support Group, of which I am a very proud member. We writers get together, thanks to Captain Ninja Alex and air our insecurities and encourage our fellow writers. This month I am having a very hard time making and keeping writing goals. I have so many things I want to accomplish this year that I am overwhelmed and as a result, have done nothing but scatter my energies. I am sunk, I swear. How do you all choose exactly what to focus on?

Movies, W4WS, Zombies And A Weekend Round Up

Today is Captain Ninja Alex's Top Ten Movie Blogfest and wow, what a daunting task. I mean really, just ten? Come on, this is me we're talking, I couldn't pick ten favorites to save my life so I'm going with my ten favorite comfort movies. movies that I watch when I need a pick up, a laugh or even just to forget my problems for an hour or three. So here they are in no particular order...

The Lord of the Rings trilogy Three films, but one story so this counts as one and I watch one of these whenever I need an escape.

The Princess Bride This is always a guaranteed smile for me.

Goodfellas I work out a lot of aggression watching Henry and crew.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape? This is my fave Johnny Depp movie it's cathartic to watch for me.

Aliens Ellen Ripley is my first badass bitch and I still get a kick out of watching her battle those acid bleeding face huggers.

Silkwood This is my fave Meryl Streep film and one I get sucked into each time I see it on.

The Howling I watch this one whenever I can. I love my werewolves and it's my favorite of all time.

The Quiet Man I'm a sucker for the Duke and this one gets me every time.

Joan of Paris I love a good war story and this one is tops. A young woman risks her life to save downed British airmen.

The Mummy I can't help it. Brendan Fraser rocks this movie and it makes me laugh every time.

So these are my movies, go on and check out the other incredible participants here. 

Writers 4 Writers

It's W4WS today and we are spotlighting Kyra Lennon and Angela Brown. Go to their sites and spread the word by Tweeting, posting on FB or just getting the word out about their awesome work on your site if you can. 

SPOILERS AHOY

Oh. My. God. I can't believe I just did a 180 on Andrea, but man was I rooting for her, hoping she would outwit Governor Psycho Pants. Loved when she opened the door and let the walkers have at him. Too bad he survived. And now, NOW she's at his ghoulish mercies in that Dungeon of Torture. Yikes!

And Milton!! He's stepping up and taking a a stand. I sadly misjudged him as a twitchy weirdo with nefarious purposes. Speaking of twitchy weirdos, we have Alan, Tyrese's one-time companion. Man, what a little bitch. Tyrese apparently saved Alan's wife once upon a time and he can't handle that. He couldn't be The Man. Well boo hoo, asshole. Too bad so sad you lost your balls somewhere and couldn't man up. Dude's been getting on my last nerve since he first appeared. Someone should shoot him in the knee in front of an oncoming horde of walkers.

It is going down real soon and I can't wait for the big battle. Team Prison all the way.

SPOILERS OVER

This weekend was pretty awesome. I went to the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade with my sister and nephew. We saw a whole host of strange and wonderful sights including six foot leprechauns, green tutus on men, shamrock glasses and green hair. We get wild here in Chitown on St. Paddy's Day. Even me... ;D

Field Trip

I know I'm supposed to be posting only on Mondays and Fridays, but I'm on a field trip today. Don't tell Captain Alex or Byron,  but I've "borrowed" a Cosbolt and taken off for some fun and conversation with MPax over at Spacedock 19. A joyride of epic proportions to say the least. Yeah, I know that pic isn't exactly a Cosbolt, but you get the point.

Anyway, we're talking writing, werewolves and whole lot of good things. So come on over and  grab a drink, sit a spell and have some fun at the coolest bar in the 'Verse.

SPOILERS AHOY

I missed Monday so of course I have to do my Walking Dead round up today. What an episode!We finally got the Big Meet between Rick and the Gov. I was rather hoping that Rick would tear into the Governor or just shoot him, but as a friend rightly pointed out, the Gov is a great villain and without him what would happen to the rest of the season? Still, he is threat the Rick sould have no compunction about putting down. He did it to those guys in the bar last season. Of course, Andrea tried to take charge of this little meet cute, but they kicked her out on her ass. Like those two would ever listen to a thing she says.

I love that we got to see a different side of Milton. He really is just a science geek completely out of his element and not the twitchy psycho I thought he was. There was a terrific scene with Hershel when Milton asked to see his stump and Hershel told him that he couldn't because he didn't buy him a drink first.

And a great walker kill off between my badass Darryl and the Gov's guy, Martinez. Baseball bats and arrows...loved those kills. And yeah, Darryl probably will have to put him down, but he was actually cool this time. You got a glimpse into him after he talked about losing his wife and kids to the walkers.

Glenn and Maggie are back in accord. I know everyone stand and cheer. Young lovers on the outs are a real bitch to deal with. ;)

In spite of these little niceties, war is coming. The Gov is not going to stand for Team Prison to exist and he wants Michonne as his little pet to torture before he kills her slowly, piece by piece.

SPOILERS OVER

This weekend was very busy. I had brunch with the wonderful Michael Di Gesu.  We had so much fun and his bright spirit was just what I needed after this last week. I also went to an unexpected double feature with my nephew. We saw Jack the Giant Slayer and Snitch. Both were excellent and kept me right on the edge of my seat, Snitch in particular. Dwayne Johnson does a terrific job, playing a character that is really different from what he normally plays. He even gets his ass beat here and shows a lot of vulnerability. Loved Ewan MacGregor in Jack. He was so heroic and upstanding, not afraid to defend his kingdom to the last.

Sorry I did not post yesterday. The time change killed me and I have been off ever since. I got caught in a rain shower on the way to work. Missed my bus and had to walk to the train. All with no umbrella because I forgot it at home. I looked like a drowned dog when I got to work. Late, of course. Grrr...

So did everyone have a great weekend? Was it so so? Or did it suck out loud and sideways?

It's time for my Insecure writers Support Group post. Please visit the other awesome members of this group started by Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh.

It's really late and I'm sorry, but last might it snowed mightily here in Chicago and I got to spend the night in a hotel courtesy of my work. So I had no net. Sorry to all of you out there who came by yesterday. I'm still working on comments, etc.

So here I go...

I have a huge problem. A HUMUNGOUS, epic proportion problem. I self edit each paragraph and line of dialogue as I go. To the nth degree. I obsess, change words, move sentences, delete, etc. making myself miserable. As a result, it takes me forever to complete one page. As in 10 hours. It's a wonder I ever finish anything. I get so frustrated that I sometimes avoid writing for days and even weeks.

I don't know if it's a perfectionist thing, an OCD thing or what, but I am sunk. This is getting totally out of control.  And I really don't know how to help myself. Any suggestions? Are there others out there like me? Can we form a club?Or should I just be committed? Maybe the men in the white coats are heading to my house now.

Cover Reveal, News and Thank You

It's FRIDAY!!! Yeah, Baby! Ok so I am in a great mood. I want to thank all of you out there for the incredible response to mine and Gwen Gardner's Writers 4 Writers event on Monday. I appreciate each and every one of your efforts. You made my entire month and did my heart good. So thank you. I am still working my way around for more personal thanks.

I have some news now...I find myself with the need to be more organized of late. To that end, the Imaginarium will now be going to Monday and Friday posts instead of as often as I can during the week. I'm hoping to be better at reaching all of you out there so I am limiting my posts here to that end.

Now for the BIG COVER REVEAL....

It is my great pleasure and honor to reveal to you the cover for Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh's third book Cassastorm

Isn't it gorgeous? Now here is a little teaser about the book and I am counting the days til release... 208 lol

Cassastorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, his only struggles are occasional rogue pirate raids and endless government bureaucracies. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, shaking Bassan to the core and threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could be on its way back. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

Release date: September 17, 2013

Science Fiction - Space Opera/Adventure

Print ISBN 9781939844002

E-book ISBN 9781939844019

Hanging In And Some News

Hey there Imaginarians, my friends, my online family...I have MISSED you all so much. I'm still out, but I found a way to at least keep in partial touch so look for me in the shadows, lurking about and leaving a comment or two before I go dark again. I'm hoping to have a new computer this weekend.

I wanted to share some news while I had the opportunity. First, W4W, Writers 4 Writers, is going to be co-starring Yours Truly and the awesome Gwen Gardner this month. Cue Kermit the Frog's wild cheering...Yay!!!! So on Februay 18, pretty please get ready to do some serious tweeting. I thank you tremendously in advance.

Next, we have an awesome blogfest from our Captain Ninja, Alex. The Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest blasts off on March 18. Go sign up, have fun, meet the other brilliant participants.

The incredible E.J. Wesley has launched his Moonsongs blog tour See where he'll be and all the good stuff he's talking about.

Too cool for words Jessica Bell has released her newest, The Book. Go check it out, she's a great writer.

Last, but most certainly not least, is the awe-inspiring Overcoming Adversity Blogfest hosted by Nick over at Scattergun Scribblings. He is compiling the entries into a book and the proceeds will go to fund college for his son Andrew, who has cerebral palsy.Here is my entry:

Silencing the Crowd

The crowd roared, a thunderous boom as Tommy Pike went down stealing second. One out, one on, they were down two and crappy Frankie Cisco followed her. Man,  she had to get on base.

"Lani, you're up next." Coach Miller barked.

She huffed out an irritated breath. "I know."

"Just relax. Take your time, watch the ball. Clark's got some stuff on his curve and you always fall for it."

Much as she didn't want to take Coach's advice, Lani knew he was right. She always fell for that hanging curve like stupid Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty's fastball.

"Come on, Little Lady, speed it up. We ain't got all day around here."

She glanced over at Mr. Cisco, father of said crappy Frankie. He gave a her greasy smirk as he hoisted another slice of pizza into his big mouth. Lani wanted to gag. No wonder Frankie stunk.

The cheers grew louder as she grabbed her helmet from Coach and fit it on her head, grimacing at the pressure. She jogged to the plate, taking a couple of practice swings. The pressure on her ears increased and she stepped back, giving the umpire a "Time Out" sign.

She shook her head. How could she have forgotten something so simple?

Trotting back to the dugout, she winced as she removed her helmet. Coach held out his hand and she took off her hearing aids, settling them in his big palm.

The crowd immediately fell silent, the world now a quiet place where she could concentrate. She put on her helmet and smiled, a steely calm coming over her as she headed back to the plate. Time to swing for the fences...

Hope you enjoyed my little piece. It was inspired by one kick ass little girl, who plays on my nephew's baseball team. Not only does she play with the boys, but she does it without being able to hear the coach or the umpire when she bats.

Happy New Year!! IWSG Post

Hello all!! I'm back for a bit. Real life has been kicking my ass of late and I have not been around except in sporadic bursts. Don't beat me, please. ;) Anyway, it is now 2013, the Odd Year and of course, being the first Wednesday, it's time for a new Insecure Writers Support Group post. The IWSG was founded by the awesome Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for our writing community to come together in support of one another. you can check out the other amazing participants here.

It's a new year, a Do Over and it is time for us to be large and in charge. We CAN DO IT. We can finish those stories, get them published and take the publishing world by storm. We are AUTHORS. We are superheroes, supervillains and magic powers all rolled into one. We create worlds from nothing, breathe life to whole casts of characters, solve mysteries, stop wars, we even conquer other dimensions and planets. Can I get a hell yeah? Writers are the most brilliant people out there only we don't give ourselves  nearly enough credit. So I'm here to say We ARE awesome, we WILL be successful and we CAN finish the stories/revisions we think we can't. I have every faith us, my fellow writers and I never place faith lightly. I BELIEVE in us. We are going to rock 2013!

Now, I know my regular readers are like WTF? Did Mel get replaced by a Pod Person/Stepford Wife? No,I just have some good cheer left over from the holidays and thought I'd pass it along. Your regular Mel the ass-kicking snarky bitch will be back. Trust me, it's physically impossible for me to hold on to positivity for very long. ;)

Rock N Roll Heaven And A Wind Up

12 12 12 concert logo via http://www.121212concert.org/

Last night was incredible the music fan in me. I am hard rock, rock n roll girl to the marrow of my bones so the12-12-12 Concert for Sandy Relief was pure paradise, though there were definitely some sour notes. First the very high notes. I am really happy that so many people donated their time for the cause and that there were a lot of first responders in the audience. I loved the video segments featuring individual stories like the kids talking about the Jersey Shore and Team Rubicon about vets helping disaster survivors, camping out in an abandoned house to be on hand at all times. You can donate to the Robin Hood relief fund here.

Very high notes were also Sir Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, the Nirvana mini reunion (Kisses Dave and Chris, you still rock my soul) Roger Waters with Eddie Vedder, Alicia Keys (whose New York song sounded way better minus the rap stylings of Jay-Z) The Who, Bon Jovi and of course, the Boss, Bruce Springsteen.

Billy Joel was meh, I'm kind of over his songs, still he was enjoyable. Kanye West was a bit of a yikes for his 20 minute set. What was that skirt? Okay, Chris Martin, I'm sure you're a very nice guy, but I just do not get the appeal of you. Your voice is like someone trying to sing with a mouthful of marbles and water. And what was with the Losing My Religion piece with Michael Stipe? Could you two have been any more depressing?

On to other things. I'm orbiting Mars happy you all enjoyed my Alex fest post the other day. It was great fun trying to imagine our Captain Ninja and creating my very first piece of flash fiction. Hat tip, Alex my friend, you are incredible.

My birthday is Saturday so I'll be doing a fun post with some of my favorite things. I am getting to be one old ass bitch. LOL

Laters!