Tara Tyler Talks about #StarWars (spoilers!)

Happy New Year - bla bla bla

But seriously IWSG-ers, I hope you have a great 2020. If things are going badly, I hope you find a way to turn them around. If things are going well, keep up the good work!

January is a time of reflection. I want to raise the level of my blog from a once-a-month series of IWSG entries to more frequent and more substantial posts. I want to be more engaging!

And so, I give you my first post for 2020--

Let's go to the Movies??

Consider STAR WARS. (NOTE - Spoiler Alert! Plenty of annoying spoilers ahead)

There's nothing like the opening burst...

There's also nothing like the original trilogy. Sure, special effects are better now, CGI is amazing, and meeting new characters is always fun. BUT, just like the last season of Game of Thrones was rushed and lacking, this latest Star Wars trilogy was full of spontaneous, easily foiled threats and not much substance or explanation. I'm sorry to say, True Star Wars fans have been let down.

The Rise of Skywalker was a great action-adventure sci-fi movie, no doubt. My hub even liked it, and he's not a big SW fan. But my closet-nerd son and I felt a disturbance in the Force. So many story lines were severely under-developed and conveniently explained away with a glib comment for us all to accept. It was full of miraculous, impossible saves; instant armies, easy escapes, and predictable rebellious behavior... I felt like I was watching a teenager's spoof seeing what he could get away with--wouldn't it be cool if this happened!

Most egregious irritations:

• Poor Fin - so much potential wasted--they made this guy do nothing but annoy everyone, "Rey!" 
• And the Planet-Destroying Cannons upgrade on a surprise fleet of Star Destroyers--where did they come from? Santa? But the placement of the cannons gave me a chuckle. It was like they all got a kick in the crotch... that magically destroys the whole ship **eye roll**

There was No build up. No anticipation. No time to wonder what might happen, we know what's going to happen. As a writer, you know what I'm talking about.

I had more complaints, but I won't torture you further. And there were some good moments.

• I really liked the new female characters, but there wasn't enough time to expand on them. I would've been happier if they'd split it into two films just to give us some backstory and character development.
• Palpatine was a great twist. But what were all those zombie fans??
• Funny thing, I liked Kylo Ren's character arc (Frankly, I would've chosen him over Rey as a true Skywalker.
• It's just a good thing Chewy didn't die! (Told you there'd be spoilers!)

One saving grace for Star Wars fans: The Mandalorian is fantastic! It has everything the new movies don't, plus awesome LOL scenes and Baby Yoda!


Movies in general lately are lacking in quality and depth. Sequels, Spinoffs, and Remakes are the currency of the day. Over the holidays, I also saw JUMANJI 2 which was pretty terrific, better than expected, but still a sequel, with a teaser of another is in the works. And here are the previews we saw:

>>Scooby Doo origins              >>Mulan live-action              >> Dr. Dolittle upgrade

>> Black Widow spinoff              >>"new and improved" Ghostbusters sequel

Absolutely nothing original.
Money is the biggest motivator which is understandable since it is a business. But the industry isn't taking chances on anything new...

So I call on YOU, fellow writers!
Keep writing. Keep improving. And try a Screenplay! Submit to contests. Put your awesome works out there for these sheltered producers living in their Hollywood Bubble. They need us! (I just submitted JOLISSA to an animated screenplay contest!)

Okay, I think I've talked enough.

Oh, yeah. One last thing -- I'm putting together a team!

Disney/Pixar's Onward is coming out soon (you may remember me mentioning how they "stole" my Beast World concept) So I'm starting Phase 2 of my Taking Back Beast World campaign. I re-published BROKEN BRANCH FALLS!! And CRADLE ROCK is soon to follow.

If you're up for helping me promote the ORIGINAL Fantasy Creatures in High School, here's the new FORM
Thanks for your support!

And don't forget to join us for the #WedWrant Twitter chat tonight at 7:30 PM EST - be sure to use the hashtag!

Blessings a-plenty in 20-20!

Life is a bully - always kicking you when you're down

2019 has been a brutal year in my writing life, and there's even more turmoil ahead...

Over the next few months, I'm going to publish WINDY HOLLOW myself. I'm also going to try to get my previous books back and publishable so I can go sell them at events. My heart broke not being able to go to Ohioana this year. I'm trying very hard to be strong in this transition. And since I recently accepted a permanent teaching position--we need $$ to live--I will have very little time during the school year to work on writing. I guess the balance of writing/teaching had to be achieved. Thank you fate, life, yin-yang, Murphy's Law, etc. You suck.

Unfortunately, that's not all. My rant isn't over, so hold onto your seat. This is an IWSG post for the ages...

You see, recovery from losing all my books at once was a blow I could handle, I saw it coming and prepared myself. But as my title suggests, I'm being kicked while I'm trying to get back up off the floor.

The same day my army son drove away to move to his new home base, I saw this...

coming out in 2020

THIS IS BEAST WORLD!! It's SO NOT FAIR! And it's Chris Pratt, my fave actor! Though the story line is a little different, they're teenager fantasy creatures who live in a suburban fantasy world with no humans, going on a quest - HELLO! That is BEAST WORLD! AHHHHHHH!!!!! Wahhh. Oh, and here's their cool trailer. I'm so UPSET!

Those two main characters, Ian and Barley are so close to my camp guides, Trevor and Bonk in CRADLE ROCK. Onward could be their sideline story!

I know this happens sometimes, but to this degree?? It's such a stab to my heart! So what do I do about it? My publisher couldn't even keep their $#!+ together to publish my third book. I've been sent back to the start, slipped down the longest Chute without a Ladder.

Well, I'll tell you what I'm going to do about it. I'm going to go on a campaign to be heard. The least they can do is enlist my writing skills in adapting my Beast World series for sequels!! Right? Well, maybe that's the most they can do. But they have to do something! Anything! It's so not fair that no one can breach the realms of big productions from little hometowns in "flyover" states. I'm not young, I'm not rich, I have no connections, and I have so many responsibilities that I can't just pick up and leave. But I have ambition, determination, and will power. I can't give up. Just like my DARN AWESOME CHARACTERS - I will find a way!

As you know, I always look for a solution and try to find the positives. So through tear-filled eyes and self-pitying sniffles, here is what I came up with...

• I have the tools--technology, social media, terrific books already written with publish dates before their measly idea was born
• I have more time--it's summer! though I always have a ton to do, my kids are self-sufficient and I don't have to plan or grade until August... two months of as much writing stuff as I can cram in!
• I have you guys--I know I've been pretty lame at visiting other blogs, but I always offer my services and shout outs. I don't like asking for something without offering something in return! Here's a volunteer FORM if you have time to help here and there this summer, easy stuff!

Maybe this was the kick in the pants I needed. Maybe I can get one of those people to notice me--they are just people after all. Things happen for a reason and we usually don't know why until we get to the end result (Life, you still suck).

So, Dragons as pets? We'll change that to "drakes" because the real Dragons will make a big appearance in the next one. Just you wait!

Thanks, you guys. I needed that. More news soon. It's going to be a busy summer.

Wouldn't it be nice...

Thank you Kyra and Rachel for hosting this fun blog hop. I did it a couple of years ago and let's just say, things change!

My original cast for POP TRAVEL was Leonardo diCaprio as Cooper, Reese Witherspoon as Geri, and Aziz Ansari as Hasan. But as time goes on, I thought of some alternates - and I actually sent these actors/their agents a copy of the book! Why not?
          => Bradley Cooper as Cooper
          => Kate Hudson as Geri
          => Aziz Ansari as Hasan (still the best choice, so funny!)

As for BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, my MG Fantasy that comes out soon, I picture it as an animated movie. Yes, I'll be sending it to Disney/Pixar! Here is my dream cast (Sorry I didn't add pictures, but when I tried, my whole post was erased and I had to start over. Darn you, blogger!):

• Jonah Hill or Andrew Garfield (latest Spiderman) as Gabe - a typical, brainiac teenage goblin, always picked on by all the other species, but is ready to rock the school by breaking the rules
• Jennette McCurdy (Sam from iCarly & Sam and Cat) or Selena Gomez as Ona - not your typical ogress, she's smarter and prettier, and Gabe thinks there's something special about her
• Will Poulter (We're the Millers) or Atticus Shaffer (the Middle) as Jordy - one of Gabe's closest goblin friends, and a complete goofball
• Ryan Reynolds as Argus - Gabe's best friend, confidant, and idol, a real risk taker
• Joseph Gordon Levitt as Rove - a brooding, Steve McQueen-ish werewolf, probably my favorite character (and one of my favorite actors)
• China Anne McClain (Ant Farm, Grown Ups 2) or Ariana Grande (Sam & Cat) as Piper - positive and sweet harpy who can influence the emotions of those around her, another of my faves
• Moises Arias (Despicable Me 2, Ender's Game) as Fuerte - strong, soft spoken dragon and Piper's boyfriend
• Ryan Gosling as Vincent - debonair vampire, and Gabe's rival for Ona
• Morgan Freeman as Professor Hardaway - old goblin, leader in the High Council and primary antagonist (gotta go big!!)

thanks to Laura Kramer for the illustrations!

It may seem like a lot of characters, but they are introduced in stages and they're all so unique, it's easy to keep them straight. Can't wait to talk about them more during the A to Z challenge - and there's more to my theme, so make sure you stop by on March 21st for the A to Z Theme Reveal hop!

And finally, my song for BBF is Move Along by All-American Rejects. "Even when your hope is gone, move along!"

But wait! The casting call isn't even the best part of this blog hop!
Kyra and Rachel will each pick a winner at random, and they’re giving away one of their favourite books that were turned into movies!

Rachel’s prizes: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

+ Choose one of Rachel’s ebooks.

Kyra's prizes: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 

+ Choose one of Kyra's ebooks OR an ARC of Game On Book 3

Who do you imagine playing the rolls in your WIP?!

Have a great weekend!

Bleah!

I saw a couple of doozies recently, but then I couldn't think of any more. Leave it to Wikipedia to have an extensive list! And I found some really good remakes too! So they aren't all bad!

Here are my top worst remakes:

Invasion of the Body Snatchers - original rocks
War of the Worlds - sorry, it was only ok.
Footloose - really? unnecessary
Godzilla - needed to leave well enough alone, terrible job
The Karate Kid - Ralph Macchio cannot be replaced
Miracle on 34th Street - neither can Natalie Wood
Money Pit - didn't know it was a remake, should not have been made

Total Recall - GONG!
Snow White and the Huntsman - just too much dramatics, so much about it was wrong

Stop with the Spidermans already

So there you go! My favorite remakes I love to hate!

And the remakes I love is a shorter list...
Oceans 11
You've Got Mail
and
The Longest Yard

This blogfest was brought to you by
Alex, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, and Al Diaz. Thanks, guys!


And I also wanted to give a shout to Christine!
Her latest 13th floor novella was released on Monday. If you haven't tried her series, you really must! Quick, thrilling reads, full of paranormal romantic goodness!

Harriet and Kiral's story is here! A fierce romance!

You can buy THE ORACLE & THE VAMPIRE at:

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords

the good, the bad, and the groovy movie news!

First, we get the bad news out of the way.

• Many of you might have heard, but Google Reader is going bye-bye! I do not like how fast things change these days. Technology seems to be on drugs - faster, faster, faster!!! more, more, more!!! Well, at least there are alternatives, here are some articles with recommendations - one, two, three  ... what a pain in the behind!
• And in other bad news... Jane Friedman, had this post on her site about when we should quit blogging! At first, I was like, "Quit blogging? Never!" But after thinking about it, I admit that I can see myself easing back as I turn the corner to dedicate time to marketing and more writing. Newer bloggers have so much to gain, while seasoned bloggers may start to see repetitive posts and feel like, been there done that. I think you just have to evaluate what you want from blogging. Julie got a discussion going about this on Friday. I don't feel ready to give it up any time soon, but I also don't see me doing it forever. When it becomes more of a chore than a joy, then it might be time to move on... but my bloggy friends will stay friends if I can help it!

Now the good news!

• DL Hammond has come up with another way to pass on encouragement! The Blog Blitz! Everyone who particpates will gang up and surprise one blogger with positive comments all day. Go sign up or at least check it out. It's easy and fun!
• Angela Brown is hosting a Reader Appreciation event on Goodreads - lots of prizes! go see!

And now the groovy movie news!

Here are my top ten movies for Alex's Movie Blogfest! (in no particular order)

1. Star Wars (4, 5, 6)
2. the Avengers
3. the Incredibles
4. Pirates of the Caribbean (1, 2, 3)
5. Matrix (1, 2, 3)
6. Indiana Jones (1, 2, 3)
7. Sherlock Holmes (1, 2, +)
8. Despicable Me
9. Disney - Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Hercules
10. How to Train Your Dragon

I am all over those animated movies - apparently action/adventure and comedy are essential, plus a little heartstrings. And as a bonus, here are some other movie favorites...

Favorite B&W stars: Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers

Favorite Musicals: Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Wizard of Oz

Favorite Rom Coms: Housesitter, French Kiss, The Holiday

There are so many fantastic movies and I know I'm going to see some of yours and want to add them to my list, but these are the ones I watch over and over again.

So heard the bad news? Got some good news? And I will be checking out your groovy movie news!!

Kick start Monday - Are you writing?

Hope you are! But first,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Let the appreciation spill into everyday =)

And if you missed Friday's Writing a Book post, the comments were quite revealing & funny! You should check them out!

Anyway, I have been writing like mad! Major editing sessions, reworking my first five chapters - they needed more excitement and less back story details. I have to get ready for a Writer/Reader Get Together put together by Lori Foster! It's the weekend of June 1st. And I am scheduled to drop 2 pitches! My first ones. I'm scared. But I'll talk more about that on Friday...For now:

Many of you are participating in Alex's Blog Hop of First Loves today! He snuck the announcement into the A to Z fest. I couldn't do it justice with all my editing, so I will just read about y'alls!

To keep the write juices flowing, I am going to attempt a flash fiction for Cheri's Lightning Flash Fiction Blogfest next week. I may need a break from my MS after cramming for the pitch sessions!

What else is going on? What's your WIP progress report?

PS - Saw the Avengers this weekend - top notch entertainment! it had everything you could want from a blockbuster - tons of action, magnificent special effects, star-studly cast, snarky repartee, pure hearts, and comic relief (Hulk will not disappoint, he really does steal the show!)

Wouldn't it be so cool!

Thank you, Kyra and Rachel for hosting the WIP - The Movie blogfest! I love it! I have sometimes thought of how unbelievable it would be to see my book as a movie! We all have dreams. But first I have to get it published. And before that, I should get an agent. So much to do!

Anyway, here is my dream cast, for now, and a little about the main characters from my techno thriller novel, Pop Travel...

Leonardo DiCaprio

J. L. Cooper - Once a dynamic lawyer, Cooper's fear of pop travel laser teleportation cost him his wife and his confidence. Now a reclusive small town detective, his initiative is sparked by a mysterious client giving him hope of proving his fear of pop travel is not unfounded.

Reese Witherspoon

Geri Harper - Spunky and smart FBI Agent sent undercover to extract evidence from Cooper and protect celebrity inventor, Hasan Rakhi, and is surprised by what she discovers.

Aziz Ansari

Hasan Rakhi - Super genius, The Creator of pop travel, and a prisoner in his own plantation paradise, Hasan is a dramatic, joking, and sincere young man being used by the corporation he helped found.

Had to add a song - "New Low" by Middle Class Rut. It's futuristic and an upbeat, down on your luck song. Perfect for Cooper =)

A smash hit, right? Thanks for stopping by! And if any of you wonderful stars are interested...Call me! (ha ha, still dreaming =)

PS - Today I have a teenager. Dun, dun, daaaaa!