Halloween Howl-Fest: Monstrous (Round 1)

We've made it to the final conference in my Halloween Howl-Fest, and it's a killer! Well, not literally, but some of the characters sure are. For this round we're dealing with monsters, everything from ghouls to werewolves. And for the first time in this challenge, we'll be looking at a couple triple-headers (aka. three movies going against one another instead of just two). Remember, you can still only vote for ONE of the three movies. 

Take a look below and let me know which movies you'd like to see make it to Round 2 . . .

I hope you all have a monstrous Monday! And a special shout out to the best cousin in the whole wide world. Happy Birthday Allie!!!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Undead (Round 3)

I'm definitely pleased with this week's voting. Three out of the top four movies were the ones I was going for. My picks were definitely better for this particular conference. What about you guys? Any surprises? Disappointments? Take a look at the Top 4 teams . . . 

And of course, don't forget. I won't be posting the Top 2 until Monday, October 21st when I announce the Quarter Finals for all four conferences. But please check back this coming Monday (the 14th) for the Top 16 teams in the final conference: Monstrous! Have a great weekend everyone. 

Norse Gods Blogfest

I have to admit while I've long studied Greek and Roman mythologies, it's only recently that I've become interested in that of the Scandinavian (or Norse) descent. It's an interest sprung from my love of Marvel's Thor (comic books and movie) and my father's recent interest in Vikings culture. But when I saw that there would be a Norse Gods Blogfest hosted by Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh to celebrate the release of Secrets of the Ash Tree by blogger Siv Maria Ottem, I wanted to get in on the action. 

I figured that most people would choose to talk about Thor or Loki, the two most popular Norse gods, so instead I thought I'd write about Baldr, the god of light, joy, beauty and innocence. The son of Odin and Frigg, he was the brother of Loki, and much beloved. When Baldr had a dream about his own death, his mother asked every creature to take an oath not to harm him. Every creature apart from mistletoe that is, whom she'd thought too small and weak to cause him harm. Thinking him invincible, the gods then gathered to celebrate by throwing darts and spears at him, knowing he could not be harmed. 

When jealous Loki heard of this, he travelled into the woods and retrieved a branch of mistletoe. Returning to the festivities and gave the branch to Baldr's blind brother Hod, who was not participating in the game because he couldn't aim. Loki offered to help guide Hod's hand, and together they threw the spear at Baldr, who died instantly. 

It was a tragic death, taking from the world the god of light and joy, as well as leading to the death of Hod as punishment for unknowingly killing his brother. I've always thought it a sad tale, and one that stayed with me for years. 

I hope you enjoyed the tale of Baldr, Hod and Loki. What are your favorite Norse gods? And don't forget to check out my Halloween Howl-Fest!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Undead (Round 2)

Thanks to everyone who voted for the Undead: Round 1 of my Halloween Howl-Fest. Check out which teams moved on and be sure to let me know who you'd like see make it to Round 3!

Happy blogging!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Undead (Round 1)

I have to say I've been waiting to get to the Undead conference of my Halloween Howl-Fest since the beginning. Some of my favorite movies made it into this category . . . and here's hoping they make it to the next round.  But what are your favorites? Do you prefer zombies or vampires? Paranormal middle schoolers or teenage vampire slayers? Let me know by casting your vote!

I can't wait to see what everyone votes for! Are there any other movies you think I should have added to the list? I'm always on the hunt for new supernatural fright fests. And as always, happy blogging!

Halloween Howl-Fest: Supernatural (Round 3)

Thanks everyone for all the congratulations and best wishes! I hope everyone's week has been as good as mine. As for the Halloween Howl-Fest, check out which films made it into Round 3 . . .

Don't forget, I won't be posting the top 2 teams until Monday, October 21st when the Quarter Finals for all three conferences are announced. So you can still vote for your favorites up until then. But definitely check back on Monday when I'll announce the top 16 teams of the UNDEAD conference. This is going to be a fun one. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

IWSG and Halloween Howl-Fest: Supernatural (Round 2)

It's the first Wednesday of the month and time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by my favorite blogger and author of the CassaFire series, Alex J. Cavanaugh. A big thank you to this month's co-hosts, Julie Luek, Rachna Chabria, Beverly Fox and Ilima Todd. 

This month I am thrilled to announce that I'm feeling rather secure (not because anything great has happened in my writing career, but because I'm on cloud 9 after getting engaged last Friday), so rather than whining about my writing woes as I usually do I simply going to say JUST KEEP SWIMMING! I've settles on this as my writing mantra for the month, and I think it's an excellent mantra to stand behind. Give it a try with me!

And now, back to my Halloween Howl-Fest. I probably definitely wouldn't have predicted this going into Round 2 of the Supernatural Conference, but it appears that most people prefer classic films to their more modern supernatural counterparts. Poltergeist beat out the ever popular Paranormal Activity. The Shining trounced The Haunting. Who'd have thought? I mean, that's my personal preference, but I didn't expect people would vote the same way. What an excellent surprise! 

Check out which movies made past Round 1. . . 

Don't forget to check back Friday to vote see which films made it to Round 3 and cast your votes! Happy October!