Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Secret Ninja Code

In order to read this post, you need to swear by the Secret Ninja Code.


Come a little closer.

Closer . . .

I need to whisper it to you . . .

I don't know the code.

But wait! Don't tell Captain Ninja Alex--he might kick me out of his ninja army and thing is? I kinda need this gig. Ever since I became a writing ninja, things have been going really well for me.

I have work ethic.

I have permission to use lots of fighting in my books.

I look good in belts.

I can wear black every day.

I can tell people I'm a ninja and they automatically think I'm cool.

Without it? I'm just a chubby white girl writing kick butt teen books. Kinda sad, really.

So please, if Captain Ninja Alex asks you about the code, just nod and say "Yes, Captain,"--he'll totally buy it.

But until we figure out the code, just bow a lot, and bust out some awesome ninja-moves whenever the ninja captain looks your way. Plus, if you read my book, BECOME, you'll learn a thing or two about fighting with a bo staff--that should help.

BLURB:

Sixteen-year old Desolation Black wants nothing more than to stay in Hell where it’s cold and lonely and totally predictable. Instead, she’s sent back to Earth where she must face the evil she despises and the good she always feared.
When Desi is forced to embrace her inner demon, she assumes her choice has been made—that she has no hope of being anything other than what her father, Lucifer, has created her to be. What she doesn’t count on, is finding a reason to change—something she’s never had before—a friend.
Smashwords Goodreads

BIO:
Ali Cross is the sensei of the Writer's Dojo where she holds a black belt in awesome. She lives in Utah with her kickin' husband, two sparring sons, one ninja cat, two sumo dogs and four zen turtles
Blog Twitter Facebook The Writer’s Dojo Dark C.A..R.M.A. Blog




Crap, do you know the code????

107 comments:

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Crack it!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Alas Alex couldnd't get the code.

Yvonne.

Isis Rushdan said...

Ha-ha, thanks Ali. I've been looking for that code everywhere. I think I'll just focus on writing. Your book looks good and I already have it on my tbr list from seeeing it on another blog. Wishing you the best!

Civil War Horror (Sean McLachlan) said...

I'm curious about your choice to bring out your YA novel as an ebook and not in print. Will a print edition be coming later? The general belief (for what that's worth) is that young adults haven't taken onto ereaders as much as adults have. Of course, heaps of adults read YA!
Awesome cover by the way. What's the next project?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yvonne, I'll find it!

Sean, good question!

Rhonda @Laugh Quotes said...

Sorry, I don't know the code either, but I really did enjoy this post.

Suze said...

Ali, I love stories about friendship and I really got a sense of energy reading your initial words. Gently engaging, very nice.

Unknown said...

I don't know the code... And to think, I'm usually so good at cracking them. Oh well, I guess I'll just write and read. I think I know just the book.

Jemi Fraser said...

Phew! I thought I was the only one without the code! :)

Good luck with the book Ali - it sounds totally aweosme!

Rusty Carl said...

Ha! The code. I can't believe Alex didn't share it with you. Waitaminute, what code?

Crap.

Li said...

Story of my life - I never know the code. *Sigh* A bo stick, however, sounds like an effective tool for convincing someone you don't need no stinkin' code ;-)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't know the code. Good luck with your book Ali. It sounds awesome.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, I think you already know it...

Now everyone is on a quest for the code!

Unknown said...

When someone asks for the code, I'm always the first to say "What code?" I'm glad that you don't know either. I don't feel so alone. :)

What an awesome sounding story. I will definitely have to check it out.

Old Kitty said...

There's a Cap'n Ninja code I'm not party too?!?!
:-(

Awww suddenly the world is a lonelier, friendless place...

p.s. Good luck Ali with your book - so love your mc's name!!! Gorgeous!! Take care
x

Unknown said...

This was fun to read. Bravo, Ali! And yeah, as far as the code? I got nothin'.

Creepy Query Girl said...

Sounds fantastic Ali! Looking forward to the CARMA tour!

Ciara said...

Code? Oh, no. I'm lost. :) This sounds like a great read. I'll check it out.

Jules said...

That has got to be the best intro to a book I've read. :) Code, let me bust out my decoder ring.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Anonymous said...

I thought the password was always "Walt Sent Me" right?

I'd take a ninja avatar like the pic above, sans ponytail.

Bish Denham said...

I know had the code around here somewhere. Under this pile of papers? (Rustle, rustle) Nope...Oh no! I wonder if hubby, in a fit of cleanliness, tossed it out with trash? I'll keep looking.

I love the premise of your story Ali!

Laura Eno said...

The book sounds great, Ali and awesome cover!

Julie Dao said...

Okay, "Desolation" is totally a cool name. The book sounds butt-kickin' terrific!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

wow this post has me laughing i read it twice... okay three times... know the code, great post... bravo, i needed something like this today.

Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
Visit The Madness:
IZOMBIE

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

"I can wear black every day." - LOL, well that's the main privilege being a ninja. :)

Miranda Hardy said...

I can't wait to read this! Thank goodness Ninja's can kill off lots of characters. Phew!

Marta Szemik said...

Sounds like a novel I'd like to read. Going on my "to read" list for sure. :)

Charles Gramlich said...

Now I want the code!

Luanne G. Smith said...

The code is really more like guidelines anyway. Wear black, add a belt, and kick butt. Works for me. :)

Tonja said...

Love your post - and your novel sounds awesome!

Liza said...

What an amazing topic for a book!

Christine Fonseca said...

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! Just sayin

ali cross said...

Alex! Thanks so much for having me! And I'm totally busting up reading everyone's comments. You guys are the best!

And Sean ~ the book will be available from Amazon in print this Friday! I haven't forgotten those non-ereader types! Also, you can purchase paperbacks from my blog, too!

Thanks again Alex! *bows to the captain*

Anonymous said...

Code? what code? you mean there's a code?? Ahhhhhhh Alex how could you not share the secret???:)

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Ha ha ha! Too much fun! :-)

mshatch said...

sounds like a cool book! reminds me of that choice: reign in hell or slave in heaven?

Tara Tyler said...

i am really looking forward to reading ali's book! yay!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kitty, I'll share the code with you!

Joshua, maybe Ali will make one for you. Sans ponytail of course.

George, I'd wear black even if I wasn't a Ninja.

Ali, you're welcome, and you are just as much a Master Ninja.

Anonymous said...

I tried quoting the code once, and a rogue wormhole opened up. Chased me around for days until I finally found the code to send it back to the dimension in which it came. No more codes for me!

Great to meet you Ali. Best wishes with Become!

Arlee Bird said...

The Book sounds like an interesting concept.
Code--what code?


Lee
Tossing It Out

Morgan Mandel said...

Great idea for a movie!

Morgan Mandel
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Marian Allen said...

Ali, your book is SO BOUGHT!!!

Can't wait to read it! Alex, thanks for hosting this Ninja writer. :)

Marian Allen
Fantasies, mysteries, comedies, recipes

Copyboy said...

I'll have tot check her book out! Thanks! BTW...we just signed Anne Rice on our site. Still holding out for you though. That'd be the big win in my eyes. :)

RaShelle Workman said...

Ali, your book sounds amazing. Can't wait to get my hands on a pretty, pretty copy. I'll pet it first and then read it. =D

Bob Sanchez said...

Code? We don't need no stinkin' code.

Carol Kilgore said...

Code? Nobody told me about a code. I don't have a secret decoder ring. Help! And don't tell Alex!!!

Nice to meet you, Ali :)

Sangu Mandanna said...

Code?? Oh no!

The book sounds so fun!

Emily R. King said...

Ali, I'm so excited to read your book. The I read about you the more I want to see you succeed. You're a big deal, girl!
Thanks for having her, Alex!

Mark said...

Lol, awesome post! Go ninjas!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephen, you have to watch those wormholes!

Copyboy, thanks!

RaShelle, you're next!!

Helena said...

I really like your book's blurb and the cover. Gotta look it up.

Maurice Mitchell said...

The first rule of the code is that you don't talk about the code...

Tyrean Martinson said...

Ali - You definitely have a black belt in awesomeness! Love this post, and I'm excited about reading your book . . .but I'm holding off on my reading until December because I want to have time to enjoy it. (or at least a good 5-7 hours to read it from cover to cover because I know it's going to be so awesome I won't want to put it down)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Yet another Utah writer. Hello Ali. I marked your book "to read" on Goodreads.

I like the idea that the protag wanted to stay in hell...that's a new twist now isn't it?

And I never knew there was so much to the ninja code. But if I had known...it wouldn't be a secret now would it? Hmmm.

Helen Ginger said...

I want a zen turtle!

Okay, that's not the code. I just want a zen turtle.

Since Desi is the daughter of Lucifer and is changing, I think the code is: Damnation be damned!

nutschell said...

Totally awesome, Ali! I love all things ninja and martial arts. I've always wanted to learn how to use the staff but unfortunately its off limits until I get to brown belt status. Le Sigh. Your book sounds totally cool. I am definitely picking up a copy.

nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

PK HREZO said...

Cool beans! Looking forward to Become!

LD Masterson said...

The code? Sure. I had it here a minute ago. Hang on, I'll find it. Just talk among yourselves while I hunt.

Johanna Garth said...

Awesome! Good to know I'm not the only one who doesn't know the code :)

Christopher Hudson said...

313 ... oh, wait, that's my area code.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Maurice, that is so true!!!

Michael, then everyone would be a Ninja.

LD, still waiting...

Christopher, that's funny!

ali cross said...

These are the best comments ever. I'm having such fun reading them! Alex, your readers ROCK! Or, rather, kick butt! :D

Red Tash said...

That's cute, Ali!

I actually *am* a ninja. This year I was so touched that my minions decided to dress like me for Halloween. We had a red, a blue, and black ninja. Then they explained they were actually being the Ninjago characters from their favorite Lego game. :(

Still, I represent the female contingent of the American House Ninja, and if you need a reference to get into ninja college, just drop me a line. I'll see what I can do. ;)

~Sia McKye~ said...

No code knowledge in this area, either, lol! I use ninjas, well there not really ninjas but something of a shakeup for stories.

I do like the premise of your book. Friends, they make or break you.

Sia McKye's Thoughts...OVER COFFEE

Luna said...

Hmmm...I'll dust off my gi, tie on my green belt and go find it!

Looking forward to Friday, Ali! Hi, Alex! :)

M Pax said...

I think my cat ate the code. :)

Great post, Ali.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I know the code... but I'm not telling :P

Unknown said...

Haha! That is hilarious. The code is... Ahhhhh!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I don't know the code, but I did a high kick last night. Does that count? I hope so cause I think I pulled something.

Good luck on your book!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Psst, I think - er, know - the code is C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E. Don't tell, though. I'm not good with sharing. I like your Ninja energy, Ali, and am going to visit right now.
Thanks Alex,
xoRobyn

Amy said...

Great post Ali! Become sounds like my kind of read - it is now being added to my TBR list! Thank you for sharing her Alex! :)

Leovi said...

I find it interesting that ninja girl, Ali.

DL Hammons said...

There's an app for that!

:)

ib said...

Ninja code? I have been led to believe that the holder of "The Code" is Po, the Kung Fu Panda. If this is untrue, it would put a severe air bender on my chi.

Golden Eagle said...

Code? I don't know, either . . . but I'll take that advice. ;) *attempts ninja move*

Donna Shields said...

I normally don't read a lot of teen books, but this sounds like a kicking read. I so have to buy myself a Kindle. Where can I buy Become?

Anonymous said...

A black belt in awesome? NICE!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ali, it was your awesome post!

Mary, that's great!

Lynda - shhhh....

Journaling, ow!

DL, you're probably right.

ib, you may be right.

Donna, I think it's on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

alexia said...

I think the code is.... Kate Beckinsale. Am I right???

Cute post! Sounds like a great book.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

All the best with your book and getting the code though it sounds like you're doing okay without it.

Dani said...

I can't even remember my Blogger password - give me a break! LOL. Hey, I'm in Alex. Did you miss me? ;)

Lydia Kang said...

Code, what code? Aw man. Does that mean I don't get to play with the big kids?

Anonymous said...

really like the sound of the Become book... a nice twist on the demon stories...

Elana Johnson said...

I love the "I look good in belts." That is HILARIOUS.

And dude... I know the code. *nods*

ali cross said...

Thanks everyone for making me feel so welcome here at Alex's place. I'm glad to be a member of Alex's army along with all of you!

Angela Brown said...

So let me bow a few dozen times here. I think I noticed Alex passing. Okay, he's gone.

So, about this book BECOME. I mean really, demons, relationships and the reason to change. Other than these kick butt reasons, why else should I read it?

Ohhhh, because it's also an all-around kick butt book. Yeah, that's a really good reason. Darn you Ali and your wonderful writing :-)

So bring on BECOME!!!

LynNerdKelley said...

I love this fun intro! *Bowing low* Sounds like a kick-ass book, and I love the "black belt in awesome."

Just Another Day in Paradise said...

What a fun post. After that,who would NOT want to read the book.


Alex,you are undoubtedly the nicest ninja I have ever met.

Unspoken said...

This captain thing has really gone to your head :)!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Great opening Ali! I'm off to see your blog. Be careful Alex, your latest ninja sounds ready to conquer!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Alexia, how did you know???

Hi Dani! Glad to see comments are cooperating with you again.

Lydia, you can still play!

Elana, you think so?

Thanks, Just!

Julie, as long as she's on my side, I'm all right with that.

Ella said...

Loved your post Ali, I think the code is Niceja not Ninja(don't tell Alex) ;D

Your book sounds intriguing, love the concept, the darkness and kicking~!

Hope your dreams BECOME reality~

LynnRush said...

LOVE this post. It just made me smile. THANKS! This book sounds awesome.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Become sounds like an great story. Thanks for the excellent post.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ella, I heard that!

Jennie Bailey said...

Ohmigosh - this book sounds A-MAZING! I must get my hands on it. My TBR pile is thick, thick, thick, but I would bump this one to the top!!

Unknown said...

Always I choose the bad, whats wrong with me?

Dafeenah said...

I choose to be good at being bad. Does that count? Whew I thought I was the only one who didn't know. Now I feel so much better. Great post!!

C D Meetens said...

I don't have a clue about the code either, but I really like the sound of your book. I'm going to add it to my TBR list right now.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I might know the code, but can't remember it! Sigh. :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I think I threw the code out with the trash. Bummer.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

ROFL! I thought you were saying that you're a chubby white girl! ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Siv, absolutely nothing!

Elizabeth, not the last time I looked...

Talli Roland said...

This made me laugh! I don't know the code. Ah well...

Unknown said...

Hey, I'm Brinna. I write a blog about writing, freelancing, books and reviews. I'd love to have you write a guest post for my blog. If you're interested, please let me know.

Brinna

http://brinnablaine.blogspot.com

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Talli, you don't need the code!

Thanks, Brinna.

Pat Tillett said...

Sometimes I think people talk to me in code...