Friday, September 7, 2012

IWSG Reflections – One Year, Comments, & Interesting Topics; Ninja News; Ninja Answers; and Music Trivia

Wednesday’s participation in the Insecure Writer’s Support Group one year anniversary post was incredible! Just when I think it can’t get any better, you guys blow me away with your posts and comments. I managed to visit almost two hundred blogs on Wednesday (thanks to my weekly work meetings being moved to Tuesday) and hit many more on Thursday.

I never imagined the IWSG growing into something so awesome. Your comments of appreciation mean a lot to me.

There were some great topics, a couple of which I’ll share here and you can add your thoughts.

Author branding for marketing purposes
Crap, do I have a brand? Is it like a platform? Consistency in my blog or my writing? I’m the Ninja Captain and I write science fiction–space opera. I am here to entertain you. Beyond that, no clue what it means.
Do you have a brand? Any idea what mine is?

Writing for posterity, prosperity, or something else
I doubt many of us really write for the second item, although it’s a nice bonus sometimes. Writing for posterity? Sure it would be cool if my books became epic movies and were around for years. But I won’t kid myself. I write to entertain. If you enjoy the ride, then that’s all that matters.
Why do you write?

When your work is compared to others
I’m all right with that. My books remind you of Star Wars, one of the biggest science fiction movies of all time? Yes, I was influenced by that film – I’ll take it! (I still remember Clarissa’s review of my first book – “I was expecting Dune and I got Star Wars – and I love Star Wars!” Yeah, that put a big smile on my face.) Some people have said my first book has the same essence as Ender’s Game. Considering the popularity of that book and the upcoming movie, that is really awesome. And no, I’ve never read it. (Although CassaStar was right below it for a while on the Amazon best seller chart, which was really cool.) To me that just means more people will relate to and enjoy my books, so I’m good with it.
Is your work compared to other things?

You know, I just realized my answer to all three is that I’m here to entertain and amuse…

Ninja News!

Big thank you to everyone who left words of encouragement for Roland Yeomans and/or purchased his books. You guys rock!!!

Jeremy Bates’ new book, The Taste of Fear, is due out October 23 – but you can download it from Amazon for the Kindle now. Congratulations, Jeremy!

Nick Wilford is trying to raise awareness of the lack of adequate provision of specialist further education in Scotland. He’s working on a campaign to get his stepson, Andrew, who has cerebral palsy, in a specialist college. He’s offering critiques in exchange for items donated for the auction. Check out the auction HERE, like the Facebook page HERE, or visit his stepson’s BLOG for more information. Good luck, Nick and Andrew!

Since Wednesday’s post was already overflowing, I didn’t get a chance to thank Jeff at Strands of Pattern for featuring my guest post on blogging last Friday and for all of you who left a comment. You guys are awesome.

And finally, we have another billion dollar movie! The Dark Knight Rises now resides at 1.01 billion dollars and just ahead of The Dark Knight. Anyone care to guess what the grand total will be?

Ninja Questions

A couple more for you…

Tracy Jo asked: .Alex, how about how old are you?
I was born in 1964. You guys do the math.

Nancy asked: Do you have children?
No and not a chance it’s happening now!

Tyrean asked: Do you spend more time writing or playing guitar?
When I’m not working on a book, I definitely play my guitar more often.

Music Trivia!

Lead singer edition!

1 – Three singers have fronted Van Halen – name them.

2 – Joe Satriani, one of the best guitarists in the world, is known for his guitar instrumental albums, but he actually sang lead vocals for several songs on which of his albums?

3 – Care to take a stab at naming all the lead singers for the band Rainbow?

4 – In 1999 the band Fear Factory did a cover of the 1980 song, Cars, and it featured a guest appearance by the original singer/songwriter – name him.

5 – And now here’s an easy one! Name the lead singer of Rush.

Did you enjoy Wednesday’s posting for the IWSG? Do you understand branding? Know why you write? Mind comparisons? Believe my answers? And do you know any of the movie trivia?


123 comments:

Kyra Lennon said...

Your brand? Your brand is awesomeness! No matter what genre your books fall into - you will always be our Ninja Captain! :D

Unknown said...

Alex, you already have a brand - You are the Ninja Captain! You also have the Ninja Star as your Logo. You don't need to worry!

Wow, you are a better person than me knowing the names of those lead singers, I even requested the help of my husband, but he gave up as well.

Unknown said...

It amazes me how every month the IWSG teaches me something new. It is great that even after a year it is going stronger then ever!

I agree with Kyra, your brand is awesomeness! Have a great week-end!

Old Kitty said...

Did Dio ever sing for Rainbow!?!?!?!

Oh now my head hurts!!!

Confession: am blasting Coldplay with Rihanna - Princess of China - in my ears at the moment! I really like this song!!! LOL!

Take care
x

ediFanoB said...

I don't know how to manage to visit 200 blogs within a day. You are awesome.

So in 2014 you will cross the magic line which I crossed in 2009.

The good thing is that in the online world most of the time nobody ask you for your real age.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I think your brand is support/inform/entertain. :) You do them all really well!

Unknown said...

IWSG is awesome, and it's great to see it flourish so well!

The only question I know the answer to is the Fear Factory one - Gary Numan

Ciara said...

You're a Ninja, you're above branding. There were a lot of great posts on ISWG this week. I believe I saw all that you mentioned. Okay, I new the answers to those questions. I would have actually gotten some Ninja trivia right. Have a great weekend!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thank you, Kyra!

CM, thanks, and sorry I stumped both of you.

Siv, I learn something as well.

Kitty - yes!!!

Edi, I don't think they believe me, but that's my age.

Thank you, Elizabeth.

Jamie, you got it.

Ciara, that's great.

Elise Fallson said...

Your IWSG is awesome and congratulations on making this milestone so huge.

Not sure about the branding thing but I write because I have ideas in my little brain that need out. (:

Have a great weekend Ninja Captain!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Awesome that you were able to get to so many blogs. I wish I could at work too.

You definitely have a brand as a great blogger friend. You're one of the best people at connecting with other bloggers and being a good friend.

Marta Szemik said...

I enjoy IWSG very much and I thing I receive more from it than give which always surprises me (at least internally). I write to entertain and love it! Making a steady income would be a nice bonus :) That's what I'm striving for.
Have a great weekend!

Li said...

I have no idea what having a "brand" really means. I write because it's fun. I share it because other people seem to enjoy it as well. When it ceases to be fun, I suppose I'll stop and move on to other things, but I don't think that will happen. (At least I hope not!)
Glad the Insecure Writer's Support Group had taken off and done so well. :-)

Nick Wilford said...

I think your brand is about spreading good vibes and encouragement, which isn't a bad one to have. And you can tell you write SF from your blog design, so that's covered. Thanks for the shout today!

Lisa said...

I learned a lot from the Ninja questions!

Unknown said...

The last few months I have not been able to post, but I want to. I will plan for next month for sure. Have a great weekend, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Elise.

Natalie, thank you - I try!

Marta, I get so much from it as well.

Lisa, writing for fun is best.

Nick, you're welcome. Hope it helps.

Karen, I don't want to be branded like cattle!

Clarissa, you have been missed.

JE said...

TWO HUNDRED BLOGS??? Are you insane man? No, there's a cape hiding under that Ninja suit isn't there? Come on...tell us the truth.

And yes, you totally have a brand. I do, too! I just have no idea what to *call* them. ;-)

Have a great weekend Alex!

~JD

Luanne G. Smith said...

Wait, you haven't read Ender's Game? Dude...

And the IWSG has grown into a really well-oiled machine with very thoughtful posts. I look forward to it every month.

Isis Rushdan said...

Thanks for sharing the answers to those burning Ninja questions. I have wondered myself.

The IWSG is the only thing that motivates me to post some months when I'm swamped.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I have got to start brushing up on my trivia - I hardly ever know any of the answers! :)

I write because I want to make people feel the way I do when I read a really good story, make them laugh, cry, shiver, think. Any or all of the above. :)

Matthew MacNish said...

Your brand is you. The nicest and most helpful guy on the internet!

Empty Nest Insider said...

I second Matthew! The best part is that though your brand continues to grow by leaps and bounds, you still remain centered and loyal! Julie

Miranda Hardy said...

Can't believe you commented on over 200 blogs on Wed. Okay, I do believe it.

You can borrow my kids anytime you'd like. Lol

Tonja said...

I think I know 2 of the trivia answers. Maybe not.

One of my daughter's vocab words for the week is altruism - that's your thing: generosity/caring for others.

Brinda said...

I love the day I get to read all the IWSG posts (not 200 of them...you are Superman).

Charles Gramlich said...

I guess if I had a brand I'd like it to be as "action writer." And not confined to one particular genre.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Justine, no cape and no clones either.

LG, glad you enjoy it. I have read a couple of Card's books and they just didn't resonate with me.

Isis, we want you motivated!

Madeline, that sounds like a great reason to me.

Thanks, Matthew!

Julie, I aim to keep that!

Miranda, no thank you.

Tonja, thank you - altruism.

Charles, would you want to be an action figure?

Sarah Ahiers said...

Man, you should read Ender's Game. I think you'd like it. And i really don't see much of a comp between your book and EG.
I also write to entertain. It's more fun that way!

Arlee Bird said...

A lot of the IWSG posts had some real depth this time--there were some good ones. I can't even tell you who the lead singer of Rush is and I don't know many of the other answers.


Lee
A Faraway View

Laura Eno said...

You still seem like you're in your early thirties to me from your "voice."
I've never figured out branding.
The IWSG posts are great for bringing people together!

Mina Burrows said...

I suck at trivia. My husband would be so disappointed in me.

I love IWSG so thank you for creating it. :)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Ciara is right: Ninjas don't have brands!

Brands are for others to decide really. Think Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Dean Koontz -- before you read the details of their new books, you have a sense of what it will be like.

I want to thank everyone who bought a book of mine yesterday. It made Sandra's hard evening after Chemo much better. You guys are heroes. I feel like a hero sandwich: nibbled on and unappreciated by life! :-)

Thanks, Alex, for your constant kindness to all of us, Roland

Juliana Haygert said...

You and your Insecure Writer’s Support Group are amazing, Alex. Congrats on the one year mark success!

Cassie Mae said...

Oh so you're 35! ;)

I always compare your book to Star Wars when I tell people about it. Glad you don't mind that :)

Heather Murphy said...

Your brand is encouragement on your blog and entertainment in your books, which I think is your goal, right?

I am so happy for Roland! Hopefully that will give the boost he needs.

As for Trivia...
Van Halen - David Lee Roth, Gary Charone (not sure I spelled that right), and Sammy Haggar
The lead singer of Rush is the great Geddy Lee :)
This is the first of your trivia I actually knew some answers :)
I don't know much about Satriani. I'm more of a Steve Vai kinda girl

Patricia Stoltey said...

I write because I can't get rid of the characters and plots in my head until I put then on paper.

And I'm not even going to try your quiz, Alex. I always flunk.

Leovi said...

Yes, I agree in writing (or create) for posterity.

Cherie Reich said...

IWSG was great as always! And I don't mind if my work or writing style is compared to others. I consider that a compliment. :)

Patricia JL said...

If I wrote a book and people compared it to Star Wars I would be over the moon too. =D

LynnRush said...

1. One guy from Extreme, Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth
2.
3. Ronny James Dio
4. Gary Numan
5. Geddy Lee

Wow, those were tough. Had to get my sweet hubby involved to help!

Tina said...

I think a brand is when your name alone sells the book. Like how Danielle Steele can continue to put out drivel and people will buy it. She used to be good, or at least OK. I gave up on her about 25 books ago. Nora Roberts on the other hand, doesn't dial it in, she continues to get better, tighter, more suspenseful, more creative. John Grisham. But that's just my opinion. Which you asked for ;-)

I write because I can't NOT write. It's a compulsion. My genre is currently space opera with spies and double crosses and a love story and revenge. What's that called??

As to the trivia:
1) I know two: Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth
as to the rest, I could google, but I refuse to google in a trivia contest.
Tina @ Life is Good

Cate Masters said...

I'm way behind on schedule and need to catch up to the IWSG! Will do that this weekend. How cool that it's grown into such a wonderfully positive thing!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Oh, my heck! They're making a movie of CassaStar? Awesome!

And I know what you mean about the branding thing. I worry about being branded in a particular genre because I have no intention of only writing in the one.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Alex, pleased your Wednesday IWSG was a huge success. I had a post ready to post off for this months blog but was unable to do so.

I am not up with movies especially the modern day ones but older ones I know quite a bit about.

Have a great week-end.
Yvonne.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, need to take away your music card.

Laura, that's good to know!

Roland, I'm glad so many took up the call and downloaded one of your books.

Cassie, why yes, that's my age! And I don't mind at all.

Heather, that is the goal! You nailed the answers. And Vai learned under Satriani.

Cherie, as do I.

Patricia, exactly!

Lynn, very good!

Tina, my name will never hit such heights, but that's all right. And you got it on the trivia.

Donna, I wish!

Yvonne, I hope you can return to us soon.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

1964? You're a kid! Which is good. I suspect you'll be around for many many eons. Happy Wednesday was super.

The lead singer of Rush, I know that. He's Canadian! Geddy Lee.

I remember when Joe had hair! But I don't know the answer. I don't win a prize for worse answers, eh?

Emily R. King said...

I agree that being compared to Star Wars is huge compliment. My four-year-old is OBSESSED with it. The love lives on!

Angela Brown said...

Wow. You're the Ninja Captain. Not sure if that should be your brand but that's just how I know you. The supporter, the sci-fi rocker. Maybe that's it, a Sci-fi rock star online.

Um, as for the guitarists...uh, no. Slash is all I seem to recall as far as guitarists go *hangs head in shame*

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. interesting to read bout Nick - I'll be over to support him - so much is being said about CP now during the Paralympics - so I hope something comes out of it ... for Andrew's sake - certainly should do.

Thanks for the link up - cheers Hilary

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, I am enjoying the Ninja questions a lot. Its great getting to know you better.

I am looking forward to reading your books. Hope I can get them soon.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Entertaining and amusing. That's a great way to describe you Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joylene, I try to act like a kid. Got the question right. And the album in question did feature Satriani with hair, if that helps.

Emily, good to know!

Angela, I like that title!

Hilary, he will appreciate that.

Rachna, thank you - hope you enjoy them!

Maurice, I'll take it!

Johanna Garth said...

But Alex, without kids how are you going to be a stay at home parent? ;)

As for branding and marketing, you do an amazing job with your blog.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

wow 200 blogs! That's amazing Alex. As for comparisons (because I wrote on that), I wasn't talking about great comparisons. Who wouldn't want to be compared to Star Wars or Enders Game? I'm talking about the unwanted comparisons, like if someone said "Oh Alex, your book is just like Plan 9 from Outer Space," and then you stare puzzled at the person thinking 1) that's one of the worst movies ever made and 2) my book is nothing like that.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Aw, sorry I missed the big day! It's my favorite day of the month to read posts. I can't believe it's been an entire year. Congrats on a wonderful accomplishment, Alex. I didn't post this month since I had a guest poster scheduled.

Suzanne Furness said...

200 blogs in one day - you're awesome! Your brand is you, Alex, a throughly nice guy who supports others, a fountain of trivia and of course number one Ninja.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

When it comes to branding I want to do a bunch of things. But I'm just sticking to my writing for now. Your blog and fun personality is your brand Alex. Love you. Friendly of course. Never forget the wife.

Yeah I have no kids either. I'm 27 so there's the future. But I have promised myself that I will have to be able to afford a nanny. Sorry but when I need a break. An expert will be available. Or my husband of the future. Whoever that is.

I write because it's fun to me. You do guitar when not working on a book. I write even more. I just back on the wagon recently on my fan fiction after taking a hiatus for a few months. I have several accounts on fanfiction.net and the latest I've taken off hiatus is Queen Datsuh. Yes, I'm nuts. Like a fox. *Wiggles eyebrows*

Best of luck to Roland. Nick Wilford's issue is also a huge problem in Jamaica. I wish him the best and glad he's taking initiative to help his stepson. I read the post at Jeff's blog and joined because it was so well done. Have continued reading his blog and have no regrets.

Comparison's rock. What doesn't rock are accusations of plagiarism. I long decided if I get famous and some hack tries to sue me for that just to get attention...oh, I'm grounding down that sucker. Sue me? You better have a good reason because I'll fight back.

Anyway have a great weekend Alex.

Morgan said...

*bows to the Ninja captain* It really is so amazing how genuine you are, Alex! Feels like such a rare thing :)

And as far as why I write, it fulfills that creative release I desperately need to be balanced. Ballet was it for years & years, but my bones got old & writing has taken its place ;)

And you absolutely entertain! I'm always excited to see what you have to say three times a week :-)

Unknown said...

Yeah, your brand is awesomeness for sure. Thanks for weighing in on the subject. I appreciated all of the comments you and everyone left. And I was inspired by many of the posts I read. What an amazing group of writers to learn from and explore with.

I write because that's what those people in my head are telling me to do. ;)

Lead singers for Van Halen David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, Gary Cherone.

Didn't know Joe sang, but I think he did spoken verse on Dream Theater's Repentance. I remembered that from my nephew's guitar teacher.

Rush lead singer Geddy Lee. Rainbow lead singers? Weren't there like 10? LOL Ronnie James Dio is all I remember.

SC Author said...

Your brand? It's for creating such an amazing community :) and that means you are 48! Or 47. If my math is right. Which it might not be.

Donna Shields said...

Wow! A year-that's great!

I kind of get the branding thing.

I write because I love storytelling.

I'm a bad ninja and missed this month's IWSG. So, I'm visiting everyone's blog in exchange for being a flighty character, lol.

Carrie-Anne said...

I understand the basic reason for comparisons, but ultimately every writer and book is different. Even if you write in the same genre or with a similar topic, every writer's voice and style is unique. Branding could be a bad thing, since a lot of people will then expect the writer, actor, or singer to do the same thing over and over again, and sometimes get upset if s/he tries something new.

I write because it's just what I've always done, since four years old. Ultimately, I want to write for posterity and be remembered as a writer for all time, like Shakespeare. Not just a writer for my own time and place. It says in the Talmud that one of the things you can do to carry on your name is to write a book.

Lydia Kang said...

I haven't read Ender's Game either, but I will soon. We'll see how much alike they are!

Summer Ross said...

So many questions- so little time. I'm so glad IWSG is going so well. I wanted to keep up, but life happens.

I write because I must. It's more than pleasure for me, more than pain even. It's an experience that leaves me speechless. A joyful moment in time where I am no longer myself but am involved in earth shattering actions and events. Who wouldn't want to write? LOL

Have a great weekend.

Andrew Leon said...

Other than the blogs I normally read, I've only made it to about 20 others so far. Bah! -And- I completely forgot my kids had ice skating lessons yesterday and didn't take them, so that was 2 1/2 hours more than I was supposed to have, and I still have only made it to 20 extra blogs :(

Kimberly Gabriel said...

I love IWSG - I think it's fabulous and so helpful for all writers no matter where you are in the process. Thank you Alex for starting it!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Johanna, we'll get pets!

Michael, now that would really suck. Unless they were referring to the MST3K version. Naw, I just took the idea of good comparisons and ran with it.

Karen, that's all right.

Suzanne, thank you!

Thanks, Sheena-kay. And if anyone goes after you, they are in big trouble.

Thank you Morgan - that made me smile!

Melissa, you got all the questions you guessed correct. Not quite ten, but Rainbow had a lot. And yes, Satriani did appear on Dream Theater's album - good of you to catch that.

SC, unfortunately it's right.

Donna, that's all right.

Carrie-Anne, that's why I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.

Lydia, let me know!

Summer, that is wonderful.

Andrew, appreciate the effort though.

Kimberly, glad you enjoy it!

Gwen Gardner said...

I just read a post over at Stina's about author branding: http://www.stinalindenblatt.com. Basically you build it by consistency, i.e., I write YA paranormal and that's what people expect from me. I know there's more to it than that, but that's the basic.

I write to entertain - me and others.

You're almost as old as me:)

Anonymous said...

Oh good lord Alex, you're quick. You came to visit before I could unpack my flight bag or walk the dog. So, how early do you post the topic and how late can we respond?

Ok, clueless on trivia so off to check out The Taste of Fear and visit Nick and Andrew. Cheers -Kelly

LD Masterson said...

Oh dear - showing my age again. The only name I have for the tricia questions (any of them) is David Lee Roth.

The whole brand/platform thing is a bit fuzzy to me but I know why I write - because I love writing and I love having people enjoy reading what I wrote. I guess that puts me in the entertainment category.

Anonymous said...

I write to entertain myself. That's probably a bad view.

As far as the trivia goes...
1. Eddie Van Halen, then two other guys.
2. No idea.
3. I've never heard of a band called Rainbow.
4. Cars...Lightning McQueen?
5. I think I actually know this one, as long as it's Geddy Lee.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gwen, you're not old!

Kelly, Ninjas must be quick.

LD, you got that one right though.

Joshua, you got the last one right. And never heard of Richie Blackmore's Rainbow?

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

That nifty outer space star wars look is your brand. I love it!

Congratulations of the success of Insecure Writers Support Group!!!

Monti
Mary Montague Sikes

Jemi Fraser said...

I do believe ninja captain is an excellent brand! I hope roland got lots of support!

M Pax said...

Melissa seemed to bring up a topic that confused a lot of us. I don't know if platform and branding are the same thing or not either. Shrug.

Comparisons are always nice. I know two singers from Van Halen -- David Lee Roth [who I saw in concert with his buttless chaps-quite a sight for a 17 year old], and Sammy Hagar. Was unaware of #3. Rush was constantly played where I grew up [on the Canadian border]. I don't know if he's the singer, but Getty Lee comes to mind.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Your brand is to entertain, the sci-fi Ninja guy, and your blog is to encourge. That's why the IWSG is so popular.

Jai Joshi said...

Alex, congrats on the IWSG's one year anniversary! I read quite a few of the posts around the blogosphere but I didn't realise it was a full year since you started the group! Brilliant.

And that's also so cool that your book was compared to Star Wars. Sweet!

Jai

Huntress said...

Congrats on IWSG's anniversary! I've got to say, your dedication to blogging puts everyone else to shame.

When I grow up, I want to be just like you.

*oh, heck, wait. I'm older. ARGGH, never mind*

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, Alex,

Wednesday was AWESOME... YOUR one year anniversary was a big HIT ... right out of the ballpark!

Imagine how many blogger buddies feel better and have received tons of awesome advice over this past year.

What would we do without our Captain... lol.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, you are correct! The buttless chaps sound scary though.

Jai, I thought it was cool.

Huntress, you can't be much older...

Thanks, Michael. I'm just so pleased it's been such a success.

Carrie Butler said...

Aww, man. You mentioned Joe Satriani, and now I'm going to have Crowd Chant in my head all night... *Grins*

Have a great weekend, Alex!

P.S. Your brand is what identifies and differentiates you in the market. You have a consistent feel to your book and blogs--fonts, colors, sci-fi/ninja elements. As long as people can easily distinguish something as yours, you have a brand. :)

Golden Eagle said...

One year . . . wow. It doesn't feel like it's been a year, to me! Seems as though it was just a few months ago that it started. :)

Maybe your brand is the Ninja Army?

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I think I only half understand branding. I don't think I have it. I don't know any of the trivia.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Branding is a puzzle. When it comes to my own brand, I still don't fully 'get' it and doubt I ever will. Your brand, however, is that you are a scifi fan who is also an author of 2 fantastic scifi books, loves music, and is extremely kind and generous with your time.

Congrats on the success of IWSG!!

Shannon Lawrence said...

Music trivia is just above sports trivia for me, which is to say I can't even take a stab at the questions. I love to listen to it, but I've never known much about it.

I don't completely understand branding, no.

If I can have positive comparisons once I'm published, I will be a happy camper!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carrie, happy to flood your head with Satriani! And that's good to know on branding.

Golden, I like that idea.

Thank you, Lynda!

Tasha Seegmiller said...

All I know is that I appreciate every single comment you leave on my blog and I think the world of the generosity and inspiration you offer to others through yours.

As for the trivia, I didn't know the answers, but this time I at least knew all the people mentioned in the questions!

mshatch said...

oh, dear, I must be very ignorant in the music department. I only know two of the singers to question #1: Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth. No idea who #3 was nor the answers to any of the other questions. I know the name Joe Satriani but sadly, that's it. Wait, I'll cheat... ah, that's why I know his name, because I used to listen to DP on eight track back in the day - which you may remember :)

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of using different pen names for different genres that way you get to rebrand yourself!

Lisa said...

Hi Alex, I had been on off, hot cold, this that with my blogging. I am taking in my blog private to make it a real break. A break, not a break up. Hope to see you again soon. My best.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Your brand is Encouragement, Awesomeness, and Captain Ninja Alex!

I meant to comment yesterday but my internet connection died suddenly at about 6:45 a.m.

Why I write? Because I love it, it energizes me, and gives me a place to vent (that's the stuff I don't usually share). Plus, I write stuff I want to share because I like sharing stories, and I hope . . .someone out there likes them too. Sure, I would love to "change the world, and make it a better place" but for purpose . . .I think I would be happy making one person's day a little brighter.

Catherine Noble said...

Happy 1st Birthday to #ISWG. Thank you so much for creating it! You should be very proud of your achievements. I second Kyra on the awesomeness :)

Unspoken said...

Um, I do no write for posterity. they'd not appreciate some of my posts :). I know it sounds cliche, but I write because I have to. My mind is always observing and everything turns into a story as it happens. I think in stories, I suppose. I tell my friends stories of what I remember about their lives and it shocks them because they hear their own life as a story--which they always love. being an optimist and a romantic and a story teller works :). As for prosperity--isn't it every writer's dream?!

Livia Peterson said...

Love your IWSG post -- very true!

I've been debating over the past month or so - should I join IWSG group? I'm not really a book writer but rather an aspiring film critic. I don't know if I could fit in to your group. And the responsibility of posting on the first Wednesday kinda throws me off - I'm sorta busy with my life. I really would like to join the group of all these AWESOME writers and if I join IWSG, it could be the best thing I did! :)

Leovi said...

Well, you're the same age as my wife.

Rek Sesh said...

Sorry Alex I totally totally forgot to post my IWSG...and it was the Ist anniv, deserve a public flogging. :(
I make it up next month...some nice nice stuff..
About the music, I love the songs and the bands...but I don't really keep a track of their names.
I guess we grew up at a time when every little info was available out here(except about the super legends). Nice excuse don't u think...Well, I crawl back into my rock cave and turn up next month bang on time.
It's nice of Nick to raise awareness, I'll hop over to see if I can do something.
Maybe you can post a music clip on youtube - the 'guitarist author'. I am sure it will change perceptions of writers as dull and boring bookworms.

Patsy said...

Branding? I know about that. It's something to help identify cattle - can't see how it helps with writing though.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Aw Tasha, thank you!

MsHatch, yes, I do remember eight tracks...

Tyrean, sometimes that is all we are meant to do.

Thanks, Catherine!

She Writes, and you are a master storyteller.

Livia, if you have a blog, it means you write, so please join us! And only one day out of the month. It is worth it.

Leovi, is that good or bad...?

Rek, that's all right. And not sure i could do a video. An audio recording maybe.

Patsy, that's funny!

Livia Peterson said...

I signed up for IWSG! Thanks for welcoming me in. I will post for IWSG on Wed., Oct. 3 -- that's when I'll start it! I will try my best not to miss any of them! :)

Anonymous said...

I come across many great topics for IWSG.

I have Jeremy's first book and will look into the second.

It was great learning more about you with the ninja questions.

DWei said...

I guess that's the same reason why I blog too. I'm certain my life story isn't exactly amazing but if I can make it entertaining for a few people then mission complete.

Melissa said...

I'm way behind on visits this time around, but I'll get there. I love IWSG. It's growing by leaps and bounds because it's an awesome idea.

You rock, Alex. :)
(and you're older. hahaha)

klahanie said...

Hey Alex,
Delighted that your one year anniversary of IWSG was a resounding success. Indeed, further testimony to your embracing and being an integral part of a sharing, caring blogging community. My hat's off to you! Or in my case, my toque's off to you...
Let me mention that I saw the Cars in concert in Vancouver, way back in 1979. And this old dude likes Fear Factory. One of my favourite albums by Fear Factory, is "Digimortal"
And young fella', I have always written for therapy and hopefully, my words have a meaning, even some help to others.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Gary

dolorah said...

I thought your books more like Star Trek than Star Wars; but Enders Game fits perfectly. Your brand? What's wrong with space opera? Oh, maybe that's why its compared to Star Wars. I get dense on comparisons and brands. Haven't figured my own out yet.

I write cuz I enjoy it. But I do hope someday it will be my full time job :)

Your questions are too hard for me. I've obviously been stuck in the blogs so long I know nothing of the real world. Shame . .

.......dhole

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Livia, glad you are on board with us!!

DWei, exactly.

Oh Melissa - so cruel!!!

Thank you Gary. And Digimortal is one of their best albums.

Donna, I've heard Star Trek as well. I'm good with all of it.

Anonymous said...

"I am here to entertain you" -- sounds like we might share the same brand!

Leovi said...

My work has never been bought by others.

randi lee said...

I absolutely play my guitar more while I'm writing! Chords are great inspiration (at least for me.) Can't wait for the digits to get back up to %100 so I can get back on it!

Sherry Ellis said...

I read about some of these topics when I was visiting blogs (by the way, visiting 200 bloggers is totally impressive!). Branding does help with establishing yourself as a writer/expert in a certain field. Mine is parenting (hence Mama Diaries)and children's books.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Milo, it's simple but it works for us.

Randi, you play guitar? Very cool!

Sherry, thanks - I was really trying to visit all of them. Almost made it.

Jeremy Bates said...

aiiii i heard the dark knight rises got off to a slow start and stopped hearing about the box office tallies.... over a billion and to beat the dark night to boot! nutz

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I don't even know the answer to the easy one.

Hope you had a great weekend, Alex.
xoRobyn

Lisa Regan said...

Actually I look forward to the IWSG posts every single month. Many bloggers I follow do it. I think the posts are awesome and I always relate to the ones I read. I don't participate because there is no way I could visit all the IWSG blogs each month in return. I am struggling with time management and I wouldn't want to half-ass my participation but I really do love IWSG.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeremy, wild huh?

Robyn, that's all right.

Lisa, join us! You don't have to visit all of them, just a dozen or so.

Nicole said...

Awesome song questions, Alex! I only remembered about half, and now I want to go listen to a bunch of classic rock. :)

Your brand is in every interaction you have...right now, I'd say you're hitting it out of the park!

Ella said...

You rock! Love this post...still playing catch up on my posts~
Life became even more sauna like, for me...
Hope all is going well for you n' yours~

Rusty Carl said...

I know I read your blog on Friday... but I was just sitting here thinking, did I comment? I have no idea. So, good stuff this week.

Anonymous said...

Oops, I missed the IWSG as I've been on Blogcation.

I had Rainbow Double Lve with Ronnies James Dio as lead singer. I remember the recently deceased Cozzie Powell on Bass. That's about all I remember from the band except for the song Man From the Silver Mountain.

Catherine Stine said...

#1--Sammy Hagar, David Lee Roth and... and... Gary someone....

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. I see you're joining the peanut chocolate bandwagon .. do they have them in CassaStar land? and do Ninjas really eat them?!

Cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicole, thanks!

Ella, hope you get air soon.

Stephen, you got Dio right.

Catherine, yes!

Hilary, Ninjas eat chocolate but not Cassans...

Pat Tillett said...

You really do entertain and amuse Alex. I've read some of everything out there and your books, in my opinion, have some original things in them. GOOD original things...