Monday, March 3, 2014

Third Time’s a Charm, Mini-Alex, Gratitude, Wormfest, Movie Trivia Answers, and Ninja News

All of the Challenge Co-Hosts are to do an ‘About Me’ post at the A to Z Blog.
I decided to pass the job to Mini-Alex and let him post instead.
I really hope he did a good job.

Mini-Alex wouldn’t turn on me, would he…?



Third Time's A Charm

By the awesome Hart Johnson (aka: Alyse Carlson)

So you know how the first time you are nervous and excited and you worry that you don't know what you're doing, but you're also in a rush and want to just do it already, so you go for it. You fumble a bit because you don't quite have this skill set, but people are helpful if you ask... Though some of THEM don't know what they're doing, either...

And it goes okay, but mostly you are just stunned to have gotten through it. You are a little wiser now, if a little bruised around the ego.

So you get another chance to give it a go and you think... yeah, I've done this before... I can do it again! I know what I'm doing! I've got nimble fingers and moxy... Dare I say it? I'm sexy! And you give it a try... and somehow you realize you have forgotten some things... and there were things you maybe we excused on the first time as a newbie that this time you should have gotten right... and it's just... AWKWARD. In fact you have to give it a couple attempts before everyone is even satisfied, which is not very satisfying...

But see the THIRD TIME... you know how to do it and you even feel the confidence to try a few new things... break a couple rules... get a little kinky!

So I am releasing my third book tomorrow... What? You thought this was TMI Hour? *cough* Seriously, folks... and it was a BLAST to write, because I neither had the 'I don't know what the heck I'm doings' OR the 'Yeah, I got this... wait, WHAT?'s when I was writing it. I knew my characters well and knew my genre well enough to follow all the necessary rules, while adding some twists to shake things up from typical Cozy fare. My two most reliable beta readers BOTH said it is their favorite of the set, so I think it comes across how much fun I was having.

Keeping Mum is the third Cozy Mystery in the Garden Society Mysteries by Alyse Carlson (pen name for Hart Johnson).

Cam and her best friend, Annie, are planning a gala for a local Senate candidate—a murder mystery themed silent auction where the guests bid on who will be the night’s “victim.”
Murder mystery dinner. What could go wrong?

Hart/Alyse writes books from her bathtub and can be found at Confessions of a Watery Tart and multiple places on Facebook (Hart Johnson personal, Hart Johnson Author, Alyse Carlson Author). On rare occasions she Tweets, but she's sort of a Twit about it.


Ninja News

Jeremy Hawkins is back today! He broke his ankle several weeks ago and has not been online, but he rejoins us today.

Jamie Ayers posted about a boy in her class (she’s a teacher) who died last week. She came to know him better because he read and enjoyed her books, and her touching post is about how we as authors can make a difference. God really can use us to change lives!

Tara Watson is hosting the Self-Lovin’ Bloghop. Between March 17-21, writers are to share what they are good at. (I signed up – anyone care to tell me what I’m good at?)

Steven Symes is looking for critique partners!
“…my paranormal writing crosses genre lines many times. It's not really horror, my current book touches on some low fantasy and science fiction as well as thriller, and I have interests in writing for pretty much all age groups as well as fiction and nonfiction. The big common thread is the paranormal slant on my stories.”

Nigel Mitchell posted a list of links to some really good writing articles, especially if you write in our genre, science fiction.

Cover reveal –
Sidelined (Game On Book 3) by Kyra Lennon
Release Date: March 31st 2014
At the age of twenty-one, Bree Collinson has more than she ever dreamed of. A handsome husband, a fancy house, and more shoes than Carrie Bradshaw and Imelda Marcos combined. But having everything handed to her isn’t the way Bree wants to live the rest of her life. When an idea to better herself pops into her head, she doesn’t expect her husband to question her, and keep her tied by her apron strings to the kitchen.

Don’t forget, Wednesday is Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day!!!


Movie Trivia Answers


1 – Title character from The Iron Giant, 1999 – Vin Diesel
2 – Z from Antz, 1998 – Woody Allen
3 – Title character from Puss in Boots, 2011 – Antonio Banderas
4 – Moses from Prince of Egypt, 1998 – Val Kilmer
5 – Sulley from Monsters, Inc., 2001 – John Goodman
6 – Rocky from Chicken Run, 2000 – Mel Gibson
7 – Fozzie Bear from Muppets From Space, 1999 – Frank Oz
8 – Emperor Kuzco from The Emperor’s New Groove, 2000 – David Spade

Wormfest Potluck Party!

On Monday March14th, Stephen Tremp will be kicking off his Escalation Blog Tour right here! He thought the best way to launch his tour is have one big party for the inhabitants of Blogdom. And you’re all invited. Just bring a dish cleverly named as a pun. Example. Stephen Tremp is bringing Square pies (pi) and Interstellar Cookies. They’re out of this world.


You can choose a food inspired by science, sci-fi, a book, movie, or music. But it’s open to any and all food puns. You can leave the food you’re bringing in my comments. Examples of dishes you could bring: Harry Potter jelly beans, Motley Crutons, Souper Salad, You should get married if you cantaloupe, A salt and battery Fish and Chips, Tequila Mockingbird, Locks Stocks and Bagels, Lettuce enjoy this salad, Iggy Popsicles, etc.

Use your imagination or Google food puns, then stop by Stephen’s blog Monday March 10th and leave what you bring in the comments. (This is separate from the actual 2014 Wormfest Bloghop, although both events kick off the same day.)

It’s All About Gratitude Bloghop

Hosted by SA Larsen

There are so many things I am grateful for – my beautiful wife, my church family, my Lord and Savior, my job and home, the talents God has given me… I’m really grateful for this amazing community. You guys have always been there for me.

Gratitude keeps me humble. None of this is a given. I didn’t earn it. It’s a gift from God.

All I can do is to attempt to pass on the blessings.

What has gratitude done for you?

Is the third time a charm? (I know my best writing is in my third book, even if it’s not sold as many as the other two.) Did you read Jamie’s post? Can you critique for Steven? Ready for IWSG day? Get any of the trivia correct? What can you bring to the Wormfest potluck party? And what has gratitude done for you…?

Be sure to visit Mini-Alex at the A to Z Blog!

137 comments:

Kyra Lennon said...

Thanks for sharing my cover, Alex!

Elise Fallson said...

I can relate to thrid time is a charm, except for me it'd be more like 7th or 8th time..... :P Congrats to Hart and good to hear Jeremy is back on his feet. And Stephen's Wormfest potluck party sounds like it's going to have some interesting side dishes. I may have to go get vaccinated before I go... ;)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melissa said...

Dang. I thought I'd be first. LOL

Lots of news! Congrats all around.

Good to have Jeremy back among the cyber-living.

Hart's post made me grin. Good thing I waited to debut with #3 WIP. :P

Melissa said...

Dang. I thought I'd be first. LOL

Lots of news! Congrats all around.

Good to have Jeremy back among the cyber-living.

Hart's post made me grin. Good thing I waited to debut with #3 WIP. :P

Unknown said...

Glad to hear Jeremy is back.
Congrats to everyone mentioned, lots of new endeavors happening!

Theresa Milstein said...

Murder Mystery Dinner--what could go wrong? Ha! Good luck with your third book, Hart! Thanks for the laugh.

I love the idea of Sheri's blogfest. Cool that you participated, Alex.

Huntress said...

As usual, too much info to process. It looks like another blog post to bookmark. :)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad to see what you're grateful for. We all have so much to be grateful for no matter what.

Frankie Miller said...

Those are the most wonderful things to be grateful for, Alex. You couldn't have any better blessings than you have mentioned.
I'm going to visit Jamie's blog. She must be so upset about the pupil who died, not to mention his parents. I hope they have faith because God and the scriptures are always the greatest help at these times.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to the ninjas with news! I'll have to look into the Wormfest Potluck and Bloghop. I already have an interview scheduled to run that day, so I have to decide if I want to double-post.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kyra, you're welcome!

Elise, that made me chuckle.

Yvonne, and we are grateful for you!

Carol, sorry!

Fanny, her post will move you.

Jemi Fraser said...

Gratitude is so important and often forgotten by people. Loving Sheri's hop :)

Unknown said...

Gratitude - I'm grateful for my precious hubs, (don't have a church currently) but everything else you specifically named I must agree with!!!

Mercy & grace. That's all I've got to say. :)

Happy Monday!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Sometimes the third time is a charm for me. Other times it's the sixth or seventh time lol. And gratitude has really helped me a lot. It completely changes my perspective on life!!

Unknown said...

If I don't take time to be grateful, then the day is a waste. I try to make it the first thing I do upon waking!

M.L. Swift, Writer

Hart Johnson said...

Thank you so much for having me, Alex! And thank you lovely Alex-guests!

Elise-I hear you on 7th or 8th, actually--the is my 3rd COZY, but it is actually the 12th first draft... 3rd is really "3rd polished enough for prime time"

My gratitude list is long, but mostly boils down the the people I love and the opportunity to pursue my passion (the writing stuff)

Jo said...

One thing, Mini Alex thinks he has a better guitar than any of yours. I am campaigning to see a photo of you somewhere.

I wonder if the big names like Jo Rowland think 3rd times a charm?

Talli Roland said...

Congrats to Hart on the release of her third book. I must admit I found the third much easier to write than the second.

Cathrina Constantine said...

I have to admit, handing in my ms for the third time did seem easier and I felt more confident...but self-promotion...ugh...Still stinks. Your Gratitude sounds familiar to me. Where would we be without Him? Also, I'm more than halfway through CassaStorm and I'm loving it.

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

I visited little ninja. It is a great entry!

So is this blog entry here!
Have a lovely day!

jean

I did not know you were shy. xox

Tina said...

Alex, you are good at so many things, but I think your best is making everyone feel like they are just as important. Of course you have your close friends, we all do, yet you manage to make this such a welcoming and inclusive place.

You are also good at openly sharing your faith.

Hart is a gem, and I read the first garden cozy - The Azalea Assault - and it was just delightful. I own the second...and it's in that big pile which includes CassaStorm, of which I've read half...I need to make more time for reading.

Ok, now off to see what Mini-Alex has to say about you. This ought to be good...

Tina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - Murder Mystery Dinner sounds fun - love those sorts of stories .. so good luck to Hart.

Been and seen mini Alex .. wanted to know more .. please chastise her - or perhaps you put the blinkers on when she's home ...

So pleased Jeremy is back .. many will be pleased to see him, but I sincerely hope is ankle heals up properly ...

What you're good at: sharing and cloning ...

Cheers to one and all - and good luck with all the books etc .. Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Terri, it's worth saying.

Mike, good point!

Hart, happy to host you!

Jo, he thinks he has a better guitar...

Talli, I found my third easiest to write.

Cathrina, thank you! Glad you're enjoying it.

Jean, I am!

Tina, thank you! I might use that.

PK HREZO said...

Gratitude does keep a person humble. Excellent point. I've gotta get thinking about a dish to bring!
And if relationships are any indication, then my third one was def the charm since I married him. ;)

Brian Miller said...

i feel for jamie...we had 3 kids killed in the matter of a week last year in 2 car wrecks...it is hard...

and gratitude def keeps us humble...

happy monday alex.

Stephen Tremp said...

What else can you do but pass on the blessings. Pay it forward. That's my life's motto.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Gosh. I totally followed the entirety of Hart's post and understood/related to it all. ((hugs)) Thx for including my blogfest of gratitude, Alex. I know I need a reminder once in a while of all I have and what I've accomplished. It seems like what still have to accomplish (and the hurdles) are all I see, at times.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Congrats to everyone with good news! I'm grateful people have things to celebrate. :)

I am all ready for IWSG on Wednesday!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

The fifth time was a charm for me with my series.

You pass on the blessings well, Alex.

Unknown said...

I am all set for the A-Z.

What are you good at? making others feel important.

Have a wonderful week Alex!
~Decadent

Yvonne Ventresca said...

Love your A to Z Blog interview by Mini Alex. Very creative!

Yvonne

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

C0ngrats to everyone. I'm running a bandwidth of .1 so I'm just happy to finally be here. Jamie's blog... wow.

Pat Hatt said...

Each time gets better indeed. Food huh? I don't eat much but I guess there is Dye Hard-ed Eggs, hey Easter is coming, letter shaped Pork Eeee's. Oh sci fi? hmmm Back to a Frog?

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I like your attitude: we don't earn our gifts; they're blessings.

And Tequila Mockingbird is brilliant. I can't think of food puns right now, but that one sticks. They should market it, though I imagine it'd lethal.

Happy Monday, Alex.
xoRobyn

Annalisa Crawford said...

I'm waiting for my third book, so I've got my fingers crossed it'll be my charm :-)

A Beer for the Shower said...

I'm grateful for this blog community, too. We originally just started this as a marketing tool for our books, but it's amazing how many friends we've made, yourself included.

I guess it reminds us that readers are actual people, not just sales numbers on a chart. Something very easily taken for granted.

Arlee Bird said...

I'm in my 3rd marriage and now in it's 17th year it seems to be going very well. Hopefully the 3rd time is a charm for me.

Wishing Hart well on her next release.

Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Congrats to everyone. I'm running a bandwidth of .1 so I'm just happy to finally be here. Jamie's blog... wow.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I believe in second and third chances. That being said, Hart's third book is really exciting!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Brian, that's tragic.

Shari, thanks for hosting the blogfest!

Thank you, Decadent.

Thanks, Yvonne.

Karen, I couldn't either!

Joylene, that sucks.

Pat, those are funny.

Brandon and Bryan, that's why I started, and I've discovered so much more.

Lee, hope so!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Sounds like you've really gotten into your groove with that series, Hart! Excited about your release!

ilima said...

Well...you're good at visiting blogs and commenting and pimping everyone's news/books. Of course you're good at blogging and writing and music also. Friendly, supportive, smart, funny, talented...um, maybe it'd be easier to come up with things you're NOT good at. ;)

Sarah Ahiers said...

HAH! Hart's guest post was awesome, as usual!

Unknown said...

Loved the thought on gratitude-- a springboard for Lent for me. Thanks for sharing. Nice to read Hart's post too.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nigel G Mitchell said...

Thanks for the link!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I am ready for Wednesday. Stephen has a busy month coming up.
I'm grateful this winter for having the financial means to keep my family warm and safe. I know that's not true for many and they're going to bed cold and hungry at night.

Rachna Chhabria said...

You know what I love about our Ninja Captain: its his warmth and generosity. You are so happy to share everyone's good news. You take personal joy in announcing everyone's book releases and agent news.

I am looking forward to Stephen's Square pies (pi) and Interstellar Cookies.

I love both the book covers, Keeping Mum has me intrigued, I love the title and the cover.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Forgot to say that you are a wonderful blog buddy to have in one's corner.

Bish Denham said...

So funny about writing in the tub! As I'm only on my first book (published) I wait until book three to decide if it's easier.

Okay, here's what I think I'll bring to the Food Pun Party... Alpaca Picnic Basket. :)

Elizabeth Seckman said...

So much goodness!!!
Hart didn't fool me...much ;) Best of luck on book three. The writing does seem to get easier with confidence.

I think you're really awesome at being human. That whole Ubuntu thing? You are the master of that too.

I thank God every day for God. Seems silly, but I remember what I mess I was without Him.

IWSG is coming? Just kidding. I have it on my calendar!

Robin said...

In my humble opinion, embracing an attitude of gratitude is one of the very best things we can do for ourselves. Seems to me like Mini-Alex did a pretty darn good job of summing you up. You should give the little guy a hug:)

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

My condolences to Jamie. How terribly sad. Good that she got to know him, though.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Hey I got the trivia right! I thought the Yoda was a trick question. I'm glad Jeremy is back and thanks for featuring Nigel's post!

Robyn Campbell said...

Congrads to Kyra. Hart, that's awesome about your third book being released. You must have been having a lot of fun writing it. Doesn't that make your heart smile knowing they said that?

Alex, love your thankful list. Without my Savior, I'd be in a heck of a fix. I was pleased to see you publicly acknowledge Him, as you have many times. Gratitude does keep us humble, my friend.

I can critique for Steven if he needs me, Captain. I'll visit Mini-Alex later too.

Charles Gramlich said...

Congrats to Hart.

Steven said...

Thanks for the mention, Alex! So far, third time feels different, and hopefully the outcome is much, much better than the other two.

Susan Oloier said...

Mini Alex wouldn't turn on you, would he?
So sad to hear about the death of a kiddo. I've seen a lot of that (what, with my younger son's diagnosis). But I never get used to it. Never.

Hart Johnson said...

Awwww--You guys are making me warm and fuzzy! Thanks so much for the luck, friends! You make me happy!

cleemckenzie said...

Mini-Alex did real good! What a lot of news to include. Glad Jeremy's ankle has mended enough for him to be back in the throes of things. Congrats to Stephen Tremp on his latest book.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

In my head I am dancing... thank you for the warm welcome back. Now I think I need a assistant to help me catch up on all of my emails and posts... any takers? Lol!

Carrie-Anne said...

Congratulations to Hart and Kyra!

I'm most grateful I was born in the modern era, in the developed world, with access to modern medicine, education, technology, and more social justice than there was even 50 years ago.

Catherine Stine said...

Yay for Alyse/Hart!!!!!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Great news all over the place.

Can wait to read the Watery Tart's newest book!

D.G. Hudson said...

Can't make it to the potluck, but will be there for the WormFest, how could I miss that?

Be careful, some of those potluck treats could be genetically modified. . .

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ilima, thank you! That made me smile.

Nigel, you're welcome.

Thanks, Rachna.

Bish - funny!

Thank you, Elizabeth. Yeah, I was a mess without Him as well.

Robin, either that or the Mini-Kate he wants.

Maurice, his post had some great links.

Robyn, I'd be lost without Him. And Steven will be happy to hear that.

Steven, you're welcome, and you already have offers.

Jeremy, we're glad you're back! Want some clones?

Suzanne Furness said...

Congrats to Hart and Kyra on their releases.

Can it really be IWSG this week - where does the time go?

Mary Aalgaard said...

Hart's book sounds great. Congrats on more publications. Stephen's blog hop is a great idea. I've kind of done that with the Biker Chef pizza, might revisit that. You rock at blogging and connecting, Alex, as if you need to ask. Thanks for finding me so easily at my new web home: Play off the Page
Go. Create. Inspire!

nutschell said...

Oo great cover. Lots of cool new things at your blog today (then again, when is there never something cool here??) I'd looove to jam with you sometime, Alex. Although I'm pretty sure I'll never be a rockstar like you, I can still strum decently. (I think. haha).
hugs!

Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

SC Author said...

I think I signed up for that blog hop!

Rhonda Albom said...

I think mini Alex will do you proud. As for what you are good at, aside from the obvious writing, sharing, and keeping up with all of us, I would have to say time management. I am pretty sure you have discovered a parallel universe which allows you to slow down time and accomplish more.

Elephant's Child said...

Gratitude is the seasoning which adds the finishing touches to my world. And it isn't fattening.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Congrats Hart and Stephen!

Mason Canyon said...

Alex, I always learn so much from your post.

Hart, congratulations on your release. Your books are a delight to read and they just keep getting better and better. Wishing you continued success.

Andrew Leon said...

Um...
Uh...
So... Hart... yeah... I'm gonna get to some of your stuff. Seriously! It's in my line up. I just have to finish this one thing and, then, this other thing, and, um, maybe one other thing...
But it's there! I swear!

Jay Noel said...

Congrats to Alyse and Kyra!

Looks like you've got a lot to be grateful for. Gratitude helps ground me, remind me of what's really important. That's hard to do when I'm caught in the daily grind.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats to Hart, Alyse and Kyra! So sad about the boy in Jamie's class. Looking forward to Mini Alex's story, and we're all grateful for you, Alex.

Julie

mooderino said...

I'll be bringing Fifty Shades of Cake. With whipped cream, of course.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, you should run with that idea!

Nutschell, together we'd make a real musician!

Rhonda, it's all in the use of clones...

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Congrats to Hart and Kyra on their releases! And HI to Jeremy upon coming back. I hope his ankle is feeling much better. And after my cancer surgeries, each breath cancer-free is wonderful. :-)

Hart Johnson said...

Alex--you have the BEST readers! I have been reading through and am grinning like a nut--such great people.

Carrie Butler said...

Perfect timing! I'm releasing my third book this month, too. Hopefully the third time really is the charm. :)

Congratulations, Hart!

And you're right, Alex. All of this—the opportunity to write and share with others—is a gift from God! :)

Unknown said...

You know it's your best work when you have tons of fun writing it! Congrats, Alex:) Glad Jeremy's up and about! Kyra's cover is lovely!
WriterlySam Join the A to Z Theme Reveal Party!

Birgit said...

I got 2 correct with the movie trivia challenge. they always say 3rd times a charm:) I am grateful every day even for the small things like a kitten's purr and my dog wagging his tail when he sees me. Enjoying the Oscars with a friend and poeple leaving nice comments on my blog. We should cherish and be grateful for so much espcially now with what is going on in the Ukraine

ediFanoB said...

Thanks for another great post with interesting books.

An hour ago I bought a book from a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group: Jay Noel

His debut novel "Dragonfly Warrior" is available for 99 Cents for a limited time.
I just posted about it!

Cindy said...

Congrats to Hart Johnson on the new release. Love the cover.

Anonymous said...

Yay for Kyra and her cover, and everyone else with good news. Congrats to Hart. I'll check out your link.

shelly said...

How do I get a hold of Stephen?

Carol Kilgore said...

I feel the same way about the third book. Wonder why that is?

Love Kyra Lennon's cover!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Roland, I'm sure it is!

Hart, you are a nut! Keep grinning.

Carrie, Amen!

Birgit, that's a scary situation over there.

Edi, I saw that!

Shelly, leave a comment on his blog.

Anonymous said...

That was really sweet of you to mention my post, Alex . . . thanks, buddy :-) It was hard today b/c we got a new student and the only seat open was the one who passed, so I had no choice to put him there and the whole class was like, "Noooo!!" :-(

J E Oneil said...

I always feel so proud of myself when I get the trivia answers correct :)

Leovi said...

Si, me gusta la comida de ciencia ficcion!

mshatch said...

Congrats to Hart :)

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Yes, third time's a charm. Mini Alex did good. Congrats, Hart, on your third book. Glad your ankle is better, Jeremy.

It's wonderful to know you made a difference in a boy's life. The Hop sounds like fun, Tara.

I hope you find a great crit partner, Stephen. Will check the links, Nigel. Nice cover, Kyra. Enjoy the tour, Stephen, and the goodies.

The Gratitude Blog Hop is a great idea, SA.

Have a good week, everyone.

J.L. Campbell said...

Hope Hart's book does well. Yes, we do have much to be grateful for!

Cathy Keaton said...

Sorry to hear about Jamie's student dying.... That is very sad and I hope she and his family will get through this tragedy.

Angela Brown said...

Mini-Alex will do you proud.

Third time can be the charm, no matter what context it's delivered.

And as for gratitude, I'm taking each day by day to be grateful for all the things I have, all the things God has in store for me, and my Chipmunk, who keeps me on my toes.

Karen Lange said...

Congrats to Alyse! And to everyone else for their good news as well!

I'm thinking, Alex, that your third book will catch up to your others in sales. How can it not? The great Alex write it, after all. We have great faith in your talents.

Al Diaz said...

Mini Alex did a wonderful job with the A to Z post.
I'm very happy Jeremy is back and on the mend.
Read Jamie's post earlier, very touching.
The Bloghop sounds like fun but I don't understand puns. When you do one in Spanish, be sure to let me know. :)

Kimberly said...

Lots of great news and info.

Third time is a lot of times the charm for me (and sometimes not) :)

I still need to get my post ready for IWSG :)

Nicole said...

Yay for Alyse! That was such a fun guest post.

And there's so much to be grateful for every day - I feel so blessed. What an uplifting blog hop!

Gossip_Grl said...

I read your interview. Mini Alex did a great job with it. It rocks! Lots of great info. I bookmarked to go back and check out the book links!

Patricia Stoltey said...

Congratulations to Hart on the new relesse. I know exactly what she means about thinking you ought to know what you're doing by the third time. I wish it was true.

Christine Rains said...

Wonderful guest post. I don't think I have hit that comfy feeling yet even though I'm past the third one! A lovely gratitude post, Alex. I'm always so grateful for what I have. I'm a lucky woman. Like you, it keeps me humble.

Lynda Dietz said...

I'm so thankful a friend introduced me to your blog. It really is all about gratitude and lifting each other up when it's needed.

Helena said...

Yay for Hart! I am so looking forward to her third cozy mystery--loved the first two.

I've learned to be grateful simply for having a life that, though far from perfect, is comfortable and safe and full of good people and things.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Hello,

Here from the A-Z. Liked how mini-Alex handled it.

Just grateful generally. Will figure out why soon, no doubt.

Best wishes,
Nilanjana.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jamie, that was such a powerful post.

Angela, Chipmunk won't let you slack!

Thanks, Karen!

Al, I will let you know!

Patricia, I still don't know what I am doing...

Thanks, Lynda!

Welcome, Nilanjana!

Al Penwasser said...

While the third time may be the charm, Mrs. Penwasser prefers that I follow, "If at first you don't succeed, call someone who knows what they're doing."

Shell Flower said...

Great guest post, cracked me up. Yes, I was going there. I also was really touched by Jamie's post. So sad, but cool how her book affected that boy right before his death. Gotta write my wormfest post and think on the potluck (maybe I'll bring pot brownies :). Gratitude gets me through the day. I try to focus on what I can be grateful for instead of how much my job sucks.

msmariah said...

Another great posts Alex. Mini-Alex looks totally trustworthy! He won't turn on you.

Kevyn Knox said...

Hey Alex, my fellow AtoZer. Just wanted to stop by and drop this link off to you. Star Trek Captain Poll It is my new poll over at my site, and thought ya might like it or want to share it. It's very Trekky. Enjoy.

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Alex! I just read Mini-Alex's post on the A to Z blog! It was fun! I like reading about all the books people are publishing. I'm looking forward to really checking out the ISWG blog tomorrow. Now that I figured out how to get the word verification turned off (hope it didn't come back on!), I'm ready to tackle badges. Maybe in April I'll take the plunge. I'm trying to get ahead of the game a little. Have a great day!

Sherry Ellis said...

Keeping Mum has such a lovely cover! I think we keep improving as we write, so maybe the third time is a charm. And also the fourth, fifth, sixth.... ;0)

Cassie Mae said...

Third times a charm... man I wish that worked for me! LOL. I'm on like my 50th and I still have no clue what I'm doing ;)

Yay for Hart! I'm excited to go pick it up!

klahanie said...

Hey Alex, dude,

So much information. As usual, you have mentioned a considerable amount.

An "About Me" at the A to Z blog? Shall try, time permitting, check it out. Then we get the reflection posts about the reflections posts about the A to Z. Make it STOP!

"Keeping Mum" Good to note the title is spelt in proper English :)

I think I shall now go to a darkened room and sob. All these blog hops are doing my head in.

Gary

JJ said...

Alex: You always have such interesting posts. There is never any boredom around your blog.

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats, Hart!

Love Kyra's cover! So adorable!

Kristin Smith said...

I think third times a charm! Just finished my third book and I think it's my best (hubby agrees, but he's the only one who's read it so far). I love Hart Johnson over at The Watery Tart--she is so much fun! Congrats on her newest book!

The Wormfest Potluck Party sounds like a blast! Now to figure out what to bring...

I love your gratitude post and that you give the credit to God. I agree! Without Him, none of this would be possible!

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

Love Hart's cover. Bright colors are my favorites!

Leovi said...

If, Keeping Mum wonderfully interesting, I like the cover!

Leovi said...

If, Keeping Mum wonderfully interesting, I like the cover!

Truedessa said...

Interesting thoughts to ponder today
when I think of gratitude I think of the big and small things in life. Humility helps maintain balance.

I am almost ready to read your 2nd book.

Enjoy your week...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Al, those are wise words.

Shell, we'll all have the munchies then...

Kevyn, I voted!

Fundy, glad you are ready!!!

Cassie, neither do I.

Gary, mid-May it will be done.

JJ, I try!

Kristin, Amen! And my third was the best.

Truedessa, that's a good sign!

Krista McLaughlin said...

I'm suddenly kinda hungry because of the potluck idea! The cantaloupe one had me laughing!

Kyra's cover is beautiful and I can't wait to read it!

I really liked your gratitude list. I think it's really wonderful to meet someone who is humble and does give God the credit. :) He did give you a wonderful talent. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

mini Alex would never turn on you!!! ;)

Shah Wharton said...

Congrats all! I'm going to check out the critiquing, got the trivia I knew right, am spun out of all the Blogfests - 'can't keep up!', I'm ready and written re IWSG post *Cheezy teachers pet grin :D

shahwharton.com

Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost said...

I type fairly quickly--70 WPM. I'm not sure that all of what I type is particularly useful, however.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Potluck! How fun an idea is that! Maybe some Toe Jam and Finger Sandwiches?

This post is a lot of fun! Where did my Monday even go? I know I saw Mini-Alex. Maybe I thought I was here? So weird, my days.

Heather

J.Q. Rose said...

Wow you nailed it, Hart/Alyse. I'm on my third one now and fumbling and fooling around...just knowing enough to know it's right or wrong. What a roller coaster ride! Loved your post.

Toi Thomas said...

There is so much ging on here. I still in the thick of my first piece, so I don't know about the third time being the charm.
Great trivia, as always, I got four of them right.
If i wasn't already critiquing for two other people, I'd love to see what Steven is putting together.
Not sure what I'd brig to the Wormfest party. Need to think on that.

G. B. Miller said...

I'm grateful for a lot of things, but mostly for my family and friends who accept the strange me with no questions asked.

Jeff Hargett said...

Great news about Jeremy.

TL said...

Thanks so much for mentioning my bloghop, Alex! You are good at... being the best blogger evah. :)

Luna said...

All wonderful gifts to be grateful for, Alex. :)