Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anniversary Special Announcement! Plus September Movie Preview, New Books, and Ninja News

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My awesome co-hosts today are Laura at My Baffling Brain, Mark Koopmans, Shah Wharton, and Sheena-Kay Graham!


Today marks three years since the very first IWSG post. Next month marks one year since the IWSG site and Facebook group opened. And we’d like you to help us celebrate!

The IWSG Team is putting together an eBook that will benefit all writers - The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond. And we invite all IWSG members, Facebook members, and followers to contribute.

Here are the details:

The three topics will be writing, publishing, and marketing.

Each contribution needs to be between 200 and 1000 words. Focus on one of those three aspects and give us your best tip or procedure. The essay can include bullet points, top ten lists, and recommendations. (Websites, software, books, etc.)

You can either post it for your October 1 IWSG post or email it directly. TheIWSGATgmail.com or alexjcavanaughATearthlink.net (Since the length can go over the standard IWSG post length.) Include a one sentence byline and a link to your site. Also state that you give us permission to use it in the book and which topic it falls under. (We will only edit for misspellings and grammar mistakes.)

All submissions need to be sent or posted by October 2, 2014. We will compile them into an eBook and aim for an early December release. The book will be free and available for all eReaders.

Thank you for making the IWSG such a huge success!!

And as far as my own writing, I have my manuscript back from critique partner number two now. I chuckled through the first one from Lynda and I already know Rusty is hilarious with his snarky comments. That leaves one more critique coming at the end of the week from the awesome Heather Gardner. And since I know she excels at snarky humor, I'm looking forward to laughing my way through all of the critiques.


Ninja News

I invite you to visit the A to Z Challenge Blog today – past and present Co-Hosts are sharing their thoughts about Tina Downey in a very special tribute.
Don’t forget next Monday is Sunflowers for Tina – post a picture of your sunflower in memory of her.

Thanks to everyone who voted! CassaStorm was named 2014 Best Science Fiction by the eFestival of Words!


Don’t forget Monday, September 22 is the Underrated Treasures Blogfest.




New Books!

Lovely Death by Brandon Meyers

The Warrior and the Biologist by Susan Kelley
Buy it now at New Concept Publishing.

Perfectly Ernest by EJ Wesley.
I had the honor of reading this book last month and while it’s not my usual genre, I thought it was outstanding. You can check out my review on Goodreads.

Hibbs, the Cub with no Clue by Roland Yeomans

Find it on Amazon




September Movie Preview!

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for September! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

19 –

The Maze Runner
Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.
Director: Wes Ball
Stars: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter
Kids fight to survive in a dystopian future… stop me if you’ve heard this before…

26 –

The Equalizer
A former black ops commando who faked his death for a quiet life in Boston comes out of his retirement to rescue a young girl and finds himself face to face with Russian gangsters.
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Stars: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour
Denzel doing what Denzel does best–playing Denzel.

The Boxtrolls
A young orphaned boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator. Based on the children's novel 'Here Be Monsters' by Alan Snow.
Directors: Graham Annable | Anthony Stacchi
Stars: Ben Kingsley, Jared Harris, Nick Frost, Richard Ayoade
At first I thought it was about Lindsay Lohan’s Franzia wine addiction…

Can you believe it’s been three years for the IWSG? Will you be contributing to the anthology? Posting for Tina next Monday? Picking up some new books? What movies will you see this month? (From the selection, I’d say just go see Guardians of the Galaxy again…)

Be sure to visit the A to Z Challenge Blog for our special tribute to Tina Downey.

210 comments:

1 – 200 of 210   Newer›   Newest»
Suzanne Furness said...

Seriously? I am first, well that's a first!

Happy Anniversary IWSG, I will certainly give the contribution some thought, great idea.

Sounds like things are moving on with your ms, Alex, congrats on that.

I will definitely be posting next Monday for Tina.

Sean McLachlan said...

Happy anniversary! Looking forward to reading the book. There should be lots of good stuff in there. Put in plenty about marketing. It's my weak point.

RaveAir said...

The September movie schedule looks very poor. But I hope many good DVD/BR release will come this month.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's so great that the IWSG has been going strong for so long and getting stronger! Soon we will rule the world! muwhahahahaha...

Congrats on yet another award, Alex!!!

Elephant's Child said...

Congratulations on yet another triumph for CassaStorm.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats on your third anniversary, and another victory for CassaStorm! Congrats to Brandon and the other authors!
I'm excited about the IWSG book, and I'm sure it will be a huge hit! Thanks again for all your support throughout the years, Alex!

Julie

Michelle Wallace said...

Another award? WOW! Congrats Alex!
The IWSG is on a quest for WORLD DOMINATION!
...and I have to say yet again, that IWSG book cover is so captivating!
Congrats to all the authors with new releases too!

Mark Koopmans said...

Love the IWSG book and like I said over there I am in like Flynn if you need an entry for the "Don't-Write-Like-This-Bald-Guy" section:)

PS... are all the cupcakes gone already? I asked Liz or Morgan to save me the one with the "Happy 3 to IWSG" logo. Darn. Is anyone doing a Costco run?

PPS: Congrats on the *latest* award :)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats on the IWSG anniversary and your exciting new project.

I'm looking forward to The Maze Runner. I'll be interested to see what you think of it.

SittieCates said...

Congrats for receiving another award!

The IWSG cover looks awesome, Alex! Will contribute.

Happy 3rd year anniversary to IWSG!


Lisa said...

Oh happy day! Congratulations on the win Alex, and also for an awesome three years. What a run. I'm proud to be a part of this blog. Glad to finally see what the surprise is and yes, I'll contribute, if I can think of something worth sharing. Thanks for the movie update, and yes, I'd go for a second viewing of GOTG with these choices... "I am Groot!" Taking my photo today for Tina...

Brian Miller said...

congrats on your three year anniversary...and on the book you are putting together...i am sure you will have plenty of good insight from everyone...

how fun that your critique has an element of humor...i am sure that helps with what can be the sting of killing your baby....

kaykuala said...

A number of milestones - 3 years, that's great! A Guide book will be most welcomed. I'll not be short of contributors certainly! Great, Alex!

Hank

Nick Wilford said...

Wow, three years. Everyone will have great insights which will make this book an amazing resource. I'll have to see if I can come up with anything!

Glad you can giggle through your critiques, it takes the edge off the nerviness of the whole thing!

Congrats on the award. I'm unable to take part in Tina's blogfest, but I posted my own tribute for IWSG today.

Shah Wharton said...

Have my Underrated post done and ready to go. :) Would love to contribute to the ebook... have to get my thinking cap on.

As for the sunflower post for Tina. I've heard such wonderful things about her, but I'd be lying if I said I knew her. And that is my loss by the sounds of it. May she rest in peace.

Loved your snarky remarks! Your critiques sound so much fun too :)

shahwharton.com X

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Happy three year anniversary to the ISWG!! I am really excited about seeing The Equalizer. There used to be a TV show by that name in the 80s. I wonder if it's related?

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Happy three year anniversary to the ISWG!! I am really excited about seeing The Equalizer. There used to be a TV show by that name in the 80s. I wonder if it's related?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Suzanne, you are first!

Sean, will do.

Zoltan, it looks beyond poor...

Lynda, thanks!

Michelle, we're taking over!

Mark, we might need to send you - cupcakes are gone.

Lisa, I bet you'll come up with something great to share.

Brian, can't be mad when I'm laughing.

Nick, that's all right.

Keith, they are one and the same.

Unknown said...

Three years! Wow, congrats to you all on such a successful monthly meme.

I am certainly looking forward to reading the posts next month. I am sure there will be some very interesting and helpful hints amongst the posts. Combining all this info into a book, sounds like a great idea!

Congrats, also to all the authors of the new releases, I hope they do well.

Mark Means said...

Love the idea of an IWSG book. I'm not sure I could contribute anything worthwhile, but I'll think on it :)

Yeah, the first thing I thought of when I saw the preview for Maze Runners was "Gee, this looks familiar...." My wife, on the other hand said "Hey, that looks cool!"...so, I'll probably wind up seeing it.

As for "The Equalizer"...no thanks.

Congrats on CassStorm bringing in an award...very cool :)

Cathrina Constantine said...

Happy Anniversary to IWSG and thank you Alex for this wonderful Group!!!

Donna K. Weaver said...

The Maze Runner series rocks. And the first book came out about the same time as Hunger Games. It's not a copycat situation. And I hated the last HG book. I loved the last Maze Runner book. I think the MR movie looks wicked.

Rhonda Albom said...

Happy Anniversary to IWSG! Congrats also for your book. I love the e-book idea. I know I will be getting a copy.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Three years - what an accomplishment.

Congrats on the award.

mail4rosey said...

I like Denzel Washington. I probably won't see that movie, but I do like his movies. That being said, the last one I saw was a train movie... quite a long time ago. I liked it, but if I remember correctly, no one else in the house was riveted. ;)

mail4rosey said...

I'm seeing congrats and wondering if I missed something. So I Googled Cassa Storm and saw that's yours! Big congrats from me too! :)

Mason Canyon said...

Alex, congratulations on CassaStorm being named 2014 Best Science Fiction. Well deserved. An additional congratulations on the third anniversary of IWSG. Y'all have done great work in three short years. Wishing you continued success.

A number of intriguing new books to check out. Always enjoy your take on new movies.

Unknown said...

Happy anniversary and congratulations on your award. Your reviews reminded me why I don't really go to movies anymore. Is anyone doing anything original anymore?

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Congratulations on the anniversary! And what a way to celebrate by putting together a book of writing advice, etc...

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Double congrats on the anniversary and your book!

J.Q. Rose said...

Alex, you cover so much territory in one blog post. I am googly-eyed after reading it, but love your enthusiasm and spirit. And I'm taking that idea of multi-topic posting and using it! Congrats on 3 years and award. Great idea for a writers helper book. Looking forward to it! I'm planning one also for my blog--Tips from romance and mystery authors.

Pat Hatt said...

Can the anthology submission rhyme? Or will the cat have to sit out and have Pat write it? lol snarky remarks in edits sure do make it more fun. Congrats on 3 years. Denzel did play a ghost once, that count as Denzel playing Denzel?

Anonymous said...

Thank you for everything you do, Alex. I love IWSG!

J.L. Campbell said...

Congrats on that award, Alex. Also on the anniversary compilation. I know there will be tons of submissions.

Congrats also to those writers who have new books out this month.

Melissa said...

You AtoZers did a lovely tribute.
I'll be posting on Monday.

Murees Dupè said...

Congratulations with the award, very well deserved, as well as with the IWSG anniversary. You are helping and inspiring so many people...more than you know. Thank you.

Nicki Elson said...

Wow, three years. Hmm, we'll see if I'm feeling wise enough to contribute anything to the guide.

It's awesome that you and your crit partners have such a good thing going - not everyone's so good at the snark, and far fewer are good at taking it the right way.

Thanks for three years of the greatest thing for writers on the internet!

Nicki Elson said...

Wow, three years. Hmm, we'll see if I'm feeling wise enough to contribute anything to the guide.

It's awesome that you and your crit partners have such a good thing going - not everyone's so good at the snark, and far fewer are good at taking it the right way.

Thanks for three years of the greatest thing for writers on the internet!

Unknown said...

woohoo! I'm in the top 50 :D

Congrats on the IWSG anniversary and the crits coming back! Also, awesome news about the eFestival of Words. That's fantastic!!!

Looking forward to the eBook. I'm contemplating now what I may send your way!! Cheers and have a wonderful week!
~Jen

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I doubt many people enjoy their critiques as much as you do. :)

Congrats on the award, Alex! And Happy IWSG Anniversary!

I want to see that new movie with Liam Neeson - I think its called A Walk Through The Tombstones....

Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

Miranda Hardy said...

That's a book I'd buy. I need all the marketing tips possible. Lol

Great idea!

Mina Burrows said...

Woot. 3 years! Go IWSG!

I signed up for Tina's special post. Looking forward to it. Such a wonderful idea.

Suze said...

Congratulations on the eFestival of Words honor! Very cool. And, yay! on having Lynnie Young as a CP--she's the best! Hawk-eyes is what I'm thinkin' we should call her. :)

As for IWSG, wow. Can't believe it's been three years. And, yet, I do remember contributing my first post toward it as Girl Wizard.

Well done on so many counts, Captain. Onward.

Carol Kilgore said...

Three years. Wow. Congrats to all those with new books!

Charles Gramlich said...

Three years! Wow.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Three years? Dang, but I have not been productive! I've decided to say you just put it together a few months ago. You know, so I don't feel like a flake!

I think I'll try joining again. I've been booted a couple of time, once even when I was posting. But since "you just started it" I'll give it a whorl anyway, and today's post fits the theme too.

I will be posting for Tina. No new books, no movies (I actually don't go the movie theater anymore - :-O).

Anonymous said...

Congrats Alex on three years.
Yvonne

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mark, I think you'll have no choice but to see that movie.

Rosey, I liked that movie. And thanks!

Melanie, not really.

JQ, excellent! Good to know I have spirit.

Pat, yes! Rhyme away.

Nicki, the snark makes it.

Jen, that made me chuckle.

Yes you did, Suze. Seems so long ago now.

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

Happy IWSG Anniversary, Sensei! :D

Denzel doing what Denzel does best, playing Denzel. LOL!!

Mary Aalgaard said...

I will be contributing to the IWSG ebook. I already have the idea forming. Yes, I'd like to post a sunflower in memory of Tina.
How fun that you can laugh your way through the critiques by your first readers!
Go. Create. Inspire!

kimlajevardi.com said...

Happy Anniversary!

Critique partners are the best. Critique partners that can deliver criticism with a nice dose of humor/snark - priceless. :)

Al Diaz said...

Congratulations for the award!
Father dragon already got his sunflowers. Just need to take the picture.
Still waiting for a chance to see Guardians.
Just came back from the A to Z blog. Nice tribute!

Jennifer Lane said...

Woo hoo, congrats on 3 years! And the ebook is a wonderful idea. Maybe I'll write a bit on psychological aspects of characterization.

Huntress said...

Three years? Already? Congrats to you and the IWSG team. What a cool anniversary.

Wow. looking at September's schedule makes me think August wasn't a busy as I though it was.

Sarah Foster said...

Happy anniversary! The book sounds awesome! I'd love to contribute something about writing (since I, err, don't have any experience with publishing), but it would have to be an interesting topic. Time to procrastinate...I mean, brainstorm!

Kimberlee Turley said...

Also looking forward to the release of The Maze Runner. :)

Unknown said...

Great news about the IWSG ebook! Congrats on getting back your critiques. And as for the movies, I'm with you. Guardians of the Galaxy all the way. Loved it!

Unknown said...

Great news about the IWSG ebook! Congrats on getting back your critiques. And as for the movies, I'm with you. Guardians of the Galaxy all the way. Loved it!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Ninja on winning Best Sci-Fi for CassaStorm! I love the idea of the sunflower tribute for Tina next Monday. I and my alter-ego from lilicasplace will definitely be a part of it.

I'm definitely going to check out the A-Z Challenge tribute for her also.

As always, thank you for everything that you do for us all. Your army definitely thinks you rock! Eva

Unknown said...

that is so cool! I sure have some tips to share! thanks so much for the opportunity !!

Heather M. Gardner said...

Alex! You're awesome. No pressure on me that I have to read and be funny?!

I love your note on the blog this morning. You forgot the gnome and I forgot the IWSG info at the bottom of my blog post, so we're even. :)

Happy anniversary! Congrats on the award! Well done on Tina's tribute.

You are rockin' the internet right now, sir.

HMG

Cherie Reich said...

Wow! It's hard to believe it's been three years for IWSG! What a neat idea for the ebook too! Good luck with edits once you get your critiques back!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'd probably enjoy Denzel's movie. Very excited about the project. Three years went really fast.

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

That sounds like a great idea! Now I just need to think if I have any good advice. Lol. I can't wait to see what others come up with!

Stephen Tremp said...

Cool idea about the book. I'll contribute something. Not sure what just yet. But I'll put it together this weekend.

Anonymous said...

I rely on everyone else's words of wisdom during the IWSG so I don't think I'd be of much help. Then again, I can be pretty optimistic when it comes to pushing past writing obstacles. I'll have to think on this one. ;)

I totally forgot about Brandon's book. Thanks for the reminder!!

A Beer for the Shower said...

Wow, happy 3 years to IWSG! I truly wish we had more time or we would contribute something. But, err, you saw this week's post. I barely even have time to blog read lately.

It looks like we've finally hit the late summer slump of movies just before the big autumn releases. I think I'll pass on Denzel: the Movie Part 10 and Hunger Games 8: This Time Katniss Runs a Maze Or Something.

Oh, and thanks for the shout out for Brandon's new book!

PK HREZO said...

Hey congrats on your win!! Woot!
And what a fun op with the book. Will get on that asap.
BTW I'm so excited about a regular ol blogfest on the 22!

Juneta key said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Juneta key said...

Happy Anniversary IWSG!
What a great way to celebrate this awesome blog hop and community with a community anthology. Thanks for all you do Alex, hosts and friends.
Happy 3 Year Mark

Writer's Gambit

jaybird said...

Happy Anniversary to IWSG! It's awesome to see how it's really grown over the years and it's even cooler to think of where it will be in the years to come!!

I am not going to contribute to the anthology, only because (1) I am really an insecure writer which means (2) I don't feel like I have a right to add anything of value to the anthology (3) I haven't published a thing yet

Loni Townsend said...

Congrats on winning the Best Sci-Fi award! And happy birthday to IWSG!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I just realized something. IWSG is the same age as my little grandson Blake. How kewl is that!

Kim Van Sickler said...

Let's hear it for CassaStorm! Nice that you embrace beta reader comments. They can really help. Maze Runner looks good to me. Great news about the IWSG e-book celebrating three years. I'll have to mull over what I have to contribute. Nice tribute to Tina!

Diane Burton said...

Love your posts, as always, Alex. Thanks so much for starting this group. Congrats on the anniversary.

Unknown said...

The book sounds like a great idea. And happy anniversary!

Donna McDine said...

Happy Anniversary and what an opportunity to contribute!

cleemckenzie said...

Great idea about pooling information and sharing it with other writers.

Congrats on being the winner in the eFestival of Words. That's wonderful.

Have to see Maze Runner. I loved that book and gave it to all my nieces and nephews. Maybe we can go to the movie together.

Robin said...

So glad your critiques are coming back and that you are laughing. Sounds like you have a good team.

Congrats on your win!

The IWSG hitting its third year... that is quite an accomplishment. I hope you feel great about it!

Birgit said...

Slim pickings in the movie dept. They wait until just before Christmas and let all the great films out them-I hate that. To create a book about the publishing world is a great idea and I hope many contribute. Happy Anniversary!!

Jennifer Hawes said...

I tried to post a comment, but I don't think it went through. If you see double, just delete:) OK, first congrats on your book award!! And congrats on 3 years of IWSG!! I want to read The Maze Runner before I see the movie. It's interesting that all the agents on Twitter speak about NOT starting your book with an MC who has amnesia or can't remember how he got somewhere etc. Now, there are two major books turned into movies with that very premise. I will have to read them and figure out why they were allowed to break the rules!:)

Anonymous said...

WHY AM I BEING BLOCKED???? BY EVERYONE

Anonymous said...

WHY AM I BEING BLOCKED???? BY EVERYONE

Brinda said...

Three years of IWSG!! Wow.

Those are some great releases listed. The book also sounds like it will be a valuable resource. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

I'll contribute . . . if I can decided on a topic. :)
And yay for snarky but helpful feedback that keeps you laughing through the edits!
Congrats to all the authors on book releases! I've already picked up one of those . . .
And funnily enough, my hubs who never likes to re-watch movies in an expensive theater even suggested going to see Guardians again last night because the selection of movies is so bad. (my kids want us to see Maze Runner . . . agh)

John Wiswell said...

Mazerunner looks like a good movie for kids who have hit that rebellious phase. I know a lot of YA is about irrational empowerment for them. I think I might have dug it at an early enough age.

But otherwise, yeah, I'd just go see Guardians again. Not the best summer for blockbusters. Wish Captain America 2 was still in cinemas!

Dean K Miller said...

Will submit to e-book compilation. Thanks for all you (and your ninja helpers) have done with IWSG. Congrats on the award. As usual, you rock.

Morgan said...

This is all wonderful. What a neat thing you're doing with IWSG :) And LOVE the news with Cassa! Yay, Alex. Your life is a whirlwind. I can hardly keep up!

Can't wait for Monday. <3

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Holly, please rejoin and sorry if you were booted by accident.

Mary, awesome!

Kim, exactly.

Al, took my picture already. Had to go for plastic.

Sarah, you'll think of something.

Thanks, Eva!

Heather, you will be funny! And ironic we both forgot something. Great minds...

Elsie, write it!

Brandon and Bryan - funny! And you're welcome.

PK, that's good to hear!

Joylene, that is very cool.

Robin, I feel humbled...

Jennifer, ironic isn't it?

Nashvillecats, you got through here.

Lori L. MacLaughlin said...

Congrats on your award, and happy anniversary to the IWSG! The e-book sounds like a great idea. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Unknown said...

September 3rd, 2014
Dear Alex,
Congrats on your award.
I'd love to contribute something to the e-book.
But I have just heard about Tina Downey and feel really bad. I mean, I never got to meet her, but I liked her very much from her blog and what we wrote to each other.
I just feel sad and a little shocked.
She really meant her motto, "Life is Good". (Livet är härligt).
Anna

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Roland D. Yeomans said...

That eBook sounds like fun reading, hard writing!

Congrats on winning the Best Sci-Fi award! And happy birthday to IWSG!

Thank you for mentioning Hibbs. He would share his blueberries with you ... but he ate them all!

Three yearss and still going strong. That is something to be proud of.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

IWSG is such a great thing and has done so much to help me address my own shortcomings and insecurities and feelings of frustration that I've had over the years. I think it's very productive for people to be able to "air" their grievances against the establishment or against bullying they may experience from those who seek to diminish their abilities.

Sherry Ellis said...

I can't believe it's been three years since the inception of IWSG! And it's still going strong.

Anonymous said...

WHY AM I BEING BLOCKED BY EVERYONE EXCEPT LEE???????

Anonymous said...

WHY AM I BEING BLOCKED BY EVERYONE EXCEPT LEE???????

Arlee Bird said...

Congratulations on the staying power of #IWSG.

I was reading about a "Christian" horror film about the aftermath of the rapture that opens this weekend. Sounds interesting, but we'll see. I'm sure I'll wait for the DVD--as usual.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Jenni said...

That's great that your CPs make you laugh with their comments--they sound like gems. And congrats on getting closer with your ms. I'll be thinking about doing a contribution for the book, what a great idea!

Unknown said...

The Boxtrolls Lindsay Lohan comment will keep me laughing all day!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I saw If I Stay yesterday. Read the book in August and think they did a good job with the movie. Sat in the box seat but only because since it was half off day the other seats sold off fast. Congrats on winning Alex. Whoo! So happy to co-host and happy anniversary IWSG. Glad your getting your critiques in and best of luck with the manuscript.

I really want to see The Equalizer, even my dad asked me about it. Will get my dystopian fix from The Maze Runner. My big look forwards are The Big 6 and Mockingjay Part 1. I was alarmed that Sin City sequel was removed from cinemas after barely a week. Hope it comes back, sad that the box office is doing poorly, they took to long to update. Happy The Expendables 3 box office is climbing and Guardians of the Galaxy will soon be the movie that hit's 3000,000 from U.S. sales alone! It already has over 500 mil in total and deserves every penny. It reminded me why I go to the movies. Have a great day Alex.
IWSG Co-Host

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the well-deserved Award, Alex.

And congratulations on the 3rd IWSG Anniversary - a great initiative from someone ;-)

Champagne excuse?

David P. King said...

A major congrats to IWSG's anniversary! This ebook idea is ultra impressive and super generous. Now I just need to come up with a good post for next month. :)

Unknown said...

What a great idea for IWSG's anniversary! I'll put together a piece on cross-industry marketing:) Working on Tina's tribute ebook with audiomachine's Tree of Life--should be ready to launch next week!

ELAdams said...

Three years? Wow! The book's a fantastic idea - I'll have to see if I can come up with an idea for a piece!

Congrats on the award! :)

I'm looking forward to seeing The Maze Runner, and the Boxtrolls trailer looked really good!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Happy Anniversary... some great films coming our way. Saw Guardians again with family, really enjoyed it better the second time around. I have some great stories from Chicago Comic Con, one I met J. August Richards [Agents of SHIELD, Deathlok]... in the middle of an empty room while I was talking to my wife for the quiet to hear her... the rest later. :)

Jeremy

Carrie-Anne said...

Congratulations on your award!

I'd love to contribute to the e-book. Not only will it help other writers, but that kind of thing can only look good on a résumé and CV.

Suzanne said...

Happy third anniversary :) I think I shall give The Maze Runner a go, but haven't read the book, so may enjoy it. Tomorrow though off with 5 girlfriends to see Sex Tapes - going to either be hilarious or a long night LOL! x

kjmckendry said...

Such exciting news about the IWSG book. That's a great idea! I can't believe it's been three years already. Happy Anniversary! and Alex, thanks so much for all you do for this community!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Ooh. I'll have to think really hard. So many smart people in the IWSG, I don't want to look like the doofus in the class. I saw the trailer for the maze movie and said just about the same snarky comment to my husband. Actually, none of the movies coming out have caught my eye. I agree with you, just see Guardians again.

Leovi said...

Congratulations to all the IWSG Team!

Unknown said...

Huge congrats to all of the IWSG participants and orchestrators! This has become such an amazing light and source of positive energy in our community.

Thank you for mentioning the book! (And again for reading. :)

Can't wait to see the Maze Runner!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tyrean, just veto what they want and go see Guardians again.

John, it's out on video!

Dean, cool.

Anna, she was a special person.

Roland, you're welcome.

Lee, it's Left Behind, take two. With Nicolas Cage. Yeah, that's never good...

David, I am here to amuse!

Sheena-kay, I think you're more of a movie buff than me...

Roland, works for me.

Sam, excellent.

Jeremy, that's awesome.

Carrie-Anne, it will!

Elizabeth, you won't!

Mrs. Robinson said...

I have to read Mazerunner so I can see the movie afterwards. I have heard such amazing things about it. Boxtrolls also sounds fascinating.

Crystal Collier said...

Wahoo for three years! Insanity and awesomeness rolled in one. I'm stoked about the anthology and thinking I'll submit my article on blog tours, after I've slightly updated it to fit the current market.

My goodness, look at all those book releases? I need to go book shopping.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Happy Third Anniversary to IWSG. We insecure writers rock. I would love to contribute to the ebook (which is a wonderful idea.) I am sure our amazing Ninja Captain must have come up with that idea :)

ilima said...

James Dashner is a friend of mine and I am THRILLED about his movie coming out this month!

The IWSG ebook is a brilliant idea.

M Pax said...

Wow, 3 years? I think I only missed once. Sure, I'll submit something. Do you have a preference of what you'd want from me? I have lots of info on publishing & the elusive magic elixir of marketing (which I still seek).

It's a busy few months for books I know. Wowza!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Congratulations on the CassaStorm award, Alex. It's well deserved.

No, I can't believe it's been three years since I emailed or commented on your post, proposing an IWSG. I said, "Alex, what's a writer? I don't know if I qualify." You wisely and kindly said that a writer is anyone who writes. Thank you for that.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Congratulations on 3 years!!!

I have never participated on my own blog because I'm already committed to First Impressions on the first M-W-F of every month, but I make the rounds and read everybody else's posts. As a matter of fact, I've learned to clear my schedule on the first Wednesday of every month, because it's the biggest blogging day of the month, as far as I can see, and the best time to find out what everyone is up to!

Andrew Leon said...

I think I'm doing everything out of order.
heh
There, that's my advice.
I think.

Chemist Ken said...

Glad you're able to laugh your way through your critiques. That usually doesn't happen in my case.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Congratulations on having the best Science Fiction. That is super.
Happy 3 year anniversary for IWSG.
September is sure a busy month.

Laura Clipson said...

The IWSG guide is such a great idea! Not sure whether or not I'll contribute yet, it depends on how much time I have :)

Unknown said...

Massive Congratulations on being voted the best in Science Fiction. That is an incredible accomplishment.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

PS Sorry, Alex. I'm going to jump ship from the Underrated Treasures Fest...juggling too much these days, including a group poetry book release. =)

Liz Blocker said...

Three years? Holy wow. That's incredible - as is the IWSG and the amount it's grown over such a short period of time. Congratulations, Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

EJ, you're welcome - I really enjoyed it!

Crystal, awesome!

Rachna, it originally came from Michelle, not me.

Mary, anything from you would be awesome. You know how to build a career.

Robyn, I would miss your posts if you weren't part of it now. And sorry you can't join us.

Dianne, thanks! Yeah, it is the biggest day of the month in the blogging world...

Ken, want to borrow my critique partners?

Tonja Drecker said...

Congrats on CassaStorms prize! Awesome! And I need to find some snarky betas - laughing through edits would be fun. Edits are allowed to be fun, aren't they???

Julie Flanders said...

Congrats on winning for CassaStorm, how awesome! And huge congrats on the third anniversary of this treasure you started for all of us. What a great idea for the celebration!

Yolanda Renée said...

Happy Anniversary! & Congratulations on the award! I'm glad I got back in time to post on the anniversary date. I've cut back big time, but the IWSG is a necessity! LOL

Lan said...

I'm going to try and contribute to the anthology once I think of something I can give other writers advice from! Looking forward to your review of The Maze Runner!

Jackie said...

I didn't know you had a blogfest going on...woot! I'm so glad I stopped by so I could join!
Love that the IWSG Team is putting together The Guide to Publishing and Beyond. What an awesome idea!!!

shelly said...

Looks like I'm the last commenter here! Congrats on your book!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Congrats Alex. It's really had staying power

Kristin Smith said...

What a cool idea to create a Guide to Publishing! I'll have to think if I have anything to contribute since I'm not published yet. :( But I have been around the block in the query process, so maybe...

Happy Anniversary to the IWSG, and congrats on the award for your book!

I laughed at your comment of The Maze Runner...another dystopian. :)

S. L. Hennessy said...

Wow, I just love the idea of a guide e-book. I can't wait to contribute! And I too can't wait for the Equalizer. It looks terrific. Denzel as he should be.

S. L. Hennessy said...

And oh goodness, I totally forgot to mention the three year anniversary in my post today. Had to go back and add that tidbit, but wow, HAPPY THREE YEARS IWSG!!!

Annalisa Crawford said...

Congratulations on the award for CassaStorm :-) And happy IWSG birthday to us all!

Anonymous said...

Happy*Anniversary!!! What a cool way to celebrate . . . hope I can come up with something great to contribute :-)

Georgina Morales said...

Congrats on another anniversary for the IWSG and success of CassaStorm. I do love being part of this community that the IWSG is. I've met incredible writers and made great friends. Thanks Alex!

Mason T. Matchak said...

The anthology sounds like an awesome idea. ^_^ I don't know if I'd be able to contribute to it, though - all the stuff I do when it's IWSG day is just off the cuff, nothing so formal or useful to be added to a book. Hope it goes well and you get some great stuff, though.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

T, they should be fun!

Yolanda, we've missed you.

Lan, I bet you come up with something great.

Thanks Jackie and glad you joined the blogfest.

Kristin, there's your topic.

Lauren, thanks!

Gwen Gardner said...

Ha! Critique partners are so awesome. Mine make me laugh all the time.

Thanks for all the news, Alex.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I'm doing a beta read for someone right now and am happy to say it's a very good book. That's when it's most rewarding to read and critique!

J E Oneil said...

The trailer for The Maze Runner looks good, but I've been fooled before.

Karen Lange said...

Congrats to IWSG for three years! That's a wonderful milestone.

Wishing you all the best with the manuscript, Alex. Thanks for all the news and notes.

Jemi Fraser said...

3 years - wow. Doesn't seem that long at all! the Maze Runner is a good book - hope the movie lives up to it!

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Alex
I'll post something on writing.
Cheers,
Nancy

Cherie Colyer said...

Three years... that's amazing. What a great idea to put together an ebook.

And I love your one line comments on the movies. =)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patricia, yes it is!

Nancy, cool!

Cherie, I aim to amuse.

Kirsten said...

Congrats on three years of awesomeness! It's hard to believe it's been that long, since I joined about two years ago, but time sure flies when you're having fun.
I still want to see Guardians of the Galaxy for the first time, so thanks for the reminder. :)

Stephanie Faris said...

Critiques that make you laugh--that can never be a bad thing! Happy three-year anniversary!

Trisha said...

It's amazing that 3 years have passed! And I spent most of it watching from the sidelines & commenting on others' IWSG posts. :D

Great idea to compile that book. I will see if I can come up with something in next month's post.

How exciting that you nearly have all your critiques back!! Then it will be down to business again.

Leandra Wallace said...

Heh, your movie analysis cracked me up! I want to see The Maze Runner, but it'll be once it comes out on DVD.

Sher A. Hart said...

I've had a month for the 3 year anniversary to sink in. But it was long enough to get hit by Russian Hackers who erased most of memory, so I forgot. Now I'm excited all ove again. Cool special! If I don't have time to contribute now, I might be able to help edit and proof later. I'm really good at spotting everyone else's errors. :-O

farawayeyes said...

Dang it! I missed the IWSG post. I've been too busy and too unorganized, but congrats on 3 years. I'll still try to make the rounds and read the posts of others and get back up next month.

Would like to do something for the anthology - we'll see if I can get it together.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey Alex, Congrats on the win.... AWESOME!!!!

YAY for three years! I can't believe it!

SO want to see Boxtrolls ... is looks like a fun movie.

Congrats to Brandon, Susan, EJ, and Roland on their new books!

I'm aiming to post for Tina on Monday... Another crazy week ahead...

Julie Musil said...

Congratulations on your award for CassaStorm! That is so cool! By the way, I love your snarky comments :)

dolorah said...

Happy 3rd year anniversary IWSG! The anthology collection is a neat idea.

I'm expecting to take my grandkids to see Box Trolls. Looks like a fun afternoon.

Helena said...

Congratulations on your well-deserved award for CassaStorm!

Hey, your own snarkiness can be very entertaining, too (love the one about Boxtrolls and Lindsey Lohan).

I know I can't contribute a single word of wisdom to IWSG when it comes to marketing or publishing, so I'm looking forward to finding out what other, smarter writers will have to say in the upcoming ebook.

Unknown said...

What a cool idea to create an IWSG ebook!

And congrats on CassaStorm being voted the 2014 Best Science Fiction book :-)

Patsy said...

Three years already? Gosh it doesn't seem anything like that long. I missed the first few posts but it was still quite a new thing when I discovered IWSG.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kirsten, go see it!

Trisha, glad you finally joined us.

Leandra, thanks - I'm here to amuse!

Sher, thanks, and that's funny.

Faraaway, please do!

Julie, I aim to snark.

Helena, glad I could snark well for you. And I bet you could contribute something awesome.

Rachel, we both have awesome awards this week!

Denise Covey said...

Three years! I should feel old. Kidding. The book sounds good for IWSG. A lot of blogfests this September.

Angela Brown said...

It's so weird to realize we've been at this IWSG thing for three years. It doesn't feel like it's been that long. I hope to participate in the ebook coming up.

I have to admit, my favorite parts of the movie descriptions were your personal tidbits in blue *snort*

Seems there's lots going on in the writing, as it should be. Many congrats to those getting works out for readers to devour.

Stephanie said...

Love the publishing guide. Not sure I have much insight to offer, but I'll try to come up with something for it.

Truedessa said...

Alex, Congratulations on three years just think how many lives you
have touched. Applauding here on your award for CassaStorm taking the sci-fi world by storm.

Peace and light in your flight from
here to there and beyond..

Gossip_Grl said...

WOW on the three year mark for ISWG! Has it really been that long? The e-book sounds really interesting also! I haven't yet stopped by to read the A-Z blog today, but will do so today. There will no doubt be a lot of sunflowers on Monday. Congrats on your win and award from the Festival of Words!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Happy Anniversary to IWSG! The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond sounds like it will be an awesome resource for writers.

Alex, CONGRATS on CassaStorm being named 2014 Best Science Fiction! That is awesome.

CONGRATS to all those with new book releases!

Hart Johnson said...

I think this book idea is fantastic! It will be fun to have something that so many friends contribute to.

Shell Flower said...

Glad you are enjoying the critiques rolling in. Good luck with edits. I'm excited about the Maze Runner movie. Will see what I can come up with for October IWSG.

Jan Morrison said...

Boy, you sure love your crit partners! That is excellent.
I have been a sketchy contributor to IWSG these days but will try and get back in the groove. I have a piece you might like - an old A to Z piece that I think might be good for the book. I'll send it shortly.
Good luck with all your plots and plans!

Catherine Stine said...

Congrats on your win and on the three-year anniversary! A book with posts sounds great. Makes me wish I'd been a part up to now....
Good luck with the rest of your edits!

Leovi said...

An interesting idea to create The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond! Wonderful!

The Happy Whisk said...

Congrats to you and everyone else. And neato on the project, hope you guys do really well with it.

Cheers and boogie boogie.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Angela, glad you enjoyed those.

Trudessa, thanks, and you are true class.

Gossip Girl and Susanne, thanks!

Jan, excellent.

Rusty Carl said...

Was thrilled to read it. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Sunflowers for Tina. Nice.

And not any movies this month I'm looking forward to. But captain America comes out next week on blu ray. So there's that.

mshatch said...

The Equalizer synopsis sounds a bit like Man on Fire...and I read The Maze Runner, not sure if I want to see the movie.

Anonymous said...

the book sounds great! what an awesome idea.

Elise Fallson said...

Happy Birthday IWSG! An IWSG ebook is a fantastic idea. And congrats for winning Best Sci-Fi for CassaStorm! Woot! I looking forward to seeing Guardians of the Galaxy. Congrats to Susan, EJ, Roland and everyone for getting their books out, you all rock! I'll be posting on Monday for Tina too.

Vanessa Morgan said...

Love the idea for an IWSG book. I won't be contributing as I don't know enough about writing and publishing, but I'll definitely be reading ;-)

Jay Noel said...

So glad I finally jumped into the IWSG pool after following the posts for two years. It's been incredible, and cathartic.

Congrats to all the new releases! Looking forward to reading Perfectly Ernest.

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Alex! I left you a comment on Wed., but I can't find it ~ into oblivion, I guess! So, I'll say again that I LOVE the idea of an IWSG e-book. I've been racking my brain since then to come up with an idea. I volunteered to co-host for October, so I felt I should write something! Does it matter if you are an unpublished writer? I woke up this morning with an idea!!!!! Question: Can you include visuals (photo, table, map, whatever) in your contribution? I assume any would have to be an original I created. I hope that you're having a great day!

Theresa Milstein said...

I like the idea of offering writing tips. Hm... let me think about writing something! What a great opportunity!

Susan Oloier said...

Happy Anniversary to IWSG. I think I may have to join when things settle down a bit in my life. Happy Weekend!

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Wow. Three years already? Obviously, time really DOES fly when you're having fun. All you IWSG guys and gals working together to create a helpful book to benefit all writers... and providing it for free... is fantabulous. And exactly what I'd expect from someone like you. Kudos!

Unknown said...

wow happy anniversary to IWSG! I can't get over how great that name is.

L.G. Keltner said...

Three years already? Where has the time gone? The Guide to Publishing and Beyond ebook is a great idea!

Jeff Chapman said...

The IWSG book sounds like a great idea. What if you create a list with items form all three categories? Will you split the list or will that be too much of a headache?

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Alex! You already know from my post how much this group means to me.

Christine Rains said...

Happy anniversary! I love this group and hope it sees countless years more. :) Have a good weekend.

Cathy Keaton said...

Happy 3 Year Anniversary! The Ebook looks like it will be great. I like the cover, too. Great idea! :)

SC Author said...

That ebook sounds like an amazing idea. The IWSG has great posts every month. You won't have a lack of knowledge in the ebook :)

Al Penwasser said...

"Kids fight to survive in a dystopian future… stop me if you’ve heard this before…"
I said almost the exact same thing when I saw the trailer. I looked over at Mrs. Penwasser and said, "Didn't they already do this in 'The Hunger Games'?"
Imitation: The sincerest form of "Hey, I Got Nothing Else."

Anonymous said...

Yay on the anniversary. I know I've been participating for a year or two, so I was a bit slow to catch on. I look forward to October's posts.

I love reading beta reader notes and people's reactions.

Intangible Hearts said...

Good luck with the anthology. Sorry, too insecure to submit? Awesome cover on EJ's newest book. He's amazing!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on three years of Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I find there is a very kind and supportive group of people involved in this blog hop. It's been very helpful to me as I try to build a following for my new blog.

Tara Tyler said...

congratulations on such a successful 3 years! we've all benefited by your awesome venture!

yes, we are tired of the dystopian melees...

fall isn't the greatest time for movie releases...

btw, would you do us the honor of mentioning our Shelfie blog hop next week? if you have room? pretty please?
thanks!

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