Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Insecure Writer’s Support Group. CassaDawn Release, Guardians Vol. 2 Trailer, Dragon on Audio, December Movies, New Releases, and Ninja News!

Plot twist! Since Lynda interviewed me her, I turned around and interviewed Lynda at her SITE! Please take time to visit her.

Visit the IWSG site for a chance to win a book on audio book production!

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 Jennifer Hawes, Jen Chandler, Nick Wilford, Juneta Key, JH Moncrieff, Diane Burton, and MJ Fifield!
 
December Question: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?
Seeing as I didn’t really plan the first five years… I’m just aiming for shorter stories to maintain and continued growth for the IWSG.

And today I can announce the release of one of those short stories!

CassaDawn by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction-Space Opera/Adventure/Military
eBook ISBN 9781939844354

The prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series!

A pilot in training...
Fighting the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training. Poised at the top of his class, only one situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough without a good navigator…

Find it at: iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Amazon UK, and Goodreads



Dragon on Audio

Plus I have another release!

Dragon of the Stars
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military

The ship of legends…

Find it on iTunes, Audible, and Amazon

And you can win a copy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My short story, Dragon’s Destiny, is available for free to anyone who has read Dragon of the Stars! Just send me an email, tell me what happens to Aden at the end of Dragon of the Stars, and tell me if you want ePub or Mobi.

And Truedessa wrote the most amazing poem/story about Aden and Tamsin! You have to read it.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Movie Trailer

Just in case you missed it!




Ninja News

T.S. Hendrik from The Non Review has started an online business with his mother and brother selling greeting cards. There are some really cool looking cards on the site, so check out Under a Tree Prints.

Patricia Lynne is doing a New Year New Reads special. For details or to join the fun, see her site.

New Releases

A Thousand Miles by Pat Hatt
Find it on Amazon

Fifth Season by Sandra Ulbrich Almazan
Find your retailer here.

Wraith of Talera and Gods of Talera by Charles Gramlich
Find Wraith of Talera at Amazon
Find Gods of Talera at Amazon




December Movie Preview

Since I’m late with the upcoming releases for December, I’m just listing the ones that interest me. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

16 -

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans to the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.
Director: Gareth Edwards
Stars: Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Ben Mendelsohn
It’s going to make a billion dollars. Haters, just shut up and go see it!




23 –

Sing
A koala named Buster Moon has one final chance to restore his theater to its former glory by producing the world's greatest singing competition.
Directors: Garth Jennings | Christophe Lourdelet
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson
The only thing more annoying than watching animated animals sing songs I dislike is watching the actual artists sing them. Actually, it looks fun.

Assassin’s Creed
When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society.
Director: Justin Kurzel
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson
Hopefully their creed is thou shall not suck. If not for the cast, I’d write this off as another video game dumpster fire.




Do you have a five year plan? Picking up CassaDawn? Want to win a copy of Dragon on audio? Joining the New Year New Reads? And what movies do you want to see this month?
Be sure to visit Lynda Young and the IWSG site!

136 comments:

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Pre-ordered so I know I have Cassa Dawn. Rogue One is going to be insane. Am I first? Also if you are in a movie mood then you'll enjoy my IWSG post Alex.

kaykuala said...

Interestingly enough a person's interest can be answered through a tug at escapism. Hank feels very much the same way. There has to be a pull factor towards something that fills the void. And escapism provides a way out.

And what hails 5 years from now? Books certainly, yes! It should be realised a little a time along the way. At 2 per year it should be a tally of 10. Is that ok? As a target probably yes! It appears realistic enough!

Glad to see Pat at A THaousand Miles!

Hank

Elephant's Child said...

I saw Truedessa's poem. It was delightful and stirred my bookie lust.
Congratulations to you, and to all the other writers. And heartfelt thanks.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congratulations on CassaDawn! I can't believe this is the last IWSG for 2016! Hopefully, I'll have something ready later today. Thanks for another wonderful year, Alex!

Julie

Sher A. Hart said...

Congrats on both! I can't believe I got here this soon. Er, late? It's December already? Never mind writing, maybe I should wish for time to read this Christmas. Okay, plan to make time for reading...in 5 years, I plan to know what the Kargrandes are.

I hope I fixed the comment problem by adding your twitter id to my spam filter's whitelist.

Misha Gerrick said...

Short stories can be a lot of fun. :-)

I'm so looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy, and really hoping Assassin's Creed ends up being good.

The Angry Lurker said...

Rogue One and Assassins Creed for me!

Misha Gerrick said...

And of course, I'm stoked for Rogue One. ^_^

Angela Wooldridge said...

Cassastar is on my TBR pile, I need to bump it up.
Looking forward to Rogue one, I just have my fan hat on for that (and my fingers crossed).
Here's to the next five years :)

Mason Canyon said...

Congrats on your release and to everyone else with new releases. Great to know Dragon of the Stars is on audio. Can't wait to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2. It looks like it will be lots of fun.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congratulations on your audio releases and short story, Alex.

I look forward to your movie reviews. I just re-watched Guardians of the Galaxy and looking forward to the sequel.

Have a nice week.

Rhonda Albom said...

No five-year plan for me, I am generally lucky to a have month-long plan. Congrats on CassaDawn and the audio of Dragon (which I hope to win). Exciting month for you.

Nicola said...

Lots of good news this month! Congratulations!!

I'm looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy - should be fun.

Have a fantastic, festive season, Alex and thanks for all your hard work and continued support throughout this year!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats on your releases, and thanks for mentioning Fifth Season! We already have tickets to Rouge One; not sure yet if my son wants to see Sing.

Pat Garcia said...

Alex, your Cassa Dawn sounds like it is an engaging read and I am going to walk over to Amazon with my fingers and purchase it.
Many thanks to you and the team surrounding you for leading our group. This group has been a bright light in some of my darkest days this year because the articles and the newsletters kept me writing and moving forward.
IWSG is indeed outstanding in every way.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G

Nick Wilford said...

Congrats on your prequel. Hopefully it will win a new legion of fans for the series! Your plan sounds pretty solid, shorter stories hopefully means you can keep up good productivity. Yes, excited about the new Star Wars.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I'm excited for Galaxy 2. Hopefully they can keep the magic of the first movie.

Cathy Keaton said...

Congrats on your short story publication! That is very cool!

I'm in agreement with you on the Assassin's Creed movie. I'm not really a fan of the video games, but I know a little about them and I don't get why they changed the names of the characters. It's ridiculous that the names are slightly changed. Video game movies usually suck, but I do hope this one turns out good, despite the odds.

The Cynical Sailor said...

Congrats to everyone on their new releases :-) I love your take on Rogue One - "Haters, just shut up and see it!" That cracked me up. It's on my list to see so I'll be one of those people contributing to its huge earnings. Have a great rest of the week. Cheers - Ellen

Jennifer Hawes said...

Congrats on your new release! I admire you for the ability to write short stories. I can't for the life of me write short stories. I can't wait for Galaxy 2. Have a great Christmas!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats on your new release. Being able to write short stories is a real talent.

Dean K Miller said...

Nice work on the new release! You are an inspiration to many!

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

GOTG2 looks like a cute and fun movie with all the elements for success - edgy dialogue, humor, good looking lead actors, lovable animated characters, eye-popping action/fx and a rockin' soundtrack. Thanks for posting the trailer, good buddy!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Congrats on the releases, Alex! Good luck with the stories - you know how much I enjoy writing short fiction. :)

Already stopped by Lynda's blog - fun interview. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sheena-kay, thank you!

Hank, ten sounds great!

Sher, I hope so as well.

Angela, thank you!

Rhonda, hope you do!

Sandra, you're welcome.

Pat, thanks!

Donna, from the trailer, looks like it will.

Cathy, we can only hope.

Ellen, I am here to amuse.

Jennifer, and I struggle to write a long one...

Shady, the song in the trailer sells it, doesn't it?

Thanks, everyone!

Pat Hatt said...

Congrats on both releases! Awesome indeed.

Guardians 2 looks great. Hopefully it's as good as the first. I'm still thinking Assassins Creed is going to be crap, but I could be wrong. Thanks for the shout too.

L.G. Keltner said...

Congratulations on the new releases, and good luck with the short stories! I definitely want to see Rogue One.

Anonymous said...

Many congratulations to you, Alex. I love that you're choosing to go a different direction by writing shorter stories. I'm still blown away that I "know" an author who has an audio book. It's such an awesome achievement. No movies for me right now. Nothing really out there that piques my interest. Have a very Merry Christmas!

TS Hendrik said...

Thank you for the shout out, Alex!
I too want to have faith that the cast will make for a good film in Assassin's Creed, but it just looks awful. I'll still give ti a fair shake though.
GOTG:V2 on the other hand. I had already watched the trailer a few times, but I still watched it here again because it looks amazing.

Diane Burton said...

Congrats on the audio book. Rogue One is a must-see for me. I would've written off Assassins, too, if not for the cast. Should be good.

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Baby Groot is SO cute!

An audio book and an ebook all within a week. We certainly couldn't have planned that.

Jen said...

Congrats on the short story! Aaannnd I really enjoyed co-hosting in November... I had no idea I was repeating this month! Yikes! How'd I miss that? If you'll all bear with me (as I'll be gone most of the morning) I'll divebin this afternoon! Happy IWSG Day!

-Jen

Tamara Narayan said...

The first time I saw the Sing promo, I thought it looked dumb. Now that I've seen it about seven times, it's starting to grow on me. So yeah, I might be taking the family to this one. Sadly, my daughters aren't old enough for The Edge of Seventeen. Saw a promo for this the other day and laughed myself silly. Thank goodness for Red Box.

Congrats on CassaDawn and the new audio book! That's fabulous.

Heather M. Gardner said...

ALEX!!!

Hi.

Congrats on your short story! It's good, people, read it!

I can't wait for GoTGVol2! I've watched the trailer like 10 times!

Rogue One has potential, but I'll wait for your review. :)

Heather

Christine Rains said...

Congratulations! I think your plan fantastic. I will definitely be going to see Sing with my son, and I really want to see Rogue One. I also want to see Passengers. I've been watching Mars on National Geographic Channel (it also streams from their site), and I've been loving that. Sci-fi based on a real plan to go to Mars.

Michelle Wallace said...

Short stories are the way to go!
There's always the possibility that one of the short stories may develop into a novella.
I'm off to read Truedessa's poem!

Bob/Sally said...

Well, if you honed your ninja skills without a plan, Alex, then that gives the rest of us hope! Seriously, I know I just need to write and stop being so insecure about releasing stories into the wild.

Arlee Bird said...

Since I haven't seen the last several Star Wars films I doubt whether I'll see the new one. Somehow I just can't get into that series anymore--I guess it lost me somewhere shortly after that first release about 100 years ago when I was a lad of less than 30 years old.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Andrew Leon said...

Jeremy Irons was in Dungeons and Dragons. See how that turned out...

Tess Julia said...

Although I'm not a science fiction fan per se, I am a Star Wars fan! I grew up with the original movies- loved the three prequels, and of course will see the new ones!
That being said- I also like your books Alex- I'm just shy of half way through the second one and you're such a good writer! It's inspiring really :) While science fiction isn't my genre of choice, it's the stories and relationships that make it appealing and you've nailed it with that, just like Star Wars did.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

More congratulations to you, Alex.

Maybe I'll see Sing with my nephew.

That trailer was hysterical.

Stay well, warm, and in good spirits.

Stephen Tremp said...

Baby Groot sure is a hoot! And Rebel One is on our list of things to do for a very busy December. Congrats! and best wishes with your releases!

Patricia Stoltey said...

The older I get, the more I want to make 5-year or 10-year plans -- I think it pays to be optimistic. :D

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Congrats on the new audio and CassaDawn. Rogue One looks pretty good but I hate going to watch a movie where I expect just about all the heroes are going to die before the end.

Chrys Fey said...

Congrats on CassaDawn!

I do wonder what your vision is for IWSG in five years. :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

I like Guardians of the Galaxy. It will be fun to watch with my boys.
Just started listening to your book on audio last night. It IS read very well. Thanks! It will be my travel story during December!
Mary at Play off the Page

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Pat, you're welcome.

Elsie, thanks. Still just a lucky writer.

TS, you're welcome! I know, I think I've watched the trailer a dozen times now.

Jen, sorry - maybe I messed up?

Tamara, I thought the very same thing.

Heather! Thank you.

Christine, I haven't decided on Passengers yet.

Michelle, very true.

Bob, it should give everyone a lot of hope!

Andrew, good point.

Tess, thank you! Glad you are enjoying it. And that's what makes a story good - the characters.

Patricia, I like your line of thinking!

Susan, yeah, I don't think the mission will go well for them.

Chrys, when I have one, I'll let you know.

Mary, thank you!

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Alex!

Even though I've never played the games, I kinda wanna see the Assassin's Creed movie. It looks super interesting.

Joanne said...

I'd say no serious plan has worked well for you. Congrats on new stories, audio, etc. You are soaring through the galaxy!
Good luck to all other new releases - of course Pat Hatt is there. He's everywhere.

I'm sure I'll see Rogue One and I like animated singing - don't hate!!
No Assassins for me.
Keep zooming through the next five years - should be exciting

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I love Bucerias, but the internet man still hasn't come, so I'm dealing with a very weak signal at our local internet cafe. Took me 4 attempts before I could leave a message. My landlady has put a bug in his ear, but who knows. Life is very laid back here. Congratulations on your new release. I will order my copy as soon as my modem is installed. Meanwhile I'm going thru withdrawals not being online. LOL. I know I need to relax and enjoy the quiet time. TTYS.

N. R. Williams said...

Congratulations on your new release.
Nancy

Julie Flanders said...

Two releases to celebrate! Congratulations!!
Enjoyed your interview with Lynda. :)

M.J. Fifield said...

Really looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy's return. Baby Groot for the win!

I know nothing about Assassin's Creed, but I have to admit, the trailer doesn't bore it. I'll definitely be going to see Rogue One, though.

Congrats on the new release and the audiobook. That's so exciting!

C.D. Gallant-King said...

I just stop by to see how much you can cram into one post. :-P

Congrats on the new releases!

Gail said...

Congratulations.

Enjoy the Holidays.

Sarah Foster said...

Congrats on the release! I've never been very good at writing short stories. They always seem to turn into novels.

Liz A. said...

Congrats on the new release.

Your 5 year plan seemed to work. I think there's too much emphasis placed on planning ahead. Sometimes you just have to let the road take you where it's going to take you. Not to say that some planning isn't good, but if you plan everything out, where do the surprises come in?

I saw the trailer for Assassin's Creed and scratched my head. Until it became clear it came from a video game. Then I ignored it. Looking forward to Rogue One, though (obvs!).

Unknown said...

5 years from now? Hopefully I have a long backlist of books *giggles*

I saw the trailer for Guardians and I can't wait to see it! *loves Groot*

And Congrats on the releases! You are doing amazing!

Loni Townsend said...

I am soooooo looking forward to vol. 2 of Guardians of the Galaxy. It's one that I'll probably see in the theaters!

I need to play catch-up on all of your books. My goal is to read them all straight through in 2017.

Hart Johnson said...

Congrats on your releases, Alex! And I haven't seen the 1st Guardians movie--my kids were past that age when it came out, but that looks pretty cute. Also, Assassin's Creed looks pretty good to me and I've never played.

Truedessa said...

Hi Alex, Thanks for the shout out about my poem. It was fun to write and I'm glad you enjoyed it! Your story was the inspiration so thank you for that. I cannot wait to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2. After, I watched the trailer I was treated to Easter, by none other than the Ninja himself :-)

Congrats on the releases, I will be picking up CassaDawn. I also want the audio of Dragon of the Stars, to hear the story come to life will be exciting for me. I guess these will be Christmas gifts to myself.

Congrats to all with releases - I have picked up Pat's already.

Sandra Cox said...

Love your trailer, Alex! Congrats and kudos.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joanne, then I'll stick with the silly plan.

Joylene, thanks, and just enjoy it for now.

CD, a whole lot apparently!

Liz, my whole writing journey has been a surprise.

Loni, I need to do some reading as well!

Hart - past that age? I'm in my fifties and love those movies!

Thanks everyone!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Congrats!!! Thanks for the awesome news from so many authors and all the movie reviews.

Al Penwasser said...

Even though its plot and logic holes are bigger than what's in Joe Biden's head, I am so looking forward to "Guardians of the Galaxy."

Jen said...

Alex, no worries. I could have agreed to both months. With everything that's gone on, I could have totally forgotten! If so, I'm so sorry. I had a bit of a minor surgical procedure done today and I'm not feeling up to it. If it's my faulty brain cells, I apologize. Happy Christmas!!!

Cherie Reich said...

Yours sounds like a doable five-year plan. :)

Congrats on the release of CassaDawn!

cleemckenzie said...

Congratulations on your release. Very exciting! Loved the trailer. Also loved your goals.

erica and christy said...

Good plan! You've been very successful even without a plan! Makes me feel a little bit more hopeful as a semi-planless writer! Movies this month...I'm hoping to squeeze in some of our traditional Christmas movies with my family in my down time. Off to visit Lynda! Christy

A Beer for the Shower said...

Snagged my copy of CassaDawn! Can't wait to read it. My five year plan? Make it through the pile of books I have on my desk so I can get to CassaDawn sooner than five years.

mshatch said...

So looking forward to Rogue One, and yes, Assassins Creed does have a great cast so it's a definite maybe :)

Patsy said...

I haven't done much long term planning so far - but it's something I'll be doing more of in future.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Wow, Alex, you are moving right along. Many congratulations. I thought I joined your blog. Sorry! I'm in now. All the luck with your writing and who knows. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to win the copy of your new release. All the best for a happy holiday season and a 2017 filled with publishing possibilities. Thanks for hosting the IWSG.

Karen Lange said...

Congrats on your release, Alex! Looking forward to having you visit next week. Thanks for all the info and links.

Cherie Colyer said...

That's a good plan for the coming years.

Congrats on the release of you latest story.

Carrie-Anne said...

Congratulations on your new release! My five-year plan is to make somewhat of a name for myself and start getting more sales than mere congratulations and well wishes. My ultimate dream is to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, though being well-known would be really good too.

diedre Knight said...

Another terrific post! So great to be a part of this fantastic group. Kudos on CassaDawn! I enjoyed your trailer and I'm dubiously looking forward to Assassin's Creed ;-) I like your thinking on short stories, they seem to sprout like weeds for me and I don't mind in the least. Your plans for the future sound wonderful, especially since IWSG is included ;-)

farawayeyes said...

Five year plans, eh? Not really in my future.

Some interesting new releases. Congrats to all.

Although not a big Space Opera/Sci-fy fan, Guardians was really fun and I look forward to the sequel. From the looks of that trailer, it should be just as much fun as the first. "She told your deepest darkest secret'. Ha,ha,ha!

I was at Disneyland over Thanksgiving and rumor has it that the old Tower of Terror in California Adventure is being turned into a Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Now how cool would that be. Might even be worth a trip back, but pobably not in my future either.

Congrats on your audio book, unfortunately I find that audio books, no matter the subject, just put me to sleep. Now what's with that?

J E Oneil said...

That definitely sounds like an achievable five year goal for you.

Rogue One really looks good. I'm sure for every hater who doesn't want to see it there will be a hundred people who do.

Lynn La Vita said...

Love your easy to achieve goals. Leaves plenty of room in your schedule to experiment and time to stretch your imagination. I wonder where your curiosity will lead you?

I'm positive insecure writers will benefit in new and wondrous ways. Thank you for creating IWSG.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jen, no worries! Sorry about that.

Erica and Christy, if I can stumble through success, anyone can.

Brandon and Bryan, thanks! Fortunately it's really short...

Victoria, thanks! I will visit yours shortly.

Carrie-Anne, think big!

Faraway, interesting about the Tower. I wonder if they'll do the same at MGM Studios in Florida?

Lynn, thanks for being a part of it.

Thanks, everyone!

Olga Godim said...

Short stories are fun to write. Congrats on your new release!

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Congrats on your launch day! I'll definitely pick one up to support you--you've done so much for me. Is it available as an ebook only? I should finally have an e-reader after Christmas.

Thanks for having me as a co-host! It's been a lot of fun.

Jemi Fraser said...

Hoping to talk hubby into seeing Rogue One! :)
Good luck with CassaDawn! Can't wait to read it!

Toi Thomas said...

My five-year plan is a little laid back, but there is something there, including a dog.
I've got my copies of CassaDawn and Dragon of the Stars, but I'm still excited about a chance to win the audiobook.
There are some pretty interesting movies coming us, but my holiday season is usually too busy to go to the theater.

Anonymous said...

It looks like not having a plan worked out well for you, Alex. ;)

Erika Beebe said...

I can't wait for rogue one! And I definitely need to get CassaDawn.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your short story! Can't wait to see Rogue One & Guardians 2--baby Groot is so cute!

M Pax said...

Congrats on your new releases! Most awesome.

I'm really looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

So much good news. Congratulations to you, Alex, and to everyone who has a new book out.

Jo said...

I'm really looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy Part II. Hope it is as good.

Will be ordering the new Cassa book - enjoyed all your other stories, so why wouldn't I?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

JH, thanks! Yes, eBook only.

Toi, the audio book is amazing.

Erika, thanks!

Jo, I think you'll like it.

Thanks everyone!

Chemist Ken said...

Rogue One - yes. The other two, not so much.

Guardians of the Galaxy is a no-brainer. I do love the Christmas movie season!

Stephanie Faris said...

Congratulations!!! You're on FIRE. Maybe NOT planning is a good idea!

stephen Hayes said...

As a visual person, I really like the packaging of your novels. They're sophisticated yet intriguing.

The Happy Whisk said...

Very cool on the release of your stories.

Birgit said...

I think a 5 year plan is good to have and we shall see if mine ever comes to fruition. I love the trailer from Guardians and I think my favourite is that bald guy. I want to see Star Wars but I also want to see La-La Land.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Congratulations!

In 5 years, I should have finally sorted out my novella. Hopefully. And sent my kid off to uni. I am not sure if those two are related :)

dolorah said...

This is the third night in a row I've stayed at a hotel with wifi that either did not load up, or spins forever. Its Arizona for pete's sake. Anyway, if this comment posts, I'll be surprised! Anyway - I did not post for Dec . . no decent internet . . well, lots of reasons.

My five year plan is just to still be writing something.

Congrats on the short story. Keep up the writing progress.

Shannon Lawrence said...

You're on a roll with the releases! Sounds like a good plan for the next five years. Not too stressful, but still working the business.

Elizabeth Alsobrooks said...

Sounds like a plan to me! Good luck on all your endeavors.

Cynthia said...

Sounds like you have lots going on with the releases! Yay!

There aren't movies I want to see this month but there are plenty of books I'd like to read.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Chad was underwhelmed by the Star Wars trailer. He said if it was just a movie, it'd be a renter, but it's Star Wars! Of course he's buying a ticket!
Congratulations on the new story! So glad the non-writer in you keeps coming up with awesome stories.

Michael Abayomi said...

I can totally see Rogue One crossing the billion-dollar mark. The bigger question is whether or not it is going to carry the torch for the entire franchise, at least until Episode VIII releases next year. I sincerely hope it does. Either way, I'll be going to see it come December 16th! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephanie, I won't plan then.

Stephen, thanks!

Donna, no worries.

Michael, so will I!

Tonja Drecker said...

Oh my! I totally spaced IWSG this time. Too much holiday hoppla going on. I'm headed over to the interview in a few seconds. And the trailer for Guardians is great. I was getting the feeling they'd forgotten about that one. Glad to see it! And I love your answer for the 5 year writing thing because talk about one of the most unpredictable things!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Congrats on your new release, Alex. You are becoming very prolific. I love your answer to the 5 year writing goal, sometimes the best things happen in life, when we don't plan for it :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Congratulations on the release of your short! Very cool!
And I hope you write many, many more!

Sherry Ellis said...

You're on a roll with those audio books!

I'm glad there's going to be a Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2. I enjoyed the first one.

alexia said...

Oh man, I'm sad I missed this IWSG topic. I have LOTS of plans for the next five years! Congrats on Cassa Dawn! And super excited about GOTG 2!! Rogue One as well...

Suzanne Furness said...

Many congratulations, Alex on your new short story release.

Loren E. Pryce said...

Congrats on the new release, Alex. I'm also super psyched for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tonja, no worries!

Yolanda, I'm working on it.

Alexia, no worries.

Thanks, everyone!

Jennifer Lane said...

Short and sweet, the way I like 5 year plans.

Congrats on the short story release!

Juneta key said...

My birthday was Nov 30th. I received them for opening night at the theater here locally for Rogue One on 16th. I'm psyched. I'm also looking for forward to seeing Guardians of the Galaxy II. Congrats on the short story release and the audio I have not read Dragon yet its on my list, but I own the ebook.

Thanks for all you do and creating IWSG.

Happy Holidays to you and your family
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

A big congrats on Dawn!!!
Sorry I couldn't get here sooner. It's been crazy busy with unexpected things cropping up at the worst times. Sigh!
And I love having you on my blog. The interview with a twist was lots of fun.
Also looking forward to Guardians 2.

Zan Marie said...

Congratulations on the newest release! Have a great Holiday season!

T.F. Walsh said...

Huge congrats on the short story release.. how super exciting :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

Congrats on another story! Glad to see you are still writing away. Very cool trailer for CassaDawn.

Congrats to Pat, Sandra, and Charles! All the best with your releases!

No five year plan for me. One day at at time. Life is stressful enough without putting more pressure on myself for a five year plan. LOL. I at least hope to write SOMETHING this coming year. I must. It's been too long.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday season, Alex!

Anonymous said...

Yay to your new release! Can't wait to read it. I'll definitely help spread the word. Looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Love you, Twinny!

Elizabeth said...

"Haters, just shut up and go see it!" Lol, I couldn't agree more :) I'm looking forward to Rogue One and Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

I don't really plan a lot with my writing either, I mostly just go with the flow. And short stories are fun, to read and write.

Elizabeth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - I leave it a day ... and your comments are choc-a-bloc! Well done on your two releases ... and your news. I did go and see "Sully" and I did see the Japanese "Ran" - the King Lear by Akira Kurosawa ... which our film society put on for us - amazing: now I really want to see it again.

Thanks for all you do and have a happy and peaceful festive season - cheers Hilary

Murees Dupè said...

Congratulations, Alex! And you call yourself a slow writer? You are "the man!"
Sorry I haven't been around to cheer you on.

Congrats to all the authors with new releases and new adventures.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Gah! I'm always late to your blog. Blame it on my revisions. I get busy and forget to check out blogs!

Where do I see my writing career in 5 years? Successful! Well, I can hope. I have 5 books out now. I'll be happy if I get at least another 2 out there in 5 years. I've slowed up considerably.

I'm looking forward to "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" and "Passengers." It will be hard to choose which one to see at Christmas. Guess I'll just have to see them both! :)

Unknown said...

Congrats on CassaDawn! That makes like 5 in the series, right? So awesome!

I'm dying to see the new Guardian movie. The others you mentioned look good to me too. Have a wonderful weekend!

Blue Grumpster said...

Lynda and True Blue are the best.

Charles Gramlich said...

thanks for mentioning and linking to my books. Much appreciated!

Sandra Cox said...

The baby girl has already put in a request for Rogue One for the annual Christmas movie.
Hope you and your wife are having a wondrous weekend.

Magic Love Crow said...

Congrats on your release of the short story and the audio book! Excellent! I love Guardians of the Galaxy! Vol.2 looks amazing!

DMS said...

Well it looks like working without a writing plan works for you. :) Short stories are always fun!

Congrats on the releases! :)
~Jess

Barbara said...

Hello Alex, congratulations on the release of CassaDawn and Dragon of the Stars. I hope they do well for you.
Under a tree prints have some really unusual cards, I’ve just book marked the site, so I can return and spend some time looking around.
OK then I guess I had better go and see Rogue One, not that I hate Star Wars you understand just that I hadn’t really though about watching it. I’m going to see Scully on Tuesday, can’t wait.

kimlajevardi.com said...

Congrats on CassaDawn! I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and New Year, Alex! Thank you for another great year of IWSG!

Mason T. Matchak said...

I think I've watched the "Guardians" trailer at least nine times since it came out. Maybe ten. ^_^ And congratulations on your new release! Glad that short fiction is working out well for you.

As for a five-year plan... I don't want to think about it. If I'm still in the same state of absolutely nothing happening that I've been in for the past fifteen years, I don't know what I'll do. >_<

John Wiswell said...

I wasn't sold on that Guardians of the Galaxy trailer until the very end. Drax was hilarious. That's what I want in my Marvel movies.

Given the success if NK Jemisin's novel, "Fifth Season" is a daring choice for a novel title...

Cynthia said...

Thanks for the heads up about Christine's post at the IWSG page. I will check it out.