Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, MST3K, April Movie Preview, 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 Chris D. Votey, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Fundy Blue, and Chrys Fey!


April Question:
Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?

My fourth book, Dragon of the Stars, was given a release date of April 7, 2015. Right in the middle of the Challenge. While it was a great opportunity to place the book in front of a lot of people, it was a really crap time for promotions or a blog tour. Everyone was participating in the Challenge (2000+ - the largest year ever.) How was I going to promote it effectively?

I started asking around for blog tour stops, offering to work into the letter of the day for the Challenge. To my surprise, people said yes. I set the whole week of the release with stops and three per week for the rest of the month, followed by every Monday for the two months after that. I also created a scavenger hunt, and on the day of release, twenty-five bloggers posted a picture of Mini-Alex with the book in a new location – commenters had to guess where.

The launch was successful and Dragon climbed the science fiction charts on Amazon. The continued exposure helped the book to continue to sell.

Would it work as effectively today? I’d really rather not find out…


Last month we launched the IWSG Goodreads Book Club and we’ve had a stellar turnout of members. The book for April-May is Chapter After Chapter: Discover the Dedication & Focus You Need to Write the Book of Your Dreams. Not too late to join and start reading!


MST3K!

The new season of Mystery Science Theater 3000 debuts on NetFlix on April 14!

Set your DVRs.

And turn down the lights. (Where applicable.)


Ninja News

Dan Koboldt, author and founder of #SFFpit, will be visiting the IWSG on Monday. You don’t want to miss it!

CassaDawn, the prequel to my Cassa series, is now free!

You can download this short story at iTunes, Barnes and Nobel, Amazon Kobo, and Amazon UK


SIX STRINGS Season 2 Issue 3 is available now!
This free magazine is put together by Jeremy Hawkins and is packed with top-notch interviews. The site will continue, but the magazine might be ending. Time to get yours while you can and support this awesome venture! Download it for free here.

Available now!
Piper Morgan Makes a Splash by Stephanie Faris
Piper’s mom is helping out at a local pool shop, and the owner wants to shoot a commercial for his store. Piper thinks it’s the PERFECT opportunity to get in front of the camera and experience a little bit of showbiz. But will Piper’s contribution to the TV commercial make a splash—or will it go belly-up?
Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Indie Bound.

WEP challenge for April! 

See Denise Covey for details.

The challenge is coinciding with the A to Z Challenge letter of the day to make it easy on participants.


Prayers for a Fellow Blogger

Michael sent me an email and posted about a fellow blogger.

Many of you remember Melissa Bradley and her blog, Melissa’s Imaginarium. She has been fighting cancer for the past few years and just recently went into hospice care. You can read the details at Michael’s blog.

Please send prayers for Melissa. Let her know she is loved.

April Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for April! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

7 –

Going in Style
Desperate to pay the bills and come through for their loved ones, three lifelong pals risk it all by embarking on a daring bid to knock off the very bank that absconded with their money.
Director: Zach Braff
Stars: Morgan Freeman, Joey King, Ann-Margret, Michael Caine
George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg…crap, wait! That was the original 1979 film. Never mind.

The Void
Shortly after delivering a patient to an understaffed hospital, a police officer experiences strange and violent occurrences seemingly linked to a group of mysterious hooded figures.
Directors: Jeremy Gillespie | Steven Kostanski
Stars: Ellen Wong, Kathleen Munroe, Kenneth Welsh, Aaron Poole
If you don’t enjoy the movie, a full refund is available. Offer void in Utah.




14 –

The Fate of the Furious
When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before.
Director: F. Gary Gray
Stars: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Scott Eastwood, Charlize Theron
I hope by Furious 20 they aren’t driving around in NOS-powered wheelchairs.



Have you used the A to Z Challenge for marketing? Joined the IWSG Book Club? Ready for the new MST3K? Downloaded CassaDawn and Six Strings for free? And what movies catch your attention this month? (I’m guessing not too many…)
Be sure to catch Dan Koboldt at the IWSG on Monday.
I will be offline the week of Good Friday but be back on April 17.

140 comments:

Annalisa Crawford said...

Using the A-Z challenge for marketing works so well. Never done it myself, but seen it used very successfully.

Am I first?????

Patsy said...

I've never thought of using the A-Z as a marketing tool. Might consider that next year.

kaykuala said...

Don't have any new ones to market, a pass off this time! Would certainly download your CassaDawn Alex and so also the other one! It is a privilege!Not joining the IWSG book club though. Enjoy your vacation, Alex!

Hank

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Ha, I remember that launch. Busy busy!!
It's so sad to hear about Melissa

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - good luck to Stephanie with her new book, and to the IWSG with their /your Book Club - I'm sure it'll be a huge success. I'd quite like to see the Michael Caine et al (including Ann Margret I see) a feel good movie, but probably not great - so sometime.

As for Melissa, her friends and family - I can only wish her peace at this time ... with thoughts ...

Hilary

Nilanjana Bose said...

Just popping in to say hi. Good luck to Stephanie Faris with the new release.

I enjoyed reading CassaDawn!

So sorry to hear about Melissa. Sending lots of healing energies to her, wishing her strength and wellness and peace, and also to Michael. Cancer freaks me out, lost several family members and friends to it.

Happy Easter in advance!

Elephant's Child said...

I am so pleased that you found the A-Z helpful in marketing your book.
Congratulations as always to all those with new works out. Thank you.
Melissa and her family are in my heart. Cancer is a cruel beast.

Sarah Foster said...

Never used the A to Z for marketing because I don't have a book to market (yet)! Glad it gave you good results.

Michelle Wallace said...

It's so sad to read about Melissa.
Our Goodreads group now stands at about 158 members.
Happy IWSG Day, Alex!

nashvillecats2 said...

Best wishes to Stephanie with her new book. so much news to take in as always. Thanks.

Yvonne.

Shady Del Knight said...

Prayers for Melissa.

Re: Going In Style - it might be a fun picture, but I tend to avoid remake films with aging casts of veteran actors and actresses whose careers have seen better days.

Have a great day, good buddy Alex!

Barbara said...

I’ve not taken advantage of the A to Z Challenge, but I am enjoying visiting lots of the participants. I missed the launch of the IWSG Goodreads Book Club, but I will be over to take a look soon. I’m not writing a book but one of these days I just might so it’s good to get as much advice as I can.
Lovely to see another Piper Morgan book I must pop over and say hello to Stephanie after leaving this comment.
The Void looks interesting I must keep an eye out for that.
Have a good rest of the week.

Mason Canyon said...

So sad about Melissa. Keeping her in my prayers. Congrats to those with new releases. You did have an awesome launch with Dragon of the Stars.

Cathrina Constantine said...

I released one of my books right before Christmas, that was an awful mistake.

I've been keeping Melissa in my heart and in my prayers.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad that the A to Z challenge helped with your book promotion. But I understand why you wouldn't want to do it again. Reading everyone's posts, posting, and promoting a new book while working and giving your spouse some attention seems like way to much to do.

Stephanie Faris said...

Thank you SO much for including me! I love seeing Piper in the middle of your megapopular blog.

Yes, that A to Z sounds like a LOT of work, the way you did it! Blog tours can be complicated enough. You were wrestling an octopus with that one!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I read Chapter By Chapter years ago - it's a good one!

Looking forward to catching up with movies I missed in the theaters, like Hidden Figures, Split, Fences.... We recently watched Sing - a nice movie, cute and fun. :)

Sending prayers to Melissa and her family and friends....

Shah Wharton said...

Poor Melissa (best wishes to her and her family).

I don't know where you get the energy for all that promo, but I wish I had a tenth of it. Worth it though, as your books do so well.

Have a great Easter with your family, Alex. X

Jennifer Hawes said...

I remember that year and your new release:) Stressful times have a way of working things out on their own. Sorry to hear about Melissa. Saying a prayer!

Truedessa said...

Hi Alex

I purchased Cassa Dawn when it came out. I would def recommend this short story to your readers.

I think Dragon of the Stars will always be my favorite. You really had a fun promotion and I was happy to be a part of it. I think it was successful based on your planning.

I will send positive intentions to Melissa!

May everyone be secure in their dreams and follow them, it's faith that gives one the ability to overcome obstacles.

Peace and light always!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Annalisa, you are first!

Thanks, Hank!

Lynda, it was insane.

Nila, thanks!

Michelle, that's really cool.

Shady, remakes are never high on my list.

Barbara, the group is a great way to prepare in case you do write a book.

Natalie, way too much...

Stephanie, you're welcome. I think there's more than one octopus.

Gossip_Grl said...

Hi, Alex- I am working my way through the A-Z link list and then onto the Insecure Writers list. Later putting the finishing touches on the posts for next week and hopefully start working on those needing to be finished for the last weeks of the Challenge. I'm trying not to stress over those harder letters of the alphabet. :) I'm not sure about the marketing, but I am using it for more awareness to the disease of addiction, gaining a few blog friends to that blog and just got the first follower to this blog. :) Hope you have a great day!

Hart Johnson said...

Thank you for passing on news about Melissa. That is so sad. I knew about her original cancer battle but hadnt heard anything for quite a while.

Yolanda Renée said...

Marketing during the A to Z just makes sense!
So much going on now - here on the blog, and in life too, but the opportunities are endless!

Enjoy your Easter Break!

Sandra Cox said...

You have such creative marketing ideas!

Mary Aalgaard said...

Ya, I think you stressed yourself out with the A to Z challenge and book launch. You do so much for your writing community. It's good to step back and refocus.

Raimey Gallant said...

The way you used A to Z as a blog tour? Complete genius. I'm in awe. I must have missed the Goodreads notification. I've joined the group now though!

Dean K Miller said...

I'm A to Z-ing again this year with a poetry theme from contributors to an anthology I put out last October. Picking up some new followers, but will have to wait and see if it really does any real "marketing" magic.
Prayers to Melissa and her family during this difficult time.

Lidy said...

Never used A-Z for book marketing but will keep it in mind for the future.
I love Dan Koboldt and will save the date for his post.
Not sure I'll watch FF8 but there's suppose to be two more movies before the entire series is done for good.
My prayers to Melissa and her family.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hi Alex!

The Challenge has its moments. It's brought me new blog friends, that's for sure.

The new movie list isn't very exciting. I hope summer will look better. We always have GoTGVol.2!!!

Heather

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

Thanks for the mention about Melissa, I know the added prayers will help our friend.

Not doing the A-Z. Did it for like three years in row and at the time I had nothing to promote myself, but I did promote other author's books. Not sure if it helped or not, but I'm sure it did.

I'm a big Disney freak, so I am looking forward to seeing BEAUTY AND THE BEAST....

Definitely need to check out the book club....

Glad I dropped it to say HI... it's been too long. HAPPY EASTER, ALEX.

Carol Kilgore said...

I was saddened to hear about Melissa Bradley, although I learned via Facebook earlier this week. I didn't know her well, but I know Michael has been her friend throughout her illness. Keeping both of them in my prayers.

A to Z is an amazing vehicle. I used it for the launch of Solomon's Compass, and it worked well.

Hope you don't have withdrawal pains from not participating this year :)

Jen said...

I have not used the A-Z for marketing but I can see how it would work. I decided not to participate this year; too much going on to give it the attention necessary, but I've enjoyed some of the themes so far!

Movies haven't looked good to me since Fantastic Beasts. Ah well, I've got plenty if books to keep me occupied! Happy IWSG day 😄

Donna K. Weaver said...

The first A to Z was very fulfilling, and I met a ton of friends that year. The next year, it was so large it was a little challenging and people didn't connect like they had the following year. And now real life is suck a time suck. lol

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

The Void looks insane! Can't wait to check it out.

Crystal Collier said...

LOL! All you have to do is ask and you've got fifty people jumping to say yes. =) See, that's what happens when you build a powerful, supportive community of wonderful people--which I have to say you've done quite successfully! Cheese to you!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I love movies with the older actors and actresses, so I'll have Going in Style on my list. My favorite of that genre is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

THANK YOU for sharing... Sorry to hear about Melissa... she is a great lady full of spunk and I hope for only the best...

Jeremy

Arlee Bird said...

Any kind of marketing takes a creative approach as well as time and effort to make successful. You tied yours nicely into the A to Z Challenge so that your promotion didn't get lost in the frenzy of A to Z. I still think the Challenge can have great marketing potential, but just blogging through the alphabet about one's book won't likely work unless the great effort is made. We get returns based on the investments we make.

The original Going in Style is such a wonderful film with classic actors. I doubt whether the new gang will have the charm as the original, but I guess we'll find out. I've been watching for the original to be replayed on TCM where I saw it for the first time last year.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Unknown said...

I cannot wait to see Going in Style!!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, there was no way someone would refuse to help you with Dragon of the Stars promotions, you have always been a big support to all of us.

Praying for Melissa! Thanks to Michael for telling us about it on Facebook.

Nice to see Stephanie's book here!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Truedessa, thank you!

Gossip Girl, you are using it for a great cause.

Mary, probably why I didn't enjoy it as much last year.

Raimey, thanks! And glad you joined.

Lidy, unless they make money of course.

Heather, yes!

Michael, always good to hear from you! I hope Melissa knows how many are praying for her.

Carol, so far I'm not!

Thanks, Crystal!

Jeremy, you're welcome.

Lee, sometimes blogging one's book doesn't work during the Challenge.

Rachna, thanks!

Victoria Marie Lees said...

This is comforting news to know that when--hopefully not if!--I finally publish a book, I will find friends here to help me get the word out.

Alex, I also am praying for Melissa. My mother has just been diagnosed with cancer--a horrible thing.

Thank you so much for gathering these writers to help support one another. All the best to you, sir.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Such sad news about Melissa.

Any movie with Vin and I'm there.

cleemckenzie said...

The A to Z does increase traffic to your blog, so I, yes, I entered to entice more people to see what I had to offer. Then I got hooked on the information that I was gathering from other bloggers and from the research I had to do to write my posts.


I already reviewed Cassa Dawn, so I'm past the download stage of things. :-)

Jennifer Lane said...

Congrats on the book club! I'm glad you were able to market successfully in the middle of A to Z. Stephanie's cover is adorable and prayers for Melissa.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Prayers for Melissa and her family. So sad.

I'm not trying the A-Z this year...I'm behind in my regular blog schedule.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Very sorry to hear of Mellissa's illness. Yes, I've visited her wonderful blog many times. I think we can all agree that is one of the most wonderful things about IWSG, our community. Not to mention your wonderful blog. You are an angel ninja, Alex. God bless you for all you do and continue to do on our behalf.

Nicki Elson said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about Melissa.

You made excellent use of the April marketing opportunity for your book launch.

Chrys Fey said...

When Seismic Crimes came out on S day it was perfect for the release day, but I did decide to wait until May to do my tour because of how crazy April is for everyone.

Julie Flanders said...

The A-Z is definitely a great tool for marketing. So glad it helped your book. I think I first discovered Melissa's blog during one of the A-Z's. So sad to hear that she has entered hospice.

Happy Easter to you, Alex.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm looking forward to Dan's post on Monday. I have never seen a Fast and Furious movie and won't start now. Those movies about the old guys gets more interesting the older I get.

Andrew Leon said...

There were the Angel stories last year but I'm going to just say that AtoZ had no significant impact on those.

Pat Hatt said...

I remember when you went this way and that marketing away at your bay along with the a to z. I'll watch the Fast and Furious, I'm in this far, may as well keep going down the rabbit hole haha

Lynn La Vita said...

Very interesting promotional road map. I'm just learning how challenging it is to promote our books. Excellent resource and guidelines. It's a shock to learn that writing & publishing is only part of the story.

Ryan Carty said...

Yes, the challenge takes up so much time, I can't imagine wanting to do it again in conjunction with a book launch. It is good to read about a successful effort. Like you, I've found that most bloggers I know are kind and generous with their time and blogs. I wouldn't want to be around any that were dismissive or snotty.

Anonymous said...

I'm new to this, so am at a loss as to how to proceed with that challenge.

Wow, sounds like a lot of work and energy for all of those blog stops! The scavenger hunt sounds like fun. :)

Nicola said...

Praying for Melissa and sending lots of love to her and the whole family. God Bless.

I think the A to Z is very rewarding. Wish I had the energy. Last year was a blast and I was a minion which was fab! I'm enjoying doing the rounds though. Lots of interesting posts to read.

Have a great week Alex, and thanks for your kind words and support in your comment on my blog. I really appreciate it.

Carrie-Anne said...

I've used A to Z to indirectly promote my writing, as just about all of my themes on my main blog have been related to it. I can't believe I forgot about IWSG this month, though I've been distracted by my rabbi and rebbetzin's oldest daughter's recent wedding (which involved my first trip to NYC by myself), and all the work I did yesterday in helping for one of the sheva brachot (seven blessings) meals done during the week following a wedding.

Cherie Reich said...

That's a great idea to incorporate the A-Z Challenge for promotion on other blogs for a new release.

Juneta key said...

Congrats to all the new releases. I'm looking forward to seeing the new Furious. I've always wondered how hard it would be to do a scavenger hunt so impress on how you handled yours.
https://universeofpossibility.wordpress.com/2017/03/30/why-sci-fi/

Joanne said...

Hey mini-Alex is a star. Hopefully Piper can make a splash too for Stephanie. Talent and timing shines through
Your snark movie comments made me laugh out loud Bleak times in the theater.
But hope you enjoy sun and fun on break

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Victoria, I'm sorry.

Lee, and I appreciate it!

Thanks, Joylene.

Chrys, I don't recommend a tour in the middle of the Challenge.

Lynn, and a small part at that...

Ryan, I avoid those who are.

Carrie-Anne, no worries.

Juneta, we had some serious people playing along.

Susanne Matthews said...

I love the challenge of the A to Z blog and like you, I've used it as an opportunity to support other authors as well as market my own books. We have to use every chance we get!

L.G. Keltner said...

I'm so excited about MST3K!

I'm sorry to hear about Melissa. Cancer is the worst.

Anonymous said...

I've been following Melissa's journey on Facebook but haven't logged on in a couple of months. I'm so saddened to hear she's in hospice. My thoughts and prayers go out to her. Cancer sucks.

Bob/Sally said...

I found it hard enough to balance A to Z with normal life, much less book promotion. Kudos to you for pulling it off so well, Alex!

Jo said...

I have seen ads for Going In Style on TV but didn't realise what the story was about nor that it was done before. Pity, it looks like it could be good.

I don't know Melissa but I send sympathy and best wishes to her.

Chemist Ken said...

My son will demand to see The Fate and Furious, no matter what.

Still haven't tried A to Z, and probably won't until my book gets finished. Then we'll see how well it works for marketing.

The Happy Whisk said...

I'm not surprised folks said yes. Good on you.

Happy Time Away, Alex. You were smart with this move. Enjoy!

Rhonda Albom said...

My only published book came out in the middle of last years AtoZ. Mine was a non-fiction and easy to incorporate into the challenge. I am not sure how much it helped with the book, but it did make it much easier to find topics to write about.

As for the rest: Going in Style looks like my kind of movie, I adorable cover on Stephanie's book really caught my eye, and I am so sorry to read about Melissa and will be sending prayers her way.

J E Oneil said...

I can't believe it was two years ago that Dragon came out. It doesn't seem that long ago. Also I have to say, you're quite a genius when it comes to promotion :)

Sorry to hear about Melissa. That's so sad.

Olga Godim said...

You had a fascinating experience using A-Z challenge as a marketing tool. Something to learn there.

Tonja Drecker said...

That was great timing with that book...2 years already? Wow. Our prayers are with Melissa.

Erika Beebe said...

I really like your reflection on the A to Z challenge. That must have kept your spinning. Sending prayers of peace to Melissa. Makes me sad. Movies don't seem all that appealing this month. Thank you Alex for your funny review on the furious series.

Tamara Narayan said...

Oh boy. It finally happened. The A to Z made me forget to do an ISWG post. Head slap. I remember that scavenger hunt.

stephen Hayes said...

Using the A-Z Challenge as a marketing tool is a terrific idea.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joanne, I am here to amuse.

Susanne, yes we do.

Bob, even I had to call it.

Ken, that might be the time to try it.

Rhonda, an easy topic is always appreciated.

JE, that or just damned lucky.

Erika, can you just see them taking it that far? Drag racing through the retirement home...

Tamara, you remembered something!

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Sending prayers to Melissa for healing.
Not doing the A to Z this year. Maybe again next year.

Nick Wilford said...

I remember the release tour for Dragon. It made a big impression and the A-Z helped! So sorry about Melissa - sending positive thoughts.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Joined the IWSG Goodreads book club, read and loved Cassadawn! and I'll be back on Monday. :)
Happy IWSG day, Alex!

Birgit said...

I will be downloading your book with the info you gave me...just been up to ...well, you know, so i hope to do this on the weekend. It was very sweet of you to send me that info. Prayers to the lady with the beautiful smile. I am looking forward to the old guys movies when it's out on video.

Diane Burton said...

Congrats on your new release. Yes, the timing could be better, but you've gotten so many people to join your blog tour. I'd be happy to have you on my blog. Email me at: dmburton72 at gmail.com (The offer goes for all the IWSG'ers.)

Cherie Colyer said...

I remember your release coinciding with A to Z, and seeing your book on different blogs. I don't know how you kept up with the challenge and a new release.

Congrats to everyone with new releases.

Yvonne Ventresca said...

A great idea to promote, and you certainly help other authors.

Liz A. said...

I do want to see Going in Style. I enjoyed the original. I probably better not see it as remakes... Well... Yeah. You know.

Anonymous said...

I had a book release in April too and OMG was it nuts. This year I kind of did the same with my one novella, but it was a small release, so it wasn't too bad.

XmasDolly said...

CassaDawn, the prequel to my Cassa series, is now free AND I GOT IT! I need something new to read and along comes my buddy with a great book. I cannot wait to read it. I'm in therapy 3x a week and while waiting I can knock out your book... woo hoo can't wait. Thank you for stopping by my friend. You have no idea how much I need people stopping by... My numbers has catapulted downward this morning. I cannot believe it. They’re over 100 lower of people who have stopped by. I’m so sad I cannot believe it. I’m on here all the time and this happens. I was close to 500 & now I’m in the 300’s 🙁 NOBODY LOVES ME!!!! sniff-sniff…. I need to figure out something to make my blog more interesting… any suggestions my friend? I'm just so blahhhhhh right now... I feel like throwing my hands up and say I quit!!! :(

Ella said...

I thought of you and the A-Z challenge. Wow, time has flown~ Congrats, on all you have done and are doing~

I am so, sad to hear about Melissa~ She has such a beautiful spirit!


Christine Rains said...

I'm so excited for MST3K! It was clever what you did last year. I'll have to think of something and get a head start for next year's Challenge. :)

Denise Covey said...

Thanks for the shout out for WEP Alex. And the kind words via Michael for Melissa. Its times like these you really appreciate the caring place that is the blogging community.

Chris Votey said...

Initially I wasn't going to do AtoZ this year, as I felt it was incompatible with how I write. But given the release of my book in a few months, I thought it was foolish not to tie in my work with this great marketing opportunity. So far it has been successful, people love the little articles I write on the different personalities out there, and think its ingenious of me to use Astrology and MBTI.

kimlajevardi.com said...

So glad you had a great experience with the A to Z Challenge with your 2015 book release. I have never participated, but I admire those who do.

Jenni said...

I really liked hearing how A-Z helped you launch your book! I'm not surprised it helped, with your strong online presence. I also downloaded Cassa Fire.
Congrats to all the other new releases! Piper Makes a Splash sounds fun.

Harry Hamid said...

I am constantly told that blogging peaked in 2006, so it is encouraging to hear of your continued positive experiences.

I don't think I could pull off the A-Z thing. I'm too much of a perfectionist to blog more than once every 5 days or so. But I do like reading what others come up with!

Unknown said...

I want to see the new F&F movie....but I adore Vin *romantic sighs*

I do think if utilized well the a-z challenge can be a huge benefit for marketing- but it's also a wonderful opportunity to market with others.

Unknown said...

i couldn't do the AZ this year due to family commitments, but it is a brilliant networking and marketing opportunity!

You're so good at marketing, Alex-- we all have much to learn from you.

Damyanti

Kalpana said...

I'm very sad to hear about Melissa and am praying for her and her family. The A to Z Challenge can be used for marketing I guess, just as anything can. I don't have a book to market yet but when I do I will market it on my, by then, hugely popular blog. Hopefully.
Loved reading this post Alex. Thank you.

Valerie Capps said...

Happy IWSG Day! I'm stopping by on Stephanie's "Piper Morgan Makes a Splash" tour. The A to Z challenge intimidates me. I'm afraid I'd fizzle out about halfway through the month. Thanks for all you do, Alex, to help promote your fellow writers.

Stephen Tremp said...

Thoughts and prayers for Melissa she is one of us and has been a mainstay in the blogging community since the early days. And thanks to Michael for all his efforts and keeping us in the loop.

Charles Gramlich said...

Another lesson to show that promotion is hard work.

John Wiswell said...

Ahhh, I can't wait for Fate of the Furious. These movies have gotten so fun.

Prayers for Melissa.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks to our co hosts. We appreciate ya:)
And of course, our Ninja Captain:)

SpacerGuy said...

Keep the faith Melissa! You will get strong again. I blogged about Cassadawn's determinators Byron and Arenth visiting the red planet. Set course bearing 229 mark 16 engage!

Unknown said...

Love that you mentioned Mystery Science Theater 3000! It was one of my husbands favs. :) And yay for CassaDawn!!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

My thoughts and prayers are with Melissa.
Be well, Alex. May Byron keep soaring.

Lynda Dietz said...

Your book release during A to Z was during my necessary break from the blogging world, so I missed the magic, but I'm so glad it worked for you! A to Z month is tough enough to keep up with . . . you have great friends.

I'm not sure how I feel about the remake of Going in Style. I loved the original. Then again, I also enjoy Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine, so what's not to like?

Enjoy your Easter to the fullest.

Elizabeth said...

I remember your mini-Alex scavenger hunt :) I didn't participate because I had just "met" you and other fellow bloggers that April and everything in the blogging community was so new to me then.

Sending prayers for Melissa!

DMS said...

I have never been able to do A-Z, but have wanted to give it a try. How awesome that you were able to work in a book blog promotion tour during the challenge- though I am sure coming up with posts for the different letters on the stop might have been tricky.

Sending prayers to Melissa.
~Jess

Helena said...

May Dragon of the Starts race up the charts on Amazon! Of course I'll be getting a copy, and should I get ever get my act in gear and start seriously (if infrequently) blogging again, I'll gladly give it a shout-out.

My prayers are with Melissa.

Dawn Simon said...

I haven't done the A to Z challenge--I do not yet have a book published. I'm glad it worked so well for you. That's great!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I should be getting my copy of Chapter by Chapter today. Of course, I have so many other books on my list too, including a bunch of library books. Better start reading!

Loni Townsend said...

It's very cool that marketing worked for you during the A-to-Z Challenge.

None of the movies seem to be appealing to me lately. It's a bit disappointing too, because I get free rentals from Redbox and have nothing I really want to see. But hey, at least the Moana songs are no longer stuck in my head.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

The A to Z Challenge is such an excellent way to market, connect, keep the blog alive. I kind of wished I'd participated this year :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tyream, thanks!

Birgit, enjoy!

Thanks, Diane.

Cherie, I don't either.

Marie, thanks! Just keep visiting others participating in the Challenge. You'll get some return visits.

Denise, you're welcome.

Chris, best to use it to your advantage.

Thanks, Jenni!

Damy, the pressure!

Thanks, Sandra.

Elizabeth, I ever do it again, you better participate.

Helena, thanks!

Sandra, if anyone can read them all, it's you.

Loni, that made me chuckle.

Karen, there is always next year.

The Cynical Sailor said...

I've seen some people use A to Z for marketing very effectively and it's really made me want to check out their book. I've got CassaDawn on my list to read - will get to it soon :-) Keeping Melissa in my thoughts.

Sandra Cox said...

Enjoy your weekend. Seeing any movies?

SpacerGuy said...

I used the A to Z letter F as a marketing tool to fascinate fans and friends around to my blog today- some 2320 came round yesterday to oogle Jadzia lol not one of them signed up via the GFC gadget.

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

So sorry to see that Michael's friend has gone into hospice. I'll go read his blog. Thanks for sharing, Alex.

Unknown said...

I did the Challenge 2014, plugged my book on every post with a giveaway, and saw not one purchase. But I'm inspired by your blog tour & guest posts. I've never really done one. I'll have to do something big like that when I release my next book, COLDEST NIGHT, in October. Thanks for the tips!

Is that really true about "Void"? Money back? (Except in Utah?) Weird, huh. But the pic doesn't make me want to see it anyway.

Congrats to Stephanie for her release!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Ellen!

Sandra, not this weekend. Next Friday, yes!

Spacer Guy, the gadget doesn't work right anymore. I can't follow anyone with it - I get an error message. Blogger says they are going to discontinue it.

Lexa, just a MST3K joke. And I guess I just did something a little different that got better results.

Liza said...

Hi Alex! Just checking in. As always, lots of information here. Thank you for always taking the time to compile it! Wishing you a nice week off and Happy Easter.

Botanist said...

I remember Melissa's blog. I noticed it had gone quite over the last year and a bit, but then so have so many blogs that used to be active. Thanks for the update and my thoughts are with her.

Magic Love Crow said...

Congrats about your book Alex! You are very creative! So happy everything worked out well! Healing prayers being sent to Melissa! Take Care! Big Hugs!
(I really hope there is no Furious 20! LOL!)

Nilanjana Bose said...

Have you seen this uber-cute post? :) Happy Palm Sunday!

http://nashvillecats69.blogspot.com/2017/04/a-to-z-challenge-2017-g-is-for.html

H.R. Bennett said...

I always mean to look at the A-to-Z challenge and I always forget to until it's too late. Also...HOLY CRAP! MST3K?!?!?! YOU JUST MADE MY DAY!

Mason T. Matchak said...

I've never done the A-Z challenge because I don't know if I'd be able to find something to talk about for all those days. >_< But I like your marketing idea - it sounds like you wove it in well and made it work for you. I'll have to keep that sort of thing in mind if I ever sell anything. ^_^

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hey Liza!

Crow, neither do I!

Nila, I just saw it this morning!

Robert, yes! The return of MST3K.

Mason, you will.

A Beer for the Shower said...

I couldn't imagine doing a book release during A-Z. Nowadays in April we just post sparingly and let everyone else have the, uh, fun...

And yay for MST3K! April 14th is just around the corner...

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I haven't used the Challenge for marketing in that direct a way, but since I do write my post for potential readers, every time I blog it's marketing of a sort.

Very sorry to hear about Melissa. I don't know her, but I add my good vibes and best wishes to her and her family. Cancer is such a terrible disease. :(

Sherry Ellis said...

Sending prayers for Melissa. That's a tough thing to go through!

Glad the A to Z challenge helped your marketing strategy. It's certainly a way to get your book out there in front of a lot of people, since it's the time when a lot of bloggers are online.

mail4rosey said...

I'm not surprised they said yes. :) Good luck with the book and congrats too!!

Shannon Lawrence said...

Hey, that's what my dad's wheelchair is missing...NOS! He already has offroad compatible wheels. I didn't know Going in Style was a remake.

LD Masterson said...

I hope to see Going in Style, even if it is a remake.

Praying for Melissa.

Karen Lange said...

Hope you are enjoying the break. See you soon!

J Lenni Dorner said...

I'm a huge fan of A to Z, obviously. I've used it more to make friends and contacts, to find blogs I otherwise wouldn't have come across. I suppose it was partly marketing with my niche book, but not really, as I shared most of the information on my blog. (The book was more because some people would rather have it all in one place.) I think the challenge is more about having fun and making connections.

Not sure about the movies. Maybe the FF. I'm interested in Life. (Ryan Reynolds)

J -- Co-host the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference and Speculative Fiction Writer
http://jlennidornerblog.what-are-they.com

Blue Grumpster said...

Going in Style... No idea if it's any good, being a reboot and all. We'll see. Good luck with the book, Alex. Number 4 at your shore.

Heather R. Holden said...

Wow, can't imagine how stressful it must've been to promote a book during the A-to-Z challenge. Glad you found a way to make it work for you!

Jemi Fraser said...

I enjoyed CassaDawn! :)

Toi Thomas said...

This is another year I had to pass on the A-Z, but I'll try it one day.
I totally forgot about the MST3K coming to Netflix. That's what get I for being M.I.A. the past week.
Happy Easter.