Monday, November 1, 2010

November Blogging, NaNo, and Winner!

It’s the first of November - less than two months to Christmas! And yes, I’ve already begun my Christmas shopping. I hate waiting until the last minute...

Today is also day one of NaNoWriMo and a whole month to complete the sequel to CassaStar. (No, I’m not starting a new project, just completing one already in progress.) Time to complicate Byron’s life in ways he can’t even imagine!

The downside is that I’ll have to cut back on my blogging time. I feel bad, because so many tell me I’m such an awesome commenter, but I won’t be able to visit as many blogs in November. I’ll limit my blogging to one hour a day; a little longer on the weekends. While that may seem adequate to some of you, my average blogging time is three to five hours a day. Ouch. Big cut!

I’ll continue to post about three times a week, and covering far more than just NaNo, too. (Fridays will be a special event - you’ll see why very soon.) I’ll visit everyone who comments here and as many of my buddies as possible during that one hour limit.

So don’t think I’m being a big jerk if I only visit your site once or twice a week! I’m really going to miss the time I spend online with my friends. And so many were just awesome during my book release. Of course, I want word of CassaStar to continue to spread, but bottom line, I’ll be thinking about you guys.

And you’re probably wondering about the winner of my giveaway! Names went into a hat (actually a box) and the winner is…

Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances!

Congratulations!!! I know you’ve been dying to drool over some manly men…

Thanks again for the support last month. You guys rock! And I can’t wait to spread your awesomeness in return!

76 comments:

Gail said...

Best wishes on dynomite sales and during the creation of the next book.

Congratulations to Old Kitty...that book was mine!!!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

We'll miss you, but you have to write another book.

Congratulations to the book winner.

Glynis Peters said...

Congratulations Old Kitty!

Good luck during NaNo, Alex. :)

PK HREZO said...

Ha Ha! I was wondering how you managed all that!! Blogging takes a good amount of time... worth it... but time consuming. Sometimes we just have to back off a little to get things done.
Me too. Time to focus on NaNo. Best of luck on your sequal and see you on the other side! :)

Vicki Rocho said...

Enjoy Nano! Don't worry about the reduced blogging...I think we all go through it and I'm always surprised at how much time/energy it takes to keep up.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gail, you're welcome to fight her for it!

Pk, my job has a lot of down time, which is how I was able to blog so much, but now I need to focus on writing instead.

Carol Kilgore said...

Get that book finished!

Old Kitty said...

YAYAYAYYAYAYAYAYAAY!!!

Oh I won I won I won!!! Woo-hooo!!!!! Oh WOW!!!! How exciting!!!!! Yipppeeeeee!

Mister Bassa is all mine, mine!!! LOL!!!!

*Bucket of cold water later*

Good luck with your Nano!! And don't worry about the blogging - just go write the sequel!! More Bassa makes Old Kitty a happy kitty! Ahem.

Take care
x

Matthew MacNish said...

Aww, I love Old Kitty. Congratulations!

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations to Old Kitty and good luck with your writing for NaNo.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Unknown said...

Good luck with Nano. Don't worry about the blogging, just concentrate on writing that novel and reaching the 50k mark.

Lindsay said...

Congrats Old Kitty!

Good luck with NaNo. I'll be cheering you on (and typing away as well) while we both try to hit that 50k! Here's to complicating our MC lives. hee hee

Charles Gramlich said...

I need to take a break from blogging to get some writing done myself/

DEZMOND said...

can't believe it's almost New Year.

Tara said...

If anyone deserves time away, it's you :) Happy NaNo-ing.

baygirl32 said...

Congrats Old Kitty

good luck with NaNo, don't be a stranger

KK Brees said...

Gearing up here for nanowrimo as well. Happy writing, Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carol, working on it right now!

Kitty, yes, you won! Be sure to send me your address so I can forward it to my publisher or there will be no cuddling Bassa!

Lindsay, let's do it!

Dezz, ready for some celebration?

And good luck everyone! Promise I'll visit as many of you as possible.

Bossy Betty said...

Congrats to Kitty! Yeah! Good luck on that writing, Alex. We'll miss you in Blogland!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! to Kitty. I'm doing the Nano thing too. Good luck to you and may you write lots of awesome words!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Congrats, Old Kitty! (I think she's a little excited.)

Write first, Alex - blog later.

vic caswell said...

yeah, we start christmas shopping in august... that way we only have to buy very little each pay period... and can really avoid the super busy season!!! i hate crowds!

and i'm sure everyone understands about the blogging cut back! good luck with nano!!! :)

TS Hendrik said...

You mean you'd shun the blogging world to work on a book? *gasp*

Completely understandable.

Unlike the Christmas shopping already. Halloween just ended. Let its body rest in a holiday crypt for at least a week. Alright, I'll admit you're smart on that score too. I'm sadly one of those people that wait till the day before.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Lucky Kitty and congratulations.
Alex hope your book gets the success it deserves.
Also thanks for your support, visit and message, much appreciated.
Yvonne.

Colene Murphy said...

OH I really should start shopping earlier. But, knowing me, I'll wait till the last minute AGAIN.

Just get it done, Alex! No ones holding lack of comments against you this month I'm sure!

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Will miss your blog/comments but I'll be cheering you on during NaNo.
Go get 'em!

Sarah Ahiers said...

i think you should throw a fire at Byron. Fire in zero G is creepy. (to be fair, i don't know if there's any zero G in your book since i haven't read it yet (also, the reason i haven't read it yet is because my sister is reading it. So no worries))

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

Jumping into NaNo month after your whirlwind tour—you must have a never ending energy supply!

As much as I’d like to stop by every blogging buddy’s blog on a daily basis, I find it’s impossible to do and still get work done and have a life, too, so I understand.

Good luck with NaNo!

BryStearns said...

Awesome stuff Alex. It's too bad to see you go, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Good luck with the sequel, I know it's going to be awesome! Can't wait to read it!

Angela McCallister said...

You are such a great guy, Alex. You're just as great even with one hour a day. I'll be cheering you on, and I'll be right there with you, too. You're ahead of my game, though, because it's day one and I still haven't quite settled on which plot I'm running with ;)

I'm so glad you're participating, though, because I can't wait to read the sequel!

Ellie Garratt said...

Congratulations, Old Kitty!

Don't feel bad about not commenting as much, Alex. We all know you're an awesome blogger and I'm sure I'm not the only one eager for the sequel!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Karen, didn't realize I was blogging so much until I added it up!

Stephen, how can you NaNo and tour at the same time? No way I could've done both.

TS, you must give interesting gifts then!

Yvonne! Glad you're back.

Falen, did she snag it away from you?

Thanks, Jane. I just need enough energy to reach December.

Thanks Bryan - no pressure, huh?

Thanks, Angela. May you find a plot really soon, too!

Talli Roland said...

Yay and congrats to Old Kitty!

It is hard to find a balance, isn't it? But we all understand - and you are such an awesome commenter and supporter that we'll miss you! But... happy writing. :)

notesfromnadir said...

Congratulations, O.K.! :)

Wishing you all the best as you write your sequel.

Melissa said...

I'm majorly cutting back on blogging. So far I'm only PROMISING once a week. Any more than that and those guys are just lucky!!

I'm doing the same thing for Nano (finishing something that's already been started). Hope your first day is going well.

Normally I buy my christmas presents on the 23rd (yes of december) but this year I'm already finished. And I've given all but two away already! I have the patience of a bug which is why I usually wait. Sigh.

Jai Joshi said...

We understand the need for you to cut down on blogging while doing Nano. I'd do the same thing if I was up for the challenge.

Good luck and keep us informed how it's going!

Jai

Southpaw said...

I think that is going to be true of a lot of people. Me too ‘cause I just have to get something done this month!

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

Good luck with NaNo. I signed up and am going to try but there's only so much time each day. But we get an extra hour on Sat.!!!

Monti

NotesAlongTheWay

Jeff Beesler said...

Alex, I think it's a good thing you limit yourself to focus on other things. And I also think it's great you're up front with us about your need to cut back. Those of us who have come to respect ya will definitely wait patiently for your return.

Golly gee wilickers, I sound like something out of a campy 1970's TV show.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Talli, I'll do my best between the two!

Monti, that's right!

Jeffrey, it made me laugh though.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

aah see now I know how you manage to visit SO MANY blogs!! I can't give that much time normally, so I can understand your pain. It will be worth the cut back though. NaNo is soooo exciting :)

Abby Minard said...

Good luck with NaNo! I'm sure a lot of us are going to be lagging a little in the blogging area this month! I can't believe you did so much in the first place!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Congrats to Old Kitty. Good luck on NaNo. I'll look forward to your posts no matter how often they are and the surprise on Friday.

N. R. Williams said...

I completely understand Alex. Good luck with NaNO.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

ediFanoB said...

Alex,

good luck with NaNO.

Like you I hate last minute Christmas shopping.

I will pass on any comment from you for the CassaStaR sequel!!!!!!
Even I appreciate your comments.

Jemi Fraser said...

Congrats to Old Kitty - you're going to love it!!

Good luck with nano - I'm going to give it a shot and see where it takes me! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynda, yeah I was pulling double duty.

Thanks Abby and Susan!

Thanks for hanging with me, Edi! I will give away some tidbits about the sequel. Maybe!

Jemi, I'm sure you will rock.

Karen Lange said...

Congrats to O.K.! Congrats to you, too, Alex, on an awesome launch!

Cheeseboy said...

It's all good. If you haven't noticed, I have cut way back on my blogging time and the time I spend reading blogs. Real life happens, to the dismay of us bloggers.

I'll still be around when you do post.

Anonymous said...

Alex, fortunately I have most of the BBT written ahead of time. So I can focus on Nano while checking in on my blog stops too.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Wow, Alex, how do you manage to do 5 hours a day? I wish I could do that--you're awesome.

I understand how it will be hard to keep up with your usual during November. But I totally understand.

Good luck and enjoy your writing!
:)


COngrats, Jennifer! You're awesome! <3

Sherrie Petersen said...

I'm doing NaNo, too. Have fun!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Congratulations, Old Kitty.
Good for you, Alex, for limiting your blog time. I'm sure we all understand. Good luck with the NaNo. How did November get here so quickly?
xoRobyn

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Good luck with your NaNoing and finishing your sequel! Sounds like the perfect time to get a lot of writing done...there's nothing like doing a bunch of promo to make me long for writing!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Karen!

Thanks, Cheeseboy - I'll try not to miss too many of your posts.

Stephen, considering how much time I devoted to blogging while touring, I can't imagine that you'll sleep any.

Elizabeth, some days my job is really dull - that's how I managed.

Robyn, I don't know either!

Elizabeth, is that what happens?

Laura Eno said...

Congrats to Old Kitty and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!

Unknown said...

I totally understand. And I'll be cutting back too because I have NaNo and revisions. I hope to see you around NaNo buddy.

Congrats Old Kitty!

CD

Creepy Query Girl said...

yay! Congrats old kitty!

Hart Johnson said...

You amaze me with how much time you normally spend commenting, and it is totally understandable that you need to cut back this month. If you figure out a system to visit your whole blog roll (just a little less per person) I'd love to hear it. I don't want anyone to feel left out, but I can't do everyone every day,either, even without NaNo...

Rachna Chhabria said...

Good luck with your NaNo, Alex. Cutting down on blogging is indeed a good idea if you want to get those 50,000 words. Let us know how you NaNo is progressing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hart, I'll let you know! I have a list of favorites in my Google Reader that's 120+ blogs long, plus everyone else. Best I've ever done in one day is hit 250 blogs.

Thanks and I'll keep everyone posted!

Misha Gerrick said...

I've also got the same thing. NaNo is going to seriously cut into my blog time, especially given that November is also Final Exam Month for me...

:-)

Chuck said...

Alex I believe it will take all your hour to respond to comments. Your blog is loved by the masses! Enjoy your month of writing! See ya on the other side!

Eric said...

Good luck with NaNo, Alex. I was hoping to have the time to do it, but I just know that I don't and couldn't give it the justice it deserves. And don't worry, we all know how busy you are (especially with CassaStar out and a sequel in the mix), so we'll survive while you work your way through November.

Arlee Bird said...

All the best to you and your progress during November. I can understand the necessity to cut back. I'm getting behind already.

Lee
Tossing It Out

ali cross said...

Congratulations Old Kitty! (best handle EVER!)

And Alex, I'm so totally jacked! Somehow, I missed that you were doing a sequel to CassaStar and since I loved it so much I'm very, very happy!

Huzzah! Now ... get back to writing!

dolorah said...

Congrats to you Old Kitty.

And good luck with the sequel Alex. Less blogging is bound to make Byron stronger :)

.......dhole

Patricia Stoltey said...

You have to cut back if you're ever going to write more books, Alex. I'll be happy to see you when you do drop by my blog, but I'll totally understand when you don't. I wish you inspiration and great writing.

sfdada said...

Wow your legions have virtually hooked up with you over at nanowrimo.org.

You're list of buddies is impressive! I'm happy to be among them and as a newbie writer, I'm wowed by the folks that are half-way already to 50k words and happy to see that even though I'm only at 2k myself and "behind in my goal", I'm not the only one! (cough-Alex.)

Kal said...

Holy Crap - 70 comments? No wonder it takes you hours to visit all of those who leave something here. Makes me feel honored that you comment on my little site. Good luck with the new book. Strike while the iron and imagination is hot.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks everyone! I will do my best to keep up. Might do a blogging marathon this weekend.

And Bryan, I'm not behind. Just pacing myself!

Charity Bradford said...

LOL, the only thing I could think when you said "Time to complicate Byron’s life in ways he can’t even imagine!" was that you were adding women to the sequel. Now THATS a complication.

The Man-Cave said...

Glad to hear good things Cassastar. I will keep the purchase link on my sidebar. And good luck with the sequel.

Amity said...

Hi Alex;

I am amazed at how you could bloghop in so short a time...now of course i am thankful enough that with your limited time, you still find time to come to my place...

ouch...i am always last coming to your place...:-)

NanoWrimo? well, wish i could join but like you i also have limited time!

I need to go to the city to get a copy of your book and that will happen only during the Christmas holiday! less than two months to wait but i am excited everytime i come to your place!

Jamie Gibbs said...

Good luck with NaNo, and I'll look forward to hearing from you whenever you crop up :)

Congrats to Kitty too!
Cassastar arrived in the post from Amazon a few days back, and I can't wait to get stuck in!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Charity, how did you guess???

Thanks, Geof!

Amity, I appreciate that.

Jamie, that's cool! Really hope you enjoy it.