So many good things have happened in the last year. My first book’s release and eventual rise on Amazon’s Best Seller chart. The scheduled release of my second book next February. Over a thousand blog followers. The success of the IWSG.
Will all of that change me? Will I have to change who I am if that success is to continue?
I’ve tried to remain humble. After all, I’m still just Alex. I’m an average writer with a movie, music, and science fiction obsession. I’ve done nothing really special. I’ve just been me.
And I want to continue being me. I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I wasn’t true to myself. I certainly wouldn’t be here if not for my friends and fans! For you, I want to remain true. I want this blog to stay the same – an informative celebration of your achievements. It’s your growth and success that fuels the fire.
So, here’s hoping I’ll remain just Alex!
But I really want my Ninja Army to support my blogger buddies who are also nominated:
Cinemarvellous! nominated for Best Design, Best Gossip, and the Gold Award. Nebular is such an awesome friend and he runs a top-notch movie site.
iZombie! is nominate for Best Horror. You may remember Jeremy when I featured his book, Chatterbox.
Melissa at Melissa’s Imaginarium is up for Sexiest Female. Melissa’s had so many challenges lately – she really needs a big win.
MsMariah’s Space Blog-yssey is up for Best Newcomer.
And A Life in Equinox is up for Best Action.
If you haven’t voted yet, please go vote for my awesome movie buddies!
And Friday I have a special guest, one of my very best blogging buddies in the world...
Now, what’s your insecurity today?
You don't really strike me as the sort to let your successes change you in a negative way. You seem more the learn and grow type.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your Movie 411 award nominations.
Ha! Just Alex... you'll never be Just Alex!! You are the ninja captain extraordinaire!
ReplyDeleteninja support is here! thank you for the shout... i am close in the "best horror". i smile upon your reader greatness to vote for me... if your followers were to all stand up, there would be over 1000 people standing at the same time... we should all flash mob somewhere.
ReplyDeletegreat day!
Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
Visit The Madness:
IZOMBIE
Congratulations on your past year of triumphs! We all like you just the way you are: talented, supportive, and fun.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Congrats on your award nominations! I already voted, but I'll try to go back to fill in the slots where I didn't recognize the names. In the meantime, I'll enjoy reading posts from your support group!
ReplyDeleteThat I'm too old to wear red lipstick without looking like a complete chop
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all your successes in the past year!
ReplyDeleteIf you're true to yourself, you won't let success change you. You won't even be afraid of changing with success.
ReplyDeleteBe proud of your success! Enjoy it ;)
Thank you, MJ.
ReplyDeleteLynda, you made me smile this morning!
Jeremy - world zombie domination?
Suzie, thank you.
Julie, that would be great!
Lass, you wear what you want to.
Thanks Elizabeth.
Juliana, thanks, needed that!
Could never think of you as "Just Alex", That's why the 1,000. Hope you never change. Congrats on all the great success. Thanks for all the great support and info.
ReplyDeleteJust be who you are, but don't be afraid to embrace the success. After all, being successful is the result from your hard work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support, Alex. You have no idea how much this means to me.
A huge thanks to all who have voted for us. :)
I've voted for you, now I'll go and support the others you listed. You are a supportive kind of guy!
ReplyDeleteYou don't seem like you would change - that's what makes me hope you make a ton of money from your novels and gain another thousand followers. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I don't think success will ever change you. But you ARE more than JUST Alex. You're a very good inspiration and an awesome supporter. Don't know what I would do without your blog. :D
ReplyDeleteI see you as a more humble person than ego driven. And there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments (which you should be) and prideful.
ReplyDeleteI'm wishing you (early) an equally great or better year in 2012 professionally.
T
Go ahead! Let success change you! It doesn't always have to be negative! You can use your powers for good! I believe in you!
ReplyDeleteHMG
Well, being afraid you'll change probably means you're probably aware of what being successful could do to your ego if you let it. Being aware is the first step in having control.
ReplyDeleteIf you did let it change you, and you became this man diva, I'm sure you would be the nicest mad diva ever.
Thanks, Faraway.
ReplyDeleteNebular, you're welcome - doing everything I can for my blogger buddies.
Brinda, thanks - appreciate that!
Tonja, keep hoping that!!
Mel, thank you.
Journaling, maybe we both meet with success next year.
Heather, that's true! Using my powers for good...
Rusty, first step is being aware there could be a problem, huh? Maybe I am mad!
'My first book’s release and eventual rise on Amazon’s Best Seller chart.'
ReplyDeleteWahoo! :)
And, that's the secret to success - being yourself - the best self that YOU can be. You're real, authentic, and caring. All the more success to you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will remain Alex, and that's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need to fear you'll change because being who you are got you to where you are. So proud of your accomplishments!
ReplyDeleteYou don't sound too insecure and for good reason. You have much to rejoice and you're always willing to share your positive nature with the rest of us. With your attitude I think you'll keep your friends and your success for years to come. Thanks for all of the encouragement you give.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Awwwww I love that you continue to be Cap'n Alex, strumming your guitar and having hot tamales!!! Yay!! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Congratulations Alex. My insecurities have more to do with my ability to keep my butt in the seat writing, than writing, although I think second guessing my worth is why it's sometimes hard to keep the butt in the seat before the keyboard. Pat Bean
ReplyDeleteSuze, thanks!
ReplyDeleteMary, Charles, and Marta - thanks.
Lee, I hope so.
Kitty! You are always there to make me smile.
You're a great friend to all of us, Alex. So here's to hoping to don't have to change!
ReplyDeleteHmmm .... maybe this is a case where change is not good (as opposed to one of my clcihes Change Is Goo). And I'll head over to these sites, say hello, then vote for them later today!
ReplyDeleteUm, yeah... once you start getting cocky, I'm outta here. lol So keep it in check, bro. ;)
ReplyDeleteSrsly tho, happy for all your successes!! Go Alex!
Well said, Alex. We love you as you are, though I'm sure it takes conscious effort to remain true to yourself despite all the success. That, in itself, is admirable.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
Congratulations on all your successes, Alex, and I hope you remain exactly as you are. You're a great friend to everyone in the blogging community.
ReplyDeleteJust wait till you get your first Hugo or Nebula Award, there will be strangers at your door wanting autographs!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on such a great year! Hope 2012 brings you even more. I can't imagine all your success getting to your head. You seem so down to Earth.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the support you give to all of us! You rock! :)
No worries about changing Alex, your awesome! Also, I am definitely heading over to vote for the awards. Have a great week! :)
ReplyDeleteit was just the first Wed. in Nov. how can it be Dec. already?
ReplyDeleteMornin' Captain Alex. Fun post. You are destined to be a huge star with a small ego.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt that you'll always be Alex. Success can change a lot of people in a bad way, but I don't think you're one of them!
ReplyDeleteHumble though you may be, you are more than just Alex. You are our Ninja Captain!
ReplyDeleteWe all change as we grow, but I don't think you'll have any problem at all staying true to yourself. You'll still be Alex :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Alex and I think you will stay true to you! Thanks for all you do and share with us~ You rock! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I finally stumbled upon the support group!
ReplyDeleteAnd you are so incredibly humble. Just Alex. Ninja Alex, but still Alex.
As for my insecurity for today? Ack. I'm a romance writer and I have recently started (the NaNo book) that is Sci-Fi. What was I THINKING???
~JD
Look at where being "you" has gotten you! You're such a nice, supportive guy and you seem so grounded and realistic. I'm pretty certain that all of your success won't change that one bit!
ReplyDeleteYou will always be supportive Ninja Alex to me.
ReplyDeleteI voted.
Stephen, please do!
ReplyDeletePk, I don't want to be cocky!
Robyn, thank you. You are a special friend.
Bish, that's a terrifying thought!
Amy, thanks for voting.
Michelle - I know!
Jamie, thanks!
Karen, and really glad I met you.
Justine, I think it's awesome.
Thank you everyone. Your words mean the world to me.
You've had a great year!
ReplyDeleteIf you put as much energy into your life as you do your blog, you must be superhuman - nothing will change that!
ReplyDeleteI suppose I'm too late for the Worst Movies Ever Blogfest, but I will hereby belatedly nominate "The Last Airbender" as both the Worst and Most Disappointing.
ReplyDeleteMy kids discovered Avatar: The Last Airbender on Nickelodeon and I got hooked right along with them. It's an awesome series, and it has a rock-solid conclusion. I like it when a series tells a complete tail, instead of spewing Red Herrings all over a beach and then saying, "It was all about the personal relationships." Sorry. Got LOST there for a second.
I was really looking forward the The Last Airbender movie. But from the first time they mispronounced the main character's name, through the guy who's great on The Daily Show but exudes less menace and evil than The Very Hungry Caterpillar, to the sad, sullen ending, I hated every frame.
Now I have to read through some blogs and try to offer hope and inspiration. "At least you didn't direct The Last Airbender," I will tell people. That should help put everyone's life in perspective.
I've already done the voting thing. Best of luck! And I'm not worried that you'll get a big head. You're not wired that way! :)
ReplyDeleteYou definitely strike me as someone that could easily get a fat head. Good of you to be aware of that and nip it in the bud so that you don't become the next Herman Cain.
ReplyDeleteYou're pretty spectacular as just plain Alex. I'm pretty sure you'll stay that way. I think by now your personality is engraved in your pours. Kinda hard to suck that out of you. :)
ReplyDeleteTo paraphrase Soupy Sales: If you're true to your teeth, they won't be false to you.
ReplyDeleteHey just Alex! Sounds like you're doing good being 'just Alex' ;)
ReplyDelete(I'm happy I remember this for this month too. I am so forgetful sometimes.)
I understand your words, I have been over 10 years without taking photos and thought the picture was over for me. No thank everyone enbargo you visit my blog that I have become as hard as before. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteI love that you're "just Alex"! That's what makes you so accessible. But if you think that means you're not special, then you're wrong. There's nothing average about you at all! And even if you did change in some way, it would never be for the worse. "Just Alex" is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteHi Just Alex.(Sorry looking back at the other comments, its seems we've all picked up on that)
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting idea that while we all strive to create what will mark us out as unique and (dare I say) special,like writing good literature, we all also want to be accepted for ourselves as normal and relatively the same as before.
You see pretty down to earth to me! Congratulations on all your successes!!
ReplyDeleteAnnaisa, that made me laugh! And you might be right...
ReplyDeleteRick, that movie was on many lists! And that's true. I'd hide forever if that was my movie.
Michael, I don't want that!
Laila, I'll try to avoid the suck.
Leovi, you take amazing photos. Keep posting them for our enjoyment!
Nancy, thank you.
Madeleine, we do!
Thanks everyone!
Congrats on rising on those charts. I know how much work it takes. You seem to have mastered the art of promotion as well as writing--hats off to you.
ReplyDeleteif it aint broke...
ReplyDeleteif you strayed from your current formula, you'd probably lose fans. i agree, stay alex =)
It's nice to meet you Alex! And it doesn't sound like you'll be one to change with success. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a successful year!
ReplyDeleteHere's to another year of success and staying true to who you are!
First things first, well captain, no amount of glory or fame can change some people, me thinks you are one among them...
ReplyDeleteVoted for you in the Movie 411 awards...could you put in a word for TSH (the non review bloke and my twitter friend for two years)...I would like him to get more votes before the movie 411 polls end.
I haven't cribbed this time on the IWSG platform...so there, you are helping already.
Relax and enjoy your successes. You've earned them.
ReplyDeleteJen, I'd prefer that kind of change - thanks.
ReplyDeleteLee, I'm really not even good at promotions!
Nice to meet you, April!
Thank you, Rek. And I'd missed TS's inclusion until this week!
So what it really sound like you're saying is that if I want to have the kind of success you have, I need to become "just Alex," too. Hmm...
ReplyDelete>begins hatching scheme to steal "just Alex"'s DNA<
I just don't see you being a guy for whom this all goes to your head. And remember, 'Just Alex'... 'Just Harry' saved the Wizarding world...
ReplyDeleteI like just Alex. Your successes are well deserved.
ReplyDeleteOh! Did I mention I have Cassastar on my Nook right now?
Andrew, more than one of us might be dangerous...
ReplyDeleteHart, well put!
Christine - thank you!!
Hi Alex
ReplyDeleteWhat each of us values the most is who and what we are and will become. I think you have a strong set of values, so I have no fear that your success will only make you more you.
Nancy
Though there are obvious exceptions, writers tend to be a humble crowd. It's when you make it big in the movies that you'll really need to worry! =) But from what I've seen even that wouldn't do it.
ReplyDeleteI clear forgot about today being the first Wednesday in the month,
ReplyDeleteI was busy with my daughter who needed a shoulder to cry on.
Nothing serious.
I cast some votes last night for the awards.
Looking forward to Friday to read about your guest.
Is Marvin Wilson ok? as I recieved something alarming on my email address.
Yvonne.
Alex, thanks for being you. It makes me want to be me.
ReplyDeleteToday, my insecurity for today? I suppose it has to do with writing something that matters, on my blog, in my longer work. I'd like to think I've written things that will help/change people, but it's hard to know for sure.
Oh no! I forgot to day was the day for your group. So sorry...
ReplyDeleteTell me, how do you handle book signings and scheduling for presentations at writers conferences? This has been a bit of a challenge of me since I have had NO book signings NOR an official "LIVE" book launch. *Sigh*
♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
I finally went in and voted for you. And I highly doubt that the success you earned will change you or go to your head. You seem a permanent good guy.
ReplyDeleteStruggling with self discipline today, and a bit of self doubt too. Not a great combo, but going to keep moving forward. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's right, no big heads, Alex! We like you just the way you are. :)
As a copywriter my main insecurity deals with writing copy the client actually likes.
ReplyDeleteOh yikes. I forgot to post! And I had an idea all fleshed out...in my head! Even though I goofed, I want you to know ISWS is a fantastic idea and blog hop. Thanks Alex!
ReplyDeleteSorry. ISWG.
ReplyDeletelawd! My insecurity is just passing on by here from another blog and seeing all these wonderful things on your blog and suddenly . . . suddenly . . . my blog seems so plain and boring and I've let it slide and . . . and grow stale . . . and . . . lawd!
ReplyDeleteDang.
But! At least that distracts me from my many usual other insecurities :-D
I don't know; I've always wanted a clone of myself. That way, I can get some sleep!
ReplyDeleteYour being you is a big plus. Congrats on all your success this year.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex - I reckon we all figure that you're perfect just as you are ;) And I can't see you being the sort of person to let the fame go to your head... if you catch yourself on the way to your first movie release of CassaStar in a chopper... you'll still be you- just having a great time!
ReplyDeleteLx
I consider you the hub of the Blogosphere. And don't worry about changing -- if you start to, I know a thousand plus people who'll pound you right back to the Alex we all know & love.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your success! Good inspiration for the published writer and hope for us just beginning. And thank you for starting IWSG. I only just heard of it and it is something right right up my alley for blogging about. And, of course, all writers need support!
ReplyDeleteAllison
Geek Banter
Nancy and Suze, thanks.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, that's all right. Daughters are more important. And someone hacked Marvin's email.
Elizabeth, easy - I don't do them!
Liza, that's all right.
Andrew, two clones - the other can go to work.
Laura, thank you and that would be fun!
Nicki, I have been warned...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteExactly! And one for chores.
ReplyDeleteThen I can read, sleep, and play games all day :)
Oh, and write...
"Just Alex" is still pretty fantastic, if you ask me. :)
ReplyDeleteAh, that's IWSG! I miss a lot when I'm not blogging. What a cool idea, Alex.
ReplyDeleteHope you will always remain just Alex!
Looks like 2011 rocked for you, Alex. WTG!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all your success. A bit of ancient history : when a Roman general was given a victory parade, a slave stood behind him inside the chariot, whispering over and over again, "Thou art but mortal." Too bad the insane emperors didn't have the same set-up, right?
ReplyDeleteMy INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT POST is up :
http://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/2011/12/wowwhen-you-hit-stone-wallinsecure.html
May you win all the accolades you desire, Roland
It's been inspiring watching your success. Get it going.
ReplyDeleteNinja Captain Alex may be JUST Alex - but JUST Alex is one of the most encouraging bloggers out there . . . so keep on being you.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit worried that I've taken too long of a hiatus from fiction - 7 whole days - but my poetry fling is just about over so tomorrow it's all about sitting down and getting back into the rhythm of prose. I didn't post for IWSP today because I hope to gain a bit more interest for Emily Ann Benedict's new book.
I just joined this group, thanks, Ninja Captain Alex for starting the Wednesday bloghop!
ReplyDeleteYou've accomplished a LOT and should be very proud of yourself. You've had a good year - and I bet things continue to look up :)
ReplyDeleteAlex, have I told you lately, that I love you? :) Thanks for being an awesome friend and cheerleader when I really need it. I have had a new perspective handed to me in the midst of all this and I appreciate my friends more and more as each day goes by. Bless you. Your support means the world.
ReplyDeleteYou keep being Alex, Alex. Yeah!
ReplyDeleteWhat's my insecurity? Well, having this feeling that I'm actually heading in the right direction with my works in progress and that something is coming but I'm too darned scared to finish the job and face the possibility that my dream no longer has to be just a dream. That scares the heebee geebies out of me.
Andrew, I want to be the one writing!
ReplyDeleteCarolina, please join us next time!
Roland, I can think of a few leaders that need that now.
Thanks, Tyrean! And if you miss a post, it's cool.
Rosanna, thanks for joining.
Melissa, you are most welcome!
oh crud. I completely forgot about this this month. I'm going to blame the holidays, combined with my sadness over anne mccaffrey.
ReplyDeleteMy sweet friend, you are never "just" anything. But you are always, my friend . I am excited for your success and happy to help promote your awesomeness :-)Hugs!
ReplyDeleteAck, I completely forgot about the hop. I'll mark my calendar for next month.
ReplyDeleteEvolution's a good thing. The writers I admire all change for the better. :)
CONGRATS on your success.
ReplyDeleteCool blog hop. I already follower some of the bloggers who are participating.
You got it, dude: be the best YOU you can be!
ReplyDeleteDitto! No seriously, everyone said all the best things ahead of me. I appreciate your desire to be helpful to all of us insecure writers.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all your success this year. And happy holidays.
Sarah, that's all right.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, thank you so much!
Susanne, feel free to join us.
Thanks, Milo!
Patricia, thank you.
So smart to stay true to yourself. Your success is definitely based on your friendly, down-to-earth personality do don't change anything. Just remain the fab Captain Alex :)
ReplyDeleteMelissa deserves it, is great news.
ReplyDeleteAlex, you must explore New Orleans sometime. I think you'll enjoy it. :) I foresee in your future that you will continue being you--with only the slight change of becoming a bestselling author! :)
ReplyDeleteMy insecurity? Well, that I'll never be published. But I never listen to the insecure critic in my head anyway :)
My biggest insecurity involves declaring a manuscript finished and ready to submit...or not.
ReplyDeleteI think that you're a great example of someone who stayed true to themselves after becoming an author, insecurities and all. Bravo, Alex.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. The moment your head gets too big, something will come along and knock you out of orbit.
ReplyDeleteAnd if it helps, if I noticed you acting a little haughty, I'll let you know.
Angela, I will do that!
ReplyDeleteNutschell, don't listen to that critic, ever.
Thank you, Lydia.
Jay, just keep an eye on me...
I think you'll do just fine. And I've already voted for you and Cinemarvellous.
ReplyDeleteAnd dude. It is precisely because you are 'just you' that we love you so! I swear I will not forget/double book myself for the next IWSG!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd Alex is awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane.
ReplyDeleteAli, you are awesome! Don't worry about it.
Golden, thank you.
The bigger they are, the nicer they are.
ReplyDeleteGah! I keep meaning to do this hop.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I think your success proves that you should stay just the way you are! It's obviously working.
Hey Alex,
ReplyDeleteThanks for following my blog and your comment! I'm not sure how to fix the profile issue (it's set up to show my blog link but doesn't sometimes). In any case...I appreciate you searching me out :)
I'd have to say my biggest insecurity is sharing my work with people for the first time....eeek. Good luck with your writing!
You rocked 2011! (= Keep going,man!
ReplyDeleteI think you being "Just Alex" is more than enough. :)
ReplyDeleteYou've achieved so much this year... well done Alex:)
ReplyDeleteAloha Alex,
ReplyDeleteMahalo for commenting on my Pearl Harbor blog, (when I respond to several bloggers in one post - are you notified?)
Mahalo also for the monthly blog hop. I'm #216, and wanted to ask how I can get the Insecure Writers button for my blog?
Best regards, and aloha!
Alexia, apparently it is!
ReplyDeleteHey Jessica! If you go to your Google profile and claim your blog, it will show then.
Hey Mark! No, I have to come back to read your response. Right-click the badge and 'save picture as' a jpg photo, and then you can upload it to your blog as a picture.
Thanks everyone!
Thanks for the cyber nudge, Alex!!! So sorry to be absent from the group. My Nana has been in the hospital suffering from a major stroke for 4 weeks. I believe it was the first week of November she stroked...it's all a blur.
ReplyDeleteWe've around-the-clock hospital sitting with her. I'm beat, feel rode hard and put away wet (horse metaphor!). I promise to get back up and running soon. :))
Let this comment be a reminder to all in the insecure writer group. It's times, such as these, in which we need to reach out and grab hold of our fellow peeps for support. I'm the first to crawl into my dark cave and hide when my world comes crashing down on top of me. Alienating ourselves when what we need most is being with like-minded folks can be disastrous. Trust me!
Sorry to have missed out this month. Hope everyone else has had a spectacular writing month!!! Happy Holidays to all. :)))
~Candy
Hey your Ninja-ness! I was hired once to fly from Nova Scotia to a southerly point in the US to deal with a mill upper management type who had gotten into a physical fight with a subordinate. After about two days of talking we figured out what had started it - the word 'just'. Powerful.
ReplyDeleteI like hearing about your successes and your struggles - you've done a good job keepin' on truckin' as we hippies used to say. Thanks...
Hi, Alex
ReplyDeleteLovely to meet a humble guy, and congratulations on your success in writing.
I'm very sorry I didn't get to write my post this month but thanks for the nudge. Bit tired with the end of year activities outside of writing.
All the best and enjoy Xmas!
Well, maybe, we can take turns.
ReplyDeleteCandy, I'm so sorry about your nana! Family is far more important. But we do need the support of others. I pray she recovers and we see you in January.
ReplyDeleteJan, the power of the word...
Joanne, that's all right - we'll catch you next month.
Andrew, good idea - some days, I want to be the one sleeping.
Thanks, Alex :)) And, yes, we do need the support of others. Thank you for your kind prayers.
ReplyDeleteI actually joined! I promptly forgot to add the header too:) I am not a writer per se but thought it wouldbe fun...will definately look at other people's blogs too-love what you wrote. How one can forget all that one can be thankful for
ReplyDeleteAlex, I know I already wrote a comment here, but I just wanted to say thanks for starting this blog hop. It's truly been great connecting with other writers!
ReplyDelete