Monday, November 26, 2012

Ninja News, Peaches D. Ledwidge, Novel Pimping, Lincoln and Life of Pi Movie Reviews, and CassaStorm Update

Gossip Girl is pimping my blog and books today! Thank you so much for the honor. See what she has to say at her site, Whatever.

Ninja News

Thanks to the almost hundred people who signed up to embarrass the snot out of me on December 10. You rock, my friends! (And in case you missed it - The Day the Ninja Died.)


Trisha at WORD and STUFF is hosting the Baby Faces Blogfest on December 2-3.

Mary Montague Sikes’ new book, Daddy's Christmas Angel, came out last week, and her publisher's designer created the cover using one of her art images. Congratulations, Monti!

Julie Luek at A Thought Grows had an awesome proposition – Writers for Readers. FirstBook is an organization that donates books to children, and she put out the call for others to make a donation. Good stuff, Julie!

Cindy Borgne runs a book review site called Good Book Alert, and for a very limited time she has opened up submissions to her fellow authors and bloggers. So if you need a book review, check out Good Book Alert.

Authors Angela Orlowski-Peart, Angela Brown, and Gwen Gardner are all part of Black Friday-Cyber Monday Indie Deals It ends today, so visit their sites for a list of books on sale.

CassaFire is up for Goodreads’ Best YA Covers for 2012. (And it’s not even young adult!!)

Special Feature

Peaches D. Ledwidge recently launched her website and her book, Day Laughs, Night Cries: Fifteen.


Peaches is currently on a blog tour giving bloggers a glimpse of her past in this amusing and sad mother-daughter story, so check it out. Congratulations, Peaches!

Movie Reviews

Life of Pi
Based on the novel (which I haven’t read), a man recounts to a writer his tale of being the only survivor of a shipwreck, trapped on a lifeboat with a tiger.
There is so much going on with this movie. At its heart, it’s the story of a young man finding God. It will wrench every emotion out of you by the end as you watch Pi struggle to survive while taking care of a tiger named Richard Parker. That he finds God after losing everything is a true testament to faith.
The visuals are stunning beyond words. I can imagine the challenge of the author trying to bring those to life in the book. On the screen, everything possesses depth – the power of the storms, the vastness of the sea and sky, and the beauty of the Bengal tiger. Not to mention the wide range of emotions.
In the end, we are asked which story we believe – the one of God and love or the one of the devil and hate. I believe the former.
Highly recommended!

Lincoln
The film focuses on Lincoln’s attempt to pass the 13th Amendment and a race to abolish slavery before the war ends.
And it’s not only likely to win Best Picture, but Daniel Day-Lewis is a shoe-in for Best Actor at the 2013 Academy Awards.
Watching all of the events unfold as the day to vote on the Amendment approaches is incredibly tense. So many driving forces, political dances, and turn of events - we know the outcome, but still sit on the edge of our seats. Most of this is achieved in quiet moments of reflection and discussion, which is no small feat.
Day-Lewis nailed Lincoln. He’s perfect. Sally Field is great as his wife and Tommy Lee Jones chews up scenery. The cast is huge – Hal Holbrook, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader – and everyone is outstanding.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, it’s an incredible piece of historical fiction and highly recommended!

CassaStorm Update

I forgot to mention last Monday – I send the finished manuscript to my publisher! Just waiting to hear back…

Hope my American buddies had a great Thanksgiving! Lots of news this week – see any enticing books or blogfests or need a book review? Donating to FirstBook? Anyone else see Life of Pi or Lincoln this weekend? (Or another movie? I’m still considering Wreck it Ralph.) And how are you NaNo people doing?

Don’t forget to visit Gossip Girl!

166 comments:

Kyra Lennon said...

Ha, I cannot wait for you blogfest, it's going to be amazing!

Mark Koopmans said...

Congrats on getting CassaStorm over to the publisher... I am literally falling asleep over the keyboard as I race to get my edits done on WIP#1... phew...

PS... C'mon folks, let's get a few more signups for "AlexFest" and get it over 100 :)

Jeremy [Retro] said...

So the big question... Who is Richard Parker? My mother and I had seen it, we felt it was a beautiful film... not the new Avatar as we had read in reviews. It stood far apart from that film, it was all the things you have said.

I am happy your blogfest is full, full of friends to honor a friend...

Happy Monday... Cyber Monday!

Carrie Butler said...

Good luck with your publisher, Alex! I'm sure you'll knock their socks off. :D

And congratulations to Monti & Peaches!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I heard that Life of Pi and Lincoln are very well done. I see so few movies, but I really want to see Lincoln - one of the greatest heroes of all time.

Congrats on finishing CS, Alex.

xoRobyn

Sean McLachlan said...

The link to the Day Laughs, Night Cries: Fifteen website doesn't seem to be working.
Congrats on getting your manuscript in!!!

Kimberly Gabriel said...

I finally saw Argo and loved it. Congrats on sending off the MS!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Will check out Whatever. So happy for Peaches and glad you enjoyed Pi and Licoln. I'd love to watch them in December.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - lots of great blogfests going on .. and books being written, published etc - Peaches' video looked great, and am so pleased your book is at the publishers.

The two films will be fascinating to get to see - they've had great reviews .. which you've endorsed here ..

Cheers Hilary

YVONNE'S POETRY CORNER said...

Hope someone digs a photo of you after all these years still don't know what you look like.

Great blog as always.
Yvonne,

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Thanks for getting us caught up on all the news!

Congrats on the cover recognition!

And thanks for the reviews. These are two movies we're interested in (son read "Life of Pi" for school.)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeremy, nothing like Avatar. Glad you enjoyed it as well!

Carrie, hoping for the knocking off of socks.

Robyn, amazing film. People cheered and clapped at the end.

Sean, I'll fix it.

Kimberly, good for you!

Hilary, they are great movies.

Good to hear from you, Yvonne!

Elizabeth, you'll enjoy both.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Both of those movies are on my list. Alex! You haven't read Life of Pi? You have to. It's one of the best books I've ever read. Haven't seen the movie yet but the book's language and voice captured my imagination.

Looking forward to your blog-a-thon! And good luck with your new book!

Old Kitty said...

This nano-er may not finish but laughs at her creative efforts! 35,000+ words of utter crap!! LOL!!

I can't wait to see the Life of Pi film - looks like they did the book justice!! Yay!!!

Go Cassastorm!!!!!! Take care
x

Suze said...

'CassaFire is up for Goodreads’ Best YA Covers for 2012. (And it’s not even young adult!!)'

This made me giggle with pleasure for you.

And yay on sending the manuscript to your publisher!! (Rah-rah-rah!)

A.J. Walker said...

Great clip! It told me just enough to get curious.

Anonymous said...

I am looking forward to Lincoln. I haven't heard good things by Life of Pi, but want to read the book. Another one of my goals it to read The Hobbit before it comes out. I have a week, right?

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Life of Pi is probably the movie I'm most looking forward to see this year, because I'm a huge Ang Lee fan, and I've watched and love every single one of his movies. Sadly, it premiers on Dec 21 in my country, so I'll have to wait another month to see it.

And I need to see Lincoln as well! Spielberg can do no wrong.

Gossip_Grl said...

Some great info! The book Day Laughs, Night Cries looks very good. The trailer was touching. On Movies, I want to see Lincoln, if not on the screen, then when it comes out on DVD. Thanks for letting me spotlight your books! And for the shout out!

Laura Pauling said...

My husband loves Daniel Day Lewis. Thinks he's one of the best character actors out there. I had no idea what Life of Pi was about. Sounds fantastic!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Two movies on my must watch list. They're starting to pile up. Congrats on reaching the publishing mile stone and that is a very good cause she's promoting.

Brinda said...

Congrats to Peaches on her new website and book. That trailer is moving.

I haven't seen either movie.

Brinda said...

I forgot to say "congrats" on turning in your 3rd book. Woot!

Laura Eno said...

Congrats on CassaStorm! I'm looking forward to "Roast the Ninja" day. ;)

shelly said...

This weekend I went to see Breaking Dawn two. I didn't care for the first half but this one was good. And Bella actually got mad and had to do some actual fighting. She is capable of changing her facial expressions.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Its a relief when you finally finish something. Congrats on your next book.

farawayeyes said...

Book three at the publisher - already - WOW!

I want to see both of those movies. Pi playing here now - maybe tonight. Lincoln not here yet, but it should be big in my part of the world.

Great trailer for what sounds like an amazing book.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cathy, I intend to read it now!

Suze, made me laugh as well.

Sydney, you have a couple weeks!

George, sorry you have to wait, but it's worth it.

Gossip Girl, thank YOU!

Shelly, I heard she actually acted in this film.

Thanks, everyone!

LynnRush said...

Wow. That's some high praise for those movies! Awesome. Happy Monday!!

Matthew MacNish said...

Daniel Day-Lewis is probably my favorite character actor. Still, I need to see Life of Pi!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I read LIFE OF PI back when it first came out and I'm so glad it's going to get an even bigger audience.

And pretty much any movie with Tommy Lee Jones is going to be good. Loved him in The Lonesome Dove miniseries. :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

I can't wait to see Lincoln. And congrats on sending in your book!

Unknown said...

Congrats on getting your ms out!!

Unknown said...

I'm a big fan of biopics, so I can't wait to see Lincoln. Life of Pi sounds really cool too, I hope I get chance to see it.

Jamie

Nickie said...

I loved the novel 'Life of Pi', but I was wishy-washy about seeing the movie (I was really wondering how that would translate to film). I'll have to check it out.

I watched 'Skyfall' over the weekend -- loved it. Javier Bardem was an awesome Bond villain.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Congrats on sending in your manuscript. I loved Life of Pi. Wonderful movie.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

So now you've given me two movies to watch over the holidays. I'd planned on seeing both, so that works out. We almost went to see Lincoln this past weekend. Now I can't wait to see it.

Tonja said...

I saw Wreck-It Ralph with one of my kids. I'm hoping to see Lincoln.

Luanne G. Smith said...

I went and saw Lincoln. Kind of slow starting, but ended really good. Daniel Day-Lewis is simply amazing!!!

Angela Brown said...

Thanks for mentioning our Cyber Monday sale, Alex.

I've seen nothing but awesome reviews for both Life of Pi and Lincoln. I hope to catch both in the theaters but knowing me, I'll get to the kiddie films first with my Chipmunk.

Can't wait for Dec 10th. You rock, Alex and deserve so much more for the support you provide to bloggers, authors and writers as a whole.
Thank you!

Elise Fallson said...

Congratulations for getting your ms out to your publisher! The waiting for feedback would drive me insane though, lol! And thanks for the updates and info and can't wait for the day the ninja turns red...from embarrassment! :D

Juliana Haygert said...

Life of Pi sounds intriguing. Please, don't kill me when I say I hated that movie with Tom Hanks, Cast Away, so I'm a bit wary of this one, which also starts with a shipwreck. They are probably completely different, but it'll take a little of convincing me to make me watch Life of Pi ;)

Jay Noel said...

What an incredible blog fest! I'm signed up and my brain is already churning with ideas.

Life of Pi is such a great book. Excited for the movie.

Peaches Ledwidge said...

Thanks for the "special feature," Alex.

Can't wait to see Life of Pi.

Waiting for the blog fest.

Jeff Beesler said...

My Thanksgiving was lots of quality time spent with the family. I also had a decent break from work and found that I can be a lot productive with my writing from 9 pm to 1 am without a hassle. Now I just gotta work some blogging action into that 4 hour block, and I'll be set!

Carol Kilgore said...

Yay for Peaches!

And congrats on finishing your manuscript!

Lydia Kang said...

Two great movies I really want to see! Although I want to read Life of Pi before I see the movie.

Julie Dao said...

I read the Life of Pi, but wasn't too grabbed by it. Glad you liked the movie, though! I'm excited for the ninja blogfest... can't wait to hear what everyone thinks you look like!

Mina Burrows said...

I'm off to sign up for the blogfest now. Can't wait for that one.

I'm sure your manuscript will be a hit! :)

jaybird said...

Wow- didn't have time to take in any movies this Thanksgiving week was just too crazy busy.

Good for you for finishing and sending your book out!

And I thought I signed up for the blog fest, but my name isn't there. Knowing me, I did something wrong.

Southpaw said...

There is a lot of information stuffed into one little post! I love the indie-cyber-Monday thing.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Glad to hear Life of Pi is well-done. I have seen so much grief and loss in my own life and in the lives of those I love that I usually stay away from movies that wrench my heart. Any more wrenching, and it will get a hernia!

Glad to see that so many friends are coming in to honor a friend.

And congrats on shipping off your latest to the publisher. I feel you will receive good news. :-)

Anonymous said...

As always, great information to be aware of. Need to stop over and check out Gwen's good offerings. Good books to explore too. Thanks for the shout-out.

100 roasts eh? Sounds like you're in for a good day, Alex!

Ella said...

Alex, good luck~ I bet you will back soon ;D and like Roland said, "with good news"!!!

I saw Bond this weekend! Whoa...

Oooh, I have friends, who said the same as you about LINCOLN! LIFE OF PI should intriguing, too~

Wow, so many great things going on!
You are always a happy place to visit :D

Isis Rushdan said...

Congratulations, Peaches!

Alex, thanks for the movie reviews. I knew Lincoln would be good, but had reservations about Pi.

Way to go on turning in manuscript #3! I feel like I'm in slow motion writing the 3rd Kindred book. Time is flying by.

Author A.O. Peart said...

Congratulations on submitting CassaStorm to your publusher. That's a major accomplishment :-)

Thank you for giving a shout to our YA Cyber Monday book promo. You are the best, Alex!

Both of the movies - Life off Pi and Lincoln are on my TBW list as soon as they are out on a DVD.

I will check out Cindy's blog for sure, since I could use more reviews.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving, haven't seen either of those movies yet but have heard great things from many people about them . . .and NaNo is not going so well . . .but I'll just keep writing anyway.
Congrats to Peaches!

Unknown said...

Life of Pi is an incredible novel and stories like these are what Ang Lee does best. Hoping to take my nephew to see Lincoln.

Congrats on getting CassaStorm off to the publisher. One step closer to release, yay!

Maryannwrites said...

Thanks for the great movie reviews. I am really looking forward to seeing both Pi and Lincoln.

Karen Baldwin said...

Yes, congrats on CassaStorm. And thanks always for your comments on my blog. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Dear Lord! Time to play catch-up with comments.

Matthew, they are both excellent.

Nickie, I need to read the book now.

LG, it was a little slow, but the actors really made it enthralling.

Angela, you're welcome, and thanks.

Elise, thanks for reminding me...

Juliana, I didn't like that movie either! Nothing like it though.

Jay, that scares me...

Peaches, you are welcome.

Julie, it will be scary.

Jaybird, just sign up again.

Roland, it is heart-wrenching.

Julie, it will be something!

Ellie, go see them! And thanks, I want this to be a happy place.

Isis, you'll do it!

Angela, you're welcome.

Leigh, you always amuse me with your posts.

Thanks, everyone!!!

Cate Masters said...

Congrats on submitting your manuscript, and best of luck!
Interesting - I read Life of Pi and couldn't imagine how they'd film it, particularly the ending. Really looking forward to seeing it, as well as Lincoln.

Sherry Ellis said...

Lots of good stuff going on! I"m so happy for Peaches. She worked hard to get that book out there. I'd like to go see Lincoln. It's just so hard fo me to find time to see movies! I'll go hop over to Gossip Girl and see what's going on there.

Nancy Thompson said...

Congrats on CS! You really are refreshed. I, on the other hand, just want to go back to bed. Maybe after the airport. Zzzzz...

Heather Murphy said...

Congrats on CassaFire!
I saw Lincoln over the holiday weekend. Impressive acting.
I really want to see Life of Pi. It looks excellent!

Budd said...

my oldest watched life of pi and can't recommend it enough.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Congratulations on CassaStorm being sent off to your publisher. That's exciting news to start off the week.

I loved Life of Pi but haven't seen Lincoln yet. It's on my list to get done this week.

As for "Wreck It Ralph", I'd honestly skip out on it. I went and saw it and it's a verbatim knock off of Toy Story...same premise and everything only with computer games instead of toys. And they spend wayyyy too much time in Sugar Rush (which is one of the video games featured). Like the majority of the movie is spent there doing pun after pun.

Rusty Carl said...

I heard the visuals for the Life of Pi were stunning. I could have gone but decided to watch football instead.

And I did see Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. That's pretty historical too - I learned that the south was run by vampires. I didn't know they before.

Congrats on your ms getting handed over. It's gonna blow them away.

Oh - and I'm ok. You're awesome.

Morgan said...

Oh goodness... what a GREAT feeling sending off CassaStorm... what a weight lifted off! Go celebrate with some Hot Tamales :-)

Leovi said...

Yes, I like the proposition of Writers by readers, a great idea and work.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I wondered if Hollywood could do Lincoln justice. Now I can't wait to see it!

Emily R. King said...

Congrats on sending your finished MS!

And a big huge for Peaches. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cate, can't compare it to the book, but the movie was amazing.

Heather, Lewis has the Oscar already.

Budd, go see it!

Michael, I'm still on the fence about that movie, but George at CineMarvellous really liked it.

Rusty, let's hope! And good to finally hear from you.

Elizabeth, you will be impressed.

Thanks, guys!

Andrew Leon said...

Well, it looks like I don't need to call Rusty after all.

And I think I'm still waiting for Pi on dvd.

Johanna Garth said...

Congratulations on getting the book done.

A friend saw Lincoln and had good things to say about it. We saw Silver Lining Playbook and loved it.

Arlee Bird said...

I was so-so about Life of Pi until I started reading the reviews that were talking about the God connection. Now I'm intrigued about seeing this one.

Had a Civil War film fest over Thanksgiving weekend. Watched Cold Mountain and Gone with the Wind--both excellent. We were also very entertained by Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter--what a fun movie.

Lee
Wrote By Rote

Unknown said...

Nice round up, Alex. Lincoln looks like a must-view movie.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Good luck with your publisher, Alex. I'm excited for you. It's been a weary experience with my publisher. I sent my sequel Dec '11 and they just recently reported they'd have no news for me until next month. A year! Then I counted back to how long it took my 1st book, and it was 3 years from the time I sent the ms until I could hold the book in my hands. Is it me, or is that a long time?

My son and grandson went to see Life of Pi on the weekend. I haven't found out yet what they thought. I'm personally not looking forward to it. I hate having those kinds of emotions wrenched from me. I'll stick to mysteries and thrillers. Watched Bourne again last night.

Thanks for the reviews.

Charity Bradford said...

Yay for CassaStorm! Thanks for keeping us posted.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the mention of our Cyber Monday Indie Deals Alex! We really appreciate that!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for mentioning our YA Cyber Monday Deals on your blog!

mooderino said...

Life of Pi and Lincoln both look pretty impressive. I know one is in 3D, I'm hoping it's Lincoln.

mood
Moody Writing

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Good luck with the submission. My son like Lincoln but I think I'll wait for it to be ondemand. My usual way to watch movies.

D.G. Hudson said...

Congrats! A ninja always survives his trials and tribulations. No worries.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Great news about the cover, and finishing your manuscript! Terrific reviews, and we'll have to try to see Lincoln again, as it was sold out. Heading over to Gossip Girl.
Julie

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Andrew, he's alive!

Johanna, that's another Oscar contender.

Lee, think you'd really appreciate it.

Michael, it is!

Joylene, that seems like a really long time...

Diana and Tiffany, you're welcome!

Moody, no, Life of Pi is in 3D, but it's a very non-intrusive and blending 3D.

DG, I hope so!

Julie, wow - sold out?

Thanks, everyone!

ediFanoB said...

I do not understand why CassaFire is up for Goodreads’ Best YA Covers for 2012!!

And CassaStar is also on the list!!

I could not resist to vote for both.

Jack said...

I didn't think I would like Life of Pi. When the preview first came on I thought it would be a rather dull movie, but by the end of the preview I wanted to see it. Something about the story interests me. And you made it sound all the more interesting. I might have to talk my mum into seeing it with me.

Sarah Ahiers said...

I want to see Life of Pi sooo badly!

LTM said...

Oh, yay! Somebody FINALLY explained what Life of Pi is about! I kept seeing the trailers, and while they're beautiful, I had no clue what the movie was supposed to be about--LOL! Now I want to see it. And of course, Lincoln. :o)

cleemckenzie said...

Congrats to Peaches. Really great cover.

I can't believe I'm actually going to do that Babyfaces Blogfest! Yikes.

Here's to your next book. Cassa Storm cometh.

Didn't see a single movie last week. I was up to elbows in turkey and dressing. Next week.

Unknown said...

It is nice to hear you have finished writing the third book. Well done!

Congrats to Peaches, nice cover!

Looking forward to the blogfest!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Edi, thanks! I have no idea either.

Jack, there's a lot of action, so not dull at all.

Leigh, now you know!

Lee, God Bless you for doing that blogfest. And you had your elbows in a turkey?

Thanks, Carolyn.

Cherie Reich said...

Hehe! As for the embarrassment, we only do it because we love you. :)

Congrats to Peaches!

Livia Peterson said...

I went to see Lincoln and Life of Pi, too! Both of them! They were awesome movies, Alex! They both deserve some Oscar nods, that's for sure!

I can't wait until your blogfest! It will be so much fun!

Congrats to you, Alex for sending your MS to your publisher! Can't wait to hear the GOOD NEWS pouring in! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I've backed off on blogfests lately to be able to keep my head on straight, but I may just have to sign up for that one! :)

Got my NaNo word count in, but I'm still working on finishing the draft :)

Samantha May said...

The book is wonderful! It's easily the best "non classic" I was forced to read in high school. I SO want to see that movie now!

As to Daniel Day Lewis...the man can do no wrong in my eyes! I would seriously consider him one of the best (if not THE best) actors of all time. He. Is. Phenomenal.

Michelle Wallace said...

I'm looking forward to the blogfest... (as are the 97 other sign-ups)
Peaches' book sounds great! The trailer hints at a bittersweet and gut-wrenching story!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cherie, and you'll enjoy it - just admit it!

Livia, yes they do! And thanks - still holding my breath.

Jemi, feel free to embarrass me as well...

Samantha, you will enjoy it then!

Heather M. Gardner said...

Awesome news and reviews.
I honestly don't know how you do it all!

Love Daniel Day Lewis so I'll probably watch Lincoln.

Thanks for all the info!

Heather

Nicole said...

Thanks for the movie reviews. Lincoln is already on my "must see" list, but I wasn't sure about Life of Pi. Now, they both sound amazing! Quite the honor on your CassaFire cover too. Congrats!

SC Author said...

Ooh both movies are on my list now! Thanks!

Melissa said...

Excited for you and your MS, and your GR cover vote, and your blogfest. :)

Helena said...

I am definitely going to see Pi and Lincoln -- so many good movies out right now.

Good luck on your manuscript with your publisher! But with your track record and talent it'll no doubt sail through

Deniz Bevan said...

Congratulations on the cover nomination! I thought I'd voted in all categories, but I missed this one. Off to vote!
NaNo has taken over my life...

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see Life of Pi and Lincoln! I hear Pi is a must to spend the extra $ for 3D. We saw Wreck-It-Ralph and Rise of the Guardians this weekend--both were good but Guardians surprisingly better!

Intangible Hearts said...

Failing Nano but hubs wants to see Lincoln. Loved the Life of Pi book and hope the movie tells the entire story.

Intangible Hearts said...

Failing Nano but hubs wants to see Lincoln. Loved the Life of Pi book and hope the movie tells the entire story.

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

That's so cool that CassaFire is up for best YA cover! Congratulations. :)

Trisha said...

Thanks so much for the mention of my blogfest :) I really appreciate it!

I haven't read LIFE OF PI either, but I always thought I should. The movie sounds great! And I read about LINCOLN on another blog & thought I really must see it too.

Good luck with your publisher! :)

Ciara said...

Congrats on turning in your manuscript. I will probably watch both movies on DVD. I only make it to the movies once a month or so.

Cindy said...

Thnanks for the mention, Alex. Hoping to get some great submissions. :)

Tamara said...

I'm really excited to see Life of Pi. It sounds amazing.

Congrats on your cover being chosen!! And on getting your book out to the publisher.

Can't wait for the blogfest. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, I don't know either!

Nicole, go see both!

Helena, I hope so.

Deniz, thank you!

Jamie, the 3D is so seamless... pay the extra.

Desert, if you tried, then that is all that matters.

Trisha, you are welcome!

Cindy, you;re welcome.

Thanks, everyone. I am overwhelmed...

Unknown said...

You deserved that blogfest, Alex. My son wants to see Life of Pi, I'm glad you liked it.

klahanie said...

Hey Alex,

I'm delighted that nearly one hundred folks wish to embarrass the snot out of your good self. That's certainly nothing to sneeze at...

Thanks for all the links and there certainly are some Peaches on here.

May you get a most encouraging reply from your publisher. And these "NaNo people"? Anything to do with Mork from Ork?

Cheers and I hope y'all had a real nice American type Thanksgiving. Hope you watched the biggest sporting event in North America on Sunday. Yes, eh, the Grey Cup.

Gary

Marta Szemik said...

Life of Pi sounds so amazing. I love movies that touch raw human emotions. Can't wait to see it:)
Congrats on sending CassaStorm to your publisher!

Anonymous said...

Congrats about CassaStorm!

I absolutely LOVED Lincoln. SO well done.

Cally Jackson said...

I've read The Life of Pi and am really interested to see it on the big screen. There's a few movies out that I want to see at the moment.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Clarissa, I deserve nothing, but a blogfest I got.

Gary, thanks! And those NaNo people might have something to do with Mork...

Thanks, Marta!

LB, it was awesome.

Cally, go see it!

Leigh Covington said...

My goodness! So much going on! I'm glad I can come here to try and keep up with it all! And thanks for the review of Life of Pi. I want to see this so bad. Even more now. And my hub desperately wants to see Lincoln.

Carrie-Anne said...

I'd love to see the Lincoln movie. I was rather obsessed with President Lincoln in elementary school, and got into him (and his sons) all over again in junior high.

Christine Rains said...

Congrats on sending out the finished manuscript! I'm excited for you. I've heard really good things about both those movies. My Lincoln movie is the Vampire Slayer one sitting on my entertainment unit ready to be watched! I just beat the NaNo goal tonight!

Jeff Hargett said...

You're a master at packing a ton of information in few words, Alex. Definitely looking forward to seeing the snot embarrassed out of you. LOL.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I want to see both Life of Pi and Lincoln. This weekend, however, I went to see Argo. That was one incredible movie.

Hildie McQueen said...

Well I tried to read Life of Pi and could not get through it, but then again I'm a shallow reader. I will however watch the movie, sounds like a good one!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I plan on seeing Lincoln but not Life of Pi. I tried reading the book but couldn't get into it.

Lisa Regan said...

So much great stuff! Woo hoo for sending CassaStorm off to the publisher. I can't wait to see Lincoln!

Tony Laplume said...

I think I've developed a whole subplot in my own WIP based on the titles of your Cassatrilogy. Yay for that!

Shannon Lawrence said...

Yay! Congrats on sending in the completed manuscript! Hope you hear back soon.

Tammy Theriault said...

signed up for the blogfest! congrats on finishing...rock it alex!!

Unknown said...

Hope you had a great holiday weekend with tons and tons of food. That's what the holidays are about: family, friends, & food. The blogfest is going to be a blast, especially as more people continue to sign up. Lincoln looks really good, but it's the type of movie I'll wait to rent. Happy Monday! It's back to real life.

Tonja Drecker said...

Congrats on CassaStorm!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leigh, go see both!

Carrie-Anne, you will be enthralled by the movie then.

Christine, good for you!

Thanks, Jeff!

Patricia, wasn't it intense?

Hildie and Karen, I've heard the book is slow, but the movie wasn't.

Tony, glad they could inspire!

Thanks, Tammy.

Michael, and we are glad you are back.

Thanks, guys!

Sabrina A. Fish said...

I want to, but haven't seen either Life of Pi or Lincoln. I am also looking forward to Les Mis and am trying to finish the book before, which may not happen.

I am looking forward to your participating in your blogfest.

Way to go on getting that final draft sent.

Jess said...

I'm so glad The Life of Pi turned out well! The book was amazing, so hopefully the movie does it justice. I can't wait to see it!

Great job with the finished MS! That must be so exciting! Good luck :)

Ellie Garratt said...

The blogfest is going to be fun. Evil chuckle.

Life of Pi looks interesting. I've not read the book either but the trailer looks spectacular.

As for NaNo, I will be writing up to the last few hours as always.

Susan Fields said...

Congrats on sending your ms to your publisher - that's awesome news! That's great that CassaFire is up for Best YA Cover of 2012 and it's not even YA - very impressive!

Unknown said...

Trailing behind and trying to catch up. Looking forward to the blogest and seeing both those movies! Congrats on getting your manuscript finished :)

Tess Julia said...

Thanks for reviewing Life of Pi. The previews were a little vague as to the story but you helped clarify it. I was thinking of taking the kids to see it!

Christopher Hudson said...

You're an inspiration, Alex ... how you keep all this going is a wonder.

Totally agree with Lincoln review ... you get to meet the man himself ... it is amazing.

Haven't seen Pi yet ... will do.

Susan Oloier said...

Thanks for the lowdown on the movies. I need to read Life of Pi. And hubby really wants to see Lincoln. Now if we can find a babysitter...

Tina said...

Had a great turkey day, it's my fave day of the year, no presents, just food, family, and gratitude.
NaNo? Nada. It's been a bad month motivation month. Not going to make it. Sigh...BUT, I've certainly done a lot of thinking about it, and made some major plot decisions, so there's SOME progress.
Congrats on the cover thing - awesome!
Planning to see Lincoln on DVD, and we'll see if I can get The Engineer to sit through PI...I'll tell him it's sci-fi, you kow 3.1415926...think he'll buy it?
Tina @ Life is Good
http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Planning to see LINCOLN this weekend!

Good luck with the manuscript! I'm sure the Pub will love it. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sabrina, you still have almost a month to finish!

Jess, nerve-racking is a better term.

Ellie, thanks for the evil chuckle.

Susan, it surprised me!

Thanks, Siv.

Rose, older kids will appreciate it. Some animals die, which might upset little ones.

Christopher, Lewis brought the character to life.

Susan, hope you can!

Tina, it's worth a try!

Sangu Mandanna said...

Congratulations to Peaches!

And congratulations to you too, Alex! It's so exciting (and nerve-wracking, I expect) that you've sent in the finished draft.

Tara Tyler said...

i'm late to the party today!
glowing reviews! will def look forward to those on pay per view =)

wreck it ralph was splendiferous!

and yay for your ms send off!

Julie Flanders said...

How exciting that CassaStorm is in the hands of your publisher. Congrats!! And I can't wait for the Ninja blogfest LOL.

Leovi said...

Life of Pi definitely sounds interesting. Greetings.

Theresa Milstein said...

Up for best YA cover, but not a YA cover. Hm...

I want to see the Lincoln movie--it sounds great.

The Armchair Squid said...

Thanks for the film recommendations. I've been wondering about Pi. I read the book and enjoyed it but have had my doubts about translation to the screen. I guess I need to check it out!

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much, Alex, for welcoming me back to Blogger. I count you among my good friends.
Your blog is etched in my mind forever (you're a whiz of a blogger), as are your novels. They get better with each one. So excited to hear about CassaStorm. I'll be looking to hear back too, through you!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Snagu, thanks, and yes it is.

Tara, I'd still like to see that film.

Julie, you and hundred others!

Theresa, it is!

Squid, I haven't read the book, so can only tell you the movie was great.

Ann, we're just happy you are back!

Catherine Stine said...

Good luck on your ms submission! As far as the two films, I'm looking forward to seeing both of them. We watched Abe Lincoln, Vampire Slayer over the Thanksgiving vacation, and laughed our fool heads off. It was so bad it was GREAT! Abe Lincoln as an axe-wielding Matrix type dance/fighter doing samurai moves. A classic, up there with Lepruchaun 3.

Romance Book Haven said...

Congratulations on sending off the ms to a publisher!

All the best!

Nas

Karen M. Peterson said...

I'm glad you enjoyed Lincoln. I think DDL is going to have some competition with Denzel in the Best Actor category, but if the Oscars were held today, I'm convinced Lincoln would sweep every category.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Catherine, that made me laugh!

Thanks, Nas.

Karen, I think it would as well. Although Argo might challenge it...

Nicki Elson said...

Loooved Life of Pi in a way I've not loved a movie in a long time. The second story told at the end made me go back and reanalyze the whole movie from a different angle. Fabulous.

I've heard only good things about the Lincoln movie and plan to see it - and after that, I'll mosey down to Springfield IL to the Lincoln museum. Is little, but it's really well done. One of the precious few things intelligently handled in our disgraceful state capitol these last few decades, grumble, grumble.

Tracy Jo said...

Congrats on CassaStorm! Thanks for the Life of Pi review...I wanted to see it and after your review...I will!

Unknown said...

Big congrats for CassaFire's nomination for the best cover! I'm sending good vibes your way and hope you win! :-)

Unspoken said...

HALTTTT!!! Are you not an American? If not, how did I miss that??

dolorah said...

Ugh, I'm so far behind in my blogging I'm ready to delete all and start again. Congrats on finishing CassaStorm :)

.........dhole

Unspoken said...

Not that it matters :).

M Pax said...

Trying to catch up a bit...

Congrats to Peaches! Those sound like two great movies.

OK, I want to slap the internet right now... nothing to do with you...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicki, I was worried that after all that, the story wasn't real - but it was!

Thanks, Tracy Jo.

Thank you, Lexa!

She Writes, I am! I've just lived all over.

Thanks, Donna. And I would...

Mary, good, because I don't want to be slapped.

Hildie McQueen said...

Thanks for the shout out Alex, you rock! My favorite Christmas movie is National Lampoon's Christmas. I LOVE the Griswalds. We watch it every year at my house! :-)

Jai Joshi said...

I can't wait to see both of these films! I was a steward at the Cheltenham Literature festival when Yann Martel was there promoting Life of Pi. There was so much excitement about him. Can't wait to see the book on screen!

Jai