Monday, January 7, 2013

Author Isis Rushdan, Cover Reveals from Ellie Garratt and Carol Killgore, Ninja News and A to Z Badge, and Comedy Movie Trivia

Today I have a very special guest - Isis Rushdan! She is one of those special writer friends, one I’ve known forever, and I am excited to host Isis during the tour for her very first book! Kindred of the Fallen comes out Tuesday, and Isis is here to tell you a funny story….

The Danger of Publication

When my agent told me Kindred of the Fallen would be published, I was cautiously elated. It’s a paranormal romance, so I put no restraints on my muse. I ventured beyond the usual otherworldly beings of vampires, werewolves and faeries. The love scenes are bold and naughty, without crossing a certain line. I also dared to add quite a bit more action than you’d find in most romances.

My family would have certain expectations and I prayed my grandmother would’ve been proud of my first published book if she had lived long enough to read it. I braced myself for the quiet (if I was lucky) judgment of my in-laws. I knew there’d be some raised eyebrows over a number of scenes, but I had 100% of my hubby’s support.

Since I felt thoroughly prepared, life had to smack me with an unbelievable curveball. A good friend of mine, Alan E., came to visit. He asked a ton of questions about the book and although romance is not his genre of choice he seemed genuinely enthusiastic to read it.

At the end of his trip, I dropped him off at the airport. We hugged, he collected his luggage, and I hopped back into my car. Through the open window, Alan said, “I can’t wait to read your book. I’m going to learn so much more about you and the inner core of your relationship with hubby.”

Then Alan darted inside the airport. I choked on my tongue, confounded and terrified. I longed to drag him back and clear up any misunderstandings. Had I implied the story was somehow autobiographical? Didn’t I make it clear the book was FICTION?

Oh dear if Alan honestly thought he would have a window into my soul, much less my marriage, by reading my book, how many other people would think the same?

Forget about bad reviews or horrible sales, the real danger in publication is that someone who knows me will judge my personal life based on my novel. And quite frankly, it scares me.

Thank you so much for having me on today, Ninja Capt Extraordinaire, Alex! I appreciate the support.

Find Isis: Website, Blog, Facebook, and Twiiter
Find KINDRED OF THE FALLEN, Kindred Chronicles, Book 1 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Samhain Publishing

Congratulations, Isis!! You rock.

Two Cover Reveals!

For two very special friends!

Passing Time: Nine Short Tales of the Strange and Macabre By Ellie Garratt
Available February 11, 2013

Nine dark fiction stories that may just give you nightmares.
A man lives to regret Passing Time. A father will do anything to save his son in Expiration Date. An author finds out her worst nightmare is back in The Devil’s Song. A woman gets more than the claim fee when she takes out vampire insurance in Luna Black.
In Dining in Hell, the Death Valley Diner becomes the wrong place to stop.
A serial killer wants to add another file to his collection in The Vegas Screamer. In Eating Mr. Bone, an undertaker could meet an unfortunate end. A con man meets his first ghost in Land of the Free. And will truth finally be set free in The Letter?

A life-long addiction to reading science fiction and horror, meant writing was the logical outlet for Ellie Garratt’s passions. She is a reader, writer, blogger, Trekkie, and would happily die to be an extra in The Walking Dead. Her short stories have been published in anthologies and online. Passing Time is her first eBook collection and contains nine previously published stories. Her science fiction collection Taking Time will be published later in the year.
Find Ellie: Blog, Twitter, and Goodreads


Solomon’s Compass by Carol Kilgore
Available April 2, 2013

When U.S. Coast Guard Commander Taylor Campbell discovers her uncle’s drowning death was murder, she must determine the killer’s identity in order to prevent another murder. Jake Solomon’s job is to make sure Taylor isn’t the next victim.

Carol Kilgore is an award-winning author of several published short stories and many essays and articles. Solomon’s Compass is her second novel, a blend of mystery, suspense, and romance she calls Crime Fiction with a Kiss – always at least one crime; always a love story. Carol and her Coast Guard husband live in San Antonio, Texas, with two herding dogs that like nothing better than pack time on the patio.
You can find Carol here: Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon


Ninja News

Both of my books are listed in the top five Best Space Opera at Goodreads. CassaFire has dipped a little and a Dan Simmons book is about to knock CassaStar off for the top position. If you’re on Goodreads and would like to vote for either book, please go HERE and do so – the exposure really does make a difference!

Today we are unveiling the official 2013 A to Z Challenge badge, created by the ever-awesome Retro Zombie Jeremy! This year’s Challenge will be better than ever. The Challenge co-host team will be announced next Monday and sign ups open at the end of January.

January 16 marks the sixth anniversary of Tim Knight’s blog, HeroPress, and he has launched a "design-a-monster" competition to run over that anniversary period. It is open to both gamers and non-gamers, and there are some cool prizes involved, including a copy of CassaStar, so check out the details HERE.


Movie Trivia

Comedy edition! Movie lines – name the movie.

1 – Check me if I’m wrong, Sandy, but if I kill all the golfers, they’re gonna lock me up and throw away the key.

2 – Who dumped a truckload of Fizzies into the swim meet, delivered school cadavers to the alumni dinner? Every Halloween the trees are filled with underwear, every spring the toilets explode.

3 – He is so dumb. He thought the Gettysburg Address was where Lincoln lived, and when he heard your daughter’s name was Portia, he said “Why did they name her after a car?”

4 – Are you telling me I put an abnormal brain into a seven-and-a-half-foot-long, 54-inch-wide gorilla?

5 – Can I raise a practical question? Are we gonna do Stonehenge tomorrow?

Any questions for Isis? Picking up Kindred of the fallen on Tuesday? Excited for Ellie and Carol’s upcoming books? Voted at Goodreads or entering Tim’s competition? Ready for the next Challenge? And do you know any of those movies?

174 comments:

Sean McLachlan said...

I hope nobody who reads my book thinks I commune with spirits and scalp people.

VikLit said...

I can't get any of these lines! So difficult ;)

Look forward to A to Z challenge am considering joining in this year if I can find the time come April :)

The Angry Lurker said...

1 – Check me if I’m wrong, Sandy, but if I kill all the golfers, they’re gonna lock me up and throw away the key.
Caddyshack.
2 – Who dumped a truckload of Fizzies into the swim meet, delivered school cadavers to the alumni dinner? Every Halloween the trees are filled with underwear, every spring the toilets explode.
Animal House.
3 – He is so dumb. He thought the Gettysburg Address was where Lincoln lived, and when he heard your daughter’s name was Portia, he said “Why did they name her after a car?”
A fish called Wanda.

4 – Are you telling me I put an abnormal brain into a seven-and-a-half-foot-long, 54-inch-wide gorilla?
Young Frankenstein.
5 – Can I raise a practical question? Are we gonna do Stonehenge tomorrow?

??????

No problem with the voting!

Ellie Garratt said...

Thank you, Alex. I'm honoured to be amongst such awesome company. Congratulations to Isis Rushdan and Carol Killgore!

mooderino said...

Would vote for your books on Goodreads if I hadn't already.

mood

Laura Clipson said...

Can't wait for the A to Z challenge, I have two possible themes already!

Elsie Amata said...

I love Isis's story. Scarily amusing.

I'm with Ellie, I'd love to be an extra on The Walking Dead!!!

"Abby Someone. Abby who?"

"Abby Normal?" - One of my favorite movies of all time, "Young Frankenstein"

Kyra Lennon said...

My eyes nearly fell out of my head when I saw a post about the A-Z Challenge already! I am SO not an advance planner lol!

Sheila Siler said...

No wonder I didn't know those lines - I've only seen one of those movies!

Loved Isis's story - a danger for all authors I'm sure!

Huntress said...

The post from Isis is an eye-opener. Made me think.

Ellie and Carol are both well-known and well-regarded blogger buddies of mine. Great cover reveals. Congrats to both.

Answer to Movie Trivia: only one, #4 an all-time fave, Young Dr. Frankenstein. "Put the candle back!"

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats to Isis, Carol, and Ellie on their new books. I've been seeing them all around the blogspehere.

Creepy Query Girl said...

ha! Some of those lines sound so familiar but alas, no comedy titles are coming. And I totally understand Isis's fear that her personal life will be judged based on her books. I think we all have that innate fear but as writers, we know just how completely seperate one can be from the other.

Kimberly Gabriel said...

I love all 3 covers here! Isis had a fabulous guest post - good luck with launch day Isis! ;) I also stopped by Goodreads - what a cool feeling to beat out Orson Scott Card ;)

Gossip_Grl said...

Great post and nice book covers. The badges for A-Z look great. Jeremy did a great job with them! Now the trivia questions, the only one I know is #2 and am guessing Animal House.

Laura Pauling said...

People are more than welcome to try and figure me out by reading between the lines of my stories. But they'll have to guess which parts. Good luck with that! :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Most of my fiction has bits of me in it but in no way are my stories autobiographical. Not me at all. Zero

Love the new badge.

Love the new covers.

T

Ray Rousell said...

Those questions are hard! I knew 2 & 4 but Fran's already said them.

Isis Rushdan said...

Alex, thank you again for having me on!!! Way to go on the Goodreads top spots.

Congratulations to Ellie and Carol (fellow GIAMer)! It's great to be with such good company.

Cindy said...

Now that was a very strange comment for Alan to make.

I so want to do A to Z this year. That way I can say I finally did it. :)

Elise Fallson said...

Congratulations to Ellie and Carol, they are everywhere-Awesome! And I really enjoyed Isis's post, if that happened to me I think I would have died! LOL! But the most important thing is to have support from your loved ones like what you have with your hubby. That is so important. Wish you all success with your books guys! (:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sean, that's funny!

VikLit, please join us.

Francis, thank you, and you got four right!

Ellie, you're welcome.

Moody, that's all right - appreciate the first vote!

Elsie, you got it.

Kyra, don't lose your eyes!

Huntress, you got it.

Kimberly, it is a cool feeling!

Gossip Girl, you are correct.

Laura, sneaky!

Ray, darn that Fran.

Isis, very happy to host you!!

Cindy, join us.

Jemi Fraser said...

I can totally understand Isis' worry about what people think - I think romance writers all over face at least a bit of that worry!

Yay for Carol & Ellie! :)

kjmckendry said...

Congrats to Isis, Ellie, and Carol. All their covers look great!

I voted!

Yay! for the A-Z badge, I better get thinking about my theme.

Laura Eno said...

Chin up high, Isis. That seems to be a special hazard with any romance writer. *sigh* Comes with the territory. :)

Yay to Ellie and Carol! Their covers are everywhere today.

Thanks for the A to Z badge! My mind is spinning for ideas.

Anonymous said...

I've never thought to wonder if a work of fiction is in any way autobiographical. I've always assumed it was, well, fiction. But I do admit I wonder about the minds of writers like King, for example. How do they continually come up with the plots? What their minds must dwell on!

Anonymous said...

Isis--yikes! LOL!

Looking forward to Ellie's collection.

Happy writing!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I started thinking about ideas for the A-Z Challenge last week but haven't come up with anything yet. April will be here before we know it!

I don't know any of those lines but some of them made me laugh. :)

Annalisa Crawford said...

I feel Isis's pain - it's amazing how many people don't understand that fiction is made up! As I tend to write quite a lot about killing people, I just want to say I'm not a serial killer or a ghost. There, sorted!

As for those movie questions, stumped again!

Carol Kilgore said...

Isis - Waving! Your book sounds great. What a comment! Not a clue what I would've done.

Ellie - Great cover. Good luck with your book!

Alex - Thanks so much for including my cover here today :) Love today's trivia...I know a few!

Theresa Milstein said...

Isis, that is a real fear. I don't blame you! I've wondered that with poems and short stories I've published. Do people think it's fiction or me? Good luck with your book!

Congrats to Carol Kilgore!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

So great to meet Isis! Thanks for sharing her with us, Alex. I couldn't agree with her more. It's scary to have strangers read your work and judge you, but those closest to you in your life.... I can be strange at times.

Major YAY! for Ellie!!!

Rusty Carl said...

You got me on the trivia today. No guesses fro me. And Ellie's cover is AMAZING! What a great job there.

And I can't believe it's time to start thinking of A-Z again. Wow.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Congratulations, Isis, Ellie and Carol.

I'd guess Caddyshack for #1 but don't know any of the others. They are funny, though.

Have a great week, Alex.
xoRobyn

Al Diaz said...

Somewhere I read that a part of us is revealed in the books we write. After all, creations reflect things about their creator, isn't that right? But I would not worry about that too much.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thank you, Kathy!

Julie, that thought has crossed my mind as well.

Annalisa, I know mine is all fiction.

Carol, you're welcome!

Rusty, less than three months.

Robyn, you got it!

Crystal Collier said...

Wow! So much going on! I love Isis moment--that freak out second where you realize part of yourself is revealed in your book, but how much?
--And I cant't wait to read Ellie's book. =) Carol's book sounds great, and another A to Z challenge? Maybe I'll finally have to do it this year. Yay!

Trisha said...

All these books sound great!! Congrats to the authors :)

I already voted for both your books. Good luck staying at the top!!

and I can't wait for the A-to-Z. It's always a blast.

mshatch said...

1. Caddyshack
4. Young Frankenstein

I'm afraid comedy is not my area of expertise! Congrats to Isis and Carol :)

Luanne G. Smith said...

Great guest post, Isis. And beautiful cover reveals today!!

jaybird said...

That is just horrifying that he thought this was not a work of fiction, and a look into your marriage! Yikes.

I decided I am going to take the plunge and join the A-Z this year. Last year I wussed out, but I promised myself I can and will do it this time. *fingers crossed* I can pull it off!

Anonymous said...

Comedy Trivia! Hell Yeah!

1. "IT'S IN THE HOLE!" Caddyshack.
2. "Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman, damn glad to meet you." Animal House.
3. "Don't call me stupid!" A Fish Called Wanda.
4. "Frau Blucher!" Young Frankenstein.
5. "These go to eleven." This is Spinal Tap.

Great choices today!

Tonja said...

Isis - I think even if it's not assumed to be autobiographical, what we write is a reflection of how our minds work. But I don't think he can make any assumptions about your marriage. Yikes.

Unknown said...

I write for children, but whatever age I write for, it is always me, my thoughts, feelings, hopes, fears, there's no one else. :0)

Heather M. Gardner said...

Isis! Your book sounds amazing. It's hard to understand how people would assume that our fiction is also our lives. I don't assume that when an artist writes a song its always personally about them.
I hope you know that most people wouldn't have that leap.
Best of luck.

Alex! You're so nice to promote these wonderful people! So excited for everyone!

Trivia:
1. Caddyshack
2. ?
3. A Fish called Wanda
4. Young Frankenstein!
5. Spinal Tap

Have a great day, Alex!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I think some people do judge our personal lives based on what they read in our books. While my characters do things I would never do, I've tried to keep their morals similar to my own.

Juliana Haygert said...

Congrats, Iris!
And congrats to Ellie and Carol - great covers!
Just voted for your books, Alex! Good luck!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I think since I've already voted, it won't let me vote again. Or I'm doing something wrong.
Best of luck to the new releases. I've had people think my stories were some form of autobiography, but it seems the furor dies down and it slowly becomes just a story.

David P. King said...

That's awesome, Isis! And it looks great! Glad to see some love for Ellie and Carol's covers, too. :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the publication Isis. I remember my Lit classes at Uni and we dissected the authors life when studying the book. I hope the love scenes were really, really good in your book as it will reflect well on your husband:)

The covers on both books are excellent.

I voted Alex!

Liesel K. Hill said...

I totally understand what Isis means! I think that kind of misconception is something most writers will have to deal with at some point in their career. Passing Time looks pretty good, too. I'll have to check it out. :D

Nickie said...

Great guest post! I had my mom read a copy of my book, 'Bright Star', and almost immediately after she finished she called.

Her: "The parents in this book... they're not based on your father and I?"

Me: "God no."

Her: "Oh, good, good."

Yeah... awkward. Like Isis said, fiction is fiction. Hopefully readers remember that!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Thanks for hosting Isis Alex! Jeremy always does amazing work. Great planning

Bossy Betty said...

Love all the news. No clue on the lines though.

Southpaw said...

Isis! What you said is always eating away at my brain. Hopefully, people know it is just a story, plain and simple.

I love all the covers here today!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Crystal, and will people know which parts?

Trisha, glad you're excited about it!

Marcy, you got it.

Jaybird, glad you'll be joining us!

Joshua, you know your comedy.

Heather, that's why my word this year is GIVE. And you got four right.

Thank you, Juliana!

Elizabeth, you can only vote once, so appreciate that first time.

Thanks, Anne!

Nickie, that IS awkward.

Brinda said...

Isis- I'm sorry to tell you that I found that story somewhat hysterical. :)

LD Masterson said...

Isis - I tend to worry more about my kids' reactions, and my grandkids'. Don't want them wondering where I got some of my ideas.

Trivia - I knew A Fish Called Wanda. Was pretty sure on Caddyshack and Amimal House and took a guess on Young Frankenstein. No idea on number 5.

cleemckenzie said...

I know how Ms. Rushdan felt. For some reason people seem to think that because you write stories, all of them are about the inner you.

Anonymous said...

Hell, replace Spinal Tap with Blazing Saddles and throw in History of the World Part 1, and you have the main movies I watched with my parents when I was a kid.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

That story and cover... for Kindred of the Fallen [wonderful] and Ellie, she is the cats meow [reminds me of a dark clockwork orange].. and Carol... Love the eyes/compass... and the rest... Alex, your post are going to start breaking into... Parts. :)

Tim's HeroPress is a great resource...

I am not even touching the trivia... I am drawing a blank.

Happy Monday!

Jeremy

SC Author said...

Isis, that is also what I'm scared of! I'm literally changing my book (for the better, I think) because I don't want people to get the wrong impression of someone I know. I get it, totally :) It is very frightening!

Nicole said...

Lots of great news here! Congrats on the Goodreads status, and thanks for sharing those cool cover reveals.

Tess Julia said...

I feel for the first author's fears! That is why I don't want anyone in my "real" life to know I write, as I'm afraid I would reveal to much about myself.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Isis, I'm so sorry about your granddaughter. My deepest sympathies. I had a similar reaction from a friend over my first novel. He kept asking me when did we live on Kelly Road. I had to tell him and several other friends that the book was completely and utterly pretend. LOL. They probably still question that.

Alex, hi! How ya doing, buddy!!!

Bish Denham said...

Congratulations to all the writers and their wonderful covers! Isis, I think most writers harbor the fear that readers will equate our stories as being true representatives of ourselves. And think about it, don't actors experience that too? Don't people often confused the characters they with being who they are?

Jennie Bennett said...

Funny Story Isis, I'm totally worried about someone doing that to me too. Some people have a hard time accepting fiction as just that. But we will push forward!

Nancy Thompson said...

Isis, I think we writers always put a lot of ourselves in our books so it's natural for readers to make that assumption, but they know it's fiction. So excited for Ellie & Carole! I'll go vote for your books on GR, Alex. I never thought of asking. Mine's on 11 lists right now. Oy, the A to Z already? How will I ever find the time? I must be getting old. I haven't heard of any of those lines.

Tina said...

Man, batting a zero today on movie trivia...none are even slightly familiar...
Of course I'm excited for the challenge! Let the work begin!
Tina @ Life is Good
http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I already voted on Goodreads. I hope that your story stays in the top five, or even better, at 1 and 2.

What is Howling Wolf Records? It's the first time I've seen that badge. I'm gonna click on it and check it out.

Isis' book sounds incredible because the world she created seems like an amalgamation of all the things I love about the paranormal world. The fact that it's rated-R is a definite plus for me.

farawayeyes said...

You got some pretty awesome book covers there. If I were to judge a book by it's cover I would have to say WOW! The stories sound good also.

Nice A to Z Badge.

AND I think I might know some of the trivia
1 Caddy Shack
$ Young Frankenstein

Off to Goodreads.

Mark Means said...

I missed the last A to Z Challenge, but plan on giving this one a go.

As usual, lots of interesting stuff here, thanks Alex :)

Julie Flanders said...

So great to see Ellie and Carol everywhere today! :)

And I'm so excited to see the A-Z badge, I can't believe that will be rolling around again so soon. Looking forward to this year's challenge!

Anonymous said...

Lots of new releases coming up. Best wishes to the ladies and their continued success!

I have my theme for the A to Z Challenge and am filling in each day's main topic. I'm capping each post at 100 words.

Suze said...

No. 4 -- YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN!

For Isis, I've read your words and am turning them over not in my head, but my heart. I think when we write, there is tremendous vulnerability. When we release it into the world and enjoy the gift of someone's attention to our words, there is tremendous vulnerability.

When we make a new friend, there is tremendous vulnerability. When we kiss someone, when we make a joke, when we take the time to form an opinion and then share it, there is tremendous vulnerability.

Why?

In part, it is because we *will* be misunderstood and misinterpreted.

Why?

Because every other amazing human being on the planet brings to 'the table' their ideas, their history, their impressions, their prejudices and when we write, share, joke, kiss, trust, we cannot strip others of all that makes them who they are and all that makes them think what they think. So, I have come to the hard-wrought conclusion, that all we can do is leap.

Congratulations on having finished the book, edited it, submitted it others and let it go. Huge accomplishment.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Holly, your cupcakes are real though.

Brinda, and I found your comment funny!

LD, you got those right.

Joshua, we grew up with the same movies then.

Jeremy, I worked hard to keep it short today. It almost happened.

Joylene, hope you were able to convince them!

Bish, very good point!

Nancy, which lists? I'll go vote!

Tina, bring it on - the team is ready.

Michael, it's Jeremy's site!

Faraway, you got it.

Mark, join us.

Stephen, so am I! Right, who am I kidding?

Suze, you got it. And you made a good point there.

Carrie-Anne said...

Congratulations to Isis, Ellie, and Carol!

I'm guessing the answer to #4 is Young Frankenstein.

Anonymous said...

I love what Isis said and imagine it is true for many writers with the friends and family. It is indeed a scary thought.

I also love both of those covers! Fabulous. They definitely draw my eye.

Sherry Ellis said...

Those are some awesome books coming out!

I like the A-Z challenge badge. I'd better start thinking about that!

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

I, too, fear what those who are closest to me will think. Their comments and thoughts tend to mean the most. I've also had many think the story is based on my life instead of fiction.

Love the cover reveals- both beautiful covers and sound like wonderful books.

Johanna Garth said...

Beautiful covers!

Isis, this post made me laugh. I can't count how many times people have assumed my FICTIONAL work is about me. At some point I just started shrugging my shoulders.

Andrew Leon said...

What we write is always a window.

Leovi said...

Yes, it is time to start preparing the next challenge from A to Z. It will be my third.

ilima said...

Both awesome covers. And I don't know ANY of those movies...the shame.

Peaches Ledwidge said...

Congrats Isis, Ellie, and Carol.

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

Congratulations, Isis! (That cover is beautiful, by the way!) I totally hear you on that concern!

M Pax said...

Isis, I had a recent incident of this, too. My mother started reading my latest book and asked if the MC's parents were them. I had to explain that it's fiction and I make it all up. It's not me. It's not anyone I know. It's amazing that people read so much into fiction.

Congrats to Ellie and Carol.

The new badge looks great.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carrie-Anne, you are correct!

Sherry, it will be here before you know it.

Leovi, glad you'll be returning!

Mary, hope no one thinks I'm Byron!!!

Colene Murphy said...

Those interviews are great! Love the sound of Kindred.

Also, I only know one quote! One of all-time fav movies, Young Frankenstein. I should be better at this, though!

Ciara said...

I'm excited about Isis and Carol's new books. They are both awesome!!

Cool AtoZ button.

Lydia Kang said...

Those are some gorgeous new covers!

Unknown said...

I'm thinking about doing the challenge but I have to make sure I have enough scheduled for it. I'm with Isis though. I often find people think my characters are me and they aren't.

Jennie Bailey said...

Voted! I love the cover reveals - both are great covers. Isis scared me - I never thought someone might read what I've written and just assume they have a window into my life. Maybe as writers, we don't think about that when we're readers. Scary to think that readers actually do!!

Tara Tyler said...

never thought of that scariness!! it's really stupid to judge an author by their work but i bet it happens...

stupendous covers! amazing! yay for ellie & carol!

and i know #4! young frankenstein!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Congrats to Isis, Ellie and Carol. I love all teh covers and the books sound like great reads!!! I need to do some serious reading so I have room in my TBR list for more!!!

I read Hyperion years ago and wasn't a fan. I'm surprised it has made it up the list so high, although it has stood the test of time. I voted for both your books!!!

Tamara said...

I am off to vote for your book as soon as i leave here.

I'm really looking forward to the A to Z challenge--this will be my first one. :)

Congrats to both Isis and Ellie. Both books sound really cool!!

And, number 2 is a quote from Animal House, isn't it???

randi lee said...

Congrats on the Goodreads nod! Wishing you much more success (and success in that music career of yours, too!)

Carrie Butler said...

Oh my gosh. That happens to me, too! People are always joking about learning my fantasies, because I write romance. I'm like, "Uh, I hate to burst your bubble, but my 'fantasies' are more like sci-fi action scenes than romantic encounters." LOL

Anyway, congratulations to Isis, Ellie, and Carol! Such an exciting week. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Personal fantasies, that is. I should clarify. Haha!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats to Isis, and I loved your story! Beautiful cover Carol, and I'm so excited for you! Alex, great news about Goodreads! Once again, you've stomped me on your trivia questions. Love the new A to Z button.
Julie

Patsy said...

I'm fairly sure I don't watch nearly enough movies.

ediFanoB said...

Unfortunately it is not possible to vote twice or more on GOODREADS and I voted for your books a while ago.

Cherie Reich said...

I already know a person who believes I visit other worlds to come up with the books I come up with. ;)

Can't wait for A-Z! I'm already working on my blog posts!

Hildie McQueen said...

Poor Isis! I got some interesting comments upon my first book too. Well what can we do but weather through it. Good luck on your new book, congratulations!! Alex..going to vote now.

Denise Covey said...

It's great to see bloggers we've known a long time getting published and with such great-sounding books. Congrats on your high status at Goodreads Alex! Won't be long till your next book now...

L.G. Keltner said...

#2-Animal House. That's a great quote!

I can't wait for the A-Z challenge. I just started working on my posts this week.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Colene, you still got one though.

Clarissa, I hope you can join us.

Jennie, thanks!

Tara, you are correct.

Thanks, Lynda! I haven't read that one, but I am not a fan of Simmons' work.

Tamara, you are correct. And thanks!

Carrie, you need to write about those!

Edi, appreciated those votes.

Thanks, Hildie.

Denise, little over nine months.

LG, awesome! And you're correct.

Christine Rains said...

Congratulations to Isis! I always wonder what people must think of my life after they read what I wrote. Two great covers there. I'm seeing Carol's everywhere. I'm eager for the next A-Z Challenge. Gorgeous badge!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Isis - I've had that reaction after people read my short stories, and it is so odd to me. I think non-writers think somehow that our writing is more than just our imagination . . . best of wishes with your book - it sounds good.
Alex - as usual, the answers to trvia questions 1, 2, 3, and 5 are rummaging around somewhere in a know I've heard that before, but I don't know where kind of way.
Awesome Challenge button!

Leigh Covington said...

Great cover reveals! And I guess I better start prepping for A-Z :D

Sabrina A. Fish said...

Isis, I know exactly how you feel. As long as your hubbie knows the truth, just let them judge. I can't wait to read your book.

Though I am not doing A to Z this year, that badge is awesome and almost makes me want to change my mind...almost. *wink*

DMS said...

I wish Isis the best of luck! I can imagine her worries about people close to her looking at her personal life because they are examining her book- but hopefully they will realize it is just fiction!

The other covers look great, too! I think I got one of the movie trivia... #2 Animal House?

Congrats to you, too! Great book news. :)

~Stephanie

Summer Ross said...

Those books all look amazing and I can't wait to read them. Thanks for posting Alex.

Laura S. said...

When I talk about books with people, many wonder how close it is to the author's life. I'm quick to explain that while an author's experiences may influence or inspire some part of the story, fiction is fiction and if you want to know something about an author, then read his or her bio on the official website!

SpacerGuy said...

Congrats to Isis, Lots of fascinating reads here Alex and a race on too at Goodreads. I reckon Ellies dark killer fiction is a winner. Jeremy's badges and banners look smashing, I'm really looking forward to this years AtoZ challenge.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Cool new banner up top there Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tyrean, you'll remember when you see them!

Sabrina, still plenty of time to change your mind.

Stephanie, you got it!

Laura, mine are set in space - no way they resemble my life!

Spacerguy, it will rock!

Heather, you noticed! Jeremy is still working on it, but I think it is beyond awesome.

Mina Burrows said...

Great piece from Iris.

Congrats to Ellie & Carol! Cool covers.

I'm nervous about A-Z. I'm still tired from that last one.

I'm going to vote now.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Surprise,I don't know the movies. Can't wait for the challenge. Very exciting.
Isis brings up an interesting point. I hope my family doesn't there's anything biographical about my books.

Katherines Corner said...

I got the Caddyshack and Animal house quotes but not the others...xo P.S. happy your books stay on the top always.

Isis Rushdan said...

Wow! I'm thrilled to be a part of this Ninja Army.

I'm happy to know that other writers have faced the same issue or now know what friends might be thinking.

This was definitely a highlight of 2013 for me!

~Sia McKye~ said...

Isis, I've told you before I love the cover! I like the storyline too.

I wouldn't worry too much about what people read into certain scenes. Just smile mysteriously. Confounds them every time. Congratulations!

Alex been and did.

Next Challenge? Alex, me darlin' man, my challenge of late is one foot in front of the other and finding time to fit everything into my schedule. LOLOLOL did I say schedule, lolol!

Lisa Regan said...

I LOVED Isis' post!!! I was laughing when she talked about her grandmother--I just went through the same thing. Will all these people still speak to me after they read my book?! What will they think of me? Great post! Love the covers too!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Loved Isis's post. Hope people don't judge me by what my characters do in my books.

The book covers are lovely. Though I am not on Goodreads, most of my writing friends are, I will pass on the word about your books to them :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mina, you can do it!

Katherine, you did good - and thanks.

Isis, told you the comment would rock!

Sia, you could do it.

Libby said...

Isis, I know the feeling! I keep getting asked if I based my MC on me - she's a kid who's neglected and suffering and all I keep thinking is, please don't anyone ask my parents if I was abused. It's fiction! :)

The Happy Whisk said...

Woohoo to Carol :-)

Livia Peterson said...

Congratulations to Isis, Carol and Ellie! Great things happening here! :)

Can't wait till the A-Z Challenge! It's gonna be my first time doing (and co-hosting) it, so I'm sorta scared! But I have you with me on the ride, so I have nothing to worry about but to get myself prepared for the twenty-seven posts and not missing the postings! I gotta win that thing and manage to co-hosting it! Lots of responsibility behind my back behind managing my other blogs. I hope I can do it! *fingers crossed* :D

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Alex, Isis
Isis, that's a worry I never thought about. I did have a friend who believed that I really went to the alternate world of my fantasy that I invented. She was so disappointed to learn I made it up. No kidding.

Nancy

Unknown said...

I'm not letting my mom read my second book until I submit it so she can't ask me to change anything because I know she'll be concerned with some of the material. Oh, she'll ask me to change it anyway. Wow, I don't know any of those movies. 0% for me. :(

Powdered Toast Man said...

Every post there is so much to take in. New books, new writers, new blogs. I need to dedicate a whole day to just digest your posts.

Unknown said...

Congrats Isis, that book looks and sounds wonderful. And I know what you mean about folks thinking your book is an insight into you. As an erotica writer, I have to tell you,your jaw would hit the floor at what I get asked.

Can't wait for A to Z!!

Shannon Lawrence said...

The concern Isis raises is one I've had before, too, and I'm sure will have plenty more in the future. I'm afraid to write about, say, an abusive father in case someone thinks my dad was like that (never). That sort of thing. A horrible husband, a domineering mother, a criminal brother. I worry about how characters will reflect on my family, when they have nothing at all to do with my family.

Congratulations to Ellie and Carol!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

Helena said...

Congrats to Carol and Ellie on their great new books. And Isis -- I'm amazed at how much people assume my tales are autobiographical in some way, never mind that I write thrillers and historicals. It's as if people assume we writers don't make up our stories.

Tammy Theriault said...

love the cover reveals! the first looks so broadway bill and carol's is so elegant! awesomeness coming and going... :D

Misha Gerrick said...

Oooh can't wait to do this year's challenge. Who knows? Maybe I'll enter my third blog as well. Probably not, though, since it's a bit more specialist.

And Isis I know exactly what you mean. I always wonder what people will think of ME when they read a story I wrote. Maybe that's yet another reason why I'd like to publish under a pseudonym.

:-D

Unknown said...

I can't wait to do the a-z challenge, now I just have to think of this year's theme.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Livia, you're going to do great! It's going to rock your blog in ways you can't even imagine right now.

Nancy, that's scary.

Michael, at least you know what's coming.

PTM, sorry!

Melissa, as long as they don't want demonstrations...

Misha, three blogs would be insane.

Cheree, glad you're with us!

Unknown said...

Loved reading the guest post, I sometimes feel the same way in my writing and my personal relationships.

Looking forward to the A-Z Challenge, I am sure it is going to be huge this year!

Anonymous said...

Wow, nearly A to Z time again!

I can definitely understand where Isis is coming from, wondering if readers will judge her life based on her writing. We have to just trust that people understand fiction for what it is -- made-up stuff!

Leovi said...

Wonderful, number 1 and 2, congratulations.

Melissa said...

Poor Isis! LOL
I have wondered this, also.

When I first started reading fiction in quantity, I read several books by one romance author. Of course, there will be things that are common to an author's works, but this author had many of her heroes hold the heroine in a certain way after sex that I've not seen described in other books. It's probably not that uncommon in reality, but it still made me wonder if it came from her own experiences.

With rare exceptions like that, though, I don't find myself thinking the author is writing about themselves. I take it for what it is - a work of fiction. I mean, c'mon. Some romance novel love scenes are *obviously* a work of fiction. LOL

Unknown said...

There's a lot of publishing going around. Great job everyone!

Unknown said...

Wow. I never thought about that before; that people would read my books and somehow think I was writng about myself. Scary.

Hart Johnson said...

HA! I sure hope nobody thinks my books are autobiographical! I'd be in trouble!

I'm excited about Ellie's stories. I normally am not a short story fan, but the horror/dark stories is the exception--that is sort of the right sized dose for those.

Mel Kinnel (@TizMellyMel) said...

I can't get any of the movie lines even though a few seem familiar.

Congrats to Isis. I think it's natural for readers to think a book mirrors an author's life somehow.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I loved Isis' essay. The thought never crossed my mind when I wrote my mysteries, yet an old friend from high school commented that I was very hard on my old boyfriends in book #1. Too funny...but maybe he was wondering if I'd killed him off in the novel?

Congrats to everyone with a new release. I've added more books to my TBR list...again.

Yay! April blog challenge time. I must start working on a theme. :D

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to the A to Z Challenge. Considering doing it on both of my blogs this year.

Morgan said...

Isis DOES rock!

And the covers are great... Love Ellie's guy on her cover. Yum! Love canes.

And your ratings on Goodreads are ridiculously awesome, Alex. I bet you wake up every day and marvel with the success you've had. Too cool. :D

Michelle Wallace said...

Both book covers are awesome!
I'm looking forward to the A to Z Challenge! This will be my third one (although I don't have a clue as to what my theme will be...)

Anonymous said...

OMG, those movie lines are hilarious! Love #1. :)

DL Hammons said...

Jeremy really did us proud with the badge this year! :)

Callie Leuck said...

Isis, I know what you mean about that fear. That's a major reason why I sort of stopped writing for a time in college -- at least, stopped working on my creative fiction projects. Then I wrote a fictional short story that my readers (fellow students in a creative writing class) were completely off-base about: they assumed the MC was tentatively entering the overtures of a lesbian relationship, when in fact I was trying to show an emerging friendship with a popular girl as the two bonded over boy problems.

So I've concluded that it's unlikely that people are going to actually see, you know, my soul and all its secrets shining through my stories. And I sort of stopped worrying about it as much.

I do still wonder sometimes about the horrible scenes, where a character behaves terribly, and what it might say about me that I can invent someone like that. Then I remember J.K. Rowling invented Voldemort, and she's no evil witch, so I'm probably fine. ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carolyn, it will!

Melissa, when they are doing it on top of the fridge, that IS fiction.

Susanne, that's brave!

Morgan, I wake up and wonder why!

Michelle, I'm sure you'll think of something.

DL, yes he did!

Callie, I've had someone see something like that in my book that wasn't there at all...

Sangu Mandanna said...

I love those covers! And I didn't get any of the lines :-(

Nick Wilford said...

Loads of great news! Congrats to Isis, Carol and Ellie.

I think the A-Z badge has a calming look. We'll need that as we run about like headless chickens in April.

Don't know any of the lines, apart from the last one being Spinal Tap?

Anonymous said...

I put the A to Z badge on my sidebar. I'm getting ready.

Fantastic book news.

Congrats to Isis, Carol, and Ellie.

Charles Gramlich said...

Great story from Isis. I've had people do that with my books, think they tell all kinds of secrets about me, even if they're set on some other planet. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nick, Jeremy did awesome with the badge.

Medeia, glad you are on board!

klahanie said...

Oh my, I'm doing so much background work that it has taken me two days to finally arrive at your site.

Congrats to Isis, indeed, rock on!

And here's to Ellie and Carol, whose books I've been noting on several sites. Great stuff!

And good to see you are in the top five on Goodreads.

Oh no, not the alphabet challenge :) Still, despite my opportunity to satirise the whole thing, Retro has done a terrific job on the badge. All the best with those who do these blogfests.

With that, I'm outta' here....

LisaAnn said...

Happy New Years, my friend! I love Isis's story... How funny (and true) to be worried about relationship judgment. Beautiful covers, too, and thanks for the news!

Chuck said...

I can see where that one comment freaked Isis out...that will be hard to get out of her head.

Passing Time sounds like a really cool read. I need to check that out.

Thanks for the badge, Alex. Jeremy did his usual great creative work.

1 - Sounds like Caddyshack

2 - The awesome and timeless Animal House

3 - No idea!!

4 - Guessing...Young Frankenstein

5 - Guessing...Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure :)

alexia said...

Sounds like an awesome round-up of books! Yes, people must make all sorts of assumptions about authors from the book they write. My mother thinks every mother relationship in a book I write is about her, and I'm trying to tell her something :)

Anonymous said...

Great post! I'm sad I probably won't be able to participate in the blogfest. I'll doing 4 blogs a week for 6 weeks with my debut, and that's about all I can take--I'm no Ninja Master!!

Pat Tillett said...

As usual, I'm batting zero on the trivia! Seeing lot's of buzz around the blog world relating to those books you've featured. I've already got Carol's already and hope to be able to get to it soon. I'm obviously way behind here Alex and I'll be catching up soon. Hope you had a great holiday season.

Author A.O. Peart said...

Congratulation to Iris, Ellie, and Carol! And yes, it was a strange comment from Alan, lol.

Alex, I've already voted for both of your books before. Good luck!

PK HREZO said...

Lots of great books releasing! And yep, I know Isis feels. Makes you wonder what peeps think of the actual author in works of fiction.

Gwen Gardner said...

Hi Alex!

Congrats to all the new releases and cover reveals!

I want to do the A-Z this year - just wondering how I'd handle all the time involved...

J.L. Campbell said...

Hey, Alex and Isis,
Congrats Isis! Nice covers for both Ellie & Carol. Hoping to participate in the A-Z this year.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gary, you know we have to keep doing the Challenge!

Chuck, you got three right.

Jamie, some days I don't feel like the Ninja Master!

Pat, just happy you are back.

Thanks, Angela!

Gwen, you can do it.

Unknown said...

Both of those newly revealed covers are great :)

Ella said...

oooh, love the badge! ;D
Love the books, the ideas!
Congrats to everyone!!!

Chancelet said...

Oh yeah - It's a great header!

Jai Joshi said...

Isis, oh no! I know exactly what you mean. I haven't written any romance books yet but I've had readers say similar things, that they actually think my work might be autobiographical! Since some of my characters do some pretty messed up stuff, that makes me gulp. But it's unavoidable. There are always going to be people who think you're writing about yourself, just as there are people who mistake actors for the soap opera characters they play. It's a danger of the job, as you say!

Jai

Unknown said...

Yikes, Isis makes a point I have often wondered about. Unfortunately, I think she is correct. What we write seems to be something people read as windows into our souls.

It is worth the risk to get other messages out and express your words though.