Friday, February 15, 2013

The Magic Wakes Hop, Ninja News, Small Things, and the Best Way to Support an Author

The Magic Wakes Mini Blog Hop!

Thanks for hosting me today Alex!

So many wonderful people have offered to help me out with my debut book release blog tour that somehow I signed up 6 people for my 5 stop mini blog hop today. Now some people might think this is a sign of poor planning, but I choose to see it as an opportunity and a blessing. What better place to start a blog hop than on the most supportive writer’s blog in the blogosphere?

Today’s blog hop is a series of bite sized posts on my Top 5 Things I Wish I Had Know Before I Started Writing. 5 great bloggers agreed to host me on their blogs:

Cally Jackson--Time
Elizabeth Poole--Publishing Options
Charity--The Process
Mason CanyonCritique Partners
Katy Sozaeva--Platform Building

If you want to learn more about the novel, you can visit my website to read the blurb and view the trailer.
And don’t forget to sign up for my two giveaways on my blog under the giveaways tab. You can win one of two amethyst necklaces that I made to represent my MCs necklace, and/or 1 of 2 signed copies of the printed book on Goodreads.

Charity Bradford
The Magic Wakes February 19th, 2013 from WiDo Publishing
Website
Blog - My Writing Journey
Facebook

Congratulations, Charity!


Ninja News

Everyone have a good Valentine’s Day? We didn’t do anything really special. But then, I don’t need a special day to tell my wife I love her.


The A to Z Challenge Participant list on Twitter can be found HERE

Terry Lynn Johnson revealed the cover of Ice Dogs, due out February 2014, this week – and it’s amazing. Congratulations, Terry!



Christine Rains’ latest book is now available – 1303: The Dragonslayer.

Mina Burrows revealed the cover and blurb for her upcoming book, Blessed Blood. Congratulations, Mina!


Misha Gericke announced the winners of the Paying Forward Awards:
Most Encouraging Blogger:
1) Alex J. Cavanaugh
2) Julie Luek
Best Reviewer:
1) David Powers King
2) Amy Cockram
Best Writing/Inspirational Blogger:
1) Annalisa Crawford
2) Elizabeth Spann Craig
Beginner/Small Blogger with Most Potential:
1) Livia Peterson
2) Al Diaz
Thanks to everyone who voted for me and congratulations to the other winners!

Clare and Kyra are hosting the Bloghop of Joy on March 1 – see their sites to sign up.

Celebrate the Small Things

For VikLit’s weekly “Celebrate the Small Things,” I’m celebrating that I’m almost done with revisions to CassaStorm and plan to send it back to my publisher on Monday!

Next Friday I’ll be celebrating something big - the CassaStorm Cover Reveal! Thanks again to everyone who has signed up to help.

Best Way to Help an Author

Elizabeth Craig at Mystery Writing is Murder posted this week about author copies, but she stated that the best way to support an author was to buy that author’s book. (I’d also read that on a major book marketing site recently.)

That’s good to know, because I’ve purchased a lot of my author buddies’ books! (And those of you with books in the iBookstore – I and my two dozen iTunes gift cards thank you.)

Of course, I’ll keep doing features and shout-outs here, because I know those help as well.

Following Charity’s tour or plan to pick up her book? (I already have it!) What did you do for Valentine’s Day? Excited about the new books and covers? Celebrating something small this week? And do you support authors by buying their books?

154 comments:

Andrew Leon said...

We had the world's most awesomest chocolate!

Misha Gerrick said...

I love the covers you shared today.

Yes, I try to buy blog buddies' books, but right now, I'm so behind on reading it's a bit sad. Maybe I should play catch-up this weekend.

dolorah said...

Congrats to Charity - and the others on their releases. Someday I hope to read all the books I buy. Good think I buy on Kindle; takes up so little space.

Have a good weekend Alex.

........dhole

Michelle Wallace said...

Congratulations to all the winners in the Paying Forward Awards.

Aww! That dog looks just like my Flash! Same face... same expression...

Tammy Theriault said...

well deserved awards to all who won them! there is something about a blue eyed husky that traps my heart! oh how i want to own one!! great cover.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. Some excellent bloggers on the Paying It forward Awards .. not all I know.

Supporting new authors is so important isn't it .. and I'm slowly catching up - CassaStar is in the pile ..

Elizabeth always has some very salient points ..

Lenny Lee made my Valentine's day special! Cheers and have fun with all those projects - Hilary

Elise Fallson said...

Congrats on the awards and to everyone who received them! Very well deserved indeed. Also congrats to Mina and Terry on their cover reveals, both look amazing. And I've got Christine's book on my wish list. Didn't do anything special for V day, except fight off the cold flu that's been giving our family a hard time.

Kyra Lennon said...

Congrats on all your triumphs this week!

Thanks for the bloghop shoutout! :D

Anonymous said...

I'm excited about all the book news. I'll sign up for Kyra and Clare's hop.

Congrats on the award.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats to you and all of the deserving winners! Best of luck to the authors with their new releases!
Julie

Yolanda Renée said...

Valentine's Day Anniversary was a blast. We had a great day together.

Love the covers.

Such talented illustrators!

Congrat's to all the winners!

Philip Verghese 'Ariel' said...

Congrats Alex and all other winners in the Paying Forward Awards.
Keep Going.
Best Regards
PS: Alex,
I Just posted a note in regard to this years blog challenge. you can read that here. A to Z April Blog Challenge
Best Regards.

Brinda said...

I've bought many books from author friends. I only need more hours in the day! I love the cover of Ice Dogs.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I try to buy bloggers' books - but I have a backlog. I always feel really bad when I realise how long I've had a book without reading it (including yours Alex!)

Natalie Aguirre said...

I do buy books or spend a lot on postage sending books to my giveaway winners.

Love the covers! So excited for Terry!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Alex on your good fortunes this weeks. Excellent book covers.

Started reading your book last night,it looks a winner and hope the next will have the same success.

My Internet is ok now, it was down most of Yesterday and early hours of this morning so am with you all again.
Yvonne.

Patsy said...

I do support authors by buying books and am trying to leave reviews for the books I read, especially those by newish writers.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

I couldn't imagine a day without my wife in it, we watched Big Bang Theory... as normal. Hey, were we suppose to reveal our minions on any certain date? cause I think I missed it... Hopefully we get to see Die Hard film!

Take Care,

Jeremy

J.L. Murphey said...

For VD, as little as I could get away with.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Alex, I wish you were in Chi-town... I didn't make Lee's badge, he is using an outside source... I am being sourced out... :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Misha, I will never catch up.

Hilary, and I appreciate my book being in the pile!

Kyra, you're welcome.

Yolanda, cool it's your anniversary.

PV, glad you are on board.

Annalisa, that's all right!

Yvonne, thanks! Saw your message - did you get your emails back?

Jeremy, I think you announce whenever you're ready. Couldn't imagine a day without my wife either.

Unknown said...

Congrats on the awards and your other accomplishments this week!

I have recently read about 10 - 15 books written by my blogger buddies since Xmas, but as yet have not posted reviews. I just haven't had the time. Hopefully over the next few weeks I will fit it in.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Morning, Alex.

All your exciting news has put a smile on my face even without a cup of coffee to call my own yet!

V'Day was nice. Low key. Been married long enough to know it's just another day. :)

Excited about next week!
Heather

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yep, I definitely buy authors books, but I can't always read them immediately because I'm already reading 5-10 books at the time, lol. But I'll get there. :)

Susan Fields said...

This week I'm celebrating a 92 on my microbiology test - my first real test of my second college career!

Mina Burrows said...

Alex...thank you so much for featuring my cover. I appreciated it. :)

Congrats to Charity & Terry too.

I'm heading over to check out the author bloggers now.

I can't wait to see CassaStorm's cover. :)

Maurice Mitchell said...

Congrats to Terry, Christine, Mind and Misha! My wife and I didn't do anything special either, but I did give her the origami flower I've been working on. It was a haard one to learn. It's great to hear the progress on Cassastorm, and can't wait for te reveal!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

We didn't do much for Valentine's Day, either--out to dinner, and that was Wednesday night, since Thursday was already booked up.

Thanks for the mention and for spreading the word about how to support writers and writing friends.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Wow, so much going on!

We went out to a dinner with the kiddo last night. It's wonderful!

And yes, I DO buy my bloggy friends' books, although unfortunately I don't always have the time to READ them! Wah.

Huntress said...

Ditto what Donna Hole said! I am sure glad I have a Kindle...actually I have four of them, LOL.

I hosted my bestest buddy Charity last week http://spiritcalled.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-pearl-of-great-price.html

She is indeed a pearl of great price to me.

Checking out the winners of Paying Forward right now. Thx again for a wonderful blog, Alex
CD Coffelt pontificates at Spirit Called

Rachna Chhabria said...

Congrats for getting the revisions done. And congrats again for getting the most encouraging blogger award (you deserve it).

I like the cover of Charity's book and the title is cool.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I love the cover for Terry's book. Simply gorgeous.

Buying books is the best because the author gets paid and the book's ranking climbs. So it's cash AND promotion.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

We had a quiet Valentine's Day - we're both fighting colds and it was cool and damp here - yuck! But, like you said about you and your wife, we don't need a special holiday/day either. :)

We did have some strawberries - we had chocolate covered ones, while the tortoises had regular ones. :)

Tara Tyler said...

i support authors by reading then reviewing their books, tho i am very slow. but by the time i get my review out, its like a revival =)

yay for all the great news!

Laura Eno said...

Congrats to all the new releases and Charity's cover really sings!
You are a most encouraging blogger, Alex! :)
I try to buy author friends' books as soon as they come out - now to find time to read them all! It really is the best way to help - that and spreading the word.

mooderino said...

I believe St Valentine was beheaded, so I celebrate by stuffing myself with chocolate right up to the neck.

Congrats on the award!

mood

Rusty Carl said...

I do try to buy authors books when I can. Even knowing I might not be able to read for a very long time, an occasionally, something I know I won't read because its so far outside my personal tastes.

Unknown said...

I think the covers are very professional looking. And I do buy books from authors on the blogoshpere.

The Hubby and I jammed together for three hours then went out to dinner. Then we came home and took a nap. Life after 50-this is what it comes to a nap instead of a shag.

Leovi said...

Yes, it seems interesting Bloghop of Joy.

Ciara said...

There are some amazing covers! Those eyes on the dog are awesome. Congrats to Charity on her new release. I'll go add it to my upload list for the weekend.

Al Diaz said...

Congratulations to all the winners.

Best of lucks to Charity!

I celebrated Valentine's by sleeping most of the day but it was rather a gift others gave to me. I must make it up to them today. As you said, any day is a good day to say "I love you".

randi lee said...

I should really participate in the celebrating the small things blog, becuase I have something new to celebrate every day. Thanks for reminding me that it's out there, Alex!

Charity Bradford said...

:) Thanks for helping me kick off the mini blog hop Alex!

Congrats to all the other authors and the winners of the Pay it Forward Awards.

We did Valentine's with our kids--special treats, slushies and chocolate fondue. Hubby and I will go out tonight.

I think the second best thing a reader can do for an author is post honest ratings and reviews. Especially the reviews. Authors love to hear what your favorite part of the book was. If you don't like something let us know what it is. Maybe I can learn to be a better writer, or at least understand it was preference and not necessarily me. :)

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

I'm looking forward to Clare and Kyra's bloghop! Happy thoughts are always fun. :)

Christine Rains said...

Congrats to Charity! And thank you so much for the shout-out for The Dragonslayer, Alex. I had a nice day yesterday. More time writing as the boy stayed at school for lunch, and then we had a picnic dinner at the park since it was so nice out. Have a great weekend.

Luanne G. Smith said...

I DO support writers by buying their books. My Kindle is ten pounds heavier for my efforts. :)

But as for reading all their books, I may need a two week reading vacation to get it all done.

Karen Baldwin said...

Congrats to the winners. GReat covers. Me? I got two dozen roses and lots of lovin. *wink*

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Those book covers look great. I really like the dog's face - such a human expression - on Terry's book.

I buy books but can't afford to always support writers that way. It's true, though, that's the best way to lend support. Flowery words of congrats are nice but don't cut it.

I didn't do anything but my blogfest for V-Day. Today, I'll seek chocolate sales.
xoRobyn

Miranda Hardy said...

Congrats to Charity and all the others with wonderful news!

You're too sweet, Alex!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Hi Alex!! Well I celebrated Valentine's by making sure to tell all my friends and family I loved them. I think it should be a celebration of love in all its forms. I then went and saw the new Die Hard movie...unfortunately the Die Hard franchise has now jumped the shark :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for letting me know about my post today-- ain't gotta clue why it's not showing.

Thanks for keeping us updated and congrats on the award-- you are indeed, very encouraging!

Jo said...

I love that you said you don't need Valentine's Day to tell your wife you love her.

Ate a special meal which turned out very blah in the end. Disappointing. Hubby bought me lovely flowers.

Congratulations to all the winners even if I don't know all of them.


<a href="http://henderson.jo.blogspot.com/%22>JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE</a>

Charles Gramlich said...

Great links. I'll have to check 'em out. Lana and I did nothing for Valentine's day except watch some TV together. Thas that way we like it.

Julie Dao said...

I love the cover of ICE DOGS - how majestic! Glad you had a nice Valentine's Day!

Mark Koopmans said...

Congrats to Charity, you and the other winners!

We watched Fireproof...*great* couples movie:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Whoa!! Time to catch up.

Carolyn, you are a reading machine.

Heather, glad I could make you smile.

Lynda, I would confuse myself reading that many at once.

Susan, that's awesome!

Mina, you're welcome.

Maurice, I can make a paper football...

Elizabeth, you're welcome!

Madeline, nice of you to share with Mr. and Mrs. Larry.

Moody, that's funny!

Anne, I refuse to accept that about after fifty!

Randi, join us!

Charity, if only some of us read faster!

Christine, you're welcome! And set for reveal on Monday.

Robyn, exactly!

Optimistic, we were going to see Die Hard for Valentine's Day but the reviews were so bad... Glad we skipped it.

Julie, are the images there now?

Mason Canyon said...

Always find such interesting new releases here. BTW, love what you said about Valentine's Day and your wife...now that's special.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Melissa said...

Wow, all nice covers!

Congrats on the awards - you are all very deserving.

Yes! I buy as many of my buds' books as I can. (You don't want to see my Amazon bill. 0_0 Nooo.) And I'm happy to mention covers and new releases, too. :)

Callie Leuck said...

Yay for Charity!

I've got to pop out to rescue flowers from J that got caught in the teeth of the UPS. (SMH)

Unknown said...

Been absent for awhile from "Blogging Land," I know that coming here will always get me caught up :) Norwegians are still trying to get caught up on days like Valentines, so no plans or special celebrations of the heart on this side of the world. I do support buying author friends books whenever I can and try to give a shout out as well. Have a great week-end Alex!

Cherie Reich said...

That's excellent that you are almost ready to send your revisions to your publisher!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Carol Kilgore said...

Good luck to all those with new books!
Happy Weekend!

Unknown said...

Wow, Mina's cover is fabulous. Love it!

Nicki Elson said...

Congrats, Charity - and all the other authors too - have fun on the mini-tour!

Alex, I am involved in a big blog hop/giveaway thing on the 22nd, but have signed up for your cover reveal and plan to post your cover at the top of my sidebar along w/ a big headline & a link back here - that way everyone visiting for the other bloghop will see your cover (Sooo excited to see it myself :)). Sound good?

jaybird said...

I try to buy as many of my blogger buddy books that I can. I love to support them.

And The Husband and I never go out on Valentine's Day. We much rather stay in. When you love each other, every day is Valentine's Day (to us).

Good luck with finishing up those revisions. I'm looking forward to the cover reveal- have a great weekend Alex.

Unknown said...

Elizabeth also had a great article today about Decluttering for Writers. I think it's something that all writers need to do.

Nickie said...

I worked late for Valentine's day, but munched on chocolate the whole time, so it was all good.

Congrats on finishing the revisions! that's definitely something to celebrate. And I'm looking forward to the cover reveal next week :)

Anonymous said...

...and may I add: Buy an author's book AND read it and review it. Reviews can help boost sales. :)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Very exciting news. I agree, buy an author's book, read and review it. I'm so far behind these days. But when I feel overwhelmed I remember that this rush I'm experiencing will slow down and I will get caught up. Bravo to all the wonderful covers.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I can't buy everyone's book, but I buy many. It's important to support our writers plus you have something to read. :)

Congrats to all the new books and cover releases. The publishing world is hopping.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Congrats to all the winners! I have a book budget, and it's tough to fit all the awesome books into it, but I try.

Congrats to Charity! Love the mini hop!

Suze said...

Thought about you on Wednesday, Al. Hope your work went well.

Anonymous said...

Good luck with those revisions, Alex! Wishing you every success with your book!

Lydia Kang said...

That is a great cover! We don't get all crazy about Valentine's Day either. Love doesn't need it's own day to be celebrated. :)

SK Anthony said...

Yay for Charity, Terry, Christine, Mina and the pay it forward award winners ;)

Good luck with the revisions, I'm excited for the cover reveal!

Anonymous said...

Lots of new stuff happening. I'm going to have to update my calendar this weekend with everything.

And I do buy other bloggers books. many I read, some are still on my Kindle Fire or iPad on the TBR list.

Unknown said...

Congrats to you and the others! Lots of beautiful books on the way. Thanks, Alex.

Nancy Thompson said...

Charity's topics are fascinating. Amazing how much we writers learn along the way. I celebrate small victories like when readers go out of their way to contact me (via Facebook, email, Goodreads,Twitter) to tell me how my book impacted them. Makes me wanna dance every time! I spent Valentines Day writing so I didn't do anything special, but my husband made me beef filet & lobster tail for dinner. He researched all week & surprised me. How sweet is that's?!!! :-) I try to buy my friends' books, but the best & most effectively supportive thing is to actually review their books which takes longer & I don't always have the time. But if they reviewed for me, I owe the return favor.

Morgan said...

Hubby and I are the same way where we feel like every day is Valentine's day, LOL.

Great to have Charity here and cool with the awards! Always great to have a little pat on the back to people who deserve it :)

Hildie McQueen said...

Alex, you got an 'awww' out of me with your Valentines Day comment. So sweet. Ok enough of the mush crap. I agree with buying each other's books, but we should also make time to read them and review, recommend and like you, blog about them. Even a short mention helps! Thanks for all you do....oh damn there I go again with the mush...I'm outta

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm glad I have the weekend to catch up on all the blog tours and new releases.
Congrats on getting that read through done.

J.L. Campbell said...

Lots to check out and celebrate around the blogosphere. Off to visit some of these site.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Charles, that works for me.

Mark, yes, I've seen it!

Thanks, Mason.

Melissa, thank God for iTunes gift cards!

Siv, we've missed you.

Nicki, that works! Thank you.

Jaybird, Amen!

Clarissa, I saw that.

Suze, I'm almost done!

Nancy, he did good! And only if it's something you want to read.

Hildie, your comment made me laugh!

Arlee Bird said...

I fixed my wife a special dinner which she loved. But I do that almost every night.

I like the Ninja Minion badge. Nice job Jeremy.

Lee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog

ilima said...

I buy way too many books (how am I gonna read them all?) so I feel good about doing my part to support writers. I'm no Alex J. Cavanaugh, though. :) Congrats on your award.

Robin said...

I just read Arlee's comment. First, I am not sure I would have noticed the Minion Badge if not for that. I had to scroll back up and Really Look At It. It is totally cool. He is right. Nice Job... Jeremy. ::head scratch:: Think. And then the light dawned. My dad was one of "them," too. To everyone who knew him he was "one" name and to the rest of the known world he was another name. Very slick dude.

On another note, Congratulations on Most Encouraging Blogger. I am shocked. This is my shocked face:
{:0)...not really. I totally called it...:D.

cleemckenzie said...

You're right about not having to do something "special" on one day to show someone that you love them very much. That just happens daily with Small Things. :-)

Look forward to getting your cover up on The Write Game. This will be exciting.

Loved the awards!

Johanna Garth said...

My small thing I'm celebrating is that the cold I thought I was getting is already in retreat :) Yay!! Here's to no sniffley noses.

And yes, even though my husband was out of town on V Day, he spoils me so much on a regular basis that I wasn't even pouty about it. Okay, maybe only slightly pouty! :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

Glad to hear all is smooth sailing with CassaStorm and CONGRATS on the win!

Looking forward to introducing your new cover.

CONGRATS to Charity.... sounds like an excellent book!

Unknown said...

"What better place to start a blog hop than on the most supportive writer’s blog in the blogosphere?"

Um...there isn't one! hehe Love the cover - def going to head over & try for those giveaways!

"... I don’t need a special day to tell my wife I love her."

Precious. Congrats on the Most Encouraging Blogger award. You SO deserve it!! You've inspired me beyond words.

Looking forward to next Fri!!

And lastly, do i support authors by buying their books? Too many. I have a ton of books to read, but so little time. Le sigh.

SC Author said...

Beautiful covers, and you SOOOOO deserve that award! You are so encouraging. Congrats!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Congrats Alex, winners and have a great weekend.

The Angry Lurker said...

We agreed to buy nothing for each other and then we did, I went to work that night though but cooked her a meal the day before!

Mark Means said...

Congrats to Charity on her debut novel...that has to feel all kinds of awesome!

We exchanged cards...and kisses...and, well....love is in the air...still :)

Tonja said...

Small thing: child #2 made is back to school after being sick for two full weeks.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I absolutely do support authors by buying their books...and also by featuring them as guests on my blog and attending book signings when I can. It's getting harder though, because my author/friend list is growing and my book allowance is not. :D

M Pax said...

Since I was sick, we didn't do much for Valentines. NyQuil and Zicam say love as much as anything else. :)

There is tons going on. Congrats to Charity.

I try to help by featuring them on my blog and buying their books. Wish I could read faster.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, he did good.

Robin, Jeremy did great on the badge. And you look shocked.

Terri, thank you!

Thanks, everyone!

L.G. Keltner said...

Yay! Finishing with revisions is a worthy thing to celebrate!

farawayeyes said...

I do try to support blog buddies with book purchases, and I've read some darn good ones recently.

DMS said...

Congrats on your award! So exciting to see the cover for Charity's book. :) Also- Ice Dogs looks great (I am a big dog fan).

I had a quiet, but lovely, Valentine's Day with my fiance.
~Jess

mshatch said...

I am so happy for Charity and just love the covers for Ice Dogs and Blessed Blood :)

Jennifer @ Bad Bird Reads said...

Wow, awesome covers.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, guys. You all rock!

Anonymous said...

I'm about to go to The Outback and to a movie with hubs to celebrate:-) And yes, totally buy a buddy's book to support them. If it's not something that will interest me, then I just gift it to someone I think will enjoy the read:-) Happy Friday, Alex!!!

Jemi Fraser said...

So many great news snippets for great people! I think Terry's cover is one of my all time faves :) enjoy the weekend!

Chuck said...

Can't wait for the Book Cover Reveal!! And the Ice Dogs jacket is really awesome! have a good weekend Alex!

Hart Johnson said...

Oh, you do GREAT at support, Alex. You definitely deserve that Pay it Forward Award... now to check your bloghop posts!

Anonymous said...

Really liking the look of the new book launches.. going to check them out:)

Chancelet said...

Im happy the day is coming close so fast! Im sure it'll be a wonderful thing to celebrate once it's all the way complete - it'll be like an arrival of a new babe.

Krista McLaughlin said...

Wow, you really cram a lot into one blog post! I wish I could cover so much. You are very supportive and so ninja awesome!

I watched Chronicles of Narnia on my Valentine's day and ate Oreos. A good day. :)

I love the cover reveals and Christine's new book!

Ella said...

Congrats to you and all the winners :D

Congrats to Charity! and y'all!

Valentine's Day had Chinese take out and Cream Puffs, lol ;D

Nicely done, as always Captain!

Robin said...

Well, now I really am shocked!!!

Golden Eagle said...

I haven't been following Charity's blog tour rigorously, but so many of the blogs I follow are part of it I've ended up reading the posts anyway. :)

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

Congratulations to Charity! What a good plan. Congratulations to you, Alex, on the very deserved award!

Monti

Unknown said...

I'm looking forward to the celebration of next week's release, Alex! You must be pretty excited. :-)

Leigh Covington said...

I'll definitely pick up Charity's book! :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Krista, thank you!

Thanks everyone - saw my cover earlier and can't wait until all of you see it!

Tamara said...

Great covers--I especially loved the one with the wolves. So cool! Congrats to all the authors with books coming out. So exciting!

I buy as many books as I can, but money is extremely tight so I usually have to wait until I can get them on some kind of special.

And, this week I'm celebrating that I got through the first round of the ABNA awards. :)

Author A.O. Peart said...

Congratulations to Charity on her first book!

As for the V Day - it was wonderful. My husband made me breakfast in bed, which I ate very quickly since we had leave the house and drive to Canada for our ski trip. It was a looooong drive from Seattle but we made it by 6pm. Went to a very nice dinner with the kids, and then for a walk in the beautiful snow-covered town :-)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Congratulations, Charity. What did I do for Valentines? I got really sick. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow and maybe get some antibiotics.

Cynthia said...

Congratulations on winning that award! It was well-deserved.

I stayed in for Valentine's Day this year and just watched TV with my husband after the kids went to bed. Hope you had a good one!

Nick Wilford said...

I buy as many books as I can, I got a £50 Amazon gift card for my birthday and I'll be working through the spoils of that for a while. :)

I cooked tuna steaks and asparagus for my wife on Valentines, it's nice to do things that are a bit special, but you're right that it shouldn't be restricted to one day!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tamara, and that is worth celebrating.

Angela, that sounds fun.

Michael, I'm sorry!

Nick, it's fun when you have a gift card.

Elsie Amata said...

Congratulations, Charity!

My last few books have been from fellow bloggers. It's where I find out about the latest releases and I believe in supporting each other.

VikLit said...

Yay to being almost done with revisions - that's awesome! Thank you for celebrating small with me, and sorry I didn't make it round yesterday!

shelly said...

I know we appreciate your shout outs, too.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Aleta said...

Well, I've been on bedrest for the past week and a half, so I've caught up on a bunch of books that I had in my iBook library to read and have some scheduled book reviews on the book review blog (not the fleur de aleta blog).

I need some new books to read and I knew you'd have some great suggestions :) Hopefully I'll be able to read after the baby is born between his naps :)

Shell Flower said...

Glad to hear you are wrapping up edits. I'm getting there myself. Some great covers out there. Looking forward to your reveal!

klahanie said...

I'm in the process of recuperating from quite an ordeal. So, despite it being three in the morning, I have enough energy to leave a comment before I crash.

So much to take in here, Alex. Congrats to Charity. With so much information on your blog, I regret that I cannot give it the full attention all of it merits.

And Valentine's Day. Wont forget my Valentine's Day.

Peace be with you.

Gary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Aleta, congratulations!

Gary, you've had a heck of a week.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Congratulations, Charity!

And Congratulations on being almost done with revisions, Alex!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

alexia said...

Lots of awesome book news as usual! Fun stuff! As for Valentine's, mine was good and I'm seeing Warm Bodies tomorrow for some zombie humor :) Hope yours was, too.

Mel Kinnel (@TizMellyMel) said...

The hubby and I were able to sneak in a leisurely lunch on Valentine's Day. We rarely eat out without the kids in tow so it was a nice and quiet change. Ha!

I really try to support indie authors by purchasing their books. There's a lot good talent out there!

Helena said...

Charity's book is on my list, and the cover reveals are gorgeous.

Like you, Alex, I'm grateful that I'm almost done with the revisions on my manuscript. So much work, so little time!

Unknown said...

Looking forward to the cover reveal!

I'm way too far back in my backlog to buy anymore books, but there are still some on my wishlist that I'll be getting soon.

Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom

Cindy said...

My Valentine's Day wasn't so great because I got laid off from work. But yet again, it was great because I released a sequel.

I buy books from authors I meet, including The Magic Wakes and your book too, Alex. Now I just need time to read them all.

Anonymous said...

Charity's cover looks AWESOME. I think I have one title in iBooks so far -- with more on the way. The wonder of Smashwords...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melissa, yes there is!

Cindy, thank you! Read when you can - no rush.

Milo, that' good!

Tina said...

I buy the books. I bought 38 during the road trip, plus 3 that weren't in Kindle format...I'm a bookaholic. Still have 37 of those to read...you know which one I read first...

For Valentine's Day The Engineer and I went to a really, really, awesome marriage workshop at our church. Life changing. And then he took me out for sushi, which he doesn't like at all, but we've found a great little place that serves sushi AND "regular" oriental food.


Tina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

Unknown said...

Awesome news all around! I can't wait for your big cover reveal, Alex. It's going to be amazing like the previous two.

I love the idea of celebrating the small things. It's the little things keep us going sometimes.

Sherry Ellis said...

I like the cover of Ice Dogs!

Kelley Lynn said...

I buy my bud's books as often as I can. I wish I was a faster reader...

Julie Flanders said...

I hope you've been able to finish your revisions and the plan is still to send CassaStorm back tomorrow, how exciting! I love the covers for Ice Dogs and Blessed Blood, have to go check those out now.

Hope it's been a great weekend for you!

Leovi said...

Congratulations on this number one in the Paying Forward Awards.

JJ said...

Alex: It is no wonder at all that you have so many fans. You remove the lonliness from new writers, and open up new worlds. Terrific!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the award winners--cheers! Encore!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

wow! Thank you so much, Alex for posting my cover on your awesome blog! you do so much to help support other authors!

and thank you everyone for all your enthusiasm! I can't wait till Ice Dogs goes out into the wild.

Shaharizan Perez said...

I already have Charity's book on my wishlist. :D I am still a fledgling in this writing game and really appreciate all the tips you and other authors provide. Thanks!

Isis Rushdan said...

Charity, love your cover!

Heck yes, I support others by buying their books :).

Charity Bradford said...

Goodness Alex, how to you keep up with replying to comments?

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and kind words. It's so exciting to see that people really are interested in what I wrote. It's kind of weird too. :) Thanks!

Denise Covey said...

Sure, the best way to support authors is to purchase their book. And it is Writers4Writers on Monday to do just that, help promote each other's work.

Nicole said...

Congrats to all the authors! There's been a lot of great news coming out of the blogosphere lately. Love Charity's cover, too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tina, that sounds like a special Valentine's Day!

Kelley, so do I...

Julie, I finished!

JJ, thank you!

Terry, you're welcome! That is one awesome cover.

Charity, sometimes I fall behind on those comments...

Denise, that's right!