Friday, March 29, 2013

A to Z Survival Tips, Ninja News, Mini-Alex and CassaStorm, and Revealing my Challenge Theme!

The A to Z Challenge starts Monday! Most of you have received a reminder email with suggestions and guidelines, but here’s a few more survival tips.

We recommend short posts. How short? Under five hundred at least, but two – four hundred is even better. Participants will be expecting shorter posts.

Make sure word verification is off. You as the blog owner can’t see it, so go into your settings and make sure it’s not on. For Blogger, it’s the default setting, so it may be on without your knowledge.

Don’t burn out the first week! Pace yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

If you miss a day, don’t panic. Start back up the next day with the corresponding letter.

We have thirteen hosts, each with minions, who will be patrolling the list and removing ad sites, non-participants, and bad links. We will do the best we can to keep the list clean. (And special thanks again to my Ninja Minions, Al Diaz at Father Dragon Writes, Baygirl at That Girl Around the Bay, Ciara Knight, Elise Fallson, Heather Gardner at The Waiting is the Hardest Part, JL Campbell at The Character Depot, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Michelle at Writer-In-Transit.)

We will be doing a reflections post again this year, where you get to share your thoughts about the Challenge. The Linky List for that will open May 3 and run for a week.

Make new friends and have fun!


Ninja News

DL Hammons is giving away a $75 Amazon gift card during the Challenge! See his site for details.

Juliana Haygert’s book, Destiny Gift, is available Monday!!

Holly is looking for critique partners. If you write urban fantasy and can help, please visit her site.

She hasn’t blogged in a while, but those of you who remember the wonderful Laila Knight, she could really use your prayer. She just went through major surgery.

And special prayers for my good friend Gail - her husband went to the hospital Thursday and they are talking heart transplant.

Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group will be posting next Wednesday, April 3, as scheduled.

Mini-Alex and CassaStorm Part Two

His scarf arrived!


And in addition to the scarf, Deniz sent one of her husband’s band’s CDs. Thank you, Deniz!!! That was so thoughtful. I really appreciate both gifts.



I also meant to take a picture of the back of the CassaStorm review copy, because I thought it was really cool. It’s a ground view of the launch pads on the front cover.

My A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal!

For the past two years, my theme has been to feature my blogger buddies. I wanted to do something a little different this year, and came up with a fun idea. And then another. And then another. (Needless to say, I’m still working on my posts! But they are mostly done.) But I hope it’s something all of you can enjoy.

So, taking a deep breath and praying I can pull this off:

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

Whew! Yes, I got a little over-ambitious with this year’s theme. But it’s been fun selecting all of those items, and I tried to select bloggers I haven’t featured in the past two Challenges. Some of the selections will be funny and some serious, but every person was chosen with care. The only bummer is that I had about seventy on the list and there are just twenty-six letters. I wish I could’ve named all of you, so if I don’t mention you next month, please don’t be offended.

Who did I choose? Some of you will be really surprised! You’ll have to check every day next month to find out who’s been featured.

But wait, there’s more!!

My publisher has agreed to give out two copies of CassaStorm to two lucky commenters next month. US and Canada will receive print books and overseas will receive eBooks. One comment per day. Each comment is one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

So there you go – movies, bloggers, music, trivia, and a giveaway! My blog just might explode…

Ready for the Challenge? Eager to win either at DL’s or here? Need an urban fantasy critique partner? Think Mini-Alex is a bigger celebrity than me? And do you think I’m going to pull off my over-ambitious Challenge theme…?
Have a blessed Easter and see you Monday!!

162 comments:

Unknown said...

Of course you'll pull off your theme Alex! You're the ninja captain. Can't wait to see all your awesome blogger buddies.

Annalisa Crawford said...

What a great theme! I can't wait to get movie, music and blogger recommendations :-)

The Angry Lurker said...

If anybody can do it you can Alex and of course I'm here to win!

RaveAir said...

You found a good (and easy?) theme for the challange!

How will you manage the counting of comments? Ah... I remember. The clones will do. ;)

Michelle Wallace said...

Sounds like a fun theme Alex!
Your inbox is going to explode next month with the volume of e-mails passing through! Phew!
And I think you'll pull it off! Seems like Mini-Alex wants a piece of your "celebrity action"! *chuckles*

I just posted the details about my word project for the A to Z Challenge a few minutes ago!
And I ALSO have a prize...

See you Monday Captain, when I'll be reporting for duty!

Empty Nest Insider said...

What an original theme Alex! I can't wait to see how you put them all together! Good thing you have a wonderful team of minions to make sure you get some zzz's! Best of luck to Gail's husband.

Julie

Laura said...

Hi Alex- That is such a cool theme. I can't wait to see how you pull it all off (though of course, you will beautifully!!!)

I haven't written a word of my A-Z entries in advance, as is traditional for me... and I'm having my usual pre-challenge wibble!

See you there
Laura x

Empty Nest Insider said...

I forgot to send lots of good thoughts out to Laila. Wishing you a speedy recovery from your surgery.

Julie

Anonymous said...

Love the theme Alex. Mine is "Memories" with a song or music to remind me of that memory.

My thoughts and prayers are with those two people who are so ill, hope all will go well for them.

Yvonne.

J.L. Murphey said...

Over ambitious, you? Not hardly. I imagine you've already written half of April already. LOL

Mini-Alex is you.

Elise Fallson said...

There was snow on the ground this morning, I could use a scarf like Mini-Alex has, maybe just a tad bigger. (; And I think you've got an excellent theme. Combining all three must have been crazy, can't wait for Monday. And wishing both Laila and your friend a speedy recovery.

Ray Rousell said...

Good luck with the challenge Alex! so you've got 24+ posts ready to go, where do you find the time????

Laura Eno said...

Wow, that is an immpressive - and ambitious - theme! I know you'll have fun with it though.
Cute scarf!
Have Laila and Gail in my thoughts.

Laura Clipson said...

I finished scheduling all of my A to Z posts this week, I'm quite impressed with myself! Last year I didn't bother to schedule them beforehand, but I've learnt my lesson!
Love the sound of your theme, I'm looking forward to reading your posts :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Zoltan, that's right - clones!

Michelle, will have to check out your prize!

Julie and Laura, I can't wait to see how I pull it all together!

JL, 95% - I'd be done if I wasn't still working on a few details.

Ray, I've kept the clones busy.

Thanks, everyone!

VikLit said...

Sounds like a great theme! I look forward to reading it!

Unknown said...

I've made loads of great friends from the A-Z - it's hard work but worth it. Good luck for your posts, I'll be watching out for them.

Karen Baldwin said...

Alas, I won't be participating in this year's challenge as I was going to write all the posts in March. But that didn't happen so I'll just have to enjoy other's posts.

randi lee said...

Alex--I simply love your idea for the A to Z challenge! Way to put a new spin on it and to showcase some bloggers!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Alex! I know this is random but I saw "Olympus has Fallen" yesterday in the theater and I highly reccomend it! I know you're a movie buff so I just wanted to let you know.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Great theme, Alex! Looking forward to it. And awesome about your ARCs.

mshatch said...

I will send some positive thoughts to Gail and Laila. And I am ready for A-Z, just finishing up my last few posts...

Luanne G. Smith said...

Wow, ambitious theme!! Can't wait to see how you pull that off. And to all those doing the A to Z good luck!

Old Kitty said...

I am in love with mini- Alex!! I think it's the eyes! And I'd certainly know how to keep him warm than just a scarf... Ahem. Where was I? OH yes!!

I'm loving your A-Z theme - sounds highly complicated and ever so Ninja!!

Oooh is Mr Tremp ok?

Hugs too to Gail and family. Oh dear! Wishing her all the positive thoughts in the universe that hubby will be ok.

Take care
x

Tina said...

Holy Captain Ninja! That's quite the ambitious theme there my friend, but if anyone can pull it off, you can. I'm all about winning me a copy of CassaStorm!
I'll be praying for your friends. Egads. Makes my asthma troubles pale in comparison...
Yes, heading over to DL's. $75 will really help my Amazon, um, habits.

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

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

So much work for you...and so much fun for us! :) Looking forward to reading your posts!

I finally came up with a theme and wrote a handful of posts. I'm not exactly ready, but I'm still excited! :)

Jo said...

Love the scarf. Should keep mini Alex good and warm. Interesting A to Z theme, should keep you super busy. Can't imagine you will have time to do that and everything else you do. Good luck.

JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

farawayeyes said...

WOW, that sure is some Challenge theme. Not participating myself this year, but I'll be reading and commenting and probably have more time for both.

Sorry to hear about some of the bloggers and illness.

Have a Blessed Ester yourself.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's a heck of a theme!

Mini-Alex is adorable in his scarf.

Melissa said...

Mini Alex is stylin' now! LOL

Your AtoZ theme sounds great!
*choosing a front...er, uh...20th-row seat to watch your blog explode* :P

Julie Flanders said...

Wow, that is am ambitious theme! Sounds like it will be great. Love Mini Alex's scarf. :)

Happy Easter, Alex!

Unknown said...

You've picked a challenging theme Alex. But I'm certain you can do it!

When I begin painting my sci-fi figures, I'll see if I can do something that will go along with your book. If I time it with your book launch that would be really cool.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leigh, I will be thinking about you.

Optimistic, I'd heard good things about that film - thanks!

Kitty, he's available!

Tina, good luck then!

Jo, it's been a challenge...

Melissa, bring popcorn.

Anne, that would be awesome!!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Love the mini Ninja and his new scarf.

Your A-Z theme sounds like a lot of fun!!! Can't wait to read.

And, I'm excited for your reader copy. It looks good from the back.

T

Al Diaz said...

Wow, that's really complicated but yes, I am sure you'll make it big time and the prize is excellent. I don't have any prizes. Then again, I don't think people want virgin snacks for reading. Will have to trust on dragon charm alone. :D

Heather M. Gardner said...

HOLY CRAP! Your theme is freakin' awesome. YouDaMan!

Looking forward to the challenge and to helping out. It makes me feel slightly more useful this year. :)

Mini-Alex looks very handsome w/ his new scarf!

Have a great, relaxing weekend!

Heather

ilima said...

Oh, wow. Movies, music and bloggers--all my favorite things. I can't wait! And I think of all people, you can pull it off. My prayers to Laila and Gail. Happy Easter!

Andrew Leon said...

That's like a little Dr Who Ninja with the scarf!

Cherie Reich said...

Your theme is awesome, Alex! And that's so cool your publisher is giving away a couple copies of your book too!

Mark Means said...

I'll be keeping Laila and Gail's husband in my thoughts and prayers.

Man, that -is- one ambitious theme you have there and I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Best of luck in A to Z :)

mooderino said...

Competition for being first commenter should be even more intense now.

I wonder which blogger will remind you of Kate Beckinsale...

Susan Oloier said...

Mini-Alex is awesome!
Good thoughts for those going through rough patches and/or tough times.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Al, I so want to comment on the virgin snacks thing, but shall refrain.

Thanks, Heather!

Andrew - funny!

Mark, at this point, nether can I.

Moody, it will be interesting! And yes, she is one of the characters...

kjmckendry said...

That's a great idea for the A-Z! I know it will be awesome!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Great theme, Alex! I'm looking forward to reading the posts (and yes....you've outdone yourself! That's a lot going on for each post.)

Nice tips for the challenge, and I love the scarf!

Charles Gramlich said...

Blogging every day of the month! My mind simply boggles.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

I AM DIZZY, period... short and sweet!

Have a grand weekend and bring on the APRIL!

Jeremy

Unknown said...

Wow, that sounds like a great theme. Can't wait to see how you view the other bloggers. Happy A-Z April!

Arlee Bird said...

That does sound like a fun theme. We are going to have an interesting and prolific April this year.

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

Laila Knight said...

I just wanted to stop by and thank everyone who has been gracious so far to include me in their prayers. They are much appreciated. Thank you Alex! :)

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I was recently thinking about, and missing, Laila. Thank you for the update, Alex. I will keep her and Gail in my prayers.

Your A-Z challenge sounds very ambitious...for anyone but Ninja Alex.

PS This is my only blog visit before I drive the rest of my trip for Angry Birds.

Happy Easter weekend, Alex.
xoRobyn

Suzanne Furness said...

Sending best wishes and prayers to Laila, Gail and her husband.

Mini Alex couldn't be a bigger star than the real thing :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Prayers for Gail and Laila.

Wow - that is an ambitious theme, but I'm sure that you'll do wonderfully with it because you're the Ninja Captain and you rock!

S. L. Hennessy said...

Wow, your theme for this year is as complex as it is awesome. I can't wait to see what you've got!

Susan Kane said...

Thanks for all your leadership Alex. Will definitely check out the bloggers you mentioned.

Karen M. Peterson said...

Those themes all sound like fun! April is gonna be a good month.

Southpaw said...

First off my prayers for Gail and Laila and their families.

Next, what a cool theme. Even though I'm taking next month off I'll be looking in on and reading some blogs (not cold turkey for me!)

Oh, and thanks for the shout out. Thank goodness it's Friday - it really is Friday now isn't it?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, that's why I am still working on them.

Laila, you are most welcome, and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Robyn, safe travels!

Thanks, guys! Really hope it all comes together.

Juliana Haygert said...

Great A-Z theme!

Thanks for the shout-out ... but my book will be only available on Monday hehe ;)

Ida Thought said...

A challenge within a challenge - more fun - I really appreciate the word count suggestion - thanks. See you Monday

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. I hope all will be well for Gail and her husband .. my thoughts to them.

Also Laila sounds as though she needs extra thoughts - at least she's through the major surgery .. now that recovery time.

I'm going to enjoy your theme .. and then everyone else's blog as I get around ...

All the best to all people who need support and help to heal at this time .. and a Happy Easter to everyone else .. cheers Hilary

Unknown said...

What a wonderful theme. You are so creative and thoughtful, no wonder you are the Captain Ninja. Deniz' scarf looks amazing on Mini Alex.

Happy Easter and have a wonderfully relaxing weekend. You need to rest up your ninja skills for the Big A to Z.

SK Anthony said...

Prayers being sent to those who need it. Hope all goes well.

I LOVE your over-ambitious theme! Very creative and interesting way of doing the challenge. I will be tuned to read all your posts, yes, I'm talking stalk. ;)

Morgan said...

Oh my gosh! That scarf KILLS me... soooooo awesome!!!!!!

D.G. Hudson said...

I'll be lurking about some of my fave blogs during the A to Z, but can't participate this year.

I will want to see how you pull all of this off, Alex, but it's a great idea. (And, now you have mini-Alex to help)

Very nice scarf for the mini-one!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Juliana, I just changed that - sorry!

Melissa, I need to finish my posts!!!

SK, stalk Mini-Alex! He'll enjoy the attention.

DG, since I'm still writing the posts, I wonder how I will pull it off as well.

Cate Masters said...

What a great mini-Alex!
Have a wonderful Easter.

Livia Peterson said...

Oh my godsh, Alex - I love your A to Z theme! I wonder what bloggers will be featured and that would be quite an honor! I'm now curious if I'm featured... I mean I hope I'm one of your FAVORITE bloggers. ;)

Awesome gifts from Deniz! They're cool! Can't wait to read your A to Z posts!

I may have to skip IWSG in April. I try not to miss any of the meetings, but I'll be awfully busy with the A to Z challenge. Hope that's ok with you Ninja Captain.

Suze said...

I love mini-Alex's scarf.

Your theme is awesome, Al. Looking forward to your posts. Have a great weekend!

Mina Burrows said...

Great theme! Mini Alex is awesome. Love it. LOVE IT!

Happy Easter Alex!

Unknown said...

that theme is very ambitious but I'm sure you've made it work!

Have a Happy Easter!

Nickie said...

Now that is an ambitious theme, but it'll be cool to see it executed. I like the idea of linking together a movie, song, and blogger. I often link people and songs in my head, so it's good to see I'm not alone!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Good luck to everyone doing the A-Z theme!

Ironic that mini-Alex finally got a scarf now that spring is here.

Happy Easter, everyone!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Wow, Alex,

YOU WEREN'T KIDDING! That is quite ambitious. And I thought I had it tough... LOL

Yes, I believe you can pull it off!

Prayers already sent to Laila and Gail... I hope they get well SOON!

Definitely need to drop by DL... Not just for the contest but to say HI... I HATE NOT HAVING WIFI!!!!!!

I may go back north early. I seriously can't handle sitting at a greasy McDonald's or the local library with now electrical access. Talk about CHALLENGING!

Hey... That might be a good bloghop. How long can YOU go without wifi? Could you imagine? LOL. I bet the average is like 30 seconds.... lol.

Have a great weekend and Easter!

Carrie-Anne said...

That's a really intricate theme!

My posts this year are on average around 550-upper 900s, which is much shorter than most of last year's posts. I've worked really hard on making my average post shorter than it used to be, though I think it's safe to say I'll never be the type of blogger to regularly write anything that's all of 200 words.

Robin said...

What a great theme... it is a HERE'S TO YOU post on steroids. Yikes. Those are hard enough to do just working with the stuff people throw out on a daily basis. I can't imagine being framed in by letters and movies and music. However, you do know your people very well, so I know that you can do it. I can't wait to read your posts for the month of April:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Livia, that's fine! There are those members not participating in the Challenge so I don't want to skip it. And you'll have to keep watching in April...

Nickie, I bet you do it better than I do!

Sandra, we're still cold so it will get some use.

Michael, I told you I was doing something crazy! And I could go at least an hour...

Carrie-Anne, the shorter you can make those, the better.

Robin, I will do my best.

DL Hammons said...

Awesome theme!!! And now I have a chance to win something! :)

Bevimus said...

Wow! That is one seriously impressive theme. It's like the blob of themes, having eaten and absorbed several smaller themes. I wonder if one the movies will be the blob... then again, that probably wouldn't be very complementary to the blogger so I guess not.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I don't have all my posts ready yet but hopefully I will by Sunday night.
Love mini-Alex's scarf.
Your theme is so ambitious but I know you'll make it work.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Oh my word, how awful for Gail. That would be terrifying! Definitely in my thoughts and prayers as is Laila. Going through major surgery is no fun and takes some time to recuperate.

Love your ideas for A-Z blogging.

Oh, and don't forget to schedule in time to blog for Over Coffee with the new book (I'll send you a schedule of available dates when you're ready to blog on release). Tradition you understand. I really want to read this one. I really enjoyed the last one.

Seatbelt on ✓
Crash helmet ✓
Plenty of coffee✓
Sense of humor fed and on ready ✓
A-Z assignment list ✓
Extra Vitamin B for energy ✓
Backup energy-chocolate ✓
Music ✓

Armed and ready for A-Z and exploring new worlds, Captain

SK Anthony said...

Ok then I'll move on to mini Alex... This doesn't sound too naughty, does it? LoL

Matthew MacNish said...

We knew we could count on you to stay selfless, Alex!

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Wow, what an ambitious theme for your A-Z posts! But if anybody can pull it off, you (and your clones) can. Good luck with it.

Bish Denham said...

Wow, that is an ambitious A to Z challenge you've set for yourself. Happy Easter, Alex!

Christine Rains said...

I'm ready for the Challenge! And really excited. That's a tricky theme you picked but very cool to see it pulled off. Happy Easter! See you Monday!

Carol Kilgore said...

You're definitely challenging yourself! Prayers for Laila. And for Gail and her family.

Happy Easter!

M Pax said...

Happy Easter!

I feel bad for Gail. What a horrible thing to deal with.

Great theme. My posts are all loaded and ready to go.

Anonymous said...

Cool theme for the A-Z Challenge! Mini Alex's scarf is so cute! Prayers going out to all those who need them.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Beverly, it would be funny though!

Sia, would enjoy visiting you again for the release of CassaStorm! I'll email you.

SK, no, not at all!

Thanks everyone, and pray next month I don't implode from trying to do too much...

Gwen Gardner said...

Whoa, your theme is awesome, but sounds like a lot of work! I'll be stopping by:)

Anonymous said...

As if I wasn't excited enough about the A - Z, now I can't wait to see your posts, Alex. Also, would love to get signed copies of your books. That would be da bomb! :)Happy Easter to you and yours. Lots of extra family time this weekend for us, and then we start A - Zzzzinggg! Can't wait!

colbymarshall said...

Laila and Gail are in my thoughts.

I'm excited to see your posts for A to Z movies- maybe it'll give me some new ones to add to my queue! I haven't themed my list. Maybe next year I can do that--this year, I'll just be doing well to get a post for every letter ;-)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

This is going to be great fun. Good luck, everybody!

LD Masterson said...

Awesome theme. Love mini-Alex's scarf. I will pray for Laila and Gail.

Have a blessed Easter.

Lisa said...

Alex where do I register? I did look and visited the A-Z site but could not find. Thank you Alex.

klahanie said...

Alex!

Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar has kindly allowed me to take back my blog for a short time. Thus, I get to comment.

So much information to absorb on here. In a way, I'm glad you're doing the alphabet challenge and you can concentrate on that. Your altruism is marvellous, but so much to take in :)

That's quite a combo of themes, my friend and ironically, my alternative to the challenge, continues to bring awareness of the A to Z.

Enjoy the Easter weekend.

I'm going now.

Gary

Maurice Mitchell said...

Inspiring theme Alex and the challenge will be excellent.

Luna said...

Your theme sounds awesome, Alex! I'll try my best to keep up. Hope you have a wonderful Easter! :)

Shell Flower said...

Whoa, do you ever sleep? That is quite an intricate A-Z theme. Can't wait to see your posts. Happy Easter.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gwen, I've been working on my posts tonight. You have no idea...

MJ, hope you win then!

Colby, I winged it the first year.

Gary, wish me luck!

Shell, I may not sleep this weekend...

Chuck said...

Wishing your friends good health in their medical issues.

Mini-Alex is really badass and will soon be wanting his OWN blog...

When you pull that theme off you will truly be King of The A-Z. That is massive sounding at least.

And you know I am trying to get one of those book copies!!!

Chuck at Apocalypse Now

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Much hope for Gail's husband's recovery. A-Z is nearly here and all participants need to be up for the challenge. And love Mini-Alex's new look.

Jaleh D said...

Looking forward to seeing who you shine the spotline on.

Dawn M. Hamsher said...

Alex, Thanks so much for the email with A to Z Challenge helpful tips. This is my third year, but I needed to be reminded to "have fun". It can be stressful to think of all the blogs I need to visit, but I'm just going to relax and meander through this year.

Ella said...

I love your theme ;D
The back of your book looks fab, too~

Prayer for Laila and Gail's hubby!!

I missed a lot of fun today-I ended up at the mall helping daughter find a Prom gown. Maybe... Mini Alex should go to Prom, lol...sorry, it has been a long day of being dragged around a mall! ;D

Chancelet said...

That is a deep them Alex! And thanks for that ease of stress in relaxing if by some mishap of the mind a day is forgotten. :)

Rachna Chhabria said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rachna Chhabria said...

I am sure you will be able to pull off your theme. It sounds fun and I am really looking forward to it. It must have been pretty difficult to get them all done on time.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, Mini-Alex will have to get his own clones if he wants to run a blog. Still putting together my posts and hope it all works.

Dawn, that's what usually burns out so many! Just relax and have fun.

Ella, sorry you were stuck at the mall.

Rachna, that's why I'm not done yet!!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Mini Alex makes me smile. Again. Love the scarf.

And, yes, please turn off the captcha. Please.

Anonymous said...

I'm ready for the challenge, but I have to think of something for IWSG.

Gossip_Grl said...

Even though I have none of my postings pre written or ready I am excited and ready for Monday! Congrats on the newest book and for sharing the cover! Very nice!

Rusty Carl said...

Holy cow! Every post will be like 6 degrees with Kevin Bacon. You'll make it awesome.

Birgit said...

Wowzers! I will find it interesting how you will pick the movie and music and blog-I know you will be able to do it! Love the scarf-he rocks!

ediFanoB said...

After your announcement the comment section of your blog will explode!!

Of course blogger like me will share word about the kindness of you and your publisher.

HAPPY EASTER!

Patricia Stoltey said...

Your A to Z theme sounds like a big challenge, Alex, but fun too. Looking forward to it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Medeia, just make is short and sweet.

Gossip Girl, I'm sure you'll manage.

Rusty, I'll make it something...

Edi, it just might. And thanks - Happy Easter to you!

SC Author said...

Love the backcover! And thank you for all the support in my query contest :)

Shannon Lawrence said...

My thoughts are with Gail and Laila. That is an ambitious theme, but if anyone can pull it off, it's you! Can't wait to see who you spotlighted, and what you did with each one.

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

Unknown said...

I can barely think up one post per week and getting fifty words down is a stretch (I bore easily - even if it's my own writing! lol). Good luck to all A-Zers and the minions. They are braver souls than I.

Best wishes to those facing health problems.

I'm looking forward to reading about Alex's fav movies (bloggers and songs). Can't wait! :-)

Inger said...

This will be my third year with the A to Z Challenge and I'm looking forward to reading new blogs and making new friends. Seems like I only stop by your blog a couple of times a year, but that doesn't mean I don't know what you have been up to. We have many friends in common. Thank you so much for your part in making the Challenge happen once again.

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

Looking forward to being part of the challenge. Hoping to keep up in the painting studio! Thanks for the advice on posts.

Mary Montague Sikes

Leovi said...

My top 5 post from A TO Z already programmed. This time the subject is greatly influenced by the Spanish mood today.

Sherry Ellis said...

Love the scarf! Have a wonderful Easter. See you for the challenge!

Tammy Theriault said...

I so want to win!! I'm gonna do the a to z next year! Excited to read everyone's!

Belle said...

I love the theme of your A to Z blog. Can't wait to read it. I hope I win a paperback since I can't get books from Amazon!

Kathy said...

Wow, that sounds like a very challenging theme to go with. I have a question. I'm planning on adding a link to our on-line book club. I don't get any money from it, so it's not an ad,just a place where people can see what others are reading and suggest books if they like.
I'm doing my challenge on authors A-Z. Just wondering will this be alright?
The link to my on-line book club is
https://www.facebook.com/groups/33564701691/
if you'd like to check it out to be sure it's alright. It's called What to Read Next.
Have a very Blessed and Happy Easter. The kids and grandchildren are all coming for brunch.

Huntress said...

*sigh* I am still dithering about A to Z but at this time I don't think I can do it this year.

Although I have some major regrets and guilt about not signing up, I plan on visiting A to Z bloggers, new sites and old friends.

*still questioning my decision and calling myself a variety of names*

Cindy said...

Your theme sounds fun and a bit more difficult than last time. Looking forward to April 1st!

Jeff Hargett said...

You really are the ambitious sort, aren't you!

Unknown said...

Now that is a really cool theme! Creative and unique. Can't wait to see you rposts. Good luck with everything!

Krista McLaughlin said...

That sounds like a great theme! I'll be excited to see all of the bloggers you feature! My theme is Awesome Nerdness, which will be a combination of several things - movies, book, characters, and overall nerdy things. :)

Mini-Alex is pretty cool! I wish I had a mini me. :)

Kimberly said...

What a great theme!

I'm looking forward to reading them.

Mel Kinnel (@TizMellyMel) said...

Prayers to Laila and Gail and her husband.

I'm not participating in A to Z, but I can't wait to read everyone's posts. You theme sounds really cool!

Unknown said...

Great challenge theme, Alex. I am really looking forward to A-Z. I have already given my household plenty of notice that I will be busy next month!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Happy Easter, Alex!

Mason Canyon said...

Looking forward to your A to Z posts. Wishing you and your family a wonderful and Happy Easter.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

SC, glad it was a success!

Inger, thank you!

Belle, hope you do!

Kathy, I don't see anything wrong with including the link.

Huntress, don't beat yourself up if you can't.

Cindy, just a bit!

Krista, nerdness sounds cool.

Thanks, everyone! Have a great Easter.

Anonymous said...

Great idea for AtoZ -- I look forward to reading everybody's posts next month. Happy Easter!

Misha Gerrick said...

Great theme! I know you can do it!

Also, I'd LOVE to win a copy of CassaStorm. :-)

James Garcia Jr said...

Especially since today's Easter, my thoughts and prayers go out to Laila and Gail, and their families...

-Jimmy

Tara Tyler said...

look at you! new scarf! great theme! and giving away your books =)

looking forward to april madness
or april angst
or april anxiety!
april avarice?

Nick Wilford said...

Sounds like fun! Can't wait. Happy Easter.

JJ said...

Great fun. Great theme!

Catch My Words said...

I'm looking forward to the AtoZ challenge. Thanks for hosting.

http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Misha, good luck then!

Tara, April Insanity!!!!

Unknown said...

Yo, Alex, first timer with regards to participating in the A to Z, albeit I have known about it and read about it for a couple of years.

Unknown said...

Hey Alex!

This is Tamara, from One Magic Bean Buyer. I wanted to follow you under my new blog, Behind These Pages. So glad to be back in the blogging world. Your theme sounds awesome!!

And, as always, thanks for the great links and info. Hope I see you over at my new site. :) Happy Easter!!

Cassie Mae said...

I LOVE your theme! Can't wait to see all your faves :D

Allison said...

Totally awesome theme. And yes, very ambitious. Can't wait!

Alexandra Heep said...

Good grief, you must have a time machine stashed away in your basement.

Last year I wrote most of the posts on the day of publishing. This time, I have over half of them already written and scheduled. And I am doing the poetry challenge too. However,that is nothing compared to your load. Wow.

Sand Castles and Snow Forts said...

Captain Ninja Alex Sir, reporting for the challenge! :)
Looking forward to your posts.

Carrie Butler said...

Laila was one of my first critique partners. She will definitely be in my prayers.

And what an ambitious theme, Alex! You have my respect. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

hahaha, I love your theme for A-Z Should be fun.

And I love the very Tom Baker Dr Who scarf. Awesome.

Sue Elvis said...

How did Imogen get to write the first comment? Imogen told me about the challenge. I'm looking forward to a month full of posts!

Anonymous said...

Love to see someone who knows Dream Theater. This was a great read!

Deniz Bevan said...

Squee! So glad it arrived safely. Hope you enjoy the music!

Intangible Hearts said...

Wow, I have truly missed Laila and I'm glad she's back!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Alan, you'll have a great time - welcome aboard!

Tamera!!!!

Alexandra, I won't tell you how long it took to organize my posts...

Sue, she really got the jump on it!

Deniz, thanks again!

The Happy Whisk said...

Looks like you're going to have fun with this game. Good for you.

Enjoy.

Gail said...

Alex, your continued kindness overwhelms me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.