For those who don’t blog on the weekend, I was also honored with a guest post at a Writer’s Digest Best Site - Anne R Allen’s Blog - where I outlined how to create an online community. Anne often features New York Times best-selling authors, so it was an incredible privilege to contribute to her site. Thanks, Anne!!
And CassaStorm’s release week kicks off with prizes every day! Comment between September 16 and 20 to enter. (Ends 6:00 pm EST Sunday, September 22.)
Prizes include:
Cassa mousepad
Cassa Universe poster
Cassa magnet
Cassa mug
Autographed copy of CassaStorm
One person will be randomly selected each day and the five names will be drawn from a hat – first person gets first choice and so on.
This week I will be featuring my tour, unique Cassa facts, trivia, and prizes every day. Plus others are announcing CassaStorm’s release, and almost every post features a unique interview question. List of participants on the CassaStorm Page. So join the fun!
And tomorrow night is the RUSHED Twitter party! Between 8:00 and 9:00 pm EST, follow the hashtag #RUSHED for an hour of fun, questions, answers, treasure hunts, and giveaways. Hosted by the awesome Lynn Rush and featuring giveaways from both of us. It’s my first ever Twitter party, so I hope someone shows up!
Ninja News
Writers4Writers is today! Visit Cherie Reich and Helen Ginger for their suggested Tweets and Facebook posts.
Great opportunity! Lynn Kelley posted this: “Attention teachers and librarians! The Emblazoner’s New Catalog – filled with great middle grade and tween titles your students and patrons will love – is coming soon! To celebrate, we’re holding a giveaway of stuff you can use: gift cards to add books to your collection and swag to hand out to your students and patrons. The giveaway is from September 16th – 23rd!”
Jackie at Bouquet of Books and Dani at Entertaining Interests are hosting Spooktoberfest the last week of October. See their sites for details.
Cassa Facts
One of the influences on my first book was the original Battlestar Galactica series. (As Bob so aptly nailed in his review.)
When I rewrote the story several years ago, I still envisioned the Galactica’s fighters when describing the Cassan’s Cosbolts. In the first round of edits with my publisher, they suggested I alter the ships and make them more unique. While I didn’t picture them exactly as the cover artist depicted, they still came out rather cool.
And I still got to use that basic design for the smaller Dartens!
Battlestar Galactica’s fighters weren’t the only idea I used. In the series, Apollo had a sister, Athena. I shortened the name and came up with Athee. (So, for those of you still wondering how to pronounce Athee, it’s Athena without the ‘na.’)
Cassa Trivia!
Since it was an early influence, here is some original Battlestar Galactica trivia for you!
1 – What was the name of the Galactica’s fighters?
2 – Boxey had a mechanical daggit for a pet – what was its name?
3 – Who played Starbuck?
4 – Four pilots were in almost every episode – Captain Apollo, Lt. Starbuck, Lt. Boomer, and Flight Sgt. ____
5 – Who played Serina, Boxey’s mother, in the first three episodes?
6 – At the time, it was the most expensive television show ever. How much did each episode cost to make?
7 – Who was the head writer and executive producer of the series?
One more day! Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing. Big thanks to all who are announcing this week.
See any good blogfests or opportunities? Anyone else watch the original Battlestar Galactica? Know any of the trivia? Placing bets on whether I sleep tonight or not…?
Please be sure to visit Literary Rambles! And Anne R Allen’s Blog if you missed it yesterday.
145 comments:
You're on almost every blog I have visited up until now. Well done :)
Woot -- Congrats Ninja Captain! :D
Happy Release Week, Alex!!
Happy Release Week, Alex!!
You started off with a bang Alex. Happy Release Week.
Congratulations a day early! I vote that you will sleep tonight so you can better enjoy tomorrow. My release week post is already out there.
Dirk Benedict played Starbuck!! I know that! Yay!! LOL!!
What a Storm you are creating Cap'n Ninja!!!!
Enjoy your whirlwind tour!!! Take care
x
Yay for kicking off your release tour! Rashelle's covers are always breathtaking. Thanks for the Writers4Writers reminder. :)
Congrats Alex! Big fan of both those sites!
Congrats Alex! And thanks for the sweet words about me.
oh its been a while since i saw the original battlestar gallactica....like, since i was a kid...ha...and buck rogers....best wishes on the tour man...
I allways know there is a similarity with the Battlestar Galactica's Vipers! ;)
And your off... Great start to a fun week.
Going over to LR.
Excited for you! I'll pop over to your guest posts. :)
Congrats on CassaStorm's release week!
And thanks for the shout out on Spooktoberfest! :)
Aha! I was thinking it had the feel of Battlestar Galactica!
Boxey's dagget was Muffit!
You are going to have a great week.
Never did watch Battlestar Galactica, wish I had. Trouble is only one TV and hubby has no interest.
I am looking forward to tomorrow. You have certainly got your launch spread around today. Well done.
So cool to get a glimpse into how you created the series. :-)
Heading over to check out your guest posts.
Vanessa, it's almost overwhelming!
Rhonda, I'm going to bed really early so I'm ready for tomorrow.
Kitty, correct!
Zoltan, you were correct.
Jackie, you're welcome.
Sean, it does.
Diane, correct!
Thanks everyone!
1. Vipers
2. Muffit
3. Dirk Benedict
4. Totally lost from this point....
....and good luck but you won't need it Alex!
Just thought I would let you know, I just bought the ebook and announced that fact on Facebook.
Congratulations on everything, Alex! :)
Off to check out those guest posts now....
I didn't know that Battlestar Galactica was an inspiration for your books. Cool! That's one of my favorite shows of all-time.
Literary Rambles IS big. Wow.
I'll check out the blogfests. I'm always on the lookout to make blogger buddies.
And Yay! for RaShelle!
Congrats! You are off with a BANG! Wish that I could join the twitter party, never been to one...time differences can often be brutal. Have fun this week! Cheers to a huge success :)
There's definitely a strong BSG flavor to CassaStorm.
You've got a big week ahead of you! And then there's all those weeks that follow.
I don't think I've ever seen an episode of Battlestar Galactica.
Lee
Wrote By Rote
Awesome posts, Alex. I can't believe you manage to visit 100 posts a day and leave quality comments without your head exploding. You are the god of blogging. *bows to your greatness*
Alex, this is so great and Im so happy for you!! Your face is eveverywhere, it's awesome ! CANT WAIT FOR THE BOOK!!
I've seen the movie of the original, but that was it and a looong time ago, so no answers today unless I were to cheat lol
Everywhere you are, congrats by far.
Once for Halloween I went as a Cylon.It was cardboard with tinfoil, but it was great.
One word for sleep, Melatonin.
I loved that original series but it seems so long ago. Going to check out some links.
I can't wait for Spooktoberfest, I love writing spooky flash fiction. Congrats on your tour, it looks like it's going really well!
Thanks, Fran - and you got three.
Jo, appreciate that!!
Optimistic, you rock!
Karen, you have a good time and thanks for announcing my book today.
Huntress, yes it is!
Siv, that would be really late for you.
Stina, my head might explode by the end of this week...
David, that is awesome in a cheesy way.
Thanks, everyone!
Very exciting, Alex. Enjoy the blog tour and the success!
Awesome! What a big week for you!! Hope you get to enjoy the madness! Big congrats!! And I'll be at the Twitter party tomorrow night. :D
Congratulations and wishing you great success.
If I had my choice of prizes I'd choose a first edition, autographed copy of CassaStorm to go into my first edition library.
Just so you know, Alex... you'd be joining authors like Jack McDevitt, Clive Cussler, Diana Gabaldon, Issac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke to name a few.
I've watched both Battlestars...prefer the first.
My bet is you'll be staying up later than usual strumming your guitar.
Congratulations Alex, have a great week!
Go Ninja Captain Alex!!!!
I can't believe I can't remember Boxey's pet daggit's name - I used to love that furry critter as a kid. I'm going to look it up. :)
All sorts of awesome going on in blogworld!
Congratulations Alex! Excited for you!
Hi Alex, my photo today is dedicated CassaStorm. Hope you like it! Much success for your book and exceed the previous two!
Happy week Alex! I'm thilled to be a little part of it. (I worked on my blog all day yesterday and finally figured a way to get the comment form back up.) I did lose all the comments that were ever on my blog though. :( I'll post my question today.
Thanks for advertising for Lynn. See you over at Natalie's place later. I'm teaching homeschool right now. Ha. *waves peace sign*
Looking forward to release week! Stay tuned for Thursday. A surprise may await...
Congratulations! I watched the original Battlestar Gallactica, but I can't remember much except what the characters looked like. The newer version was awesome.
Congrats to you on tomorrow's release and to all the other ninjas with news!
Wow! You ARE busy. Great posts and interviews at each of the sites on the blog tour. Do you still get nervous when your book is released to the public?
To my sci-fi geek shame I have never watched the original Battlestar Galactica.
Seeing you and your wonderful announcement all over the blogosphere! Congratulations!
I never got into the BattleStar series, maybe I've missed out!
you, ninja captain alex, are truly the master of the blogging galaxy!!! a formidable opponent to anyone even dreaming of overtaking the blogosphere! and now, more congratulations on this latest book release! fly high ninja captain fly high! xxx
I have yet to attend a Twitter Party. Will definitely try to make this one.
Good luck with everything and sending big thoughts of a smashing success for CassaStorm!
I know none of the answers to the trivia - but I have seen the original series! Oh well...
Congrats on the release.
What an exciting start to your tour, Alex!!!!
I didn't watch the Battlestar Galactica series but its awesome to learn little facts. Best of luck tomorrow and congratulations :D
BIG HUGE CONGRATULATIONS, ALEX! Happy launch, way to go and hope you're doing the happy dance.
I can't believe how ignorant I am on Battlestar trivia... yes I can. :)
Huge congrats, Alex!
Pk, thanks! That's one person.
JL, don't think I'm anywhere near that caliber. And there will be guitar playing tonight.
Leovi, your photo was awesome!
Robyn, glad you got the comment box working again!
Brandon and Bryan, thanks!
Christine - yes!
TS, you need to, if only for the laughs.
Stephen, I'd appreciate the support.
Thanks, everyone!!
Congratulations, Alex. I haven't seen the original Battlestar Galactica in a long time. I hardly remember anything about it.
Looking forward to having the complete trilogy sitting proudly on my bookshelf - after I finish reading CassStorm, of course. :)
Happy Release Week Alex!
You are rocking the blogosphere!
Been trying to keep up with your posts; they've been very good and showcase your writing talents and blogworld abilities very well.
So many exciting things happening! :) Looking forward to tomorrow!
So hap-happy for you, Alex. Hope CassaStorm hits the top of the charts!
So hap-happy for you, Alex. Hope CassaStorm hits the top of the charts!
Congrats Alex - nice seeing your third book making the rounds.
btw - excellent idea to vary what is sent to participants. Variety is nice.
Alex, I enjoyed your piece Anne Allen's blog. :-)
Another pretty cover for Rashelle!
I enjoyed Battlestar Galatica. I thought the Vipers were ultra cool. Loved Muffit! I've always liked Loren Greene (and his voice) and thought he did well as Adama in this series, but then it was shades of Pa from the Ponderosa and a bit more danger/adventure. I'll admit, I had a crush on Viper pilot Starbuck and thought Dirk Benedict brought a certain cockiness that fit with the fighter pilots I knew (Hubs was attached to a squadron in the Navy so I knew quite a few). Richard Hatch (Apollo) was good looking but he got on my nerves now and then, lol! I don't remember many of the characters but I remember being ticked that they wrote Jane Seymour (Serina) out of the series.
Sia McKye Over Coffee
Congrats, Alex. Here's to a successful tour. Congrats also to the other writers mentioned with new releases.
Congrats again. It's going to be a great week for you! I have no idea about the trivia. I never liked Battlestar as much as everyone else did. Weird of me, I know.
Congrats, Alex! And oh yes, I watched BG & had a huge crush on Apollo & Starbuck! Hey, I was 15 at the time.
Michael, it was a little before your time.
Appreciate that, David! Looking forward to your book in the near future.
Julie, thanks!
DG, that was the idea. Make each one a little different.
Sia, and you obviously nailed most of the questions as well!
Thanks, everyone!
It's nice and interesting to discover the sources of inspiration!
Happy Release week.
I've come to inquire about a bridge...
Wow. Getting on Literary Rambles is huge. Congrats!
I've watched the original but prefer the newer BSG. Also, here is one of my favorite pics of all time...haha:
http://www.chailife.com/2011/05/starbucks-drinking-starbucks-at-starbucks/
Very excited for you, Alex--this launch week will be a huge success! May CassaStorm be showered with epic blog-love and rave reviews!
WriterlySam
I would say 'best of luck with the tour', but I know you won't need luck and it'll be fantastic for you :)
Finally! Some trivia I know :D
1. Vipers
2. Muffit
3. The awesome Dirk Benedict
4. Jolly
5. Jane Seymour
6. A million dollars (?)
7. Glenn A Larsen
(O.k, I guessed at some of them :P )
Wow! Congrats! You're such an inspiration!
Congrats, Alex!
I didn't miss an episode of the original Galactica. It was my favorite series. At the time, I would have been able to answer all of your trivia questions but my memory is not what it used to be. Good thing Mark Means just got saved me the effort. Go Mark!
Do Ninjas wear hats????
So glad I got to help launch the vomit comet party!!!
Love Literary Rambles! Natalie is awesome. :)
Alex, you are EVERYWHERE today. Congratulations!!! How does it feel to be releasing your third child into the world????
I had a terrible crush back on Dirk Benedict in the day. I barely remember the show even though I watched it faithfully. I think I was ten or so at the time. I would do better with questions about the Battlestar remake...
Rusty, dare to be weird.
Nancy, won't tell you what I thought of a certain blonde on that show...
AB, it's the London Bridge! Newly remodeled. You'll dig it. Make me an offer.
Ilima, that is too funny.
Mark, you nailed it!! All correct.
Al, I never missed an episode. Ninjas wear hoods. Which is good, as I look awful in a hat.
Tammy, your post was awesome!
Thanks, guys!
Posting my CS Post on Wed! Wahoo!
Heading the LR now. Congrats to Cherie & Helen. :)
The storm begins! Great guest article Alex. Community gives back as much as it takes.
the storm approaches... i am glad to be caught up in the excitement. great day, really great day!
Hey Alex,
All the best with your ongoing tour, good sir.
I watched the original version of Battlestar Galactica. I even saw the full-length movie that introduced the upcoming TV show. Here's some interesting stuff about that show and another show.
Did you realise that it was a couple of Canadians who basically sorted out the universe? Please allow me to explain. Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) of Star Trek fame, is Canadian. You remember this famous line? 'Space... the Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the starship 'Canada eh'. Then again, there was also Commander Adama, (Lorne Greene) another Canadian trying to get things sorted out in space and the leader of a noble mission. Do you recall him saying this? "Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar, 'Galacticanada', leads a ragtag, fugitive fleet, on a lonely quest—for a shining planet known as Earth." So there you go, some overwhelming 'proof' just how vital Canadians have been in our space type adventures.
Cheers,
Gary
My CassaStorm post goes up tomorrow!
Go Alex, go! So excited for you!
xoRobyn
Wow prizes and chatted about BSG, love it! :) I'm more into the new series, but I'll fly a viper with you anytime;)
Congratulations on book baby #3!! Here's hoping it enjoys every bit of success that #s one and two did!
Congrats on the release!
Now, next book...
regards,
mood
LOVE battlestar galactica. LOVE. And WOW you're busy...
Hmm, maybe I'd pick the mug over the magnet ...
Congratulations, Al! What a terrific week for you. :)
Six hours a day! And at work, too. My blood center frowns at me commenting on blogs while I'm driving for some silly reason.
Your Blog Storm is the best kind of storm. I know your sales will soar into the stars. Ouch. I couldn't resist. I know. I should have tried harder. :-)
I'll check out literary rambles later today. Congrats on a great start to an amazing week Alex!
Julie
I've never been to a Twitter party. I'll see if I can make it. Congratulations on your release! I'm sure it will be a huge success!
My head is spinning as I explore your blog. Thanks for your post at Literary Rambles, and best of luck with your new release.
Did you know that the guy that developed Galactica was one of the head special effects guys on A New Hope? When he left Lucas he, basically, stole a bunch of the technology. The similarity in look of Galactica to Star Wars caused many lawsuits to be leveled against Lucas because they thought he was responsible for the TV series.
Not following comments today, so you'll have to email me if you have questions/comments.
Robin, both exciting and a relief!
Gary, without Canadians, we'd still be stuck here on earth!
Mark, you got one!
Moody - maybe!
Jolene, always.
Roland, they frown on that? Can't imagine why...
Sherry, hope you can!
Thanks, Kristin! I know, overload...
Can't wait to buy the book!
Rocking around the blogosphere, Alex! Have a fabulous week.
Only one week to go? How exciting. I bet it's even better than waiting for Christmas!
I've never been to a Twitter party, that sounds fun. I may have to tweet during my critique group meeting. He-he-he.
Release week! Yay! Congratulations! Hope the Twitter party is fun. Sadly, I won't be able to "attend" as I'll be asleep at that time!
I must check out Anne's blog. Thanks.
Such an exciting week for you!! Congratulations! I don't know if I've been to Anne's blog before, heading over now to check that out.
It's finally here! Congratulations and wishing you loads and loads of success with this one!
Congrats, Alex! And I love how Battlestar Galactica influenced your Cassa world. :)
Man! You are on fire with the other super blogs!
And yay! I was pronounicing Athee correctly!
And as of this posting, i am officically done reading CassaStorm. Definitely my fav of the trilogy
You're everywhere! Congratulations and enjoy storming the internet this week. :)
CONGRATS!
A big day at the start of a big week. Best Wishes.
Congratulations on CassaStorm! Wishing you many happy sales.
Already made my W4WS rounds :).
It's like Alexpalooza today. I love it! :) Congratulations!
Andrew, wasn't his name Dystra or something?
Jenn, feel free!
Sarah, that's good to hear!!!
Carrie, that made me chuckle.
Thanks, everyone!
Congrats on CassaStorm, Alex. I'll stop by Natalie's blog to check out your interview :)
Congrats Alex!! Wooo hooo!
I was a huge BG fan - both old and new series - but as usual, I stink at trivia :)
I have to put my hand up and confess I only know the new Battlestar, which won me over pretty quick.
I keep telling myself I'll get around to watching all the old stuff, but I'm not sure I'll ever have the time for it. I still need to check out stuff like Babylon 5, which I hear is the tits.
Shame on me for taking a sick day and missing all this awesome! Congrats, Alex! I've seen the cover and blurb up a few places already, and it looks amazing.
Jemi, at least you watched the show.
Ash, watch old Stargate SG1 - much better.
Thanks, Crystal! No worries.
Congratulations on CassaStorm, Alex dear! I'm sorry to say I never watched Battlestar Galactica, but I doubt that will keep me from enjoying your Cassa trilogy.
Fabulous post, Alex. You are amazingly busy.
Couldn't answer the Battlestar Galactica questions -- and I watched the show! Too long ago for me.
Okay, I loved Battlestar Galactica! It was flight sergeant jolly. viper pilots, and serina was played by jane seymour. that's all I got, alex. Congratulations a day early on your big release. Posting you on my blog tonight.
Congrats on the launch, Alex! I'm super excited to be featuring you tomorrow- it's gonna be great!
Happy release week! You're offering some fantastic prizes!
I'm looking forward to doing Spooktoberfest again! I love any excuse to do a piece of flash fiction.
Battlestar Galactica was a cool TV show. That's neat that it influenced you in writing your book. Your guest post on Anne Allen's blog was really good!
Thank you for announcing the Emblazon giveaway. Much appreciated, Alex.
I'm publishing my CassaStorm post tomorrow. So awesome to be a part of your launch!
Wow, those are some impressive sites you're being featured on, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
I'm doing my post tomorrow-the official launch day.
I loved Battlestar Galactica! As for the trivia....hmmmm. Dirk Benedict. Jayne Seymore. Lorne Michaels?
Anyway, congratulations, Alex. This is a HUGE accomplishment!
Trivia:
#3 Richard Hatch, who also played a recurring role in the new and frakking awesome Battlestar Galactica. Loved both your guest posts/interviews at Ann's and Literary Rambles :)
Congrats on the release, Alex! Glad my blog could offer some little boost for your book.
Gosh, the questions about Battlestar Galactica brought back watching the show from when I was a kid. I couldn't answer the questions now without re-watching an episode of two, but when I heard the names, I had a serious case of deja vu. :)
Cathrina, you did good!
Lynn, you're welcome.
Words, you got two!
MsHatch - close!
Kim, thanks for your support.
I'm just so excited for you. This trilogy is coming to an end. The online community is wonderful and I'm thrilled to share in such awesome space with you and other great writers around the world :-)
Yay, Alex! CONGRATS! Have a great tour.
I am seeing you all over the web! So happy for you and the buzz that is out there for your books. Just awesome! Wishing you all the best! Congrats and I look forward to the many posts this week. :)
Also- thanks for sharing the news about Lynn's blog!
~Jess
Congrats, Alex!! It's a HUGE and exciting week for you :)
Congrats on CassaStorm's release, Alex. Super excited, super happy for you. Loved the way you answered Robyn's question. Lots of hugs and wishing you loads of success.
Wow congrats Alex! So many great things going on for you!
I loved Battlestar Galactica as a kid, but I can't remember any of those answers.
Congrats, Alex!! It's so awesome to see your book everywhere! :)
Hope it is a wonderful week! A twitter party sounds fab~
Congrats Alex it is going to be a fun week :D
Catch you over at Literary Rambles :)
This is all super exciting.
Well done, you.
I'm a couple stops behind on the tour...need to catch up!
Tina @ Life is Good
Ella, hope you can join us.
Thanks, everyone!!
Hmm, I'll have to check out Roland's blogfest.
......dhole
Popping up from my own, personal hell to say congrats on the launch.
My apologies. I'm way behind on blog visits. Good luck with the tour.
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