Monday, March 16, 2015

No Escaping Food Porn, What Are the Kargrandes, Battle of the Bands, Movie Trivia Answers, New Releases, and Ninja News

Please welcome fantasy author,L. Blankenship!

No Escape

When I was in the early stages of my fantasy series, Disciple, there was a joke going around about how GRRM’s Game of Thrones would turn into food porn whenever the characters sat down at a table.

So I foolishly said: I won’t do that! How silly! My story’s about war! and romance! and magic! No room for food porn!

For a while, it went fine. My characters ate humble fare: bread, potatoes, cabbage, the occasional hunk of roasted meat. Maybe even some infamous “stew.”

But then came the elk. There was a dinner at a countryside baron’s and there were kings and queens in attendance. Nobody would serve potatoes and cabbage to kings and queens unless there was a famine going on. Serving elk was perfectly reasonable. And then sure, they’d dress it up with a nice presentation -- that impressive rack of antlers -- and some tasty side dishes. Wouldn’t they?

That one dinner opened the floodgates. Next thing I knew, everything had fancy sauces and was being wrapped in pastry. There’s just something about fantasy stories that requires food porn. No writer can escape!

Disciple
The six-part gritty fantasy romance series is now complete!
Disciple, Part VI on sale.
Disciple Omnibus, the collection of all six books, is also available now.

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is clue number ten – new clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? Tenth clue – can you guess? What are their powers? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? Are they connected to the Dragon? Solve the mystery by April 7! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes

The Thunderclap continues! If you can help spread the word of Dragon’s release on April 7 through either Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr, please join the campaign. I just need a couple more people. Many thanks to those who have joined – it’s great to know I have some awesome and supportive friends.

My good friend Spacerguy has a blog dedicated to all things Star Trek. He also has a Wikipedia page, and I’m honored to say the Kargrandes are mentioned there!


Ninja News

Donna McDine is visiting the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site on Wednesday, discussing book festivals and their importance.

The A to Z Challenge kicks off in a few weeks! It’s not too late to sign up and join the mad fun. Don’t forget the Great Theme Reveal is next Monday, March 23. Think I can outdo my theme from last year? Not sure, but I did try! We also Twitter chats every Thursday from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern and 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm Eastern. Look for #azchat.

My buddy Jeremy Hawkins runs the website for Howlin’ Wolf Record’s Online Magazine. They feature movie soundtracks, video releases, interviews, and science fiction and horror conventions. Posting several times daily, you’re sure to find something fascinating there!

New Releases -

One Good Catch by Heather M. Gardner

Ignoring a recent trauma that is affecting her everyday life, ER Doctor Kate Maguire engages in some high risk activities, but putting herself in these dangerous situations isn’t enough to feed her edginess. She needs something more...



Heather's a full-time mom, works part-time from home, a chocolate enthusiast, coffee junkie, cat addict, book hoarder and fluent in sarcasm.


Of Blood and Sorrow by Christine Rains


Zodiac Killer: Newly Discovered Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Holy Ghost Writer


Loyalty by Carrie Butler
Mark of Nexus Book III

Battle of the Bands!

Hosted by Stephen T. McCarthy and Faraway Eyes.

Back in the 70’s, Elton John did a song called Love Lies Bleeding.

Several rock bands have covered it since then, including these two prog bands. You know the drill – select your favorite. And with both, the singing doesn’t start until several minutes into the song.

First, Redemption:



Now, Dream Theater:



Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Ratt – Body Talk, 1986 The Golden Child
2 – Queensryche – Real World, 1993 Last Action Hero
3 – U2 – Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, 1995 Batman Forever
4 – AC/DC – Who Made Who, 1986 Maximum Overdrive
5 – Journey – Open Arms, 1981 Heavy Metal
6 – Guns ‘n’ Roses – You Could Be Mine, 1991 Terminator II: Judgment Day
7 – Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son, 1977 Heroes
8 – Extreme – Play With Me, 1989 Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Do you write about food porn? Figured out the Kargrandes yet? (Spacerguy thinks he has!) Ready for the Great Theme Reveal? Picking up some new books? Get all of the trivia right? And which band I is your pick…?
And sorry, having site issues I'm trying to solve, so some links have been removed while I try to find the problem.

159 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - can't believe by the time I've written this I'll be first - but who knows. Great about the Wiki mention for your book .. I did try Thunderclap .. but it thwarted me - I'll give it another go when I get back.

The thought of plain fare just won't hold water - or too much of it ..so quite see LB's problem once her elks appear ... porn food - we do get so easily seduced ...

Good luck to all new books .. A-Z theme has been thought about! Cheers Hilary

Huntress said...

Congrats, L.! One of my all-time favorite authors.

nashvillecats2 said...

Great news about your book Alex, Regarding the A to Z Challenge this year I have no theme with all the issues I've been through could not come up with anything, I can't even get my music on line for some reason I have been following the clues but as yet nothing springs to mind.
Great post and always full of interesting subjects.
Yvonne..

Holy Ghost Writer said...

Thanks for the mention. My vote goes to the first video. Food porn, never knew it was a thing.

Jo said...

I seem to be fifth, that's amazing. I did do the Thunderclap thing a while back. Your book is certainly getting lots of publicity. I think I'll write a blog explaining what the Kargrandes are, well you didn't send me the hot tamales or spring.

I don't quite understand why great meals shouldn't be included in novels if the occasion warrants, but why should it be food porn?

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats to L and everyone else on their books. Can't wait to see what your theme is for A-Z. I'll try to tweet for you today.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Well-- I pressed the first song by Redemption this morning and my dog started barking. It definitely grabbed his ear. Umm....I don't know what that means... but I kind of prefer the second one myself.

kaykuala said...

Congrats to L and all other new issues. Most inspiring collection. Looking forward to the A&Z Alex!

Hank

Sheila Renfro said...

Food Porn now that's a new one for me. Got me thinking...

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Food is important to my Avatars, since it takes energy to perform enough magic to save a country.

I added my support to your Thunderclap! I'm sure you won't have any problems getting the last five supporters.

"Love Lies Bleeding" is a great song, but my family is still sleeping, so I'll have to come back later to listen to the different versions.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I've got my copy of Loyalty. Can't wait to read the last book in the series.

A Beer for the Shower said...

I love putting food porn in my books, and I don't even write fantasy. I just fantasize about all the things I can't eat in real life...

Also, I liked both versions of that song, but I liked Dream Theater's a little more.

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations to L. on the release of DISCIPLE. It sounds intriguing. Congrats to all the others who had books released as well. Now I guess I'll be thinking of food porn all day. :) Looking forward to April and all those wonderful posts.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hilary, sorry Thunderclap thwarted you.

Holy Ghost, you're welcome.

Jo, it's in the mail!

Cathrina, that made me laugh!

Sandra, thank you!

Brandon and Bryan, I have to fantasize about that kind of food as well.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

Write food porn? I didn't even know about food porn until now. And Yes! I am ready for the theme reveal. My post is done and scheduled and I am excited to learn what everyone will be doing.
Life & Faith in Caneyhead

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

For two of my series, the editors asked me specifically to include detailed food porn. :)

H. R. Sinclair said...

L. Blankenship I think you are so right. I think it adds to the world building.

J.L. Murphey said...

Alex have you heard of the contest to actually build a medical tricorder like from Star Trek? They picked the top ten out of three hundred. The next judging has the device actually working on humans.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I don't think I've ever written a scene that would be considered food porn.

I like the second song better.

Cathy Kennedy said...

Stephen, first up I joined Thunderclap to boast awareness of your upcoming release of Dragon. Let me know how I might help you. I'd be happy to share the news on my blog on April 7th. Will be in e-format on this date? I thought that would be a great A-Z post idea. Oh well...just let me know.

Now to BOTB. I am an Elton John fan, but I don't remember this song. Between the two bands, I think Dream Theater takes the lead my a hair.

Have a tunetastic week!

Robyn Campbell said...

I did the Thunderlap, Alex. I've also been tweeting it like a birdie (almost). My brother-in-law (sister's hubby) is dying in a Four Seasons's hospice house. I've been out of the loop for almost a week.

Loved what what L. had to say about the food porn. Congrats to her and everyone else.

I like them both for different reasons (I can't choose). :-)

Tonja Drecker said...

Yay, food porn! We love eating in real life, so it belongs in a good book--reading about it definitely has less calories too. Congrats to all of the pre-promo! Can't wait for the excitement when those pages hit daylight.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Alex,

Wow, thank you for the shout out... you are the best. Congratulations to all new reads from great people, best of luck.

Dream Theater version is very cool and I do like both edition. I found myself getting all my AtoZ posts ready, so I won't miss it...

Have a great day and may all the rest be right.

Jeremy

Mary Aalgaard said...

I'll have to listen to the full soundtracks when I have lunch today. I like Funeral for a Friend, and Elton John!
I'll be signing up for the challenge. We'll see where it takes me this year!

Jemi Fraser said...

Elton John - always! :)

Lots of great looking stories!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

JL, I hadn't heard about that! How wild.

Cathy, thank you! I'll email you.

Robyn, I'm really sorry.

Jeremy, you're welcome.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Ha! Food porn. I really gotta start treating my characters better. They eat way too much dried meat and stale bread.

Pat Hatt said...

So far I've yet to write any food porn lol considering I don't eat much, that may be why. #2 gets my vote too.

Cherdo said...

Food porn, bwahahahaha...I love that term.

Congrats to all the authors; I'm off to Amazon next.

Elton John, you're wacky sometimes, but I love ya. My pick!

Thanks, Alex!

Christine Rains said...

Thanks so much for the shout-out! Yay for all the new releases. And yes, I fall victim to food porn in my books. Except I write contemporary stories, and thus it usually falls into yummy desserts. Mmmm...

T. Powell Coltrin said...

So much going on and all those lovely new books. Yay.

Food porn? That's funny.

Can wait for your new book.

blankenship.louise said...

Thanks for hosting me, Alex!

My hat's off to everyone accepting the A to Z challenge this year -- I did it once and it's tough!

Unknown said...

Love exciting ninja news :) and yup I always have a scene with something delicious, always seems to be pancakes or waffles lol

Heather M. Gardner said...

ALEX!!! Hi.

L. Blankenship - Best of luck on your whole series! Sounds amazing!

Looks like your Thunderclap campaign is almost there, Alex! Awesome.

YEAH, Jeremy!

Thank you for that really nice book mention! I appreciate it so much!

As for the BotB...

The music intro from Redemption was really good, but his voice wasn't doing it for me. So flat.

I'm more familiar with Dream Theater because of That Metal Show. Their music intro had a lot of emotion. And he sounds awesome singing it. I'm going with DT!

Have a great day!
Heather

Angela Brown said...

I'll admit, I enjoy a bit of food porn in my fantasy.

Got on board the Thunderclap.

Got a tweet or two for you done and love the list of books available. That is some awesome book porn.

Al Penwasser said...

Elk is a well-known aphrodisiac.
Oh, deer.

Anonymous said...

I think I'd rather look at food porn than write it. I have a whole pinterest board dedicated to it. LOL!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LG, your characters are starving.

Christine, you're welcome!

L, you're welcome.

Heather, you're welcome. And you watch That Metal Show? You are beyond awesome.

Al - funny!

EEGiorgi said...

I already signed up on Thunderclap, but I tweeted about it, looks like you're really close! best of luck!

Chrys Fey said...

I actually like writing about food. A recent beta reader says I write about food so well. I guess I've got a new talent. Haha!

shelly said...

Hi, Alex. Lots going on at your blog today.

Hey, L. Loved your post. Food porn? Oh my gosh...

cleemckenzie said...

You've got to have some food porn. It's a given. Loved the elk dished dressed up with antlers.

Not one idea about those Kargrandes, except--using my linguistic prowess--I've deduced they're big.

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Congrats to the authors here. Thunderclap 2 weeks ago.
Dream Theater!!
Kimona dragon = Kargrandes

Sarah Foster said...

It's not fantasy, but there's definitely a decent amount of food porn in my current WIP. It's fun to write :)

Empty Nest Insider said...

L's piece on food porn was fun! Congrats to all of the authors! I'm a big fan of Elton John's, but I liked Dream Theater's version of this song better.

Julie

Carrie-Anne said...

I did a lot of describing of food when I was a lot younger, and still do it from time to time now. How can one not describe the food at a wedding reception or when it's part of another culture? Researching the food I write about has made me really eager for the cuisine of places like Georgia, Armenia, and Iran.

Arlee Bird said...

Both versions of the song sounded so similar that it was like one band covering the other's version.

Evaluating nuances I guess I'd go with Dream Theater here. They had some neat little guitar trills that I didn't hear in the other version and I slightly liked the vocals in the Dream Theater version. Besides I have that Dream Theater CD.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Birgit said...

Food porn? Unless it involves chocolate I would stay away from it-can you imagine all the washing-all the bedding never mind one's self. I guess I am too practical. Maybe my mind really does go in the gutter:) I did horribly with the trivia:) I like Dream Theatre much better. Elton John's version seemed to chaotic for me

Karen Elizabeth Brown said...

Fantasy books seem to end up with some food porn unless they just don't eat.
I'll be tweeting your book, Alex. as soon as I leave here.

Sarah Ahiers said...

Food porn in all books forever!!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

LOL, I was just talking about "food porn" with someone else recently, and I referenced GRRM's books. So god of you to bring it up in your guest post.

Cherie Reich said...

There is really something about fantasy and food porn. The two just go together. After all, the food is all part of the world building. Congrats, L. Blankenship!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

EE, thanks!

Lee, they are indeed big.

Dixie, you rock. And close but not quite.

Lee, because Dream Theater's musicians are on a whole different level.

Karen, thank you!

~Sia McKye~ said...

Food porn, lololol! Still most people like to know what they're eating and some, like me, want to know how it's made. What's available in the world I'm visiting. Poor LB. :-D

I've enjoyed visiting Jeremy's blog and have won some nifty stuff in the past.

I want to read Heather's book.

Sia McKye Over Coffee

ediFanoB said...

Only three weeks to go!!

Like in the past weeks I tweeted the Kasagrandes tweerts.

Andrew Leon said...

No food porn for me.
Honestly, I just don't care about what characters are eating unless it matters in some way to the story. Just like I don't care what the dress looks like in page-long detail.

Elephant's Child said...

Food porn? Of course. One of the most respectable and common porns of them all.
Congratulations, as always to all of the writers you so generously feature.
And hi, nice post...

Leovi said...

Both are very good and do not know which one, Dream Theater seems more advanced in their development, but the Redemption seems more poetic!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I must admit to writing food porn, though I never thought of it that way. It's rather delicious.

I vote for Dream Theater. I really like that version.

Thanks, Alex, for it all.

Suzanne Furness said...

Food porn - love the description!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sia, that's cool you've won some prizes.

Thanks, Edi! It's coming up fast.

Elephant, that made me chuckle.

Leovi, tough call, huh?

Karen Lange said...

Nice to hear from L. It is interesting how food can play a role in our writing. Thanks for all the info!

stephen Hayes said...

Now you've got me thinking about food porn in other stories. I've been told that the most delicious meat in the Olden Days was roasted wild boar. I haven't had an opportunity to taste this but I'd love to.

Anonymous said...

Food porn makes me hungry.

I just tweeted.

I vote for the first video.

Jennifer Hawes said...

I write about teenage boys, so my food descriptions are mostly of pizza combos, Doritos, Mountain Dew and Energy Drinks! I watch my boys eat and, yes, I take notes;-)

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I thought "food porn" meant using food as a toy while ... you know.

Am I to understand that it just means lavishly describing food?

I guess I need to get my mind out of the gutter.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Food porn? Now I've heard of everything. Yes, I still live in the cave man days so am discovering new things all the time.
Congrats to all the new books out.
I have a theme for my A to Z Challenge.
Have a great week, all.

Cindy said...

I'm ready for the reveal post, but still need to finish my posts for A to Z.

J E Oneil said...

I've seen half those movies and still couldn't get any of them.

I'll have my theme reveal post done on Friday, which means after I finished all my A-to-Z posts :).

Jenni said...

I love books with food in them, and I'm certainly guilty of including a lot in mine. I don't think it's a bad thing at all.
Congrats to all the new releases!

L.G. Keltner said...

April is coming up fast! It should be a good time.

Dream Theater rocks!

D.G. Hudson said...

Yes I've occasionally included food porn in my Paris novel. How could I not? France appreciates food. Not in the scifi novel, so far.

My BOTB vote goes to Dream Theatre, it just sounder cleaner to my ears and had some riffs I liked.

D.G. Hudson said...

Umm, sounds more clean if you know what I mean.

Ciara said...

I thought I'd stop in an say hi. I've thought about you and your blog often over the last year. I'm glad to see you are still going strong!!! It looks like you did work on a new project. Yay!! I signed up for your Thunderclap. :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I always think how plainly the common folks had to eat while the nobility feasted on their elks.
Both bands managed to keep the Elton John sound. Guess I'll go with the second one though I didn't dislike either.

Jennifer Lane said...

April 7 is just around the corner! I joined Thunderclap. :-)

Unknown said...

Love Lies Bleeding is a fantistic song! And for once there's a band that I've heard of participating. I'll head on over :)

dolorah said...

Both those mixes were good. Redemption had just a bit of tin-ish, fuzzy sound. Thought maybe it was just my speakers on the laptop, but Dream Catcher sounded awesome. I liked Dream's more somber sound too. Give my vote to Dream Catcher.

I also try not to do food porn in my books - I'm a lousy cook anyway. But something about food and conversation just seems to flow well. I always think of Indiana Jones, Temple of Doom when it comes to food porn. The sequence in Maharajah palace cracks me up just thinking of it. Maybe Kargrandes are frozen monkey brains :)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Did I volunteer for the thunderclap? I meant to.

Denise Covey said...

Hi Alex. So many great-sounding bloggers' books to choose from! There'll be a goodly amount of food porn in my new novel seeing as it's set at a Paris cookery school, yum, drool, weep...:-)

Liz A. said...

Should one do a A to Z theme reveal if one isn't doing a theme? I've been going back and forth on this.

I don't write food porn. Now. It might happen later, though. Never can tell where my stories might go.

Stephanie Faris said...

I can't help but notice as I read just how much of fiction revolves around eating. Eating, baking, talking about food, eating some more... I've thought a lot about it, since many of my books include scenes where they're eating dinner or at the cafeteria in school. It's the only time of day everyone usually comes together and talks. But there is something to the fact that we put so much DETAIL about the food in there!

Rhonda Albom said...

Food porn, my mind is imagining the elk, and there wasn't even much detail. BTW - your first tweet is too long for twitter, but I am pretty sure someone already told you that. I am happy to help on FB, twitter and social media, but my AtoZ theme will dominate my blog, and it's not scifi.

Botanist said...

Food porn - LOL! I can relate to that :) Many of my scenes mention food in some form or another.

Helena said...

Lots of good books and resources on this post, Alex--even more than usual. Thank you for them.

As for food porn--I don't write it myself, but one book that had plenty of it was The Historian. It may have been about a vampire, but every time the characters sat down to eat, we were told all about what they were eating. It was almost kinda funny!

SC Author said...

MMMmmm food porn. Why ever miss out on such a big part of any world?!?! My mouth is watering just thinking of different worlds' foods.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Medeia!

Jennifer, I bet you watch them eat and eat and eat...

Diane, only with cucumbers and apple pie.

LG, you rock!

Ciara! Good to hear from you. Thanks for supporting the Thunderclap.

Jennifer, thanks!

Donna, that made me chuckle.

Joylene, sign on up!

Liz, is your theme no them then?

Rhonda, I fixed them.

Mark Koopmans said...

Much success to L... and while I think I would get to hungry to include food porn, it must be fun to write :)

Congrats also to Carrie Butler and LOYALTY :)

Unknown said...

Congrats to all those with new releases! They all look good!

I have signed up for the Thunderclap! Great idea and I am happy to help.

Murees Dupè said...

Congratulations to all those with new releases. So much great info this week. The Kargrandes does have me baffled and feeling rather curious. Have a great week!

Shell Flower said...

Hahaha, I've been reading Game of Thrones and there really is food porn in it. Not sure I've really written it, though. Quite a list of cool book releases. I checked out the Thunderclap, but I don't do Tumblr, Twitter, or Facebook. Sorry! I'm a social media phobe.

Mina Burrows said...

Way to go, Heather and Christine! Very cool!

I signed up for Thunderclap. Wahoo! Can't wait for that!

Brian Miller said...

cool cover on rain's book...
that last one, the script looks like the logo from Firefly...

food porn...hey if you make me hungry i will keep coming back, for sure...lol

Patricia Stoltey said...

I'm going to watch Game of Thrones as I'm now housebound after foot surgery, so every food scene will make me think of this post, Alex. :D

Robin said...

So much to address here today...

Food Porn ~ I didn't think my story had Food Porn in it until Bryan read it. He assured me it did. The reading made him very hungry. Ha!

Your April 7 Explosion or whatever you called it. I don't mind posting something on my Facebook. Just let me know. I'm happy to help out a friend:)

Battle of the Bands ~ Well, that was a long song. I wasn't crazy about the intro from the first contender. Redemption, was it? Once the singing started it was much better. In fact, I think I may have preferred the vocals on the first one over the second. That said, I enjoyed Dream Theater's introduction much more (and it really is the bulk of the song) and the vocals were also good. My overall preference: Dream Theater.

Michelle Wallace said...

Just tweeted now.
Congrats to all who have new releases.
April is almost here... only 14 more days!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Oh my God. The Harry Potter movies were full of food porn. Hide the kids! Kidding, but seriously, food porn galore. I like Spaceguy's app theory and Redemption gets by BTB vote. Read this yesterday but my stupid tablet would not co-operate and let me comment. Hey Alex.

mail4rosey said...

I vaguely remember Who Made Who being a soundtrack, but I didn't know for what... now I do. :)

Tweeted your tweets & wishing you a great Tuesday. :)

Leovi said...

I wonder what pornography food!

Chemist Ken said...

My daughter will be especially happy with the Star Trek blog link. Thanks, Alex.

alexia said...

I'm all about some food porn :) Can't wait for April 7th!

Mark said...

Food pron. Don't think I've heard it put that succinctly before, but it's true. Some people like it in books, but I think it can slow a narrative down. Food for thought;)

David P. King said...

Excellent releases coming. Food is such a powerful element in a story. Reminds us that the characters are mortal, and may encourage readers to take a break and have a snack. :)

ilima said...

I wrote a book once where the entire story takes place within a week and I noticed most of my scenes revolved around what and where they were eating, haha.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carolyn, thanks!

Shell, that's all right.

Mina, appreciate that!

Robin, thanks! I'll send you an email.

Michelle - I know!

Thanks, Rosey.

Ilima, that is where most people converge...

Lux G. said...

Wow, congrats! The plot and characters look interesting.

Nick Wilford said...

Things like banquet scenes can go over the top. Food porn is a great way of putting it!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Signed up for Thunderclap! I'll tweet in a bit, too. That's a beautiful line-up of new books - I'm behind on reading, but I'll get there, someday.

Sandra Cox said...

Congrats to the new releases.

Donna McDine said...

How cool to be mentioned on Wikpedia! Kudos!

Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son, 1977 brings back fond memories!

Thanks for the shoutout for my guest post in March 18th.

Stephen Tremp said...

Don't get me started (bad Kramer imitation). Too late, you already did. Goodbye Yellow Brick road is one of the all time double album classics. Funeral for a friend / Love Lies Bleeding an all time studio classic.

I listened to the other two versions and was impressed. Hard act to follow. But you can't beat a classic like this. So my votes is for Elton John's rendition.

Listen to this on an awesome set of speakers or headsets and prepare to be Wowed!

The Happy Whisk said...

Wishing you lots of sales. As for the baby hippo being shaved, I think they do that before the animal gets cooked or bbq, no lie.

Patsy said...

One of my novels is set partly in an Italian restaurant so I have a valid reason for including lots of description of yummy food in that one.

Still working on my excuses for the others.

Sean McLachlan said...

Nothing wrong with a bit of food porn. Elk? Never tried that. Once I found myself in Stockholm on Christmas Eve and saw reindeer on the menu. I couldn't resist. . .
It was the tastiest meat dish I've ever had.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Blankenship - no need to be ashamed of food porn. LOL Too funny!

I'm going with Dream Theater.

farawayeyes said...

YIKES! I almost forgot to come by and vote on your BOTB. That's what happens when you're dealing with a 'dumb blonde' and a day off.

I think I liked the first one better. 'Redemption'. Yeah, that's my vote.

AND, 'food porn' really? There's a phrase that I won't be able to get out of my head and it conjurs up all sorts of strange images. HA!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Tyrean!

Donna, thanks for posting at the IWSG.

Ivy, that's terrible!

Sean, don't think I've ever had reindeer.

Faraway, no worries!

Kristin Smith said...

Great guest post by L. Blankenship! I have to admit that I've never heard the term "food porn." I'm not sure if I have food porn in my novels or not. Now, I think I need to do some checking! Lol.

My vote is for Dream Theater. :)

Loni Townsend said...

I've only recently delved into food porn. I realized the typical stuff you see in fantasy doesn't necessarily apply for rainforest living... Hmmm.

I'm currently reading Loyalty!

I can't decide on the music. I've discussed this with my musician/DJ friend several times. I actually need a voice for something to really move me. Am I twisted?

Jack said...

I never went into food detail in my books. I just assumed everyone would think the characters ate, until someone mentioned it sounded like they never ate. After that I mentioned off and on how they'd stop for meals, but then I think I was writing while hungry because I went into detail and made this huge feast and wrote it in detail. Since then I've not been able to stop.

Sherry Ellis said...

First time I've ever heard of food porn!

Liz Blocker said...

Happily, I love food porn, so I never mind when it sneaks into stories :)

congrats to all!

SpacerGuy said...

Thanks for the word up Alex, its such a boost seeing my name in the bright lights, hehe, just kidding but seriously I'm beginning to think Kargrandes is a distant relative of Godzilla but I'm sticking to my trekkie guns.....

Great movie updates, Aprils AtoZ will be a total buzz, can't wait!

M Pax said...

Nancy Drew introduced me to food porn at a young age. Have loved it since, and I do write it sometimes. Although, it's never anything fancy in the Backworlds. Daelin has an obsession with sandwiches in The Rifters.

Lots of great books. My new Kindle is getting heavy already.

Sandra Cox said...

Couldn't make a decision on the bands:(

Stephen T. McCarthy said...

ALEX ~
I still has no Internet service and I can't really play the songs because I'm in a public library and they'd kick me out. But thanks to my immense musical knowledge (and a little help from a good friend) I'm able to cast a vote anyway...

Give my vote to: REDEMPTION.

If I manage to get Internet service prior to the 21st, I will return and correct my vote (should I determine I got it wrong the first time... which is highly unlikely).

Excuse the "copy & paste" job but at least I ain't totally AWOL in this installment of BOTB. I should be back at 100% before too long.

~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'

Unknown said...

I want to read all those books! And still have no idea what the Kargrandes are yet, but I did the Thunderclap last week :-)

Truedessa said...

Hi Alex,

Sorry, I don't do FB or Twitter or I would help you with Thunderclap. I would be willing to put your book up on my site to announce your release if it would help.

Ok, Totally going with Dream Theater I just like the vibe and of course anything with Dream in it works for me.

Slowly getting closer to the big day then that dragon will soar.

Tru..

DMS said...

No Escape sounds interesting. I had to laugh about the food porn. Sometimes we think we won't write something and then we do. :) I have been known to write some food porn!

Awesome to see so many new books- I have seen almost all of them around the blogosphere.
~Jess

Misha Gerrick said...

I do occasionally wander into food porn territory, but not all that often. Too much other stuff going on.

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Alex, Did you see go daddy is offering a ninja domain?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Loni, not at all.

Jack, you are officially into food porn now.

Spacerguy, you're welcome, and thanks for mentioning the Kargrandes.

Stephen, sorry about the Internet connection.

Jamie, thanks!

Truedessa, thanks!!

Sandra, really? That's too funny.

Jen said...

Haha! Every time I hear the phrase "food porn" I think of an Anthony Bourdain episode where he was eating something greasy and delicious and started playing porn music on his show!! I don't think I've ever written it but I so love food! Looking forward to the A-Z this year! Cheers!

Leovi said...

Now I have my theme of the challenge of AA Z, I will publish on Monday 23 !!

Catherine Stine said...

Elton is always good...
Congrats to all of the writer ladies who have book launches and soon-to-launch books!!!

Jeff Chapman said...

I keep forgetting to sign up for thunderclap. Writing it down next to my computer now. Best of luck with your launch.

Julie Flanders said...

Looking forward to seeing what your theme will be this year, Alex. :)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Yep, fantasy stories require food porn and I have used it in one of my books.
Alex, I tried Thunderclap, it was acting kinky, will try again later.

LD Masterson said...

I don't remember the Elton John version of this one, which is odd because I enjoyed a lot of his music.

My vote goes to Dream Catcher. I'm not sure why, but in the Redemption version I was impatient during the long instrumental intro but the dream catcher version touched an cord for me.

Melissa Sugar said...

I don't remember Elton John's version either and I'm a huge fan.

Congrats to you on your book and to everyone else you mentioned. I'm off to purchase Heather's. She released her book on Friday the 13th and I was born on Friday the 13th, so I feel the need to read it. I would want to read it anyway, regardless of the release date.

Thanks for co-hosting A to Z again this year. I am looking forward to getting back into blogging and reconnecting. Eager for it to begin. I've written some of my posts already which should free up more time to visit other blogs.

Unknown said...

Congrats to L. Blankenship on her new release, with or without food porn! lol

Alex - I'm now 106th member for your thunderclap. My FB reach is supposedly 359. Happy to help!

Congrats to Heather Christine, Holy Ghost Writer, and Carrie on their new releases!

Liesel K. Hill said...

Love the whole food porn discussion, LOL. I'm still working on my high fantasy manuscript, but may run into this issue soon. I also got on Thunderclap to lend my support. Hope the launch is a smashing success!

randi lee said...

Hi Alex!

Sorry I didn't stop by to read your post sooner. I've been fighting off a wicked upper respiratory infection. I'm so ready for the theme reveal! I can't wait to see who's writing about what :-) I'm minioning this year so I won't be participating, but I'm uber eager to see what the themes are this year. :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jen, now that you mention it, that does remind me of Bourdain.

Thanks, Jeff!

Rachna, sorry about that.

Melissa, we are glad you're back!

Lexa, really appreciate that.

Thanks, Liesel!

Susan Kane said...

Once a culture starts on the better food road, it is the end of the high class. Look at Henry VIII--Stew moved on to multi course meals, covered with sugar. Food killed the King.

GSMarlene said...

I guess I need to back up and figure out the Karagrandes thing! Thanks for the Blitz Day visit.

Carol Kilgore said...

I am guilty of food porn. And my obsession continues. Just yesterday I wrote a scene with chocolate.

Congrats to all with new books, especially Christine and Heather because I know them better.

Sending you good wishes for Dragon of the Stars. I'm happy your site issue is repaired!

Unknown said...

I try to keep my literary food offerings simple and bland...but that pesky food porn does creep in from time to time. I would have only gotten a few of those movie trivia questions right. And I vote for Dream Theater all the way. Have a great weekend!

Mason T. Matchak said...

I'm dead-set on trying to avoid food porn. >_< Not only have I seen it way too much in Mr. Martin's books, but the Emberverse books by S. M. Stirling do much the same. It was interesting when we saw the cast having great food because they'd once narrowly avoided starving, but when it's still happening ten books in... yeah.

Can't vote on the songs yet because I'm about to listen to them, but I'll say Dream Theater anyway, because I've always liked them. :P

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I have a problem with food porn when I'm hungry.

Glad to hear you hit 100. If anyone deserves a Thunderclap, it's you!

Best of luck to the new releases.

T.F. Walsh said...

Well I'd be interested to read about Food Porn:)

Huge congrats to Christine for her latest release... awesome book. And huge congrats to all the other authors withe new releases too:)

Sandra Cox said...

Happy weekend, Alex.

Congrats to Christine on another release.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, good point.

GS, hope you had a good time!

Carol, so am I!!!

Thanks, Elizabeth.

Happy weekend, Sandra!

Theresa Milstein said...

Can't wait to hear about all these A to Z reveals!

Nilanjana Bose said...

Am more into word porn than food porn, except chocolate porn - that's a different league altogether. Looking forward to your theme reveal/posts. Best wishes for a happy and exciting A-Z.

Trisha said...

I'm nervous about the A to Z, feeling overwhelmed at the mere thought. I should probably decide on a theme, sometime soon. ;)

That's so cool that the Kargandes are mentioned on that Wikipedia article!

LuAnn @ BackPorchervations said...

I was going to make up a new word for "food porn", but it sounded pretty bad (i/e raunchy) so I decided against it. :p

And you've got 1,519 on your thunderclap for April 7, 8:00 am now.

Toi Thomas said...

I totally write food porn and I had no idea. My characters never sit down to eat simple meals unless someone is sick and can't prepare the feast. Oh and I don't even write epic fantaty, yet.
As for the trivia, I only knew Golden Child.

Anonymous said...

Food porn - I've never heard that one before, but after reading your bit about it here, I totally get it. I'm even guilty of it sometimes when I'm cooking. Not because I'm serving kings and queens, mind you, but just because everything looks and tastes so darn good, especially when I'm hungry!