Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, CassaDark’s Release, April Movie Preview, and Book News!


It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise - Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!

April 6 question - Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?

Yes! My four novels and the Cassa boxed set are all available as audio books. Since my publisher did all of the work, my only challenge was listening to the first auditions and picking one. And I picked a good one, as he did a fantastic job on all of them.

You can find the first book, CassaStar, here - Amazon, iTunes, and Audible

CassaDark Available Today!


“Cavanaugh returns to the world of his Cassa Series…for a fourth inventive space opera.” – Publisher’s Weekly

His world is unraveling…

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse?

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each truth reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?

Print – 9781939844842 / EBook – 9781939844859
Science Fiction – Adventure/Space Opera/Space Exploration

Find CassaDark at iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, Kobo, Scribed, and Goodreads
And would love it if you could vote for it on Goodreads’ Can’t Wait Sci-Fi Fantasy of 2022 and mark it Want to Read.

And here is last week’s and this week’s tour dates!

March 30 – Ronel Janse van Vuuren
March 31 - Bookworm for Kids – Tonja Drecker
April 1 – Sandra Cox
April 4 – Elizabeth S. Craig
April 5 – Melissa Maygrove
April 6 – Diane Burton
April 6 – Kathy McKendry
April 7 – Cherie Colyer
April 8 – Toi Thomas

Appreciate you visiting any of those you can.



Other Book News


KISS OF THE ASSASSIN by Joylene Nowell Butler

The Wild Rose Press, Inc (March 23, 2022)
Paperback: 424 pages, ASIN: B09P7T1ZRS

Marina Antonovna, a Soviet spy, and Mateo Arcusa, an American homicide lieutenant first meet in Cambodia during the Vietnam War as enemies. Fearful that the most powerful man in the Soviet Union, KGB Chairman Vladimir Kurenkov, has ordered her death, Marina risks everything to defect to the United States.
She promises Mateo that her days as an assassin are over. Vladimir is determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back and, by threatening Mateo’s life, forces Marina to break her promise.


Joylene Butler lives with her husband in the tiny village of Cluculz Lake in central B.C... She is the author of three suspense novels and a contributor to one anthology. For more on Joylene and her writing, visit her website and blog, as well as connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.


Captain Quasar: The Complete Series
: A Humorous Space Opera Boxed Set by Milo James Fowler is on sale for just .99!
Find it on Amazon




April Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for April. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.


8 –


Ambulance
Director: Michael Bay
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Eiza González, Garret Dillahunt
Two robbers steal an ambulance after their heist goes awry.
It’s a Michael Bay film – LA explodes, the ambulance explodes, heck, even Jake Gyllenhaal explodes!


15 –


Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Director: David Yates
Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston, Jude Law
The third installment of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," which follows the continuing adventures of Newt Scamander.
The original subtitle was What the Heck Happened to Johnny Depp?


22 –


The Northman
Director: Robert Eggers
Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke
From visionary director Robert Eggers comes The Northman, an action-filled epic that follows a young Viking prince on his quest to avenge his father's murder.
Another weird, bloody, violent outing from Robert Eggers that might make you long for The Norseman with Lee Majors…


29 –


Memory
Director: Martin Campbell
Stars: Liam Neeson, Monica Bellucci, Ray Stevenson, Guy Pearce
An assassin-for-hire finds that he's become a target after he refuses to complete a job for a dangerous criminal organization. A remake of the 2003 Belgian film 'The Memory of a Killer'.
Just take any great line from Taken and replace skills with memory.



Any of your books on audio? See some new books to pick up? (How about CassaDark?) And what April movies catch your attention?
Be sure to visit Toi Thomas today!

95 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - congratulations on the release of CassaDark - all the best with it ... and also good luck to Joylene and her interesting premise.
Audio books have certainly been a huge benefit to all authors and listening-readers. Cheers Hilary

Elephant's Child said...

Huge congratulations. I hope CassaDark goes gangbusters.

Mason Canyon said...

Huge Congrats on the release of CassaDark. Love the cover and you did do a great job picking out a great voice for your audiobooks. Thanks also for sharing about Joylene's book.

Deniz Bevan said...

Congratulations to you and Joylene! I hope you have a fun blog tour!
I probably won't get a chance to see The Secrets of Dumbledore but I'm looking forward to reading the screenplay!
Ooh, audiobooks. I can't bear to hear my stories read out loud; I wonder what it would be like to listen to auditions?

Birgit said...

I can post this on my Facebook page. Congrats on your new book!! I always like Liam so I can see watching that film.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats on your book release, Alex! That's awesome that your books are in audio version too and that your publisher took care of all the details for you.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mason, you're welcome!

Deniz, it's fun listening to the auditions. You know when it's the right one.

Thanks, Birgit!

Thanks, everyone!

PT Dilloway said...

Good luck with the book. I'd watch Ambulance if I thought Jake Gyllenhaal was going to explode. Like all those fairly cheap Neeson action movies I'd watch it on streaming if I didn't have to pay for it.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Congrats and enjoy your release day!

Computer Tutor said...

I hope the tour is going well, Alex. You have some great hosts!

Interesting movies. I love Liam Nielsen though the last one I saw of his was pretty meh. I've even forgotten the name.

Computer Tutor said...

BTW, I'll be interested in your thoughts on the new Star Trek. I'm hearing mixed reviews, which is sad because I used to love those.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Congratulations on your new release, Alex. I think CassaDark is an excellent read. And thanks for sharing news of my new book. Best to you.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Congratulations on your latest release! Hope it does well.
None of my books are on audio. I can't afford to create them...yet. Then again, I hate listening to books, so don't know if I'd be able to make audio books (since you have to listen to them to make sure they're done correctly).

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I have 33 of my books on audio with one just released narrated by the fantastic Francene Lockett. No, I will not be crass and hawk it here! :-) Sadly, Covid-19 has decimated the ranks of my narrators. It is not inexpensive but worth it to reach another segment of our readers.

I already bought CassaDark and have today posted about it and my thoughts on you and Swan Songs: https://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/2022/04/what-will-be-your-swan-song-iwsg-post.html

May your tour bring high sales to you!

Melissa said...

I'm so excited for you! I think this is by far my favorite Cassa cover. Best of luck!

Patricia Stoltey said...

Congratulations on book release day, Alex!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm looking forward to sharing the news next week.
Big Congratulations, Alex. Sounds like you packed enough excitement for several universes in this grand finale.
You're the best!

Sandra Cox said...

Yay! It's CassaDark's birth day!

Christine Rains said...

Congratulations, Alex! I can't wait to read it. :) I haven't done audio as it takes a lot of time and money, neither of which I have at the moment. I've got a ton of movies I need to catch up on. One day!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Pat, thanks, and we'll hope that he does explode.

Jacqui, the new one starts next month and I will let you know.

Joylene, you're welcome!

Stacy, that is a problem.

Roland, double thanks!

Thanks, everyone!

J E Oneil said...

Congratulations on the new release! It must be so exciting!

Liz A. said...

Congrats on the new release. And it must be so cool to have your books in audio as well. Have you ever listened to the whole book read by someone else? That must be a trip.

Susan Kane said...

Great news on new release!
Looking forward to new movies. We went to Uncharted with our teen gr-daughters. First movie in a long time.

Cherie Colyer said...

Congrats to you and Joylene on your new release! Two very exciting titles.

I'm excited about Fantastic Beasts. It looks like it's going to be good.

Truedessa said...

Congratulations my friend on your release - I wrote something for you on my blog.

Let the adventure begin!

Joanne said...

Your book release and tour is everywhere! Probably in other galaxies too.
As for movies - it's bleak in the theaters. If nothing else, that means I'm outdoors more - walking, pickleball, being healthier. But I miss GOOD films.
Enjoy your book glory and the month of April, Alex

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

I can't wait to watch the new Fantastic Beasts movie -- I actually find it hilarious that Grindelwald is played by a different actor in each movie. But maybe that's just me and my warped sense of humour...

Good luck with the blog tour!

Ronel visiting for IWSG day The Difference Between Reading Books and Collecting Books

Liza said...

Congratulations, Alex! Ever forward for you. Hope your tour goes well!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

CassaDark is a great read. Congratulations on releasing it!!! Also, congrats on the boxed set and audio option. You have worked so hard for this. Enjoy the fruit of your labor.

Teresa

Nick Wilford said...

Great blurb. This sounds like an exciting end to the series.

Nancy Gideon said...

WooHoo!! Congrats on the new release! And for the nudge about MEMORY with all my favorite actors in a predictable thriller just made for popcorn!

Michelle Wallace said...

Congratulations on your newest release!

Lynn La Vita said...

Congratulations on the release of CassaDark!

Plus, available in Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook!

What a relief to have the right narrator from the beginning. I'm learning that is not always the case.

Thank you for featuring KISS OF THE ASSASSIN by Joylene Nowell Butler. Powerful read and proof self determination brings spectacular results.

C.D. Gallant-King said...

Congratulations on the new book! It looks awesome!

Also, you missed the new Sonic the Hedgehog movie. My kids have been bugging about going to it since the last once came out.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Congratulations on the new book, Alex! And congrats to all with new releases!

Jemi Fraser said...

CassaDark is terrific!!
Congrats to you, Joylene, & Milo!

Pat Garcia said...

Hi Alex,
Your book launch is mega! Wishing you all the best.
Shalom aleichem

kjmckendry said...

Yay! Congratulations on CassaDark!!!

Wow lots of action packed movies this month!
Congrats to Joylene- Kiss of the Assassin sounds interesting!

Tonja Drecker said...

A huge congratulations on the new book! It looks fantastic.

Meka James said...

It's great that your publisher let you pick the narrator for your books! Having that input is huge. Congrats on the new release

Toi Thomas said...

Happy IWSG Day!
Congratulations on the launch of CassaDark!
I'm not very excited about the movie selection this time around but I do appreciate your snarky descriptions.

Diane Burton said...

Congrats on your new release. Wishing you much success. I'm looking forward to reading it. Other than Ambulance, which sounds like something Hubs would enjoy, I'll skip the other movies. I love your snarky comments on the movies.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Congrats on another publication! And, on finding a great match as a reader for your audio books. That's critical. A reader can make or break it for me when it comes to audio.

I've been watching Oscar nominated films. Coda, which won best picture, is excellent. I didn't love Spielberg's take on the classic musical West Side Story. I don't think it works as well on screen as it does on stage.

Enjoy all the success, Alex!

Loni Townsend said...

Grats on the release! That's awesome! I need to check out your audiobooks. For some reason, I didn't actually know you had audiobooks, or if I did, it slipped my mind. I prefer audiobooks because I retain more. Maybe April will be a sci-fi month between your books and Milo's!

Stephen Tremp said...

Congrats Alex and best wishes for a smashing success with CassaDark!!!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Alex, Congratulations on your New Release!!! Awesome Cover! Wishing you much success!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, I did have to listen to all of them to make sure there were no mistakes.

Susan, glad you got out to see it.

Truedessa, and it was beautiful!

CD, I missed it on purpose I'm afraid...

Mary, I just didn't see a need for anyone to make another West Side Story. Not like special effects are better or anything.

Loni, would be honored if you did!

Thanks, everyone!

H. R. Sinclair said...

CONGRATS! You go!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, Congratulations on CassaDark, it sounds super amazing. How exciting to have four books in a series!

Sadira Stone said...

Congratulations on Cassa Dark! May your sales be plentiful and your fans rabid.
I'm looking forward to Ambulance--I love a medical drama, and who doesn't crave a good explosion from time to time?
I wish you happy writing in April.

diedre Knight said...

Congratulations on CassaDark, Captain - How exciting!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Congratulations to you!!

Not sure if any of the April movies look up my alley, ha.

C. Lee McKenzie said...

It's always exciting to see your book out and about after so many hours of love and labor you've spent creating the story. Congratulations.

Arlee Bird said...

Congratulations on the newest book!

It must be a trip to listen to your own words being read by someone else. Now it would be ultimate cool if your books were made into movies.

A friend of mine--older than me--has a grandson who does audio book reading. He really wants to be an actor, but the money for him right now is in the audio books. Sounds like a cool gig, but I don't think I'd have the voice for reading like that.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

talklady said...

Congrats on the release of another Cassa series book!

What a wonderful dilemma to have: choosing the winning narration of your book - bully for you, Ninja Man!

I'm not into the brand extension of Hogwarts, but I adored your subtitle for the movie: The original subtitle was What the Heck Happened to Johnny Depp?... good question!

Leigh Caron said...

Woot Woot on the release of Cassa Dark. And 4 audiobooks. Congrats!!!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Congratulations, Alex! You rock!
Wishing you an awesomely successful book release!

Olga Godim said...

Congrats on your latest release, Alex. Hopefully, your blog tour will result in many sales and reviews.

Susan Kane said...

Did you see the photos at my site? I posted different ones, could you see them?

Fundy Blue said...

Hi,Alex! I hope that you are having a fun time today. I've read Jolene's book, and it is really good! I'm still waiting for yours to arrive. Take care!

Jemima Pett said...

Love those snarks - I'm beginning to understand some of them lol

Jemima

Sandra Cox said...

Whoops. I missed Milo's series. Looks like a good one.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sadira, I like explosions!

Lee, that would be the ultimate cool!

Susan, I'll go look again.

Louise, thanks for ordering it!

Thanks, everyone!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

A big congrats on your new release! Exciting times!

Lori L. MacLaughlin said...

Hi Alex, Congrats again on your book release, and congrats to Joylene, too! They both sound like great reads. As far as movies go, I'll probably see Fantastic Beasts. Tomorrow I'm going to see Uncharted. I also want to see The Lost City to see how it compares to Romancing the Stone. Happy IWSG Day!

Yvonne Ventresca said...

Congrats on the book release!

E. Arroyo said...

Ha! I wanted to see Ambulance. I love Bay's explosions! Congrats on the book release.

Denise Covey said...

Awesome that your Cassa series is available in audiobook. A bit out of my reach as a self published author. But down the track, when I finish publishing, I may well look at audiobooks, knowing that's a whole other market I'm missing out on. All the best for your latest release!

kimlajevardi.com said...

Congrats on the release, Alex!

Jennifer Lane said...

Congratulations on releasing the print, ebook, and audiobook versions, Alex!!!

Douglas Thomas Greening said...

Congratulations on your new release, CassaDark.

Your cover art is amazing.

S.E. White Books said...

Congratulations on the new release! May it, and all the series audiobooks, sell like hotcakes.
Gotta be honest, I'm not looking forward to any of the big, explody movies coming out. Taxis exploding, Liam Neeson exploding somehow, I'm sure that's worked in, Norsemen exploding into battle, or Dumbledore exploding. I'll pass. The Lost City was FANTASTIC, though. LOL.

Jenni said...

Congrats on your new release! That's a great cover! And it's interesting hearing about the audiobook process.
Kiss of the Assassin also sounds intriguing. Congrats to Joylene!

Carrie-Anne said...

Congratulations on your release, and best of luck with it! The cover is awesome.

Kalpana said...

Congratulations on publication day for CassaDark. I'm ordering it on Kindle. I'm sure it's wonderful.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lori, most say it's forgetable but fun.

Denise, audio books sell well.

SE, I'll take all of those exploding!

Kalpana, thank you!

Thanks, everyone.

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

That's great that your books are in audio format! It increases your readership by giving that extra option. Your new book sounds like it has neat storyline. I'm behind on my new release movie viewing. I still have to check out Morbius, Lost City (?) and Magellan.

J.Q. Rose said...

WTG, Alex!! Congrats on your new release!!! And congrats to Joylene!!! They both sound like winners.

Ray Rousell said...

Wanna see the Northman, thar looks excellent!

Nilanjana Bose said...

Big fat congrats! And all the very best with CassaDark. I've never tried audiobooks, my eye doctor does recommend them though.

Mary Kirkland said...

Big congrats on your book release.

Juneta key said...

Hi Alex, Congratulations on the new release. Bought my copy. If you need another spot on your book tour send me an email info and what date you want me to post and I will add you to my blog lineup.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Hi Alex, Congratulations on CassaDark. I know it will be another huge hit! Very exciting about the audio books too. With all of the sadness and uncertainty in the world, it's always a pleasure to see how you continue to inspire others.

Samantha Bryant said...

Thanks for popping by my blog today and congrats on your new release!

Charlotte (MotherOwl) said...

Congratulations on the new book! I hope to some day find and read them all.
KInd regards from Denmark.

Pat Hatt said...

Never got into doing audio here, but yeah a lot easier when publisher does it haha Congrats on the new release.

Guess Bay couldn't make the CGI in the film explode though. He said it was s***.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Bravo, Alex, on your new release! Well done, as usual. You are amazing. Everyone's new release looks and sounds wonderful.

Thank you so much for all you do to help your fellow writer. More power to you, sir!

Carol Kilgore said...

Congrats on your new release, Alex. I'm sure it will be a huge hit!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Congrats to you and Joylene!

None of those movies make me want to buy a ticket...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nila, you should try them then.

Juneta, thanks!

Julie, thanks!

Pat, that's funny.

Victoria, appreciate that!

Thanks to everyone!

Gwen Gardner said...

Congrats on another new release! See you Wednesday!

Susan Kane said...

Two good writers! I enjoy Joylene's book, and yours as well.

Movies. We are being more selective these days. Your choices were pretty much okay.

Shannon Lawrence said...

I like an action movie, but I have to say that Neeson films have all started to be the same. It's a shame. Although I'll still watch a Michael Bay movie, probably for the explosions! :p

Congratulations on your book release, and to Joylene and Milo, as well!

Lidy said...

Congrats on the release Alex!

Right now, I'm looking forward to Secrets of Dumbledore. Right now I'm watching Moon Knight. And can't wait for Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness next month.

Blue Grumpster said...

Congrats, Alex.