Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus Minions Trailer, Tomorrowland Concept Art, A to Z Challenge Minions, and Ninja 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.

My awesome co-hosts today are Gwen Gardner, Dolorah, Sarah Foster, and M. Pax!

I’m an even-keeled kind of guy, so I don’t have real highs or lows. With my fourth book coming out in April, there have been some shifts in these past few months, swinging back and forth.

The early reviews have been great–better than for any other book. I’d worried about this one since it branches away from the familiar Cassa universe and characters. It’s also told in third person from only one character’s point of view. Yeah, who does that? So far, so good though.

Of course, I see reviews for other books that talk about lush world building, intricate plot twists, and rich details in a multifaceted storyline. Crap. Yeah, no one will ever accuse me of deep, vivid storylines bursting with symbolism and Tolkien level world building. I’m the fast paced, adventure-style, and unfortunately more simple in my storytelling…

I’ve also read a lot of books in the past six months. Now, usually as writers, we start noticing our own flaws when seeing someone’s polished work. Which I have, but I’ve also noted some areas where I do well. I’m much better now at showing rather than telling; I’m good with character and relationship building; and I don’t overdo the details. Hmm, maybe I shouldn’t worry about the concern above…

My book comes out April 7, right in full swing of the A to Z Challenge. I’m a Challenge Co-host. I have duties and will be posting at the A to Z Blog. I’ll also be posting at the IWSG site. Plus my own daily posts. (Which are going to take about four hours each to put together.) And my blog tour. Will I survive?

Then my mood is back up again with the support and response concerning the What Are the Kargrandes? website. Thanks to those of you who’ve Tweeted about the site and spread the word. The site was a joint effort with my publisher and I enjoyed coming up with a new teaser fact for every Monday. We’re working hard to establish a grass roots effort and hope it pays off.

So there you have it. The ups and the downs. And what I am dealing with right now…

Minions Wanted!

The A to Z Challenge co-hosts need your help!

We are looking for Minions to assist with visiting participants on the list. Duties include visiting a small assigned portion of the list once a week and reporting back to the co-host any blogs that aren’t participating.

If you would like to be a Minion (you get your own A to Z Challenge Minion badge) leave a comment.

And if you’ve not joined the A to Z Challenge, please join us.

Ninja News

February 2 isn’t just Groundhog Day. It’s Lung Leaving Day. What is that? It’s the celebration of one woman’s incredible triumph over death. Learn about Heather’s incredible journey HERE. You can also watch a video about her life HERE.

Out now!
A Not So Humane World by Pat Hatt








Some really cool concept art for Tomorrowland from Blastr:

And just to make you smile, JoBlo featured the brand new trailer for Minions:

Can you help out and be an A to Z Minion? Like the Minions trailer? Think Tomorrowland will be good? What are the Kargrandes – figured it out yet? And who else goes up and down for similar reasons?
Plus - for some reason, not all blog posts are appearing in my Feedly reader. Some are showing up the next day even. Anyone else having issues?

A to Z Challenge - R - and calling my friends!!!

For the A to Z Challenge, I am featuring some awesome bloggers. These individuals have offered so much support of my book, CassaStar, and me on my blogger journey. Of course, I’ll be keeping up with the world of movies, music, and pop culture stuff as well! Ninjas are just talented that way...


Rambles and Randomness
Vicki is a hoot! You never know what she’ll come up with next. Whether she’s recalling an amusing past incident or stalking Craig Niedermaier, you are in for a fun ride. The laughs are not random, I guarantee it!

The Rainy Day Wanderer
The Words Crafter is such a thoughtful person. She’s so considerate of her followers and friends, and she writes very reflective posts. No gloomy rain here - she’s a ray of sunshine!

And today I am honored that my book is a “R” post by Donna Hole and Familiar Spirits, as they are reviewing CassaStar.

What’s cool is Donna and Gail both understood the real theme of my book. Yes, it’s science fiction. But it’s about friendship. And in the grand scheme of things, that’s what really matters in life.

So thanks Donna and Gail! And a big thank you to all of my followers who have visited the bloggers I’ve recommended during the Challenge. Thanks for supporting my friends!

SPECIAL REQUEST OF MY FRIENDS!!!

And I know my regular followers are sick of this, but my book trailer is in another contest! Voting starts today at You Gotta Read Videos If you think my trailer is worthy and cool and all that, please go vote!!! My publisher did such an awesome job with the trailer…

A to Z Challenge - D

For the A to Z Challenge, I am featuring some awesome bloggers, many of whom are participating in the Challenge. These individuals have offered so much support of my book, CassaStar, and me on my blogger journey. Of course, I’ll be keeping up with the world of movies, music, and pop culture stuff as well! Ninjas are just talented that way...

Dreams are my Reality
Amity is a sweet soul! As her blog title suggests, her posts are dreamy and often filled with visual poetry. Her view on the world contains some magic, so go take a peak. You just might find your day a little brighter.

Donna Hole
Donna pulls no punches and is very devoted to those who follow and comment. She keeps up with the blogfests and always has lists and entries. Donna still has an elephant photo posted for Dezz, which is just cool! Like an elephant, she never forgets to come by and say hey.

And for those participating in the Challenge...

Those of you at the end of the list, do not despair! Many started at the beginning. But not all of us. I started in the middle - or what I thought was the middle - and I am working my way back to you as fast as I can. Just don't give up. You will make some really special friends during the Challenge.
And don't forget - Tron: Legacy comes out today on DVD. The boxed set is mine!!

The 500, News, and Writing Around Family with the FFW

I don’t know how it happened, but I hit 500 followers this week. Wow! Thanks guys. Need to have a party or something… I’ll get back to you on that.

Today I am at Donna Hole’s site, discussing the features of the iPad and how they relate to writers, readers, and bloggers. Please stop by and say hi – she was so worried I’d forgotten her!

Elizabeth Spann Craig started something really cool! A search engine for writers. No more useless Google searches! Get the details HERE

And don’t forget the A to Z Challenge! Details HERE


Guys, you don’t want to miss this!!!



Today is another edition of Fantastic Friday Writers! I invite your to check out my Fantastic Friday Writers partners - Elizabeth Mueller, Anastasia V. Pergakis, J. D. Brown, and Deirdra Eden Coppel - for their take on this subject. I’m sure it’s better than mine!

Working Around Family and Finding Time to Write

And I guarantee my entry will be the most unique!

Some would say family members are those pesky people who get in the way of our writing. They have schedules we’re to follow and demand attention. If it weren’t for family, we could’ve written twenty novels by now!

Oh really?

I think a lot of it has to do with our mindset. Do we view our family as help or hindrance? If we’re struggling to find time to write and balance family life, maybe it’s time for a new approach. Have we tried communication?

The key plot points for a story apply here as well:

WHY? Let our families know why writing is so important.

WHAT? Tell them what we hope to accomplish.

WHEN? Discuss how often we’d like to write and at what times.

WHO? Discuss the duties of the house and the new people who will enter our lives as a result of writing.

HOW? Figure out how to maintain a balance that makes everyone happy.

With good communication and the right attitude, it’s much easier to work writing into our life.

And the “Oh really?” comment? If it weren’t for my family, I wouldn’t be writing at all. My wife is my cheerleader, encourager, and best friend. Without her, I wouldn’t be writing at all and my accomplishments as an author would mean nothing. She’s not a distraction in my life.

Are you using communication to secure writing time? Have you tried?