Cassa and Ninja Myths! Plus Despicable Me 2 Review, Ninja News, and Special Thanks.

Cassans and Ninjas - Myths and Answers

Thanks everyone for the awesome comments on CassaStorm’s book trailer and my IWSG POST last week! Since there were some interesting comments and questions, I decided to set the record straight about a few things. I was also informed there is never anything about ME on my own blog. So you're getting me. (Hope this isn’t a mistake of epic proportions.)

The Trailer

CassaStorm’s trailer was created by my publisher, Dancing Lemur Press.

No, I am not Byron’s voice.

Not sure how long it took them to make it. Between one and two months?

Yes, the visuals are awesome! I want a Cassa movie now.

The only thing I contributed was a short summary of the plot. (And those four lines were changed for the trailer.)

My Books

CassaStorm is written from three points of view – Byron, Athee, and their son, Bassan.

Bassan is ten years old.

Yes, I’m feeling the pressure of this third book and wrapping up the trilogy.

When CassaStorm is released, I’m sure there will be eBook giveaways that will be open to everyone. Those in North America can enter the Goodreads giveaway for a review copy now.

Re-releasing the first two books? No sure what that means. Will ask my publisher.

The general consensus is that sales will boost up again when the third one is released. Both CassaStar and CassaFire enjoyed time on the Amazon US and UK best seller charts, and the first time didn’t occur until almost a year after CassaStar’s release. I also think sales are slower now because a lot of people who read space opera have already purchased the books. (It’s not a really popular genre.)

The Ninja

Yes, I do remember stating I only had one book in me when I began this journey. What the heck did I know?

‘Is this really my last book?’ I am still undecided. Music takes a lot of time now, and I am very focused on improving my guitar skills and playing the best for our band. Either way, I get to be creative, which is very cool.

‘I’m a bit intimidating and viewed as a celebrity.’ Folks, I’m just Alex. If you’re a visitor or fan who comes by but is hesitant to follow or comment because you don’t think I’ll notice – I will notice! I’ve enjoyed the friendships I’ve made online, and I’m grateful for every connection and comment.
But otherwise, I’m just a dude with a guitar and a couple books. (And possibly a clone machine…)

Any other questions? Did I confuse anyone? I think I confused myself...

Ninja News

CineMarvellous is hosting a giveway for a free television! Open to UK residents, you could win a free 19 inch Alba HD TV. Check out his site for details.

Cassie Mae’s book is out – Friday Night Alibi

In the wealthy town of Sundale, Kelli Pinkins has hatched the perfect plan to capitalize on her sweet reputation. For a generous fee, she will be every trust-fund baby’s dream: a Friday-night alibi…

Congratulations, Cassie!!

Tara Tyler’s book is out – Pop Travel

In a futuristic cat-and-mouse game, hard-boiled detective J.L. Cooper is chased across the world using Pop Travel teleportation, which has a deadly flaw he is determined to expose…

Find it on Amazon

Congratulations on your first book release, Tara!

Special Thanks

A very special thanks to my buddies Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse and Jeremy at Being Retro for the awesome features they did for CassaStorm and its trailer. You guys rock!

And a big thanks to Father Dragon Al for his very moving post on Friday and including me on his Dragon’s Eleven team. You are one awesome dragon!

Movie Review

Despicable Me 2
Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League, and he and his partner Lucy must find a mystery super criminal.
This one is almost as good as the original. It falls just short due to the fact the plot is thin and secondary to everything that is happening.
That said, it’s still a lot of fun! The Minions are even funnier and get more screen time. The animation is stunning. And very colorful.
Will there be a third film? This one made $142 million dollars over the Fourth of July. Pretty sure you will see a Despicable Me 3.
Highly recommended for adults and kids!

Any other questions about the trailer, my books, or me? (No, I will not reveal the location of the clone machine. Last time I did that, we were up to our ears in Dwarves.) Excited about the new releases? Anyone else see Despicable Me 2 this past weekend? And would anyone care to clone a Minion...?

Counting Alligators, Ninja News, Speed Readers, and More Movie Trivia

Today I have a very special guest, author C. Lee McKenzie. Now, most people count sheep. Lee counts alligators…

Counting Alligators

When all else fails . . . do research. Let's face it, sometimes the writer has to turn off his brain, or at least switch it to idle. When I need to take a break from a manuscript, I dive into research.

When I do, I always find things that let me flesh out a story with confidence, or I get a great idea for a scene that hadn't occurred to me. Sometimes I just bump into something that's interesting and that I never would have found if I hadn't been hunting for information to use in my story--a little serendipity.

When I started writing Alligators Overhead I didn't know much about those reptiles except they scared the bejeebers out of me. But then I read that when Hurricane Katrina destroyed a lot of their habitat, thousands of these expert swimmers drowned, and conservationists worried they might not make a come back. Not so. They're back and they're back up to healthy numbers.

When I read that, I had to ask, "How do they count alligators?" Two ways was the answer. Find the nests and count the eggs. Euuuu! Not a job I'd want. Alligator mommies do not take kindly to anyone messing with her babes.

There had to be an easier way, right? No, but there was a harder one. Take a boat out into the swamp at night, shine the flashlight around the water hyacinths and red eyes stare back at you. Yep. You can count alligators because their eyes glow red at night. Hmm. Maybe the nest method isn't so bad.

In any case, that little bit of information made for a great scene with my two boys on their first venture into the swamp at night and a trail of red-eyed alligators behind them.

Once you start looking into counting alligators, you’d be surprised what pops up, like, Woody Pines and his Louisiana beat. This is Counting Alligators the safe way.



As writers do you put your brain on idle while you research, or do you have other ways to refresh while you’re working through a manuscript?

Great to be here, Alex. Gotta go and count me some alligators now.

Bio: A native Californian, C. Lee McKenzie lives on the edge of a redwood forest with her husband and assorted cats. When she's not writing or blogging she's hiking or practicing yoga. She usually writes young adult fiction that deals with contemporary, realistic issues. In Sliding on the Edge (2009) she dealt with cutting, and in The Princess of Las Pulgas (2010) she wrote about a family that loses almost everything and has to rebuild their lives together. Alligators Overhead is her first Middle Grade novel. Lee blogs HERE and her website is HERE. Watch the trailer for Alligators Overhead on YouTube

Ninja News!

Thanks to everyone who has signed up for my next blogfest, Genre Favorites! I’m overwhelmed by the response. I wanted to keep it simple and open for everyone. Look forward to everyone’s posts on September 17.

George at CineMarvellous celebrated three years of blogging this week Congratulations! Don’t ever quit on us, man.

Do you write historical or alternative fiction? Edi’s Book Lighthouse highlighted a new magazine called Alt Hist that features short stories. You can read about edition number four at Edi’s site.

AJ Walker has a new book out, At The Gates, Book II of the Timeless Empire series. It’s $2.99 for a limited time on Amazon. You can also pick up Book I, Hard Winter, for just 99 cents at Amazon. Congratulations, AJ!

Fast Readers

Someone else recently posted on the subject of how fast some people read. I admit, I’m in awe of those of you who crank through several books a week. I do good to read one or two a month. (I’m not a fast reader.) I also don’t do many reviews, although I will at least post a star rating on Goodreads.

I always buy my blogger buddy’s books though! I have so many on my iPad right now it just might explode. So even though it may take me forever to finally read your book, I do try to show support by purchasing it.

Movie Quotes!

Science fiction edition - because that's how I roll. Can you name the movie or actor who said…

1 – “His pattern indicates two-dimensional thinking.”

2 – “You know, Burke, I don’t know which species is worse, You don’t see them (screwing) each other over for a (X) damn percentage.

3 – “Can I ask you a personal question? Have you ever retired a human by mistake?”

4 – “But, the place where you’re supposed to have the toilet paper, you got this little shelf with three sea shells on it.”

5 – “This was supposed to be my weekend off, but noooooo! You got me out here draggin’ your heavy ass through the burning desert with your dreadlocks sticking out of the back of my parachute.”

And the Ninja will be gone a few days next week for a much needed vacation. So no post on Monday, but I will be lurking…

Do you count alligators? Signed up for the blogfest? How fast do you read? And know any of the trivia answers?

My Poetic, Awesome Online Mom, Ninja News, and MIB III Review

Today I have the honor of featuring one of my dearest blogger buddies, someone I often refer to as my online mom – author and poet, Yvonne Lewis.

I met Yvonne over two years ago during the very first A to Z Challenge. (Not me in the picture - that's Danny.) She is just such a wonderful person. Yvonne is loving, gentle, and very genuine. She also has a wonderful free spirit and an eye for beautiful moments. I just adore this gracious and special lady.

Her latest book, Written From the Heart, is a wonderful collection of her poetry. I was honored beyond words when she asked me to write a blurb for her book. Seeing my name on the back of her book was more thrilling than seeing my name on the front. Anyone can publish a book, but not everyone can give another author a meaningful quote. Yvonne, thank you again.

She is here today to share with you a little about her book:

WRITTEN FROM THE HEART:

This book that I wrote
Was to let the readers see.
That after many years of heartache,
There's fun and laughter in me.

Like going to the park,
And descend a slide
While my children and grandchildren
Conveniently disappear and hide.

The book also enlightens people
My blessings I do count.
There are many worse off than me,
That I do not doubt.

My love of traveling is evident to see,
Touring the U.S. and Spain.
So I can escape from
Britain's continual rain.

Also Daniel O Donnell concerts,
I really do enjoy.
I'd travel to the ends of the earth,
To see my "Danny Boy".

The "Blurb" of the book,
I'm proud of I confess.
For the final part was written
By fellow blogger Alex....no less.

I wrote this book in the first place,
To let the whole world see.
But most importantly
That my family would be proud of me.

I know some of you have already bought,
I'm so grateful for a start.
I think there's a poem for everyone,
In "Written From The Heart"

- Yvonne

Visit Yvonne at Welcome to My World of Poetry and purchase her book at Amazon You can also catch Yvonne today at the A to Z Blog where she answers a few questions about the Challenge, Danny Boy, and Arlee Bird.

Ninja News!

Author Andrew Leon at Strange Pegs has taken some of the stories from a class he taught at his kid’s school and created a book, Charter Shorts. Proceeds from the book benefit the school, which is really cool, so grab a copy today!

Wendy Tyler Ryan’s new book, Fire’s Children is out now! Long fight to make it happen so congratulations, Wendy.

This comes courtesy of Edi’s Book Lighthouse - Incredible Submarine Themed Rooms. If you have a thing for submarines or steampunk, you’ll enjoy these images.

Movie Review

Men in Black III
A vast improvement over MIB II, which lacked in the humor department. This one plays more like a straight adventure film, although Will Smith has some very funny lines. It involves time travel and wraps up a lot of plot ties. Best part was Josh Brolin’s performance as a young agent K – he nailed Tommy Lee Jones. Not a movie that you have to catch in the theater, but it was good.

Following Yvonne? Enjoy her poetry? Any news I missed? Did you see MIB III? Or did you contribute more money to The Avengers’ billion plus take?And is anyone else hooked on watching The Hatfields and McCoys?

CassaFire Tour Day Three, News, Facts, and Music Trivia

WOW! Just wow! You guys were so awesome yesterday with all of the Catch Fire! posts. I think I got around to everyone but let me know if I missed you. I think I set a record for blogs visited yesterday. But I was truly humbled and honored by all of the support and encouragement. You don’t realize just how special it was to see CassaFire featured everywhere. And the comments were just incredible. Really, I'm just Alex! Just one lone Ninja doing his best. Thank you! Special thanks to Julie and Rek for their touching posts.

Today’s stop is with Isis Rushdan.

I met Isis last year and she burst onto the scene with a bang. I’ve never seen anyone gain a loyal following as quickly as Isis. She’s had a lot to deal with the past two months but she’s ready to host the Ninja today. So please stop by and say hey to Isis!

Don’t forget that everyone who comments here on my blog over the next two weeks will be entered to win this cool prize package from my publisher:

Ninja News

Special thanks again to Edi’s Book Lighthouse for hosting me on my release day. I’m glad everyone enjoyed the banter between me and my characters.

Stephanie at Scribbler to Scribe posted an excellent set of guidelines for requesting book reviews.

Randy at Not The Baseball Pitcher posted a wonderful review of CassaFire.

EJ Wesley reviewed my book trailer. Which I had nothing to do with, but it’s still awesome he reviewed it.

And since Google Friends Connect is about to vanish for some of you, I’d like to recommend Linky Followers as another option. I already have it in my sidebar.

Random Ninja Fact

I look really awful in hats!

Trivia Time – Music

Going old school! (Because I pulled out a really old music trivia game for these questions.)

1 – Name the first AC/DC album to feature singer Brian Johnson.

2 – Where was Cheap Trick’s live album recorded? (Theater and country)

3 – In what movie did Black Sabbath’s The Mob Rules appear in 1981?

4 – Who writes most of Rush’s lyrics?

Any other awesome news? Know the answers to those trivia questions? Did anyone else see the freaky, fiery crash at the Daytona 500 Monday night? Still wondering if I sleep…?

Don’t forget to go visit Isis Rushdan!

CassaFire’s Release Day and Second Tour Stop!

CassaFire is officially available today!!!! Let the Catch Fire party begin.

I never thought I’d see the release of one book, let alone TWO. A big thanks to those of you who are participating in the Catch Fire! Blog Party. You guys are awesome. (And the five winners of a copy of CassaFire are listed below.)

Today’s tour stop is Edi’s Book Lighthouse!

I am very honored that Edi would host me on my release day. I found his blog a few months before CassaStar’s release and he gave my first book a positive and honest review. We’ve continued to visit each other’s blogs, and I consider him a special blogger buddy and supporter. Edi, I really appreciate you!

He has a very special party going on all day at his blog, including a giveaway of CassaFire and a most unusual interview – Byron, Athee, and Mevine interviewed ME. The results are amusing, so be sure to visit Edi’s site.

Don’t forget that everyone who comments here on my blog over the next two weeks will be entered to win this cool prize package from my publisher:

Today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire! The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar.

CassaFire
by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

“This sequel to Cavanaugh's first novel, CassaStar, delivers on the promise of its predecessor, combining military action sequences and political intrigue with strong, memorable characters. Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein's early fiction…” - Library Journal

Available today!
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats
Available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Amazon Kindle

Trivia Answers

1 – Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell appeared in what 1989 action film? Tango and Cash
2 – Marlon Brando won an Oscar for his performance in what film? On the Waterfront and The Godfather
3 – What was the password used to break into the government’s computer system in 1983’s WarGames? Joshua
4 – Movie quote – name the film: “If you build it, he will come.” Field of Dreams

Catch Fire! Blog Party giveaway winners:
Charity Bradford
Stephen Tremp
EJ Wesley
Suze at Analog Breakfast
Chuck at Apocalypse Now

Congratulations and thanks for making today awesome!

News, random facts, and trivia will continue tomorrow. Remember to leave a comment to be entered for the prize package.


And a BIG thank you to everyone who has supported me these past two years and to all who pushed me to write a sequel. This Ninja is humbled and eternally grateful for your encouragement! Now, go visit Edi’s Book Lighthouse!

Movie Reviews, Ninja News, and the A to Z Challenge!

How was everyone’s Christmas? Mine rocked – so many geek toys – and my wife was thrilled with her gifts. Score one for the Ninja…

I’m back in time to share my reflection post over at the A to Z Challenge blog. What’s the A to Z Challenge? Only the most awesome, largest blogfest of its kind! Started by Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out, the Challenge is blogging the Alphabet during the month of April – posting daily with Sundays off for good behavior. The first year we only had a hundred participants. This year, we had over twelve hundred. Next year – who knows?! Right now, Arlee is featuring reflection posts from this year’s Challenge and today is my post! I also have the honor of co-hosting again in 2012. Want to know more about the A to Z Challenge? Then check it out!

Now a recap, some news, and two movie reviews!

In case you missed my blogging tips for writers, they are now up at Daily Write. Thanks to those of you who came back for the link last week!

The Debutante Ball: Feast of Debut Authors continues this week. Don’t forget to enter my giveaway HERE – win a copy of CassaStar and review copy of CassaFire!

Speaking of CassaFire, Edi’s Book Lighthouse posted the most amazing review I’ve ever read. The one authors dream of receiving. I read it thinking “Wow, I want to read that book. Oh crap, it’s MY book!” Read it and you’ll understand what I mean.

Thanks to all who voted! The Movie411 Awards were announced last week – I won Best Sci-Fi Blog second year in a row. Won’t be three though, as I’m withdrawing my blog to give others a chance. AND – I’m a judge next year! Thanks for the honor, Dempsey.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 
I’ve always enjoyed this series, and with this film, they achieved the perfect balance of action and humor. The inclusion of Simon Pegg ensures some laugh-worthy moments. There are some incredible action sequences and breathtaking locations. The scene involving the Burj Khalifa building is beyond tense. Incredible effects make you believe Cruise is really scaling the side of the world’s tallest building. (Or, maybe he was?) Another great installment in this franchise!

Warhorse 
Spielberg does a pretty good stupid horse film. Visually impressive and sentimental, it’s also very intense. And at two and a half hours, it’s a bit too long for the intensity. However, it’s an amazing journey this horse goes on, changing hands and sides many times, with a strong message of bravery.
 
Be sure to check out the A to Z Challenge blog today!

Have you already entered my contest? Read the blogging tips and review from Heaven? Seen either of those two movies? Watched Drew Brees break Dan Marino's passing record? Ready for Friday’s preview of upcoming January movies? That’s right - January 2012!! Are you ready for another year?!?!?!?!

Does Anyone Speak Baenglish???

We meet some really awesome people online. I’ve made some good friends in the past two years. Today’s guest is really special. Edi has been such a great friend and supporter. He lives in Germany, so it’s doubtful we’ll ever meet in person, but I imagine we’d have a great time discussing books, movies, and life over a couple beers. He runs Edi’s Book Lighthouse and covers everything from new releases, book reviews, movie news, and other oddities. If you’ve not made Edi’s acquaintance, then you are missing out.

So I’m turning over my blog today to Edi, with no requirements other than a dash of humor. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

SURPRISE! ÜBERRASCHUNG! SURPRISE! 

I do not know what devil has ridden Alex to ask me to write a guest post on his blog. And to be honest I do not know what devil has ridden me to agree.

Of course I wanted to know what kind of guest post Alex had in mind. When I read his answer I blacked out ......

Alex wanted something funny because that is what people like.

BUT 

everyone knows that to write something funny is one of the most difficult tasks. It gets even more difficult when you know that I'm not a native English speaker. I'm one of these boring and dry Germans who need rules and laws for everything. My favorite words are CONCEPT, PLAN, LIST, DEADLINE, PUNCTUALITY

In my regularly job as a programmer in a European team I can tell you that my colleagues hate and love me at the same time when I use one of the words above.

Beside that I'm ediFanoB - when you read it backwards you get Bona Fide - the guy behind Edi’s Book Lighthouse which is a sometimes strange book blog.
Edi likes to read, write and post in BAENGLISH. You do not know BAENGLISH? It is the wonderful mix of British English and American English which gives you the opportunity to use and invent words as you need them.
Even I'm a runaway (I think you use this strange word advanced in this case) BAENGLISH speaker and reader I have sometimes problems to understand jokes and gags. It gets worse when I try to tell jokes. I have a mastership degree in killing jokes.

Are you still there, pressing your nose against the screen? Incredible! I thought you fell asleep while reading the onomatopoeia of a quirky German.

So you have to read the rest of this post where I will explain what kind of gags I like, about age and of course a book recommendation. Its all Alex' fault!

I hope I really frightened you with my superlunary good idea to torture you with a brutal long and absolutely boring harangue about age, jokes and recommendation. Doesn't it sound familiar compared to sex, drugs and rock and roll?

I do not have problems to talk about my age. My avatar shows a female archer but I'm male.
Last year I entered Area 51 and since last summer I'm a B-52 pilot. You do not know what to Google? Try to find your age in areas, products, bands, songs, recipes , ...... I'm sure you will find something that fits. I look forward to your comments. It is sad that child can't write. So nobody will mention Twin Peaks…

Did you ever think about how life will be when you will be 70+? The older I get the more I think about it. But since I started to read a certain book series I'm no more longer afraid about getting older.

Imagine and apartment complex where most of the inhabitants are 70 and older. Imagine a group of women living in this complex. And finally imagine that this group of women founded a private eye agency.
I talk about the Gladdy Gold series by Rita Lakin. Gladdy and her girls are all young at heart, grounded, eccentric golden agers. Beside all the problems coming along with getting older they have a lot of humor and enjoy life. And it is a real life where even good friends can die.
No day is like the other even they have daily routine. Smart and sassy herione Gladdy with her incredible gladiators solve their cases in mostly unexpected manner. Of course the mysteries are not that difficult but the unbelievable presence of humor let you follow the story without any break. I still put a smile on my face when I remember walking frame races in shopping malls or sentences like "I don't like beans. They give me the gas." 

Even if you prefer to read science fiction and fantasy I highly recommend to give the Gladdy Gold series by Rita Lakin a try. I promise you, you will laugh out loud and aging will be no more longer a problem.

Oops! I think its high time to get my acts together before I get a sending-off for a far too long post.

Alex, I hope you do not regret your invitation to write a guest post. The comment section will tell you and me if it was a good decision.

Let me close my post with the words I use on my blog:

ENJOY READING 

I have no regrets! Questions for Edi? Want to know about Germany? Or books? Or speculative fiction reviewing? Be sure to visit his awesome site, Edi’s Book Lighthouse And does anyone speak BAENGLISH???

Reflections, Explanations, and Congratulations

Once again, a huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Pay it Forward blogfest!

There were so many comments and emails of thanks. Many of you found new blogger buddies, which was cool. The list is still posted (less those who didn’t participate and ad sites) so feel free to keep exploring. Like the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, many of you connected.

Special thanks to those who visited Edi and Eve and blew their minds! I appreciate that.

And a huge thanks to my co-host Matthew! The Pay it Forward blogfest was his idea, and a damned good one at that. So, if for some odd reason you’ve never visited Matthew’s site, The QQQE, then you need to jump over there and tell him thanks.

For those of you new to my blog, let me explain. Wait, there is too much – let me sum up!

I am Ninja Captain Alex. Yes, I am an author. My second book comes out next February. I don’t talk much about writing here though. (You really don’t want writing tips from me anyway.) My focus is movies, music, books, games, some tech toys, blogfests, and promoting my blogger buddies. However, I do host the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, which posts the first Wednesday of every month – feel free to join us. And do not let the amount of blog followers scare you. I really try to visit and support everyone who visits me.

And yes, I’m almost to a thousand followers. Be nice to hit that number by Wednesday when I have a really special post planned.

Now, some congratulations are in order!

Milo James Fowler at In Media Res just had a short story released by Mindflights - I Am FanFare. And I want to mention it for two reasons – it took Milo many tries to achieve success with this short story, and he deserves recognition for his accomplishments as a short story writer. It just blows my mind!

Next big shout-out is for Melissa Bradley at Melissa’s Imaginarium - her book, Nathan’s Angel, was released yesterday! Way to go, Melissa! (She is just one of the coolest geek chicks I have ever met.)


So, did everyone have a good time with the blogfest? What was the coolest new blog you discovered? Any questions for the Ninja Captain? Anyone still creeped out by Chewbacca’s picture last Friday…?

Hope you’ll return on Wednesday. Like I said, special day.

Pay It Forward!

Matthew at the QQQE and I are proud to present the Pay it Forward blogfest!

I have thank everyone who commented on the book trailer for CassaFire! I am just blown awayby what my publisher created.

Now to the blogfest! The purpose is to introduce others to three bloggers you find awesome. Then attack the Linky List and explore! Find some cool new friends. Take the whole weekend to discover some great bloggers.

Narrowing it down to three was next to impossible. With close to a thousand followers now (yeah, that blows my mind!) I know so many cool people. So, I decided to give you a variety today.

The Writer-Author
Jeffrey Beesler at World of the Scribe has been a blogger buddy of mine for well over a year. He’s now one of my critique partners as well! Jeffrey is a careful planner when it comes to his blog and will map out theme weeks a month in advance. He pours so much into his posts and everyone would benefit from his advice and proddings. If you don’t already follow Jeffrey, jump on over and visit this most excellent Ninja!

The Photographer-Artist
Leovi is an amazing photographer! All images are abstract and close up, and it’s just amazing. Leovi is a true master. And despite the huge number of people who follow Leovi, I can always expect a comment here from this most excellent photographer. If you want to be amazed, visit Leovi today!

The Book Reviewer/Speculative Fiction Expert
Edi lives in Germany and runs Edi’s Book Lighthouse. I met him last year when seeking speculative fiction reviewers and we’ve been good friends ever since. He’s been a big encourager and supporter as well. His weekend posts hold so much information about books and movies it will make your head swim. He really should have a thousand followers. You want to know what’s going on in the speculative world? Visit Edi today!

Special Mention (Because I can!)
Eve is a new follower of mine. She seemed close to giving up the whole blogging scene when she latched on to the Pay it Forward blogfest. She needs to know what an awesome bunch of people are out there in the blogging world! Visit Eve today and tell her – I’m with you!

The list of participants is below, but before I go, I must share this image with you…

The folks over at FreakingNews, a Photoshop news site, held a contest for Star Wars mashups. This was my favorite:


Now, go discover some cool blogs!

Friends for the Journey

Last weekend, Michelle Gregory at Beautiful Chaos created a special badge for those who’s helped her on the journey. I was honored to receive the "Friends for the Journey" Blog Encouragement, and now it’s my turn to pass it along.

I’ve deliberated about this all week. Crap, who do I select? Even worse, who will I leave out? So many of you have encouraged me, sent emails, left comments, read and featured my book… I finally selected, but if you’re not one of the seven, please don’t feel left out. You’ve all helped me so much!

The Rules for Passing It On:
1. Pass it on to 7 other bloggers and tell how they've encouraged you.
2. Please let your recipients know that it started at Beautiful Chaos.
3. Leave a comment on this post when you've posted on your blog.

Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances
This woman never has a bad day – I don’t think it’s possible! She’s cheery and upbeat in her posts and comments. Kitty’s silly joy is infectious and her presence makes everyone’s day just a little brighter. You make me laugh, Kitty! And often when I need it the most.

Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out
Lee’s pushed me with blogfests and challenges. He’s pushed me with my writing. (Dude, CassaStar’s sequel takes place on a planet and there’s a RIVER – water issue solved!) Lee goes to great lengths for his blogging buddies and for the whole community, and I appreciate his efforts.

Yvonne at Welcome to my World of Poetry
We’ve faithfully visited each other’s blog since last year’s A to Z Challenge. Yvonne doesn’t listen to my type of music or watch my kind of movies and I have no idea how to write a poem. But our friendship is formed out of mutual respect and admiration, and Yvonne is the most devoted person I know. And the woman loves playground slides! How cool is that?

Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse
Edi was part of my blog tour last year with a review and feature. And he could’ve just left it at that. But he’s continued to support and encourage me, often inquiring of the sequel. Edi, I really, really appreciate that!

Jeffrey at World of the Scribe
He’s plugged my book, my trailer, my site – he’s the Dude! His commitment and enthusiasm keep me going and he always knows when a friend needs a boost. It will be an awesome honor when his first book comes out for me to return the favor!

Lynda at W.I.P. It and Fearfully and Wonderfully
Lynda is the type of person I’d call a quiet, stable presence. Both of her blogs are encouraging and her comments reflect that spirit. I always look forward to your positive words, Lynda!

Patrick Tillett Patrick is one of those individuals who doesn’t make a big splash and sometimes flies under the radar. But he’s consistent and steady, like a giant rock in a raging river. Dude, your support has not gone unnoticed and I appreciate it!

Who’s encouraged you on your journey?

And yes, the next gen iPad March 11 – I am so there!

One More Day!!!!!

TWO awesome stops today!!

Two unique interviews – one at SFF Hub and the other at Scribbler to Scribe. Both of these awesome bloggers reviewed my book, too.

Hope you didn’t miss the review yesterday at Edi’s Book Lighthouse. His site is really cool!

And don’t forget to enter my CONTEST for a chance to win a copy of CassaStar.

However, this is more urgent - prayers for Amity as she is now facing super typhoon Megi!

Vicki gave me the Strangely Irresistible Award. Somehow, with the word strange in the title, I just knew it would end up here eventually. Thanks, Vicki!

Passing along the strangeness to…

Copyboy at Not Worth Mentioning
Powdered Toast Man at Just the Cheese
TS Hendrik at The Non Review

I’m going to be up early tomorrow!! Wonder if I'll even sleep...

Lighthouse Stop and Movie Tidbits

Next stop in the tour is today at Edi’s Book Lighthouse!!!

For those of you who enjoy Science Fiction, fantasy, and the like. Edi’s site is fantastic. His weekend posts round up books, movies, the web – you name it! Please do stop and say hello to my German friend. You’ll really dig his site.

How to Train Your Dragon came out on DVD Friday. Did you get your copy? Why not? I got mine! And guess what? According to our very own Hollywood Spy, a sequel is in the works, due out in 2012.
Now, go get your DVD. Trust me!

According to Blastr DC superheroes will not team up for a super movie. DC’s chief creative officer stated at NY Comic-Con that DC superheroes were bigger than Marvel’s, so there’s no need to put them together for a movie. What do you think? Cocky or lame?

I think Marvel, Iron Man, and the rest of the Avengers might laugh all the way to the bank.

Don’t forget to enter my CONTEST for a chance to win a copy of CassaStar – or enter Scribbler to Scribe’s contest. Or both!!