Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus Ayreon Review, Newscaster as Ron Burgundy, 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 CD Coffelt, Tina Downey, Isis Rushdan, and Michelle Wallace! Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

Where am I at right now? Haunted by one question – do I continue writing?

I have a basic outline for another space opera. At this stage, it’s very straightforward and will need a lot of twists and some depth. I’m working on characters, arcs, and a deep, resonating theme.

Will I write it though?

If I do, some things will have to change. My life is already full with work, my band, my home life. There is only one area I could adjust at this point. My time online.

The most amazing part of this journey has been getting to know all of you. That was something I never foresaw when I began. The Insecure Writer’s Support Group website is also very important to me, and all of you who post every month for the group. I have an amazing group of admins helping with the site and the Facebook page. They will help me with its upkeep and growth, as we are still adding links to the site.

It’s the time I spend online that I’d have to scale back. Yes, I’m fortunate to do some of that from work. But what if I was writing instead? Especially in the evening? If I do decide to write another book, I will have to scale back the hours I spend here, and of course I’ll have to scale back my blogging days. (Because I refuse to blog when I can’t visit others.)

How would you guys feel if I was only around one day and the others were hit and miss? I don't want to let anyone down. Should I keep writing?

Visit other participants HERE.

Ninja News

Join the YA Revolution! Liz Fichera is seeking unique YA books – see her site for details.

Nutschell announced the release of the anthology she’s been putting together - Story Sprouts: CBW-LA Writing Day Exercises and Anthology 2013. A fresh take on an old classic, the Anthology uncovers the creative process in its raw form, celebrating the seeds of story generation. Framing the authors’ contributions are the 10 writing exercises that guided them along their journey, as well as tips and techniques shared at the workshop. Congratulations, Nutschell!

MJ and Tina are hosting The Holiday Food Drive Blogfest. This is your chance to give back to your local community. See their sites for details.

Kittie Howard’s Louisiana's A-Z Something Extra: Lagniappe is now available. Congratulations, Kittie!

Lydia Kang is holding a pre-order giveaway for her upcoming release, Control. Some cool swag – see her site for details.

Karen’s Annual Blog Awards are now open for nominations! Favorite blog, favorite new blog.. Visit her site to nominate someone!

And it’s not too late to sign up for the How I Miss You Blogfest this Friday!

Hilarious News Clip

For Halloween, Denver’s Channel 6 sports anchor, Paul Gerke, was Ron Burgundy from The Anchorman. Only he didn’t just dress like him – he stayed in character for the entire newscast! The result is hilarious. It’s over five minutes, but very funny, especially the end where they let him do a little of the weather…

Music Review

Ayreon – The Theory of Everything
Arjen Anthony Lucassen has created another progressive rock masterpiece.
If you like Ayreon’s The Human Equation (not only their best, but the most brilliant concept album ever) then you will dig this disc.
The basic storyline (as if anything about Ayreon was basic): a troubled young man with a brilliant mind locked within his head is the central character. His parents take him to a psychologist who suggests an experimental drug, but the mother says no. However, the father is working on the theory of everything and needs to unlock his son’s brilliance if he is to solve the equation. He starts slipping his son the drug, with consequences…
This is a true progressive rock album, so the music is intricate and not easily accessible. However, with every listen, new elements are revealed and the genius behind the concept and music grows. Plus there are so many great guest musicians!
And the Theory of Everything? There are forty-two songs on the disc – major homage to Douglas Adams.
Highly recommended!

What’s your writing insecurity today? Should I try to write another book? Excited about the new books, blogfests, giveaways, and awards? Did you watch a minute of the video? Anyone else an Ayreon or progressive rock fan? And two more days to Thor: The Dark World!!!

THE STORM HAS ARRIVED! CassaStorm Now Available! Plus Cassa Facts, Trivia, News, and More!

Today’s tour spot is very special. Three years ago, a book blogger in Germany posted a review of CassaStar. He continued his support of the series by hosting me on CassaFire’s release day. And now, I am honored to be featured at Edi’s Book Lighthouse on CassaStorm’s release day with an interview, review, and giveaway. Edi, I continued this series for you. Thank you, my friend, for demanding more of me than I thought I could give. You rock!!

And tonight is the RUSHED Twitter Party! Between 8:00 and 9:00 pm EST, follow the hashtag #RUSHED for an hour of fun, questions, answers, treasure hunts, and giveaways. Hosted by the awesome Lynn Rush and featuring giveaways from both of us. It’s my first ever Twitter party, so please join us tonight!

And CassaStorm’s release week kicks off with prizes every day! Comment between September 16 and 20 to enter. (Ends 6:00 pm EST Sunday, September 22.)
Prizes include:
Cassa mousepad
Cassa Universe poster
Cassa magnet
Cassa mug
Autographed copy of CassaStorm
One person will be randomly selected each day and the five names will be drawn from a hat – first person gets first choice and so on.

This week I will be featuring my tour, unique Cassa facts, trivia, and prizes every day. Plus others are announcing CassaStorm’s release, and almost every post features a unique interview question. List of participants on the CassaStorm Page. So join the fun!

Launch Day – Final Book!

CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019
$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Find CassaStorm: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Amazon Kindle, and Goodreads



"CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerising space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery." - Edi's Book Lighthouse

“Cavanaugh makes world building on the galactic scale look easy. The stakes affect the entire known universe and yet Cavanaugh makes it intensely personal for our hero. The final installment of this series will break your heart and put it back together.” - Charity Bradford, science fantasy author of The Magic Wakes

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” - Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries

“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…” - Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews

“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken

"An exciting, nail-biting read which sweeps the reader off on adventures in another galaxy." - Nicua Shamira, Terraverum

“Cavanaugh creates such an unforgettable world, and these characters will stay with you long after their story is over.” - Cassie Mae, author of Friday Night Alibi and How to Date a Nerd

“…the racial conflicts propelled much of the plot in this story, driving home a message that's relevant to our own world and giving the book an interesting texture.” - C. Lee. McKenzie, author of Alligators Overhead

“Cavanaugh has created wonderfully moving moments of great poignancy… CassaStorm could have been a dark story full of hardship and angst, but instead it's a cleverly balanced story about hope and triumph.” - Lynda R. Young, author of Make Believe

“One thing Alex does really well is 'sell' the reader on his world building. …an enjoyable, fast-paced read that not only delivered on the final climax, but also managed to pleasantly surprise me.” - Bob Milne, Beauty in Ruins

Ninja News

Today isn’t just CassaStorm’s release day! Tony Laplume also released a book this week - The Whole Bloody Affair. Way to go, Tony!

Rachel Schieffelbein’s story, Seeing Red, is featured in a steampunk anthology from Spencer Hill Press. Real Girls Don’t Rust is available today – congratulations, Rachel!

Pat Hatt’s latest is out – Cassie and the Wild Cat. Congratulations, Pat and your little rhyming cat!

Bryan and Brandon have a new book out – The Graveyard Shift, a collection of horror stories. Congratulations, guys! A must read.

Kittie Howard revealed the cover for her upcoming book. Louisiana's A-Z Something Extra: Lagniappe is a personal and historical journey through the Bayou State that will launch in early October. Congratulations, Kitty!

Cassa Facts

How hard is it to find the right title for a book?

When I conceived the idea for my first book over thirty-five years ago, I wrote a vague and half-finished first draft and titled it CassaStar. Years later, after a complete rewrite and countless edits, my publisher accepted my manuscript. Miraculously, they kept the original title. (It was short, simple, and unique – lucky me.)

Since I’d never planned more than one book, I’d also never given consideration to other titles. When I submitted the manuscript to my second book, it had no title. My publisher made some suggestions and we narrowed it down to two. CassaFire became my second book.

I submitted my third manuscript and it also lacked a title. However, I had one in mind by that time, and after speaking with my publisher, we made a decision. The title that hadn’t worked for CassaFire fit perfectly – thus CassaStorm became my third book.

So if you’re trying to decide on a title, don’t panic! Just keep it simple, logical, and true to your story.

Cassa Trivia Answers from Monday

1 – What was the name of the Galactica’s fighters? Vipers
2 – Boxey had a mechanical daggit for a pet – what was its name? Muffit
3 – Who played Starbuck? Dirk Benedict
4 – Four pilots were in almost every episode – Captain Apollo, Lt. Starbuck, Lt. Boomer, and Flight Sgt. Jolly
5 – Who played Serina, Boxey’s mother, in the first three episodes? Jane Seymour
6 – At the time, it was the most expensive television show ever. How much did each episode cost to make? One million dollars!
7 – Who was the head writer and executive producer of the series? Glen A. Larson

Huge thanks to everyone who has visited my tour stops and posted the announcement so far!

Who is your favorite book blogger? Picking up some new books this week? Get any of the trivia right? And how hard is it for you to come up with a book title?

Don’t forget to visit Edi’s Book Lighthouse today and catch the #RUSHED Twitter party tonight from 8-9:00 pm EST – lots of prizes!

Cherie Reich and Horror Movies, Ninja News, Movie Trivia Answers, and a Personal Note

Today I have the honor of hosting Cherie Reich on her tour for The Nightmare Collection!

What I’ve Learned from Horror Movies

Thank you so much for hosting me today, Alex! Wow, being on THE Ninja Captain’s blog is so cool.

I believe we can learn a lot from horror movies and book, and I have created a list of my top five things (in no particular order) I’ve learned from them that also helped me create my horror story collection, The Nightmare Collection.

1. Never split up.
Power is in numbers, so if you split up, you’re likely to be the first to die.

2. Phones are evil.
They either don’t work when you need to contact the authorities and get help or it is the killer calling you. Just stay away from the phone and run for it.

3. Never look back.
Have you noticed in horror movies that no matter how slow the monster comes at you, it will still get you? I think that’s because people keep looking back. They then trip and fall, and it gives the monster time to catch up. Don’t look back. Keep running!

4. The best way to kill most monsters is to chop their head off.
Enough said. Just be sure you chop the right guy’s head off.

5. Don’t live in small towns, the forests, or near cornfields.
Monsters—and aliens—love to hide in rural areas. It’s just not safe.

And a special tip I’ve learned from a real life experiences ... Don’t laugh at guys with chainsaws! Seriously. Don’t! It pisses them off, and then they run after you, even if you’re an eight-year-old girl at a haunted cave.

What have you learned from horror movies/books?

Thanks, Cherie! I’ve learned always use the double-tap.

Find the awesome Cherie at her BLOG
You can order the paperback or eBook of The Nightmare Collection on Amazon or enter the giveaway on Goodreads.

Congratulations, Cherie – really looking forward to this one!

Ninja News

The A to Z Blog is looking for questions for 2013’s Challenge hosts. We had “Getting to know your hosts” posts earlier this year and need your help with fresh questions for next year. Go ahead, suggest anything!

Lisa Regan’s book, Finding Claire Fletcher, is finally out now! She has a great tour planned, so be sure to visit her site.

Thanks again to all who posted for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and special thanks to my two co-hosts, Livia and Tasha!

Jade Hart’s new book, Ocean Kills, is available now! And look at that great cover. Congratulations, Jade!

Kittie Howard’s latest, Rings of Trust, launched on Thursday. Congratulations, Kitty! Through January 15, royalties will go to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Find it on Amazon.

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – From Aardman Animations, this clay-animation film took place on Mrs. Tweedy’s farm. Chicken Run
2 – This 70’s animated film was set on a post-apocalyptic Earth where two brothers, Avatar and Blackwolf, do battle to control the world. Wizards
3 – This Christmas animation features the voices of James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, and Bill Nighy – and a member of Santa’s family you never knew existed! Arthur Christmas
4 – Joss Whedon wrote the screenplay for this cell-animated space movie set in the year 3028 and featuring a spaceship that holds the secret to the salvation of the human race. Titan A.E.
5 – Before Pixar put out their take on these small critters, Woody Allen voiced the lead, “Z,” in this film. Antz
6 – Written by Ted Hughes in 1968, this science fiction story set in 1957 became a critically-acclaimed movie in 1999 with its simple innocence. The Iron Giant

Personal Note

During the chaos that will ensue on Monday, I will be posting something really different that day.
For those who believe this is just a big ego trip for me and that I think I’m all that and a bag of chips (credit to Diane’s POST) I invite you to visit Monday for what will probably be my most personal post ever.

Special thanks again to Mark, Morgan, Stephen, and David.

See you Monday…

Cherie wants to know – what have YOU learned from horror films? Got a question for the A to Z Team? See some new books to add? Get any of the trivia questions right? Ready to see a Ninja naked? (Of course, how would you know…?)

QUIRKY - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

QUIRKY

Siv at Been There Done That
Siv is one of those spirits who feels so free. She’s passionate about her kids and her country. She knows more about Norse mythology than anyone I know. And just when you think you understand, along comes Minnie! Siv and Minnie have gibberish down to a science and they always invite us to join the madness. Quirky or not, I just adore Siv and hope she stays with us for a very long time.

Tonja at Tonja’s Musings
Perhaps quirky isn’t the right word for Tonja. And yet, I never know what to expect when visiting her blog. She could be having a good day, a bad day, or a weird day. Despite her mood for the day, I always feel a connection with Tonja. If she ever stopped blogging, it would be a very sad day indeed.

Farscape
When I think of the word quirky, this show always pops into my brain. Farscape deals with a group of aliens who have escaped the corrupt intergalactic authority known as the Peacekeepers aboard a living ship named Moya. They are joined by American astronaut John Crichton who has been flung through a wormhole while testing an experimental aircraft for NASA. What other word could be used for a show where the main character’s brain is inhabited by his arch-enemy who inserts himself into all of John’s memories. Yup….Quirky!

NINJA NEWS!

Kittie Howard’s book "Remy Broussard's Christmas," is available on Amazon with every penny's commission going to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. It’s a great cause and her book is only 99 cents!

David Powers King posted a review of CassaFire – and it was good! All you fans who wanted a romantic interest – well, you got one! Now go enjoy.

Following Siv and Tonja? Ever watch Farscape? (And if you did, who was your favorite character?) Any causes near and dear to your heart like Kitties’s? And quirky! Come on people – who do you know who is quirky? Or would you like to share something quirky? Try not to scare anyone… (Cassie, this means YOU!)