Writing Tips from A Beer For The Shower, CassaFire Sale Results, and Ninja News!

You are in for a treat today! We have some expert writing advice from Brandon Meyers and Bryan Pedas, the genius minds behind A Beer For The Shower. They also have a new book out, Empirical Evidence: A Novelette. It’s there first venture into science fiction and it’s free today through Wednesday, February 12 on Amazon.

Take it away, Brandon and Bryan!

Hey all, we're Brandon and Bryan from A Beer for the Shower, and as co-authors of multiple novels that have been praised by people that are not our parents, we wanted to share some of our favorite writing tips for you today.

Forget what you heard about writing with your heart and crafting what you love. That's clearly nonsense. Here's what you really need to do to reach success as a writer.

1. Don't be afraid to give up

Did you know that success means hard work? Well, trying is hard. Really hard. So if your novel doesn't sell on the first try, you should probably give up and take on something more meaningful like crochet, or start a cat collection. Bryan's currently up to 8!

Doesn't this little glimpse of paradise look better than "trying"?

2. Criticism is for the weak

If someone tells you something like, "Your novel is good but it needs work in a few spots" what they're really saying is "I hate you and I spit in your face." Also, they're probably just jealous of your infallible talent. Rather than humbly accept their criticism and better your writing skills, you should probably hire street thugs to beat them into a coma. It's only fair for them having the downright audacity to offer you their honest criticism.

3. Write to fads

Writing a truly unique story that comes from the heart is fun and all, but it's no guarantee that your book will sell. But you know what will sell? Fads. Just find whatever's popular now, write a complete ripoff with one or two minor changes, and reap in the sweet, sweet benefits of selling out!

Cheers and stay classy, guys,
Bryan and Brandon

"I hate it when authors come to schools and tell the kids write from your heart. I don't think I've ever written a single word from my heart. I write to entertain the audience." - R.L. Stein, literary genius

Ninja News

Feeling a little anti-Valentine’s? Then you need to enter Robyn’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Giveaway! She’s giving away some high quality chocolate. Visit Life By Chocolate for details.

It was another awesome posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Thanks to my co-hosts, Sheena-kay Graham, Julie Musil, Jamie Ayres, and Mike Swift.

Don’t forget the Epic 2000 Followers Giveaway. Books for you, books for your library, t-shirts, and iTunes gift cards. Become a Google Friends Connect follower to enter.
Full details HERE. Just a few more to go!

CassaFire’s 99 Cents Promotion Results

Today, February 10, is the last day to grab my second book, CassaFire, for 99 cents on Amazon.

The sale started on February 4 and my publisher ran several ads.


The results?


Nancy Thompson caught it late Friday night while it was still rising the charts at #194! (That’s #194 out of ALL the books on Amazon!)

I caught it the following morning at #216:

I was also on several top 100 authors lists:

(Ahead of some dude name Asimov but behind some hack named Heinlein – the nerve!)

I didn’t catch it at its peak, but it was number 1, 2, or 3 in many categories, including Space Opera, and in the top ten for Science Fiction. CassaFire’s rise also bumped up sales of the other two, CassaStar and CassaStorm, placing them on several top 100 lists.

I was blown away!!!

Huge thanks to the hundreds who posted about it, sent out Tweets, mentioned it on Google+, and commented on Facebook. (I’m not even on Facebook – that is too wild!)

Mick from EBook Bargains UK caught the ad on BookBub, and since he’d seen my comments on Anne R. Allen’s blog many times, he grabbed it and added it to nine of their country listings as well. Thanks, Mick!

Once again, my heartfelt thanks. I am blessed to be a part of such an awesome community of writers and bloggers.

Final day Tweets:

“Top Gun Meets Battlestar Galactica” Alex J. Cavanaugh’s CassaFire on sale .99 http://tinyurl.com/qaz7kxr #scifi #99cents

Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein's early fiction - Library Journal. CassaFire only .99 http://tinyurl.com/qaz7kxr

Think Brandon and Bryan’s advice rocks? Ready to take up a cat collection? (Be sure to download their new book!) Feeling anti-Valentine’s? Enjoy last week’s IWSG? And anyone else experience great success with a book at a discounted price?

Working on my manuscript this week, so no Wednesday post. But the Ninja will be lurking…

CREATIVE - 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.

CREATIVE

Ella at Ella’s Edge
This woman is a true artist. She writes, crafts, and takes photographs. Her posts are always graced with eloquent words and beautiful images. The reflect a wonderful person who is thoughtful, kinds, and in a place of peace. We’re in our third Challenge together, having made friends that first year. Ella, you’ve added grace and charm to the journey in a big way!

Robyn at Life by Chocolate
Robyn is creative with a twist. From her Saturday Census to Life in Chico to her celebration of a life of celibacy, you’ll view the world a little differently through Robyn’s eyes. She’s even creative with her chocolate! However, behind the quirk is a spirited woman with a heart of gold. Robyn, I am honored to call you my friend!

Skyrim
Wow! That’s the reaction people have as they wander through the lush environment, explore amazing caves and tombs and fight massive dragons. The snow scenes are so believable they’ll keep you cool on the warmest days. With over a hundred hours of game play this is one massively creative game.

Ninja News!

Laura Bambrey at The Daily Dodo has a new book on Amazon - 100 Blog Prompts! Those of you still looking for A to Z posts might find some ideas…

Rachel Morgan’s next book, Labyrinth, is now available. Congratulations, Rachel!

And don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post is tomorrow! Find a creative way to work it into your post. (Yes, another challenge!)

Do you know Ella and Robyn? A Skyrim junkie? Addicted to any kind of games? (Hey, I know some of you play Farmville!) Ready for the IWSG tomorrow? And who do you know who is really creative?

A to Z Challenge - L - and I won!

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...


Life by Chocolate
Robyn has a twisted sense of humor! Her posts on celibacy and life in Paradise will have you in stitches. But beneath that tough, wry appearance is a wonderful woman full of compassion. Robyn highlights the absurd aspects of life. Give her visit. Oh, and bring chocolate!

L’Aussie Writing
Denise is just a wonderful person. She defines the word ‘involved.’ She’s supportive of her writer and author friends and passionate about helping those in need. One could not ask for a better cheerleader.

Lynda at W.I.P. It had a 500 Followers Giveaway Contest – and I won a $20 Amazon gift card! Or rather, gift email. Lynda, thanks and congratulations on the milestone!

Based on a review of Save the Cat Strikes Back at Helen Ginger’s site, I selected that book. The first one had some great tips in it, so I’m looking forward to reading the new one.

Now, if I can just apply those tips to my current manuscript…