CassaStar on Audio and Giveaway, Suicide Squad Review, Best Writing Support Network, and Ninja News

CassaStar Available as an Audio Book!

I got the news from my publisher last Wednesday afternoon – CassaStar is now available as an audio book!

It is really wild to hear someone read my book. The narrator did a great job with both story and getting the names right. (If you’ve ever wondered how Ernx is pronounced, he nails it.) And of course, nothing highlights mistakes or growth as a writer more than hearing the story. It’s all good though.

To purchase or hear a sample:
iTunes, Amazon, and Audible

To celebrate, I have two copies of CassaStar on audio to give away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where to Find the Best Support Network for Your Writing by Stephanie Faris

I remember the first time I sat in a room with other writers. I could finally talk to real people who did exactly what I enjoyed doing. Those were the pre-Internet days, so it was in-person meetings or nothing.

Soon after, Windows 95 came out and everyone had a computer. I discovered the Internet not long after joining Romance Writers of America. There was no Facebook or Twitter but RWA had listservs. All day, you had these interesting posts coming into your email. I learned so much in those early years but most importantly, I felt like I was a part of a community.

There are so many options for writers now, it can be difficult to figure out exactly where you fit. In the blogosphere, there are thousands of aspiring writers but how do you find them? One of the best things an aspiring novelist can do is join the Insecure Writers Support Group, which requires you to post the first Wednesday of every month. Browse the sign-up list and read other blogs on that day and chances are, at least a few aspiring writers will check out your blog, as well.

If you write in a specific genre, you may find forums and Facebook groups specific to that industry. For children’s writers, there’s a closed group called Children’s Authors and Illustrators on Facebook. Romance writers will find Romance Writers, Readers, Bloggers, & Reviewers, which is also on Facebook. If you don’t see a group specific to your interests, ask around on Twitter and someone will likely have a suggestion.

But for those starting out, I can’t speak highly enough about the in-person experience. Check Meetup.com for a writer’s group near you. Also join professional organizations that represent your genre (RWA, SCBWI, Mystery Writers of America) and check for local chapters that meet.

It may take a while to find your group but once you do, you’ll be well on your way to being a happy writer. You’ll be amazed how much better it feels to write when you can vent your frustrations to someone who understands.

Stephanie Faris is celebrating the release of Piper Morgan Joins the Circus and Piper Morgan in Charge!

Suicide Squad Review

Not a perfect film, but a lot of fun.
It begins after the death of Superman and group of criminals are pulled together as a desperate line of defense. Will Smith heads up the gang as Deadshot, providing a strong performance and a human connection. So does Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, adding a bold and touching quality to the crazy. Jared Leto takes the Joker role and makes it his own. And the Enchantress is one creepy character.
Lots of action and a much lighter tone than Batman v Superman makes for a fun ride. While the Suicide Squad is comprised of anti-hero villains, this isn’t Deadpool – like the comic, it’s very much PG-13. Where the film does suffer is its scattershot editing. I have a feeling the director’s cut of this one will also be better.
Internet conspiracy theorists started a rumor that Disney is paying reviewers to write negative reviews for DC properties. If you go to Rotten Tomatoes, the average difference between user ratings and critics is 10-20%. For Suicide Squad, it’s almost 50% - users 74% and critics 26%. (Batman v Superman is just as lopsided.) Over at the IMDB, it’s the same lopsided story. So, you have to wonder if the rumor is true… (And despite the critical hate, the film shattered the August opening record with $130+ billion dollars.)
A little uneven but quirky and quite fun. Unlike ID: Resurgence, I do want to see this one again! Recommended.

Ninja News

Today’s Themes That Rocked the Challenge feature at the A to Z Blog is Cherdo on the Flipside and her awesome theme of Favorite Characters, Favorite Lines.

New release:
What is Life?
An anthology by GB Miller



Thanks to everyone who participated in the IWSG last week and my awesome co-hosts. I can’t get to everyone, but I do try to visit those who visit me and the new members.
September 7 is the next post date and we’ll be announcing the IWSG Anthology Contest details!

Do you have a support network for your writing? Have you seen Suicide Squad? Ready for the IWSG Anthology Contest announcement? Are your books in audio? And who wants to hear how Ernx is pronounced in CassaStar…?