Marvel News – NetFlix and Marvel Team Up and Thor is Here! Plus Milestones, Science Fiction Book Trivia, Ninja News, and the How I Miss You Blogfest

Big Marvel News!

NetFlix and Marvel team up! From Deadline Hollywood - Diseny signed a deal with NetFlix, committing them to at least four 13-series episodes and a miniseries, The Defenders. The superheroes featured will be Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage. These series will all be Watch Nows on NetFlix. They are calling this an “unprecedented deal.” I’m calling it awesome beyond belief!

And at last – it’s THE November movie event!

Thor: The Dark World releases in the USA today.

And I am very stoked…

Review on Monday!

Milestones

Today’s post marks two milestones:

It’s my seven hundredth post.

I’ve been blogging now for four years. (Technically, my first post was November 9, 2009.)

Whoa!

Did I ever imagine where I am now? Not a chance! Three books, the IWSG, thousands of followers, so many good friends… I didn’t see any of it coming. All I knew was I had to get my butt online to promote my debut novel. Nothing could’ve prepared me for this awesome journey. I couldn’t have done it alone. Thank you everyone for sharing the journey with me. You have been one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Ninja News

Thanks to all of the IWSG participants for another amazing post day! Thanks to those who’ve responded to Wednesday’s post at the website.
And thank you for your encouragement - I will probably cut back some and start writing soon. I just don't want to let anyone down.

Missouri publisher Rocking Horse Publishing has just come out with Spirits of St. Louis, an anthology of ghost stories set in Missouri. It includes Sean McLachlan’s story "After the Raid," an offshoot of his Civil War horror novel, A Fine Likeness. Congratulations, Sean!

Kyra Lennon just released A Very Game On Christmas. Congratulations, Kyra!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster, the mad genius behind Green Eggs and Weezie, just released a collection of short stories called Friday Girls. And for the next five days, it’s free on Amazon. Congratulations, Cathy!

Cover Reveal –

Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert

NA Contemporary Romance
Release date: March 2014

As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend…

Add to Goodreads HERE

Novel Trivia!

Science fiction books this time – name the author:

1 – The Martian Chronicles 1950

2 – Dragonflight 1968

3 – Rendezvous with Rama 1972

4 – Out of the Silent Planet 1943

5 – The Puppet Masters 1951

How I Miss You Blogfest!

Hosted by Andrew Leon, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and Matthew MacNish.

The bloggers you miss and the ones you would miss.
List one to three bloggers you really miss.
List one to three bloggers you would really miss if they stopped blogging.
And then go let them know!

The bloggers I really miss…
Sadly, this could be a really long list. Melissa, Chuck, Cindy… So many of my blogger buddies have stopped blogging, either permanently or they only appear now and then. I look back four years and so many of my friends are gone. I could only pick three though…

Nancy Thompson
I was honored to supply a blurb for her book, The Mistaken, and just as grateful she gave me one for CassaStorm. We share many things in common (as we’re the same age) and she’s like the sister I never had. I’d hang with her in real life! Nancy is busy with her editing work and I really miss her online. I still want to read her next book, even though I know she’ll only torment poor Ty.

Father Dragon Al
I met Al a year ago on the recommendation of a friend, and I’ve never regretted it. Al possesses such a wise and generous spirit. Who knew dragons with dwarves were compatible with Ninjas with clones? Through our many email exchanges, I’ve come to know this gentle dragon. I see so much potential in his passionate heart. Al is currently pursuing a dream, which I completely support, so I’ll not begrudge the now infrequent postings from the dragon cave. I still miss those glimpses into his dragon heart though. Hopefully he stays with us.

Rusty Webb
He’s one of my best blogger buddies and good friend for the past three years. Rusty is an amazing writer and the most awesome critique partner. Rusty deserves a lot of the credit for the success of CassaFire and CassaStorm. We share the same passion for guitars and writing, although Rusty is light years ahead of me on both accounts. He has a wicked sense of humor, and while he’s participating in NaNo right now, I hope he returns to his blog in December. Miss you, dude!

Special mention – my co-host, Matthew
We’re only to mention three, but I have to make a special mention of my fellow blogfest and A to Z co-host. He was one of my first followers and a good friend for so many years. I miss your regular posts, man!

And those I would miss if they were gone…

Again, that would be most of you! It was really tough to narrow it down to just three….

Jeremy Hawkins
The person I would miss the most is my very best blogger buddy. We’ve followed each other for so long that I can’t recall a time when Jeremy wasn’t there. No one is more dedicated or more giving. He’d do anything in the world for his friends. Dude, I will always have your back. Should anyone ever speak ill of you, they would experience the wrath of the Ninja. We talk often through emails, but should your blog posts cease, it would feel very hollow and empty online…

Arlee Bird
Lee, you are the man. Back when I had about twenty followers, you followed me. And enticed me on a quest that would become the first A to Z Challenge. You taught me about consistency, blogfests, and friendship. You are stability, even as you throw out your ‘controversial’ topics. We see the world in a similar fashion, although you have developed more patience than I. Where I am now would not be possible if you were not a friend, and I thank you. If you stopped posting, who on earth would I visit first in the morning?

Tina Downey
My fellow A to Z co-host is a delight in more ways than she can imagine. You guys don’t get to see the exchanges between the co-hosts, but if it’s coming from Tina, I know I will get a kick out of her message every time. Despite the physical restrictions and challenges she endures, Tina is a very open and free spirit. She is the vibrant breeze on the trees, shaking the limbs and energizing the air. I never know what to expect when she posts, and that’s half the fun. Tina, you are a special lady, and I’m honored to call you my friend.

Who do you miss...?



Excited for Thor? Can you believe I’ve been blogging for four years? Excited about the new releases? Know the authors? And who do you miss or would miss…?

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D! Plus October Movie Preview, Ninja News, Christy Dorrity’s The Awakening, and a Farscape Character That Nearly Bit the Dust

I am flying high today and set for Cruising Altitude 2.0! That’s right, I am visiting DL Hammons today, the mastermind behind Write Club and the Blog Blitz. I’m talking about the Pros and Cons of Writing a Book Series, so check it out.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

For those of you who missed it, the season premier was awesome! Directed by Joss Whedon himself, it had everything you enjoyed about the Avengers. Entertainment Weekly has already viewed the next few episodes, and while not directed by Whedon, they are just as good.

The show’s strong point is its humor and more shows could learn from its example. S.H.I.E.L.D. proved you could have drama and action AND humor. It’s the perfect balance. Shows like Stargate Universe fail because they are too damn depressing. A little humor and hope goes a long way.

Yes, I am hooked and can’t wait until next week’s show!

Ninja News

Anne at O’Leary Minatures is holding her Double Triple Secret Give Away! This give away is being sponsored in part by author Patrick Hatt at It’s Rhyme Time. You can find Mr. Hatt's Amazon Writers Page HERE. Lots of cool prizes including a $50.00 Amazon gift card. Winners will be announced October 1.

Rusty Webb released a book recently – and didn’t tell anyone! My Killbot Buddy is now available – ‘An Epic Tale of an Old Man and His Killer Robot.’ The dude is an awesome writer, so pick it up!

Jennifer Lane’s latest was released this week - On Best Behavior (The Conduct Series #3) Congratulations, Jennifer!


Sarah Allen posted something for inspiration - What Movies You Should Watch features random movie trailers all the time. Awesome!

Kelly Polark’s Rockabet: Classic Edition came out this week. Kelly is one rockin’ chick!


Julie Dao posted some awesome writing and publishing tips from Wool author, Hugh Howey.

Cate Masters’ Sweet Revenge is out today! Congratulations, Cate.

Don’t forget the The Norse Gods Blogfest.is October 9! I’m co-hosting with the awesome Siv in celebration of her book, Secrets of the Ash Tree, and her birthday. Sign up HERE

My awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG will be Julie Luek, Rachna Chabria, Beverly Fox, and Ilima Todd! And there will be a major announcement next Wednesday – stay tuned!

Special Release

Awakening: Book One of The Geis by Christy Dorrity

. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth.

A thrilling debut novel based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy rife with magic, romance, and mystery.

Find Awakening - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads

Christy Dorrity lives in the mountains with her husband, five children, and a cocker spaniel. She grew up on a trout ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming, and is the author of The Geis series for young adults, and The Book Blogger’s Cookbooks. Christy is a champion Irish dancer and when she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.
Find Christy - Blog, Facebook, and Twitter

October Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming movies for October! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

4 –

Gravity
A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space.
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Stars: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris, Orto Ignatiussen
Already a big Oscar buzz for Bullock – a must see!



11 –

Captain Phillips
The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.
Director: Paul Greengrass
Stars: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed
Another film with Oscar buzz.

Machete Kills
The U.S. government recruits Machete to battle his way through Mexico in order to take down an arms dealer who looks to launch a weapon into space.
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Danny Trejo, Alexa Vega, Mel Gibson, Jessica Alba
I won’t go see it, but I will check it out on NetFlix – just because!



15 –

DVD – Pacific Rim
Giant robots versus giant monsters at home in 3D – oh yeah!

22 –

DVD – The Conjuring
If you missed it in theaters, be sure to check it out!

The Final Word…

Blastr listed eleven TV characters who were going to die until fans fell in love with them. One of them was Chiana from Farscape. She was only to last a couple episodes, but fans and the writers liked her quirkiness and she stuck around for the entire series. (Did I mention she was also sexy?)

Did you watch S.H.I.E.L.D? See some good books to pick up? Ready for the IWSG next month? Any of the October movies excite you? And what if Chiana hadn’t survived…?

Be sure to visit DL at Cruising Altitude 2.0!

Time Management Ninja Style; Movie News – Iron Man III, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and After Earth; Major Book Releases; Small Things; and the Ninja News!

Want to know how this Ninja manages his time? Then visit the awesome Rachna Chhabria at Rachna's Scriptorium today to learn a trick or two. (None of which involves clones, I promise!)

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Get Healthy Bloghop! There were some really good tips and ideas. Thanks to Stephen for inviting me and thanks to my fellow co-hosts, Diane and Michael.

Father Dragon Al gave me the Semper Fidelis Award. “I think Semper Fidelis is the motto of the navy in the US but also Mexican navy uses it. In my own life "Always faithful" means a lot to me. I'm faithful to my beliefs, my principles and to my friends.” In the interest of space (and being a rebel) I will just pass it on to last week’s YOU ROCK Award recipients, as I’ve already described why they are awesome friends.

MJ Joachim started the Blog Hopper Marathon this week. She tosses the challenges out and you have a small window of opportunity in which to respond. I won the first one: “Alex J. Cavanaugh for visiting and commenting on 25 blogs in 30 minutes in our very first Blog Hopper Marathon! Congratulations, Alex! Your prize includes being listed as the very first award recipient in our Blog Hopper Marathon Hall of Fame and being featured in a future post right here on this blog.”
Thanks, MJ! I think I hurt myself doing that…

Book Releases!!!!

Some awesome new books today and this past week:

Forged by Magic by Angela Orlowski Peart
Young Adult Fantasy
Available today!

“Forged by Magic: Origins is a collection of short stories, featuring the characters from the Forged series. This is the first of two prequels to the series. Each story is told from a different character’s point-of-view.
Find out how the Amulet and the Dasht-e Kavir have been created, and how the powers of the Universe opened the gates to other dimensions, inadvertently releasing unworldly supernatural creatures into the Human World.”

Immaterial Evidence by Milo James Fowler
Novella
Available today from Musa Publishing!

“A detective with a price on his head. An invisible criminal with nothing to lose...”

The vault door never opened. The bank went into lockdown in less than a minute. Yet the security footage was unmistakable: a hundred silver bars had simply vanished.

Ever since the city’s most dangerous crime boss put a price on his head, private investigator Charlie Madison has lived as an exile in Little Tokyo. But now an old friend and police sergeant has lured Madison back into the city to hunt down an invisible criminal—if he can.

As Madison makes his clandestine return, high-profile people start disappearing. And when federal agents swoop onto the scene to take matters into their own hands, they offer Madison a deal he can't refuse—as long as he agrees to work with them. With Japanese freedom fighters and refurbished killing machines threatening to take the world to the brink of nuclear holocaust, the United World government needs all the help it can get.

Embroiled in an unimaginable mystery, one private eye must rely on his wits to solve a case where the evidence is immaterial, and the odds are stacked high against him at every turn.

Moonsongs Anthology I by EJ Wesley

It collects the first three Moonsongs books (Blood Fugue, Witch's Nocturne, & Dark Prelude) in one volume.

Secondary Characters by Rachel Schieffelbein

“When Mabel's best friend, Amber, drags her along on a double date she finds herself falling for Lance, the obnoxious class clown whom she swore she'd have no interest in…”

Uprising (Children of the Gods #2) by Jessica Therrien

“The Descendants have waited long enough for freedom…”

And Jessica will be visiting the Ninja Army soon on her tour!

The Spirit of Nimue by Donna Hosie
Available today!

“Natasha Roth and her older brother, Arthur, have removed the magical darkness that had fallen over the land of Logres. But all actions have consequences…”

Going Home by Rusty Webb

The tale of one of the last human soldiers left after an alien invasion.

From Rusty:
“Every dime I make in book sales this month goes towards helping young Ben Wolverton, the teenage child of Author David Wolverton that had a skateboarding accident that left him with about $1,000,000 in medical bills.”

Celebrating the Small Things

VikLit’s “Celebrating the Small Things” is today. I’m celebrating a successful bloghop, nailing a recent band performance, and some time away from the Internet this week.

Movie News

Iron Man III is fifth on the All-Time World-Wide Box Office chart with 1.15 billion dollars. It’s supposed to surpass Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows II but not The Avengers.

There are now sixteen films that have made over a billion dollars.




From JoBlo’s Site, one of the first images of Sebastian Stan in his Winter Soldier costume:

Captain America: The Winter Soldier picks up where The Avengers left off, as Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C.
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson, and Robert Redford, it hits theaters on April 4, 2014.

The reviews are in for After Earth:

“Had the ad mentioned him, it probably would have said, ‘An M. Night Shyamalan film. Sorry.’” – Matt Pais, RedEye

“After Earth is no Titan AE.” – William Bibbiani, CraveOnline

“They set out to make a sci-fi film with the power to change the way you look at your fellow man. And they made one that just made me want to leave this planet that much sooner.” – Brian Tallerico, HollywoodChicago

Yeah, I think we’ll be skipping that one this weekend…

Did you gather some healthy tips on Wednesday? Picking up any of the new books this week? Excited for the next Captain America or contribute to Iron Man III’s box office? And are you watching a movie this weekend? (Presumably not After Earth…)

Don’t forget to visit Rachna's Scriptorium for time management Ninja tricks!

2013 Academy Awards - Nominations and Predictions, Ninja News, and Questions Regarding Blog Visits and Writing

2013 Oscar Nominations and Predictions

Most of you have seen the list of nominees, so I’ll just focus on a couple categories and my predictions. And if you thought my Super Bowl predictions were suspect…

As for overall nominations, Lincoln leads the pack with twelve. Life of Pi is next with eleven, then Argo with seven, and Django Unchained with five. Even The Hobbit has three nominations. And might I add it’s rare I like so many of the nominations. That will make some of the categories even more difficult.

Best Visual Effects has three likely candidates out of five - The Hobbit, The Avengers, and Life of Pi. I’d be happy with any of them winning, but I’m giving the edge to Life of Pi for the amazing CGI tiger.

For Best Cinematography, I’m going with Django Unchained.

Best Animated Film doesn’t really have a strong contender, so it’s anyone’s game.

For Best Director, Steven Spielberg for Lincoln. (And Ben Affleck was robbed – no nomination for Argo here.)

In the category of Best Supporting Actor, we have five strong entries, most notably Alan Arkin from Argo, Tommy Lee Jones from Lincoln, and Christoph Waltz from Django Unchained. Again, I’d be happy with any of them, but edge goes to Waltz for his captivating performance.

For Best Actor, no contest - Daniel Day-Lewis. He WAS Lincoln.

I’ve seen four of the nine Best Picture nominees - Lincoln, Argo, Life of Pi, and Django Unchained. And here is my big prediction – Lincoln is going to sweep most of the categories, including this one. If Lincoln starts gaining momentum early, and especially if Spielberg wins Best Director, then Best Picture is a lock.

The last time I was right in my Best Picture prediction was 2007 and No Country For Old Men, so I think I’m due!

What are your predictions?

Ninja News

ML Swift started the The Progressive Book Club: A unique blog hop that's an online book club and meets the third Wednesday of every month. Visit his site for details.

My publisher always keeps me updated as to which Science Fiction Conventions they are sending promotional materials for bags and giveaways. And I had to laugh at the one coming up next weekend – Rusty, dude, you have your own Con! Rustycon is January 18-20 at the SeaTac Marriott Hotel in Seattle, WA. I think Rusty should get free admission and special VIP treatment…

Questions and Ponderings

Usually my posts are so full of news and announcements I don’t get time for this stuff!

How does everyone visit blogs?

Through Google Reader? Your blogroll? Comments from the previous day?

I start with my blogger buddies folder in Google Reader, then check a couple other folders, and then check comments for someone I missed. (Sometimes it takes me until the second day to visit commenters.)

Thanks to those who visited my discussion on outlining with M. Pax on Wednesday. There were a couple interesting questions and I’d like to boggle your minds with my answers.

Nancy Thompson asked: I’m curious how you write outline. Is it handwritten or done on the computer? Is it free firm or true outline style? How many pages of outline are typical & how many pages of text do you produce from a page of outline?

First one is handwritten, and then the remaining versions are on the computer so I can add to them. Free form. Printed out, my outlines are three to five pages long. And the outline for CassaStorm was over four pages and produced 82,000 words, so I guess around 20,000? Maybe I need to write even longer outlines…

Johanna Garth asked this after reading that I don’t name secondary characters until later: So now I’m curious how the characters are referenced in the first draft. By letters, numbers??

By blanks. Lots and lots of blanks! Yes, it’s interesting when I finally do select names (usually just before my test readers and critique partners see it) and try to place them in the correct spots…

And if that doesn’t puzzle you, here’s another one – I don’t divide my manuscripts into chapters until the very end. Yes, I send them to my publisher that way – sans chapters. (To my credit, there are breaks!)

Anybody else wait until the last minute to divide up a manuscript?

What are your Oscar predictions this year? How many of the nominees have you seen? Joining the Progressive Book Club? Going to Rustycon? How do you visit blogs? And anyone else share my strange writing style?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Ninja News, and How to Set up a Blogfest

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.

And this month I have two awesome co-hosts helping - LG Keltner and CM Brown! Be sure to visit them and say thanks for their willingness to help.

Since many of you are in the middle of NaNo, thought I’d give you a word of encouragement. Maybe you’re thinking your writing sucks at this point. Maybe you’re terrified to let anyone see the mess you just wrote. If you’re feeling down, I am here to amuse. Actually, I’m not that funny, so I’ll let Rusty Webb and Cassie Mae entertain you. If you’re worried about what others will say about your work, consider this wonderful feedback I received on CassaStorm:

“…we destroyed their main supply forty years ago.” - Oh my gosh. Is this how you spell this??? I’ve been writing my checks wrong for years!

…her hips twisting in an enticing fashion. - Oh the butt wiggle! Works every time

…you’ll be damned grateful we’re here! - I’m still not ready to get into in any detail. At the pace I’m going I’ll get these notes to you about six months after the book is released

“Dreams and more. Their brains processed information and increased in knowledge during the trip to Tgren.” - I wish a computer would make me smarter while I slept.

Because tonight I need you. - Bow chicka bow wow!

If he choked down just one more, he might satisfy his mother enough she would excuse him from the table. - Oh God, I have so many memories just like this. Seriously.

From the olkajhfdjnqlmdfnfqwhjnd;ocnther reports… - Ack! Sorry, baby butt on the computer! And I tried to delete it but he must’ve butt pressed another button that’s doing something funky. So… um, ignore this!

Athee didn’t possess the authority to interfere. - Whatever. That gives her all authority, lol.

Oh, and this is session number two, I think somewhere around comment number 20 I switched over to another day. I know, for you it seems like only seconds, but for me it’s been days. It’s like time travel, except for this is a much lamer version without causality violations.

At least I accomplished something today, he thought. - For someone who doesn’t have children, you sure know how to write heart-wrenching father /mother/ son moments. Now I don’t have an excuse to write something crappy just cuz I don’t know how it is, lol.

Her son needed help, but if Byron had ordered for evacuation preparations… - Dude, they just need to do it! All this crap, a good romp in the sheets will take their minds off it.

She held her breath, resisting the urge to look out the canopy. - Sorry, in all my ranting and complaining I forgot to mention that his is really well written. It’s tense, it’s exciting, and it’s awesome.

I think you guys will be all right!

Be sure to visit others participating in the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Ninja News

The fourth book in Michael Abayomi’s fantasy series, Guardians & The Lost Paradise, is out now – The Shadow. Congratulations, Michael!

Liz Fichera received her review copies this week and is holding a giveaway for three signed copies! See her site for details.

Talli Roland’s latest book, a Christmas novella aclled Mistletoe in Manhattan, is available now!

Jessica Bell’s next book, Show & Tell in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Telling to Showing, will be out soon! I know I’m buying a copy. (If I don’t, my critique partners will send me one anyway.)

Rachel Morgan just launched The Faerie Guardian, which is the compilation of four of her Creepy Hallow novelettes. Congratulations, Rachel!

Setting up a Blogfest

Since several people have asked me, I decided to give you guys some tips for putting together a blogfest. Hosting blogfests are a great way to get involved in the blogging community and a lot of fun. There’s extra work if you are the host, but there’s also benefits. Here’s a checklist for organizing a great blogfest:

• Select awesome theme
• Select date – Be mindful of other events in the blogging world. Monday-Wednesday-Fridays work best
• Design a cool button
• Write a short and simple description – Trust me on that one!
• Create a Linky Code and require emails – Post it somewhere on your blog so you can enter your name (and co-hosts) and then remove until you’re ready to announce the blogfest
• Announce a month before the date of the blogfest
• Remind people at least once a week and have button in sidebar with link to original announcement
• A few days before the blogfest, send out an email reminder – Be sure to send it to yourself with everyone else as a BBC. Not everyone wants to share their email address with the world
• Compose your post with all the information, your entry, and the link, and schedule it to go live early
• Visit everyone who participates
• Note those who don’t and remove their links the next day. (If you’re really ambitious, add the direct links in the Linky List. Yes, I do this. Call me anal.)
• Thank everyone in your next post.

Any questions? And if you don’t have a Linky Tools subscription, let me know and I’ll create a Linky List for you.

What is your insecurity for the day? Excited about all the new books? Any questions about setting up a blogfest? And did this post make you smile? (I always aim to amuse!)

Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest, Ninja News, and Are You A Depressed Writer?

Today is the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest!

But before we dive into all the great new reads…

Ninja News

Today’s Special Challenge Participant Feature at the A to Z Blog is one of my very best friends on the Internet, the incredibly talented writer and artist – Rusty Webb! He posted a new illustration every day for the Challenge. Be sure to check out his awesome work and learn more about the man behind the insanity of an illustration a day…

Jeremy Bates is hosting the Halloween Hop Blogfest October 28-31. See his site for details and to sign up.

Kyra Lennon just revealed the cover for her next book, Blindsided!


Great news for Roland Yeomans! Second Avenue Second Hand Shop Anthology accepted his short story, PICTURE IMPERFECT and Open Doors 2 Anthology accepted his short story, THREE GOLDILOCKS AND A BEAR.

From Jeremy at Retro Zombie:

Howlin' Wolf Records & Jason Comerford present a 3rd season of 13 CHILLS: Commentary, PRIZES, and good ole October Mayhem. Leave a comment, read a little something interesting and win some prizes!

Lynn Rush’s new novel came out this week!

Violet Midnight, by Lynn Rush

New Adult Paranormal Romance

Let the Hunt begin…

Find it on Amazon Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.


Congratulations, Lynn!

The Depressed Writer

Elise Fallson had an interesting post on Tuesday – “Writing: A Vocation of Unhappiness.” She asked “Do you think it's possible to become a good writer without enduring the bouts of internal turmoil and depression?”

I supposed authors are always portrayed as tortured souls, but are they all miserable? I won’t ever claim to be a really good writer, but I’ve enjoyed a pretty good life. I’ve always been even-keeled and right now I’m at peace with every aspect of my world. I don’t have high highs or low lows, so I’ve never sunk to the depths of depression. I’ll grumble through a first draft (as that’s my least favorite aspect) but nothing about my writing makes me miserable.

Am I the only one? Does that make me really odd? Or just really blessed? (Or is it a sign I really should pursue music instead? Wait, those people are supposed to be tortured as well. Crap.)

Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest!

Post about a book you’ve noticed. You can choose a book that you’ve read, something you saw on a blog or social media site, Goodreads, or a sales website. Anything that caught your eye because of a great cover, blurb or reviews, but DON’T tell the author that their book has been noticed. Instead, shout out on social media sites, and encourage others to do the same, until the author finds his/her book.

Leave a blog comment at Ninja Captain Alex’s BLOG or Ciara Knight’s BLOG when the author finds their book.

Only two rules:
1) You can’t post about your own book.
2) The book shouldn’t be on the New York Times or USA Today bestseller list.
This is your chance to shout out about a book that might not have been noticed by others.

Since I’m always checking Amazon rankings (especially Amazon UK, as both of my books have been bouncing around the top one hundred of science fiction for six months now) I decided to check out the books my readers have also purchased. That’s when I found this book:

Ep.#1 - "Aurora: CV-01" (The Frontiers Saga) by Ryk Brown

Description:

Episode 1

A world recovering from a devastating plague…
A brutal enemy threatening invasion…
A young man seeking to escape the shadow of his father…
A ship manned by a crew of fresh academy graduates…
A top-secret experimental propulsion system…
A questionable alliance with a mysterious green-eyed woman…

What destiny has in store for the crew of the UES Aurora, is far greater than any of them could ever imagine. And this is only the beginning…

All of the episodes have a four star rating and sound like great reads. The book can also be found at Amazon and Goodreads.

I noticed your book, Ryk! Now, will you notice that I noticed…?

Don’t forget to visit others participating in the blogfest:



Some great new books, news, and contests – anything strike your fancy? Are you a depressed or happy writer? (And if I’m the only happy writer then we need to throw a party or something!) Have you discovered any great books lately? Don’t forget – if the author notices that you posted about his book, leave a comment and let us know!

And don’t forget to visit Rusty at the A to Z Blog!

And come back on Friday for a very special HUGE party and celebration!

IWSG Help Needed, Ninja News, Rachel Morgan’s Faerie Guardian, Guitar Playing Ninja, and Horror Movie Trivia!

IWSG Help Request

The posts for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group were beyond amazing this month! So many uplifting, positive posts. And your comments encouraging me to continue writing were very much appreciated. The one that really made me laugh came from Edi – “I think with your first book a dream came true. Then you have been so polite to write two more for your fans.”

However, it has come to my attention that it’s impossible for me to visit every participant. (Yes, even with clones – I wore them out on Wednesday.) When you add up the close to three hundred participants, plus my regular blogging buddies, it’s just too much for me.

So I am asking for help!

I need two co-hosts every month. This will be a one-shot deal, so you only have to do it for one Wednesday. But I need someone to visit the blogs in the lower middle of the list and someone to visit the new participants at the end. This would mean an extra twenty to twenty-five blogs.

If you are interested in co-hosting in November, let me know! This Ninja has finally hit his limit. And I still can’t find a teleporter to send me back for a few extra hours…

Ninja News!

DL Hammon’s Write Club continues, pitting one short story against another – have you been following the contest and voting?

Friday October 5 only – Patsy Collins’ publisher is offering her book as a free download! Get your copy of Escape to the Country at Amazon US or Amazon UK.

Rusty Webb has a new book out – War Angels! Get it now at Amazon. Trust me, the dude can write!

October 5 only - "Part Six: The Man with No Eyes." of Andrew Leon’s Shadow Spinner is free! Got to Amazon to get your copy now.
Note cool artwork is also done by one Rusty Webb.

Today is Christine Rains’ birthday! And she’s hosting a birthday bash. Happy birthday, Christine – you rock!


We watched Cabin in the Woods again the other night. I stand by original review – the movie is hilarious and the ending bat-shit crazy.

And I have some really awesome guests coming up in the next few weeks. October 19 is also a special day, so be sure to stop by for the awesomeness.

Cover Reveal and a Giveaway!

The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan

Release date: November 5, 2012
Add on Goodreads

Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian…

This novel was originally published in four separate parts: Guardian, Labyrinth, Traitor, and Masquerade. It includes bonus scenes at the end.

The bonus scenes at the end of the book are NOT written from the main character's point of view. If you'd like to win a $10 Amazon gift card, all you have to do is guess whose point of view these scenes are written from! Head on over to the cover reveal post at Rachel Morgan Writes and fill in the Rafflecopter form. There's a list of characters there that you can choose from. Good luck!

The Guitar Playing Ninja

Many of you have asked about my guitar playing. And yes, there will be an opportunity to hear me in December. (You’ll find out about that on November 19.)

Several asked about the band and what I play. On my own, I play a lot of progressive rock. Not well, as I’ve only been doing it for six years. But I can play a couple Rush and Mastodon songs. With the band I play contemporary Christian and a few contemporary rock songs. And it’s a rush. Nothing like performing God’s music in front of a crowd.

Horror Movie Trivia!

Since it is October! Name the movie from the quote.

1 – Be afraid. Be very afraid.

2 – I will not be threatened by a walking meatloaf!

3 – I met this 6-year-old child, with this blank, pale, emotionless face and the blackest eyes… the devil’s eyes.

4 – Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.

5 – Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep.

Anyone up for helping me co-host the IWSG next month? See some new books you like? Still want to hear me shred on the guitar? (In ten years, maybe!) Know the horror trivia quotes? Any big plans for the weekend?