Hawkeye Joins Civil War Cast, Arrow and JLA, What Are the Kargrandes, Movie Soundtrack Trivia, Mini-Alex, and Ninja News

I am over at the A to Z Challenge Blog today with a ‘Getting to Know Your Co-Hosts’ segment. Still time to sign up for the Challenge! We’re also hosting Twitter chats every Thursday.

Movie News

Hawkeye will be in Captain America: Civil War

From two sources -

JoBlo announced that Renner is scheduled to shoot Civil War next spring:If true, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is going to be one jam-packed film. The confirmed cast already includes Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, and Chadwick Boseman in his first appearance as Black Panther.

And from Cinema Blend: While the bulk of Steve Rogers' team has already been confirmed for the third Cap installment, it wasn't until nowthat we got confirmation that Hawkeye will also show face.

According to io9, DC is creating a Justice League in the Arrow universe: With the announcement that the CW is expanding its superhero show roster with an Atom/Firestorm/Black Canary team-up show, it looks like we might finally be getting something Smallville tried (and ultimately failed) to do: Create the Justice League on television.


 

And finally, now that we are into March, we can list the top films of 2014:
Transformers: Age of Extinction - $1,091.4 million (no idea why!)
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - $954.5 million (still making money)
Guardians of the Galaxy - $774.2 million

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is clue number nine – new clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? Ninth clue – can you guess? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes #scifi @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? Are they connected to the Dragon? Solve the mystery by April 7! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

The Thunderclap campaign went live late Wednesday morning! If you missed it, please sign up to announce the release of Dragon through Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr. I am at the halfway point and need more commitments for the Thunderclap to happen. If you can share my campaign, I’d greatly appreciate it. Would really suck to miss it by just a couple sign ups.

JC’s Book Haven also had a really nice review up last Friday.

Ninja News

Editor Dianne Gunn is this Wednesday’s guest at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Milo James Fowler posted about a new site for both authors and readers - Quarter Reads. The short stories are basically .25 cents each and the author sees .22 cents of that. Milo has a huge list of stories available HERE. Sounds like a great opportunity for short story writers!

Donna McDine announced a very special library drive:
Numerous studies from both government and the private sector provide clear evidence that early reading skills are an investment in a child's future. Early reading skill development dramatically affects the quality of life for children as they grow into adulthood. Sadly, a recent article by Carole Dickerson on the Journal Standard website quoted a local social worker who stated that many of the parents in the homes she visits do not own a single children's book.
This is quite shocking to me and in response, I am announcing a children's book drive within my county to support the Rockland County Department of Social Services. I encourage other authors of children's books to do the same or if you have gentle used children's books to please donate to the book drive.

A to Z Challenge Minions urgently needed!
The following co-hosts still need a few more Minions:
Jeremy Hawkins (He only has one!!)
Joy Campbell
Heather Gardner
Zalka Csenge Virág
Susan Gourley
Matthew Rush

Jack Lewis Baillot is hosting a WWII themed contest and giveaway! See her site for details.

Out now –
Song Remains the Same from Tony Laplume
The second volume from his Mouldwarp Press Presents anthology series.
Find it in paperback and eBook on Amazon

Mini-Alex

Mini-Alex soaks up some afternoon sun with his best Dragon friend.

Trivia – Movie Soundtracks

I’ve listed the song, artist, and year – name the movie!

1 – Ratt – Body Talk, 1986
2 – Queensryche – Real World, 1993
3 – U2 – Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, 1995
4 – AC/DC – Who Made Who, 1986
5 – Journey – Open Arms, 1981
6 – Guns ‘n’ Roses – You Could Be Mine, 1991
7 – Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son, 1977
8 – Extreme – Play With Me, 1989

Answers on Monday!

Have you figured out the Kargrandes yet? Can you help with the book drive or as a Challenge Minion? Know any of the trivia answers? Excited Hawkeye will be in the next Captain America? And can you help with the Thunderclap campaign…? (I’m willing to grovel.)

Be sure to visit the A to Z Challenge Blog.

House of Cards Review, Game of Thrones in Legos, Mini-Alex, IWSG, Movie Trivia, and Ninja News!

The IWSG is all over today!

The wonderful Karen Lang asked several questions about the IWSG, and I am a guest on her blog today.

For those of you who want to know more about the IWSG and what it can offer to writers, I am also a guest of Lori’s at How to Write Shop. This site is one of the many great resources listed at the IWSG, so come for my guest post and stay for the valuable information Lori offers!

House of Cards – Season Two

The next season of the NetFlix original series is available now and it did not take me long to devour it.
Season two follow’s Kevin Spacey’s character, Francis Underwood, as he maneuvers his way through DC, crushing everything in his path.
Just when you don’t think the show can get any darker or more twisted, House of Cards finds new ways to unsettle you. It’s like a train wreck – fascinating to watch.
By the end of the second season, I had just one thought – the only way this will all ultimately make sense is if Underwood’s revealed to be the antichrist.
And I really hope and pray DC really doesn’t operate like this!

Mini-Alex

On the copier!

I wouldn’t let him use the clone machine, so he tried to improvise.

Didn’t really work though.



And now I have all these copies of his butt…

Real Alex News

I’m still making progress on my current manuscript, although not at the speed I would like. I really am a slow and lazy writer. Will take part of this week off to work on the story. I might actually finish the first draft by the first week of March!

I’ve also prepared almost all of my A to Z Challenge posts! I’ll continue to add to them, but the Challenge portion is ready. (When you see the first one, you’ll understand.) I always prepare them before the Challenge begins, but I’ve never been this far ahead of the game! (And if you haven’t signed up yet, please join us!)

Haven’t been to a movie in a while, but excited that Thor: The Dark World and Gravity come out on Tuesday. Both will be available in 3D Blu-ray, which is just awesome!

The Epic 2000 Followers Giveaway is just a few followers away from ending! If you’ve never clicked the Google Friends Connect, now is a great time to do so.

And sad to see the Olympics come to an end. Always a lot of fun to watch.

Ninja News

Available now - Confessions of a Sex Fiend: A View to Ecstasy by Rayven Godchild, a.k.a. Angela Brown.

Available now – Pale Moonlight by Tony Laplume, an epic vision of vampire literature.

Cover reveal – Bloodlust by Nicole Zoltack

Bloodlust is a NA epic fantasy with a hint of forbidden love when Barbarian-Princess Ivy makes an alliance with the despicable Lukor the goliath in a desperate attempt to save her race from extinction.

Cover reveal – Vampire Lies by RaShelle Workman

Eyes like violet sapphires. Wings of smoldering fire.
Consume your true love's blood.
Become the Eternal Vampire.

Cover reveal – Blood Crown by Ali Cross.

WormFest is in a couple weeks!



And for those of you who are fans of Game of Thrones – The Red Wedding in Legos, courtesy of MsMariah at A Space Blogyssey.
Don’t look if you haven’t seen this insane scene from season three yet!

(From the Huffington Post. )

Movie Trivia

Name the actor/actress who provides the voice!

1 – Title character from The Iron Giant, 1999

2 – Z from Antz, 1998

3 – Title character from Puss in Boots, 2011

4 – Moses from Prince of Egypt, 1998

5 – Sulley from Monsters, Inc., 2001

6 – Rocky from Chicken Run, 2000

7 – Fozzie Bear from Muppets From Space, 1999

8 – Emperor Kuzco from The Emperor’s New Groove, 2000

Answers next Monday!

Anyone else watching House of Cards? Working on a manuscript? (Hopefully writing faster than me!) Working on your A to Z Challenge posts? Ready for some new books? Know any of the trivia? And where should Mini-Alex go next…?

Be sure to visit Karen Lang today!

CD Coffelt and Selfish Writers, Gravity Review, the IWSG and Why I’m Not on Facebook, and the Ninja News

Today I welcome Wilder Mage author, CD Coffelt from Spirit Called!

Writers are Selfish Cusses - Huntress

Have you ever noticed how self-centered we are? The writers in this forum and all other writerly venues?

Yes. Even Alex. *gasp of horror*

What evidence do I have? Why do I commit this blasphemy? Here is the proof:

Writers, bloggers, agents, editors, and published authors all help the people just starting out. They give their time, experience, and expertise. They show them how to format their manuscript, write a query, and create scenes and hooks. They improve a newbies’ grammar, style, and critique their work. They promote book covers and new releases.

Why?

“Light bulb.” – Gru, Despicable Me

It’s because we’re greedy. All of us. From me up the line. Insatiable. From Alex to Stephen King, Jim Butcher, and nearly every author who has made it to the top.

We help the up-and-comer, the ones just starting out, give them hope, and encourage the ones just rejected. We aid them in all their endeavors for One Reason Only.

Because we love to read.

Molding the new writer into Published Author is the best way we know how to create new reading material.

We just want more good books to read.

Looking out for our own self-interests, that’s all.

*tongue firmly in cheek*

Wilder Mage, by Huntress aka CD Coffelt, an Amazon Best Seller

The earthquake wasn’t his fault. Not this time.

Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Musa Publishing, and Goodreads

Ninja News

Pat Hatt is this month’s featured Challenge participant at the A to Z Blog. Find out how Pat and his cat rhymed their way through the Challenge.

Milo James Fowler and Tony Laplume both have a story featured in The Kennedy Curse. Congratulations, guys! Find it on Amazon.

Ella had her butterfly garland featured in the current issue of Somerset Life. Congratulations, Ella!

A J Walker’s The Maze of Mist is available now! You can find it on Amazon. He’s also like to thank everyone who weighed in on the cover art last week.


The very awesome Robyn at Life by Chocolate posted photos of the swag package she won here a couple weeks ago. Robyn, you rock, and so glad that you were the winner!

Second Avenue, Second Hand is now out! This collection of short stories was put together by Wendy Tyler Ryan and features Roland Yeomans, Donna Hole, Stuart Sharp, and others. Congratulations, everyone!

Eye of the Soul by Terri Rochenski comes out today! Congratulations, Terri. First of many books.

And today Stephen Tremp is revealing the cover for his next book, Escalation. This is the third and final book in his Chase Manhattan series. Congratulations, Stephen – looks awesome!

Movie Review

Gravity
Staring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as two astronauts trying to survive after an accident leaves them stranded in space.
Ninety minutes is the perfect run time for this tense film. Nothing could be scarier than stranded in space and pelted by debris.
The visuals are beyond incredible. (Oscar winner for sure.) Never has a film captured the essence of space so well. There is also something fascinatingly beautiful about watching a space station being shattered. The sound is also minimal, exactly what you’d expect in space.
Bullock is excellent as the medical engineer turned astronaut, and her reactions are what you’d expect during someone’s first trip into space. She has moments of panic, denial, and despair, fighting oxygen deprivation while clinging to her training.
The character building is minimal and the film occasionally feels a little cold. But you are invested in Bullock’s character and on the edge of your seat as she fights to survive.
For those of you who suffer motion sickness, there is one spinning scene you won’t want to watch!
A must-see in 3D and in the theater.
Highly recommend.

IWSG’s Future and Why I’m Not on Facebook

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group website continues to grow, as does the Facebook Group. That has led to several people asking if I will be joining Facebook.

My answer – no.

I have my own personal reasons why I’ve never joined. I’ve heard enough complaints about Facebook’s privacy issues and time suck capabilities that I’ve avoided it. I was also warned to limit my social sites to two-three maximum. I’ve chosen blogging, Twitter, and Google+. (Plus there is Goodreads.) It is all I can do to maintain those, especially now that we’ve launched the IWSG site. There simply isn’t time for me to do more – I barely have time to practice my guitar, let alone write.

Truth is, the Facebook page is running just fine without me! Several of the admins have taken the group and run with it, planning a schedule, approving members, and answering questions.

I want both sites to be self-sufficient and continue to grow and expand beyond me. The IWSG is really important to me and I want it to benefit writers long after I am gone. (And nobody panic – the Ninja is not leaving anytime soon!)

Today my post at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website talks about the importance of the group and the site and where it is headed. I also ask the question – what does the IWSG mean to you?

Are writers selfish cusses? Did you follow Pat during the Challenge? Think Stephen’s cover rocks? Did you see Gravity? And is it all right if the Ninja avoids Facebook?

Visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website and let me know what the group means to you…

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!

How Do You Follow Blogs? Plus Sharknado at the Ballgame, Video Game Trivia, and Ninja News

Ninja News

Nothing like scrolling through blog post titles on Feedly and seeing this - We Love Ninja Captain Alex! Thank you so much, Sheena-kay. That really caught me by surprise. I’ll try to live up to your kind words!

The Goodreads giveaway for CassaStorm ended Monday, and when I forwarded the winners to my publisher, I noticed two of my blogger buddies had won a copy - Sarah Ahiers, JA Bennett, and Tony Laplume. Congratulations, guys!

The next posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is in two weeks on August 7! My awesome co-hosts will be M. Pax, Karen Walker, and Melissa Maygrove.

Don’t forget the Anti-Blogfest Gary Fest! Short and simple – name three blogfests you’d never participate in. Sign up HERE.

Sharknado Invades Baseball!

It’s everywhere, including the President’s Race! For the first part, keep your eyes on the big screen until the action moves into view.

How Are You Blog Following Now?

How do most of you follow blogs? Has it changed since the death of Google Reader?

I’ve noticed a slowdown in followers via Google Friends Connect this summer. I have that option, plus Feedly, Bloglovin’, Linky Followers, and email in my sidebar. (My blogger profile isn’t linked to my Google+ profile, or I’d have that option in place as well.)

I’m wondering if people aren’t just skipping GFC now? I have several bloggers I follow that way but pulling up their profile reveals they’ve never followed me through GFC. They comment here all the time though, so they're following me somehow.

If the blogger has GFC, I still click to follow, and then go add their link to my Feedly Reader.

Are you guys still using GFC? Using something else instead?

Video Game News and Trivia!

Video games Need for Speed, Assassin’s Creed, Warcraft, and Angry Birds are all coming soon to the big screen – films are in the works.

And on that note, here’s some video game trivia for you:

1 - What is the best-selling iPhone game?

2 - How many Pokemon films have been made?

3 - What’s the highest grossing movie based on a video game?

4 - What is the longest running video game franchise still being made?

Ready for the IWSG and Anti-Blogfest next month? Surprised by the Sharknado craze? Know any of the trivia? And how do you follow blogs?