Being Humorous with The Vanished Knight! Plus Monster Movie Trivia, Haunted Castles, Man with the Iron Fist Movie Review, Cover Challenge, and Ninja News

Today I welcome the awesome Misha Gericke! And I may have stressed her a little with my request for snark. Let’s see how she did!

Be Humorous!

“Be humorous”, Alex said. “Humor always goes over well with the ninja crowd.” Do you have any idea how nervous this is making me. For one thing, I’m going to bust my chops and the ninjas won’t laugh.

Ninjas don’t laugh. Didn’t you know?

And even if they have a super secret sort of giggle, it’ll be too soft for human ears to hear. So… I guess the question is… If a ninja laughs in the blogosphere and I don’t hear it, am I ever funny?

Really though, writing humor gives me the heevie jeevies. It’s… sort of like… going into a room half naked. Anyone else know what I mean? I guess it’s because I know my sense of humor. It’s like 90% pure chocolate: dark, dry, a little bitter and absolutely wicked. Problem is, no matter how hard one tries, chocolate never really translates into writing. Same thing with what I think is funny. Not to say that my books are humorless. I believe there has to be bits of humor in all stories. Even fantasies with a possessed girl, a jackass (or fourteen), a nutty old man, a quiet kid, a heroic sociopath (or so people think, although I’m never sure if they’re right on the heroic or the sociopath side) and a half elf.

It’s easier then. My characters have senses of humor, and they make silly mistakes. And more often than not, I don’t plan any of it. The magic just happens, seemingly out of the ether. That, I’m comfortable with. Making the magic, not so much.

So… In the interest of humor, I thought I’d share a Nordian joke from Gawain in The Vanished Knight. *Clears throat*
What do you get if you tie two Merithians together? An irritation.
What do you get if you tie two Larisian Elves together? A headache. Unless you drown them.
What do you get if you tie two Ladrians together? Wait? You mean they’d notice?
What do you get if you tie two Nordian Saints together? Your hand back. Severed from your arm, of course.

Doo dum tsss!

Yeah… You’d need to read the book to get it. And in case you’re curious…

Purchase The Vanished Knight: Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, All Romance Reads, Amazon France, and Amazon Germany

M. Gerrick (AKA Misha Gericke) has basically created stories since before she could write. Many of those stories grew up with her and can be seen in her current projects. She lives close to Cape Town, with a view over False Bay and Table Mountain. If you’d like to contact her, feel free to mail her at warofsixcrowns(AT)gmail(DOT)com, Circle her on Google Plus or follow her on Twitter. If you'd like to see her writer-side (beware, it's pretty insane), please feel free to check out her blog. You can also add The Vanished Knight on Goodreads.

Lexa’s Cover Reveal Challenge

Can you find the error on this cover?

To win a prize, find the cover error in each of these 10 blogs: Alex J. Cavanaugh, PK Hrezo, Father Dragon Writes, Bards and Prophets, The Write Game, Ellie Garratt, Klahanie, Julie Flanders, In High Spirits, and Mainewords.

For the correct cover, rules, and prize list, go to Lexa Cain’s BLOG.
Soul Cutter releases from MuseItUp Publishing on December 6, 2013.

Ninja News

Many of you are gearing up for NaNo and might be in need of a buddy at the NaNo site. Beverly Fox is looking to connect with other participants. Visit her or leave your NaNo name in the comments so others can find you. It helps to have friends in the hunt with you!

Lee at Tossing It Out has a special guest today – Liza Long from Anarchist Soccer Mom. She received national attention with her post Thinking the Unthinkable (I am Adam Lanza’s Mom) and talks about the impact of going viral had on her. This is a continuation of his respect series, touching upon blogging and pageviews.

Somerset Memories asked Ella to write an article about her grandparents – and here it is published! Congratulations, Ella.





Want to visit a haunted castle? Gadling lists the ten most haunted castles in the world, including Castle Bran – Dracula’s castle.

Movie Review

The Man with the Iron Fists
Directed by and starring RZA, with Eli Roth as one of the producers.
First off, this movie is not good. But, it is ridiculously entertaining! If you like way over the top wire-fu mixed with a bit of gore, then this might be the film for you. Won’t win any Oscars, but it was entertaining as hell.
Also starring Rick Yune, Lucy Liu, and a fat Russell Crowe.

Monster Movie Trivia!

Name the monster(s) or creature(s) in the following movies:

1 – Ginger Snaps 2000

2 – Them! 1954

3 – Tremors 1990

4 – Dead Alive 1992

5 – Near Dark 1987

6 – Mimic 1997

Misha does know humorous, doesn’t she? Have you picked up The Vanished Knight? Participating in NaNo? Ready to visit a haunted castle? Seen The Man with the Iron Fists? And do you know any of the monsters…?

IWSG News, Movie Remakes and Box Office, Ninja News, Super Blogger, and Thunderstruck on Bagpipes!

A lot happening today!!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Many of you participate in the IWSG every month, but there may be some things you don’t know about it. Or you might wonder what the IWSG is all about. Well, I’ve taken over Lee’s Tossing it Out today and you can find your answers there!

Does the IWSG really matter to writers? Livia had Celeste Holloway as a guest last week and her whole post was about the IWSG. You can read it HERE. Celeste, thanks – you are the reason why I started this group.

Don’t forget – we post this Wednesday!

Ninja News

Today at the A to Z Blog is an interview with a very special blogger - Father Dragon Al. It’s the Challenge Participant Feature, and Al had one of the coolest themes for the Challenge. We cover everything from dwarf tossing to X-Files to Angry Birds and learn a lot about the heart of one awesome dragon. Visit the A to Z Blog HERE

Laura at My Baffling Brain announced that the anthology she helped create with her Creative Writing Masters friends has now been published. Congratulations, Laura! You can check it out HERE.

And Wednesday I hope to reveal the book trailer for CassaStorm!! Yes, the suspense is killing me. I also have some big news about my third book as well, so be sure to stop by.

Super Blogger Award

The ever-awesome Mark at Left and Write created the Super Blogger Award – and honored me with being the first recipient. Mark, you rock!

I am passing this on to another man who is a super blogger, Mark Koopmans! What he lacks in hair he makes up for in heart and dedication. You’re the man, Mort!

This award also stipulates that the recipient is to reveal one secret. I really couldn’t think of anything interesting though, and of course Ninja Secrets cannot be revealed. However, this might make you chuckle – the first album this metal head ever owned was by Peter Frampton. Of course, back in the day, the man could jam. And he’s still an excellent guitar player. Sorry, best I could do! Maybe Mark will offer something better.

Entertainment News

September 24 will be a big release day – Iron Man III on DVD and Dream Theater’s next album. (One week after CassaStorm’s release – awesome!)

Hollywood just can’t stop remaking films. Here are some of the remakes scheduled:
Jacob’s Ladder
Robocop
Suspiria
Ghost in the Shell
Jumanji
Point Break
Dirty Dancing
Time Bandits
Heavy Metal
West World

On the World Wide Box Office Chart:
Fast and Furious 6 passed Fast Five and has made $682 million dollars.
Star Trek Into Darkness is #147 with $438 million.
Man of Steel has already made $520 million plus.
And out of the 527 movies on that list, I’ve seen 471 of them. I really am nearing the end of NetFlix…

And if you haven’t seen the Australian bagpiper playing AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, you are in for a treat!

Flames and everything! Now that is just wild.

Ready for July’s IWSG? Want to learn more about dwarf tossing at the A to Z Blog? Know someone who is a Super Blogger? What did you think of the bagpiper? And which of those movie remakes annoys you the most…?

Don’t forget to visit Tossing it Out!

And be sure to come back her Wednesday for CassaStorm’s trailer and some cool news!

A to Z Challenge – Avengers, Captain America, and As I Am - Plus Ninja News and Special Thanks

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm!.One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

The Avengers

One of the greatest superhero films ever. It really captures the feel of the comic book. It was amazing to see all the heroes come to life on the big screen. Whedon did a great job creating a cohesive, engaging story.

Captain America is a gentle, innocent soul with a heart of gold. He’s truly unselfish, placing the concerns of others above himself.

Who is Captain America?

Father Dragon, Al Diaz!
Blogging at Father Dragon Writes, Al is a very genuine person. He stands ready to champion those in need. He came into this community curious and eager to learn. Al possesses great wisdom and is willing to share with anyone who will listen. It’s been an honor to get to know him better and call Al my friend. He’s a Dragon Captain now, but one day he’ll be the Dragon General!

Al is a translator, artist, writer, and dwarf wrangler.

To you Al, I dedicate As I Am, by Dream Theater

“To those who understand, I extend my hand, to the doubtful I demand, take me as I am”

You are your own Dragon – stay that way!

Facts and Trivia –

This Ninja may have clones, but did you know Al employs dwarves to assist him? Although this month, they are part of my Ninja Minions team!

Joe Johnston directed Captain America. What other superhero/adventure type movie did he direct twenty years ago?

Ninja News

Want another chance to win CassaStorm? The Goodreads giveaway opens today!!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends April 21, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Susan Gourley’s latest book, Marine’s Queen, was released by New Concepts Publishing last week. Congratulations, Susan!

Yolanda Renee at Defending the Pen signed a deal for two books with Curiosity Quills Press. Congratulations, Yolanda!!

RaShelle Workman’s latest book, Cindy Witch, is available now. You rock, RaShelle!

Juliana Haygert’s book, Destiny Gift, is really available today! I know I posted about it on Friday, but in the A to Z Challenge confusion, I got the date wrong.

Special Thanks – This is For You, Lee!

Three years ago, a fellow blogger announced a challenge to blog the letters of the alphabet in April. I waited until the last moment to commit, and joined a hundred other bloggers attempting the same challenge. I winged it, coming up with brilliant topics such as Q*Bert and Q (yes, the awful 80’s flim) for “Q.”

By the end of the month, my blog was changed forever. I went from thirty followers to over eighty and made so many amazing friends, such as Ella, Yvonne, and Jamie. I’d connected with the community in an amazing way and found my groove as a blogger.

And I owe all of that to Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out. Lee, had you not thrown out that Challenge, I don’t know where I’d be today, because I’d floundered here online for five months without any real success at that point. It’s been an honor to serve as a co-host for the past three Challenges. Lee, you can count on my support and friendship forever! Thank you.

Fan of the Avengers or Captain America? (Melissa, don’t answer that!) Following the awesome Father Dragon? Know the movie Joe Johnston directed? Excited about the new book releases? And Challenge veterans, what has the Challenge meant to you?

Epic Ninja News, Movie Review, and Kela Thinks I’m Famous

Special Feature and Special Request!

Kela is the sweetheart who runs Teardrops on my Books. Tuesday, she honored me by saying I was famous. Thursday, she featured me in her Thursday Tag HERE. For your amusement, I invite you to read my answers. Thanks, Kela – you rock, my friend!

I have a very special request of the Ninja Army. Not for me, for my friend Andrew. I’d previously mentioned the book he did for his students, Charter Shorts, which goes to benefit the school.
Friday is the last day for Briane's Star Wars Trivia Marathon. Andrew is in second place but can still pull out a win with some help. If you go to Briane’s blog and state that you Champion Andrew, he gets an extra 10,000 points. (And it’s been an ongoing thing this week, so if you’ve already commented on an earlier post, you can comment again on the latest one.)
Thanks to all who showed their support for Andrew! Championing is now over.

Epic Ninja News!

This is what happens when I skip posting just one day…

Candilynn Fite has started a monthly contest, Follow My Lead – and the prizes include a fellow author’s books. This month, it’s Roland Yeoman’s End of Days. Awesome idea, Candy!

Here’s the basics:

Entries must be original work of the writer.

Only one entry per contestant.

300 words or less.

The piece must follow the prompt provided, but may sway in any direction.

The contest piece should be written about the image, in some form or fashion.

The prompt should be used in the story and included in word count.

Ends June 30, 2012

Jamie at Mithril Wisdom has more fun at work than I do – they created a zombie game app that works with Google Maps. Visit his site so you too can send zombies to attack your friends where they live!

The awesome Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out is looking for people to hijack his blog! If you are interested in doing a guest post, contact Lee.

Author Bryan Thomas Schmidt lists Five Great New Epic Series for Your Summer Reads. And hey – my Cassa books are listed! Thanks, Bryan.

Michael Abayomi had some great news about his 6-part epic fantasy series, Guardians & The Lost Paradise: “The first two chapters are now on display at The Lost Paradise as part of my about-to-be-launched Indiegogo campaign to raise enough money to produce all 6 books in the series.” Good luck, Michael!

The ladies at Falling for Fiction (Cassie, Jade, Hope, Kelley, and Jenny) are hosting the Hookers & Hangers Blogfest on July 16 and 18. Go HERE to sign up!

Rick at The Writer and the White Cat announced that starting the first of July, White Cat Publications, LLC. will begin accepting submissions for their new magazine of urban poetry titled Nain Rouge a Journal of Urban Poetry, Prose and Art.

Lydia Kang is hosting an amazing giveaway – critiques, books, and Amazon gift card!

JA Bennett is hosting a two hundred followers giveaway – Amazon gift card and a critique!

Heads up! Since the next posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group falls on the USA’s Fourth of July holiday, we will be posting BOTH Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.

Movie Review

Immortals
Finally saw this on NetFlix. Glad I waited.
This movie misses the mark on every level. It’s poorly edited and constructed. Everything about it feels odd. Even the special effects. The worst part is the goofy costuming. My wife commented that in one scene, the Oracles looked like matching salt and pepper shakers. Part of the problem is this movie takes itself way too seriously. Directed by Tarsem Singh who directed The Cell and… not much else. The best thing I took away from the film was that actor Henry Cavill will make a good Superman in the remake.

Don’t forget to visit Kela You guys are awesome!

Whoa! Participating in Candy’s monthly contest? Ready to unleash some zombies? Reading for some summer reading? Feeling lucky with a contest or two? Did you lose part of your life watching Immortals? Both Brave and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter come out this weekend – seeing either of them?

CassaFire Tour Day Eight, Insecure Writer's Support Group, and Music Trivia!

The party is still rocking with both a tour stop and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Today’s awesome stop is Arlee Bird’s Tossing it Out!

Lee is one of my oldest blogger buddies. Not in years (sorry, not implying you’re old, Lee) – he’s been a friend since shortly after I began blogging. Lee is really darn stable, something that is needed here online. He prodded me to join the first A to Z Challenge, something I have never regretted. You the man, Lee!

Go see what insecurities my characters possess at Tossing it Out!

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 insecurity today – that my writing does not contain enough depth and meaning.

I’m not much for heavy descriptions or fine details.

There are no great life lessons in my work. Well, not any deep messages anyway.

My stories don’t stray into uncharted territory. I tend to stick to simple formulas.

I don’t write eloquently or with fancy prose. My work is more accessible than rich.

My books aren’t award winners. Never will be.

A hundred years from now (all right, ten years from now) few will remember my books. They will never be classics.

All I can hope is that people enjoy them now. That the characters and stories take readers on a fun adventure. That for a little while, they provide a little escape from reality.

Which ultimately is all I really set out to accomplish anyway.


Don’t forget that everyone who comments here on my blog over the next two weeks will be entered to win this cool prize package from my publisher. So be sure to comment every single day!

Trivia answers from Tuesday:

1 – What year did Disneyland open? 1955 
2 – What is Eminem’s real name? Marshall Mathers 
3 – What type of gas was used to float the Hindenburg? Hydrogen 
4 – What race always occurs on Memorial Day Weekend in the USA? Indy 500 
5 – What body of water in the Middle East is the saltiest and most mineral-laden in the world? The Dead Sea

Trivia Questions – Music!

One hit wonders! Name the band…

1 – “Turning Japanese” 1980

2 – “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” 1993

3 – “Axel F” 1984

4 – “Turn up the Radio” 1985


What is your insecurity today, writing or otherwise? Hope that your work will one day be remembered? Know any answers from Tuesday’s trivia? How about today?

Check out my character’s insecurities at Tossing it Out.< You just might relate to some of them…

Movie Reviews, Ninja News, and the A to Z Challenge!

How was everyone’s Christmas? Mine rocked – so many geek toys – and my wife was thrilled with her gifts. Score one for the Ninja…

I’m back in time to share my reflection post over at the A to Z Challenge blog. What’s the A to Z Challenge? Only the most awesome, largest blogfest of its kind! Started by Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out, the Challenge is blogging the Alphabet during the month of April – posting daily with Sundays off for good behavior. The first year we only had a hundred participants. This year, we had over twelve hundred. Next year – who knows?! Right now, Arlee is featuring reflection posts from this year’s Challenge and today is my post! I also have the honor of co-hosting again in 2012. Want to know more about the A to Z Challenge? Then check it out!

Now a recap, some news, and two movie reviews!

In case you missed my blogging tips for writers, they are now up at Daily Write. Thanks to those of you who came back for the link last week!

The Debutante Ball: Feast of Debut Authors continues this week. Don’t forget to enter my giveaway HERE – win a copy of CassaStar and review copy of CassaFire!

Speaking of CassaFire, Edi’s Book Lighthouse posted the most amazing review I’ve ever read. The one authors dream of receiving. I read it thinking “Wow, I want to read that book. Oh crap, it’s MY book!” Read it and you’ll understand what I mean.

Thanks to all who voted! The Movie411 Awards were announced last week – I won Best Sci-Fi Blog second year in a row. Won’t be three though, as I’m withdrawing my blog to give others a chance. AND – I’m a judge next year! Thanks for the honor, Dempsey.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 
I’ve always enjoyed this series, and with this film, they achieved the perfect balance of action and humor. The inclusion of Simon Pegg ensures some laugh-worthy moments. There are some incredible action sequences and breathtaking locations. The scene involving the Burj Khalifa building is beyond tense. Incredible effects make you believe Cruise is really scaling the side of the world’s tallest building. (Or, maybe he was?) Another great installment in this franchise!

Warhorse 
Spielberg does a pretty good stupid horse film. Visually impressive and sentimental, it’s also very intense. And at two and a half hours, it’s a bit too long for the intensity. However, it’s an amazing journey this horse goes on, changing hands and sides many times, with a strong message of bravery.
 
Be sure to check out the A to Z Challenge blog today!

Have you already entered my contest? Read the blogging tips and review from Heaven? Seen either of those two movies? Watched Drew Brees break Dan Marino's passing record? Ready for Friday’s preview of upcoming January movies? That’s right - January 2012!! Are you ready for another year?!?!?!?!

Friends for the Journey

Last weekend, Michelle Gregory at Beautiful Chaos created a special badge for those who’s helped her on the journey. I was honored to receive the "Friends for the Journey" Blog Encouragement, and now it’s my turn to pass it along.

I’ve deliberated about this all week. Crap, who do I select? Even worse, who will I leave out? So many of you have encouraged me, sent emails, left comments, read and featured my book… I finally selected, but if you’re not one of the seven, please don’t feel left out. You’ve all helped me so much!

The Rules for Passing It On:
1. Pass it on to 7 other bloggers and tell how they've encouraged you.
2. Please let your recipients know that it started at Beautiful Chaos.
3. Leave a comment on this post when you've posted on your blog.

Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances
This woman never has a bad day – I don’t think it’s possible! She’s cheery and upbeat in her posts and comments. Kitty’s silly joy is infectious and her presence makes everyone’s day just a little brighter. You make me laugh, Kitty! And often when I need it the most.

Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out
Lee’s pushed me with blogfests and challenges. He’s pushed me with my writing. (Dude, CassaStar’s sequel takes place on a planet and there’s a RIVER – water issue solved!) Lee goes to great lengths for his blogging buddies and for the whole community, and I appreciate his efforts.

Yvonne at Welcome to my World of Poetry
We’ve faithfully visited each other’s blog since last year’s A to Z Challenge. Yvonne doesn’t listen to my type of music or watch my kind of movies and I have no idea how to write a poem. But our friendship is formed out of mutual respect and admiration, and Yvonne is the most devoted person I know. And the woman loves playground slides! How cool is that?

Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse
Edi was part of my blog tour last year with a review and feature. And he could’ve just left it at that. But he’s continued to support and encourage me, often inquiring of the sequel. Edi, I really, really appreciate that!

Jeffrey at World of the Scribe
He’s plugged my book, my trailer, my site – he’s the Dude! His commitment and enthusiasm keep me going and he always knows when a friend needs a boost. It will be an awesome honor when his first book comes out for me to return the favor!

Lynda at W.I.P. It and Fearfully and Wonderfully
Lynda is the type of person I’d call a quiet, stable presence. Both of her blogs are encouraging and her comments reflect that spirit. I always look forward to your positive words, Lynda!

Patrick Tillett Patrick is one of those individuals who doesn’t make a big splash and sometimes flies under the radar. But he’s consistent and steady, like a giant rock in a raging river. Dude, your support has not gone unnoticed and I appreciate it!

Who’s encouraged you on your journey?

And yes, the next gen iPad March 11 – I am so there!

Everybody Smile!

What a week! Where to begin...

Big congratulations to:

Cheeseboy at Blog O Cheese! He passed the 500 followers mark a couple weeks ago and celebrated with a video of him picking up Chinese food in a Barney suit. Really! (He offered me the use of the suit, but I said no thanks.) Go watch the insanity HERE

Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out! The A – Z Challenge mastermind passed 500 followers this week. Good stuff, man!

Maybe we need to start a 500 Club, guys? (No, not a hair club!)

Ciara Knight has an experiment in the works – Did I Notice Your Book? And was I ever stunned with her first choice – CassaStar! I am so honored. Thank you, Ciara – guess I’m doing something right. Wonder whose book she’ll notice next week…

Oh! And the eBook price on CassaStar was reduced by my publisher! It's now $2.95 everywhere - iBookstore, B&N's Nook, Amazon's Kindle...

Michelle at Beautiful Chaos gave me the You Make Me Smile Award. Thank you, Michelle!


And since I usually give these out to the ladies, I decided to grace the dudes with this one!

Dezz at Hollywood Spy
Jeremy at I Zombie Lover
Geof at The Man Cave
Jeffrey at World of the Scribe
Kal at Calvin’s Canadian Cave of Cool
Michael at In Time
TS at The Non Review
Paul Joseph
Copyboy at Not Worth Mentioning

All right guys – I better see a cute kitten in your sidebar!

A to Z Challenge is in April! You don’t want to miss this event. Click on button in right sidebar for details.

Don’t forget this Sunday - Top Ten Horror/Science Fiction Movie Quotes Blog-fest. Hosted by iZombie and Ellie Garratt Come on – join the fun!

And big thanks to Chris and Elizabeth for allowing me to visit their blogs this week, and to Denise for her amazing review of my book. You guys rock!

Whew! Is that it? Is this a wrap? I wonder what's on NetFlix...

Joint Blogging Series - Followers

I am joining Elana Johnson and Jennifer Daiker at Unedited this week for a series on blogging. Please visit their sites as well for some expert advice. As for me, I’ll just offer my humble beginnings and advice.

I began blogging last November and started by following a few science fiction sites and authors. It was slow going at first as I figured out my topics and posting schedule. By the end of March, I’d amassed a whole thirty followers. Yes, rather pathetic!

The turning point was the A-Z Challenge, hosted by Lee at Tossing it Out - blog a letter of the alphabet every day in April with Sundays off for good behavior. Not only did I find my blogging rhythm, I gained sixty new followers that month. Lee followed up the challenge with a music blogfest in May, and I hosted The Movie Dirty Dozen in June. During this time, I continued to find new blogs, and my following grew to 200 by July.

It took a great deal more than just the blogfests to gain followers, though. Gaining and maintaining quality followers is a multi-faceted endeavor. Here are some of the actions that increased my followers and my recommendation for those who want to increase blog followers:

Be willing to follow others, and not just for the sake of enticing them to follow you. Follow because you are genuinely interested in their blogs.

Create posts of interest, especially those that foster a discussion. Define your topics and create a posting schedule. How often should you post? Between three times a week and daily is ideal.

Comment on other blogs – often! Most bloggers appreciate even a short comment as long as it’s relevant to the post. Some of us even like snarking.

Praise and reward other bloggers. Reference someone’s great post, announce another’s achievement, or pass along an award. Invite others to provide a guest post for your blog.

Place your favorite blogs in your blogroll.

Actively seek out new bloggers. Investigate blogs suggested by others and explore blogrolls.

Be true to yourself. Be genuine in your posts and comments and focus on your strengths.

If you adopt these suggestions and become involved in the blogging community, an amazing thing happens – others will reciprocate. They will place your blog in their blogrolls. They mention you in their posts. They invite you to provide guest posts for their blog. And they spread the word that you are an awesome blogger to follow!

We tend to measure success in terms of numbers, but it’s quality, not quantity, that really matters. My followers are an awesome bunch of people and I am grateful for their patronage. (I’m also humbled so many find me interesting.) In return, I promise to fulfill my end of the bargain so they keep coming back! Otherwise, it'd be really dull around here...

You Guys ROCK!!

My review of Centurion will have to wait, because you guys rock – and I have great news!

My publisher informed me of some early reviews for CassaStar, including one from Library Journal that will appear in their September 15 issue. Is that cool, or what? Okay, it could be or what if they didn’t like it. Dear Lord, I hope they didn’t think it sucked!! I'll have to change my name...

You guys have been so supportive of a newbie author and blogger and I wanted to do something nice for my friends. You visit and leave comments, you’ve posted my book trailer and video – I’m just overwhelmed by the generosity. So, this is officially Alex’s You Rock! Award, signifying that you are one cool dude – or dudette. (Is that a word?)

Since it would be crazy to give it out to just everybody – and I’d like to see the recipients pass it on to others – I’m going to limit myself to just four people. Yes, that will be nearly impossible! But the first four recipients of this award are:

Hannah at Musings of a Palindrome She eventually put her real name on her blog, but I still affectionately call her Palin. I think she was one of my first blogger buddies and never fails to stop by and comment. My favorite Palin chick – you rock! (And you have such a cute smile.)

Lee at Tossing it Out Dude, had it not been for you’re A-Z Challenge, I would’ve never found my blogging rhythm – or gained so many followers! Dude, you really made a big difference with that challenge, and I know most of those who participated will agree. You’ve kept me going strong, too – even helped me launch my own blogfest with The Movie Dirty Dozen. Lee, you rock!!

Yvonne at Welcome to my World of Poetry We met during the A-Z Challenge and continued to visit each other’s blogs. It’s funny – I’m not usually a poetry guy and she’s not familiar with my movies, music, or book genre, but that hasn't stopped us one bit. And if Yvonne doesn’t visit my blog on a given day, I feel ready to send out a search party, because she’s so faithful to her blogging friends! Yvonne, you are a dear, sweet lady – and you rock!

And finally, RaShelle at A No. 2 Pencil Stat! RaShelle is just such a sweet lady. She never fails to stop by and has such a caring spirit. I grin when I see my book cover in her side bar – right below Dezz’s elephant photo! RaShelle, you are generosity in action. You rock, chick!!

I could’ve named about fifty more people – Rayna, Stephen, Cruella, Simon, Hart, Bryan, Ted (I still want to read your book, dude!)… just about everyone in my blogroll. I’m sure this award will arrive at your blog soon!

And the awards keep on rolling…

Award from Rayna at Coffee Rings Everywhere – the Sweet Blog Award. And she made sure all of her recipients were men. (That’s right – we’re sweeter!) Thank you, Rayna and I am passing it to:

Gail at Familiar Spirit
Holly Ruggiero
Jules at Trying to Get Over the Rainbow

Award from Mel at Writings, Musings, and Other Such Nonsense – One Lovely Blog. This is the second time I’ve received it, so thanks, Mel! She also gave me permission to rename it the Frilly Beer Award! Sounds more manly…

A World of Thanks!

Thanks everyone for the awesome comments on my book trailer last week! I had no idea what to expect and was almost afraid to click on the link when I received the email from my publisher last Wednesday. The video was amazing and I’m glad everyone else enjoyed it as well. Wish CassaStar was a real movie! Someone call Nolan or Cameron for me…

And a special thanks to these blogs - Grasping for the Wind, Hollywood Spy, Mithril Wisdom, Sci-Fi Hub, A No. 2 Pencil Stat, Speculative Book Review, Spunk on a Stick’s Tips, Glynis Smy, Beth: A Work in Progress, Edi’s Book Lighthouse, LaFemme Readers, and Tossing it Out for featuring the trailer! Thank you for your generosity – I am overwhelmed!

Now an award - One Lovely Blog from Cassandra Jade in the Realm Thanks, Cassandra!
Rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share some things about yourself. (Supposed to be 7…)
3. Pass the award along to some bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (Supposed to be 15, but I’ll leave that amount up to the recipient.)
4. Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award.

Some things that are perhaps not as obvious as I once thought…
1 – My first book will be released in October. I signed the contract last year with Dancing Lemur Press. Yes, I will soon be an official author!
2 – I am married. Sex is legal in our house.
3 – I minored in music in college and currently play the guitar – for fun. Don’t ask for a concert performance, though. I want you to continue to like me!
4 – I’m a total movie geek. Between the theater and NetFlix, I watch close to a dozen per week. Yes, I do have a life outside of films!
5 – Pet peeves include mowing the lawn (paving the entire lawn sounds better every day) and driving (I ask Santa every year for blasters on my car but he never delivers. Fat guy’s off my Christmas card list!)

I’m passing this on to:
Rayna at Coffee Rings Everywhere
Talli Roland
Rashelle at A No. 2 Pencil Stat!

Creative Liar Award from Lee at Tossing it Out Thanks, Lee! This is the second time, so I will just accept it with grace.

Lee also tagged me to list the contents of my bag, wallet, purse, whatever. Okay, no purse here and the wallet’s kinda boring, so we’ll go with my gym bag:
Empty water bottle
Ipod & earbuds
Small towel
Gym clothes & shoes
And a stray work sock… wonder how long that’s been in there?

I’m tagging I’m tagging Beth: A Work in Progress!!

Driving and Meat & Potatoes

Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out tossed out this blogfest - 10 Favorite Drinking and 10 Favorite Driving Songs

I decided to run with the driving songs. As you may have surmised from previous posts, I hate driving. Slow driver, dumb drivers, people on their cell phones, and no rocket launchers on my hood. So, to get through the daily ordeal of driving, I crank my tunes!

10 Favorite Driving SongsIn Flames – System
Rush – Natural State
Prong – Snap Your Fingers Snap Your Neck
Joe Satriani – One Big Rush
Pantera – Cowboys From Hell
Dream Theater – Count of Tuscany
KillSwitch Engage – Rose of Sharyn
Corrosion of Conformity – Albatross
Extreme – Get the Funk Out
Blue Oyster Cult – Shooting Shark

Any one of these songs played at a high decibel will reduce the stress of my drive home…

Now this blew my mind...

Helen Ginger at Straight From Hel gave me the Meat and Potatoes Award.

This prestigious award goes to a particular group of wise and experienced bloggers who have proven themselves over the course of time, trials, and tribulations.

Wise and experienced? Certainly not in the author arena just yet! And even after CassaStar’s release this fall, I probably won’t be much wiser. She must be referring to my plethora of knowledge concerning movies, music, and tech gadgets. Yeah, that must be it!!

However, I will pass this on to some bloggers who do know their stuff when it comes to writing!

Raquel Byrnes, Simon C. Larter, and Matthew Rush

You will definitely learn a thing or two when visiting these blogs!

And I enjoyed the character interviews yesterday. Everyone put so much effort into their interview - mine looked so pathetic in comparison! Special thanks to Jemi for her wonderful comment yesterday.

A Manly Award and Stuff

Simon at Constant Revisions gave me the Witty Banter & a Beer Award! Simon says this is in response to all the pretty, flowery, girly awards.

Now, I’m not here to promote heavy drinking, but hey, it’s nice to get an award that’s geared toward us men. There’s so few of us out here!

I am passing it on to some other manly men:

Jamie at Mithril Wisdom
Arlee at Tossing it Out
Mr. Stupid at Stupidation
Cheeseboy at The Blog O Cheese
Stephen at Breakthrough Blogs
Will at Fatherhood and Other Common Terrors
Marvin at The Old Silly’s Free Spirit Blog
Matthew at The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment

Don't forget to check out the three great giveways in my sidebar!

Those of you who read my interview with author David J. Williams last week – his book, The Machinery of Light, came out yesterday! Visit Autumn Rain for details.

And if you've noticed The Dirty Dozen button in my sidebar – stay tuned! I will be announcing this blogfest next Tuesday.

Fifteen Fantasy Island Favorites

This blog challenge comes once again from Arlee at Tossing it Out - visit his site for the full details.

And I have to begin this on a sad note - Ronnie James Dio died Sunday morning. He contributed so much to the rock industry and will be missed!

What are my fifteen most favorite albums and why?

Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime

I've followed Queensryche since their first EP and have always found them to be a unique musical entity. But "Mindcrime" took them to a whole new level. This amazing concept album blew me away and I feel (in my humble opinion) it's one of the greatest albums of all time.

Serenity - Words Untold and Dreams UnlivedThis Austrian power rock bands first disk is full of great riffs, catchy hooks and well-crafted songs. Just when I thought I had heard it all, Serenity came along and proved me wrong.

.

Rush -

Hemispheres

/Permanent Waves

/Grace Under Pressure

My all-time favorite band deserves three spots and it took awhile to pick just the right ones. I chose "Hemisphere" because it is the best concept album. "Permanent Waves" was a solid choice because it contains my favorite Rush song "Natural Science". And "Grace Under Pressure" is my favorite start to finish Rush album. ‘Neff said.

Redemption - Snowfall on Judgment Day

The latest from prog greats Redemption is also going to the island. Besides having one of the best titles of all time ("Snowfall on Judgment Day" - how great is that), this is a beautiful album of love and love lost set to a driving rock beat.

Pantera - Far Beyond Driven

Sometimes nothing satisfies my musical cravings like a good dose of in-your-face metal. This album is a sledgehammer to the groin. An incredible mix of aggression, brutal riffs and crushing rhythms. A brutal masterpiece.

Nightwish - Dark Passion Play

Why let the boys have all the fun. This female-fronted group can rock with the best of them. This impressive dose of orchestral rock is beautiful and aggressive. Every song has a contagious hook that you'll be humming for days.

Megadeth - Rust in Peace

What else can be said about Dave Mustaine's masterpiece? I've heard it a thousand times and I'm looking forward to the next thousand. Holy wars, Hangar 18, Five Magic's, Lucretia, Tornado of Souls - the heck with it, I'm going to go jam out and finish this list later.

Dream Theater - Octavarium and Awake

My second favorite band deserves two slots and these particular selections are fantastic. Every album is amazing, so it took some time to pick just the right two disks. I could listen to the amazing fretwork of John Petrucci all day (every day.)

Catherine Wheel - Happy Days

This British band never really took off in the US. Too bad, because this is one of my favorite albums of all time. Each song catchier than the next and topped with the amazing vocal work of Rob Dickinson.

Mastodon - Leviathan

We are back into crushing metal territory with this disk by Mastodon. The thought of a concept album of "Moby Dick" sounds completely ridiculous, but trust me when I tell you that this is an amazing musical achievement. Great songs, unique arrangements and a drummer that sounds like he has eight arms - truly impressive.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Lost Christmas Eve

Seasons will change on the island and I will need some Christmas music. TSO is a work of pure, musical genius. I love every aspect of this album and the beautiful message rings true the whole-year round.

Guilt Machine

This is the latest project from Arjen Lucassen and a big influence on my writing. Arjen takes us through the stages of guilt while highlighting many talents, and this album influenced my final edits on CassaStar.

So there you have it! Let me know some of your favorite albums - or if any of my selections shock you.

Movies, Music, and a Humbling Surprise

I was stunned yesterday when looking through the blogs I follow – my book was featured at The Roads of Autumn Dusk!!! Thanks so much, Rogue Evolent. That really made my day. The cover is up at Prinkipria's site as well. Guess I need to get used to that, but it's kinda humbling.

I was also stunned when I hit 100 followers on Friday! Thanks everyone. I will draw a name soon and contact the person to be featured.

Saw this over at Jo Blo’s site - JJ Abrams is up to tricks again with his mystery flick, Super 8. Scariest Thing I Ever Saw is the website for this movie and there’s speculation that a trailer will appear on May 15. He got us with Cloverfield – and now he’s doing it again!

Everybody’s getting a reboot – look for a new Godzilla flick in 2012 and a prequel to Planet of the Apes called Rise of the Apes in 2011.

Arlee at Tossing It Out is hosting a Fifteen Fantasy Island Favorites blogfest. On Monday, May 17, we’ll be talking about our fifteen favorite albums. Arlee has a signup at his blog, so join in the fun.

For those of you looking for some interesting music with a science fiction twist – check out Star One.
One of Arjen A. Lucassen’s many projects, Star One was a tribute to some of the great science fiction movies of recent times. Some of the songs are a little goofy – “The Eye of Ra” a tribute to Stargate – and some are awesome – “Master of Darkness” a tribute to Empire Strikes Back. If you like progressive rock with a science fiction twist, check it out at Arjen’s site and have a listen.

Now, go enjoy your weekend!

Oh, and thanks to everyone who gave their input Thursday. I now have a rough outline for the sequel to CassaStar and will begin working on it soon.