The Insecure Writer's Support Group

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.

 
So many good things have happened in the last year. My first book’s release and eventual rise on Amazon’s Best Seller chart. The scheduled release of my second book next February. Over a thousand blog followers. The success of the IWSG.

Will all of that change me? Will I have to change who I am if that success is to continue?

I’ve tried to remain humble. After all, I’m still just Alex. I’m an average writer with a movie, music, and science fiction obsession. I’ve done nothing really special. I’ve just been me.

And I want to continue being me. I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I wasn’t true to myself. I certainly wouldn’t be here if not for my friends and fans! For you, I want to remain true. I want this blog to stay the same – an informative celebration of your achievements. It’s your growth and success that fuels the fire.

So, here’s hoping I’ll remain just Alex!

I do want to mention that The Movie 411 Awards is now open for voting!!! I’m up for two awards, Best Science Fiction Blog and Best Post for the Worst Movies Ever Blogfest. (Remember that blogfest? And the voting is really close for that award.)
But I really want my Ninja Army to support my blogger buddies who are also nominated:
Cinemarvellous! nominated for Best Design, Best Gossip, and the Gold Award. Nebular is such an awesome friend and he runs a top-notch movie site.
iZombie! is nominate for Best Horror. You may remember Jeremy when I featured his book, Chatterbox.
Melissa at Melissa’s Imaginarium is up for Sexiest Female. Melissa’s had so many challenges lately – she really needs a big win.
MsMariah’s Space Blog-yssey is up for Best Newcomer.
And A Life in Equinox is up for Best Action.
If you haven’t voted yet, please go vote for my awesome movie buddies!

And Friday I have a special guest, one of my very best blogging buddies in the world...

Now, what’s your insecurity today?

The Long Weekend News...

Lots of cool stuff happening! And Thanksgiving for my American friends. Food, family, and football – the essentials to a comatose day of overindulgence. 

All nominations for The 411 Movie Awards must be in by November 28! I’ve been nominated for Best Science Fiction Blog and Best Blog Post (for the Worst Movies Ever Blogfest.) But, it’s only the top five nominated blogs who go on to the voting stage. No groveling, but I would be really thankful if you clicked over and nominated me. 

And don’t forget these awesome sites, also in the running for an award or two:  

Cinemarvellous! GOLD! Nominate George’s site for the Gold Award and Best Design! 

iZombie! 

Melissa’s Imaginarium  

The Geek Twins 

DL at Cruising Altitude, along with several co-hosts, are holding a Déjà vu Blogfest. 

“On December 16, re-post your favorite blog offering or one that never received the exposure it should have.” 

I already know which post I’ll select – do you? 

This is also the weekend for three family-friendly movie releases. I’m not ashamed to say I will be seeing the Muppet movie. It’s part of my childhood. A part I’m not letting go of just yet! No laughing – I’ll have to sic Animal on you. 

Arthur Christmas also intrigues just because it’s from Aardman Animations. (The people who created Flushed Away, Wallace and Gromit, and Chicken Run.) Ladies, you can swoon over James McAvoy’s voice – he’s Arthur! 

And since it’s Thanksgiving weekend, here’s my short list of things for which I am grateful: 

My wife 

My relationship with Jesus 

My job 

My home 

My friends, including all of you

The case of Hot Tamales I’ve requested from Santa for Christmas 

(And a new guitar would be cool as well!) 

Your turn – what are you grateful for? 

Don’t forget The 411 Movie Awards nominations. 

And the Déjà vu Blogfest. 

And Muppets! 

Don’t make this Ninja go all Animal on you…(Bet some of you would like that, wouldn't you?)

Celebrations, Winners, and What the Heck DID I Do This Past Summer?

Wow, what a week! So many awesome things to celebrate:

Blogger buddy M. Pax announced a release date for her book, Semper Audacia, at The Wicked Writers. Her short stories are awesome - can’t wait to read her novel.

RaShelle (who rocks) posted the Book Trailer for her upcoming book, Exiled.

Lydia Kang snagged an agent. Way to go, Lydia!

And my good buddy Rusty Webb decided that I needed a picture of me for my blog. (There really is a picture on my About Me page.) Rusty designed this:

Thanks, dude – now I look like a rock star!

Drinks for everybody!

Winners! We’ve got winners!

Jeremy (iZombie) was recently a guest and these lucky bloggers won:
Will Burke - a copy of Jeremy’s book, Chatterbox
Judy Harper - a zombie makeover

And the winners of The Arranger by L.J. Sellers are…
Amity at Dreams Are My Reality
Arlee at Tossing It Out/a>
Edit at Edi’s Book Lighthouse

Another round of drinks! (Being drunk is not a requirement to enjoying my blog, but I’m sure it won’t hurt.)

And finally – what the heck DID I do last summer?

This is my entry for Michael di Gesu’s What I Did On My Summer Vacation Blogfest:

I didn’t really take a vacation. There were a few fun weekends with my wife, but not a real ‘vacation.’ I did watch a lot of movies. Mowed the grass way too many times. (I really need to install Astroturf.) But what else happened?

Well, there were two really awesome things that happened!

My second book, CassaFire, was approved and a release date of February 28, 2012 was set. The cover art just blew me away and my publisher is working on a book trailer. Yeah, that was really cool.

The other big event was the successful launch of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. From casual comment to large support group – wow! The responses from our first posting were so amazing – so many were encouraged. I really had no idea it would be such a big hit. (And if you haven’t signed up, click HERE for a full description.)


That was my summer! What did you guys do? Did you enjoy the Worst Movies Ever blogfest? Any other news this week? One more round of drinks and then you won’t even remember you were here!

Have You Hugged Your Zombie Today?

Quick reminder that next Wednesday is the first posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Time to act neurotic and send the blogging world into a tailspin.

And next month is the Rule of Three Blog Challenge, hosted by Lisa, Damyanti, and Stuart. My book is one of the prizes!

Today I have a really awesome buddy visiting. Please welcome Jeremy – better known as iZombie! He’s a super talented artist and author. Jeremy is going to tell you a little about himself and the inspiration for his awesome new book, Chatterbox.

But wait – there’s more! He’s got TWO giveaways for the awesome Ninja Army:
One lucky commenter gets a free copy of Chatterbox.
And one lucky person who leaves “Pick me!” in his comment get a free zombie makeover, retro style.
Winners announced next Friday.

Take it away, Jeremy...

Smile, Cringe and Down To A Frown...
By: Jeremy Hawkins [iZombie]


Can a zombie be sweet, loving and or have a huge heart this all depends on your point of view... I guess. Well you might know who I am or at least who I think I want to be, but I find myself wanting to tell you the origin of my ebook “Chatterbox” first. Fifteen years ago I was on a trip and was forced to looking at some old civil war homes that had been turned into a tour. Home after home I walked barking under my breath how really dull this was, not because I was bored I really didn’t want to be there. As we entered our forth or fifth house I cannot remember, I was a typical guy thinking about something to eat as I found a glass shelf with little trinkets and doo-dads [yes I said doo-dads].


Finding a tiny metal box that is all Victorian with reds, purples and flowery things I came across the top in script letters reading chatterbox. Why was it here, why did I see it when I did and could I steal it because it was awesome? I began to wander in my head on each item in these homes the stories they could tell, I asked myself if I could tell their stories. I made some mental notes and started seeing the world in a way that lead me to the story telling person I have become today, taking life and telling it with a twist. I was never meant to be normal in anything I should do from the art I create to the words I see, so once again can a zombie be sweet, loving and have a huge heart? You can decide?


Now if you want I can tell you the story how I upset a spirit in the last house and it followed me back home, wait that will be for another day. So turn that frown upside down and rejoice in the life we have, ask yourself how close is your life to the life you wanted? Is it close? Did I steal the chatterbox?


A Few Thoughts To Live By:
Life is always having a Plan B.
Life is a deadline; we try to get done before... we die.
Clown chickens lay Easter Eggs.
See art in everything.

Here’s a sample page from his book:

Questions for Jeremy? Questions about the Insecure Writer’s Support Group? Are you having a BBQ this weekend and can I join you?

News, Bloggers, Quiz, and Next Blogfest...?

Lots of great stuff today!

Jeremy at izombie just released an eBook called Chatterbox! It’s a series of short stories (almost like Drabbles) with images created by Jeremy himself. Check it out at Chatterbox
He’ll also be doing a guest spot here in a few weeks.




Last summer I took a class called Blog Book Tours and it really helped me prepare for my first virtual book tour. Dani is offering another class in September and you don’t want to miss it!

I received the Appreciated Follower Award, created by RJR Daydreamer
It’s too honor followers who visit and comment on a regular basis.
Wow, you all deserve it! Where do I begin? Without all of you commenting, I’d just be talking to myself.
I pass this on to…
Laila at Untroubled Kingdom of Laila Knight
Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances
Patrick Tillett

Alexia gave me the Liebster Blog Award. This award is to recognize bloggers with less than two hundred followers. (Yeah, I’m a bit over the limit!)
Here are three bloggers who deserve some recognition:
Huntress at Spirit Called
Monti at Notes Along the Way
Budd at SciFi Media

And since you guys enjoyed last Friday’s quiz, here’s two more pop culture questions:

The Lexx was a living spaceship on these four TV movies before it was a series – name the movie series title!


Name the song VH1 Classics declared as the number one rock song of the 1980’s. Bonus fuzzy feelings if you can name the second song as well!

Tune in Friday for some big news – the next awesome Blogfest!

Any guesses?

And has anyone located Boba Fett’s Carbonite Crunch?

Let Me Explain. No, There Is Too Much. Let Me Sum Up!

Lots of stuff for you today!

RJR Daydreamer is hosting Media Mayhem 3 day Blog Hop – Go to his site to participate this weekend.

I finished revisions and sent my manuscript to my publisher! Now comes the waiting...


Mini Movie Reviews-

Black Death
Soldiers journey to a village not infected with the Black Plague. Appropriately bleak look at a dark time in our history. Movie ramps up a good amount of tension and mystery. With Sean Bean!

Black Swan
Bat-shit crazy girl gets lead in Swan Lake. I understood the metaphors, but I’ve seen it before, and while the movie made me feel uneasy, it didn’t make for an enjoyable viewing experience. Did I mention the girl is crazy?

Watched Falling Skies the other night. Like it so far. Although after it was over, my wife and I both commented that it was like The Walking Dead. Except with aliens of course.

Don’t forget, the latest SyFy Craptastic original movie is this Saturday night - “Swamp Shark” with DB Sweeny and Kristy Swanson. Yes, expect a play-by-play in the coming weeks. I am willing to sacrifice a my sanity for my blogger buddies!


My Latest Tunes-

Amon Amarth’s “Surtur Rising”
Quite possibly the best Viking metal you will ever hear!

The new In Flames and Symphony X albums came out Tuesday. I’m so happy!


And Jeremey at IZombieLover made these really awesome zombie pictures for me! Yes, that is Woody Harrelson and Kate Beckinsale. (She’s looked better!)

Seen either of those movies? Watched Falling Skies? I’d ask if you like those bands, but I’m guessing the answer would be no…

A to Z Challenge - I

For the A to Z Challenge, I am featuring some awesome bloggers. These individuals have offered so much support of my book, CassaStar, and me on my blogger journey. Of course, I’ll be keeping up with the world of movies, music, and pop culture stuff as well! Ninjas are just talented that way...


izombie
As the blog name suggests, Jeremy is all about the zombies. This isn’t your typical zombie blog though - he’s a talented artist with a great sense of humor. He’s supportive in more ways than he realizes, too! So, follow the white rabbit…

in medias res
Milo is a fellow author who’s working on several projects. He discusses writing and books, and always includes great links. Milo’s posts will help anyone on the journey to publication. And the dude knows his short story market!

And an apology to all my blogging friends...

I was informed this weekend that my behavior last fall when my book was released was selfish and unacceptable. I'd asked for help announcing my first book's release, and many of you spread the word. I'd expressed my gratitude many times over, as more people repsonded than I'd ever imagined, helping to quiet the fears of a new author. However, I failed to offer those people compensation. I should have sent each one of you a complimentary book or something. (Book bloggers did receive an ARC from my publisher for review.) I apologize. I was not trying to use anyone. I was not trying to con people into promoting my book. I just asked for help.

This blogging community has been so awesome, and I've tried at every opportunity to give back. That is why I am featuring special bloggers every day for the Challenge. That's why I'll do everything I can to spread the word of new book releases and accomplishements. And don't send me your book - I'll just buy it! If that's not enough, please let me know. I don't want anyone else to feel slighted, to feel used, to feel cheated. I love all of you and would do anything on earth to support my friends. Because your friendship is so important to me.

I've lost one friend recently because of my selfish actions. I would rather not lose anyone else because I'm an idiot...

Followers Answers and Movie Reviews

I’d asked about followers without profiles and here are the best answers:
Some people don’t have blogs, so all you can do is friend them.
Sometimes Blogger flakes and doesn’t include a link or profile.
Often a person with a Google account hasn’t gone back and claimed their blog, so it doesn’t show up.

Jeremy at iZombie Lover came up with a button to encourage those who follow to comment so we can find their blog, if they have one:

A big congratulation to M. Pax - she sold her first story this week!

And some brief movie reviews for you…

The Mechanic

Not an original story but well executed. It’ll hold your interest and there are some cool assassin tricks. Jason Statham is, well, Jason Statham, and Ben Foster turns in a decent performance. (He makes a good scummy character!) It’s hard to root for the killers though, despite their penchant for taking out bad guys. Not a memorable film, but if you dig Statham flicks, you’ll enjoy it.

Resident Evil: Afterlife

The fourth movie in this series, based on the popular game. As long as they keep making money and Milla Jovovich remains hot and athletic, Resident Evil movies will continue. This one was better than the third and there’s some amazing special effects. Would’ve been cool in 3D, but I saw it at home. A lot of things happen that aren’t explained (what was the giant creature with the axe?) and it contains numerous plot holes. But hey, depth and plot isn’t why you watch these movies, is it?

Thanks again to Stephen at Breakthrough Blogs for allowing me to visit yesterday. Hopefully I’ve encouraged more of you to sign up for the A to Z Challenge!

Elsewhere and a Question

Elsewhere this week…

Yesterday I appeared at the blog of Alison Pearce Stevens! She has a Marketing Monday feature, so check it out.

Another review by the The Electrical Book Cafe appeared on Monday - she gave CassaStar an A-. She wasn’t crazy about the cover art, but it was a very positive review overall!

And thanks again to iZombie and Ellie Garratt for hosting the Top Ten Horror/Science Fiction Movie Quotes Blogfest on Sunday! That was a blast.

And you’re not forgetting the A to Z Challenge, are you? Click on the button in the right sidebar for details!

My question…

What do you do when someone follows you and clicking on his or her icon in your Followers section reveals no blog to follow back?

Sometimes I’ll pull up someone and there’s only a list of blogs he’s followed, but no blog of his own. If that person has left a comment, I can pull up his profile that way, but if not, I’ve no way to follow back.

What do you do? Is there a trick I’m missing? Captain Ninja Alex doesn't like to miss tricks.

(And if you are one of those people who’s followed me but I’ve never followed back, that may be why – please leave a comment so I can find you!)

Movie Quotes Blogfest!

I'm appearing at the blog of Alison Pearce Stevens today!

It's the Top Ten Horror/Science Fiction Movie Quotes Blogfest, hosted by iZombie and Ellie Garratt

I’m a movie fanatic and can quote a lot of films. Narrowing it down to ten was difficult, but here are my favorites in no particular order. (Wonder if we get bonus points if we match someone else?)

Wash: This landing is gonna get pretty interesting.
Mal: Define "interesting"
Wash: Oh God, oh God, we're all going to die?
- from Serenity



Mike: Putting the men's room in the tower, what was I thinking?
- from Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Movie


Max: Two days ago, I saw a vehicle that would haul that tanker. You want to get out of here? You talk to me.
- from The Road Warrior

Ash: That's right... who's laughing now... who's laughing now?
- from Evil Dead II




John: All major theme parks have had delays. When they opened Disneyland in 1956, nothing worked!
Ian: But, John, if the Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don't eat the tourists.
- from Jurassic Park

Hudson: That's it man, game over man, game over!
- from Aliens






Jack Burton: Are you crazy... Is that your problem?
- from Big Trouble in Little China

Crow T. Robot: Hey, Mike, you think you can toss me my calculations? Thanks! Ah, here it is. "Breach Hull - All Die." Even had it underlined.
- from Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Movie



Batty: I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I've watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain. Time to die.
- from Blade Runner

Gwen: Look! I have one job on this lousy ship, it's stupid, but I'm gonna do it! Okay?
- from Galaxy Quest



So, what’s your favorite movie quote?



Big thanks to Jeffrey at World of the Scribe for his fantastic nine out of ten review of CassaStar!

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...

Blogfests and Awards!

If you’re looking for my Significant Other blogfest entry, it’s HERE

Don’t forget the Top Ten Countdown Music Blogfest THIS Monday! Ten songs. You can do it! Join us – I’d like to see 100 bloggers participate.


Here’s another cool blogfest coming soon:

Top Ten Horror/Science Fiction Movie Quotes Blog-fest. On the 6th February count down your top ten most memorable lines from your favorite horror and science fiction movies. Hosted by iZombie and Ellie Garratt Come on – join the fun!

And I received the Happy Award from Jules Thanks so much!

Sorry, I don’t remember the rules. Listing what makes us happy perhaps? My wife, my writing, my guitar, my iPad, and seeing 100 sign up for the Top Ten Countdown Music Blogfest!

Passing the happiness on to:

Amity at Dreams Are My Reality

Her comment the other day just made me happy!

See everyone on Monday for the Blogfest!

This Awesome Blogging Family!

I’ve seen several posts this week expressing gratitude for online support. I have to agree – the blogging community is awesome! Let me show you…

First, I have a guest post today at The Movie 411. They graced me with the Best Sci-Fi Blog Award and all winners were invited to do a guest post. Dempsey maintains a cool site, so check out my take on Laugh It Up Fuzzball!

Jennie at Garden Full of Lily posted the sweetest review of CassaStar this week! She claims to suck at writing reviews, but her words made my day.

iZombie Lover gave me the You Make Me Scream Award. Thanks, Jeremy!
TS buddy, this one has your name all over it – enjoy!

Finally, a big thanks to those who’ve voted for my trailer at Spunk on a Stick’s Tips! CassaStar’s book trailer is one of seven finalists and prizes include the donation of books to the winner’s choice of library and an Amazon gift card. Voting ends Sunday though! (And special thanks to Jeffrey Beesler for breaking his one week hiatus to plug my trailer.)

For those who’ve not seen my awesome trailer, created by my publisher:



If you think it rocks, go place your vote at Spunk on a Stick’s Tips!

Yes, I am groveling for votes. CassaStar will probably be my only claim to fame, so it deserves some groveling…

Blogging Idiosyncrasies III and Final Awards

Final round with the blogging junk, I promise! Comments from the first two posts spurred new ideas though.

Blog-whoring
Dezz at HOLLYWOOD SPY coined this term. It refers to those who leave quick, short, meaningless comments just to get you to comment on their blog. It also puts me in mind of those who follow you, and you to follow back. but then no matter how many times you comment on that person’s blog, he or she never comments back. I have several of those right now. Now I admit, I’m not overly interesting and not every post appeals to every person, but did you follow just to get me to follow you? Do you have followers like that? Or ones who leave short or odd comments?

Mechanics of comment box
Judging from last week’s comments, this is a sore spot for many. Is the comment box embedded or separate? There appears to be numerous ways to set up one’s comment box – separate small box (like mine), entirely new page, or the main page reloads. Sometimes the latter occurs, only you don’t realize it also has word verification – and when it refreshes the page, it returns to the top of the page. I wonder how many comments never go through because the commenter doesn’t realize he needs to do the word verification? What are your thoughts on the placement of the comment box?

Okay, I’m officially done with that mess!

On to the awards! Of which there are many…

Yvonne at Welcome to my World of Poetry gave me the Creative Writing Award! Yvonne, I am truly honored. I shall pass this on to just one person:

Ted Cross - don’t you dare give up on The Shard, dude!



Powdered Toast Man at Just the Cheese gave me the Super Commenter Award! I pass this on to:

Rayna at Coffee Rings Everywhere





iZombie gave me the Zombie Rabbit Award! Okay, I have to pass this on to someone who will appreciate it…

Rogue at The Roads of Autumn Dusk

Jules at Trying to Get Over the Rainbow gave me the Circle of Friends Award. Thanks, Jules! And Kate at The Scribbling Sea Serpent gave me the One Lovely Blog Award. Thanks, Kate! I’ve received both of these before, so won’t pass them on again.