What is Blogging Success, Ninja News, Dredd Movie Review, Music Trivia Answers, and the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest!

Today I have a guest post with the wonderful Karen Lange at Write Now. I answer the question – what is blogging success? Please visit Karen today for my take on success in the blogging world.

Ninja News

Christine Rains is holding a birthday bash and giveaway on October 5 – you don’t want to miss it.

Laura Barnes got an agent – congratulations, Laura! AND she got a request from a publisher that she was able to forward to her new agent. How cool is that/?

The Best of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, edited by Jessica Bell and Dawn Ius, is now available on Goodreads!

Jeremy at Retro-Zombie is nearing 1500 posts and 500 followers and he’s hosting a giveaway to celebrate! Visit Jeremy’s site for details.

EJ Wesley is celebrating the release of his book, Blood Fugue, with the Bury the Hatchet Blogfest. Lots of amazing prizes! Runs until October 19. Congratulations on the new book, EJ.

Laura Eno’s new book, Wish, comes out next month. If you would like to help with her book launch, see her site for details. Congratulations, Laura!

Movie Review

Dredd

Forget that awful Stallone version! This film matches the feel of the comic book – it’s gritty, dark, violent, and bloody.
Dredd takes on a rookie with psychic abilities and their first assignment finds them trapped in a massive housing unit and at the mercy of gang leader Ma-Ma. (And they managed to make the lovely Lena Headey look skanky and vile.)
The visuals are very unique – colorful, in depth, and with lots of slow motion action.
The director pulls no punches with the violence. You will witness people die in a truly unique manner.
This movie isn’t for everyone. But if you enjoy the comic Dredd or science fiction shoot-em-ups and great special effects, then Dredd is your film.

Music Trivia Answers

Remakes – name the song:
1 – In 1995 Dream Theater remade this song by Elton John – Love Lies Bleeding
2 – In 1998 Orgy remade this song by New Order – Blue Monday
3 – 2002 by Shadows Fall, 2012 by Arjen Lucassen, and 2007 by Queesnryche saw the remake of this Pink Floyd song – Welcome to the Machine
4 – In 1999 Coal Chamber remade this song by Peter Gabriel – Shock the Monkey
5 – In 1996 White Zombie remade this song by KC and the Sunshine Band – I’m Your Boogieman

Did I Notice Your Book?

The brain child of one awesome Ciara Knight! (With the Ninja along for the ride as co-host.) Based on her weekly feature that began last year. (And CassaStar was the first book!)

The Ninjas and Knights are joining forces!

Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest, October 17, 2012
Post about a book you’ve noticed.

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

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

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

Let’s blow up the blogsphere with great new reads!

Sign up below!



Excited about the contests and news? Anyone else see Dredd? Get any of the trivia right? (Kathleen got all of them!) And are you signing up for the awesome new blogfest?

Don’t forget to visit Karen for my take on blogging success!

Ninja News, Recaptured Dreams, Touchy Question, Award, Guest Posts, and Music Trivia!

Ninja News!

The next installment of Andrew Leon’s book, Shadowspinner – Part Five: The Police Car, is free today on Amazon!

If you’re looking for an awesome t-shirt, Jeremy at Retro Zombie has a slew of great shirts available at the NeatoShop.

Angela Orlowski Peart’s new book, Forged by Greed, is now available! You can purchase the eBook on Amazon for the special price of $3.50 through Sunday morning and paperbacks will soon follow. Congratulations, Angela!

Steven Symes new children’s book, Gracie the Ghost Eater, is now available! Congratulations, Steven.

Special cover reveal from Atom Book Blog Tours:

Abandon by Elana Johnson

seduced by power,
broken by control,
and consumed by love...

Coming June 2013. Mark it to-read on Goodreads today!

And Mark Koopmans says save the date – November 19, 2012! See his blog for vague details.

Recaptured Dreams!

Now available – Recaptured Dreams by Justine Dell

Her favorite line from the book:
“Xavier had thought he was in paradise before. He’d been wrong. Sophia was more than paradise. She was the very reason he breathed.”

Find Recaptured Dreams on Amazon. Goodreads, and Facebook,

Find Justine on Facebook, her Blog, and Twitter. Contact Justine by email: dell.justine@gmail.com

Watch the book trailer on You Tube

Touchy Question

Word verification. I encounter it most often during blogfests and IWSG posts. Now, a couple of my blogger buddies have used it for years and I’m all right with that. But most blogs with word verification are newer blogs.

My question – since word verification is the default setting and most bloggers probably don’t even know they are using it, would it be wrong to let them know in the comments? Just a “Hey, did you know you have word verification on?” As a co-host, I did that a couple times during the A to Z Challenge, but I’ve been hesitant to do it since.

What do you guys think?

Award!

Livia gave me the Daisy Award – thank you!
I’m to list seven weird things about me:
1 – I don’t own a cell phone
2 – I’ve attended over a hundred rock concerts
3 – I want to replace my lawn with Astro Turf
4 – I can write with music blaring and the TV on
5 – I want rocket launchers mounted on the front of my car
6 – I own a Klingon Bat’leth
7 – I never intended to become an author

I’m passing this on to the delightful and quirky Robyn at Life by Chocolate!

The Reason for Guest Posts and Features

Most of you have read my guest post guidelines and know that they are reserved for my blogger buddies. (Most of whom are listed in my sidebar – I need to update it again soon.)

I do this to give back and show support for those of you who support me. There are millions of blogs online and you chose to come visit me. Thousands of authors and writers and you’ve chosen to feature my books. So many people willing to do guest posts and you invite me. That means a lot to me, which is why my blog is open to you. Anything I can do to give back and support my friends.

I do it because I believe in you. It’s not just your book or achievement –  
I believe in you.

Music Trivia!

Remakes – name the song:

1 – In 1995 Dream Theater remade this song by Elton John

2 – In 1998 Orgy remade this song by New Order

3 – 2002 by Shadows Fall, 2012 by Arjen Lucassen, and 2007 by Queesnryche saw the remake of this Pink Floyd song

4 – In 1999 Coal Chamber remade this song by Peter Gabriel

5 – In 1996 White Zombie remade this song by KC and the Sunshine Band (really!)

So many cool new books! Any going on your list? Would you let someone using word verification know? What’s your reason for letting others provide guest posts? And any idea on the music trivia? Go ahead and make a wild hairy guess – you might be right! And who else is seeing Dredd this weekend?

IWSG Reflections – One Year, Comments, & Interesting Topics; Ninja News; Ninja Answers; and Music Trivia

Wednesday’s participation in the Insecure Writer’s Support Group one year anniversary post was incredible! Just when I think it can’t get any better, you guys blow me away with your posts and comments. I managed to visit almost two hundred blogs on Wednesday (thanks to my weekly work meetings being moved to Tuesday) and hit many more on Thursday.

I never imagined the IWSG growing into something so awesome. Your comments of appreciation mean a lot to me.

There were some great topics, a couple of which I’ll share here and you can add your thoughts.

Author branding for marketing purposes
Crap, do I have a brand? Is it like a platform? Consistency in my blog or my writing? I’m the Ninja Captain and I write science fiction–space opera. I am here to entertain you. Beyond that, no clue what it means.
Do you have a brand? Any idea what mine is?

Writing for posterity, prosperity, or something else
I doubt many of us really write for the second item, although it’s a nice bonus sometimes. Writing for posterity? Sure it would be cool if my books became epic movies and were around for years. But I won’t kid myself. I write to entertain. If you enjoy the ride, then that’s all that matters.
Why do you write?

When your work is compared to others
I’m all right with that. My books remind you of Star Wars, one of the biggest science fiction movies of all time? Yes, I was influenced by that film – I’ll take it! (I still remember Clarissa’s review of my first book – “I was expecting Dune and I got Star Wars – and I love Star Wars!” Yeah, that put a big smile on my face.) Some people have said my first book has the same essence as Ender’s Game. Considering the popularity of that book and the upcoming movie, that is really awesome. And no, I’ve never read it. (Although CassaStar was right below it for a while on the Amazon best seller chart, which was really cool.) To me that just means more people will relate to and enjoy my books, so I’m good with it.
Is your work compared to other things?

You know, I just realized my answer to all three is that I’m here to entertain and amuse…

Ninja News!

Big thank you to everyone who left words of encouragement for Roland Yeomans and/or purchased his books. You guys rock!!!

Jeremy Bates’ new book, The Taste of Fear, is due out October 23 – but you can download it from Amazon for the Kindle now. Congratulations, Jeremy!

Nick Wilford is trying to raise awareness of the lack of adequate provision of specialist further education in Scotland. He’s working on a campaign to get his stepson, Andrew, who has cerebral palsy, in a specialist college. He’s offering critiques in exchange for items donated for the auction. Check out the auction HERE, like the Facebook page HERE, or visit his stepson’s BLOG for more information. Good luck, Nick and Andrew!

Since Wednesday’s post was already overflowing, I didn’t get a chance to thank Jeff at Strands of Pattern for featuring my guest post on blogging last Friday and for all of you who left a comment. You guys are awesome.

And finally, we have another billion dollar movie! The Dark Knight Rises now resides at 1.01 billion dollars and just ahead of The Dark Knight. Anyone care to guess what the grand total will be?

Ninja Questions

A couple more for you…

Tracy Jo asked: .Alex, how about how old are you?
I was born in 1964. You guys do the math.

Nancy asked: Do you have children?
No and not a chance it’s happening now!

Tyrean asked: Do you spend more time writing or playing guitar?
When I’m not working on a book, I definitely play my guitar more often.

Music Trivia!

Lead singer edition!

1 – Three singers have fronted Van Halen – name them.

2 – Joe Satriani, one of the best guitarists in the world, is known for his guitar instrumental albums, but he actually sang lead vocals for several songs on which of his albums?

3 – Care to take a stab at naming all the lead singers for the band Rainbow?

4 – In 1999 the band Fear Factory did a cover of the 1980 song, Cars, and it featured a guest appearance by the original singer/songwriter – name him.

5 – And now here’s an easy one! Name the lead singer of Rush.

Did you enjoy Wednesday’s posting for the IWSG? Do you understand branding? Know why you write? Mind comparisons? Believe my answers? And do you know any of the movie trivia?

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…

Day Four CassaFire Tour, News, Trivia, and Stuff!

There were more CassaFire posts yesterday – you guys just blow this Ninja’s mind! Someone even said they had a crush on me…

Today my tour stops at the awesome blog of Elana Johnson.

I found Elana’s blog less than two years ago. At the time, she had around 1,600 followers. I was blown away by that following but bravely jumped in and followed and commented. A couple months later, she decided to do a joint blogging series on followers, comments, topics, and relationships. She asked Jen Daiker, who had over 700 followers at the time, to join her. For some odd reason, she also asked me! I think I had a little over 200 followers. It was a real honor, one I will never forget. Thank you, Elana! Not sure what you saw in this Ninja, but I appreciate that vote of confidence.

So please hop on over to Elana’s BLOG!
 
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:

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who visited Isis yesterday for my tips on building a Ninja army. It takes involvement through following, commenting, blogfests, and giving back, but more important, it takes the right attitude and spirit.

Here’s a list of helpful Facebook pages for authors to promote their book, courtesy of Dafeenah at Indie Designz

Roland continues my story of capture at the hands of aliens and subsequent rescue by him, Byron, and Athee HERE. You the man, Roland!

Caught the new Avengers movie trailer yesterday morning – looks awesome!

Random Ninja Fact

Everyone knows I like rock music – progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal. But what music DON’T I like? Sorry, but just can’t get into blues, jazz, or new age, don’t like pop, and really don’t like country. Yes, I’m a headbanger! I just like the depth of music in that genre.

Trivia answers from yesterday:

1 – Name the first AC/DC album to feature singer Brian Johnson. Back in Black
2 – Where was Cheap Trick’s live album recorded? (Theater and country) Budokan Theater in Japan
3 – In what movie did Black Sabbath’s The Mob Rules appear in 1981? Heavy Metal
4 – Who writes most of Rush’s lyrics? Drummer Neal Peart

Trivia Time – Locations!

Not up on your 70’s/80’s music? Let’s try locations instead!

1 – Where is Australia’s Northern Territory capital?

2 – Where does the Detroit River end?

3 – What city holds Mary Queen of Scots’ throne?

4 – Where does the Hope Diamond rest?

Anyone get all the music questions right? Care to guess on the locations? Had a blogging meltdown due to Blogger and Google changes? Have you been reading Roland’s tales of me in space? Alien probes are so evil…


Don’t forget to visit the awesome Elana Johnson!

CassaFire Tour Day Three, News, Facts, and Music Trivia

WOW! Just wow! You guys were so awesome yesterday with all of the Catch Fire! posts. I think I got around to everyone but let me know if I missed you. I think I set a record for blogs visited yesterday. But I was truly humbled and honored by all of the support and encouragement. You don’t realize just how special it was to see CassaFire featured everywhere. And the comments were just incredible. Really, I'm just Alex! Just one lone Ninja doing his best. Thank you! Special thanks to Julie and Rek for their touching posts.

Today’s stop is with Isis Rushdan.

I met Isis last year and she burst onto the scene with a bang. I’ve never seen anyone gain a loyal following as quickly as Isis. She’s had a lot to deal with the past two months but she’s ready to host the Ninja today. So please stop by and say hey to Isis!

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:

Ninja News

Special thanks again to Edi’s Book Lighthouse for hosting me on my release day. I’m glad everyone enjoyed the banter between me and my characters.

Stephanie at Scribbler to Scribe posted an excellent set of guidelines for requesting book reviews.

Randy at Not The Baseball Pitcher posted a wonderful review of CassaFire.

EJ Wesley reviewed my book trailer. Which I had nothing to do with, but it’s still awesome he reviewed it.

And since Google Friends Connect is about to vanish for some of you, I’d like to recommend Linky Followers as another option. I already have it in my sidebar.

Random Ninja Fact

I look really awful in hats!

Trivia Time – Music

Going old school! (Because I pulled out a really old music trivia game for these questions.)

1 – Name the first AC/DC album to feature singer Brian Johnson.

2 – Where was Cheap Trick’s live album recorded? (Theater and country)

3 – In what movie did Black Sabbath’s The Mob Rules appear in 1981?

4 – Who writes most of Rush’s lyrics?

Any other awesome news? Know the answers to those trivia questions? Did anyone else see the freaky, fiery crash at the Daytona 500 Monday night? Still wondering if I sleep…?

Don’t forget to go visit Isis Rushdan!

Pop Culture Gone Wild!

Thought we’d do something to kick-start those brain cells.

It’s time for some pop culture trivia!

Come on – it will be fun. Bet you know at least one answer. Everything focuses on the 80’s and 90’s.

Speaking of 80’s, Nicki Elson is hosting a blogfest on February 10 – I’ll Tumble 4 Ya – name your 80’s crush. (And I’ll tell you right now, it was NOT the Culture Club!!!!)

And we are looking for guest posts from past and coming participants over at the A to Z Challenge blog. Contact Lee or any of the co-hosts if you are interested.

Now, on to the trivia!

Movies

Quote – name the movie: “Three weeks, twenty papers, that’s two dollars.”

What now famous actor was killed in his bed in A Nightmare on Elm Street? (1984)

What actress appeared in Less Than Zero, Twister, and The Lost Boys?

In True Romance, who plays Christian Slater’s vision of Elvis?

Quote – name the movie: “You know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?”

Music

What famous guitarist for Ozzy was killed March 1982?

Where did the band White Zombie get its name?

Milton Berle was in two of Ratt’s music videos – what was the connection?

What album spent a record-setting 778 weeks on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart?

Who was the hot blonde in the video for the Grammy winning song, Rosanna, by Toto?

TV

Before it was a hit series, The Simpsons debuted as a short skit on what FOX show?

Which actress replaced Shelly Long when she left Cheers?

What award-winning two hour show parodied other movies from 1988 to 1999?

Director Michael Mann produced what TV series? (He later directed the film version.)

What actor was on Saturday Night Live, hosted two TV shows, did Monday Night Football, and even hosted a game show?

Bonus Game question!

What is the best-selling game console ever?

Give me your best answers! Winner gets the right to strut his or her pop culture geekness for a week. Runner up gets… a warm, fuzzy feeling.