CassaFire Tour Day Five, Ninja News, Trivia, and Random Stuff!

This is the party that never ends from the Ninja who never sleeps!

No really, I like my sleep. I may sleep until noon on Saturday…

Today’s awesome stop - Michael Offutt!

I found Michael’s blog last year through the Pay it Forward Blogfest. (See, blogfests do pay off!) Michael is also a science fiction writer and his first book comes out soon. I’m also kicking off Michael’s blog tour for Slipstream in May. So hopefully the A to Z Challenge doesn’t wear everyone out, because you won’t want to miss it!

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!

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who visited Elana Johnson yesterday for my interview. She is just awesome.

Weird things have been happening since the changes with Google and Blogger took effect – anyone else notice?

A Daft Scot Lass posted a list of things that indicate you are addicted to blogging at her SITE. It’s hilarious – you need to read it!

Apple has a BIG announcement coming next Wednesday! It better be the release date of the iPad 3!

Jessica Therrien’s book Oppression came out as well on Tuesday. So yes, we are both responsible for the Internet meltdown that day. Congratulations, Jessica!

Lynnette Labelle has a list of commonly misused words for writers.

Random Ninja Fact

Since my Ninja facts have been silly all week, thought I’d give you a serious one. The most poignant thing I’ve learned as a Christian (relationship not religion – big difference) besides the fact I am loved and forgiven is that to truly love God, one must also love God’s people. Believe it or not, that used to be one of my struggles. (And if you drive really slow in front of me, I still struggle!)

Trivia answers from yesterday:

1 – Where is Australia’s Northern Territory capital? Darwin
2 – Where does the Detroit River end? Lake Erie
3 – What city holds Mary Queen of Scots’ throne? Edinburgh
4 – Where does the Hope Diamond rest? Washington, DC

Trivia Time – Movie Quotes!

All right, let’s try movies again. Name the movie…

1 – “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?”

2 – “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

3 – “Charging a man with murder in this place was like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500.”

4 – “Son, your ego’s writing checks your body can’t cash.”

5 – “What we have here is a failure to communicate.”

Anyone else experiencing weird blogging things? Excited about the iPad 3? Get yesterday’s trivia right? Know any of today’s questions? Come on! A couple are really easy…

Now – go visit Michael Offiutt!

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!

CassaFire’s Release Day and Second Tour Stop!

CassaFire is officially available today!!!! Let the Catch Fire party begin.

I never thought I’d see the release of one book, let alone TWO. A big thanks to those of you who are participating in the Catch Fire! Blog Party. You guys are awesome. (And the five winners of a copy of CassaFire are listed below.)

Today’s tour stop is Edi’s Book Lighthouse!

I am very honored that Edi would host me on my release day. I found his blog a few months before CassaStar’s release and he gave my first book a positive and honest review. We’ve continued to visit each other’s blogs, and I consider him a special blogger buddy and supporter. Edi, I really appreciate you!

He has a very special party going on all day at his blog, including a giveaway of CassaFire and a most unusual interview – Byron, Athee, and Mevine interviewed ME. The results are amusing, so be sure to visit Edi’s site.

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:

Today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire! The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar.

CassaFire
by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

“This sequel to Cavanaugh's first novel, CassaStar, delivers on the promise of its predecessor, combining military action sequences and political intrigue with strong, memorable characters. Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein's early fiction…” - Library Journal

Available today!
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats
Available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Amazon Kindle

Trivia Answers

1 – Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell appeared in what 1989 action film? Tango and Cash
2 – Marlon Brando won an Oscar for his performance in what film? On the Waterfront and The Godfather
3 – What was the password used to break into the government’s computer system in 1983’s WarGames? Joshua
4 – Movie quote – name the film: “If you build it, he will come.” Field of Dreams

Catch Fire! Blog Party giveaway winners:
Charity Bradford
Stephen Tremp
EJ Wesley
Suze at Analog Breakfast
Chuck at Apocalypse Now

Congratulations and thanks for making today awesome!

News, random facts, and trivia will continue tomorrow. Remember to leave a comment to be entered for the prize package.


And a BIG thank you to everyone who has supported me these past two years and to all who pushed me to write a sequel. This Ninja is humbled and eternally grateful for your encouragement! Now, go visit Edi’s Book Lighthouse!