Angela and Gwen – Partners in ParanormYA, Major Ninja News, and Movie Trivia Answers

Launch Day for the Partners in ParanormYA!

Thanks, Alex, for hosting Partners in ParanormYA for today’s all-important launch. Here at mission control, we’ve completed the basic go-no go checklist with authors Angela Brown and Gwen Gardner.

First, second, third and fourth rounds of drafting, rewriting, and revising completed.

Book covers revealed.

Manuscripts had to be pried from their OCD-edit hands – both Angela and Gwen – but that section completed. Plans are in place to make sure Angela hasn’t nervously chewed her fingernails down to the nubs.

Formatting and uploaded done.

The authors are now settled in the shuttle, nose to the sky, powered by rocket fuel made of perseverance, determination and a combined word count way over 100k. Ready to blast--

*giggly voice cuts in*: I can’t believe it Gwen. Launch day is here!

Gwen *sighing*: You know, it’s good to finally leave the streets of Daydreamer and round the corner to Dream Realized.

Angela *still giggling*: Oh my God, oh my God, oh my G- uh oh…

Gwen: What’s wrong?

Angela: I got so nervous, happy and excited that my stomach just did a loopty-loo. Do space suits hold in silent-but-deadlies? *giggles nervously*

Gwen *joins the giggles*: OMG, Angela! There’s no farting at launch time!

Angela: We probably should have done a go-no go for extra underwear. I may need them.

Gwen and Angela burst into laughter.

This is PIP mission control. Your mics are hot, ladies. I say again, your mics are hot.

Silence…then roaring laughter.

PIP Mission Control: Back to you Alex for the final countdown as it appears the ladies are a bit excited right now. If you wouldn’t mind doing the honors?

Alex: Launch commencing in three, two, one…

PIP Mission Control: Engines fired and they’re off. I repeat, Angela Brown and Gwen Gardner have now thrust Neverlove and Givin’ Up The Ghost into publishing space. All of you are invited to use live links to purchase your copy today to make this launch a success. You can also enter to win in the Partners in ParanormYA weekly giveaway along with the main swag giveaway located at the PIP headquarters.

Mission control out.

Purchase Angela Brown’s Neverlove at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Amazon FR, and Amazon DE.
Purchase Gwen Gardner’s Givin’ Up The Ghost at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

And there are two giveaways! Visit Partners in ParanormYA for the Big Swag Giveaway and for the Week One Giveaway!

Angela and Gwen – you ladies rock! (And giggle a lot...)

Major Ninja News!

A big thanks to everyone who offered to help co-host the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. My plan is to make this a rotating position, so watch for new co-hosts every month.

The latest issue of White Cat Magazine is out! And Rick at The Writer and the White Cat was awesome enough to include a BIG ad for both CassaStar and CassaFire as a thank you for what I do in the blogging world. Thank YOU Rick – you rock!

Retro-Zombie Jeremy interviewed the composer of the movie Looper at Howling Wolf Records. Really interesting how he put it together! Jeremy is also hosting a five hundred follower contest at his blog, Retro-Zombie, and he’s THIS close to hitting five hundred!!!

Jamie at Mithril Wisdom is celebrating his birthday in Hobbit style – he’s giving away presents! Check out his site for the giveaway and the birthday dragon. Happy birthday, Jamie!

Authors Nancy S. Thompson and Jennifer Hillier sent me this picture from BoucherCon! Is that not awesome? I just adore both of those ladies.

Sheena-kay Graham is hosting a Blogoversary: Sacrifice Book 4 Bloghop on October 25. Visit her site for details and to sign up. Congratulations on one year of blogging, Sheena-kay!

Kyra Lennon’s new book, If I Let You Go, is available on Amazon now! Congratulations, Kyra.

Milo James Fowler at In Medias Res is celebrating this month with Creepy Freebies! Visit his site for this week’s free book. And congratulate him on the placement of two more of his short stories.

Miss Jack Lewis Baillot’s new book, Lisbeth’s Choice, is available now. Congratulations, Miss Jack!

And don’t forget the Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest is October 17!

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

For the first time ever, they are allowing fans to vote – and RUSH is on the ballot! For those who don’t know, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is privately owned by a man who hates the band Rush and claimes he will never allow them to enter. Well, now we can change that! So go HERE to cast your vote for this highly influential progressive rock band.

Horror Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Be afraid. Be very afraid. The Fly
2 – I will not be threatened by a walking meatloaf! An American Werewolf in London
3 – I met this 6-year-old child, with this blank, pale, emotionless face and the blackest eyes… the devil’s eyes. Halloween
4 – Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make. Dracula
5 – Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep. Nightmare on Elm Street

Picking up Angela and Gwen’s books? (Don’t forget the giveaways.) Don’t forget all the new books, magazines, and contests this month. Get the trivia correct? (Second one was tough, wasn’t it?) And did you see any good movies this weekend? I finally watched my 3D Bluray of The Avengers – what an awesome film!

And I may not post again until Friday, when a modest Internet star will grace this blog with his presence. But I will be lurking and reading. (And reading on my iPad – so many good books!)

IWSG Help Needed, Ninja News, Rachel Morgan’s Faerie Guardian, Guitar Playing Ninja, and Horror Movie Trivia!

IWSG Help Request

The posts for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group were beyond amazing this month! So many uplifting, positive posts. And your comments encouraging me to continue writing were very much appreciated. The one that really made me laugh came from Edi – “I think with your first book a dream came true. Then you have been so polite to write two more for your fans.”

However, it has come to my attention that it’s impossible for me to visit every participant. (Yes, even with clones – I wore them out on Wednesday.) When you add up the close to three hundred participants, plus my regular blogging buddies, it’s just too much for me.

So I am asking for help!

I need two co-hosts every month. This will be a one-shot deal, so you only have to do it for one Wednesday. But I need someone to visit the blogs in the lower middle of the list and someone to visit the new participants at the end. This would mean an extra twenty to twenty-five blogs.

If you are interested in co-hosting in November, let me know! This Ninja has finally hit his limit. And I still can’t find a teleporter to send me back for a few extra hours…

Ninja News!

DL Hammon’s Write Club continues, pitting one short story against another – have you been following the contest and voting?

Friday October 5 only – Patsy Collins’ publisher is offering her book as a free download! Get your copy of Escape to the Country at Amazon US or Amazon UK.

Rusty Webb has a new book out – War Angels! Get it now at Amazon. Trust me, the dude can write!

October 5 only - "Part Six: The Man with No Eyes." of Andrew Leon’s Shadow Spinner is free! Got to Amazon to get your copy now.
Note cool artwork is also done by one Rusty Webb.

Today is Christine Rains’ birthday! And she’s hosting a birthday bash. Happy birthday, Christine – you rock!


We watched Cabin in the Woods again the other night. I stand by original review – the movie is hilarious and the ending bat-shit crazy.

And I have some really awesome guests coming up in the next few weeks. October 19 is also a special day, so be sure to stop by for the awesomeness.

Cover Reveal and a Giveaway!

The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan

Release date: November 5, 2012
Add on Goodreads

Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian…

This novel was originally published in four separate parts: Guardian, Labyrinth, Traitor, and Masquerade. It includes bonus scenes at the end.

The bonus scenes at the end of the book are NOT written from the main character's point of view. If you'd like to win a $10 Amazon gift card, all you have to do is guess whose point of view these scenes are written from! Head on over to the cover reveal post at Rachel Morgan Writes and fill in the Rafflecopter form. There's a list of characters there that you can choose from. Good luck!

The Guitar Playing Ninja

Many of you have asked about my guitar playing. And yes, there will be an opportunity to hear me in December. (You’ll find out about that on November 19.)

Several asked about the band and what I play. On my own, I play a lot of progressive rock. Not well, as I’ve only been doing it for six years. But I can play a couple Rush and Mastodon songs. With the band I play contemporary Christian and a few contemporary rock songs. And it’s a rush. Nothing like performing God’s music in front of a crowd.

Horror Movie Trivia!

Since it is October! Name the movie from the quote.

1 – Be afraid. Be very afraid.

2 – I will not be threatened by a walking meatloaf!

3 – I met this 6-year-old child, with this blank, pale, emotionless face and the blackest eyes… the devil’s eyes.

4 – Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.

5 – Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep.

Anyone up for helping me co-host the IWSG next month? See some new books you like? Still want to hear me shred on the guitar? (In ten years, maybe!) Know the horror trivia quotes? Any big plans for the weekend?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Ninja News, Looper Review, and Location Results

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.


I’m in the waiting phase right now, as my third and final book, CassaStorm, is with my critique partners.

My final book? Well, unless something epic hits me, yes. I had one story I wanted to tell. That was it. Then readers wanted more. I have now written two books past my initial goal. Heck, with both CassaStar and CassaFire now Amazon US & UK best sellers, I am way beyond what I imagined! Tens of thousands of people have purchased my books. Whoa! And I didn’t even want to be an author…

When I started to think about what’s happened with my books and this blog, and how it all came to be, I realized it could only be God. I know this blog is no longer about me, and I’m sure my books aren’t either anymore. I wasn’t even online until a year before my first book was released - look how far He has brought me. The friends I have made on this journey are priceless to me. Now that I am in a band and very involved in my guitar playing, that may be the direction God takes me instead of more books. Whatever is expected of me, I’ll be at peace with it. And I'll try not to mess it up!

But rest assured, the Ninja isn’t going anywhere for a very long time! I am here to serve, inform, and amuse. Sometimes more of the latter…

Be sure to click HERE or on the tabbed page above for a list of other participants. Someone is waiting for a word of encouragement from YOU!

Ninja News!

Today’s Special Challenge Participant Feature at the A to Z Blog is author Cherie Reich! Be sure to stop by and check out her answers to my ridiculous questions.

Bish at Random Thoughts is hosting her Second Annual BlogtoberFest! And she’s giving away five prizes this month to celebrate five years of blogging. Congratulations, Bish!

Jamie at Dancing Down Serendipity Street is having a birthday bash! She has her own line of jewelry she makes and is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway. Visit her site for details. And happy birthday, Jamie!

Livia honored me with Blog of the Month! Thank you so much, Livia. Your kind words just blew me away.

Movie Review

Looper

WOW!
The story starts simple and grows complex and intricate as it progresses. Set in 2044, Loopers are killers hired to assassinate those sent back thirty years from the future. Closing the loop is when you kill your future self. Fail to close that loop…
I was completely blown away – this movie exceeded my expectations and then some. It’s a brilliant piece of filmmaking. Looper is smart and creative in the same vein as Noland’s Memento. It leads you down one path only to provide a scene later that changes everything.
The entire cast is brilliant. Every character is complex and flawed. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is young Joe and Bruce Willis is older Joe. Emily Blunt is awesome as well.
I can’t tell you much about the film without giving away any key points. However, very few films in recent memory contain a scene as powerful as one near the end of this movie. Do note it is rated R for a reason!
One of the best movies I’ve seen in years. Smart filmmaking at its finest – go see Looper!!!

Where are all the writers?

Thanks to everyone who commented Monday! In addition to Utah, many other states have a large population of writers. I discovered there are a lot more in the Carolinas and after that, Ohio had the largest representation. (Not just for lovers I guess!) Texas, California, and Florida also hosted many writers. As for countries, Canada and the UK dominated. Thanks guys – it was cool to see all of the states and countries represented!

What are your writing insecurities today? Excited about the contests? Did you see Looper yet? Discover there are more writers in your state than you realized? Think my next book will really be my last…?

Don’t forget to visit Cherie at the A to Z Blog!

The Ninja Returns, Ninja News, Book Release & Giveaway from CM Brown, Cover Reveal of The Magic Wakes, Movie Review, and From Where Do You Hail?

Back from vacation – did you miss me? Think I’ve taken more vacation in the past three months than in the last two years. It’s use it or lose it though – and right now, I could take off for two months straight. (Which would really freak out my boss!)

Ninja News Overload!

Thanks to everyone who visited Lee for my Sharktopus: A Love Story. Hope it gave you a chuckle.

Don’t forget this Wednesday is the monthly posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Brinda Berry posted the cover art for The Wild at Heart Anthologies, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. This project which will benefit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) in Arkansas. Go check out the covers, both of which feature tigers, at Brinda’s site. And tell her congratulations, as she has a story in Volume 2!

Sean McLachlan’s next book from Osprey Publishing, The Last Ride of the James-Younger Gang: Jesse James and the Northfield Raid 1876, comes out October 23. Illustrated with period photos and color artwork, it is available for preorder now. Congratulations, Sean!

The third book in Michael Abayomi’s fantasy series, Guardians & The Lost Paradise, came out last week – The Gathering. Congratulations, Michael!

Roland Yeomans is hosting a Trick or Treat Ghost of a Chance contest! Stop by his site for details. Major points if you can score him a date with Olivia Wilde.

Anne R. Allen’s blog (with posts from Ruth Harris as well) was named one of the Top 50 Blogs for Writers by Tribal Messenger Daily. Posting every Sunday, Anne and Ruth offer awesome tips and advice for authors and writers. Congratulations, ladies!

The hosts of the A to Z Blog are looking for guest posts! Visit our blog for details. I’m still doing Special Challenge Participant Features every other Wednesday, so let me know if you’re interested in an interview as well.

New Book Release and Giveaway!

He Came For Mine, Book 2 In The Protector Series by C.M. Brown
Young Adult/Paranormal

“Desperate to save the life of a child he never knew he had, Sebastian returns to Earth to find Jazz in the arms of another man…”

For the next two weeks Carolyn is holding a Rafflecopter Draw on her Blog, to celebrate the release of Book Two in the Protector Series, He Came For Mine, and one full year of Blogging!
Prizes will include:
One $20 AUD (Australian Dollars) Amazon Gift Card
One free eBook of Book Two in The Protector Series, He Came For Mine!
One free book cover illustration by Rebekah Romani

Also, during the two week launch, Book One, in The Protector Series, He Came For Me, will be free as an eBook on Smashwords. Just use the code RF83E.

Congratulations, Carolyn!

Special Cover Reveal!

Coming Feb 19th, 2013 from WiDo Publishing:

The Magic Wakes by Charity Bradford

“Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it…”

Find Charity and her upcoming book at: Blog, Website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

Congratulations, Charity!

Movie Review

Looper review will be up Wednesday. In the meantime, I finally caught this one on NetFlix:

The Raid Redemption
From Indonesia, this film has the same concept as Dredd – cops trapped in high-rise apartment building by drug lord. The similarities end there, though. The difference is in style, plot, and execution. Set in modern-day Jakarta, this one focuses on stick and knife fighting, with more twists and surprises. Its relentless action will leave you breathless. I enjoyed Dredd, but overall, this is a better film.

From Where Do You Hail?

I know there is a large concentration of writers and authors who hail from Utah. While it might appear to be the writing mecca of the world, I know there are writers and authors from all over the world. (I can think of at least a dozen I could get to in six-seven hours, including Matthew, Elizabeth, Diane, Ella, Sheila, and Rusty.) So, sound off! Name your state if in the USA or country.

Did I miss anything else while on vacation? Ready for the IWSG on Wednesday? Excited about the new releases and contests? Seen The Raid Redemption? And from where do you hail?

Oh, and can anyone help me score a date with Olivia Wilde? (For Roland, of course!)