June Movie Preview, Supporting Other Authors, A Change of Plans, IWSG Wrap-up, and Ninja News

Special guest today - Donna K. Weaver, author of the new release, A Change of Plans!

Alex said I needed to be humorous, so I decided to share a personal experience that inspired a scene on the ship. My father was career Navy, and we traveled by ship to and from some of his duty assignments.

On our way to the Philippines, the waters outside of San Francisco were really rough--plus it was the beginning of 21-day trip. I didn't have my sea legs yet (when your inner ear gets used to the movement). I don't get seasick, but it's still a crazy sensation when the ground is constantly swaying underneath you. You tend to stumble a lot. This ship was a military transport and nothing compared to modern cruise ships.

I remember clinging to the railing as I came down the stairs, staggering into the lounge, and collapsing on to a couch. I didn't really want to get up again right away, so I raised my bump up off the couch to reach for a magazine. The steward, who was vacuuming behind me, thought I was getting up for good and took the chance to move the chair to clean under it.

Um, yeah. I straightened, the ship rocked, and I tried to collapse on the couch again . The couch that wasn't there anymore. Unfortunately, there wasn't an attractive guy behind me with a convenient lap for me to fall into.

Congratulations, Donna – I thought it was funny.

IWSG Wrap-up

Another awesome Insecure Writer’s Support Group posting! There were so many positive and encouraging posts this time. Big thanks to my co-hosts, Sheena-kay Graham, Suzanne Furness, and Laura Eno.

Participants, be sure your blog is on the list! If you’ve missed a couple months, you may have been removed and need to add your blog again. A few I couldn’t find on the list at all. So be sure to look at the LIST.

Ninja News

Cheers for Susan Gourley - she retires from teaching today and becomes a full-time author!!!

Charmaine Clancy is holding a giveaway on her site and the grand prize is a Kindle Fire! Check it out.

Available now – Dystopolis by Ian Anderson (Known as Man O’ Clay on his blog.)

Adam and his companion Zoe are survivors of a war that rips their world apart. The ensuing chaos changes Adam and his ability to cope with reality. Evie has survived as well; she spends her days searching the war-torn city for food, for hope, for life. Will their meeting be one of hope, or will mankind continue in its blindness?

Only .99 at Amazon

Also available now – Aberration by Lisa Regan

FBI analyst Kassidy Bishop is assigned to the “For You” Killer’s Task Force after a series of sadistic murders bearing the same signature arise in different parts of the country, but when the investigation leads directly back to her, she is forced to delve into her own past.

A Question of Support

A friend’s post this week regarding supporting authors received quite the firestorm of comments. (And a really cool cat drawing, which had nothing to do with the post, but it was clever!) It had to do with promoting books through reviews, cover reveals, and release announcements – and do you promote a book you haven’t read?

Here’s my thoughts – that’s up to the individual. And whether it fits the blog or not. (Because some have a theme and it just doesn’t fit.)

Obviously I do post announcements and covers. And here’s why:

1 – The Ninja News
Everyone tells me they come here to get caught up on releases and what’s happening around the blogging world. I’m just reporting the news. And I’m happy to announce anything cool happening with my followers.

2 – The Ninja Army
Once I crossed a thousand followers, I realized I could be really effective at spreading the word for my friends. This blog became a little less about me and more about you guys.

3 – Friendship
When I post about a release or announcement, I’m endorsing the person. I’m doing it because I believe in YOU.

I do it without expecting something in return. I don’t get paid. (Despite the fact I’m bombarded with ad companies and could make money that way. That’s just not how I roll.) I don’t do it just so you will support my books. If you never buy one or post about my books, I’m cool with that. I don’t give to get. I give for all those reasons above.

Where do you fall with promotions? Please no firestorm. (Violators will receive a visit from one or more clones who will proceed to paint your blog a funny color.)

June Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming movies for June! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

12 –

This Is the End
While attending a party at James Franco's house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.
Directors: Evan Goldberg | Seth Rogen
Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Paul Rudd
The guys play themselves during the apocalypse – and they get their butts kicked by Emma Watson!


14 –

Man of Steel 
A young journalist is forced to confront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race.
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe
Here’s hoping it’s epic! Maybe they’ll finally make a Justice League of America movie.


21 –

World War Z
United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.
Director: Marc Forster
Stars: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, David Morse
Zombie apocalypse! Based on a book by Mel Brooks’ son. I wish Mel would adopt me.

Monsters University
A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.
Director: Dan Scanlon
Stars: Nathan Fillion, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Billy Crystal
Might just be me, but the previews aren’t funny.


28 –

White House Down
While on a tour of the White House with his young daughter, a Capitol policeman springs into action to save his child and protect the president from a heavily armed group of paramilitary invaders.
Director: Roland Emmerich
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Richard Jenkins
Admit it – you want to see the White House blow up!

Did you enjoy this month’s IWSG? Excited about the books? What movies catch your eye this month? And how do you feel about promoting others and what are you willing to do?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Heroes and Villains Blogfest, Ninja News, Wednesday Movie Quote, and World Trivia Answers

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 awesome co-hosts today are Sheena-kay Graham, Suzanne Furness, and Laura Eno. Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

A couple recent posts prompted me to provide a little hope today by debunking some myths.

Got a first manuscript hiding in a drawer that you loved but everyone says those first novels are practice only?

Take it out, dust it off, and go back to the original idea. Maybe in its current form it’s no good, but with a rewrite and a polish, it just might shine. And become something worth publishing.

I know – the original version of CassaStar sat in such a drawer, but with a complete rewrite, it became my first published book.

Think that the mess you produced during NaNo will never see the light of day?

Even if it is a mess, you can restructure. Find the plot holes, get help from critique partners, and edit it up to standards. A publisher might want it.

I know – my second book, CassaFire, was written during NaNo 2010, and my upcoming novel, CassaStorm, was written during June’s BuNo 2012.

Ready to believe in those NaNo and first manuscripts again?

Visit others on the LIST and be encouraged!

Ninja News

Mel at Writings, Musings, and Other Such Nonsense is hosting the Followers Blog Hop. If you are looking for more blog followers, check it out.

Write Club Submissions are open!
Visit DL at Cruising Altitude 2.0 for details on how to enter. He has a panel of great judges lined up for the third Write Club. Oh yeah, and me. (I look so out of place on the list!)

Cover reveal-

Red Threads by Stacey J. Mitchell

Twenty-six-year-old Lily Robinson has her dream job in a museum, a great boyfriend, and is happy with her life – until the day she starts seeing red threads growing out of the chests of those around her…

The release date is June 12, 2013.

Dafeenah at Indie Designz posted a list of Ten Great Blogs for Self-Published Authors.

Diane at Spunk on a Stick’s Tips posted a list of reviewers who review self-published books.

Heroes and Villains Blogfest

Posting a day early, this blogfest is hosted by Jackie at Bouquet of Books and Dani at Entertaining Interests.

Favorite Hero – Colonel Jack O’Neill from Stargate SG1

What’s not to admire? He leads SG1, the first Stargate team. He’s a tough soldier. He’s full of snark. And he always gets his team out of trouble. Jack may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I’d want him guarding my back when I stepped through the Stargate.

Favorite Villain – Top Dollar from The Crow

Top Dollar has power and money. His presence is commanding and full of charisma. He’s snarky, owns a heavy metal club, and would be really interesting to hang out with if not for the fact he’s a homicidal maniac.

Wednesday Movie Quote

This week – dragon movies!

My quote comes from Reign of Fire:

Denton Van Zan – There’s nothing magical about it. They’re made of flesh and blood. You take out their heart you bring down the beast.

In TWO weeks (as I’m not posting next Wednesday) – animal movies.

World Trivia Answers

1 – What drink did the Incas invent? Cocoa
2 – Name either of the countries that are home to the Mayan Pyramids. Mexico and Guatemala
3 – What large tree grows in Yosemite National Park? Giant Sequoias
4 – What body of water is the saltiest in the world? The Dead Sea
5 – Who is buried under Paris’ Arc de Triomphe? The Unknown Soldier 

What’s your writer insecurity today? Ready for Write Club? Find some good links for Indie authors? Who is your favorite hero or villain? Favorite dragon movie quote? And how many trivia answers did you get right?

And the story behind my Cassa series is up today at MJ Joachim’s blog!

Ninja News, The Partner's Progeny, Guests, NetFlix Reviews, and World Trivia!

Ninjas lead secret lives, but MJ Joachim asked if I would share a few personal things for my Blog Hopper Marathon spot. Visit her site today for the inside scoop.

Ninja News!

The Challenge Participate Feature is back at the A to Z Blog, and today it’s Mary Montague Sikes, who did a painting a day for the Challenge.


Big thanks to Rachna and everyone who visited Rachna’s Scriptorium last Friday for my time management tips!

Rebecca Bradley has an agent for Shallow Waters - Kate Nash of the Kate Nash Literary Agency. Congratulations, Rebecca!

TF Walsh just signed with Crimson Romance for her novel Cloaked in Fur, an adult urban fantasy. Congratulations, TF!

Doralynn Kennedy just signed a contract for her book, Spiders, with the Wild Rose Press. Congratulations, Doralynn!

Special thanks to MJ for her touching post about generosity and the awesomeness of this online community.

Book Release!

The Partner's Progeny by Shelly Arkon

Bullies rule … or do they?
For seventeen years, Victoria Sheek has been a paralegal surpervisor at the Law Offices of Pereene, Carr, and Sevino, specializing in injury law. Rumors portray her as a bully. She remains confident that her position will never cease because of close relations to one of the founding partners, Mr. Carr.
Until Mr. Pereene, the head partner, hires Monica Bowman. Smitten with her because of her resemblance to his deceases granddaughter, Melissa, and his memories of her, she can do no wrong.
Which one of the two girls will keep their position at the firm? It takes and unexpected event to decide the outcome of this rivalry.

Shelly Arkon is the author of Secondhand Shoes. She lives in New Port Richey with her husband and two dogs. She’s also a member of Florida Writer’s Association and Writer’s of Mass Distraction.

Guest Spots

I enjoy featuring my blogger buddies and welcome a couple guests here every month. My calendar tends to fill quickly, so if you have a book coming out or something interesting you’d like to share, drop me an email. Guest spots are open to my blogger buddies (most of whom are listed in my sidebar) and the guidelines are HERE.

Recently on NetFlix

I really have almost reached the end of NetFlix. Here are some recent watches:

Kill List
Death cult goes to great lengths to recruit man to be their anti-Christ.
Disturbing, creepy, weird, and depressing. Plus evil
Only recommended if you like those things in your movies.
I’ve also come to the conclusion that there are some really bad horror movies out there.

John Dies at the End
Man accidentally takes drug called ‘soy sauce’ and it gives him the ability to see other dimensions.
Weird, fun, quirky, and trippy.
Recommended if you enjoy those four things.

The Finder
Man comes back from the war with the ability to find anything, and once he starts, he can’t stop.
Very fun and funny. Yet another great show tragically cut short after only thirteen episodes.
Check this gem out – highly recommended!

World Trivia

For those of you stumped by my movie and music trivia, this one might be more your style.

1 – What drink did the Incas invent?

2 – Name either of the countries that are home to the Mayan Pyramids.

3 – What large tree grows in Yosemite National Park?

4 – What body of water is the saltiest in the world?

5 – Who is buried under Paris’ Arc de Triomphe?

Answers on Wednesday!

Cheers to everyone who signed contracts recently! Picking up Shelly’s book? Want a guest spot later this year? Seen either NetFlix movie or the show? And do you know any of the trivia answers?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group posts this Wednesday.

And be sure to visit MJ Joachim today for the inside scoop on the Ninja.

Time Management Ninja Style; Movie News – Iron Man III, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and After Earth; Major Book Releases; Small Things; and the Ninja News!

Want to know how this Ninja manages his time? Then visit the awesome Rachna Chhabria at Rachna's Scriptorium today to learn a trick or two. (None of which involves clones, I promise!)

Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Get Healthy Bloghop! There were some really good tips and ideas. Thanks to Stephen for inviting me and thanks to my fellow co-hosts, Diane and Michael.

Father Dragon Al gave me the Semper Fidelis Award. “I think Semper Fidelis is the motto of the navy in the US but also Mexican navy uses it. In my own life "Always faithful" means a lot to me. I'm faithful to my beliefs, my principles and to my friends.” In the interest of space (and being a rebel) I will just pass it on to last week’s YOU ROCK Award recipients, as I’ve already described why they are awesome friends.

MJ Joachim started the Blog Hopper Marathon this week. She tosses the challenges out and you have a small window of opportunity in which to respond. I won the first one: “Alex J. Cavanaugh for visiting and commenting on 25 blogs in 30 minutes in our very first Blog Hopper Marathon! Congratulations, Alex! Your prize includes being listed as the very first award recipient in our Blog Hopper Marathon Hall of Fame and being featured in a future post right here on this blog.”
Thanks, MJ! I think I hurt myself doing that…

Book Releases!!!!

Some awesome new books today and this past week:

Forged by Magic by Angela Orlowski Peart
Young Adult Fantasy
Available today!

“Forged by Magic: Origins is a collection of short stories, featuring the characters from the Forged series. This is the first of two prequels to the series. Each story is told from a different character’s point-of-view.
Find out how the Amulet and the Dasht-e Kavir have been created, and how the powers of the Universe opened the gates to other dimensions, inadvertently releasing unworldly supernatural creatures into the Human World.”

Immaterial Evidence by Milo James Fowler
Novella
Available today from Musa Publishing!

“A detective with a price on his head. An invisible criminal with nothing to lose...”

The vault door never opened. The bank went into lockdown in less than a minute. Yet the security footage was unmistakable: a hundred silver bars had simply vanished.

Ever since the city’s most dangerous crime boss put a price on his head, private investigator Charlie Madison has lived as an exile in Little Tokyo. But now an old friend and police sergeant has lured Madison back into the city to hunt down an invisible criminal—if he can.

As Madison makes his clandestine return, high-profile people start disappearing. And when federal agents swoop onto the scene to take matters into their own hands, they offer Madison a deal he can't refuse—as long as he agrees to work with them. With Japanese freedom fighters and refurbished killing machines threatening to take the world to the brink of nuclear holocaust, the United World government needs all the help it can get.

Embroiled in an unimaginable mystery, one private eye must rely on his wits to solve a case where the evidence is immaterial, and the odds are stacked high against him at every turn.

Moonsongs Anthology I by EJ Wesley

It collects the first three Moonsongs books (Blood Fugue, Witch's Nocturne, & Dark Prelude) in one volume.

Secondary Characters by Rachel Schieffelbein

“When Mabel's best friend, Amber, drags her along on a double date she finds herself falling for Lance, the obnoxious class clown whom she swore she'd have no interest in…”

Uprising (Children of the Gods #2) by Jessica Therrien

“The Descendants have waited long enough for freedom…”

And Jessica will be visiting the Ninja Army soon on her tour!

The Spirit of Nimue by Donna Hosie
Available today!

“Natasha Roth and her older brother, Arthur, have removed the magical darkness that had fallen over the land of Logres. But all actions have consequences…”

Going Home by Rusty Webb

The tale of one of the last human soldiers left after an alien invasion.

From Rusty:
“Every dime I make in book sales this month goes towards helping young Ben Wolverton, the teenage child of Author David Wolverton that had a skateboarding accident that left him with about $1,000,000 in medical bills.”

Celebrating the Small Things

VikLit’s “Celebrating the Small Things” is today. I’m celebrating a successful bloghop, nailing a recent band performance, and some time away from the Internet this week.

Movie News

Iron Man III is fifth on the All-Time World-Wide Box Office chart with 1.15 billion dollars. It’s supposed to surpass Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows II but not The Avengers.

There are now sixteen films that have made over a billion dollars.




From JoBlo’s Site, one of the first images of Sebastian Stan in his Winter Soldier costume:

Captain America: The Winter Soldier picks up where The Avengers left off, as Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C.
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson, and Robert Redford, it hits theaters on April 4, 2014.

The reviews are in for After Earth:

“Had the ad mentioned him, it probably would have said, ‘An M. Night Shyamalan film. Sorry.’” – Matt Pais, RedEye

“After Earth is no Titan AE.” – William Bibbiani, CraveOnline

“They set out to make a sci-fi film with the power to change the way you look at your fellow man. And they made one that just made me want to leave this planet that much sooner.” – Brian Tallerico, HollywoodChicago

Yeah, I think we’ll be skipping that one this weekend…

Did you gather some healthy tips on Wednesday? Picking up any of the new books this week? Excited for the next Captain America or contribute to Iron Man III’s box office? And are you watching a movie this weekend? (Presumably not After Earth…)

Don’t forget to visit Rachna's Scriptorium for time management Ninja tricks!