You Rock! And News...

Today I am visiting the awesome and beautiful Elizabeth Mueller, talking about brainstorming the second book. So, if anyone else out there has written one story and now you’re beginning to panic about a sequel or follow-up, head on over. Hopefully I don’t mess you up even worse.

But wait – there’s more!

Big thanks again to those who left such awesome comments for those participating in the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I appreciate everyone’s efforts. You guys rock!

And I got some news on the book trailer my publisher is creating for CassaFire – and I’m so stoked! Another animated piece, but - no words to read this time. You get to hear Byron speak! Damn, I can’t wait…

And, in one week, it’s the Worst Movies Ever Blogfest! Spread the word. If the insecurity of last Wednesday didn’t take down the internet, then we need to try again with an onslaught of crappy movies. Sign up below!

Any other questions about the Insecure Writer’s Support Group? Did you makes some new friends? What about the blogfest? Have you signed up? Why not?! Can’t tell me there aren’t a slew of bad movies out there…

Crap, I can’t wait to see my book trailer…

All right, go see Elizabeth now and tell her she’s one beautiful lady!

The Big Burrito Wrap!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the first post of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! I hope I visited everyone’s site. So many poured out their heart, and the encouraging comments were awesome. Really, it was beyond what I imagined. I may have started something here! But it’s you guys who made it special. One post that caught my attention was from Youngblood, and I hope you have a chance to drop by and offer a word of encouragement. Next post date – October 5!

I have the honor of a very short and funny interview over at Lydia’s site - The World is my Oyster - today!

I was also awarded the 7x7 Link award by Karen, Nancy, and one other person whom I can’t remember! (I’m sorry.)

I’m to list previous posts of mine that are the…

Most Beautiful: I don’t know about beautiful, but my recent post on Making Connections was cool.

Most Helpful: Me, helpful? Right….

Most Popular: At 174 comments, I’d have to say the announcement that My Second Book is Go! is the most popular.

Most Controversial: I don’t do controversy, but a guest post from p.m. terrell - We Want You To Make A Few Changes stirred up some conversation.

Most Surprisingly Successful: That would be my post this week for the Insecure Witer’s Support Group! I’m still stunned…

Most Underrated: The post was about an award I’d received, but those I passed on the Friends for the Journey award are really awesome people.

Most Prideworthy: I don’t think I have one that classifies as prideworthy…

I’m passing it on to Jeffrey Beesler, Michael Di Gesu, and Rusty Webb, because I really want to se what you guys come up with!

The wonderful Yvonne Lewis tagged me – ten things about myself. In the interest of time, I’m movie-loving, guitar-playing, author, blogger, D&D geek, headbanging, Kate-obsessed, Captain Ninja Alex! God, I hope that was ten…

Don’t forget my interview at The World is my Oyster

And sometime this week I went over nine hundred followers. Whoa!

Now, what did you guys think of the first day post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group?

Insecure Writer's Support Group Post & Tips

I am posting one day early for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group because there were questions. And I have answers.

- You don’t have to visit everyone (that’s my job) just connect with a dozen or so participants.
- Feel free to copy the button, link, and/or linky code. If you want to post the list of participants just on the first Wednesday, that’s cool.
- What do you write about? Post about your concerns, fears, and struggles and/or recent breakthroughs or words of encouragement for others

This is my first Insecure Writer’s Support Group post:

My biggest fear is friends - losing them. I worry I might say or do something dumb. I worry my snark might be taken the wrong way or my inexperience will cause hard feelings. After losing a friend earlier this year (even though it was over something of which I had no control) I don’t want to see any other friendships dissolve. You all matter to me and I don’t want to offend anyone.

Fortunately, friends are my greatest supporters. If you’re a writer looking for friends and encouragement, you’ve come to the right place. On days you’re feeling down, someone will say a word that renews your energy. My blogger buddies have kept me going long after I wanted to quit. They mean the world to me. And if you’re connecting with other bloggers, you’ll discover they are an awesome bunch of people!

And this is a little surprise, because I didn’t tell these guys. But my publisher is currently preparing review copies of CassaFire, and this will be the dedication:

For my three awesome friends

who guided me on this journey -

Rusty Webb

Jeffrey Beesler

Anne Gallagher

I couldn’t have done it without you!

Now, what’s your word of encouragement or writer insecurity today?

(And Jessica Bell is sorry, but she does not have a post for this week and asked if you’d just skip her name on the list for now.)

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?