A to Z Challenge – Dark Knight Rises and Dare You to Move, Plus A Change of Plans and IWSG Thanks!

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

The Dark Knight Rises

Christopher Nolan infused these films with a sense that they could exist in our world. The movie captures the essence of the Dark Knight comics. Nolan is a director of such high caliber that he took a comic book character and elevated him into mainstream critical acclaim.

John Blake is the young detective with a troubled past and desire for justice. He knows Batman’s secret and wants to help fight for the cause. His drive and ambition hint at the possibility he would take on the duties of Batman, maybe even as Robin.

Who is John/Robin?

Nick Wilford at Scattergun Scribbles!

His recent blogfest and book for his son, Andrew, probe he’s ready to fight the cause. Nick has a goal and a purpose, and he will make it happen no matter what. He still possesses that youthful idealism so necessary for achieving success. And he’s definitely a superhero.

Nick is a writer and the editor of the anthology, Overcoming Adversity.

To you, I dedicate Dare you to Move by Switchfoot. Because you dared…

“I dare you to move, I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor…”

Trivia and Facts-

Switchfoot’s seventh studio album won a Grammy in 2011 – name the album or the Grammy category.

D’s trivia answer – Ernie Hudson also played a cop in The Cowboy Way and No Escape.

A Change of Plans!

Coming June 1, 2013 -

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
Adventure-Romance

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates…

Add A Change of Plans on Goodreads

Find Donna - Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

I met Donna during the second A to Z Challenge and I could not be more happy for her!

IWSG Thanks!

Once again, you guys amaze me! Special thanks to my co-hosts this month, Annalisa Crawford, Julie Luek, and Elsie.

Between the Challenge and the IWSG, I was overwhelmed yesterday. My apologies to anyone I skipped or missed. I will be catching up this weekend on IWSG posts and on all of the awesome comments here.

Big thanks to Damy and Carolyn for featuring my books yesterday, and to several others who mentioned them in their posts. Whoa!

Next year, I’m taking the whole first week of April off from work so I can keep up!

Fan of the Dark Knight movies? Fan of Nick? Know the trivia answer? Excited to pick up Donna’s book? Did the IWSG rock this week or what? And anyone else feeling a bit overwhelmed…?

A to Z Challenge – The Crow, Eric Draven, and Rush's Carve Away the Stone – Plus the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Ninja News

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm!.One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

The Crow

An incredibly haunting film. Brandon Lee’s death infused the movie with presence that you feel when watching it. The cinematography and set design are spectacular and the performances spot-on. The creator of the original graphic novel series wrote it in response to his own real-life tragedy, which adds even more depth to the film. An underappreciated masterpiece. (And a kick-ass soundtrack.)

Eric Draven is the tragedy. Haunted by his own death and that of his fiancé, Eric has returned to exact justice on those responsible. Armed with his guitar, his wits, and a sense of humor, he sets off on his quest. There is an air of sorrow beneath his strength, and he just wants to right the wrongs and find his peace.

Who is Eric?

Michael Offutt!

Michael has had his fair share of challenges, but he continues to fight. He’s both talented and smart in many areas, delving into the details above and beyond. Some days he is overwhelmed by the weight of it all, but not his quest. I admire his tenacity and hope he finds his peace. He is a good friend.

Michael is the author of Slipstream and Oculus.

To you I dedicate Carve Away the Stone, by Rush. 

“You can carry that weight, With an iron will, Or let the pain remain behind you…”

Trivia and Facts:

Brandon Lee was accidentally shot on the set on March 31, 1993, and pronounced dead at a Wilmington, NC hospital six hours later. This was just seventeen days before he and fiancé Eliza Hutton, who also worked on the film, were to be married. She petitioned that the film be completed, and it was released a year later, dedicated to the couple.

Co-star Ernie Hudson played a cop in The Crow, and a cop in two other films release that year – name them.

B’s trivia answer – Satriani played lead guitar for Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

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 this month are Annalisa Crawford, Julie Luek, and Elsie.
 
Today I’d just like to extend an invitation to any writers out there who haven’t heard about the IWSG. Every month, this group amazes me even more. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. If you are a struggling writer or seasoned veteran, you find yourself welcome into the group. Once a month, we post our insecurities or a word of encouragement for others. It’s a safe outlet for those frustrations we often face.

I am humbled by the power of this group. The success of my books cannot compare to the success of the IWSG. I am recharged every month by the members and their dedication to each other. Join us, and you’ll see what I mean…

Ninja News!

Author and Geek Twin, Nigel Mitchell, composed a large list of editors for indie publishers HERE.

PTM’s theme for the Challenge is fictional characters including but not limited to cartoons, TV shows, video games, etc. Today, he is interviewing Cookie Monster – played by me! Snark may be involved. Check it out HERE

Damyanti at Daily (w)rite has been featuring books this month for the Challenge, and today it is my latest book, CassaFire! Thanks, Damy.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends April 21, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Fan of The Crow or Michael? Familiar with Dream Theater? Know the trivia question? Are you a member of the IWSG? (If no, please join us!) What is your insecurity today?

Be sure to check out PTM’s SITE for a side of Cookie Monster you’ve never seen…

The A to Z Challenge – Blazing Saddles and Big Bad Moon, Plus Ninja News

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

Blazing Saddles

Bottom line – it’s hilarious! It skewered racism and homophobia back when such a thing was frowned upon. It was really bold for its time. The cast is outstanding and it makes me laugh every single time I watch it.

Bart is the sheriff, and he’s walked into a potentially explosive situation. Regardless, he still has a great attitude and a sense of humor. He’s slick and surrounds himself with good people.

Who is Bart?

Mark Means at Left and Write!

Mark has swagger and he’s quick on the draw. (You think I’m fast to comment?) He’s a solid individual with an awesome attitude. Mark understands what this community is all about and he’s sworn to protect it.

Mark is a writer with a bit of a geek edge.

To you I dedicate Big Bad Moon, by Joe Satriani, because you are just as bad ass!

“Big bad moon’s looking down on me tonight.”

Facts and Trivia –

Satriani was recruited to play lead guitar on the solo tour of the lead singer for one of the biggest bands ever – name the band.

A’s trivia answer – Joe Johnston directed the Rocketeer in 1991.

Ninja News!

Special thanks to Medeia Sharif - I and my book were her post for A yesterday! That was an awesome surprise. Thanks, Medeia!

Win a Twenty dollar Amazon gift card by nominating/voting for an A to Z blogger you appreciate! See CM Brown’s SITE to vote.

Carol Kilgore’s latest, Solomon’s Compass, releases today!

The lure of buried treasure. A sexy former SEAL. Could USCG CDR Taylor Campbell want more? Don't ask. A story of love, loyalty, and the value of keeping a promise,

Coming May 30 from Rachel Morgan - The Faerie Prince! 

Guardian trainee Violet Fairdale is just weeks away from one of the most important occasions of her life…

Coming this June from Hart Johnson, a.k.a. Alyse Carlson, at Confessions of a Watery Tart - The Begonia Bribe: 2nd in the Garden Society Cozy Mystery series!

Roanoke, Virginia, is home to some of the country’s most exquisite gardens, and it’s Camellia Harris’s job to promote them. But when a pint-sized beauty contest comes to town, someone decides to deliver a final judgment …

Challenge Opens With A Bang!

Didn’t yesterday just rock? So many participants (over 1900) and so many comments. (Crap, I had over two hundred and fifty comments – even I can’t keep up with that!!) Thanks to everyone for your efforts, including my Ninja Minions, because I saw your comments everywhere.

And I would like to apologize in advance, but I will not be able to visit as many as I did on Monday every single day. Between blogger buddies, commenters, and my section of the Challenge list, I’m just not going to be able to visit everyone every single day. So if I skip a post, please don’t be offended. I just need to maintain my sanity this month without burning out either myself or my clones. (Or Al’s dwarves! He will want them back intact.)

Fan of Blazing Saddles? Fan of Mark? Know the rock band? Excited about the upcoming releases? Forgive me if I can’t get to everyone? I’ll still give it my best effort!

Don’t forget – the Insecure Writer’s Support Group posts tomorrow! And come back to see who I feature next...

A to Z Challenge – Avengers, Captain America, and As I Am - Plus Ninja News and Special Thanks

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm!.One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

The Avengers

One of the greatest superhero films ever. It really captures the feel of the comic book. It was amazing to see all the heroes come to life on the big screen. Whedon did a great job creating a cohesive, engaging story.

Captain America is a gentle, innocent soul with a heart of gold. He’s truly unselfish, placing the concerns of others above himself.

Who is Captain America?

Father Dragon, Al Diaz!
Blogging at Father Dragon Writes, Al is a very genuine person. He stands ready to champion those in need. He came into this community curious and eager to learn. Al possesses great wisdom and is willing to share with anyone who will listen. It’s been an honor to get to know him better and call Al my friend. He’s a Dragon Captain now, but one day he’ll be the Dragon General!

Al is a translator, artist, writer, and dwarf wrangler.

To you Al, I dedicate As I Am, by Dream Theater

“To those who understand, I extend my hand, to the doubtful I demand, take me as I am”

You are your own Dragon – stay that way!

Facts and Trivia –

This Ninja may have clones, but did you know Al employs dwarves to assist him? Although this month, they are part of my Ninja Minions team!

Joe Johnston directed Captain America. What other superhero/adventure type movie did he direct twenty years ago?

Ninja News

Want another chance to win CassaStorm? The Goodreads giveaway opens today!!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends April 21, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Susan Gourley’s latest book, Marine’s Queen, was released by New Concepts Publishing last week. Congratulations, Susan!

Yolanda Renee at Defending the Pen signed a deal for two books with Curiosity Quills Press. Congratulations, Yolanda!!

RaShelle Workman’s latest book, Cindy Witch, is available now. You rock, RaShelle!

Juliana Haygert’s book, Destiny Gift, is really available today! I know I posted about it on Friday, but in the A to Z Challenge confusion, I got the date wrong.

Special Thanks – This is For You, Lee!

Three years ago, a fellow blogger announced a challenge to blog the letters of the alphabet in April. I waited until the last moment to commit, and joined a hundred other bloggers attempting the same challenge. I winged it, coming up with brilliant topics such as Q*Bert and Q (yes, the awful 80’s flim) for “Q.”

By the end of the month, my blog was changed forever. I went from thirty followers to over eighty and made so many amazing friends, such as Ella, Yvonne, and Jamie. I’d connected with the community in an amazing way and found my groove as a blogger.

And I owe all of that to Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out. Lee, had you not thrown out that Challenge, I don’t know where I’d be today, because I’d floundered here online for five months without any real success at that point. It’s been an honor to serve as a co-host for the past three Challenges. Lee, you can count on my support and friendship forever! Thank you.

Fan of the Avengers or Captain America? (Melissa, don’t answer that!) Following the awesome Father Dragon? Know the movie Joe Johnston directed? Excited about the new book releases? And Challenge veterans, what has the Challenge meant to you?