Free Books on Amazon – Good or Bad? Plus IWSG Thoughts, Ninja News, Mini-Alex, and Celebrating the Small Things

IWSG Thoughts and Call for Help

Posts for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group were awesome this week! I so wish I could visit everyone, but the group is three hundred plus strong now. Even with clones, I can’t manage to visit everyone. Special thanks to Misha Gericke and Joylene Nowell Butler for their help as co-hosts.

The IWSG is on for April during the Challenge! If you can’t post, that’s fine. But we’ve never missed a month and some members aren’t participating in the Challenge. So April 3 is our next post date.

Co-hosts! I still have a list of volunteers to co-host, but I want to throw April open. I know it will be busy with the A to Z Challenge. If you can help co-host next month, please let me know. It involves visiting twenty to twenty-five blogs and I need two helpers. If you can do that, just leave a comment. Thanks!

Thanks to those who responded to my IWSG insecurity. (This comment in particular made me laugh: “I think you could post the phone book and you'd still get 1000 comments.” - Maurice Mitchell) From now on, more Ninja as requested! However, I will continue with the Ninja News and with announcements. Just smaller.

I want to extend a special thanks to four special ladies. Many of you have been with the IWSG for a long time, only missing a post or two. Four bloggers have posted with diligence since the very first month, September 2011, and not missed a beat – Marta Szemik, L. Diane Wolfe, Christine Danek, and Siv Ottem. Thank you for your dedication, ladies – you rock!

My small thing this week for VikLit’s “Celebrating the Small Things” is definitely the IWSG!

Ninja News

The winners of Misha Gericke’s Paying it Forward Awards for February were announced this week. I won Best Commenter and Most Supportive/Helpful Blogger – whoa!! Thanks to everyone who voted. Check out the other winners, as they rock as well.

Milo James Fowler’s Unseen Things, a collection of seven weird tales, launches today. Congratulations, Milo!


Sandra Almazan’s Twinned Universes, Book Two of the Catalyst Chronicles series, is now available as an eBook! Print book to follow. Congratulations, Sandra!

Jess McKendry’s book launches today – as does her blogfest - From The Ashes. Congratulations, Jess!

Mini-Alex

Mini-Alex doesn’t get out much, but he does possess good fashion sense. Here he is admiring the t-shirt created in his likeness. (Made by the awesome Retro-Zombie Jeremy.)

And does anyone notice something new about my blog header...?

Free Books on Amazon – Good or Bad?

Some authors and publishers offer select books for free on Amazon. Is this a good or bad thing?

I’ve heard some say it devalues the work. (I can certainly understand that since I know how much effort goes into writing a book.) And that a high ranking due to free downloads doesn’t mean anything and can lead to a lot of bad reviews.

I’ve heard the opposing view that offering one book for free entices readers to buy other books by the author, thus spurring sales. I can understand that as well.

And there are all sorts of things to consider in between – authors with only one book, allowing only Amazon to offer the book, etc.

So what do you guys think? Is free good or bad? Or does it depend?

Did you enjoy Wednesday’s IWSG posts? Can you co-host next month? Excited about the new books? Think Mini-Alex should get out more? Think free books on Amazon is a good or bad thing? And anyone else going to see Oz tonight?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Ninja News, Movie Reviews, and the Wednesday Movie Quote

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 two awesome co-hosts this month are Misha Gericke and Joylene Nowell Butler! Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

This month I have an odd writing insecurity.

In a recent post by Roland Yeomans, he wondered if blogging was becoming less effective with so many cover reveals, book announcements, etc. (I admit, there does seem to be a lot of them lately.) But I started thinking and I realized I really don’t write much for my own blog anymore.

Now, I enjoy shouting out my blogger buddies’ accomplishments! That won’t ever change. The Ninja News is never going away. I enjoy keeping up with the blogging world. But I would like to write something here now and then. I haven’t even done a movie review in months. (Which is why you are getting two today!)

If I shrink some of the announcements down a bit, would that be all right? I’ll still post, just… shorter.

Be sure to visit other participants of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

And, since I do cull the list now and then, make sure you are still on the list if you are posting now.

Ninja News

The Happy Whisk is hosting a giveaway for hitting 444 posts! Some awesome books (including one of mine) so check it out.

I can’t remember how I found this site - Christian Fiction for Your Kindle. It lists both fiction and non-fiction Christian books that are on sale or free that day.

 FRAILTIES OF THE BOND by Angela Brown

In Frailties of the Bond, it only takes one bite to change a life…

FRAILTIES OF THE BOND is the first in a series of novellas and short stories introducing heroes and heroines of the secret organization, NEO – Network of Extraordinaires and Otherwordlies.

Add to Goodreads

Movie Reviews!

Jack the Giant Slayer
Yes, it’s a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk.
And you know what? It was fun.
Some of the reviewers have been harsh, but I didn’t find anything wrong with the movie. It’s not the most memorable thing you’ll ever see, but it’s not cheesy or bad.
The special effects and acting were all great. (Saw it in 3D,) Story even had a few unexpected twists and some good laughs.
Go and enjoy!

Premium Rush
It’s a thriller involving a Manhattan bicycle delivery guy. How thrilling could it really be?
Turns out, it was really damn good! Toss in a crooked cop, a roommate with a secret, and competition among the bikers and it’s a heck of a ride. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the lead, and he takes you on a wild chase through the city – all without brakes!
Definitely recommend it!

Bonus Review!
House of Cards
For those of you with NetFlix, have you been watching their original series, House of Cards? It’s political drama with one heck of a cast, including Kevin Spacey. The show takes no sides – everyone is motivated by money and re-election without a care about the country. (Slimy politicians? Really?)
It’s a watch now and highly recommended!

Wednesday Movie Quote!

Today it’s cell animation. (Yeah, need to go back a couple years for that one.)


I selected an exchange from The Emperor’s New Groove:

Pacha: Uh-oh.
Kuzco: Don't tell me. We're about to go over a huge waterfall.
Pacha: Yep.
Kuzco: Sharp rocks at the bottom?
Pacha: Most likely.
Kuzco: Bring it on.

Next week – computer animation film quote!

What is your insecurity today? Entered Happy Whisk’s contest? Have you seen either of those movies or the NetFlix show? And what’s your favorite cell animation film quote?
And Friday I’m tackling an interesting subject. (And Mini-Alex might make an appearance…)

Tyrean Martinson and Champions, Overcoming Adversity with Nick Wilford, Ninja News, Amazon and Authors, and Boomtown Craze

Champions

My dear friend and awesome fellow follower of Christ, author Tyrean Martinson, is here today to talk about true champions.

Before I begin, I have to say that I am beyond honored to be here at the no-hyper-link-needed Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh’s blog. Wow! Thank you, Alex!

My novel, Champion in the Darkness is set in the world of Aramatir. It’s a world in which only one Champion exists at a time. Each Champion upholds the highest values of faith, strength, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. There are other legendary Sword Masters, Law-Givers, and Shepherds, but Champions have a special status in the world of Aramatir as the best of the best. Clara, my young MC is ready to be a Sword Master, and she’s dreamed of making legendary status, but Champion? She doesn’t know if she’s ready for that huge task.

In our world, each of us can be a Champion. Many of us have personal Champions: parents, grandparents, coaches, teachers, friends, and others who inspire us. Today I would like to honor one Champion I know in the blogworld: Nick Wilford. Nick is a Champion for his stepson, and has put together a number of giving opportunities to help his stepson get to a specialist college, including the Overcoming Adversity Anthology. If you don’t know Nick, go meet him. He’s a Champion that upholds the highest values and puts them into action.

Who, in your life, is your Champion?

Champion in the Darkness is YA Christian Fantasy, and is the first book in the Champion Trilogy.

Tyrean Martinson lives and writes in the Northwest, encouraged by her loving husband and daughters, and reminded to exercise by her dogs and cat. Champion in the Darkness is the first book in the Champion Trilogy, and she has previously published short stories and poetry.

Champion in the Darkness can be found at these links: Amazon, Nook, Kobo, and Goodreads.

Tyrean Martinson can be found at these links: Blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

Overcoming Adversity – A True Champion

Overcoming Adversity: An Anthology for Andrew edited by Nick Wilford

A collection of seventy moving and uplifting original pieces - real life, flash fiction, and poetry - about battling against the odds and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The contributors include Amazon bestselling authors Alex J. Cavanaugh and Kyra Lennon, and the cream of upcoming talent.

The anthology is part of a fundraising effort to send the editor's stepson, Andrew McNaughton, to a specialist college in England. Andrew has cerebral palsy, and is a remarkable young man with a promising future. However, the free further education options offered in his own country of Scotland will not challenge him and allow him to progress. In order to access the education he deserves, Andrew will have to pay exorbitant fees, thus creating a situation of discrimination.

Help us get Andrew to college by buying a book that runs the full gamut of human emotions, ultimately leaving you inspired and glad to be alive. Whatever struggles you are going through, our sincere hope is that this book will help.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Smashwords, and Goodreads.

Nick Wilford is a writer and stay-at-home dad. Once a journalist, he now makes use of those rare times when the house is quiet to explore the realms of fiction. When not writing he can usually be found spending time with his family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s Muse magazine. Nick is also co-running a campaign to get a dedicated specialist college built in Scotland.

Ninja News

Lydia Kang is hosting a huge giveaway for her upcoming release. Swag for Control and many other authors’ books are the prizes. Check it out – the giveaway is huge!

Jess is hosting the From the Ashes blogfest on March 8 in celebration of her first book release!

Sharon Bayliss’ novel, The Charge (which won in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Competition) is available now!

Not only did Still Moments Magazine select one of Gail’s stories for publication, they used her photograph on the cover. Congratulations, Gail – double score!

The Desert Rocks’ story, The Escape was published in Anything Prose…and Poetry, Too! It’s a collection of works written by thirty-two talented authors. Congratulations, Desert!

And special thanks to MJ Joachim for her wonderful words the other day!

Indie Authors, Free Books, and Amazon

I caught a couple interesting articles regarding changes in Amazon’s Affiliation Program and how they will affect authors trying to promote free books. The first was at To Become A Writer - Bad News if You Use Amazon Select. The second one was at Failure Ahoy! Adventures in Digital Publishing - Amazon is About to Throttle Free Books. Since many of you are indie authors, I thought I would pass this along to you.

A Grand New Age of Boom or Dust?

Boomtown Craze, Book 3 in the Backworlds series is here!

In the far future, humanity settles the stars, bioengineering its descendants to survive in a harsh universe…

From March 4 to March 22, folks can enter to win the following:
1 set of signed Backworlds paperbacks, including The Backworlds, Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge, and Boomtown Craze. Will only ship to US residents.

Available in ebook at: Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords

M. Pax is a Browncoat and SG fan, she’s also slightly obsessed with Jane Austen. In the summers she docents as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory where the other astronomers now believe she has the most extensive collection of moon photos in existence. No fear, there will be more next summer. She lives in stunning Central Oregon with the Husband Unit and two lovely, spoiled cats.
Find her: Website, Blog, Twitter, and Goodreads.



Picked up Tyrean’s book? Who is your champion in life? Picking up Nick’s book? See any awesome news? Will the changes with Amazon affect you? Part of the Boomtown Craze? Ready for my review of Jack the Giant Slayer on Wednesday – and the IWSG? Ready for the A to Z Challenge so these posts will be shorter?

A to Z, Ninja News, Movie Trivia, Clueless Gamer with Conan O’Brien, and Back From the Future Blogfest!

A to Z News and Tips!

Today I am visiting the A to Z Blog, discussing the benefits of using a theme during the Challenge.

The A to Z Challenge is blogging the Alphabet in April, every day except Sundays. This will be its fourth year, and it’s the biggest blogging event of the year with thousands of participants. If you’re looking for a challenge and want to make some new friends, then sign up HERE

Ninja News

Looking for cover art? Nigel Mitchell put together a list of a hundred resources!

Falling for Fiction is hosting the The Matchelor-March 25-29th – check their site for details!

The talented Erin Summerill is holding a contest at her photography site, and the prize is a wedding package!!

And if you want a truly entertaining story, Michael Di Gesu has been debuting cover art in a unique way this week. See what happens when the Ninja Captain entices Cadet Michael onto his spaceship and they blast off on a journey! Part One, Part Two, and Part Three. Where will we go next?
And that would definitely be my "Celebrating the Small Things" for VikLit’s weekly meme. Michael, you rock!

Movie Trivia Answers!

1 – “Certainty of death, small chance of success… What are we waiting for?” LOTR - Return of the King
2 – “You HAVE the right to remain silent. What you lack is the capacity.” Shrek II
3 – “Sir, I’m gonna have to ask you to exit the donut.” Iron Man II
4 – “No, I’m, I’m simply saying that life, uh… finds a way.” Jurassic Park
5 – “That when a willing victim who has committed no treachery, is killed in a traitor’s stead, the stone table will crack, and even death itself would turn backwards.” The Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
Bonus – “We’ve got movie sign!” – Mystery Science Theater 3000

Conan Reviews Tomb Raider

Conan O'Brien has a series called Clueless Gamer where he reviews video games. He begins with the disclaimer that he doesn’t even play games! If you have a spare minute, the following video is hilarious. (And my disclaimer – Tomb Raider is rated M for Mature. Don’t watch the very end if impalement makes you squeamish.)

Back From the Future Blogfest.

Hosted by a trio of awesome ladies, M Pax, Suze, and Nicki Elson

 

You’re up before dawn on a Saturday when the doorbell rings. You haven’t brewed your coffee so you wonder if you imagined the sound. Plonking the half-filled carafe in the sink, you go to the front door and cautiously swing it open. No one there. As you cast your eyes to the ground, you see a parcel addressed to you … from you.

You scoop it up and haul it inside, sensing something legitimate despite the extreme oddness of the situation. Carefully, you pry it open. Inside is a shoebox — sent from ten years in the future — and it’s filled with items you have sent yourself.

What’s in it?

What’s in my box from the future?

Looks like a thumb drive. I plug it into my computer, check for viruses (because a virus from the future is not cool), and pull up the first file.

It’s the movie, CassaStar. “Box Office Hit.” Now that is very cool! Need to watch that later.

Next file – several eBooks. They all have my name on them. Wait, I end up writing more books? I might need a drink now.

Next is a music file – hey, it’s the latest from Dream Theater. Who are the members now? Wait, I’m a member??? Now that rocks! Wonder if I have groupies…?

Another file – seems to be a digital photo album. “New Zealand – There and Back Again.” Hey, there I am with my wife! Damn, she still looks good.

Last file – it’s a screen shot of my blog. Over ten thousand followers?!?!?!?!

Crap, now I really need a drink!!!

What would be in your box?

Do you have a theme for the Challenge? Need some cover art? Been reading Michael’s series? Get any of the trivia right? What did you think of the video? And what would be in your box from the future?

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