IWSG: March, 2014-- Back In The Saddle

Look here, greenhorn, it’s only a horse.

That’s easy for you to say plus, look at the thing.....that’s one big horse. That saddle looks a little....strange, too.

Yeah, sure it’s big but ya rode it before….all ya gotta do is hop back up in the saddle, doesn't matter what it looks like. Once ya do that, the rest will come to ya.

Sure…if you say so…

Trust me, pardner.

Uh huh...

And, with that, I hop back onto my monthly foray into the area of the writing journey that could, possibly, bring some mental discomfort.

It’s time, once again, for an Insecure Writer’s Support Group post! The brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh, the IWSG is a safe haven for those of us wanting to let loose our literary insecurities to an unsuspecting (o.k, that part isn't true...they know it's coming) blogosphere.

So, anyone who’s still following this blog knows it’s been no secret that I’ve been quite lax, lately, in my writing and blogging.  For a guy who had over one hundred posts last year, it’s a bit discouraging to look at my sidebar and only be logging two entries in as many months. Not that it's strictly a 'numbers game', I definitely think quality trumps quantity, any day. Like I've said before, it's just going to be a matter of me buckling down and writing. That's it.

Besides that, though, I really don't have much in the way of "insecurities" to speak of this month. I'm getting excited to be writing/blogging again and even editing isn't seeming like a trip to the dentist's office anymore.

With me, as always, it's just a matter of staying on course and getting/keeping organized. I'm looking forward to the day, though, when I can write about my insecurities revolving around whether or not people like the book I've just published.

Some day....some day.

A Storm Is Gathering....

Hang onto your hats, folks, the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh is going for a hat trick with the third installment of his Cassa series......CassaStorm!

CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

As a huge sci-fi fan, this sounds pretty awesome to me. I've read where Alex took some inspiration from the old Battlestar Galactica series for this series and that, right there, is enough to sell me!

Here is what  a few other folks thought.....

“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.” – Edi’s Book Lighthouse 

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” 
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries

“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”
- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews

I had an opportunity to ask Alex about the future (no pun intended) of the Cassa series....as it might jump to other outlets...mainly comic books. My question was what team would he like to see helm a possible Cassa comic book series.

Alex: Excellent question, Mark!! Let’s see, for writer I’ll take Len Wein. He wrote early 70’s JLA issues that molded my young comic book mind. As for the artist – George Perez. He’s responsible for the Crisis on Infinite Earth series with the Teen Titans. (Another favorite of mine.)

I couldn't agree more and I know I'd, definitely, be picking up those issues.

So, I bet you're wondering where you can pick up CassaStorm, eh?

It will be released tomorrow (Sept. 17th)....

Paperback :  $16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019

Online: Barnes and Noble , Amazon , Amazon Kindle , and Goodreads.


More about the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh....

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Website: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_Cavanaugh

So, check out CassaStorm tomorrow (Sept. 17th) and, while you're at it, check out the rest of the Cassa series and get ready to Ride Out The Storm!

Best wishes to Alex and continued success!

Quick Update/Music Monday

Thing have been a little quiet around this here blog......too quiet, as they cliche-ly say in the movies.

But still, I haven't been posting much and that's mainly been due to working a lot....both at the new job as well as on my Last Chance project. I'm still around and still trying to visit others, I'm just not as consistent as I used to be, so I apologize for that.

I just wanted to update you all with a few, quick, tidbits about the goings on, here at the Means Ranch:

The Ninja Captain, himself, Mr. Alex J. Cavanaugh interviewed me for the Blogging from A to Z Challenge site, which can be found here. Just wanted to thank Alex for thinking of me and for the fun questions regarding my A to Z Challenge theme choice.

Woke up this morning to a hit and run on my old car. We know which neighbor did it, just not sure as to all the details. On the bright side, though, the car hasn't ran for a few years (so we're not really out anything) and no one was hurt. And, no, the car wasn't parked crooked...it was just whacked. Really hard.

I'll, more than likely, be skipping this month's IWSG post, but will be visiting as many as possible. If something changes, you all will be the first to know :)

Oh, almost forgot, for you Whovians out there....did you see who is going to be the twelfth Doctor? It's veteran actor Peter Capaldi.

If you're like me, and not very familiar with his work, check out his IMDB entry HERE. I wasn't a Matt Smith fan, at first, but he grew on me and will be missed. I liked how they went for an older incarnation, this time around, and I'm hoping Capaldi is up for the challenge.

We shall see!

So, for today's Music Monday, let's snatch Mr. Capaldi's TARDIS (before he snags the keys) and head back to the 1970s and the era of.....Disco. (Oh, stop rolling your eyes!)

Here's The Trammps with one of my favorite songs from the Disco Era.....Disco Inferno!

Hope you all have a great week....keep writing, or whatever endeavors you're working on,.....and take care.

Nostalgic Notions/Super Blogger Award!!

Secret fact about yours truly:

Some nights, after my wife goes to bed and the house is very quiet, I'll go on YouTube and watch.....



....old t.v. show intros/previews (such as the one above). You thought I was going to say something else, didn't you? Shame on you! :P

Sometimes, I'll spend a few hours doing this....taking me deep into the early morning.

Now, I've often asked myself "Why?"

Ninja Captain Alex's Top Ten Movie Countdown / Music Monday

I thought this was one of the most devious ideas yet, for a blog hop!

Yes, I said devious....I mean, think about it...having to narrow down years of movie experiences down to just ten films?? I'm sure Alex is just sitting there...cackling in maniacal glee at the quandary he's put me in!

O.k, I'm sure he's not...but still...this is a toughie. All the particulars, as well as a list of others doing this hop, can be found HERE.

I think it's going to take some thought so, while I do that, I'll leave you with a little tie in Music Monday selection from The Statler Brothers. An old country classic...The Movies. (And you thought I just liked surf music....)

O.k, I think I've had some time to think and here's my top ten movies, in descending order:

10. Trancers-- I loves me some cheesy, "B" movies and no studio does them better than Full Moon Pictures. Trooper Jack Deth, trancer hunter extraordinaire, is sent back in time to stop a madman from murdering the ancestors of The Council and sending Angel City (Old Los Angeles) into turmoil. The only catch...he has to inhabit the body of an ancestor to complete the trip. And the other catch....the ancestor of the madman is a respected police chief. Cult movie icon, Tim Thomerson stars with a very young Helen Hunt (before Mad About You) and Telma Hopkins (Tony Orlando and Dawn, Family Matters). While not really Oscar worthy, it still remains one of my most favorite 'fun flicks'.

9. Armageddon-- I really can't tell you why this movie is on my list....it just is. Every time, without fail, that I see this on t.v., I stop what I'm doing and watch it. Maybe it's just the idea of a bunch of misfits getting together to save the world, or maybe it's just the Bruce Willis/Ben Affleck dynamic, I'm not sure. This movie even made me stomach Billy Bob Thornton who plays a great role as a NASA coordinator, tasked with saving the world. This movie also has one of my most favorite quotes from a movie.

 Dr. Banks: [going through the roughnecks' medical reports] Fail. Fail. Depressively fail! One toxicology analysis revealed ketamin, that is a very powerful sedative!
Harry: Sedatives are used all the time, doctor.
Dr. Banks: Well this one's used on horses.
Harry: Some of these guys are pretty big.

8.  Charlie Chan-- This really encompasses any of the films made back in the 1940s and featuring the famous oriental sleuth created by author Earl Derr Biggers. I always enjoyed Charlie's little bits of wisdom "Mind like parachute...only works when open." and the bumblings of his well meaning, but inept, Number One Son. Again fun films from a simpler time.

7. The Thin Man-- Another film series that I've always enjoyed. William Powell and Myrna Loy had incredible chemistry which, in my opinion, was most of the reason for the series' success. Powell plays famous detective Nick Charles who marries the wealthy Nora, played by Loy, and try as they might, they just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Mysteries and snappy patter abound in these clever movies.

6. Casablanca-- A timeless classic that has it all. Romance, action, adventure, Nazis...the works. Humphrey Bogart plays the American expatriate, Rick and Ingrid Bergman is his long lost love, Ilsa. For me, though, some of the best parts are played by Claude Raines, Sidney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre at his creepiest.

5. The Avengers-- The movie that I didn't have a lot of faith in before it came out, but hit it out of the park when I saw it. I found it simply amazing how Whedon took such an ensemble cast, gave them each screen time, and still told an all encompassing story. Marvel really did it right with this one, I have to say. From the teasers in the separate films to the finished product, this movie really made it feel like I was watching a comic book come to life...and that's saying something.

4. Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins-- Based on the old Destroyer novels and starring Fred Ward and Joel Gray, this action/adventure tale didn't fare well at the box office, but I've always found it to be just one of those 'fun' films I can watch over and over. I've tried giving the novels a read, but never got very far so I have to wonder just how well the film sticks to the original source material. Either way, though, I guess you could classify this as a 'cheesey' sort of movie, but I'm good with that. It does one of the things I feel movies should do, if nothing else, and that's entertain.

3. Back to the Future-- I've always loved time travel movies...especially one with as many twists and turns as this movie had. While I was never a huge fan of Michael J. Fox, I thought he was outstanding as the awkward teen who had to travel into the past to find the confidence to face the future. For me, though, the true star was Christopher Lloyd who played the 'slightly' eccentric, but father like figure of Doc Brown. This movie hit a lot of the right spots for me as far as blending action, sci-fi, romance (a tiny bit), and even teen angst into one great film.

2. Star Wars-- O.k, come on now...what self respecting, self professed, geek wouldn't have this one in their top ten? This came out at a time when sci-fi films weren't taken all that seriously. It started an almost cult like following among sci-fi fans as well as launched one of the biggest franchises in movie history. The hero's journey of Luke Skywalker is one I can watch again and again. Granted, I haven't been so enamored with the newer offerings as I was with the original but, to paraphrase Obi Wan Kenobi, 'a more elegant movie for a simpler time'.


And my number one movie is.......

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark-- Ever since I was a kid, I've loved the old movie serials. Having seen quite a few of them overseas, I fell in love with the weekly cliffhangers and the larger than life heroes (and villains) who escaped dire peril week after week. This film was all that and more....on steroids. Harrison Ford is just awesome as adventurer/archaeologist Henry "Indiana" Jones. Initially, I wanted to see this movie because 'Han Solo was in it'....but it wasn't long before Raiders surpassed Star Wars as my favorite film. It has all the elements I love in a film....except for time travel...and I can forgive that because it's just that good a movie.

I always wonder how this movie would have done if the original choice to play Indy, Tom Selleck, had taken the role?





So, there you have it....my top ten films....and, let me tell you..this wasn't easy. Thanks, Alex, for hosting this and I'll look forward to seeing everyone else's entries.

As they used to say in the old movies...."See ya in the funny papers"

A Little of This and a Dash of That...

Not much going on today. My friend's daughter and her friend have been staying with us as they do a fact finding mission on our local beaches as well as our "night life establishments".  *Ahem*

Ah, to be young again.....

Anyway, I just thought I'd throw out a couple reminders of some fun blog hops that I'll be hopping around to in the next few days.

The first is coming up this Friday, the 15th. Mark Koopmans is hosting his second "Got Green Blogfest". All the pertinent info as well as sign up, HERE and it looks to be a lot of fun. The premise is simple....just explain how you get your "Irish" on...that's it. The stories can be real or imagined and, being of Cherokee Indian and German descent, my story will, more than likely, be imagined :)

It should be a fun one, so sign up and give Mark K. a virtual kiss....he's Irish...I think...

The other hop, coming up on Monday, the 18th is hosted by the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh and it's another straightforward and fun hop, especially if you like movies.....which I do! You can find the info and sign up linky HERE . So, your mission...if you should decide to accept it (and you should)...is to mentally round up your top ten favorite films and report in with our Captain on Monday. It should be a lot of fun.


Something else I've been thinking about as I hop around the blogosphere...and this idea might serve me better as next month's IWSG posting....but, I've been thinking if, mabye,  I'm too lowbrow for this writing thing.

I won't go into the particulars here, but sometimes I just get the feeling that the life of a writer seems more complicated than I anticipated. Not that I plan on quitting writing or anything like that....I enjoy it too much..., it's just that I consider myself a pretty un-complicated guy and that's how I like to live.

I don't know....I guess I'll have to think more on it and, like I said, it might wind up being my IWSG post for next month....we'll see.



I know it's not Monday, but I'll throw in a little bit of Surf Music to help you get over the Hump. Here's the 'King of the Surf Guitar' himself, Dick Dale, doing his rendition of "Ghost Riders in the Sky".

Have a great Wednesday!

Wednesday Re-Wind / IWSG for March, 2013

Being the first Wednesday of the month also means it's time for another installment of the Insecure Writer's Support Group.

Hosted by the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the IWSG is a time for reflection and introspection about the things that, as writers, make us feel less than secure in ourselves and our writing.

Today I'm going to double up, just a bit, and throw in another Wednesday Re-Wind offering where I re-cycle 're-position' (as Mr. Koopmans might say :) ) an old post for newer followers, who might have missed it the first go round. 

Sharing my stories (again) ties in with some insecurities I have about people reading my stuff. I know that I'm by no means alone in this. It's something I think we all go through and is part of writing for public consumption. People, at some point, are going to read your work and not everyone is going to like it.

It's just a fact.

Back when I first started this blog I, of course, had zero people checking in and leaving feedback, so I felt o.k in posting my flash fic, short stories etc. here. Now, though, I'm getting a little bit of traffic and, honestly, I'm not sure just what sort of responses my stories will get. Not that I worry about people being mean or anything....this community is great and extremely supportive all around. 

I just, sometimes, fret about the constructive criticism falling more towards the criticism and less on the constructive. Not because people are looking to be cold or hard, but because my writing needs work. A lot of work.

I just wonder, though, if I have what it takes to get that work done. Doubts and insecurities abound, but I just have to keep plugging away and see if time will tell.

On that note, I'll shift gears for another Wednesday Re-Wind.  This story is in the same vein as the first Fortune Society tale, using the same pulp setting, some of the same character types, beats, and gags. This time, though, it's the ladies' turn.

The Fortune Society in: 

(Diamonds aren’t just a girl’s best friend…) 

Dramatis Personae: 

Aphrodite: Self-professed demi-goddess with the power to cloud men’s minds….with love. Blessed with mystical senses, she’s one of The Baron’s most capable Team Leaders.

Libby “The Librarian” Langley: Thanks to a near photographic memory and growing up in a library, if she’s read it….she knows it. One of the smartest people on the planet….also one of the most annoying.

Amanda Oakley: Just like her great grandma, Annie, Amanda is one of the best shots in not just the West, but the entire world. Always up for a challenge, there’s no weapon she can’t shoot and no vehicle she can’t pilot.

“Prima” Donna McGurk: A one time Olympic track and field hopeful, destiny took her in a different direction. Becoming one of the ‘Jet Set’, her lifestyle affords her to travel the globe, picking up all sorts of different skills while living the high life. Marrying a djinn (genie) didn't hurt, either.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Just so’s ya know….ah ain’t likin’ this one bit.” Her twin .45s barked once and two goons jerked back and spun around, falling to the ground in a heap. 

“Duly noted Amanda”, Aphrodite said with a wry grin on her beautiful features. She moved a mass of thick, blonde hair from her face as she quickly turned to see another wave of Mr. Lee’s men approaching. “Orders are orders and clients are clients. Oh, and by the by, remember….don’t kill our lovely welcoming committee….” 

“Ah ain’t….just wingin’ ‘em is all…” 

A shrill scream to her left almost made Grammy Oakley’s favorite granddaughter, with the nerves of steel, flinch….almost. 

Glancing to the side, between shots, she saw four of Mr. Lee’s well dressed, hooded, goons slowly surrounding Libby. The smaller, thinner, librarian had her left arm out as if to shoo them away with a wave of her hand. Her right hand was digging into a messenger bag which slung over her left shoulder. 

Her shriek also got the attention of the fourth woman in the group. A larger than average woman, one that looked as if she spent a lot of time outdoors, lifting heavy things. The curvy redhead was engaged with two other hooded goons, kicks and punches flying as the two, even larger goons, looked to want to do her physical harm. A look of concern marring her attractive features, Donna grunted out “Let me show you fellas something I picked up in Paris, France…” and, with that, she spun on her heel twice and delivered two, hard, savate kicks to each side of the hooded goon’s heads….dropping them to the ground while she rushed over to give Libby a helping hand. 

The slimmer woman, who bore a striking resemblance to Myrna Loy, seemed to have recovered her wits. Quickly, she pulled her hand from her messenger bag and, in it, was a large can of Morton’s salt. She flipped the lid up with her thumb and spun in a circle, dousing the goons surrounding her with the white flakes while they, in turn, proceeded to burst into flames. 

“Wights” she said, catching her breath and moving away from the now dying, open flames. 

“White, black, Asian, Moroccan, who cares?”, Donna said, her eyes still wide in amazement. 

Giving her a confused smile, Libby shoved the salt can back into her overstuffed bag. 

“No….they’re called ‘wights’. If you check the small amount of skin that shows between their cuff and gloves, it looks gray and scaly. Added in the slight stiffness of their movements and the rabid fervor in which they follow orders and you can tell they’re the newly deceased. 

Donna just shook her head as she glanced over Libby’s shoulder, then ran over to Aphrodite as more goons approached. 

“What? You didn’t know that?” Libby called after her. 

“Hey Boss”, Amanda shouted as she continued pumping lead into shoulders and knees, the goons were being slowed, but not halted and there were more waves pouring into the large room, “ah’m runnin’ outta lead here!” 

Giving her a slight nod, Aphrodite concentrated on the moving throng approaching her from the glowing circle of energy on the wall. Their arms out, fingers flexing, they prepared to rend her limb from limb. Shoving another mass of thick, blonde, hair from her face, she smiled and pursed her lips. She extended her arms wide, her clingy tunic fluttering in the air that was coming from….somewhere, no one was quite sure as there were no windows in the room containing England’s crown jewels. She began to levitate as she surveyed the mass of tuxedo clad, hooded, figures approaching….her strappy sandals leaving the ground. 

“That’s it boys, come close and feel the love!” 

Aphrodite began to glow and the air filled with little sparkles of light. A wave of that same light rushed over the approaching goons, halting them in their tracks. They just stood there as if unsure what to do next. 

“Dazzling…” Libby murmured in awe. 

“This won’t last long, ladies, so grab what we came for and let’s hop the next chariot out of here. I sense the Beefeaters are on their way.” Aphrodite said, still holding her arms out wide, a look of concentration etched on her pretty face. 

“Ummm…just where, exactly, is the thing we’re here for?” Donna asked, looking at the vast and varied types of jewelry and cases in the room. 

Libby pointed to the far wall. Sitting on a small pedestal under glass, a tiara made of bright diamonds shone in the darkness. 

“Right there. I once read that the Princess’ crown was placed near the back of the room as to not take away from the Queen’s jewels.” 

“You’re sure about that?” Donna said as she sprinted over to the case, bashing in the glass with a gloved fist before Libby could confirm. 

“Of course, I’m sure. What? You didn’t know that?” Libby asked while Donna just rolled her eyes. 

With the tiara in hand, Donna yelled “Got it!” and made her way over to a still floating Aphrodite. Libby and Amanda, salt can and guns holstered respectively, followed suit. 

“Ah still don’t like workin’ fer that lil house painter fella….gives me the creeps.” Amanda intoned as they huddled up. 

“Well, we’re not so much working for him as we are against him. He only thinks we’re doing him a service. Uncle Adolph’s blind faith in supernatural artifacts will, one day, be his undoing.” Aphrodite smiled. “This may look like a princess’ crown but, in reality, it’s the Crown of Verwechslung….the Crown of Confusion. His so called ‘scholars’ were a touch off base on this one. Once he puts it on, his judgment will be forever clouded and, the best part is, he’s paying the Society for doing it.” 

“What? You didn’t know that?” Libby nodded towards the other two girls who had perplexed looks on their faces. “Mr. Lee’s after it to give to the Empress of Japan, hoping she’ll finally accept his proposal of marriage.” the librarian added. 

Again, Donna rolled her eyes. “Put it on? What makes you think he’s going to wear a girly tiara?” 

“Oh, there’s intelligence out there that says Hitler has some…let’s say…odd traits.” Aphrodite said, though clenched teeth, the smile fading as she continued to concentrate. “Good thing these…wight things still seemed to have some vestiges of manhood still left in them…” 

Libby nodded again, opening her mouth before Donna cut her off. “If you say it, I’m gonna throttle you…” 

Libby, promptly, closed her mouth again. 

“Awright, Donna….yer up….” Grammy Oakley’s favorite granddaughter said, “git us outta here.” 

And, with that, Donna held her left hand up and removed the expensive looking leather glove that covered it. A huge diamond, wedding, band sparkled on her ring finger. She kissed and whispered to it…. 

“My love, I wish us home.” her voice taking on a haunting, sing song, tone as she spoke.

The four women began to shimmer and fade from sight. As they glowed brighter, Libby cocked her head towards Donna. 

“So....ummm.....how many wishes do you have with that?” 

“I honestly have no idea.” Donna smiled wistfully and winked. 

“So then….we could’ve been stuck here and….” Libby gulped. 

“What? You didn’t know that?” Donna winked, patting Libby on her cheek.

Aphrodite’s hearty laughter was the last thing heard as the four women blinked out of sight


So, what are your writing insecurities?

Would you like to see any more tales involving The Fortune Society?

Oscar who?

Seeing as I didn't pick up anything at last night's Oscars, it was nice to see that my blogging pals didn't forget me :)

As if the Ninja Captain, himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh doesn't do enough, he's gone and nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger award. Alex is a true prince among bloggers...very encouraging and helpful and always willing to lend a digital hand to his fellow writers/bloggers. For someone like that to say that I inspire them, is a real honor.

Thank you Alex, I do appreciate it!

So, as per the custom of the award, I'll reveal seven things about myself, then pass it on to three other bloggers who I find inspiring.

1. I'm left handed (hence the title of this blog), for the most part. Because my dad would always take things from my left hand and put them into my right, I do some things right handed...such as throw and swing a bat or golf club. Most things, write, eat, swing a tennis racket, bowl, etc., I do left handed.
2. I was a huge pro wrestling fan when I was younger. Had I more drive and ambition, back then, I would have tried to make it a career.
3. It's hard to explain, but I can make my right pinky finger crack on command. It bends normally and silently, but I can also make a knuckle cracking sound with it and it alone.
4. I had a mullet in the 80s.......don't judge.
5. Back in the 80s I also used to love wearing bolo ties. I had a bunch of them.
6. Before it came out I loudly predicted that E.T. the Extraterrestrial, would be a flop. I also said the same about Top Gun.
7. I used to take country line dancing lessons and was pretty darn good :)

I'd like to pass this award along to three (well, it's supposed to be three, but I'm going to cheat) four bloggers whom I really enjoy:

Elise Fallson---Her video post for the "Re-introduce Yourself" blog hop was amazing and one of the highlights of that hop, for me.

Jaybird over a The Bird's Nest---I always look forward to her down to earth, no nonsense view on life.

Nancy at The Writer's Mark---Always upbeat and always has something interesting to say.

Morgan Shamy---She's always encouraging and very helpful. If you haven't already, check out her journey on becoming a writer...it's great stuff.

Of course, I could say great things about all the blogs I follow...you're all winners in my book, seriously.

Thanks again to Alex for the award!

Other award type mentions....

Also, over at Misha Gericke's My First Book, she's taking votes for her Paying Forward Awards. 

This month, someone was so kind as to nominate lil ole' me for "Best Commentor". I'm in awesome company with Alex, Mark, and M.L. Swift. So, if you haven't already....go over and cast a vote. 

There are a lot of great folks mentioned and, as cliched as it sounds, I'm just happy to have been nominated. Also a big "Thank You!" to whomever nominated me.

Kudos to Misha for getting this going. I think it's a fun and positive way to highlight blogs we might never come across otherwise. 

On Wednesday, I'm thinking about re-posting some flash fiction I did a while back, for your reading pleasure consumption....

You have been warned :)

CassaStorm Cover Reveal/Healthy Writer's Club

It's always nice to be able to help out a fellow blogger, especially when they have a brand new book coming out. This isn't just any blogger, though.

Today, we're talking about the Wizard of the Written Word, the Grand Poo-Bah of Grammar, the Sultan of Synonyms, the Duke of the Dictionary....the one and only, the Ninja Captain.....

Alex J. Cavanaugh! <cue applause and fanfare!>

Alex's new book, CassaStorm comes out on September 17th and I'm honored to do a small part in helping him spread the word.

So, without further ado....I give you a sneak peek at the cover for....

CassaStorm

CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, his only struggles are occasional rogue pirate raids and endless government bureaucracies. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, shaking Bassan to the core and threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could be on its way back. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

Release date: September 17, 2013
Science Fiction - Space Opera/Adventure
Print ISBN 9781939844002
E-book ISBN 9781939844019


Big time congrats to Alex on his upcoming release. The cover looks downright amazing and I'm sure it's going to be a huge success.

Alex is a heck of a guy and always there to lend support, advice, or to remind you to turn off your word verification on your comments.  Not that he had to do that for me, or anything.....ahem

Anyway, here's wishing Mr. Cavanaugh much success and best wishes, all around!

The Healthy Writer's Club

Friday also means another update for the ongoing saga that is, The Healthy Writer's Club.

Hosted by Shallee McArthur, it's a weekly roundup that lets us writers/bloggers, discuss what healthy choices we're making regarding diet, exercise, and fitness.....or what choices we should be making. While blogging and writing is hard work, to be sure, it doesn't really burn all that many calories or help tone the muscles. Getting out of the chair is just the first step....

This week, I actually dusted off the old weight machine and got in a good workout. Only once, mind you, but it's something more than I had been doing.

I'm still keeping track of my caloric progress via MyFitnessPal and it's been invaluable to me in regards to actually thinking about what I'm eating. It's a great tool, easy to use, and has a phone app, too! If you're looking for friends there, my name is mmeans68.

The more support, the better!

I hope you all have a great Friday and an even better weekend.

Cheers, Cavanaugh Blog Fest

Two amazing things here....

The first is that I'm actually posting not one, not two...but three entries in a one month period. My past record hasn't been all that sterling, I'm afraid.

The second, and more important, is that this post is in celebration of an awesome author....The Ninja Captain, himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh!

I've only been following Alex's blog for a little bit but, in that time, I've come to find him as being one of the most giving, kind, and supportive authors out there. While Alex is, indeed, all these words I've used to describe him, he's also a bit of a mystery.

No one has seen a picture of this man. Heck, that can't even be said for Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster. That's just how mysterious he is.

My job, in this post, is to do the following:

• In +/- 20 words, what does Alex look like?

 That guy from Mythbusters....maybe it's the hat?

• In +/- 20 words, who could play Alex in a documentary? (Living or dead)

That guy from Mythbusters....maybe it's the goatee?

• In +/- 20 words, who does Alex remind you of?

A mixture of Hemingway and Santa Claus. He likes to write (drunk?) and is very giving....wearing a red suit.

• In +/- 100 words, (excluding the title) write flash fiction using all these prompts:
• Cavanaugh
• Ninja
• IWSG
• Cosbolt
• Guitar

I had just stepped out of Cavanaugh's, the fresh air a welcome relief to the stale smell of the bar. It was then that I saw the Night Ninja for the first time. As a member of the International Wrestler's Sentry Group...or IWSG, as we like to call it, I ducked into the alleyway, ready to don my Lucha mask and piledrive the notorious criminal into the asphalt.

As I prepared to leap up, I saw what looked to be a street musician swing his very new looking Cosbolt guitar up and aim it at the rudo*. He gave the strings a hard strum and energy, shaped like cleft and treble notes, shot from the neck of the guitar and blasted the ninja off his swingline and into a smoking pile of unconscious crook, thudding on the street.

I stood there, giving the man a nod and marveling at how one never knew just who had the talent.

"Wow, great suit!" he said, giving me a salute.

"Thanks", I grinned, "hey, anyone ever tell you that you look like that guy from Mythbusters?"

"I get that all the time", he grinned as he disappeared into the night.

*Editor's note: Rudo is the term used to describe 'bad guy' wrestlers in Lucha Libre wrestling.

(Yeah, I know it's over 100 words, but it's my blog....so sue me :P )

So, here's to Alex J. Cavanaugh....man of mystery and all around swell guy.

I wish you much happiness, success, and prosperity and thanks for all that you do.