 I love movies. When Alex Cavanaugh posted an invitation to blog about favorite movies, I signed up immediately! My problem is that I have too many favorites. So, I'm going to narrow this baby down to my all time favorite ROMANCE movies. I don't think I picked out the traditional ones. I like my romance movies sad, funny, nostalgic,and quirky. Have you seen any of these romance movies? Silver Linings Playbook is my pick for this year. I've seen all the others several times. Meet Joe Black may be the oddest one on my list. While you're here, you should enter my giveaway located in the Rafflecopter below. Then visit someone else on the blog hop!
I've been absent at some of the blogs I normally visit. It's been a busy week and it won't be slowing down anytime soon. I'm taking an online class from Margie Lawson, getting some editing and revising finished on a current manuscript, and preparing for a trip next week to Colorado. I'll be attending Margie Lawson's Immersion Master Class (IMC). IMC is one I've heard so much about in the past couple of years. In Colorado, I'll be staying with six other authors and delving into a marathon of learning and editing at the top of a mountain. I'll leave on Thursday morning and will be there for five days. I'm getting really excited about it. Don't forget about the February Giveaway at the bottom of the post. You must enter through the Rafflecopter. I change options throughout the month, so there are always new ways to enter. The options in the Rafflecopter changed on 2/21/13. Now you can enter by getting connected with Alex Cavanaugh, Ciara Knight, and JAYdancefitness. Additionally, I have contacted winners for the Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop that ended on 2/21/13. The winners are Entry #104 PC for Prize Package #1 and Entry #59 Nurmawati D. for Prize Package #2. CassaStorm Cover Reveal
Today I have an exciting cover reveal. Behold, all you fans of Alex Cavanaugh (that includes me)...
*insert drumroll* 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
JAYdancefitness on YouTube My sister instructs Zumba and Body Fitness classes at the local gym. It's the reason I'm still exercising at all. She and two other instructors have created a YouTube channel to post their Zumba videos. If you need something to inspire you, check out how much fun you could have with Zumba classes. Have you read Alex Cavanaugh's books in this trilogy? Anything new and exciting coming up for you? Ever been to a Zumba class?
Today's post is a regular one that you see the first Wednesday of each month. It's part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group founded by Alex Cavanaugh. If you'd like to find out more about joining, click HERE to visit Alex's blog. He's the author of Cassa Star and Cassa Fire as well as being a super-nice blogger. You can inspire and support all the writers by visiting them from the linky list HERE.  I had my second booksigning experience. If you've been following my blog, you read a post HERE about my first one in December of 2012.The December booksigning was in my hometown. I thought that my friends would come out to support me. And they did. I didn't worry as much about people showing up to the second one. It wasn't because I thought readers would line up for it. I'm not delusional. The second signing occurred at a special bookstore, That Bookstore in Blytheville (TBIB).
 Grant Hill and Cheryl Johnson The bookstore is a small, independent one that is known statewide for its support of authors. John Grisham was an unknown author with his first novel when TBIB hosted a signing for him. Other authors they've hosted include: John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, Pat Conroy, President Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton.
Grant Hill, a new owner, was everything you want from a bookstore owner. He was friendly, funny, and warm. He's the type you feel you'd like to call your friend. For crying out loud, the man keeps his rescued dog, Jazz, inside the store. He told funny stories and made me feel welcome. He said he needed a picture with me for the day when I hit the bestseller lists. <3
Cheryl Johnson is the YA book guru. I met her a couple of years ago in the store and knew I liked her. She loves YA, so I get her. I enjoyed hearing about her favorites. I also commend her for getting local teens interested in young adult fiction. She arranged my two school visits and accompanied me for the afternoon. Kudos to Cheryl.
 TBIB has a tradition of having the visiting author autograph one of their wooden chairs. I boldly signed my name beside Charlaine Harris (author of the Sookie Stackhouse books on which True Blood is based). It's also the same chair that John Grisham signed.
So, now you are wondering why I've posted this event under the Support Group heading. I know all that stuff above makes me sound so lucky. Why would I need your support?
I worry about being as good as the authors I read. The self-doubt creeps in and WHAM...I wonder if I'm pretending I can do this. I think it's too hard and too risky and too subjective.
Of course, I also used to worry that I'd never get published.
So, today I'm here to encourage you. Focus on your accomplishments. Know you are taking the same baby steps that someone else had to take. Keep the faith.
 - In +/- 20 words, what does Alex look like?
Based on reading his blog, I'd say he looks like that guy they used to call Marky Mark. - In +/- 20 words, who could play Alex in a documentary?
Mark Robert Michael Wahlberg, of course.
 - ·In +/- 20 words, who does Alex remind you of?
Umm....that guy who played in Ted, The Departed and The Fighter?
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In +/- 100 words, (excluding the title) write flash fiction using all these prompts: Cavanaugh, Ninja, IWSG, Guitar, and Cosbolt.
The Guy (97 words)
For the tenth time this month, Ninja Captain Cavanaugh resisted the urge to act like a Cosbolt pilot with a target in sight. "Rest," he told himself. "The masses will not notice if I write or play guitar instead of comment on my followers' blogs."
He gnashed his teeth as he realized the futility of following his own orders. A naysayer once whispered into his ear, "No one notices your words on a IWSG post. Seek your fame and fortune."
To that, Cavanaugh said, "I'm the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy."
***********
I feel like Alex Cavanaugh, but I'm dying to ask if you recognize the movie quote. :)
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· In +/- 40 words, leave a comment for Mrs. Cavanaugh - thanking her for sharing.
Dear Mrs. Cavanaugh:
Do you feel like Ms. Santa Claus? We thank you for sharing. Without your support, Mr. Cavanaugh would probably be that OTHER guy mentioned in my flash fiction piece.
Sincerely,
Brinda
PS. Does he look like Mark? (40 words)
 My sister and niece I stress.It's true. I try to hide it. Act calm. Carry on. Etcetera. I've been lucky in the past 30 days. Things have gone well. So, I think I'll take a deep breath and be thankful for all the goodness in my personal and professional life. If you've been with me here, you know that I've had a lot going on in the last month. I've done two television interviews without succumbing to Tourette's (a disorder I don't have but fear I'll exhibit while in a public forum). I've hosted my niece's wedding. I planned a book signing with 10 authors for the short story anthology, Wild at Heart, which is dedicated to charity. On Saturday, I had my first signing for The Waiting Booth at a local bookstore. The Waiting Booth is my debut YA book that recently released in print. So for all you worriers like me, know this. Sometimes it all comes together. It was a sold-out event.My sister deserves a lot of the marketing credit. She messaged all her friends on Facebook and asked them to share the book signing announcement on their walls. She also made her famous cupcakes for the event. Most important, she kept me positive. Writers are an insecure bunch. We truly are. I had a vision of no one approaching the book signing table. Or worse, a customer would approach and ask for another book in the store. My plan was to seek solace in the cupcakes. In addition to my sister's request to our friends, readers also shared on their Facebook walls. If you doubt the power of social media, here is my testimony that it worked for this event. I noticed a bump in online sales over the weekend as well. Readers asked me if there would be more in stock before Christmas. It's enough to make an author dream of snow and sugarplums....and bestsellers. I am grateful for wonderful family, friends, and readers who support me. Last week's winner of November Reader Appreciation Month is Sherry Isaac, who blogs at Psychological Sizzle. Sherry will receive an Amazon or Starbucks $5 gift card. I have more surprises for December!
 Today's post is a regular one that you see the first Wednesday of each month. It's part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group founded by Alex Cavanaugh. If you'd like to find out more about joining, click HERE to visit Alex's blog. He's the author of Cassa Star and Cassa Fire as well as being a super-nice blogger. You can inspire and support all the writers by visiting them from the linky list HERE.
 Blowing up the blogosphere with great new reads...About: You can choose a book that you’ve read, something you saw on a blog or social media site, Goodreads, or a sales website. Anything that caught your eye because of a great cover, blurb or reviews, but DON’T tell the author that their book has been noticed. Instead, shout out on social media sites, and encourage others to do the same, until the author finds his/her book. Leave a blog comment at Ninja Captain Alex http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/ or Ciara Knight http://www.ciaraknight.com/blog/ when the author finds their book. Rules:1) You can’t post about your own book. 2) The book shouldn’t be on the New York Times or USA Today bestseller list. I chose a book that not only looks great, it sounds like something I would love. It's a supernatural cop story!
 Awakening the Fireby Ally Shields Guardian Witch Book OneGenre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal with Romantic Elements Length: Novel Release Date: 9/14/12 Arianna Calin has sworn to keep the peace in Riverdale. Most of the Otherworlders prefer to haunt the Olde Town district—partying at vampire strip clubs, dining in elegant supper clubs, and inhabiting the cliffside caverns along the Mississippi. Being a cop is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it, and Arie’s got her gun, a good sharp knife, and a few handy charms against things that go bump in the streets. She’s also a fire witch—a pedigree that comes in handy, since her partner’s only human. But when a virtual reality drug hits the streets, people (and non-people) start to die, and an elusive pack of werewolves threatens the status quo. Arie and Ryan are drawn into a web of murder and evil that will lead sworn enemies to a confrontation, and while the city simmers around them, only Arie can prevent an all-out supernatural war… Buy Awakening the Fire here: AmazonBarnes and NobleAll Romance eBooksKobo Sony
I'm afraid of dropping the ball.
 This week's task list: - judge a pitch contest
- host a guest on the blog
- respond to comments on my guest post at Gloria Richard's (see above)
- arrange a conference for day job
- figure out how out to get rid of the one tiny character in the footer line (Â) on the new website I made for my day job
- go over last planning details for a book signing in November for Wild at Heart
- send winner a gift card after Banned Books giveaway ends on Saturday. You still have time to enter.
- plan a book tour to celebrate print release of The Waiting Booth (released in print last Friday)
- write a book review.
- switch from FeedReader to MailChimp for blog subscriptions
- WRITE, REVISE, QUERY,..
 Today's post is a regular one that you see the first Wednesday of each month. It's part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group founded by Alex Cavanaugh. If you'd like to find out more about joining, click HERE to visit Alex's blog. He's the author of Cassa Star and Cassa Fire as well as being a super-nice blogger. What's going on in your world? Are you still juggling everything?
 Welcome to the Genre Favorites Blogfest, hosted by Alex Cavanaugh. If you are looking for the Under the Sea book giveaway, it's the last post. One blogfest, four favorites!
Visit all the participants in this blog hop at Alex's post with the linky list. Also if you like my images in the post, I made all my word cloud graphics at http://www.wordle.net.
 Favorite Movie Genre
Science Fiction
Star Wars was probably the movie that hooked me on this genre has a kid. Have you seen all the movies in my word cloud?
 Favorite Music Genre
Alternative
I've loved alternative since the days when Nirvana and Pearl Jam hit the music scene.
I listen to pop, blues, and dance/electronica as well.
 Favorite Books Genre
YA Fiction
This year, I'd have to go with young adult fiction.
 The Matrix Guilty pleasure genre from any of the three categories:
It would have to the movies. I can listen to music or read books (even a few minutes) any time of the week. I have to take time out for movies.
 Before I begin my post, here is a teaser from my guest post at Gloria's: You can't do everything in social media. At least I can't. But there are some sites that are helpful to you as a writer. One site that I've touted in earlier posts as a research tool is YouTube. I also use it for social media purposes. Click here to read more at Gloria Richard's blog where I'm a guest today and talking about YouTube.
 It's time again for my post as part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Alex Cavanaugh is the founder of this group and if you'd like to find out more about joining, click HERE to visit Alex's blog. He's the author of Cassa Star and Cassa Fire as well as being a super-nice blogger. Once a month, writers across the blogosphere admit that they are not...well...perfect. Writers need food, water, and sleep. My intake has been limited on all three. Here's what happened. One day, I read Deanna Barnhart's post about Writer's Butt HERE. She even posted a picture of Writer's Butt HERE. The posts (and picture) spoke to me. I do not want Writer's Butt. I needed intervention. So, I signed up for Weight Watchers online. I've lost a pound a week. I am now in Week Six. As for the lack of water, I have no excuse whatsoever. I live in the land of plentiful water. I'm spoiled though and don't care for the taste. Instead, I rely on a steady diet of coffee and diet coke. I'm hoping all the fruits and vegetables that I'm eating on Weight Watchers will counteract my less healthy habits. Sleep? What's that? I've become an insomniac. I wake and check email in the middle of the night. I go to the computer and work on blog posts at 3:00 am. I toss and turn. Yes, I can see you shaking your head and pointing at the caffeine confession in the last paragraph. So, this has been an update on my insecurities for the month! I'm trying to get into better shape. I'm trying to work harder at the gym. I'm eating healthier foods. I'm trying to have a better butt. Because I don't want Writer's Butt.
Life without caffeine
Today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh! The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. There’s also a special package of prizes being given away at the author’s blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour. See Alex’s site for details: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/I'm so excited to be a part of celebrating the release of CassaFire. I'm almost finished reading CassaStar and now I can continue the adventure. AND I am super-psyched to see a woman enter the scene. It's about time. *grins*  CassaFireby Alex J. Cavanaugh CassaStar was just the beginning… The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather. The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities. To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy… Available today!Science fiction - space opera/adventure Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller: “…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal Web Links Visit the Author's Website Book Trailer on YouTube Buy Links Barnes and Noble Amazon Amazon Kindle
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