Taking the World by Storm!

It's here at last!

CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series! 

I asked Alex: Who are you three favorite science fiction authors? Did they inspire you to write in this genre?

He Said:  I’ll name four - Ray Bradbury, Robert E. Heinlein, Timothy Zahn, and Edgar Rice Burroughs. Heinlein and Burroughs did inspire me with their space operas.

Comment on Alex’s blog this week for a chance to win a Cassa mug, mousepad, magnet, and swag! 

About CassaStorm

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…

 “CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.”

– Edi’s Book Lighhouse

"Cavanaugh makes world building on the galactic scale look easy. The stakes affect the entire known universe and yet Cavanaugh makes it intensely personal for our hero. The final installment of this series will break your heart and put it back together."
- Charity Bradford, science fantasy author of The Magic Wakes

“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

 “…the racial conflicts propelled much of the plot in this story, driving home a message that's relevant to our own world and giving the book an interesting texture.”

- C. Lee. McKenzie, author of Alligators Overhead

 Alex J. Cavanaugh

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

$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

$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Find CassaStorm:

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002

Amazon -

http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670532-cassastorm

Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be

Alex J. Cavanaugh -

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

Twitter – http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh  

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

Alternatives for BUT

Alternatives is a recurring post in which I give synonyms for an over used word. Click on the tab above for a "complete" list of over used words.

Today's word is:

It's one of those handy words that, notwithstanding, is over used. It finds it's way into many sentences where it doesn't need to be, yet there it is anyway. Nevertheless, this small three letter word fills a space.

On the other hand...

Depending on how you use it, this list may come in handy for finding another way to say the same thing.

after all, all the same, alone, although, anyhow, apart from, aside from

bar/barring, bating, besides, be that as it may, by contrast

completely, conversely

debarring, despite that

entirely, even so, except/excepting, excluding, exclusive of, exempting

for all that

howbeit, however

in addition to, in contrast, in spite of that

just, just the same

lacking, leaving aside, leaving out

merely, minus

nevertheless, no more than, nonetheless, not counting, nothing but, notwithstanding

omitting, only, one and only, onliest, on the contrary, on the other hand, other than, outside of, over and above

per contra

rejecting, restricting, ruling out

save (for), saving, simply, singularly, solely, still

then again, though

whereas, wholly, withal, without, with the exception of,

yet

Do you have a favorite alternative? Do you over use this word in your writing?

An Interview with Anansi the Spider

Back in October of 2012 I interviewed Anansi as a way of introducing my faithful Random Followers to the wily and crafty spider. At that time I suggested my readers leave a question for him and that we'd do another interview at a later date.

It's hard to believe it's been nearly a year. Finally, over the week-end, I managed to track him down at his friend, Brer Tiger's, house and he agreed to answer a few questions.

Here he is, your friend and mine, ANANSI!

It's great to have you back Anansi. Are you ready for some questions?
I ready for just 'bout anything 'cept somebody trying to steal my food.

You know, in our first interview many people commented on the fact that you seemed a little obsessed with food. What's up with that?
Well, once you been really hungry you know, starving like me, food is the first thing you think of in the mawning and the last thing you think of at night.

So, where have you been, Anansi? What have you been doing for the past year?
What else I would be doin' except hangin' around? No, seriously I been busy telling people stories.

That's a good thing, the more people know about you and your stories, the better.
That's what I keep telling Tiger, but I think he jealous nobody talkin' to him.

Well tell Tiger I'd be happy to interview him if he promises not to eat me.
Good luck with that!

Okay then, Barbara at March House Books asked:
Why don't all spiders look like you? Most of your relatives frighten the life out of me, but you look very friendly!
Well, Miss Barbara, if all we spider look the like me, you wouldn't be able to tell who was who. Now I can't have that, because there is only one Anansi. Now it's true a small few of my relative ain't so friendly as me, but the truth is, most of us are what you call beneficial, a big word for helpful. So there's no need to be 'fraid of we.

Robyn Campbell said:
Anansi, you're a very cool spider. Don't you just love Bish? Well, you do, don't cha???? (Spiders usually creep me out. But you are so lovely. I cannot quit staring at you.)
Thank you, Miss Robyn and I going to refer you back to what I told, Miss Barbara. As for Miss Bish, I like she jus' fine. She helpin' me find my way in the world.

Marcia Hoehne asked:
Anansi, why should my grown daughter become a little less fearful of your kind?
I don't know why people so 'fraid o' me and my relatives when most of us just want to be left alone. Maybe it's de eight legs. But den I have to ask, are you afraid of crabs or octopus? We spider is just another expression of de Creator and if it weren't for us, you'd be overrun with all kind of bug dem.

Lynn Kelley at Random Acts of Weirdness asked:
How old are you, and who is your best friend?
Miss Lynn, I is as old as dirt, as old as Africa, and as old as the Caribbean islands. As for who is my best friend? That would have to be Tacoomah (pronounced TUCK-a-mah) because he is a spider like me.

Vijaya at Reading, Writing and Ruminating asked:
Anansi, tell me why you don't get rid of all those cockroaches? Where are you when I need you?
Now Miss Vijaya, how you expect me to be everywhere all de time? I doin' my best, but even I can't eat de cockroach dem.

C. Lee McKenzie at The Write Game asked:
How did you come up with that fabulous color combination? I have to say, you're a one of a kind spider.
Thank you, Miss Lee. The Creator make me just like He make all o' we.

Medeia Sharif said:
I thought spiders only ate bugs.
Most of the time that is true, Miss Medeia. But not so with me. I will eat anything because I like all food. And just so you know it's true, listen to this song by Asheba.


But look at dat nah . . .
Think him big!
With him eight legs, ha ha ha
Little Anancy not strong like tiger
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Always hungry
And thinking of some kind of trick
All through the jungle
Everyone a laughing
They laugh so much
Until they belly hurting (oh gosh)


Thank you very much, Anansi. Do you think you might want to come back?
I thinkin' this is a nice website to hang around, so I thinkin' yes.

***

Got a question for Anansi? Ask away! He'd love to hear from you.

Insecure Writer's Support Group and... A Reveal

The brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh, the 
purpose of the Insecure Writer's Support Group is: to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting is the first Wednesday of every month.

You can sign up HERE.

***

Today is the second anniversary of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, and my first time participating. How auspicious is that? It's not like I'm a paragon of composed confidence, I'm not. I'm just as riddled with self-doubt as everyone else. Over the past two years I've read many posts from various participants and I thought they were very brave to expose themselves. That was good for them, but me? I just couldn't do it.

Then last month someone posted this:

You doubt because you care.

That little sentence had such a profound affect on me that I did two things. 1.) I decided to sign up for IWSG and 2.) I hauled out my Anansi stories and decided I'd better get my ass is gear and get them published. What am I waiting for, the end of the world? So I got Nicole Zoltack to edit and L. Diane Wolfe  will format for me because I discovered I'm all thumbs. And I've got some wonderful people who've said they'd be happy to write an endorsement. (I'm not revealing them quite yet, but to suffice it to say, I think they're pretty *large* people in the blogging/self-publishing/writing scene and I'm an extremely humbled and honored by their support.)

Edits are just about done. Gulp. 

So... I've decided to show off my fabulous cover. 

As Hillel the Elder said: 

If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?

What about you? Are you waiting for the cows to come home before you do something?

Everything's the Way That it Should Be

And if this doesn't make you smile, you might want to think about seeing a psychiatrist.

***

Happy Monday!

Happy Labor Day!

Alternatives for Enjoy

Alternatives is a recurring post in which I give synonyms for an over used word. Click on the tab above for a "complete" list of over used words.

Today's word is:

I've skipped ahead in my list to this one because... It's been a rough couple of weeks and I needed something to help me out of my funk. ENJOY!

Depending on how you use it, this list may come in handy for finding another way to say the same thing.

admire, adore, animal gratification, appreciate

bask (in), be blessed/favored with, be entertained (by), be fond of, be in clover, be keen on, be partial to, be pleased (with), be possessed of, be seized of, benefit from, boast, breathe freely,

carefree, cheer, cherish, claim, comfort,  command, cotton to, creature comforts

delight in, derive pleasure from, devour, dig, dote on, drink in

ease, ease of mind, eat up, enter into the spirit of, esteem, experience

fancy, favor, feast on, feel at home, fill, find satisfaction in, flip over, freak out on, fruition

get a charge out of, get a kick out of, get high on, get off on, gladness, gladsome, glee, gloat over, go for, go into raptures, groove on, gusto

have a ball, have and hold, have in hand, have a field day, have a good time, have a liking for, have fun, have tenure of, have the benefit of, have the use of, hold, hug oneself,

idolize, indulge in, in paradise, in raptures,

lap of luxury, let one’s hair down, like, live a little, live it up, love, luxuriate in

make merry, make use of, mind

no worries, not sorry

occupy, own

paint the town, pleased as Punch, possess, prefer, prize

reap the benefits of, rejoice in, relish, revel in, revere, riot in

sans souci (French), satisfied, satisfaction, savor, sensual delight, smack the lips, snugness, squat, squat on, sunshine, swim in

take advantage of, take a fancy to, take joy in, take pleasure in/from, take to, taste, treat oneself to, thrill to, titillation, treasure

use, use to advantage, usucapt, utilize

value, venerate

wallow in, worship

zest

Do any of these jump out at you and demand to be taken home? Being titillated kind of titillates me. 

And this really does say it all.



"Enjoy Yourself"

Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself
Enjoy yourself for me
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself
Enjoy yourself for me
You better enjoy yourself
You better enjoy yourself

You sittin' over there
Starin' into space
While people are dancin'
Dancin' all over the place

You shouldn't worry
About the things you can't control
Come on girl while the night is young
Why don't you make yourself race
Make yourself go

Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself
Enjoy yourself for me
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself
Enjoy yourself for me

Let's have some fun
Let's have a good time you and me
Sittin' there with your poked out
Just as sweet as you can be

Why don't you live
Live the life you got
Come on girl, let's get it
While the feelin' is gettin' hot and hot

Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself
Enjoy yourself for me
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself
Enjoy yourself for me

Hey there girl, I've been watchin' you
I can wipe away that frown
Oh, you and I can get together
We can tear the house down
We can tear the house down
We can tear the whole house down

Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself
Enjoy yourself for me
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself
Enjoy yourself for me
You better enjoy yourself
You got to enjoy yourself

(Enjoy yourself) Enjoy yourself
(Get down, get down) Get on down
(Enjoy yourself) Enjoy Yourself
(Get down, get down) Get on down
(Enjoy yourself) Enjoy yourself
(Get down, get down) Just get on down
(Enjoy yourself) Enjoy Yourself
(Get down, get down) Just get on down

(Come on) Come on
(Come on) Come on
(Come on) Come on (Come on)
You can do it, you can do it
You can do it, you can do it
Hey, hey, hey
Get on down

(Enjoy yourself) Enjoy yourself
(Get down, get down) Get on down
(Enjoy yourself) Enjoy yourself
(Get down, get down) Just get on down

Saying Good-bye to Jay

I got the word over the week-end. No need for condolences. We will rejoice in his life.

 In Memory of my best friend

 

 Jay Gordon Chapman, July 31st 1950 - August 17, 2013

I've mentioned Jay a few times on my blog as my childhood best friend. But I haven't really shared stories of our exploits because Jay and I lost touch. Our lives took different paths and I didn't feel comfortable writing about him without his permission. But that has changed now.... Stories will be shared in time.

Jay was a brilliant natural comedian. He could easily have held his own on "Whose Line is it Anyway" and had the other participants peeing their pants. More than once he had me (and others) literally on the floor rolling, holding my sides, laughing so hard I'd be gasping for air saying, "Stop! Please stop!" His imitation of a crab scuttling sideways or a lizard doing push-ups were priceless. Then there were his various personae:

Zack Stone. Serial killer or Kevin Costner impersonator?

Jay, on right, as Dr. Nasty.

No caption needed.

And my favorite: The wildman.

He was a natural wood carver and carved walking sticks, at one point taking commissions and carving sticks with specially requested designs.

Jay was an excellent dancer with great rhythm. He played a mean set of spoons and for many years played percussion in a number of small jazz bands.

Jay, on right, playing tamboura with our friend John, on sitar.

He was a fine cook.

One of his *magical* abilities was how he could to take away headaches. There was something in his touch, he could pulled the pain right out of your head.

He made everybody laugh.

May you make the angels laugh as well.

Good-bye my dear sweet friend. I would not be who I am, would not be the writer, had you not been in my life. I have no doubt that we will meet again one day.

I dedicate "Blackbird" to you and the day we first listened to The White Album together. This is a lovely cover by Sarah McLauchlan.

Count Jay de Booger has left the building.