CassaDark

 CassaDark

By Alex J. Cavanaugh

“Cavanaugh returns to the world of his Cassa Series…for a fourth inventive space opera.” – Publisher’s Weekly

 

His world is unraveling…

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse?

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each truth reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?

Print - 9781939844842
EBook – 9781939844859
Science Fiction – Adventure/Space Opera/Space Exploration

Links:
iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1574189874
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0982FL3SH
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940164947033
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cassadark
Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844859&language=0
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58461762-cassadark

2019 A to Z Challenge Sign Ups and Theme Reveals

It's almost time for the annual "A to Z" blogging challenge. Ten years ago, 100 bloggers made a commitment to post the alphabet daily for a month, and at its height, there were several thousand participants. 

I myself participated for quite a few years. I enjoyed the experience greatly. It became a very inspiring, motivation, and educational experience each year. I made many blogging friends that I still keep up with, and even earned a few publications due to the exposure.

While the way it is held, run, and maintained has changed over the years, the spirit of fun and friendship has not waned. Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate this year. I have just taken on too much at work to commit the appropriate amount of time to blogging for a solid month. I still hope to visit many of the participants though.

Most of the repeat participants have already begun planning their posts for this April, and have begun posting theme reveals. While a theme is not a necessary requirement to participate, some feel it makes the challenge more interesting, fun, or cohesive. The theme reveal form closes on March 28 if you haven't made it over there yet. Are there any themes you would particularly care to see, or learn about in April?

This year is the TENTH ANNIVERSARY! Sign ups begin on March 1 and theme reveals began on March 18. To learn more about this challenge, or what you can expect to see this April, be sure to follow their website which is full of other useful information in addition to challenge fun: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/ 

Have you ever participated in this challenge? Will you be taking part this year? What do you think of the changes?

Blogiversary and Giveaways

It's official! I have now been a part of the blogging world for SEVEN years!

To celebrate, I am offering a few FREE READS:

1) Anyone who wants a FREE copy of my short story "Broken Angel" can receive a pdf version by leaving a comment below, or you can also email me at: writinginwonderland(at)gmail(dot)com. Simply let me know where to send your copy. This promotion is good through November 1st.
2) Madame Tooshkas Spell - Halloween short story (romance) about 800 words.

ALSO...

Dancing Lemur Press is running a special all October - buy one audio book, get one free.
Buy any of the eleven Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. audio books in October 2017 from either iTunes, Amazon, or Audible. Send a copy of your receipt (less any payment info) along with your 1st and 2nd choice of free audio book to inquiriesATdancinglemurpressllc.com. You will receive a code for a free audio book download. You can choose your free book from these ten titles: 
He Gave Me Barn Cats by Maria Santomasso-Hyde, The Remnant by William Michael Davidson, Tornado Warning by Tamara Hart Heiner, CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh, CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh, CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh, Bloodwalker by L.X. Cain, Matowak: Woman Who Cries by Joylene Nowell Butler, Under a Purple Moon by Beverly Stowe McClure, and Dragon of the Stars by Alex J. Cavanaugh.

At the Heart...

Christopher Vogler once told me that the true measure of a successful story is "whether you have affected the heart of the audience" - either because they loved and connected with the characters, or because you caused enough tension to get the audiences hearts pumping.

If you've never read Vogler, he is a truly talented writer who updated the great Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey". He offers a theory on the 12 stages of any hero (see graphics). Chances are you've at least heard of one of the movies Vogler had a hand in creating: Lion King (which is really just a cartoon version of Hamlet).

Vogler is a wonderful mentor and teacher. I highly recommend his book The Writer's Journey. You can learn more about archetypes, the hero's journey, and repeating themes by checking out his books, or by visiting his website which offers great resources: http://www.thewritersjourney.com/

As for the heart of the matter, don't forget to check out the Parallels blog today. Ninja captain Alex J. Cavanaugh is discussing "the heart of what if".

How are you affecting the hearts of your audience?