Monday, December 12, 2016

A Visit with Alex J. Cavanaugh



Need writing inspiration? Look no further. Prolific author and blogger Alex J. Cavanuagh is here, sharing valuable insight and news about his latest book, CassaDawn, the prequel to the Cassa series. It's a privilege to host the "Ninja Captain", as his followers call him, because he always has wise and encouraging words for writers.

Welcome back, Alex! It's always good to have you visit. Do you think blogging is important for writers/authors? If so,why?

Thanks, Karen! I think blogging is still important. It’s a platform that provides both friends and readers a way to connect. They don’t have to be a blogger or part of any social site to read what we write. Plus a good blog post can generate thousands of new visitors, exposing us to even more potential readers. The best part is still the connection of writers and authors within the blogging community.

Blogging is a good way to connect with readers and writers. It has so many benefits. :) Now that you have several books to your credit, what would you have appreciated knowing before you completed your first one?

A few grammar rules come to mind…I’d say knowing how much this journey was going to change my life. But then again, the only way to appreciate that is to go through it.

True words. Do you believe that fiction techniques can apply to non fiction writing? How so?

Fiction means enticing readers and drawing them in. That translates well to non-fiction, because then you can spice up a potentially bland subject. Those elements of intrigue, suspense, and humor help non-fiction as well.

Drawing readers in is a good thing! If you could offer one piece of writing advice, what would it be?

Stay true to yourself. Don’t bend the way you write or your values just to sell.

Wise words to live by, that's for sure. What's next for you - any more books in the works?

My short story, CassaDawn, just came out on December 6. And there’s still one more of my books coming out on audio this month – Dragon of the Stars. Otherwise, I have another story outline I’m kicking around. Focusing on the Insecure Writers' Support Group and my music takes a lot of time though. I never planned past my first book, so anything else I produce is just bonus at this point!

Congrats on CassaDawn and the audiobook as well! Thanks for visiting with us again. Wishing you much success!

Thanks, Karen! 

Find Alex


About Alex

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. 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. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, and Dragon of the Stars. The author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

CassaDawn

By Alex J. Cavanaugh
eBook ISBN 9781939844354 2.99
Science Fiction-Space Opera/Adventure/Military
Release date: December 6, 2016

The prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series!

A pilot in training...

Fighting the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training. Poised at the top of his class, only one situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough without a good navigator…





CassaDawn Links:

B&N 


What are you working on as 2016 comes to a close? Do you have any questions for Alex? Have any special plans this week?

I’m taking a break, and will return on January 9, 2017. May you enjoy abundant blessings this holiday season and in the new year. Enjoy your time with family and friends! :)

Sending love and blessings,
Karen

 

43 comments :

  1. Excellent interview! Blogging has certainly been a great way to reach a wide audience. It seems to have worked for you, Alex. I think one of the things that has made you so successful, is how you support other bloggers by visiting their pages and promoting their works. That inspires them to do the same for you.

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    1. Thanks, Sherry. I'd rather support others anyway.

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  2. Thanks, Alex. Thanks, Karen. I enjoyed reading the interview and couldn't agree more about staying true to who you are as a person and a writer of stories. Merry Christmas to you both and may 2017 be filled with more success in this world of publishing books.

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  3. Alex,
    It's always a pleasure to have you visit. Thanks for sharing with us. :)

    Sherry,
    Thanks so much! :) I agree - Alex's success, in addition to his talent, is due to his wonderful support of us, his fellow bloggers. It is inspiring!

    Lee,
    You're welcome! Alex always has great advice to share. Blessings to you and your family, and a Happy 2017 as well! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  4. Blogging has certainly changed since you and I entered its waters, Alex. I am so glad I made a friend in you. Enjoyed the interview immensely. :-)

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  5. Hi Karen - I found you through Alex's site. He's one of my blogging heroes and is a real role model when it comes to fostering connections in the blogging and writing communities. Enjoy the holidays and have a wonderful and joyous New Year.

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  6. Sandra,
    Thanks so much! Glad you stopped by! :)

    Roland,
    Good to know you enjoyed the interview! Appreciate you coming over this way. :)

    Ellen,
    Thanks for stopping over to see us! Alex is one of my heroes too. What a great role model, for sure. Happy Holidays to you as well! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  7. No, never bend your values just to sell.

    Great interview.

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  8. Alex is an inspiration for other bloggers and writers who never expected their success. We all need the hope.

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  9. Great interview. Congrats, Alex!
    Hi, Karen!

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  10. Wonderful to see Alex here! I can relate to wishing I knew a few grammar rules a little better before I started writing, but I guess that is all part of the process. Congrats on the latest release!
    ~Jess

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  11. Diane,
    Such truth there, right? Thanks a bunch for coming over. :)

    Susan,
    He certainly is an inspiration. :) I recall when he first followed me, and I appreciate that support so much.

    Lynda,
    Hi back! Appreciate you coming by. Enjoyed your interviews w/Alex in the last few weeks. :)

    Jess,
    Yes, I've learned a bunch in the grammar department through this process too! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  12. Hi Alex and Karen - great interview and reminder how valuable blogs are .. both from the writing point of view and getting connections, making friends and exploring the world through blogging - so many subjects and learning potentials - education and health being two of them. After my mother's strokes I appreciate learning of others' illnesses - superficial granted - but we get to learn what else is there ... I've improved my education hugely.

    Your point 'Stay true to yourself. Don’t bend the way you write or your values ...' I've acquired my voice through blogging and tried it out here the other day by reading some of my notes and a blog article ... I got the same comments as from blogging friends - it's interesting ... we need to find our uniqueness with our words and compositions .. cheers and wishing you and yours a happy festive time ... Hilary

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    1. We all have a unique voice and we need to hold fast to that.

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  13. Hi Karen and Alex! I recognized Alex's name from the Insecure Writers Group. At one time I was considering joining it, loved the name!
    I also liked the idea of not changing writing style or thoughts to urge sales. I think anyone could see through that, and I'd come off as fake or insincere. I am very happy for your success, and wish you every blessing on the sale of your new title!
    Have a wonderful break Karen, and blessings for a peaceful and joyous Christmas and New Year's Celebrations,
    Ceil

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    1. I know I couldn't fake it.
      You are welcome to join the IWSG anytime, Ceil!

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  14. Great interview, Karen/Alex. Thank you. Loved your tie-in to non-fiction writing. As a magazine editor I wish more non-fiction writers would be more creative in their stories. If they knew, they'd get more assignments. Hmmm, guess that could be another blog post. :)

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  15. Congratulations to Alex! I liked reading this interview. So much information is in this post, thanks for sharing!

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  16. So agree with Alex on why blogging is still important. You really can connect with many people and in a deeper way than with other social media avenues.

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  17. Hilary,
    Yes, you about summed it up here. blogging is not only a great tool for writers, but a wonderful way to form friendships and expand our world.:)

    Ceil,
    Yes, Alex is one of the pillars of the IWSG! :) Thanks so much. Blessings to you and your family as well.

    Carol,
    Thanks a bunch! Yes, using those techniques makes a difference, doesn't it? :) Good to hear it from an editor's standpoint too.

    Nas,
    Glad you enjoyed the interview. :) Alex has such great insight!

    Natalie,
    Yes indeed, you really can! That's why I prefer blogging over the others. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  18. Stay true to yourself is the key to success, for sure. thanks Alex, and thanks Karen.

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  19. Hi Karen and Alex - I noticed your book is available in audio. How did you find someone to produce it? I'd love to know more about this topic. I've always wanted to get my first book in this format. Thanks, Susan

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    1. Hey Susan! My publisher is the one who produced the audio book. And I was very pleased with the narrator they selected - he ended up doing all of my books.

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  20. Linda,
    Yes and amen! :) You are very welcome.

    Susan,
    I think Alex went through his publisher, but I was thinking about looking into that too. Will let you know what I discover! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  21. I love Alex's blog! I love how the blogging community is such a small world :)

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  22. Alex, you have such a wonderful, positive attitude!

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  23. Keith,
    Yes, it really is, isn't it? :) Glad we're all part of it.

    Jenny,
    You are right, he does! It's contagious, isn't it? :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  24. Great interview Alex and Karen. For someone who didn't plan beyond his first book, you have come a very long way Alex and achieved so much. You are my inspiration, you do so much and yet you are so warm and grounded and ever ready to help everyone. Honestly, I always feel I should be more like you as a writer and a blogger and ofcourse as a human.

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    1. Rachna,
      Thanks so much! Alex makes interviews easy. :) I agree, Alex is an inspiring writer and blogger.
      Happy New Year,
      Karen

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  25. Wise words to live by, indeed. Thanks for hosting Alex, Karen. Merry Christmas to you both.

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  26. Joylene,
    I agree. :) You are most welcome. Alex is a great guest!
    Blessings to you as well,
    Karen

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  27. Great interview. Thanks, Karen! And Happy New Year!

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    1. Happy New Year to you too, Lisa! Thanks for stopping over to see us! :)

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  28. Alex rocks. Do I need to say more than that? Loved the interview.

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  29. Alex is such an active blogger. He's inspirational. When I'm taking a class or work gets overwhelming, my own blog is the first thing to go. I try to get around to some of my favorites here and there. After all, I found such a large writing community because of blogging.

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!