TBR: Welcome to TBR, Alex. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
Alex: I’m Alex J. Cavanaugh! I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and work in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online I'm NinjaCaptain Alex and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
Alex: I’m Alex J. Cavanaugh! I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and work in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online I'm NinjaCaptain Alex and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
TBR: Tell us about CassaFire and where it's available.
Alex: CassaFire comes out on February 28 – less than two weeks! Preorders are available through Barnes and Noble
Alex: CassaFire comes out on February 28 – less than two weeks! Preorders are available through Barnes and Noble
TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Alex: CassaStar was only the beginning…
Alex: CassaStar was only the beginning…
Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. Keeping a promise to his fallen mentor, he now serves on an exploration vessel. The detection of alien ruins sends them to the distant planet of Tgren. Are the ruins a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassans. To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers. Forced to train Athee and further develop her flying aptitude, Byron’s patience is strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…
TBR: Are you a plotter or pantser?
Alex: Plotter! If I didn’t have a detailed outline, my story would wander out into the desert and never return.
Alex: Plotter! If I didn’t have a detailed outline, my story would wander out into the desert and never return.
TBR: Did any music inspire your book? Do you have a playlist?
Alex: I’ve never made a playlist, although I usually listen to music when I write - In Flames, Shadows Fall, Nightwish, Dream Theater. Just about anything prog rock with a hard beat!
Alex: I’ve never made a playlist, although I usually listen to music when I write - In Flames, Shadows Fall, Nightwish, Dream Theater. Just about anything prog rock with a hard beat!
TBR: Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and why?
Alex: Of course I’d want to have dinner with Athee! I mean, who wouldn’t? She’s beautiful, sharp, witty… Not sure I’d want Mevine over for dinner, though. He’d probably break half the dishes.
Alex: Of course I’d want to have dinner with Athee! I mean, who wouldn’t? She’s beautiful, sharp, witty… Not sure I’d want Mevine over for dinner, though. He’d probably break half the dishes.
TBR: While creating your books, what was one of the most surprising things you learned?
Alex: That I really could write more than one!
Alex: That I really could write more than one!
TBR: What's next for you?
Alex: I’m working on the third and final book, tentatively called CassaStorm.
Alex: I’m working on the third and final book, tentatively called CassaStorm.
TBR: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Alex: I think overall it’s the comments I’ve received from people who’ve never read a science fiction book but enjoyed mine. I appreciate that they took a leap of faith and read my book!
Alex: I think overall it’s the comments I’ve received from people who’ve never read a science fiction book but enjoyed mine. I appreciate that they took a leap of faith and read my book!
TBR: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Alex: My favorite authors are Preston & Child, Terry Brooks, and Timothy Zahn. I’ve been reading books written by my blogger buddies lately so not sure whose book I’ll be reading by the time this is posted.
Alex: My favorite authors are Preston & Child, Terry Brooks, and Timothy Zahn. I’ve been reading books written by my blogger buddies lately so not sure whose book I’ll be reading by the time this is posted.
TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
Alex: Ninja Captain Alex is everywhere! Well, maybe just here:
Alex: Ninja Captain Alex is everywhere! Well, maybe just here:
Twitter - http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh
TBR: Thanks so much for visiting TBR, Alex. All the best to you!
