C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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Interview With Alex

April 21, 2022 By C. Lee McKenzie

Another book in the Cassa series is here, and Alex Cavanaugh is visiting today to tell you a bit about himself as well introduce his newest book.

Welcome, Alex, and congratulations on this newest addition to your series.

Lee: When were you hooked on writing?

Alex: I wrote some as a teen, but it wasn’t enough to hook me then. It took years later when in my early forties that I picked it back up and started enjoying it. The total hook was finding an old copy of CassaStar in a drawer. I knew I could rewrite it better and was off like a shot!

Lee: Has your writing changed since you began writing?

Alex: Certainly it’s improved. I’ve become more aware of writing active rather than passive and learned how to add description without padding. I’m a bare-bones writer, so adding details was always a challenge for me. I haven’t ventured from my genre much outside of non-fiction pieces and one contemporary short story for a magazine. Maybe I’ll finally attempt a fantasy.

Lee: What intrigues you about writing?

Alex: The ability to take the visions and scenes in my head and put them down on paper for others to see. It’s the sharing of ideas.

Lee: Why did you choose to write a Sci Fi series?

Alex: Science fiction was an easy decision, but I never intended the first book to become a series. But when readers enjoyed it and wanted more, it prodded me to outline and write another book. And then a third. I really thought that was it, especially after creating another science fiction universe in a separate book. But after being strapped for ideas for so long, this fourth book hit me. This time I follow a different character, so while it’s part of the Cassa universe, it stands on its own.

Lee: What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in your writing career?

I’m a homebody and an introvert, so putting myself out there was a challenge. First just starting my blog and getting on social media, then promoting my books. It wasn’t easy. But after several books, making many friends, and starting the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, I’ve gotten much better at marketing and reaching out to others for help. I think the secret is to be supportive of others first. When it’s genuine, you’ll find a ton of support.

Thanks, Lee!

It has been great to have you visit here today.


Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics, and he plays guitar in a Christian band. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. 

http://alexjcavanaugh.com
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com
https://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh


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
EBook – 9781939844859
Science Fiction – Adventure/Space Opera/Space Exploration

Links:
iTunes . Amazon . Barnes & Noble . Kobo . Scribed . Goodreads

Filed Under: Alex Cavanaugh, Featured Author

Comments

  1. Jess@Fairday says

    May 20, 2022 at 9:32 am

    What a great interview! Always fun to learn more about a blogger/author/friend that I have known for years on the blogosphere. 🙂 So happy for Alex that I am seeing his book everywhere. Wishing him all the best!

  2. Sonia dogra says

    May 4, 2022 at 7:40 am

    I enjoyed reading this interview Lee. All of you at IWSG inspire me so much. Alex is doing such wonderful work. Wish you all the best. Missed you at the IWSG today.

  3. J.Q. Rose says

    May 1, 2022 at 9:56 am

    I had no idea you were an introvert! Congrats on your new release! Excited for you…

  4. Cherie Colyer says

    April 26, 2022 at 4:32 pm

    I love seeing Alex’s book everywhere! Great interview.

  5. Damyanti Biswas says

    April 25, 2022 at 5:46 am

    A great interview Lee! Good luck to you both 🙂

  6. Jeff says

    April 24, 2022 at 6:29 pm

    Congratulations Alex on your new publication.

  7. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    April 22, 2022 at 11:07 am

    Thanks, everyone!

  8. L. Diane Wolfe says

    April 22, 2022 at 5:37 am

    Alex is indeed one of my best marketers.

  9. Liz A. says

    April 21, 2022 at 2:20 pm

    Congrats to Alex.

  10. Natalie Aguirre says

    April 21, 2022 at 11:08 am

    I’m an introvert so the marketing would be challenging for me too. Congrats on your book, Alex.

    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      April 21, 2022 at 5:53 pm

      Many of us are in this same boat, if I can stoop to a cliche!

  11. Elephants Child says

    April 21, 2022 at 10:11 am

    It is lovely to learn more about Alex. Learning that he is an introvert surprised me a little - perhaps because he so consistently and positively puts himself ‘out there’.
    His support for others is very, very evident, and it is wonderful to see it reciprocated.

    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      April 21, 2022 at 5:52 pm

      This is an interesting bit of news, isn’t it?

  12. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    April 21, 2022 at 8:08 am

    Thanks for hosting me today!

    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      April 21, 2022 at 5:52 pm

      I’m glad you could be here today!

  13. Hilary Melton-Butcher says

    April 21, 2022 at 5:39 am

    Hi Lee and Alex - wonderful to read … Alex has set so many of us a great example, understanding what’s needed to support newbies in various stages of writing - books, blogs, short stories etc and always boosting us all.

    Great post - and good luck to you both with your books, and now CassaDark - all the best - Hilary

    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      April 21, 2022 at 7:57 am

      Hi Hilary,

      Thank you so much for the good wishes. You’re a star IWSG member!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h59dYGrVQvs

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