I’m a big supporter of fellow writers and authors, though I confess sometimes I’m at loss for whatelse to do.
Inspired by Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh and what he says about his blog being for others and not himself, I decided to come up with a new feature on my own blog. Every Saturday, I’m going to have a quick interview with a fellow author. You probably know most of them, but I’m hoping my interview will be quite different and give us a great insight of who lies behind the writer.
And, to start it all, why not interview the Ninja Captain himself?
Welcome to the Author Spotlight, Alex J. Cavanaugh!
Nicknames: Thanks to my blogger buddies, I am Ninja Captain Alex! (Also the Blogfather and Santa Claus. Don’t ask.)
Where do you live: Central Carolinas
Your favorite dessert: Chocolate chip cookies for desert, but Hot Tamales for a snack.
Your favorite TV series: Currently Elementary
Last book you read: The Legend of Victor Standish by Roland Yeomans
Last movie you watched: Argo
Last song (or album) you bought: Threshold – March of Progress
A book/series you could read over and over again: I don’t usually re-read books, but we’ll go with the Shannara series by Terry Brooks. And the Bible of course.
Coke or Pepsi? Coke!
Day or night? Evening?
Pen or pencil? Pen
Summer or winter? Winter! Hot, humid weather drives me crazy.
Cat or dog? Dog
Tea or coffee? Neither
Plotter or pantser? Plotter all the way!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
AJC: When did I become serious? Maybe five years ago? Odd how I never intended to be an author, isn’t it?
What are you working on now?
AJC: My third book, CassaStorm, is with my critique partners, so I’ll be editing again very soon.
If you decided not to be a writer, what would your other dream job be? Why?
AJC: Metal God!!! What guy wouldn’t want to be a rock star? And I can play guitar and sing. Sort of…
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done in your life?
AJC: Proposed to my wife.
Who is the one person that has singlehandedly inspired you the most in your life?
AJC: I have to pick two – my wife and Jesus.
What is one talent that you’re hopeless at, but you wish you had?
AJC: A sense of direction! I get lost easy…
What is one trait or physical characteristic that you are proud of/love about yourself?
AJC: Just the fact that I’m still in really good shape for my age!
Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
AJC: Read, write, and don’t give up.
Bio: Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. 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. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Blog | Twitter
To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…
Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.
Much to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron’s tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.
As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” – Library Journal
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Amazon UK | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook
Book trailer – http://www.youtube.com/watch?
CassaStar was only the beginning…
The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend – to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.
The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.
To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves, the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…
“This sequel to Cavanaugh’s first novel, CassaStar, delivers on the promise of its predecessor, combining military action sequences and political intrigue with strong, memorable characters. Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein’s early fiction…” – Library Journal
Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Amazon Kindle | B&N Nook
Book Trailer – http://www.youtube.com/watch?
There you have it! A bit more about our Ninja Captain. Hope you enjoyed it!
Cheers,
Thank you so much, Juliana! I appreciate the honor of being your first spotlight.
Thank you for agreeing to this ;)
Love your answer to the scariest thing you’ve ever done. :) Congrats on finishing your third book!
I agree Cate lol awesome answer!
This series sounds like it will be so much fun. I can relate to many of these answers. My favorite series is also Shannara! Favorite book in particular is The Elf Queen. This sequel sounds really interesting, yet another for my tbr list.
P.S. I also get lost easily. As in people have stopped attempting to give me directions, they just come get me instead. =)
Thanks for stopping by, Emilyann!
What a great interview! It was nice reading more about the man behind the ninja hood. :)
Agreed, Carrie! We try to find out more about him as much as we can ;)
Cate, it was scary!
Emilyann, then no one wants either of us navigating! Hope you enjoy the books.
Carrie, thanks!
I love the nicknames and they’re well-deserved. It was great learning more about Alex.
Hi Medeia! Thanks for stopping by ;)
Loved the interview…i just learned how to make homemade tamales from my South American friend. if i knew then what i know now about the amount of oil in it…oh who cares! they ARE the best!!
I confess I’ve never had any tamales. Gonna have to try now!
Thanks for stopping by, Tammy!
Thanks, Medeia.
Tammy, I don’t need to hear about oil…
Hi Juliana and hi Alex,
Yes, it’s me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star! Or, as our human friend Alex has stated, I have now reached superstar status! :)
Anyway, that’s plenty about me. Good to see Alex in the spotlight. Indeed, an informative interview. We are most excited about his books. Which reminds me, my human Gary is working in the background with an aspiring science fiction writer who he has been directed Alex’s way for some further inspiration. “Cat or dog?” “Dog” Oh yes! Arf! Arf!
Pawsitive wishes to you both, Penny :)
LOL
Hi Penny! Thanks for stopping by!
Interesting interview, Juliana and Alex!
I can totally see you being a Metal star, Alex. :) And my husband loves the Shannara series.
I shall ignore the fact that the Capn picked a lovely dog over a super cat! LOL! Cos he’s the Blogfather and he Rocks (Heavy Metal that is!).
Hi Juliana! Take care
x
Nice interview :) Ha ha ha, Never would have quessed ALex had no sence of direction!
Fun interview! :D
When I got to the part about proposing to his wife, I said awwwww. Alex may not know it, but, to us romance writers, he’s an inspiration for our heroes. :)
Great interview! Love the format, and it’s nice to get to know Alex better. “Blogfather” has a nice ring to it.
I love that proposing was the scariest thing you’ve done. You are such sweet, romantic ninja. Chocolate chips cookies rule! I’ll have to try Hot Tamales one day. :) I live in a neighborhood where I get my tamales from the pushcart on the street. Terrific interview! I always find out something unique about you.
Thank you, Juliana! Great job and some very cool questions.
Penny, tell Gary thank you!
Elizabeth, can you picture it? Aging metal star now…
Kitty, sorry!!!
Melissa, glad I can be a sappy inspiration.
Karen, “Blogfather” came from Pk!
Melissa, I should send you a box.
Always nice to hear what Alex has to say. I’ve read the first two books, and expect a great third to follow. Enjoyed the interview, Juliana and Alex.
Great answer to the “scariest thing you’ve ever done!” I also love chocolate chip cookies and have no sense of direction. Wonderful interview Juliana!
Great interview! I get lost easily, too!
DG, I’ll try!
Julie and Sherry, we’d be dangerous in a strange city. And lost of course.
Being a rock star would be fun. I’d throw hot tamales at you. Looking forward to the next book.
So Alex, no tea or coffee? I’m a tea addict myself. And it must be so great to know that you have the makings of a rock star — a romantic one who loves his wife.
I loved learning more about Alex! Great interview. I imagine proposing to someone is scary- you are really putting yourself out there. I am amazed he doesn’t like tea or coffee! I love both. :)
Mary, that would be like some weird dream!
Helena, yeah, I’m a sucker for my wife.
Jessica, I don’t drink either. Lots of water and energy drinks for me.
Props to the Blogfather!! :D
No doubt! Who wouldn’t wanna be a rock god?? That’s the life for sure. But yours doesn’t sound too bad as it is, Alex.
Metal God, lol! I love it~ This explains the Hot Tamales, lol~
Mary I will help you ;D
I am so loving the new show Elementary!
I am so happy your wife is such a sweetheart!
Fun interview to read and I love that your wife n’ Jesus
are your biggest supporters~
Captain Ninja Metal God
:D
It has a nice ring to it!
Next book should be about a Metal God…you know
he will see new dimensions in his music~
Great interview! Thanks for posting
Thanks, Pk – and I have you to thank for that nickname.
Ella, I might have to adopt that nickname!
Thanks, LisaAnn.