And a Book Baby is Born--Welcome CassaDark by Alex J. Cavanaugh!

I'm excited to welcome our newest book baby into the world! Congratulations, Alex J. Cavaugh!

CassaDark

By Alex J. Cavanaugh

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 fear and 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 secret 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?

Science fiction - Adventure / Space Opera / Space Exploration
Print ISBN 9781939844842 $16.95

eBook ISBN 9781939844859 $4.99

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

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics. 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 is founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://alexjcavanaugh.com https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

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://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844859
Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844859&language=0
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58461762-cassadark

Ooh, a prisoner planet!  I wonder if it's a trap? Can Bassan's connection with ancient tech see past every dark secret? What is it that the people of Ugar face that is so secretive? I can't wait to find out more!

Guess what? It's now available!

How Alex J. Cavanaugh is Human

So I've asked amazing friend, husband, author, and blogger (and much more) how a day is like for him. His hard work is impressive and I just couldn't resist asking him how he survives. This is what Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh says:

The Balancing Act – A Day in the Life of a Ninja

Elizabeth wanted to know how I manage to do what I do without going insane. How do I balance family, work, blogging and writing? Plus music, church, and everything else in between.

I might joke that I have clones, but it’s just me. I have the same hours in a day as everyone else. Maybe it’s just how I chose to spend those hours. So, let me give you a rundown.

I do work full time, but I am able to blog from work, which is a big plus. Due to multiple computers on my desk (and my iPad) I can work and blog at the same time. My job is often feast or famine, so I might not have any work to do. (When I do have work, I get it done immediately though.) I also blog a little in the evening. It averages out to almost a hundred blogs I visit a day.

Several times a week, I hit the gym after work. Being out of shape can really add stress to a body. Staying in shape means I have more energy. Plus it’s a great way to relieve tension.

I’m also a musician and practice on my own or with the band at least six times a week. If I’m on my own, I do this not long after dinner and for about an hour.

If I am working on a story, I will spend another two to three hours writing once I’ve finished practicing. I’ve tried writing at work, but there are too many interruptions. I can only write in the seclusion of my office. Usually I can complete a first draft in two months.

Of course I spend time with my wife. We always eat dinner together and we spend time in the evening together. We’ll go visit friends, go see a movie, or just out to eat. Sometimes there are events at church. (Sometimes there is yard work. That I don’t enjoy.)

And let’s not forget sleep! I do like my sleep, even if I don’t get enough of it.

While that might seem like a lot, remember I don’t have kids. I admire those of you who have to juggle kids on top of everything else.

I think it all comes down to priorities. What’s important? Where will those hours be spent? And how can balance be maintained? There is a balance and rhythm to my life so I can stay sane. I can tell when it’s out of whack. (Plus my wife is quick to point it out as well.) And I will only push the boundaries for so long.

What do you have to juggle in your life?




Dragon of the Stars

By Alex J. Cavanaugh

Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military

Print ISBN 9781939844064 EBook ISBN 9781939844057

Dancing Lemur Press, LLC http://www.dancinglemurpress.com/

What Are the Kargrandes? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/



The ship of legends…

The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, son of a Hyrathian Duke. Poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter, he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

But when the Alliance denies Hyrath’s claim on the planet of Kavil and declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray. Entrenched in battle and told he won’t make captain, Aden’s world begins to collapse. How will he salvage his career and future during Hyrath’s darkest hour?

One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?

Purchase:
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Stars-Alex-J-Cavanaugh-ebook/dp/B00S0DPUYU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1420814971&sr=1-1&keywords=dragon+of+the+stars
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-of-the-stars-alex-j-cavanaugh/1121069418?ean=2940046510720
ITunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-of-the-stars/id957912496?mt=11
Kobo - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragon-of-the-stars
Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragon-Stars-Alex-J-Cavanaugh-ebook/dp/B00S0DPUYU
Amazon print – http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Stars-Alex-j-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844061/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1427824785&sr=1-1
Overdrive - https://www.overdrive.com/media/2130736/dragon-of-the-stars
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23521766-dragon-of-the-stars


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, and CassaStorm.

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

#IWSG The Glory of Being a Writer!

What a wonderful way to share your support with fellow writers! Click on the badge above to START!

They say that being a writer is a lonely occupation. I agree. We hole ourselves in our writing cave and create vast worlds filled with colorful characters. We research and study hours and hours of material. 

There are many times I feel forlorn as I meet with others who share the same obsession through a 12 inch screen and type away my conversations. Then I move on to my writing cave and I am alone again.

But there are those moments when we shake off those quill feathers of ours and dare to venture into the sunshine, to venture into the world where other writers convene and share our love of our common craft!

Of course there are other aspects of the writer's life like family, a 9 to 5 job, illnesses, rain, walks around the neighborhood! Let me liken a writer's life to Harry Potter: my writing world is witches and wizards, with Voldemort and Buckbeak--my creativity has no limit while my real life is with Muggles (nonwriters) who scurry about their lives never knowing any better of the thoughts that churn in my head that create worlds of every kind. Muahahahah! >:D

How I love being a writer! How I love other writers! No matter where I am, I love being surrounded by others who are as crazy as I am! We are a magical folk.

What are your thoughts on being a writer?

Alex is on fire! Oh, I mean #CatchFire!

I am so very proud of Alex J. Cavanaugh, blog guru of the blogosphere. Something that amazes me is how he manages to balance real life (work, wife, family and more) with his writing career, blogging and keeping up with social networking. I know it is a lot of work, my having four kids and all, so he's my authorly hero!


Today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh! The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. There’s also a special package of prizes being given away at the author’s blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour. See Alex’s site for details: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just 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…

Available today!

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages

EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:

“…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

You can visit the author’s site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Book trailer available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa6VINRGtyE.

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cassafire-alex-j-cavanaugh/1034742568

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/CassaFire-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/0982713940/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329417150&sr=1-1

Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaFire-ebook/dp/B007A2TSNG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329663355&sr=1-1

Head on over there and congratulate him. Enter to win, too!

Writing the Second Book, Guest Alex J. Cavanaugh speaks

First, I'd like to thank those who tuned in to show your love for me Saturday during my live chat with YA Book Babes! If you missed it, it's not too late!

Listen to internet radio with yabookbabes on Blog Talk Radio

Okay, now for what you've been waiting for!


Today the super ninja blogger, Alex J. Cavanaugh,  honors my blog with his presence.  Like Alex, I had only planned on one book, but I feel that since we are in the age of sequels, it would only make sense to go on!

I've been delving in the ventures of sequel writing and have found it daunting on so many levels, so I turned to Alex and asked him for his professional Alex advice:



Elizabeth asked if I could provide some tips on writing the second book in a series.

Now, I’ve seen a ton of advice online and some really great posts on the subject. So, rather than offer tips, I’ll just describe how I came up with the sequel to CassaStar. Maybe I’ll give you some ideas to pursue. Or at least give you hope!

Writing CassaStar was easy. Well, maybe not easy. My original concept sucked and I had to rewrite the story from scratch. I still knew where I wanted to go with it though, and the characters were very clear in my head. The story just flowed. I polished it, the manuscript was accepted, and book released. I was done!

And then a scary thing happened - readers began to ask about a sequel. When I began this journey, I only envisioned one book. That’s all I thought I had in me. I believe my exact thoughts were “Oh, crap!”

All right, where do I begin?

The first book ended with Byron about to embark on a new career and journey. I decided to continue with that idea only jump ahead twenty years. Byron would’ve grown and changed during that time. This gave me a fresh start with the character.

I recently read a post on themes and realized that influenced my direction as well. The first book’s theme was friendship and trust. The next one needed to echo that theme.

Finally, I thought about the question posed by almost every fan - why were there no women in the book? I did have a reason, so not only was an explanation in order, but the second book needed a female character. I then created a strong female lead opposite Byron.

From there, the story idea for CassaFire sparked. (Oh hey, bad pun!) The outline went through many changes before I started writing, but once I was several pages into the story, it flowed. Just like the first book!

So, if this were an actual post offering tips:
- Who do you want your characters to be when the story begins?
- What theme do you want to follow?
- What do you readers want?



Does that spark any ideas? And if so, please share, because now I have to come up with a third book!


-------------
Thank you Alex, it is refreshing to hear how other authors go about in their writerly adventures. And I find those 3 questions so thought-provoking; it's a fantastic start to get me going. You're one fabulous friend!

So, how do you go about writing sequels? What are your pitfalls? Any advise for those who have the sequel blues?

Meet Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Meet the Ninja Blogger Alex J. Cavanaugh! He is such an awesome and savvy friend who knows what it  takes to get the word out. See how I work around my kids' schedule for the love of my writing.

Today he is interviewing me over at his blog, please drop by and say hi!

Visit Marcy Hatch for tomorrow's Interview at Unicorn Bell!

To reserve your signed copy of Darkspell, click here!

GO HERE FOR PARTICIPANT LIST

And the Winner is . . . (followed with awards!)

 

Drum roll please--or should I say guitar strum pleeeze! ;)

Angie Lofthouse!

Congratulations, Angie!

Thank you everyone for having fun with us!

------------
 It's about TIME I spread the love, I've been hoarding them up so now it's my turn to set them free!

The lovely Margo Kelly has awarded me the Sunshine Award--what a sweetheart she is!

Here are my fellow bloggie palz I've picked:

Deirdra Coppell, Michael from In Time, Jonene Ficklin, Nahno McLein, Susan Fobes, Kim Coates, and Sheila Windley Staley!

The thoughtful Marcy gave this wonderful Beautiful Blogger Award!

7 and 7. I list 7 things about me and pass it along to 7 bloggers!

1. I've actually joined the A to Z blogging challenge and started scheduling finished posts! 2. I've just created a new blog! 3. My new method in time management is working like a charm! 4. I've never read so many books at one time for book reviews! (I have 5 within a 2 month period!)5. I had a dream just the other night that I was Christine from Phantom of the Opera and I loved it! 6. Our dog LOOKS for ways to escape our yard, supervised or unsupervised. Grrr. 7. My kids love when I illustrate their Valentine's cards--it warms my heart!

I award this to:
Joyce DiPastena, Shari Bird, Heather Justesen, Konstanz, Amphigora, Old Kitty, and Deirdra Coppel!

Thank you Jennifer Brown, Deirdra Coppel,  RaShelle Workman!

10 and 7! Now I'm to return the favor to 10 blogs while sharing 7 things about me!


1. I don't hide my true self from anyone 2. I've sung a solo before! 3. I want to be an actress. 4. You can actually SEE my counter tops, and I've hit the 7 day record of my life. LOL! 5. I'm chicken to edit my WIP. 6. my 11 year old loves to tie quilts! 7. I took a chance and ventured into the junkyard to find my preschooler's lost blankie, and guess what? We found it!

I dub the following with this award: Roland Yeomans, Jessica Bell, Debbie Davis, Elana Johnson, Jordan Mcollum, Arlee Bird, Rachel Harrie, Inspired Kathy, Anastasia V. Pergakis, and Ali Cross!

Interview with Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Science fiction/adventure/space opera, Dancing Lemur Press LLC

ISBN Print 9780981621067 eBook 9780982713938



To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…

Few options remain for Byron, a talented young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude. Slated to train as a Cosbolt pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life. Much to his chagrin, Bassa, the toughest instructor in the fleet, takes notice of the young pilot. As war brews on the edge of space, Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive. 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

I have had the honors to catch up with our very own Alex and interview him. It was way fun learning about him!


*ROCKEN' contest, read after interview!

Buckle up and enjoy the ride--remember to keep your arms in at all times!

Here we GOOooo!

Microfiction Monday and Blogfest!

The talented Susan over at Stony River issues a challenge to create a story in 140 characters (or fewer) from a picture she provides. Brilliant, isn't she?

“Da, I promise I didn’t mean to! It was only a bit o’ dry ice it was!”

I hope you liked it! :D


And now for the Top Ten Countdown Music Blogfest!

Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting his Music Blogfest, Top Ten Countdown today! Please visit his blog for the other wonderful entries.

Alex says,

"Counting down our top tunes of all time!

Music moves us. It inspires us! Now, tell the world YOUR ten favorite songs of all time. The Song, the band – why does it move you?"

1.  Disturbia by Rihanna--sometimes it feels like that to me (if you know the lyrics), but it sure is FUN to dance to!
2. Lovers in Japan by Coldplay--Love the sound of it and to dance to!
3. Where the Streets have no Name by U2--this sometimes fits me when I feel so earthbound, the times that I want to break the chains of daily grind and fly.
4. I'll Never Let you Go (Angel Eyes) by Steelheart--so romantic! Mike Matijevic has a gorgeous voice.
5. Dragula by Rob Zombie--have you heard the beat???
6. Alone by Heart--The singing is expressive and heartfelt. I love to sing to this. :)
7. To Where you Are by Josh Groban--This and the next 4 songs have to do with losing a loved one. They are so beautifully sung and moving. Listen to them if you can.
8. Stay by Shakespeare's Sister--
9. If I could be Where You Are by Enya
10. My Immortal by Evanescence--Amy Lee has a beautiful, emotional voice that I can match, and this song is so poignant, it brings me to tears. 

I've put my songs below if you're interested in listening to them. Just click "pop-out player" to play the entire list. The songs are not in the same order as above.

Writing Compelling Characters Blogfest!

Elana Johnson, Jennifer Daiker and Alex Cavanaugh are hosting this awesome blogfest!

Their purpose is to see how differently every one of us thinks about a single thing. Writing a compelling character. (Yeah, right, they just want to hear our secrets!)

;)

Okay, I believe this will be one fun day. Or two . . . As of now, there are 152 participants. It'll take me a few days, but I promise to visit everyone and leave a comment. I hope you won't mind me jotting notes--this will be one AWESOME writer's conference on how to write a compelling character!


here it goes, my SECRET:

My Word processor's definition for compelling says "holding attention: attracting strong interest and attention."

First of all, I would like to think that I can write compelling characters. It's always good to have a 2nd opinion, though! ;)



Can a story be compelling without compelling characters? Or can a character be compelling without a compelling story?

Like actors in a movie, I believe that they can make or break the show. Same with books. Our MCs can make or break the book.

My formula:

When I write, I'm by the seat-of-my-pants kinda person. My characters are born well-rounded. They are alive the moment I spell out their names. I endow them with strong passions--whether for want of love or writhing in hatred. I love to delve into their minds and make the reader experience their anguish or sorrow or anger.



If my character can make my readers cry, angry or joyful--I've written a compelling character.


The character will refuse to die long after the book has been closed.


What are your beliefs in writing a compelling character?






Let's see how other blogfesters feel about writing compelling characters!




photos found at bing images

You've GOT to see this!

Welcome, CassaStar!



Our Alex is holding a fantabulous contest--hurry, it ends August 8th!

The Movie Dirty Dozen Blogfest

Alex is hosting this coolawesome blogfest!

He asks:
What movies have changed your life? What movies have changed you as a person? What movies are your ultimate enjoyment from start to finish? If you could only round up twelve, what movies would be your Dirty Dozen?

Well, the following 5 movies changed my life because I was so very young. They are what led me into the love I have for fantasy. I love writing and drawing all things fantastical. There is romance in every one of these shows, not overbearingly so, but enough to create a lure to keep watching--at least that's the way it is for me. That's how I write my novels. Lots of stuff going on, and a bit of romance woven throughout--not overbearingly so, but enough to make my readers swoon with reminiscing sweetness. ;)













The Princess Bride would fall under the above shows as well. It's a sweet, light-hearted romance that always makes me laugh!

The first time I saw Timeline in the theatres, I was shocked. I thought of how many medieval movies I'd seen and none ever made me fear for the people in there like this one had! I have the movie in my shelf! ;)

Ah, everyone's most beloved or hated movie, Avatar. The first time I saw this was the wordless trailer with a movie I had rented. I don't have programming for my television, so I had no idea of the hype behind it at the time. But, wow, I fell in love with the concept of fantasy beings that looked like elves and the romance behind it was what really hooked me! :D


The Final Inquiry. This one is so breath-stealing for me. The idea of Julius Caesar wanting restitution and sending off one of his men to seek the meaning of the one dark night when Christ died and how that man felt the true love of God touch his heart? Whoa... I LOVE conversion stories!!! Oh, and not to mention the beautiful romance in this show. *Sigh*


One Night with the King is also one of my biblical faves. I just love the sweetness between the king and Esther. I actually ran to my bible and read the entire book of Esther, checking for accuracy. It's pretty accurate but for the king's name (Xerxes) and I don't think the Persians were involved--I can't really remember, I read this long ago. ;)


I found Nanny McPhee very enchanting and sweet. It had me laughing out loud in the theatres! I showed it to my kidlets and they love it too. The love story behind it makes me feel warm and fuzzy. ;)


Sybil. Wow. I saw this so long, long ago it horrified me. I know it was produced in the 70s, I was still captivated. Now that I am a mother, I don't know if I can handle watching this movie again. It brakes my heart how any parent can hurt an innocent, trusting child.

It has made an impression on me to the point that certain scenes that Sybil went through haunted me. I thought, "Did I remember that scene correctly? Did the mom really tie her up the way she did? Did the mom . . . Did the mom . . .?"

*Shuddering* I know, you probably think I'm a masochist.

One thing, if anything on this movie: Knowing how, being a small child watching something like that through naive little eyes, would I make the connection in a better way compared to then now that I'm an adult--it was horrifying then, will it be just as horrifying now?

Okay, enough! I can't wait to read everyone else's thoughts on their favorite movies! Alex, thank you for holding this wonderful blogfest! ;)