My guest today, is Sci-fi author, Alex Cavanaugh. I'm glad to have him visiting again, Over Coffee (psst don't tell anyone, but Alex is a favorite of mine).
Alex wasn't a blogger, nor did he have a
online presence, until his first novel, CassaStar,
was soon to be published. He literally went from unknown to what he is today,
intrepid blogger, the host of various blogfests, and now has well over a
thousand followers. Pretty amazing, isn't it? However, to achieve this calls
for a lot of time. I think he mentioned his time went from fifteen minutes a day
to two, sometimes three hours a day, online. That's a lot of hard work. His life changed
drastically once he sold his first novel.
Life used to be simple. I worked. I watched movies and played
games. I jammed on my guitar. I volunteered at my church and spent quality time
with my wife. My life wasn’t adventurous but I liked it.
And then, I found that old manuscript.
I’d enjoyed writing when I was a teen and thought it might be
fun to tackle a rewrite of this story. The plot was crappy, but the characters
were strong. So I spent the next couple years rewriting it and then submitting
it. After many rejections, I landed a small publisher, and a release date was
set.
I was told to “get my butt online,” which I did. And through
blogging I met some really amazing people. They were encouraging and supportive
and saw me through the release of CassaStar. I was excited and having fun.
What happened next sent me into a panic. Fans began to ask about
the next book. So did my publisher. Next book? I’d never planned on more than
one. You mean I had to go through the process again?
Yes, it did. And life wasn’t so simple
anymore.
It has taken some serious adjustments and time management skills
to make it all come together. My game playing time took the hit first, and over
the past few months. I’ve seen far fewer movies. I do still play my guitar, as
it’s my way of relaxing, but the jam sessions are shorter. Even time with my
wife decreased. (Fortunately, she’s very understanding.)
What takes up a lot of my time now is promoting and networking.
I’m blessed I can blog from work while performing my duties and during down
times. I’m also on Twitter and a couple other sites. But on a busy day that can
take six hours. That doesn’t count the time it takes to compose blog posts
either. Or do guest posts or interviews. And since I run the Insecure Writer’s
Support Group and I’m an A to Z Challenge co-host, those take time as well.
Toss in the promotional requirements from my publisher, and some days it’s just
insane.
Safe to say, I never planned on all of this. And I’m
supposed to be working on the third book!
I won’t be able to keep up the pace forever, but there are a few
things that make it worthwhile right now. Such as the amazing friends I have
made online. I draw energy from their enthusiasm and triumphs. They are also
the most supportive bunch of people I’ve ever met. I would’ve given up ages ago
if it wasn’t for my blogger buddies.
And I would’ve given up without the support of my wife. Some
days we don’t spend a lot of time together. But when we do, I make sure it is
quality time. We never miss dinner together, either. That often becomes our
time to talk. She’s just amazed at what I’ve accomplished so far with my books
and my blog, though. And you know every guy wants to impress his wife! I also
promised her a killer vacation in the next couple months, which scored one for
the Ninja!
So, for any writer who is seeking publication, just be ready for
the changes. (And be ready to write another book!) Know that life won’t be so
simple anymore. But you know what? It will be better!
- Visit the author’s site and leave a comment during his book tour for a chance to win CassaFire, CassaStar, and a CassaFire tote bag and mug!
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| COOL BOOK TRAILER |
CassaFire
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. Excerpt
All Byron wanted was his privacy...
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
BUY: AMAZON, BARNES and NOBLE
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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. Currently the author lives in
the Carolinas with his wife.
You can visit the author’s site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Book trailer available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa6VINRGtyE.
