Author Guest Post With Alex J. Cavanaugh

Alex J. Cavanaugh has kindly agreed to guest post here about his work, and share his inspiration for becoming a writer in honor of his upcoming release, CassaFire.

 About The Author:

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.

Find Alex J. Cavanaugh on the Web:

Official Website | Goodreads | Twitter

 Guest Post:

Lucy, thank you so much for inviting me to visit your blog!

You asked me about the inspiration behind my books. Well, I hope you weren’t expecting something deep or profound. (Because I am deeply and profoundly incapable.) They were inspired by hours (days, months, years, centuries) of TV and movie watching as a kid! I dug Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers, and anything else that had to do with science fiction. I envisioned my own space adventures, and jotted a few down on paper. Reading authors such as Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zhan, and Preston & Child fueled that creativity.

After the original story languished in a box for almost thirty years, I dusted off the characters and created a new storyline. (I wrote the first one when I was a teen, so to say it was angsty and crappy would be a massive understatement.) It eventually became CassaStar, my first novel, published in October of 2010. I was surprised when fans wanted more (the word horrified fits even better) and took another old story idea to create the plot for CassaFire, which comes out February 28, 2012.

You wanted to know a little more about CassaFire as well. I decided to let you glimpse it through Byron’s eyes instead. (He’s far more interesting than I am.)

Begin Transmission:

Senior Officer Byron’s Transcript:

To say my life has been interesting would be an understatement. I’ve had my fair share of adventures. Met some unusual characters along the way as well.

Don’t get to see Ernx and Nintal as often as I’d like. Seems they are flying at one end of the sector while I’m flying at the other end. Surprisingly, I actually miss them.

I miss Bassa as well. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my brother.

The officers on the Rennather are for the most part a good bunch. Another small craft pilot works under me, Garnce… some days I’d like to jettison his lazy ass out into space. But other than that I have no complaints.

A science officer name Mevine recently joined us and the boy doesn’t even look old enough to shave. Told me I was his hero when he was younger. Great! Just what I needed. I feel a little sorry for Mevine, though. Everything about the young man is awkward.

And now I find out I have to train a Tgren woman named Athee. She’s a decent pilot, but it’s her skills outside the cockpit that worry me. She’s sharp and knows how to manipulate all too well. And to top it off, Athee is the most stubborn person I’ve ever met.

I like my privacy. This is all so annoying.

End Transmission.

 CassaStar:

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Publishing Group: Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

6x9 Trade paperback, 246 pages

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

Print ISBN 978-0-9816210-6-7 $15.95

EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-3-8 $2.99

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?

Find CassaStar Online:  

Goodreads | Official Website | Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes&Noble

 CassaFire:

CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Available February 28, 2012

Publishing Group: Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5 $15.95

EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9 $4.99

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…

Find CassaFire Online:  

Goodreads | Official Website | Amazon | Barnes&Noble

 Blurbs:

“…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 Win!

If you’re interested in winning a free copy of CassaFire,

sign up now for the Catch Fire Blog Party on February 28:
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/catch-fire.html

Happy reading until next time!