Featured Author: Alex J. Cavanaugh

Our featured author for the month of October is Alex J. Cavanaugh, debut author of CassaStar, a science fiction adventure suitable for all ages. As part of the feature, I hosted a free contest for a signed copy of CassaStar. Determined at random, (drum roll please) the winner is Piedmont Writer, lucky commenter #1. Please email me at mesmerix AT gmail DOT com with your mailing address and I'll send out the book right away. Congratulations and thanks to everyone for their participation!

About Alex:
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He’s 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 he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Now, on with the interview!

When and why did you decide to first become a writer?

I wrote some when I was younger - short stories, a couple beginning ideas, and part of a novel. I guess I started to wonder if I could really complete a whole novel. I pulled out my original novel concept and rewrote almost everything. The result was CassaStar!

CassaStar is your debut novel. The setting really shines, especially the abilities of the Cosbolt pilots and navigators. How long did it take you to design the world, and what was the most challenging part of world-building in science fiction?

I think the biggest issue for all authors is plausibility. I didn’t focus on world building as much as some science fiction authors, but numerous aspects were essential - military, social, technology, and Cassan telekinetic abilities. Technology was probably my greatest challenge. The ‘grand finale’ required several rewrites as I attempted to line up the elements in a logical manner. I kept thinking “Well, why doesn’t he do this?” I had to keep rewriting until I reached a point where technology wouldn’t allow him to do anything else!

You're published by Dancing Lemur Press. What led you to them, and what has your experience with them been like?

I started querying science fiction publishers with no results. Frustrated, I looked for another angle and tried young adult and smaller presses. That led me to Dancing Lemur, who ultimately decided to release CassaStar as an adult science fiction. (Go figure, huh?) So far, everything has been good, and I was really happy with their cover art and book trailer.

Once you finished CassaStar, what was the publishing process for you like? Was there something you learned along the way that might be helpful for other aspiring novelists?

Yeah - don’t limit yourself! Consider all options for your manuscript.

Finally, can you tell us anything about your current projects or what we might see in the future?

I’m working on a sequel that sends Byron’s life in a new direction. I intend to rock his stable world! I’ve signed up for NaNoWriMo and plan to complete the first draft by the end of November. Wish me luck!

A big thank you to Alex for joining me for an interview and letting me

Thanks for allowing me to visit your blog, Mesmerix!