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Monday, March 9, 2015

Getting to Know Your Co-Hosts – Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh

This marks my sixth year participating in the Challenge and my fifth year as a co-host. The very first year, it changed my blog forever, and I have been a big supporter ever since.

My followers nicknamed me the Ninja Captain, and those who follow my blog are part of the Ninja Army.

By day, I work in web design, graphics, and technical editing.

By night, I am a musician and play guitar in a Christian band. I’m also an author, and my genre is science fiction-space opera. My first three books, CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm, were all Amazon best-sellers in the US and UK.

My next (and possibly last) book, Dragon of the Stars, comes out April 7. (Yes, right in the middle of the Challenge! My hope is to just survive until the end of April.) I have a special site set up for the book – What Are the Kargrandes? – with new clues every Monday until its release.

I’m also the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. In addition to the monthly blog posts every first Wednesday, we have a website, a Facebook group. and the IWSG Critique Circle.




Other random facts:
I’m a big movie buff and feature reviews on my blog. My goal is to reach the end of NetFlix one day.
I can be bribed with Hot Tamales.
I’m a fan of all things science fiction, fantasy, and geek-related.
I’m a die-hard fan of RiffTrax and Mystery Science Theater 3000. (And even got to interview my idols HERE!)
I visit a lot of blogs in a day because yes, I do have clones.
Music has always been a part of my life and I’ve played many instruments. Wanted to be a rock star…
I’m a man of mystery, although Mini-Alex likes the camera.
I’m married, no kids, and a born-again Christian.
And ironically, I never even wanted to be an author…



From the questions asked: 

Barbara from Life and Faith in Caneyhead: What would you do if your pc died in the middle of the AtoZChallenge?

Implode? Actually, we have several computers and iPads, so I’d be all right.

Beth from A Bench With a View: How do you manage your time during the A/Z challenge? Other than having all written before the challenge begins, any other tips you can share?

Pace yourself. Don’t come out of the gates too fast or you’ll burn out. I also recommend clones…

LuAnn fromBack Porchervations: After you successfully complete the 2015 A to Z, and they stick television cameras in your face and ask "So, what are you going to do now", what will you answer?

Sleep for a week!

Everyone have a great time with the Challenge!

Find me here –
Blog, Twitter, Google+,Goodreads, What Are the Kargrandes? and at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group

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45 comments:

  1. Elizabeth Spann CraigMarch 9, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    Survival is always an important goal. :) Sleeping for a week sounds good, too! Good luck with everything, Alex...I have a feeling it's all going to go really well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barbara In CaneyheadMarch 9, 2015 at 11:47 AM

    I did learn things about you Alex and I enjoyed that!.
    Life & Faith in Caneyhead

    ReplyDelete
  3. Barbara In CaneyheadMarch 9, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    P.S. - Where can I find some clones - cheap?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. CavanaughMarch 9, 2015 at 12:36 PM

      Barbara, want to take a run through my cloning machine?

      Delete
  4. JoMarch 9, 2015 at 12:40 PM

    You have to get the clones to clone themselves. I've said it before, Dragon had better NOT be your last book. You are too good an author to waste your talent.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jeremy [Retro]March 9, 2015 at 12:41 PM

    You shall be and always be my friend... you are a great example for blogs, bands and books. I hope that someday we do get to meet, drink back a few root beers and share our own war stories.

    Jeremy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. CavanaughMarch 9, 2015 at 2:07 PM

      Thanks, Jeremy! That would be awesome. And that made me chuckle.

      Delete
  6. Stephanie FarisMarch 9, 2015 at 12:57 PM

    I didn't know you worked in web design and technical editing! Reaching the end of Netflix? Impossible!!! I watch a lot of Netflix but mostly TV shows.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Heather M. GardnerMarch 9, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    I think I actually knew all of this information!

    This will not be your last book. Your muse loves you way too much!

    Thanks for sharing, Alex!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Christine RainsMarch 9, 2015 at 1:18 PM

    Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself, Alex. And I'm with Heather. I really hope this isn't your last book!

    ReplyDelete
  9. bettyMarch 9, 2015 at 1:45 PM

    Good to know more about you! Cool with your work, both day and evenings! Do wonder when you sleep though!

    betty

    ReplyDelete
  10. DobsonMarch 9, 2015 at 1:47 PM

    So glad to find another guy willing to clearly and boldly admit he is a born again Christian. I hope you will come to my Faith By Acts blog during the A to Z. Without giving away my theme two weeks early it is bible verse based.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. CavanaughMarch 9, 2015 at 2:08 PM

      Dobson, I will do that! not afraid to say who is my Lord and Savior.

      Delete
  11. Karen LangeMarch 9, 2015 at 2:15 PM

    Congrats on the upcoming book, Alex! It's nice to get to know you better. One question - where exactly can we get these clones? :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. J.L. CampbellMarch 9, 2015 at 2:51 PM

    Looking forward to the Challenge. Hope you take your own advice and pace yourself during April when you have release activities, plus the Challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Susan Gourley/KelleyMarch 9, 2015 at 3:00 PM

    HA! No one is going to let Dragon be your last book. But between your book release and the challenge, you might sleep for a week.

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousMarch 9, 2015 at 3:28 PM

    Clones? Care to share the secret with me? I need a handful to send to the day job so I can stay home and write. Don't worry, my boss will totally be for it too. She's stated a few times I need to be cloned. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. CavanaughMarch 9, 2015 at 6:36 PM

      You'll have to take a run through my clone machine then.

      Delete
  15. Pearson ReportMarch 9, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    Great intro! I enjoyed the questions and your witty answers.

    I sleep during the A to Z, it's when I get my best ideas. As we know, I like winging it, so the night before, in my dreams, is when it all comes together. LOL, or not!

    Cheers, Jenny
    2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
    @PearsonReport

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousMarch 9, 2015 at 5:12 PM

    Woohoo! Great intro, Alex. I'm super pumped for the A to Z Challenge and look forward to having you as our ninja captain :) I've heard many great things about you over the past several years, and just joined IWSG a few weeks ago. Thanks for all that you do for the blogging community!

    -Wendy
    Wendy Lu Writes

    ReplyDelete
  17. Elizabeth SeckmanMarch 9, 2015 at 5:59 PM

    Kilgarandes must be some sort of psychic lizards.

    Never say no more books. That makes me sad.

    And I would use clones if someone would let me borrow the clone machine!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Matthew MacNishMarch 9, 2015 at 7:36 PM

    You're an inspiration, Alex!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Dixie@dcreliefMarch 9, 2015 at 7:36 PM

    I'll be arranging for a clone machine appointment.
    Thanks for visiting my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Michelle WallaceMarch 9, 2015 at 8:55 PM

    Alex, I suspect this clone machine is "one-of-a-kind" and that it's NOT a metal-based machine...
    The fact that you are into web design, graphics, and technical editing has something to do with the machine? That's the only logical explanation. Am I right? Is there a connection?
    Everybody would love to get their hands on that clone machine...

    Thanks for all the behind-the-scenes work that you put in, Alex!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Stephen TrempMarch 10, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    Alex, I like the sleep for a week advice. I usually take the first week of may off from blogging to do just that.

    ReplyDelete
  22. kaykualaMarch 10, 2015 at 9:36 AM

    Thanks Alex. Wishing you every success for this April's challenge!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  23. Joylene Nowell ButlerMarch 10, 2015 at 3:44 PM

    Alex, I can't see you sleeping for week, but I wouldn't blame you if you did. This winter's terrible internet connection has taught me a valuable lesson. Be prepared. If you can't connect, at least write. Thanks for all you do, Captain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. CavanaughMarch 13, 2015 at 12:27 AM

      Joylene, thank you! I'll at least sleep for a weekend.

      Delete
  24. Rhonda AlbomMarch 11, 2015 at 11:32 AM

    Hi Alex, fun interview. I didn't know you loved Hot Tamales. Me too! Only, they can't import them here, they have an illegal ingredient - I am pretty sure it's a color. Friends can bring them to me though.

    ReplyDelete
  25. aFieldtriplife.comMarch 12, 2015 at 4:07 AM

    Greetings Ninja Captain,
    Can I have some of your energy?
    I'm excited to be Pam's minion.
    Have fun! I know I will.

    ReplyDelete
  26. NicoleMarch 12, 2015 at 4:09 AM

    It's funny how many people tend to end up working in fields that are different than what we had in mind. The cycles of life spin in interesting and surprising ways. Clones sound cool...I wonder how you manage them all. They must have your Ninja warrior spirit! :)

    Playing in a band must be lots of fun and a great way to end a day spent computing designs and such.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. CavanaughMarch 13, 2015 at 12:28 AM

      Nicole, yes it is. Playing my guitar is a great way to unwind.

      Delete
  27. Scribbles From JennMarch 13, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    Truly enjoyed getting to know more about the Ninja Captain. You forgot one thing, you're one of the nicest guy in the blogosphere!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sherry EllisMarch 15, 2015 at 4:14 PM

    Hot Tomales, huh? I'll have to remember that. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sherry EllisMarch 15, 2015 at 4:14 PM

    Hot Tomales, huh? I'll have to remember that. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. DobsonMarch 17, 2015 at 5:08 PM

    Hey Alex. Do you know how, or know a WordPress blogger to recommend that can tell me how to include something like "2015 A to Z Participant" in my comments automatically. I know I saw this mentioned somewhere, but cannot trace back to it now. Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. CavanaughMarch 19, 2015 at 10:41 AM

      Nothing like a tough question first thing in the morning. Dianne Salerni has a Wordpress blog I believe. I think Dean K. Miller does as well.

      Delete
  31. Philip Verghese 'Ariel'March 23, 2015 at 4:51 PM

    Hi Alex, Nice to be here again!
    And of course to read a bit more about you!
    Though we met few years back and have good acquaintances with you
    and I have had the opportunity to receive some applauds and awards from
    you and your team.
    This post made me to know a bit more about this wonderful Ninja Captain!! :-)
    I am really glad to be here again to look forward to participate in this year's
    A to Z. Challenge. I am so glad to inform you that I am in the group of
    Joyful Brigade of JL Campbell. :-)
    Best Regards
    ~ Phil

    ReplyDelete

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