Garret Tour Tuesday: Alex Cavanaugh

Alex Cavanaugh -- blogger extraordinaire, film connoisseur,  science fiction author, and all-around nice guy -- has agreed to talk about his writing space. Alex 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. Alex lives in the Carolinas with his wife. His second science fiction novel, CassaFire, was released this March.

Alex has a full-time job and does most of his writing in the evenings, jamming out in his office.

"I usually write in my office, sometimes at my computer and sometimes in a notebook. I neither type nor write fast, so it doesn’t really matter! I’m usually jamming to tunes when I write and since a big screen TV occupies my office, it’s often on as well."

"I listen to hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock, and while I write is no different. If it’s an action scene, then I’ll put in something really fast paced like In Flames or Pantera."

Alex doesn't find electronic distractions a deterrent to writing, but he does avoid being around people while writing.

Alex's latest book.

"I can write with the TV and stereo blaring, but not with people around. Couldn’t write in a coffee shop, that’s for sure. I do like a bottle of water and box of Hot Tamales nearby."

Alex is a visual person, and says that movies and television inspire him. (I'm not surprised by this.)

"I confess, I’m inspired most by science fiction movies and TV shows. I’m more of a visual person, so I’m more likely to see something that will spark my imagination."

Alex once said that CassaStar was going to be a stand-alone book. Now it is a trilogy. Why did he change his mind?

"My readers and fans changed my mind! They wanted another book. And they wanted to know why there weren’t any women in CassaStar. So, shortly after its release, I started CassaFire."

Alex is currently working on the outline for the third book in his trilogy, CassaStorm. He says he is "looking forward to diving back into it this month!"

Thanks so much for participating, Alex! If you do not know Alex, he is a pretty awesome writer. I met Alex through the April A-Z Blogging Challenge last year. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. (I participate in IWSG and have found it to be refreshing and interesting.)  Alex says, "I’ve met a few authors and writers, but the bulk of my support and contact is online. That’s another reason why I started the Insecure Writer’s Support Group." He's a very encouraging person and a great writer -- go check him out!

Now You!

What kind of music do you enjoy playing while writing?