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| The elusive Alex |
Who are you (what do you write, what are your personal stats)?
I write science fiction - specifically space opera. (Low tech, adventure style.)
Personal stats - I have a physique similar to Ryan Reynolds. (In that I have a head, two arms, and two legs.) Seriously though, I have a Bachelor’s Degree, I’m married, live in the Carolinas, and dig all things geek, tech, movie, music, and science fiction.Would you like my gaming stats as well?
No, but my husband might. Where can we find you online (blog, twitter, facebook, etc.)?
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh
I’m also on Goodreads and Google+
When did you begin your online platform building?
I began November 9, 2009, about a year before CassaStar’s release.
What is your message, if any (is your blog about anything specific, for example)?
I struggled with a theme before settling on movies, music, science fiction, and tech stuff. (Unconventional for an author, but it works for me.) I also focus on promoting my blogger buddies. My message is always entertaining, positive, and fun!
How have you built your followers? What have you done that has been the most successful?
I’ve built my following (close to 1100 now) by being active in the blogging community. The A to Z Challenge http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com in 2010 really kick-started my blog and last year I was a co-host. (And I’m co-hosting again this year.) I participate in blogfests and have hosted many of my own. Last year I launched the Insecure Writer’s Support Grouphttp://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/insecure-writers-support-group.html and it’s been a huge success.
Bottom line, I’ve just made a lot of friends. One can follow and comment on blogs all day long, but it’s building relationships and friendships that really matter. My blogger buddies are the most awesome people in the world.
What have you done that has failed?
In the beginning I made all the wrong connections. I followed a lot of science fiction blogs, writers, and readers. When I started following just anyone who interested me, things began to click. I also discovered a much wider audience for my book!
How much time do you spend blogging? Reading blogs? Commenting on blogs?
You really want to know? Deep breath - anywhere from four to six hours a day. Before you faint, some of that is while I’m working. (I love my job!) Weekends are much lighter.
I actually feel better knowing that, because now I know how you manage it all. What else should we know about you?
Is it all right if I mention my next book, CassaFire, http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/cassafire.html comes out February 28, 2012? And that people can sign up for my Catch Fire! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/catch-fire.html Blog Party to win a free book? Hope so, because I just did!
Of course it's alright to mention, but I already beat you to the punch. Any additional advice for our readers?
Focus on friendships. All else will fall into place.
What makes you unique?
I’m Ninja Captain Alex! I am here for your amusement.
I'm amused, how about you? And I'm impressed as always by your sensational savviness. Thanksk for stopping by, Alex, and good luck with the release!
Available now-
CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9816210-6-7 $15.95
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-3-8 $2.99
Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67YBjQve00U
Available February 28, 2012:
CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5 $15.95
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9 $4.99
Book Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa6VINRGtyE
91 comments:
Great interview - 4 to 6 hours a day, eh? I can't compete with that. Glad it's Alex that does it and not someone evil. All that time could be used for wicked ends if one so desired
Thanks again, Laura!
Alex and I first became close during my A to Z Challenge in 2010. Now I'm honored to have co-hosted this same Challenge with him in 2011 and this year. Alex is a great blogger and a good and loyal friend. And what a success at pulling off blogfests!
Thanks, Laura, for showcasing Alex--and with another elusive photo portrait as well!
Lee
Blogging from A to Z
i find this man's ideas just plain helpful, alex is a cool cat with many helpful thoughts and not to mention his site is a great resource. this is a great set of questions, awesome job laura.
Its all about the relationships. That's what will get you followers. And followers along with comments are very important to a blogger. Get out there and visit people, and give them a reason to visit you (and retunr) and the followers and comments will come. good luck with CassaFire Alex!
Four to six hours a day?! Wow. The thing about being a harried blood courier is that the police frown on typing on your laptop while you're whizzing down the interstate! You're right : the key to establishing a true connection in your social network is to be authentic, to be interested in the plight of your fellow bloggers & to help them all you can -- which you do. Thanks for being my friend and the good friend to so many others. I wish all of us fun in the A TO Z Challenge. Oh, thanks for being so happy for my 1000th follower. Sadly, someone decided to de-follow, tumbling me back down! LOL. Roland
Laura - what a great interview. You asked questions I wanted answers to!
Alex - WOW! I had to take that deep breath when I read the "four to six hours" bit! But I can see how that happens.
I have a fraction of the followers you have and I devote a lot of time to "maintaining" my connections!
Making the friendships and then nurturing them has worked for me too!
Good luck with CassaFire.
Cheers, Jenny @ PEARSON REPORT
Great interview! You could not be more right that the focus should be friendship first. I have only been blogging fora little over a year and have been stunned by all the amazing friends I have out there. And true, you have to be genuine, I feel bad that I can't always comment on all the blogs I follow more frequently. I'm planning on being a better, more frequent commenter this year. Thanks for being such a great friend and here's to the awesome success of CassaFire,
Alex is much older than he puts off. He originally came to earth in a spaceship that crashed outside Roswell. I've taken a look at the black and white photographs and compared them with a digitally enhanced version of the picture you included in this blog post. They are one and the same. My research cannot be disputed. He's an alien from outer space operating on earth without a green card. Someone should tell John McCain.
Lee, the honor is all mine!
Jeremy, I aim to be helpful!
Thanks, Stephen.
Roland, I knew that would scare someone. On days of the IWSG, it's even higher than six. And we'll have to fix that issue with the followers!
Jenny, I have so many blogger buddies and I don't want to slight any of them. That's why I devote so much time to blogging. Of course, I'm not wasting time on Facebook farming, so that helps!
Thanks, Melissa! I've been blessed to meet you this past year.
At first, I was timid about meeting Alex "the Great", hearing he was an e-book bestseller and all. However, he made it is easy to build an online friendship with his authenticity. Always the one with an encouraging word. And he shows up everywhere! I was most interested in finding out how much time him devotes to doing this and I really believe it. Thanks for being there for us all Alex and I STILL plan to keep me eyes on you. Yes, you are in trouble now..... lol
Denise
I must have been sleepy Alex. Make that "how much time he devotes to doing this..." (smile)
Glad there was the warning of "before you faint." Good luck with your new book. I'm joining in the A to Z challenge this year.
Alex is awesome, plain and simple. I met him through a mutual blogging friend (Rayna M. Iyer of Coffee Rings eEverywhere.) I noticed that he always, always commented there. So I checked him out. Bloggy love at first sight! He's the real deal and what he does shows that. He truly takes the time to maintain friendships. I'm not published (yet...that will be 2/12, I wrote an article for an anthology) but he gives us in that boat the same love and attention as established authors and bloggers. Of course, his quick wit and sunny personality add to the package. I'm so glad you featured him here today, and it's nice to meet you.
Tina @ Life is Good
Thanks, Denise! And I'll be watching for you...
Stacy, I didn't want to cause panic. And glad you are on board for the Challenge!
Tina, you're going to make this Ninja blush. Thanks so much for the kind words!!
Dang it. I thought we'd get to see what Alex looks like. Oh well, it's still a very cool photo.
Alex is seriously one of the kindest people on the web. I just "met" him and am delighted to have had the chance.
That's as good as it's going to get, Matthew! Don't want to scare the women.
Tasha, thank you so much!
Someone stopped following you? Come on! What is wrong with that person? You're as great as Alex, Roland!
Alex is awesome. Ryan Reynolds, huh? I'm with Matthew: thought we'd get to see a photo :-)
I hear ya Roland. I get a big dose of "oh no! someone doesn't like me anymore!" when that happens. I try not to let it bother me, because really, I've stopped following people, too. I just don't do it officially...I just stop going. Probably just as bad...sigh. Talk about insecure writers...I keep meaning to join Alex's group...but I've been to insecure...
Great interview Laura and Alex! Fun to meet the mind behind the Insecure Writers... I enjoy reading all those posts so much!
Susan, you will have to use your imagination...
Susanna, I'm glad you enjoy them!
I'm amused too! Can't wait for the A to Z Challenge this year. Thanks for introducing it to me.
Yup- I'm amused and can't wait for the launch. Alex - you're proof that generosity and positivity are a potent mix!
Lx
Laura and Christine, thanks so much!
A savvier blogger I have yet to meet. Our Ninja Captain deserves all the success that comes to him.
Great interview, Laurie and Alex. :) I'm quite amused.
Thanks for the interview! I just joined the IWSG & was very amused to learn more about its creator:)
Thanks, Jamie!
Mary, that's why I am here.
Jamie A, glad you joined the IWSG!
Alex is my literary hero! :)
Awesome interview. I loved learning more about Alex. And lucky you Alex that you can read blogs at work. I wish I could.
I knew it must have been a lot of hours, but 4-6! Wow! No wonder I can never catch up :) Great Interview!
Ninja Captain Alex, you are one cool dude. Thanks for interviewing him Laura. Excellent job. Building relationships is what it is all about. Truer words were never spoken. :-)
Elizabeth, thanks!
Natalie, it's a job perk, that's for sure.
Marta, I know, it scares me sometimes.
Thank you, Robyn.
You've been a wonderful blogger friend, Alex. Can't wait till we can help you celebrate the release of CassaFire next month.
Thanks, Alex for all the insights into what you've accomplished! It's a lot! Love the shadowed photo...
Monti
Thank you, Cate!
Mary, I am a man of mystery...
Laura, thanks for the in-depth interview with Alex! He really should be in "the most interesting man in the world" beer commercials!
I agree with Laura that knowing how much time you spend on blogs makes me feel much better. I no longer feel like a total slug :)
With every interview I get to know Alex a bit better. To spend four to six hours per day for blogging and so on is impossible for me except holidays.
Thanks for an interesting interview.
I was pretty sure Alex never slept!
Julie, I could do commercials!
Carol, you are not a slug!
Edi, if I couldn't do it from work, it would be much less.
Southpaw, I like my sleep now!
Four to six hours! Wow - I mean, just wow! Great advice on blogging, and choosing what interests you. You'd think it'd be obvious, but I'm not convinced I do obvious if it's staring me in the face ;).
Wow doesn't love a ninja? Alex is awesome!
No, thank you!!
I love hearing these personal stories about Alex. He really is a one-of-a-kind guy.
Thanks, Jeremy!
So true, and Alex is such a good example of this. Thanks for the comment!
I just stopped by to follow and be your 1000th, but you were at 1005 so instead, I'm 1006.
Thanks! I'm glad I'm not the only one burning to have these answers.
Thanks for commenting, Melissa. I can never comment as much as I'd like, either. Which makes people like Alex all the more admirable.
He IS everywhere! And he knows EVERYONE! Great example to all.
Ditto the warning comment!
Nice to meet you, Tina! And thanks for sharing your personal comments about Alex. They're awesome.
Believe me, I tried :)
I so agree. He's an instant friend. Like you feel like you've known him forever.
Alex provided me with several images. None were pictures of himself. I had to hunt for this one. I guess that's what we should expect from someone so humble.
LOL! ME TOO!! I'll join someday...
Thanks!
I can't wait to read all those posts! Someday maybe I'll do it too. It's just a bad time of year for me...
He definitely is :)
I so agree :)
I need to join that group. Lots of great writers in it!
I'm impressed with how many talents he has - design, music, writing. WOW!
I wish I could read more blogs too. I need a different job...
It makes me a little bit sick when I think about it :) Thanks for the comment!
You're welcome!
It's going to be a fun release!
It's a cool photo, isn't it?
No kidding. He's very interesting indeed.
I actually don't feel better. I feel worse. I mean, he can do 6 hours and I can't even manage to respond to my comments until 2 days later? Yeah, I'm a loser :)
I think my eyes would fall out looking at a screen that long.
Sleep? I'm pretty sure he doesn't eat or pee either.
He's definitely a good resource :)
He totally rocks!
Good grief! I knew our Ninja Captain Alex was dedicated to supporting his ninja army, but I didn't realise quite how dedicated - thanks for the support, Alex.
Thank you so much for ISWSG. It's a great program.
Michelle
www.Michelle-Pickett.com
Author of Concilium, available July 2012
CD, not exaggerating the hours!
Patsy, I've just made so many friends...
Michelle, glad you're enjoying the IWSG!
Nicole, thank you!
And thanks again, Laura!
I just saw this!!! Michael, don't tell anyone...
Hi Laura! Thanks for the awesome interview! Alex is a truly cool ninja :D Love your blog!
Alex, another fabulous interview!! 4-6 hours, huh? Ok, now I know your secret! WOW! That IS impressive :D
Jen
Absolutely Laura - Alex is amazing .. and he does what he says on the tin - be positive, spread his blogging love around, support many and just be .. he writes SciFi too - now this I have to accede to this year and check it out! Great interview .. thanks - good luck to all .. cheers Hilary
Four to six hours a day? And he writes? When does Alex sleep, eat, watch movies, etc?
ALEX. IS. AWESOME!!! Ninja or otherwise, I don't care. He's one of the best bloggers out there and very loyal.
Great to hear about all the good stuff that you've been up to lately, Alex! Ninjas forever!!
Jen, that's my secret!
Thank you very much, Hilary.
Patricia, I can blog, write, and watch a movie all the same time.
Chris, yes!
Nicole, thanks.
I found the link to you at Alex's place, and came over to meet you. Laura. Though science fiction doesn't interest me as much as other genres, I enjoy some of Orson Scott Card, and I also enjoyed Alex's first novel and am looking forward to his second one. Wow! Amazing that he can get that much blogging in during the week. Nice to have a job like his to do it. And I can tell he likes to blog. Right, Alex? You are truly an awesome ninja - I agree with Nicole!
Ann, I appreciated you giving my first book a shot.
Thank you again Laura for the opportunity!
No doubt how hard Alex works at maintaining his bloggin identity. It takes work and he deserves it more than any blogger out there. It's nice to be able to combine blog and work... I do it too... but my job is so busy lately, I have limited time anymore.
Thanks for the great questions, Laura!
It definitely takes time to build your followers and connections. You do a great job, Alex!
Mary and PK, thank you so much!
Thanks again, Laura - this was fun.
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