(For all of my awesome followers who continue to stop by even though I've been slacking on getting to your blogs to comment: THANK YOU!! I've been trying to get caught up on my writing, revising, and critiquing so I can get back to commenting. It's hectic over here, but I'm getting there-slowly.)
Now on to the TAG! Today is Utsav Mukherjee. He's an awesome guy and writer who I met at...Why yes, of course, AQC! :D You can find him at his blog, Pineapple Lightning (he's lightning, btw) and he's also on Twitter.
1. When did you start writing?
At the age of 11. I started with a rip-off on Secret Seven/Famous Five and then transcended to a fan fiction of the Order of the Phoenix. It had several good plot points, which were quite similar to the actual book (Sirius dying, Fred and George's shop etc.) I had the threads of my current novel when I was 14 and although most of the story has changed since, a few words from that time still remain in my first chapter.
2. What made you want to write?
The joy of reading about a world you can immerse yourself in. I wanted to experience my own world and also, through it spread the joy to others.
3. When did you decide you wanted to write to be published? (As opposed to writing just to write)
I always had that thought in mind. I love writing but more than that, I love having my works read. For that, publishing is essential. I didn't know anything about the publishing process though and I probably still don't.
4. What genre(s) do you write?
Fantasy and Sci-fi. I don't think I am good for writing anything else, yet.
5. Why that(those) genre(s)?
You write what you read. And my favourite genre is High Fantasy, although I have ideas for a thriller.
6. Do you have any particular ritual when you write? (A specific way things are done during the process)
Get a laptop and type! No, not really. Although, I am a slave to my writing moods. I can't get too much done unless I am in one of them.
7. Do you use an outline, or do you just start writing?
A mix of both, I think. Having a vague outline is important, so that you know where you are heading. But then again, ideas keep popping in while you are writing, so I tend to go with the flow.
8. Is there something you MUST have when you're writing? (Aside from the typical writer tools-computer, pen, paper, etc)
Internet. I come up with so many questions while writing, that it is imperative for me to keep researching on topics.
9. Do you write out your story on paper and then transfer to a computer, or straight to the computer?
I used to write on paper when I started off. But college life turned me into one of those desk guys sitting in front of a computer. So now, it's directly on the computer.
10. How many books/short stories have you written? (Published or not, even those you wrote and then thought-what the hell?)
Two books and about ten short stories. None of them have seen the light of day. I may come back to them some day.
11. Is there, or has there been, anyone in your life (real or online) who thought you being a writer is/was just another hobby? Or that you are/were wasting your time as a writer?
Well, surprisingly no. Everybody always thought I had a way with words. But for me, sometimes writing takes a backseat because of the ten-thousand other equally awesome passions I have. Right now, writing tops the charts.
12. Do you do Social Media sites? If so, which ones? If not, why don't you?
I am not much of a social person. Other than Facebook, I have only recently joined twitter.
13. Any advice for writers that makes you cringe every time you hear it? (I know there is some cringe-worthy advice still worth following, so only advice you don't follow.)
I will keep that on hold because I don't have enough experience to comment. One thing I am comfortable with is long sentences, whether reading or writing, but run-ons seem to be a strict no-no.
14. Why do you write YA?
I don't have an age group in mind when I start writing. I selected the genre first, which was Fantasy/Sci-Fi and I guess it became a YA because I was 14 when I had the preliminary idea for Jimmy, so my writing and my story reflects that. I know, it is a norm to know your target audience because it helps the marketing of the book but we as authors want everyone in all age groups to connect to the story. Harry Potter is read by adults and LoTR is read by teens.
15. Are there many writers in India? (Just curious how common it is for people there to pursue writing)(And I mean this question in no offense at all, btw.)
I am not entirely sure, as to how popular writing for getting published is in India yet. But there are several leading novelists from India like Arundhati Roy (God of Small Things), Aravind Adiga (White Tiger), Chetan Bhagat (Five Point Someone) and a new favourite- Amish (Naga Trilogy).
16. Attorney by day/writer by night...Do the two ever mix/interfere with one another?
Sadly, more than mixing, being a lawyer hampers my writing time. Being on the call 24 hours a day makes it tough to continue writing on a regular basis, especially since I am not a legal drama writer like John Grisham. The one thing that has been a positive impact is my drafting skills have improved.
17. What would you do/think if you stumbled upon an invisible ladder?
Do what my MC did. Climb it and pretend to be Superman. Also I could make money getting other people to get pictures clicked like that.
18. Are there similarities between you and your MC in Averagely Extraordinary?
There are similarities and differences. I was decently well-placed academically and sports-wise and some of my friends, who were at that time not so inclined to study, used to get lectures from their parents. I wanted to put my fantasy of going on an extra-ordinary adventure being in the shoes of an average kid. And my story follows the dictum- Sometimes being average at everything is better than being good in one and bad at others. The desire to be special is strong in all of us. Jimmy wants to be special as well. The story is about how he responds when he understands being extraordinary is not always about being the best.
19. What do you do when you aren't writing?
Usually working, playing table tennis, cooking, academic pursuits and the minimum dose of socialising.
20. Any words of wisdom for anyone who is thinking of becoming a writer, or just something you think all writers should know?
Try and write so that you can see the events in your mind like a movie. To me, that is the core of writing.
Showing posts with label Sci-Fi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sci-Fi. Show all posts
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday TAG! - Alex J Cavanaugh
O.M.G. You have NO IDEA how excited I am about today's TAG! I'm giddy, yes, giddy. Because he's one of the most awesomest of awesome people I know. Yes, that's right, my TAG! today is...
The AWESOME ALEX J CAVANAUGH! (WOOT!) Now, for those who don't know this awesome man, Ninja Captain, blogger, and author...YOU MUST! Follow him on his blog, Twitter, Google+, and Goodreads. Read his books: CassaStar and CassaFire. (CassaStorm will be book three). He's the most awesome blogger buddy, friend, author, and person! His awesomeness can't be defined, it's nearly impossible to match, it's just...AWESOME! I could go on and on, but I won't. Let's just get into the interview.
1. When did you start writing?
Wrote some as a teenager and picked it up again a few years ago.
2. What made you want to write?
There were adventures I wanted to experience that I hadn’t read or seen in a movie yet.
3. When did you decide you wanted to write to be published? (As opposed to writing just to write)
After I re-wrote CassaStar, I decided to submit it and see what happened.
4. What genre(s) do you write?
Science fiction – space opera/adventure
5. Why that(those) genre(s)?
Because it’s the one I enjoy the most. And I’m not sure I’m ready to tackle fantasy yet.
6. Do you have any particular ritual when you write? (A specific way things are done during the process)
Only that I prefer to play music in the background.
7. Do you use an outline, or do you just start writing?
I have to outline! Otherwise my story would wander off and get lost.
8. Is there something you MUST have when you're writing? (Aside from the typical writer tools-computer, pen, paper, etc)
Music, water, and Hot Tamales!
9. Do you write out your story on paper and then transfer to a computer, or straight to the computer?
I’ve done both. I neither write nor type fast, but after my experience with NaNo 2010, I do better typing. (I’m currently participating in BuNo this month and typing as fast as I can.)
10. How many books/short stories have you written? (Published or not, even those you wrote and then thought-what the hell?)
I wrote some short stories when I was younger and one incomplete novel. I eventually rewrote that novel and it became my first published book, CassaStar. The sequel, CassaFire, came out this past February.
11. Is there, or has there been, anyone in your life (real or online) who thought you being a writer is/was just another hobby? Or that you are/were wasting your time as a writer?
No one beside myself - I’m my own worst enemy.
12. Do you do Social Media sites? If so, which ones? If not, why don't you?
I’m on Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and I blog. That’s more than enough!
13. Any advice for writers that makes you cringe every time you hear it? (I know there is some cringe-worthy advice still worth following, so only advice you don't follow.)
I don’t think I follow any that are cringe-worthy. They always say don’t use italics to designate thought, but I use it to signify a character’s thoughts when he is speaking telepathically.
14. Where did your inspiration for CassaStar come from?
From watching a lot of science fiction movies and shows like Battlestar Galalctica, Star Wars, Buck Rogers, and Star Trek
15. Have you always been a Sci-Fi lover?
For as long as I can remember!
16. What was the first video game that you bought with your own money? (Earned money from doing chores or money that was given to you as a gift)
Atari’s Adventure. (Yeah, remember that one?)
17. When did you first become interested in learning how to play the guitar? How long after that did you become a fairly good player?
I’ve played other instruments and picked up the guitar a few years ago. How long before I became a good player? Hmm, maybe next week!
18. How are you able to have your normal life, your writer life, your blogging life, and still be such an AWESOME Ninja Captain and person?
Ninja skills! That and I blog from work. I try to be awesome all the time though.
19. What do you do when you aren't writing?
Playing my guitar, watching movies, reading, and spending time with my wife.
20. Any words of wisdom for anyone who is thinking of becoming a writer, or just something you think all writers should know?
Just be a genuine, caring person – and be open to all possibilities!
( 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. Known online as the Ninja Captain, he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He lives in the Carolinas with his wife. )
Check out his books:
The AWESOME ALEX J CAVANAUGH! (WOOT!) Now, for those who don't know this awesome man, Ninja Captain, blogger, and author...YOU MUST! Follow him on his blog, Twitter, Google+, and Goodreads. Read his books: CassaStar and CassaFire. (CassaStorm will be book three). He's the most awesome blogger buddy, friend, author, and person! His awesomeness can't be defined, it's nearly impossible to match, it's just...AWESOME! I could go on and on, but I won't. Let's just get into the interview.
1. When did you start writing?
Wrote some as a teenager and picked it up again a few years ago.
2. What made you want to write?
There were adventures I wanted to experience that I hadn’t read or seen in a movie yet.
3. When did you decide you wanted to write to be published? (As opposed to writing just to write)
After I re-wrote CassaStar, I decided to submit it and see what happened.
4. What genre(s) do you write?
Science fiction – space opera/adventure
5. Why that(those) genre(s)?
Because it’s the one I enjoy the most. And I’m not sure I’m ready to tackle fantasy yet.
6. Do you have any particular ritual when you write? (A specific way things are done during the process)
Only that I prefer to play music in the background.
7. Do you use an outline, or do you just start writing?
I have to outline! Otherwise my story would wander off and get lost.
8. Is there something you MUST have when you're writing? (Aside from the typical writer tools-computer, pen, paper, etc)
Music, water, and Hot Tamales!
9. Do you write out your story on paper and then transfer to a computer, or straight to the computer?
I’ve done both. I neither write nor type fast, but after my experience with NaNo 2010, I do better typing. (I’m currently participating in BuNo this month and typing as fast as I can.)
10. How many books/short stories have you written? (Published or not, even those you wrote and then thought-what the hell?)
I wrote some short stories when I was younger and one incomplete novel. I eventually rewrote that novel and it became my first published book, CassaStar. The sequel, CassaFire, came out this past February.
11. Is there, or has there been, anyone in your life (real or online) who thought you being a writer is/was just another hobby? Or that you are/were wasting your time as a writer?
No one beside myself - I’m my own worst enemy.
12. Do you do Social Media sites? If so, which ones? If not, why don't you?
I’m on Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and I blog. That’s more than enough!
13. Any advice for writers that makes you cringe every time you hear it? (I know there is some cringe-worthy advice still worth following, so only advice you don't follow.)
I don’t think I follow any that are cringe-worthy. They always say don’t use italics to designate thought, but I use it to signify a character’s thoughts when he is speaking telepathically.
14. Where did your inspiration for CassaStar come from?
From watching a lot of science fiction movies and shows like Battlestar Galalctica, Star Wars, Buck Rogers, and Star Trek
15. Have you always been a Sci-Fi lover?
For as long as I can remember!
16. What was the first video game that you bought with your own money? (Earned money from doing chores or money that was given to you as a gift)
Atari’s Adventure. (Yeah, remember that one?)
17. When did you first become interested in learning how to play the guitar? How long after that did you become a fairly good player?
I’ve played other instruments and picked up the guitar a few years ago. How long before I became a good player? Hmm, maybe next week!
18. How are you able to have your normal life, your writer life, your blogging life, and still be such an AWESOME Ninja Captain and person?
Ninja skills! That and I blog from work. I try to be awesome all the time though.
19. What do you do when you aren't writing?
Playing my guitar, watching movies, reading, and spending time with my wife.
20. Any words of wisdom for anyone who is thinking of becoming a writer, or just something you think all writers should know?
Just be a genuine, caring person – and be open to all possibilities!
( 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. Known online as the Ninja Captain, he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He lives in the Carolinas with his wife. )
Check out his books:
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