The
Beginnings of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group
In
2011, in between the release of CassaStar and CassaFire, I began the Insecure
Writer’s Support Group—IWSG for short. A comment to a fellow writer, noting
that he needed such a group, led to its beginnings.
At
first, it was a monthly blog hop – post the first Wednesday of every month. A
couple years later, I set up the website with the intentions of providing a
database of databases on all things writing related. We started a Facebook
group and soon our own Twitter. Then came the first IWSG Anthology Contest in
2015, inviting our members to submit to a paying anthology, and it became an
annual event. We then ventured into Twitter pitch parties with #IWSGPit, and
many members found publishers and agents from the event. We partnered with
Reedsy and WEP and started our own Instagram account.
It’s
been a labor of love and my fellow IWSG Admins work so hard. But the IWSG has
achieved its purpose—to help other writers and authors. And that’s all I
wanted—to give back to others for all the support I received on my journey.
CassaDawn
CassaStar
Series Prequel
By
Alex J Cavanaugh
Genre:
SciFi Adventure, Space Opera
The
prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series!
A
pilot in training...
Fighting
the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training and join
the Cassan space fleet. Poised at the top of his class, only one
situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the
cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough
without a good navigator…
**Get
it FREE!! **
CassaStar
CassaStar
Series Book 1
To
pilot the fleet’s finest ship…
Few
options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn
young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his
cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt
fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new
life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.
Much
to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes
notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa
eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a
secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to
help Byron achieve his full potential.
As
war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires
a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must
make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will
their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may
stretch their abilities to the limit?
“…calls
to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf,
as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star
Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful
protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult
fans of space wars.” - Library Journal
CassaFire
CassaStar
Series Book 2
From
the Amazon best-selling author - CassaStar was just the
beginning…
The
Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting
Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his
fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel.
Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The
senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.
The
detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant
planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they
can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s
civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as
their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and
strange mental abilities.
To
complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers
themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a
woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train
her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his
patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist,
and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his
privacy…
CassaStorm
CassaStar
Series Book 3
A
storm gathers across the galaxy…
Commanding
the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle
behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet,
Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the
Tgrens and the Cassans.
After
enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle
within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races
triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s
mind.
Meanwhile
the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the
end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost
destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to
crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break,
and Byron is caught in the middle…
“With
a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex
J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges
of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” -
Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover
mysteries
Get
the CassaSeries Boxed Set Here!
Alex
J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web
design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science
fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and
games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the
award-winning site, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the
author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, and
Dragon of the Stars. The author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
Thank you for hosting me!
ReplyDeleteSo that's how it all began with IWSG!
ReplyDeleteIt's the best writing group on the net!
ReplyDelete