While I was made aware of a presence on the Internet known as the Ninja Captain during last years A to Z Challenge, I felt privilege to have his words grace my blog on May 2, 2012. Alex commented on a post I wrote during my first month as a member of the IWSG, Distracted, Again.
His words of wisdom: “Certain movies will distract me, although I’ve gotten good at writing with the TV. And music playing. Yes, I really know how to create a peaceful writing environment!
Thanks for posting for the IWSG today.”
And, he has been a solid resource, support and source of entertainment ever since.
So, Ninja Captain Alex, why do you blog?
Why I blog has changed over the years. The transformation is probably just as interesting as the end result. Life isn’t so much about the destination as the journey.
I began blogging to build an author platform. When I signed the contract for my first book, CassaStar, I wasn’t even online. I had no interest in social networking. However, my publisher told me in no uncertain terms that I was to get my butt online, and I opted to start a blog.
It took a while to understand the connection part. I figured that since I was a science fiction writer, I needed to follow a lot of science fiction blogs and I’d be set. Sadly, most weren’t interested in a not-yet-published science fiction author who didn’t seem to know what to blog about.
It wasn’t until the very first A to Z Challenge in 2010 that I began to understand how to connect with other bloggers. It was then that I found my groove. Now, a lot of writers and authors post on their genre or on writing. Science fiction alone just wasn’t enough for me and I guarantee no one wanted my writing tips. (Believe me, you still don’t want my writing tips!) However, I could talk about my favorite subjects, which included movies, music, tech, and geek stuff. I’d found my groove and I was off and running.
By the time the second A to Z Challenge hit though, that began to change. My topic that year was blogger buddies that corresponded with each letter. I had fun featuring my friends. After the support from everyone when CassaStar was released, it felt good to give back to the community.
That eventually led to the Ninja News and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. It wasn’t about me anymore – it was about my friends. And as I amassed even more followers, I realized that I could make a huge difference in the community. With a Ninja Army of 1800, I can really make an impact.
Which brings me to why I still blog today. Yes, I do have another book coming out this fall, CassaStorm. I never planned to write more than one book, but spurred by the success of the first and second (CassaFire) I’ve continued writing. And blogging.
But that’s not why I’m here.
My blogger buddies are the reason I blog. Every accomplishment, success, and struggle of theirs that I can share means a lot to me. I know what it’s like to wonder if anyone truly hears me and even cares. If I can shine a light on someone who needs it, then that matters more than all the book sales in the world.
Why do I blog? To give back to the community.
Why do you blog?
Alex J. Cavanaugh
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh
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. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, his third book, CassaStorm, will be released September 17, 2013.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 
A true asset to the blogger community, for sure. Thanks Alex!
Great post Sydney and I’m really enjoying these glimpses into other’s blogging processes.
Awesome post, Sydney! So glad you’re blogging, Alex. 🙂
Thank you again, Sydney, and so glad we met!
Interesting. I didn’t know Alex was not even online before his first book was accepted.
I love your reasons and suspected where this post was going from the start. Hope you’re around for as long as I’m blogging.
Love learning more about you, Alex, you’ve been an inspiration and source of knowledge for many of us novice bloggers, Thank You!
Thanks for posting Sydney!
Nice to read more about the Blogfather. You have certainly always managed a quick comment on my blog, for which I thank you.
Thanks for this blog Sidney
Blogfather. I love that. Haha.
Great interview! Alex is a real blogging asset. He treats everyone as if they were the only one and that makes us all feel special.
Enjoyed the interview, thanks to both of you! It’s great to hear Alex’s thoughts. I have to agree, the people you meet through blogging are the best. It’s a wonderful experience. Also love that term – Blogfather – so true!
Have a great week! 🙂
Thanks, Mark!
Cindy, I wasn’t!
Jo, we can all thank PK for that nickname.
Thanks, everyone! You are all very special.
Awesome post, Alex. You’re an amazing example of how to blog right. I blog to promote books and authors, mostly debut middle grade and YA authors, and to support my blogger friends. I’m hoping I’m developing my writer platform too.
Cool! Alex, you certainly seem to manage a lot more than most of us! I’m beginning to believe in those mystical Ninja powers!
Alex’s publisher is very wise. We’re grateful that he/she gave us Alex.
Your generosity makes the blogworld a much brighter place, Alex. Thanks for posing the question, Sydney!
This blogging community is the best, I feel so lucky to have met such wonderful online friends all over the globe – and maybe beyond! Great interview, Sydney and nice to meet you too today 🙂
Love it:) I think blogging is amazing. I love to be social and enjoy reading everyone’s posts…I could get lost for days and have to focus myself back to my writing- esp if I want to get anything published in the near future….Great to meet you! and great to have such wonderful blogging buddies! 🙂 What a wonderful blogging world it is.
I’m glad your publisher told you to blog, Alex! You’ve been a great asset to the blogging community!
This was an excellent interview 🙂 You’re amazing, Alex!
Fantastic post! I’ve always blogged long before I tried building a platform. It’s partially why I do it now, but I love the community. They are why I keep blogging.
Natalie, you are doing a fantastic job.
Rebecca, it’s all in the clever use of clones.
Thanks, everyone!
It’s about the journey… my exact sentiments! 🙂 The destination is a bonus!
Great interview!
It is a journey. A wonderful one. Made all the better by great people in bloggyland. http://www.mpaxauthor.com
Sydney, Alex may not realize this, but the reason he blogs is so you and me and people like us have a safe place to hang out. Who makes you feel more comfortable and part of a community, like Alex does?
The answer… hmm, I’m drawing a blank.
Greetings Sydney and Alex,
Indeed Alex, you embrace the sharing, caring ethos of the blogging community. My human and I both know that we should all be here for each other, supporting each other. Rejoicing in an all different, all equal community. Although we have always been a lot more in the background and with little fanfare, we discreetly support so many, just like you do, my human friend.
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! 🙂
Alex definitely makes an impact!! It’s been a pleasure to know him in the blogsphere over the years.
Joylene, thank you!
Gary, you and Penny do an awesome job.
It’s so much fun getting to know your blogging friends, Sydney! Alex, great to meet you here (I’ve seen your comments before, so I feel like we already know each other). Sci-fi is a fun genre to write and I love how your blogging journey changed over time. Community is huge.
You rock Alex! Your commitment to support others is great!
You definitely are the most committed blogger I’ve ever come across. I’m amazed you can connect and comment with so many blogs a day. Thanks for being you, Alex.
Alex, truly is an asset to the blogging community. He is always supporting other writers and celebrating their good news.
Alex, great response to the question of, why you blog? I can really relate to your answer. And of course everything you have done for this community has been greatly appreciated.
Hey, Tameri!
Wanda, Michael, and Carolyn, thank you!
Mr. Cavanaugh, you are a blessing. And a friend. The blogging world is better with you in it.
Great post, Alex. You definitely set the bar for the rest of us.
Hi, Sydney. *waves*
Hi, Sydney & Alex,
It’s great having someone like Alex in the community who is a source of encouragement, not to mention inspiration in the energy department. 🙂
Hi Sydney! Great Interview. Alex, I think your A-Z post should be of you being interviewed like this from all your minions. 🙂
To say I have been blogging since 2007 is not as great as it sounds. I’m closing in tying my total number of posts before 2013 with the posts I’ve done since the start of this year. I’ve read a lot of great blogs, ‘met’ a lot of fantastic bloggers, and if blog hopping were an Olympic sport, I’d like to think I was in training for the national team. But I’ve never met a more avid group of supporters than the Ninja Army. Rock on, Alex!
Thank you Sydney and Alex!
Today I struggle to find the right words. Alex, the number of followers and the number of comments show that you found the right way to the heart and soul of the people.
It’s exactly why this ‘blogging thing’ is so worth it.
My blogging buddies are the reason I blog too. They (you) inspire me, and keep me writing, keep me smiling, and keep me blogging.
LuAnn, the Ninja Army is awesome.
Edi, thank you.
Thanks, everyone! Sydney, thank you for having me to celebrate your blogging milestone.
Alex, you are an inspiration to beginning writers – and bloggers. Keep it up!
Alex, I’m so impressed with your blog and how it’s grown. I’d have never known you had no clue what you were doing! 😉 The A to Z does seem like a good way to get moving on a blog. I had a steady blog for several years, then I got busy and let it fizzle, so new website, new blog, trying to get cranked up again. A to Z seems like a good way to hold myself accountable and stop overthinking my posts.
Why I blog has a lot to do with an outlet for thoughts and opinions that AREN’T always genre related. A lot of times, it’s a place to get out my silly thoughts and flex my laughing muscle. I write thrillers, but I’m really a goofy person at heart, so lots of times, it’s a nice place for me to get to write on that side of my person.
I hope my previous comment showed up- I’m not seeing it- it may have disappeared! But I wanted to add- is your book title pronounced like the Spanish word for house-storm, Cass-a as in Cassie storm, or otherwise?
That’s an amazing story, Alex. You and Lee were the most consistent visitors to my first AZ.
Hi Sydney .. Alex is a trooper isn’t he – and his story is just one of those that’s fun to tell … the guy who wrote SciFi – found blogging and became successful …
Also he’s incredibly supportive of all in the blogging fraternity …
Great posting for people to read … cheers and enjoy this year’s A – Z … Hilary
Colby, the A to Z Challenge is a great way to get inspired again. And it’s pronounced Cas-sa, a not ie. Hope that helps.
Damy, and that seems so long ago…
Thank you, Hilary.
Thanks again, Sydney!!