Tuesday, October 19, 2010

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR OF SF NOVEL "CASSASTAR": ALEX J. CAVANAUGH WANTS JAMES CAMERON TO DIRECT "CASSASTAR" AND SAYS THE SECOND BOOK WILL HAVE A FEMALE HERO!

The long awaited launch of Alex J. Cavanaugh's sf book CASSASTAR is finally happening today, and HOLLYWOOD SPY had the honour to get an exclusive interview with the writer himself. I' ve asked him a few questions about the book and
about the influence of films on his writing since we know how much Alex loves movies and cinema.

DEZZ:WHICH MOVIES HAVE INSPIRED YOU AS A WRITER? AND HOW HAVE FILMS INFLUENCED CASSASTAR?
ALEX: Science fiction films such as "Star Wars", "Aliens", and "Serenity" influenced me. The original series "Battlestar Galactica" was a big influence on CASSASTAR. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" had a big impact on me. I was enthralled by the action and fast-paced adventure. I enjoy a movie with a fast pace, but it must possess heart as well. I wanted both of those aspects in my novel and I hope I achieved a good balance.

DEZZ:DO YOU THINK THAT WRITERS CAN LEARN FROM MOVIES?
ALEX:Yes, they can learn a great deal about pacing. Scenes might move faster in movies, but writers can still gauge the pacing of their story by watching films of their genre. How is tension maintained? What else is occurring during dialogue? How are scenes pieced together? We often learn what doesn’t work as well.

DEZZ:SINCE SF BOOKS ARE OFTEN INTERESTING TO FILM PRODUCERS, WHICH DIRECTORS AND ACTORS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE WORKING ON CASSASTAR FILM ADAPTATION?
ALEX:Tough question, Dezz! James Cameron comes to mind first, as he knows how to handle science fiction - action movies better than any other director. Guillermo del Toro would also be a fine choice, as would Christopher Nolan. Even Steven Spielberg would do well with the material.
Now, as far as actors… can I just wave a white flag now? The only actor who comes to mind for Bassa is Sean Bean. (He’d have to be in shape, too.) Needs to be someone with authority and a wry sense of humor. Byron’s even more difficult. Chris Pine (Kirk in the new "Star Trek") has the cockiness, although he’s a bit old for the role and possibly too light-hearted. Skander Keynes (Edward in the "Narnia" movies) is closer to the correct age and possesses the intensity.
I guess as long as the actor never played a vampire at any point in his career, I wouldn’t protest too hard!

DEZZ:HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONALITY AND YOUR LIFE DID YOU PUT IN THE BOOK THROUGH THE PLOT AND CHARACTERS?
ALEX:Dezz, didn’t you know? I’m really a Cassan… Just kidding!
Actually, very little. The main two characters were created when I was in my teens, and each possessed characteristics I admired. My original inclination was to say I am more like Byron, but Bassa’s steady nature is closer to my own. We’re both perfectionists, disciplined, organized, and reserved.
And while flying a Cosbolt sounds exciting, truth is - I hate to fly!

DEZZ:WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR READERS TO THINK AFTER THEY FINISH READING THE LAST SENTENCE IN CASSASTAR?
ALEX:"Everyone on my Christmas list is getting this book!"
Seriously though, I want them to regret the story ends. I hope readers enjoy the ride and connect with the characters, feeling their struggles and growth.
I also hope they think that it would make a great movie!

DEZZ:WHAT KIND OF BOOK WOULD YOU LIKE TO WRITE IN THE FUTURE?
ALEX:In addition to science fiction, I’d like to venture into fantasy. I enjoy it even more than science fiction sometimes. As a "Dungeons and Dragons" geek, I can see lots of potential in this genre.

DEZZ:WHAT CAN WE EXPECT IN THE SECOND PART OF CASSASTAR?
ALEX:I’m working on a sequel, adding twists and turns to the storyline. It will begin twenty years after CASSASTAR ends and introduce a female lead. (Yes, you read that correctly!) Between the story’s main conflict and this female character, Byron will find his abilities stretched yet again!

CASSASTAR BY ALEX J. CAVANAUGH
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?

48 comments:

  1. Yay! First comment! Great interview Dez. I didn't know that about the sequel, now I'm even more excited! Also, brilliant picture there at the top, it made me laugh.

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  2. Wow, that rocks, Dezz! I'm going to add that new graphic to my post tomorrow. Excellent!

    Really appreciate this, Dezz. May there one day be a CassaStar movie - and get to break the news first!

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  3. @Bry
    well, Alex has promised me some exclusives since a spy has to spy things out :))) And I knew the pic would make you laugh :)

    @Alex
    you MUST add it, this is why I made our avatars at an interview together :) PS it already IS tomorrow here in Vojvodina, that's why I've published the post at midnight Central European Time.

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  4. That avatar is awesome :D
    Great interview too, and I'm now even more excited for the potential of a future Cavanaugh fantasy novel :D Get cracking, Alex!

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  5. DEZMOND - You really are talented. I love the avatar of the two of you! Great interview. =D

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  6. Dez, you out did yourself. This is a GREAT interview. It's great to get to know a bit more about Alex and the book. I am so excited about the book. I hope it does really well.

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  7. Great Interview, wishing Alex all the best with his book, that could obviously quite easily make a fantastic movie

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  8. whoah- a female lead? cool beans!
    great interview!
    it's funny to hear who he would pick as actors, because i just imagine bassa looking like alex for some reason. :)
    that avatar is super cool btw!
    congrats again to alex!!!

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  9. That was so cool. A guy I follow interviewing another guy who follows me. One degree of separation. This book looks interesting. I will have to check it out. Great interview Dez.

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  10. Great interview Dez! I'm not too big on buying new books, more of a used kind of guy (don't read in that - unless you intend to do so ironically), but I'll likely make an exception for Alex. He's been a great guy, and steady reader/commenter on my blog, and that should always be rewarded. Not to mention I could always use another Sci-Fi book to read :)

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  11. Dezz, it is added!

    Jamie, I'll add it to my list.

    Aspiring, hope Bassa looks a little bit better than that!

    Kal, I thought you were following.

    Univarn, I really appreciate that!!

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  12. Great interview. Terrific graphics.

    Ah Alex, I knew the women would show up!

    Thanks for cutting my Christmas list by at least three.

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  13. Great interview guys. Love the avatar. Glad to hear there's going to be a female lead in the sequel. Best of luck and have fun on your tour Alex.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  14. Oh man, mysterious pictures of Alex! You really are a spy! :) But great interview--so excited for Alex, and happy to be seeing his news spreading across the internet!

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  15. Another fine interview! I like the emphasis on film from you two movie buffs. I hope CassaStar gets film treatment--that would be totally cool.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  16. Mary, thank you!

    Summer, only for Dezz would I give up an extra photo.

    Lee, a movie would be so awesome!

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  17. @Jamie, Shells, Vics, Mary, Masy
    thanks guys, glad you loved the interview and our little avatars :)))

    @Lynda
    thanks, Lyndylove :)

    @Dempsy
    it will be a huge blockbuster one day :)

    @Kal and Univarn
    glad you liked our talk guys :)

    @Summer
    yes, yes, I had to perform a mission impossible in order to get a mysterious pic from Alex as an exclusive for the interview :))

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  18. Great interview! Good questions and very informative answers. And the double avatar picture is super fun. I have a number of sci-fi fans on my Christmas list, and I'm always looking for excellent new sci-fi for them. This sounds great!

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  19. Excellent interview, both of you!
    I remember when I was in grade school and my biggest dilemma was which was my favorite movie: Empire Strikes Back or Raiders of the Lost Ark! :)
    Congrats to Alex!!!

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  20. Cool interview. I like the movie slant.

    Congrats on your release, Alex.

    And Dezz, the graphics are killer. Great job!

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  21. @Faith, Kelly and Maria
    glad you like the interview, glad you like Alex, glad you like the avatar :) It seems CASSASTAR will be a regular thing under the Christmas trees this year :)))

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  22. Great interview Dezz; You revealed more of Alex; Happy to hear another book is in the works~

    Congrats Alex~

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  23. Great Interview, Good luck Alex.

    Yvonne,

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  24. Once it is a blockbuster Dez, I wonder if Alex will put me forward for a part in it ha ha

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  25. Faith, thanks so much!

    Kelly, those are definitely two of my favorite movies!

    Dempsey, as long as you've never been a vampire, that would be awesome!

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  26. Ahhhh Alex your so kind! Nope, never been a vampire, although have been known to howl at the moon when I'm hungry!

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  27. i would see the movie for sure if Sean Bean was in it. I mean, to be fair, i'd see it regardless, but i'd be even MORE excited about it if Sean Bean was in it since i LOVE HIM

    Congrats Alex! Can't wait for the mailman to deliver my copy

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  28. Excellent interview. Much love to CassaStar and Alex!

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  29. "I guess as long as the actor never played a vampire at any point in his career, I wouldn’t protest too hard!"

    Lolol! Yah, I can understand that, Alex.

    I agree with the idea that films can teach much about pacing and holding tension--especially action films, which I love.

    Nice interview Dez!

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  30. Dempsey, you're good then. A little howling never hurt anyone.

    Falen, I'll be sure to get Sean Bean then!

    Thanks, Lola!

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  31. Nice interview.
    I read and enjoyed CassaStaR (yes I have been lucky and got a reviewer copy). Now I wait for the CassaStaR movie :-)

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  32. Oh go on and have a part for Daniel Craig too in the film version of Cassa Star!! :-)

    Great interview - good luck Alex J Cavanaugh and thank you Hollywood Spy for hosting!!

    Take care
    x

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  33. @Ellie, Yvonne,Sia, Mesmerix,Edi
    thanks, guys, glad you liked Alex' story :)

    @Dempsy
    you can place your paws on a role, but don't forget that I've secured a number of positions in the cast a long time ago :) Costume design, art production...

    @Old Kitty
    thanks for visiting ;)

    @Falen
    what do you mean you'd see the film??? I reckon we will all star in it, what do you think who else would play all those naughty Cassans? Us bloggers, off course :)

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  34. I haven’t had a chance to read the first book yet and now I’m already looking forward to the sequel!

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  35. Thanks for the enlightening interview. Alex doesn't like to fly...really? And just so you know, I will totally be picturing a young Chris Pine as I read. ;) Oh, how I love to picture Chris Pine.

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  36. Great interview! I love the support Alex is getting. I can't wait for the sequel!

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  37. Great interview. (=
    My husband was influenced by many of the same movies but went into film making-- actually working with the team who won the oscar for the FX on the first Star Wars movies. (=

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  38. I'm so excited that he's writing sequel; and it would be really awesome if they decided to make a movie!

    Great interview!

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  39. Edi, if a movie happens, I'll let you know!

    Kitty, Craig might make a good commander.

    Jane, that's good to know!

    Nicki, you daydream Chris Pine all you want.

    Jo, tell your husband he can work on the CassaStar movie then!

    Thanks Dezz for hosting and everyone for the awesome comments!

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  40. @Jane, Nicky,Nut, Joe, Golden Eagle
    glad you liked the interview and thanks for supporting our Alex :)
    Hope I'll be seeing you around HOLLYWOOD SPY in the future as well :)

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  41. Dezz,
    Ooops, am a day late reading this! I really enjoyed learning more about the author's love of movies and how they help him in the pacing of his book. Always happy to read about those who love the movie Aliens and Raiders of the Lost Ark--classics!

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  42. Notes, they are indeed classics!

    Thanks again, Dezz.

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  43. glad you enjoyed the talk, Lisa ;)

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  44. I'm a little late at reading this post, but I have to say, that was an awesome interview!

    Great job, Dezz!
    Doris

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  45. glad you liked it, Doris, and glad people are still reading it after almost half a year!

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  46. Yeah, impressive to see a comment almost three months after the original post.
    Just checking all tour posts one last time before I delete that page on my blog - putting up the covers of all my author friends instead.
    Miss coming here Dez.

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