Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Why Writing Shouldn't be Lonely Work #IWSG

By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Writing can be such a lonely endeavor. We spend hours in front of the computer, shutting out the world so we can write. Often we think we’re on our own–that it’s all up to us.

But there is strength in numbers. Healthy relationships and connections can help us, not only with writing, but with finding our path, marketing, and chances for success.

In my latest book, Dragon of the Stars, Aden Pendar is a driven man. The son of a Duke, he’s determined to command his own ship. He has all the qualities of a leader save one–he doesn’t connect well with others.

Over the course of the story, he learns that he does need others to succeed. He needs the assistance of his crew to find the ship that will save their people. Respect and loyalty doesn’t come without effort, and he must care about the men and women who serve under him. As he learns this, Aden discovers devotion and friendship in the process.

We writers are in a similar place. We need the support of others. We need their wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. Our work will succeed with the help of critique partners, key connections, and those willing to share the marketing load.

And one of the best places to find that is through the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!


Dragon of the Stars
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military

The ship of legends…

The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, son of a Hyrathian Duke. Poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter, he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

But when the Alliance denies Hyrath’s claim on the planet of Kavil and declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray. Entrenched in battle and told he won’t make captain, Aden’s world begins to collapse. How will he salvage his career and future during Hyrath’s darkest hour?

One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?

Purchase:
AmazonBarnes and NobleITunesKoboAmazon UKAmazon printOverdrive – Goodreads

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 Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm.



http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh 

(A big thanks to Alex for his amazing supportive work over the blogsphere. You truly are an inspiration! --Lynda)

101 comments:

Unknown said...

The Dragon of the Stars sounds SO awesome!! Working well with others and asking them for support is definitely a smart move. I think it's the only way for any of us to succeed. Great post!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Lexa!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Special thanks to you, Lynda, for letting me take over your blog on IWSG day.

Pat Hatt said...

We can't do it alone indeed, although a cat sitting on the keyboard isn't overly helpful lol

H. R. Sinclair said...

So true Alex -- and congrats again!

Gail said...

And one again, Alex, you've provided the encouragement I needed.

Thanks.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Yeh for Alex and for the IWSG! :)

Jennifer Lane said...

The character development for Aden sounds interesting. So true that connection is what we all seek, but some of us have more success at finding it than others.

Jennifer Hawes said...

Writing can be a lonely endeavor, but that's why we connect with IWSG! :) Such great encouragement.

Michael Di Gesu said...

You are so RIGHT, Alex.

We do need the encouragement and support of our community! And thankfully we have this community because, I for one, have always felt blessed from my blogger friends for their support, love, and faith in me and my writing.

Thanks, Lynda for featuring Alex today!

Crystal Collier said...

Alex! Nice post. I love it when characters are "challenged" in away we can relate to. I mean, who wants to be social? ;)

emaginette said...

That's why I grabbed on to the group so tightly. It's been nothing but goodness and light. :-)

Anna from Elements of Writing

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I agree so much. That's why I'm going to my writers' meeting this Saturday even though I have so much work to do I should stay home.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

We need that support system, now more than ever. The days of the lonely writer, cut of from the world, are gone.

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful how supportive the writing community is. I would never have gotten as far as I have without that community. I hope I can give back as much as it has given me.

ELAdams said...

This sounds like such a good read! I love the online writing community. It's so much easier to connect with other writers these days!

Nicki Elson said...

I've often thought I'd make an excellent hermit, but the online relationships I've formed with other writers have shown me how very much I need other people.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I love my online connection with writers! It helps to have support.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

You've really hit something home with me here, Alex. When I began writing, I realized I knew nothing about the industry. Thus I needed to learn from those who've gone before me. I began blogging. I've connected with some amazing people - you being one - and have found heartfelt guidance. I found some success. And then a few failures. Those were okay. But then one failure tore me to shreds and I found myself backing away from those supportive connections. Not sure if it was shame, embarrassment, or whatever. I only recently realized this and have vowed to reconnect with those who've grown to mean so much to me. I really do need them. :)

Murees Dupè said...

Wonderfully said, Alex. I'm afraid of asking others for help, but if I want to be an author, I need to learn to ask for help when I need it. It doesn't help that I'm an introvert. I wish Dragon of the Stars tons of success.

EEGiorgi said...

I couldn't agree more! Thanks for creating the IWSG Alex!!!

Toi Thomas said...

This is so honest and true. I don't know if I'd still be writing and blogging if I hadn't found a group to connect with. I'm grateful for the IWSG.

Fundy Blue said...

Well done, Alex! I like how you used "Dragon of the Stars" to illustrate your point. If you've read DOTS and followed Aden's personal development to its unforgettable conclusion, you really get the analogy. The IWGS is a wonderful community! Thanks for hosting Alex today, Lynda!

Fundy Blue said...

Wonderfully said, Toinette!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Darn that cat, getting fur all over your keyboard.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You're welcome and good to hear!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michael, I feel just as blessed!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yeah, who wants to?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's good to hear!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lori, I think you are doing that.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I think we all do, whether we'll admit it or not.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

It's when we are in a dark place that we most need to reach out to others. We can't let the devil pull us away from those who can help.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Murees!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I agree!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thank you, Fundy!

Stephen Tremp said...

Alex, I'm almost finished with Dragon of the Stars and loving the character arc. Review coming soon!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post, Alex! IWSG has been such a great and supportive community, esp in times when I'm lost and stopped believing in myself. I don't know if I'd still be typing away if I hadn't found you guys when I did. Thank you!!

Sherry Ellis said...

Alex's book is really good. I enjoyed it. Writing can be lonely. It's good we have blog buddies and support groups.

Sher A. Hart said...

It's awesome that you understand internal conflict is as important as external. Now if I can only get my comment to take. 5th try...

S.P. Bowers said...

We all need help at one time or another. And we all learn from helping others.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephen, thanks - awesome!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Caffe, that's good to hear.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Sherry!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sher, it worked!

Denise Covey said...

Dragon of the Stars! Sounds fantastic. I must break my sci-fi drought and read it Alex! And yes, writing is a lonely endeavour. Hemingway said that writers should write alone and not share their work until it was, well, er, perfect. I'm a bit of a loner so that suits me, lol!

Denise :-)

My IWSG post on Mindfulness

Theresa Milstein said...

Alex, I appreciate the parallels between his life as a writer and the character in his book. What's great about being a writer since the Internet is that we can connect with other writers easier than ever before. Such a supportive community.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful guest post. I used to think I didn't need anyone--especially since I had no clue how to go about getting help--but things didn't start happening for me until I received the support of other writers.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Thank you Alex and Lynda for this insightful post!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Anytime!! I'm thrilled to be able to return the support you've given me over the years. And on top of that I love your books!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I have a picture of my cat sitting on my hubby's arm while he's trying to use the mouse... lol.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

sounds like blogger is acting up again...sigh

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'd never share my first draft... the very thought of showing a first draft to anyone makes me shudder, lol.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

The internet has really opened everything up for me. I have friends across the world.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

That support really does make a difference.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's a great read!

Sheila Renfro said...

Alex thank you for this whole Insecure Writer's support group. It has meant a lot to me. I'm still trying to find my around all this.

Carol Kilgore said...

I love the name of your character. Aden Pendar. That's just cool!

Truedessa said...

Alex is a light to so many writers and Dragon on the Stars is a great adventure.

Cherie Colyer said...

There is definitely strengths in numbers. Great post. =)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sheila, I like to hear that!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Carol!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Truedessa, I appreciate that.

Cynthia said...

Great character profile and book summary.

I agree that the writing journey is less lonely when you have positive companions.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

It certainly helps. And thanks!

Truedessa said...

oops...Dragon of the Stars...hey a Dragon could be on the stars as well...I wonder which stars he would land on?

Vanessa Morgan said...

Of course, you are the master of connections and helping other writers, Alex ;-)

Dean K Miller said...

It takes a collaboration to get good work out in the world. Without supporting cast members, the one actor play gets pretty boring. You are a shining example of supporting and encouraging others!

Eliza March said...

Every author I know, no matter how introverted or extroverted, is an Insecure Writer. LOL This group is awesome. Thanks, Alex.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Well said, Alex. We need each other! Always!
Thanks for all that you do!
Hi Lynda!

Heather

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Dean! And it would be rather boring.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Eliza, glad you enjoy it!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, you rock!

Hart Johnson said...

Alex--you do such a terrific job, too, of creating that supportive community for writers. Definitely appreciate you!!!

C.D. Gallant-King said...

My cat was my editor for many years.

He was terrible at it. Probably why I got so many rejection letters.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Did you tell your cat he was terrible at editing? Because that might've been bad for his self-image ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

the brightest :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

So true

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Hi Heather. Thanks for popping in.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

He does. He is one of the best examples of how to be supportive in the community.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Appreciate you, Hart!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Aden sounds like a wonderful character, Alex. I haven't read the book yet. It's on my list. I'm thrilled by your success. Very inspiring to do you're doing so well.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

No worries - I have a lot of books on my list.

Raquel Byrnes said...

I wholeheartedly agree with this need to connect to others. Especially other authors. Its something I am craving right now. What a timely post for me. :)

Carol Riggs said...

That is cool, Alex, how your book paralleled that supportive friend theme, and how we need that as writers. We certainly do! Congrats on your book, and best wishes for it!

Karen Lange said...

I agree - friends are crucial to a writer's sustenance and success. Thanks for sharing your insight, Alex. Lynda, thanks for hosting! Happy weekend!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Raquel, that's good to hear.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carol and Karen, thanks!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

He's clever like that :)

Blue Grumpster said...

Sometimes support is all we need, Alex.

Hi Lynda.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Hi Blue

Patsy said...

I agree - IWSG (and blogging in general) help me feel I'm part of a group of writers, not someone who is working alone.

Blue Grumpster said...

Wanna play a game? It's called find yourself... You know where, and I've seen that ninja before. I think I saw him riding his favorite pet.... Where? Oh you know where.

Crystal Collier said...

Well I might. A little. Guess that's what comes of being shut in with a baby, eh?

Mark said...

Amen to support from fellow writers. Definitely makes the journey more enjoyable:)

Blue Grumpster said...

I didn't know you could... fly.

Nicola said...

Such wise words. Thanks for the reminder, Alex. Just made an appointment to meet up with a writing pal next week as I've been going stir crazy - couped up with just my laptop for the past 3 weeks. I also believe that we should all remember those people who've supported, mentored and helped us along our life journey. Sometimes, once success has been achieved, people can forget (or even ignore) the ones that helped them get there. Such a shame. I'm grateful for all the people in my life (past and present) and know I could not be the person I am today without them having played a part (good and bad). Really pleased to know Aden wakes up and sees sense. Thanks for the great post, Lynda. All the best to both of you.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

You are so right, Lynda. No one, least of all writers, lives in a vaccuum. People need people. Love the idea of Aden demonstrating this universal theme. Writers needing other writers. Gosh! I know I do. Thanks for sharing this with your readers.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

As I said before, you're awesome, Blue.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

And thanks for the great comment!! Remembering the people who have helped us is crucial.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I don't know anyone who doesn't need other people, or does well in complete isolation.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicola, I will never forget those that helped me! I wouldn't be where I am now if they hadn't.