Monday, February 20, 2012

Flight/Space Magazine Interview - Chat With A Cosbolt Pilot


Welcome to the inaugural issue of Flight/Space Magazine. Packed with photos, stories and interviews covering topics of interest to the flying community. Our first interview is with former Cosbolt pilot Byron.

1.) Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What kind of kid were you?

I’m a pilot, certified on four different spacecraft, and one of the best in the fleet. (At least that’s what my ego keeps telling me.) I grew up on Cassa and spent most of my childhood at a secure learning facility. Hated it. I was labeled a trouble maker with a bad attitude. People kept prying into my mind, trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It helped foster the sparkling personality I have today.

2.)  Did you always want to be a pilot?
I just wanted my freedom. When it became apparent I had the aptitude, coordination, and ego to be a pilot, I seized the opportunity.

3.)  How tough was the training program?  Did you ever think you might just give it up and do something else?
Give up and do what? It was my only option. Didn’t matter how tough the program – I had to finish at the top, damn it.

4.)  Tell us about the Cosbolt. What sort of handling characteristics does it have?  Are there any new upgrades or new craft on the horizon? (Or is that top secret?)
The Cosbolt is the workhorse of the Cassan fleet and always first into battle. She doesn’t bank like the Darten, but her power is incredible. I haven’t flown one in twenty years, and while I’ve kept track of the changes, I’m not at liberty to discuss them.

5.)  Be honest. Do you ever think of yourself as a hero? Ever fear dying in battle?
When I started on this path, I wanted to be a hero. I wanted the glory and honor. When that moment arrived though, it was the furthest thing from my mind. I wasn’t afraid of dying, either. I was just doing what needed to be done. If I died in the process, so be it.

6.)  What do the next few months hold in store for you?
Our exploration vessel is en route to the desert planet of Tgren. The Tgrens are a young race and have only recently taken to the skies. Add the discovery of alien ruins and the Tgren’s growing mental powers and this assignment promises to be interesting.

7.)  Last, I have to ask this on behalf of an interested portion of our readers; anyone special in your life?  Is romance on your screen?
Probably not. I like my privacy, and women are few and far between out here on the fringes of space. Besides, a mate would only complicate my life. I don’t need that right now…

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Author's note:  Flight/Space Magazine is a fictional periodical, which I created to showcase the main character in the upcoming book CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  Below is a full synopsis and details to pre-order. 


CassaFire
by Alex J. Cavanaugh

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…

Available February 28, 2012
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, EBook available in all formats

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:
“…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

You can visit the author’s site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/


Catch Fire! Blog Party February 28 – join the fun for your chance to win one of five copies of CassaFire - http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/catch-fire.html

46 comments:

  1. Loved your interview with the young Cosbolt pilot - he gave some interesting answers! They really did bring out Byron's personality.

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  2. Nice interview. Byron conducts himself well in interviews.

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  3. I suddenly have this uncontrollable urge to hook Byron up with someone... :)

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  4. Oh, very cool! Makes me want to meet Byron.
    *waiting for CassaFire*

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  5. Dearest Byron! I promise not to complicate your life. My needs are simple and few. Ahem! Take care
    x

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  6. CM, thanks!

    Rusty, it's that sparkling personality.

    Elizabeth, much to his chagrin, it won't be necessary.

    Kitty, I'm sure you wouldn't tax his patience.

    Thanks again, Lisa!

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  7. Oh come on, Byron. I am positive that you need some romance out there in space. You know that last answer you gave is like a challenge... :)

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  8. I love this interview; it's a wonderful idea! I think it's a great exercise for characters even before a book is finished. Wishing you the best, Alex! Thanks, Lisa, for hosting!

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  9. 'I don’t need that right now…'
    Perfect. Great interview with Byron.

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  10. Brinda, he'll fight that challenge!

    Stuart, oh no - he definitely enjoys women! Never been burned because he's really never been involved. It's more of an anti-social, privacy thing.

    Thanks, Karen!

    Carol, he's setting himself up, isn't he?

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  11. This was an amazing idea! Loved the answers!

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  12. I'm all on-board for the blog party next week! :)

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  13. This is so cool. Byron may be the man for me. I'm just saying we have things in common. 1. We both think mates complicate things. 2. He likes space, me too (and I'm a little spacey). 3. He likes to travel. Me TOO !! 4. He likes privacy. You should see my privacy fence.

    Very fun interview. Go CassaFire.

    Teresa

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  14. Great interview! Bryon is a tough, loner type...I can relate~
    I also like my space ;D I think most fighter pilots and writers do. Fun to read~ Bryon, it is when you aren't looking you meet someone...

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  15. Byron kinda sounds like you...or the impression I get from you.

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  16. Great interview!

    Come on Byron. Is there a better way to complicate life as with a woman ;-)
    I'm sure someone is waiting for you in outer space ... Enter your cosbolt and fly .....

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  17. Crack, is was all Lisa's idea!

    Teresa, better make your move while you can then!

    Ella, I've worked with fighter pilots - they are a bit cocky as well!

    Michael, as far as privacy, yeah he's a bit like me.

    Edi, if you're going to complicate your life, a woman is the only way to do it!

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  18. Byron is a tough guy does not care about women, Greetings.

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  19. Looking forward to CassaFire's release next week, Alex.

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  20. Thanks everyone! I just got back into town - it was great to see such a nice response to Byron's interview :-)) It looks like Byron's "bad boy" appeal has attracted some female interest...will he discover true love? Will he find trouble, or will it find him...(Cue dramatic musical score)...and which insurance company will he choose, Geico or AllState? Stay tuned for the Catch Fire launch, coming to a blog near you. (Including this one.)

    Thanks Alex, this was a fun interview :-)

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  21. Interviewing a book's character is so creative, and this interview is great! As you know, Alex, "strict" science fiction isn't my thing. But what you did in your first novel drew me in, and I know I'm going to love this second one. I'm going to like the "woman's touch" too. Complications is what I look for in a story!
    Ann Best, Memoir Author of In the Mirror & Imprisoned

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  22. Leovi, he just thinks he doesn't care!

    Lisa, that's funny!

    Ann, then I hope you enjoy it!

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  23. Interviews with characters are fun to do. Good luck with the release of CassaStar!

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  24. Trouble-makers are always the most interesting! Great blurb. Hope it nabs you lots of readers!

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  25. Hahaha, sometimes you get what you don't wish for, Byron! I'm thinking there could be some sparks when a bit of romance is introduced...

    Alex, I'm amazed at how Byron started with such a chip on his shoulder, and he's grown up to be more humble and self-aware. Great job!

    And, Lisa, I would totally subscribe to this magazine ;)

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  26. Angela, you remember him from his raw beginnings! He's matured but there's still a bit of that arrogance...

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  27. Totally cool :) I'm looking forward to reading more on the Tgren adventure.

    ......dhole

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  28. Yay, I finally made it here.

    Good Character interview and it does give a bit of insight into Byron.

    Ps. I love how romance effects Byron. *slapping my knee hee, hee, hee.

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  29. Awesome interview! Looking forward to CassaFire!

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  30. Love it! Byron's got spunk! Wait, am I allowed to use "spunk" to describe a male character? You know what I mean...

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  31. Dear Byron,
    I resonate with your thoughts on a mate. I like my privacy too, and men are like aliens. How about we meet at a Starbucks on earth to discuss this further? My treat.
    xoRobyn

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  32. If you exclude the bit about how Byron doesn't want a love interest then I would say that Byron's interview reminded me of some of the recent interviews of today's basketball pros.

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  33. Well, Taking a cue from my dating guru...lets just chat about space and flights...can you do the Cruise Smirk while we are at it. Crooning 'chip in the shoulder'...that don't impress me much'. :)

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  34. Sia, are you laughing at Byron's expense?

    Alexia, it gave me a chuckle.

    Robyn, he needs to take you up on that offer!

    Awesome, you mean cocky and self-centered? Probably.

    Rek, he'll try!

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  35. Very clever! :) I'm intrigued by Byron and this world.

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  36. Oh boy, Byron is such a heartthrob! Those fly boys always melt my butter. I can totally see Chris Pine in this role. ;)

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  37. Byron sounds like a great, intriguing lead character! Right now CassaStar is in my to-read book pile under my bed, but I'm taking it out by this weekend and starting it -- then moving onto CassaFire.

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  38. Fantastic interview with my fave character! Can't wait for the 28th! Practically jumping up and down here :)
    Lx

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  39. Thank you again, everyone, for taking the time to visit. I haven't responded individually; instead, I've used the time available today to visit your blogs :-)) If I missed you somehow, drop me a line with a link, as a few of you don't have blogs linked to your profile. (Or maybe you don't have a blog.) Glad you're all excited for the CassaFire launch - I'll be participating in the Catch Fire party as well, so stay tuned! Good luck, Alex.

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  40. Pk, he was one of my picks for actors to play Byron.

    Helena, thank you!

    Laura, appreciate the enthusiasm!

    Lisa, thanks again so much! This was a great idea.

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  41. Nice of you to put the spotlight on two others like that! And Byron certainly was interesting.

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  42. Hi Li. Hi Alex. Hi Byron. Great interview with Byron. Looking forward to reading CassaFire.

    Denise

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  43. CassaStar and CassaFire appear to be right up my alley, being a F&SF fan from way back. I'll have to palm Jan's Kindle when she's not looking and bring it to work. Thanks for publicizing your work. Both novels look like a thrill of a ride ...

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