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Monday, February 8, 2016

Navigating the Challenge with Clones and Ninjas! #atozchallenge

Just how does one visit over a hundred blogs a day? Either through the use of a time machine or a band of stealthy Ninja Clones!

Teleportation is also an option.

As much as I enjoyed writing about teleportation on my books, I decided that the Ninja Captain needed clones instead. And of course, a clone machine. Which does have its drawbacks. Everyone wants to borrow it. Plus there was the time I cloned way too many versions of Kate Beckinsale…

All kidding aside, I really don’t have any of those things. I’ve just made it a point to visit all of my blogger buddies, whether it’s during the Challenge or IWSG post Wednesday or just another day.

Yes, I do have a lot of blogger buddies! Where did they all come from?

I’ll give you a hint – it has to do with the alphabet.

In 2010, Arlee Bird challenged others to join him as he posted almost every day throughout April in alphabet order. At the last minute, I made the commitment and joined a hundred others in the very first A to Z Challenge.

My blog has never been the same!

I’ve been a co-host since 2011, managing the Linky List and helping in other areas. Of course, that’s not all I do.

I started this whole blogging nonsense as an up-and-coming author. Since that time, I’ve had four books published (CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, and Dragon of the Stars), one boxed set published, and been in numerous anthologies and magazines.

I also started this little group for writers. You may have heard of it – the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. We started as a monthly blog hop, and then grew into a website, two Facebook groups, and a newsletter. We even put out a free book for writers and last year partnered with a publisher for an annual IWSG Anthology Contest. (First anthology due out this spring.)

Offline, I maintain a full time job in web design and technical editing. I’m also a guitarist in a Christian rock band, as God and music both play very important roles in my life. I’m happily married, live in the Carolinas, and like to drive my sports car really fast.

Because darn it, teleportation machines don’t really exist!

Find me here: Blog, Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Twitter, What Are The Kargrandes, Goodreads, and Google+

47 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - great post ... ask a busy person and they get all things done, put others to shame, and inspire us to follow suit. I'm looking forward to the A-Z ... pity about the teleportation machines ... but I prefer human contact - even if it's via blogging buddies - cheers Hilary

Rob Z Tobor said...

All I can say is that is impressive I'm lucky if I get to more that the handful of blogs I follow on a regular basis as and when they add new posts. And when you add the other things you do, as well as working full time, and in an industry that keeps changing them maybe you have mastered the art of cloning yourself after all.

LuAnn @ BackPorchervations said...

Maybe the government is storing all the teleportation devices at Area 51, Alex. :p

Jo said...

It astounds me what you achieve Alex. I don't believe you don't have clones, you must to do what you do. I only have a few blogs to visit and find it almost impossible to do so. It is fun to be on the A to Z though and I too have made good friends through it. So yes, everyone, sign up. You don't have to do all Alex does.

Joyce said...

Just wondering if anyone else has had difficulty with the badge code? It could be user error : ) but I'm copying and pasting what I see into my blog layout and it's not showing up. I've particpated for several years now so know the drill. Just wondering if anyone else has mentioned a problem?

T. Powell Coltrin said...

You're motivated and goal setter. I admire you for those things and being a Christian, when it's not easy.

Now you've made me miss my convertible. It wasn't that fast, but it was freeing.

Teresa

Heather M. Gardner said...

No, but I'll check on it. TY.

Heather M. Gardner said...

It doesn't seem to be working, but I will get someone on it. Thank you for letting us know.

Heather M. Gardner said...

You're my blogging hero!

HMG

Nicola said...

I have a lot of admiration for your energy, Alex and for everything you give to others. Thanks for all that you do!!

Ann Bennett said...

Don't put all that drive you have into speeding down the road in your sports car, be careful. A to Z is a great community.

L.G. Keltner said...

I honestly don't know how you find time for everything you do. I think I'd need a time machine to get that much done. And a lot of coffee.

pamlovesbooks said...

wait. teleportation isnt a thing?

Arlee Bird said...

When an economic teleportation machine comes on the market, I want one.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Michelle Wallace said...

Is your cloning machine for hire? I could do with a few clones.
I think you suffer from a rare form of insomnia which allows your body to function on about 2 hours sleep a night. The rest of your waking time is spent doing the million-and-one-things that you do. LOL
Am I close?

Anonymous said...

You are a blogging hero, seriously. I have no idea how you manage to hit up so many blogs!

Laura Clipson said...

The A to Z challenge is an important rite of passage for any blogger, I think. I participated in my first year as a blogger and I've never looked back.

Anonymous said...

I haven't figured out how to visit that many people in a day, but I'm working on it. Teleportation would be cool. And think how much less air pollution there would be without all those vehicles on the road. But then you wouldn't need to drive that sports car. Until then, watch out for those speed traps. :)

cleemckenzie said...

And here I was hoping you'd sprinkle some magic dust and make it possible to be everywhere at the same time. Drat.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Maybe I have...?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

No, it's not easy, but it's right.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Heather!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

It is in my world...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Just don't let any flies in with you.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I like my sleep - not cutting into those precious six to seven hours a night.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Madilyn!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

But the roads would be more open then and I could go really fast...

Anonymous said...

mm, do you sleep? Because that might be your secret Alex. In which case, I don't think I could keep up with you because I like my sleep. =P

Heather M. Gardner said...

I think we fixed it.

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

Wow. You amaze me all the time. Glad to have you as a blogging buddy. Best, Becca

Anonymous said...

I find so many of my blogger buddies are busy with writing and interesting daytime jobs. It's hard to do it all, but we manage.

Karen Lange said...

You are a great example of how to balance it all. I'm always inspired by the self discipline you employ to be so productive. Thanks so much for sharing, Alex.

J.L. Campbell said...

Plain and simple, you rock and we're all in awe of how organized you are and how much ground you cover in a day.

Unknown said...

You do your sneaky ninja thing. In awe of you, cap'n!

The Cynical Sailor said...

The ISWG is a fantastic support network. Thanks so much for starting it and all that you do as a Ninja Captain :-)

Nicole said...

The rest of us would be lucky to accomplish one quarter of all the things you get done in a day. You have this productivity and balance thing down to a science. It's what you do. You're the Ninja Captain after all ;)

p.s. your mention of keeping flies out of Arlee's teleportation machine made me smile indeed.

Jemi Fraser said...

You do get to a lot of blogs!
Love the effort and joy you bring to the bloggyverse! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I like my sleep as well!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Karen!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Appreciate it, Joy!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicole! Glad I could amuse you.

Unknown said...

You're everywhere Alex!

Doreen McGettigan said...

I am happy to help again this year if needed.

Rhonda Albom said...

I am not sure I believe that you don't have some sort of alternate reality time machine. Thanks for all you do.

J Lenni Dorner said...

I wouldn't mind having two or three clones, or web-ninjas. Aisle 7 at Target? ;) LOL.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Delurking just to say I'm gutted to hear about teleportation...sigh..

Kudos to you - for what you are and what you do.

Deniz Bevan said...

Fun post, Alex!
I inherited my desire for teleportation from my grandmother. At the end of every summer, when we had to return to Canada from Turkey, she'd start saying "if only we could energize like on Star Trek!"