What If?
For an author, that can mean the difference between a good idea and a great idea. It can spur us to look beyond the obvious and even beyond the unobvious.
Since there are only so many basic storylines, we need to explore the ‘What If’s’ to make our story original and our own. There are so many ways we can twist a story around and stand it on its head. (And whenever someone stands on his head, loose change falls out, so that’s even more story nuggets!)
What If…?
The main character was the opposite sex?
We tried a different setting?
Time travel was involved?
The killer was someone different?
We changed the time period?
The main character had an allergy?
What if a monster emerged from the lamp and not a genie?
There are thousands of questions we could ask ourselves. Each answer leads down a different path. Brainstorming a ton of options often leads to that one thing that propels the story forward in a unique direction.
I had a lot to consider for my latest book, Dragon of the Stars. What If…?
The qualities of Earth’s toughest animal, the Tardigrade, were in a much larger creature?
The greatest ship could not be controlled?
Failure wasn’t an option but there was no way to win?
Someone had to make an unheard-of sacrifice?
Those questions helped bring the story to life and gave it twists most never saw coming.
What are some ‘What If’s’ you could ask to take your story in a new direction?
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
What Are the Kargrandes? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/
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?
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Stars-Alex-J-Cavanaugh-ebook/dp/B00S0DPUYU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1420814971&sr=1-1&keywords=dragon+of+the+stars
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-of-the-stars-alex-j-cavanaugh/1121069418?ean=2940046510720
ITunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-of-the-stars/id957912496?mt=11
Kobo - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragon-of-the-stars
Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragon-Stars-Alex-J-Cavanaugh-ebook/dp/B00S0DPUYU
Amazon print – http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Stars-Alex-j-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844061/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1427824785&sr=1-1
Overdrive - https://www.overdrive.com/media/2130736/dragon-of-the-stars
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23521766-dragon-of-the-stars
And just released –
CassaSeries
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
The Amazon Best-Selling Series!
CassaStar - CassaFire - CassaStorm
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZAP5PV4?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ZAP5PV4?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cassaseries-alex-j-cavanaugh/1122097909?ean=294015196217
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/cassaseries
Goodreades – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25705316-cassaseries
About the Author:
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
