C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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Featuring Bassan From Cassa Storm &The Write Club

July 29, 2013 By C. Lee McKenzie 95 Comments

Visit Alex Cavanaugh’s Great Blog.
I always love to hear what kids have to say about their lives and the world they live in, so I’m really excited about having Bassan, Byron’s young son, here today.
Hi Bassan. I’ve read CassaStorm and feel as if I’ve visited Tgren. Can you tell everyone what your home planet is like, so they can understand where you live?
Good day, Lee. A lot of Tgren is desert, although there are areas of vast lakes and grassy plains. Where I live, there’s a lot scrub brush, except near the river. We grow most of our crops near the river. Our buildings are made of stone and clay, with lots of windows to catch the breeze. Of course, I live on the Cassan base with my parents, and all the buildings are of Cassan design. Still really dusty though. Makes me sneeze sometimes.
Nice to know that even in the future Kleenex is a necessity. 🙂 

You have a wonderful mom. What’s she like?
Mother is wonderful! She always makes time for me and we play games and stuff. She almost never gets mad, either. Of course, I don’t want to make her mad. Sometimes I worry when she and my father are flying. I don’t want to lose them.
They have a lot of responsibility for your planet’s safety. I can see why you worry. 

I know you’ve had some problems with other kids because you’re half Tgren and half Cassan. Tell us what’s it’s like being different from the others.
Most days it’s no fun. I attend classes with the other Cassan children and sometimes they call me a half-breed. My best friend Drent is half Tgren, but no one messes with him. Wish I was tough enough to stand up to the bullies.
Some things like bullies and intolerance never change. I’d hoped those kinds of things would be long gone from our galaxies. Guess not. 

Your dad’s famous. What’s it like being the son of a famous Cosbolt pilot?
It’s really awesome what he did during the Vindicarn War, but it makes me feel awkward. I’ll never do anything as great as that. I don’t even like to fly.
We all have our place in our worlds. I’m sure you’ll find yours.

What do you want to be when you’re grown up?
I want to work on the alien ship that’s buried in mountains next to our city. It carried my ancestors to Tgren! I want to know more about the ship and those people.
 See? When you grow up I’ll bet you’ll be a great scientist and make amazing discoveries for all the inhabitants of these worlds.
Is there anything you’d like to change about your life?
I wish I could fit in better. I wish people respected me like they respect my father. I’m not even sure he likes me that much.
That’s hard, but when I met your father in the book he seemed like someone who had deep feelings for his friends and family. He just didn’t show them very much. 

If you could send a message back to a planet called Earth, say about 2013 or so, what would you tell them about your time?
They need to be prepared, because they aren’t the only ones out there. And not everyone is nice, either.
I’m passing this along. It’s a great heads up for this century.
Thanks so much for coming here today, Bassan. It has been very interesting to talk with a young representative from the future. You’re amazing!

********

Book three, Cassa Storm, finds Byron facing a galaxy-wide war that could end life on all of the planets. In this stage of his life, Byron has more to fight for than ever–his mate, Athee and his son, Bassan. Facing his greatest challenge, Byron must convince the diverse and warring races to sign a peace agreement if he’s to save his world and his family. However, the the final step in securing peace will put him and his son in terrible danger.

I liked how the racial conflicts propelled much of the plot in this story, driving home a message that’s relevant to our own world and giving the book an interesting texture.

At the center of the family theme, is the coming together of father and son. Byron learns of his son’s isolation as a mixed race child and Bassan learns of his father’s love and belief in him.  READ MORE

CassaStormCassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

********
Have you voted for your favorite entry in the WRITE CLUB? It’s hard to choose, but very interesting to read the entries this year. 
I’ll be celebrating some small things on Friday! Hope you’ll join me and the others in this Celebration.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alex Cavanaugh, Book Reviews, DL Hammons, Monday Miscellany, Write Club

Comments

  1. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    August 2, 2013 at 11:29 am

    Thanks, everyone! Glad you like Bassan as he's a big part of the story.

    Reply
  2. Misha Gericke says

    August 1, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    I can't wait for Cassastorm.

    Reply
  3. Jay Noel says

    August 1, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    This was fun! Looking forward to reading Cassastorm.

    Reply
  4. Carrie-Anne says

    August 1, 2013 at 4:34 am

    Very nice interview! I love character interviews. Bassan sounds like a really great character, with a compelling story.

    Reply
  5. The Words Crafter says

    August 1, 2013 at 12:43 am

    Great interview and he's just so sweet!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      August 1, 2013 at 1:28 am

      That's how I see him! Thanks for the comment, WordsCrafter.

      Reply
  6. Tammy Theriault says

    July 31, 2013 at 3:56 am

    Such a unique interview with one smart boy!!! Loving the write club love!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      August 1, 2013 at 1:27 am

      Thanks for the visit. The Write Club is interesting this year.

      Reply
  7. DMS says

    July 30, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    It was great to hear from Bassan! His story really tugs at my heart! He sounds wise. 🙂
    ~Jess

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      August 1, 2013 at 3:52 am

      Alex has created a nice kid in the future. Thanks, Alex.

      Reply
  8. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    July 30, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    Sam, very true!

    Michelle, hope you enjoyed it.

    Carolyn, three sides to every story…

    Julie, he could use a hug.

    Ella, thanks!

    Reply
  9. Ella says

    July 30, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    I always appreciate the insight of the family dynamic! Nicely done~
    I am looking forward to CassaStorm!

    Well done!!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:22 pm

      You'll enjoy the read, Ella.

      Reply
  10. Julie Flanders says

    July 30, 2013 at 11:39 am

    It's great to learn more about Bassan and I love him already. I want to hug him when he says he wishes he fit in better. And the father-son relationship definitely sounds like an interesting one.

    Enjoyed the interview, Alex and Lee. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:28 pm

      It fleshes out the story very well,

      Reply
  11. Carolyn Brown says

    July 30, 2013 at 11:36 am

    I am looking forward to the release of book 3. Bassa's son sounds like he may be a disappointment to his old man. I am sure it is a one sided view point, though.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:33 pm

      It's complicated and therefore interesting. Nice father-son dynamics.

      Reply
  12. michelle says

    July 30, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Great interview!
    I've only read CassaStar…(still need to review it) and have yet to get my hands on the other books…
    Writer In Transit

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:35 pm

      Will look forward to your review, Michelle.

      Reply
  13. writerlysam says

    July 30, 2013 at 4:29 am

    I have to agree with Bassan's closing comment of what was a very intriguing interview–we "aren’t the only ones out there. And not everyone is nice, either." I think that can apply to our world, too, kiddo! It's up to us to be the "nice" ones:)

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:38 pm

      Fortunately, we do have a lot of nice ones here. Thanks for stopping in leave your thoughts.

      Reply
  14. Jai Joshi says

    July 30, 2013 at 4:23 am

    Alex, it can't be easy for Bassan to grow up in the shadow of a famous father. CassaStorm is going to be great.

    Jai

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:48 pm

      An old theme, but now we're in the future.

      Reply
  15. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    July 30, 2013 at 2:15 am

    Julie, he is a little busy…

    Michael, more intelligence here would be good.

    Pk – typical!

    Lynda, I think he does.

    Gary, can't help you with the aliens in Parliament.

    Reply
  16. Beverly Stowe McClure says

    July 30, 2013 at 2:11 am

    So nice to meet you, Bassan. What a wonderful interview. Your book sounds interesting. Congratulations.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:51 pm

      Thanks, Beverly.

      Reply
  17. klahanie says

    July 30, 2013 at 1:20 am

    Hey Lee and what's happening, Bassan?

    What a spaced out interview. Most enlightening and hey this little old rock could use some help. Would you mind visiting Britain? We've got some weird creatures trying to destroy us. They've taken over what's called the Houses of Parliament. Help us!

    Thrilled about the interview? Yes!
    A fan of Alex? Who? Sorry, yes!
    Excited about the "Write Club" and the entries? I'll have a look.
    Love blogfests? Argggghhhh!
    Amazed by blog hops? Argggghhhhh! Part 2.
    Delighted by my highly collectable comment? Of course you are!

    Fun interview! Great post! Thanks for sharing!

    As usual, your starstruckest fan,

    Gary

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:54 pm

      Dear StarStruckest Fan. What would we do without your comments. They bring sunshine and Hoppiness with each word.

      Please don't stop visiting, okay?

      Reply
    • klahanie says

      August 1, 2013 at 1:33 am

      Thought I should hop back over and reply to your comment. Did I really say "hop"? I may require help. Your starstruckest fan shall continue to visit your must-read site and try to leave some semblance of a comment to delight you.

      Oh hoppy daze….

      Reply
  18. Lynda R Young says

    July 30, 2013 at 12:53 am

    Bassan is awesome 🙂
    (personally I think he steals the show in Storm hehehe)
    Great interview!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      August 1, 2013 at 3:53 am

      He does upstage a few characters, doesn't he?

      Reply
  19. Carrie Butler says

    July 30, 2013 at 12:41 am

    I love this. 🙂 Well done, you guys!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      August 1, 2013 at 3:54 am

      Thanks, Carrie. Hope all is well on your home front!

      Reply
  20. Pk Hrezo says

    July 30, 2013 at 12:25 am

    Bass an sounds like a typical kid–one who has an interplanetary pilot for a dad, that is.

    Fun interview!

    Reply
  21. Sheena-kay Graham says

    July 29, 2013 at 10:32 pm

    Great interview. Bassan is a trouper and congrats Alex on a great series.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      August 1, 2013 at 3:55 am

      Loved to see you here and thanks for the comment.

      Reply
  22. Nick Wilford says

    July 29, 2013 at 10:18 pm

    Can't wait to read this! Bassan sounds like an upstanding young man and good to get some snippets of what we're in for.

    Reply
  23. Tina says

    July 29, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    Great interview! I'm excited to learn a bit more about the book. You're so lucky you've gotten to read it already! I can't wait for 9/17…
    Tina @ Life is Good

    Reply
  24. Michael Di Gesu says

    July 29, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    Hi, Lee, Hi, Alex…

    Terrific interview…. That poor kid… it tough being a kid at any time, especially when there will ALWAYS be bullies.

    He seems like a VERY mature and together kid… At least there is some INTELLIGENT life out there… WE sure use more on our planet… LOL.

    Lee… Glad you like my covers you saw at Roland's site….

    Reply
  25. Empty Nest Insider says

    July 29, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    What a great interview Alex and Lee! Hopefully, Byron and Bassan will reach an understanding in CassaStorm. Of course this won't be an easy task, as he will be busy saving the world.

    Julie

    Reply
  26. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    July 29, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    Robyn, it might!

    Lee, I will be visiting Nutschell this fall for my tour.

    Libby, sorry to make you sad.

    Thanks everyone!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:59 pm

      Yay. Her workspace series is great.

      Reply
  27. M Pax says

    July 29, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    Sounds like another awesome tale from Mr. Cavanaugh! Happy Monday!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:56 pm

      'Tis indeed!

      Reply
  28. Medeia Sharif says

    July 29, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    I'm sure Bassan's growing pains will lead him to doing great things. He just has to wait.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 30, 2013 at 4:55 pm

      Yep. That's my guess. Maybe we'll see that in another book.

      Reply
  29. Libby says

    July 29, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    I know this is a fictional character but "I wish I could fit in better. I wish people respected me like they respect my father. I’m not even sure he likes me that much." broke my heart.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 6:47 pm

      But that character represents a lot of kids, doesn't he? That's why the story is good. Thanks for stopping by today!

      Reply
  30. Pat Tillett says

    July 29, 2013 at 6:15 pm

    Nice interview! Like many others, I loved the first two books and I'm now gnawing at the bit to get started on CassaStorm.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 6:46 pm

      Thanks, Pat. Great to have your visit and your comment on Alex's books.

      Reply
  31. nutschell says

    July 29, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Wohoo! Love that Alex I mean Bassan is here. Can't wait to read this book.
    Nutschell
    http://www.thewritingnut.com

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 6:45 pm

      You need to ask him to share his workspace with you on your blog. I love those post where authors show us where they create their stories.

      Reply
  32. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com says

    July 29, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    Aw, he's a good Cassan-Tgren. I bet some nice girl will help boost his confidence.

    Fun interview, Lee and Alex.

    xoRobyn

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 6:44 pm

      Exactly! A truly inter-cultural girl with a good heart. Alex? Are you taking notes? 🙂

      Reply
  33. Hilary Melton-Butcher says

    July 29, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    Hi Lee .. I must read book two – and be ready for book three!

    Great interview – Bassan will have his work cut out won't he .. and very difficult with his parents being who they are .. and the war of the worlds about to start ..

    It'll be so good to read .. and great interview with Bassan .. Hilary

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 6:43 pm

      Thanks, Hilary. I know Alex will love hearing what you have to say about his books.

      Reply
  34. Elizabeth Spann Craig/Riley Adams says

    July 29, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    Bassan is a great kid…hope things start looking up for him soon!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 6:42 pm

      We all need to sign a petition so he gets things going his way soon!

      Reply
  35. L. Diane Wolfe says

    July 29, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    Aw, poor Bassan. I'm sure life will be better for him soon.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 6:42 pm

      I'm requesting that happen in the next book.

      Reply
  36. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    July 29, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    Roland, the two of you would have fun exploring the ship.

    Elizabeth, there just might be a romantic element in the second one…

    Reply
  37. Bish Denham says

    July 29, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Nice meeting you Bassan. I have a good feeling about you and your future. As for those bullies, I wish I had a magic wand and that I could turn them into something… like maybe frogs or mice… Alas, I can't. Hang in there buddy, this too shall pass.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 4:59 pm

      My bet is he becomes a famous scientist who saves the world in a different way than his father. And you're right, bullies go away.

      Reply
  38. Elizabeth Seckman says

    July 29, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    I read book one…need to read the next two. I wish I was a faster reader!

    Now that I know there is a son…book two must have a smidge of love story to it. Must push it a little higher up the to-read chain…I'm allowed, it's my list, my rules.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 4:58 pm

      The love interest is "interesting." You'll enjoy it. As to rules, you are the rule maker when it comes that list.

      Reply
  39. Roland D. Yeomans says

    July 29, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    Bassan, bullies deep inside are cowards, and cowards never end up well in life — but that doesn't make the fear or the bruises go away. But you will grow up; they never will. I want to inspect that alien ship with you — but take precautions — and a light!! 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:27 pm

      Loved your comment! In the next book I'll bet Bassan takes your advice.

      Reply
  40. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    July 29, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    Susan, this series surprised me as so many have read it that don't read science fiction.

    Reply
  41. Catherine Stine says

    July 29, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    Interesting character in Bassan! I like that his father's a famous pilot but Bassan doesn't like to fly.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:18 pm

      I know. That's one of the themes I liked in the book, Catherine.

      Reply
  42. Susan Oloier says

    July 29, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    The outcast in a sci-fi world. I'm not a sci-fi reader, but I really need to delve into Alex's books. The interview makes me look at the genre differently. Nice interview.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      There were universal themes in Cassa Storm than any reader would identify with.

      Reply
  43. Carol Kilgore says

    July 29, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    Wonderful interview! I liked how you kept it totally to Bassan's viewpoint.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      Maybe he needs a book of his own.

      Reply
  44. Barbara Watson says

    July 29, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    LOVE character interviews. They give such a unique look into the story.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      You're right, Barbara. You get to see some of what went into making this character.

      Reply
  45. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    July 29, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Natalie, glad you're enjoying it!

    Reply
  46. Southpaw says

    July 29, 2013 at 12:37 pm

    Really nice interview!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  47. Natalie Aguirre says

    July 29, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    I'm reading this now and really liking Bassan. Thanks for the great interview with him.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Nice kid, isn't he?

      Reply
  48. Melissa says

    July 29, 2013 at 11:55 am

    I enjoyed meeting Bassan reading the interview.
    Can't wait for CassaStorm's release, Alex. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      I think soon. Have to check with Alex.

      Reply
  49. Karen Lange says

    July 29, 2013 at 11:53 am

    Fun interview! Nice to learn more about Bassan. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      Great to meet you, Karen. Thanks for leaving a comment.

      Reply
  50. Angela Brown says

    July 29, 2013 at 11:26 am

    It's always wonderful getting to know more about the characters in the books we read or will soon read. Bassan sounds like a great kid with some of the typical problems of growing. Like you, Lee, I'd hoped some of these things would be gone, but of course, there is truth to the saying that "the more things change, the more they stay the same."

    Enjoyed the interview 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      I guess it's the human factor, Angela!

      Reply
  51. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    July 29, 2013 at 9:42 am

    lee, thanks for hosting Bassan and glad you enjoyed CassaStorm!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      It's a pleasure to have you and your book here, Alex. I did enjoy the story a lot.

      Reply
  52. Suzanne Furness says

    July 29, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Great interview, nice to hear what the youngsters think!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:12 pm

      It is fun to find out the kid's thoughts. He's a good character in the book and you feel for him.

      Reply
  53. Old Kitty says

    July 29, 2013 at 9:22 am

    Awwwww baby Bassan! Awwww I want to hug him and wrap him up in lots of tissues!! Raspberries to all the bad bullies calling him names!!

    Take care
    x

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:11 pm

      He's a good kid. He'll be okay.

      Reply
  54. Elise Fallson says

    July 29, 2013 at 9:21 am

    I'd want to know more about that alien ship too, Bassan! Great interview and I enjoyed getting to know more about Bassan. (:

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      July 29, 2013 at 3:10 pm

      Thanks for the visit, Elise. Glad you liked the interview.

      Reply

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