Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
James R. Callan intended to write out of college, but that didn’t support a family. So he entered graduate school in the field of mathematics. This led to a thirty year detour working in mathematics and computer science, involved in such projects as artificial intelligence, VLSI design, and the mapping of salt domes. Along the way, he and his wife formed a database company which prospered for over twenty-five years.
Then one day,he said, “Aha. The kids are all out of college and self-supporting. I think I’ll get back to my first love – writing.”
Since that day, he has had ten books published, including two books on the craft of writing, requested by a publisher. His true love, however, is mystery/suspense books. His eleventh book will be published in the spring of 2016.
He and his wife split their time between a home in the middle of a forest in east Texas and a condo on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – that is, when they are not traveling elsewhere.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
His latest book, Over My Dead Body, was inspired when a pipeline company used eminent domain to run a pipeline across part of his property in Texas. He didn’t write about the pipeline company, but the book has some personal feelings in it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think they are unusual. I like to eat ice cream while I write. But then, I like to eat ice cream anytime. I do the creative writing mostly late in the evening. It’s quiet and for some reason, I eel more creative then.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Award winning author Jory Sherman, a prolific writer who published more than 350 books with all the major NY publishers, talked to me many times about painting pictures with words. He was a master at it. I am learning.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a suspense book, the second in my Crystal Moore Suspense series. It is titled The Silver Medallion. It follows a young woman, Crystal Moore, who discovers another woman being held a slave by virtue of threats to her young children left in Mexico. Crystal realizes that the woman will never escape as long as her children are held hostage. So Crystal travels to the jungles of Mexico to try and free the children.
It is set partially in east Texas and partly in Mexico. It should be released in June, 2016.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Great reviews, word of mouth. I speak at conferences and to groups on a variety of topics. And I use the Awesomegang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. And read a lot. And lastly, be prepared to do a lot of marketing, no matter who publiches your book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep your bottom in the seat in front of your computer.
What are you reading now?
Black Water Rising by Attica Locke, and I just finished The Advocate’s Dilemma by Teresa Burrell.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have two books in the Father Frank Mystery Series. Once I finish the second Crystal Moore Suspense book, I will add the third Father Frank Mystery. And then, the third Crystal Moore Suspense book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
One of survival on a desert island. One on small boat building. And one on navigation.
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