ABOUT JIM:
After a successful career in mathematics and computer
science, receiving grants from the National Science Foundation and NASA, and
being listed in Who’s Who in Computer
Science and Two Thousand Notable
Americans, James R. Callan turned to his first love—writing. He wrote a monthly column for a national
magazine for two years, and published several non-fiction books. He now concentrates on his favorite genre,
mysteries, with his fourth book released in February, 2013.
And now, BEHIND THE BOOK: A TON OF GOLD
A number of years back, I decided I wanted to write a book
where the protagonist was involved in information retrieval. I had done a little research in that area
while working on a Ph.D. and have a son who is a professor directing research
in the area of information retrieval. I thought it might be fun to incorporate
some of that in a novel.
Then a couple of years ago, I read an old Texas folk tale
about a wagon load of precious metal being pushed into a lake to avoid having
it captured by the Mexican army. I began
to wonder, how an old folk tale could affect the lives of people today.
Eventually, I connected these two ideas and the result was a
95,000 word mystery/suspense which I called A Ton of Gold. It is a contemporary novel, although the
prologue brings in the old folk tale dated around 1834.
Of course, I added a subplot so that the heroine, Crystal
Moore, has not one but two big problems to deal with. Actually, there is a third problem, but it is
not on the scale of the other two. It
was a fun novel to write because I introduce three interesting characters who,
in different ways, help Crystal. One is
a former bull rider, now owner of the informational retrieval company where
Crystal works. One is a streetwise
housemate for Crystal. So, while Crystal
is brilliant in her field, her housemate is wise in other areas, and often is
teaching Crystal. And last, but
certainly not the least, is Crystal’s 76 year-old grandmother, Crystal’s only
remaining family. She lives on a 320 acre
tract in the middle of a forest, has a will of steel and sees things very
clearly.
While Crystal learns a lot from these three, so did I. In developing these characters, I found
myself immersed in their view of the world. Each of the three has a different
point of reference, a different attitude, a different reaction to the events
occurring. It looked a bit diverse from what I saw through Crystal’s eyes. And in looking at the situations from varying
angles, I broadened my personal view.
So, I learned as I wrote.
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8 comments:
Darlene I enjoyed this interview with Jim. I'm looking forward to reading 'A Ton of Gold.' Jim possesses a unique way of capturing his audience. Augie
Jim, I'm impressed. What a rich background you come from!!!
Jim,
I know exactly what you mean. Although my Malone mystery series doesn't require a ton of research, there's always something to look up and/or verify and I learn with each book I write.
I'm way behind on my TBR pile. Just finishing Cleansed By Fire. But this sounds like another Callan title I've got to read.
I'm way behind on my TBR stack. Just finishing Cleansed By Fire. But this sounds like another Callan title I've got to read.
Folks, I haven't had the opportunity yet to read one of Jim's book. It sounds like I have a great opportunity ahead of me!
THat's a very good point-- about learning things from one's characters. That has happened for me, too.
I like how different characters carry differing perspectives. Who knew we had all that info in our unconcious minds OR-- do our characters really have lives of their own? Sometimes, it sure seems that way to me. I feel like am merely transcribing their thoughts and conversations.
Marta Chausée
Murder's Last Resort
I'm way late - and have all sorts of excuses - none worth a flip. But thanks to all of you for the nice comments. We do learn from our characters (if we get to really know them and give them a chance). And I also learn from my readers. Boy, is that ever a help. Again, thanks to all of you.
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