James R. Callan Interview

Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had?
A. I have been writing for nearly 20 years. Before that I worked as a mathematician at a research center, then as VP of a database company. I taught at the high school and college level.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release A Plot for Murder, A Father Frank Mystery?
A: It’s subtitle is Murder at the Writers Conference, so that gives you the setting. The keynote speaker at the conference is murdered. Many suspects turn up, including Father Frank’s sister who becomes the prime suspect. The sheriff warns Father Frank to stay out of it, but it’s his sister. He can’t. And he becomes a target. Can he stay out of jail, and alive, long enough to find the real killer.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?
A: I ran a writer’s conference for many years. No, we never had a murder, but certainly there were many stories. I knew I had to set a mystery in such a venue.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: This is a special story and I can’t give the ending away. But Father Frank has a long discussion with a Texas Ranger near the end. I hope it will resonate with readers.

Q: How do you choose your settings for your books?
A. I tend to use a rural setting for many of my books. I like the people I can place in these settings.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?
A: Neither. Each character will have some characteristics that come from a person I know, have worked with, or been associated with in some capacity. But, I strive only to include a few characteristics and not model the character after the real person.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. Actually, as I’m writing this I’m working to launch A Plot for Murder. The next book will be a Crystal Moore suspense, book #4. At this point, only bits and pieces are tumbling around in my mind.

Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why?
A. We have been fortunate to visit all fifty states and six continents. But, I still want to travel down the Amazon, hit the middle of Africa, and spend a little time in Russia.

Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done?
A. With an undergraduate degree in English, I entered a Ph.D. program in mathematics. But it did lead to a thirty year career in technology, before getting back to writing.

Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done?
A. Market books. And if money were no object as above, I would never do it again.