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About James R. Callan
In addition to writing, Callan also speaks at writing conferences and teaches writing workshops in Texas and Mexico. He and his wife split their time between homes in northeast Texas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. His website is at: http://www.jamesrcallan.com/ It provides more information on his books and his work, plus a contact form to forward an email to him.
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Blog postThe Vanishing Horse Many years ago, I wrote a blog about a special Christmas gift I got for the kids. I’ve been asked to repeat it this year. Since this is a difficult year, and a very difficult Christmas season, I am repeating the story. I hope this brings a smile to your face. Most of all this year, we need to remember the good things of the past and not let the problems of today blind us to the good things we have experienced.
My second Christmas in Connecticut promise1 month ago Read more -
Blog postWhen I was in college many years ago, probably before most of you were born, cars were different. There were no backup cameras. Many did not have outside mirrors. Only expensive cars had turn indicators. To signal a turn, you had to put your arm out the window. Straight out was a left turn. Up was a right turn, and down was a stop. In beautiful weather that worked well. In rainy or very cold weather, not so well.
Of course, most college students didn’t ha2 months ago Read more -
Blog post
Today’s blog will be brief, because no one wants to dwell too long on a rejection. But, so you know you are not alone, here are some rejections that other writers have received.
Shakespeare’s name, you may depend on it, will go down. He has no invention as to stories, none whatever. —Lord Byron (1814)
A huge dose of hyperbolical slang, maudlin sentimentalism and tragic-comic bubble and squeak. —William Harrison Ainsworth, New Monthly Magazin11 months ago Read more -
Blog postToday’s guest blogger is Jodie Wolfe, a former columnist for Home School Enrichment who now creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is also the co-founder of the blog Stitches Thru Time. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Today, she’ll explore an aspect of being a pioneer and what it takes. And it is Valentine’s Day, right?
I’ve always had a fascination with the 19th Century. I th11 months ago Read more -
Blog postOf late, I’ve received a number of questions regarding anthologies. So today, I’m going to talk about anthologies.
First, what is an anthology? In the simplest terms, an anthology is a collection of written works. It can be a collection of poems, plays, short stories, songs, novellas, or excerpts from longer books. These do not have to be related in any way, although often there is a theme associated with the anthology. There is not a real limit on how many – n11 months ago Read more -
Blog postToday’s guest blogger is Patricia Gligor, a Cincinnati writer of mysteries. Her latest is Small Town Mystery series, Book #2 – Murder at Maple Ridge. She’s had a varied career, including managing a sporting goods department and proprietor of a resume writing service. But her passion has always been writing fiction. Here she talks about the mystery of writing.
I’ve always been in awe of the writing process. And, after seven published novels, I’m still amazed – mayb1 year ago Read more -
Blog postToday’s guest blogger is Donna Schlachter, who also writes as Leeann Betts Donna writes historical suspense. Double Jeopardy is her latest, due out in January, 2020. She and her alter ego Leeann have published more than thirty novellas and full-length novels. They are active in American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime and other groups. She lives in Denver with her husband, Patrick. Today, she gives us the story behind the story, plus a chance to receive a f1 year ago Read more
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Blog postToday’s guest blogger is Leeann Betts, a pen name for Donna Schlachter. Leeann writes contemporary romantic suspense. Missing Deposits is the eleventh title in her cozy mystery series. Leeann and Donna have published more than thirty novellas and full-length novels. They are active in American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime and other groups. Today, she talks about forensic accounting and the mystery, and gives us a chance to receive a free book.
An1 year ago Read more -
Blog postToday, author Augie Hicks tells of an unusual woman she knew, and how that woman became the inspiration for a book, Laid Hard & Fast, Imelda’s Story. I think you’ll find it interesting. Augie has
As an ongoing, lifetime student, I have always enjoyed talking to people and learning about their lives. Many people have come in and out of my life, but none as delightful as Emma. I first saw Emma from a distance, posing Tai Chi movements on the grass outside of her apartmen1 year ago Read more -
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“From the first sentence, it captures your attention and carries you on an intriguing
mystery-solving adventure,” Avid reader Sharon S.
"I've read so many mysteries/suspense stories that all
sound alike. A Plot for Murder is very distinctively and enjoyably different. Father
Frank is a really good character,” R. Bruner.
Rod Granet, award-winning
novelist and womanizer, is the main speaker at a writers conference. But
after the
opening session and in front of a crowd, Maggie DeLuca, Father Frank's sister, accuses
Granet
of stealing her story and says he will pay for it.
That night, Granet is
killed. The sheriff quickly zeros in on Maggie and she is hauled off in handcuffs. When
Father Frank comes to her aid, the sheriff threatens him with jail if he
interferes.
A Texas Ranger is assigned to the investigation. Soon he sees
Father Frank as a valuable asset. Even as the sheriff continues to harass Father Frank and
interrogate Maggie, the Ranger pushes Father Frank to get involved, telling him the sheriff
considers Maggie his only suspect.
Can Father Frank stay out of jail and alive,
and find the real killer?
He doesn’t know which church, when, or by whom. Still, he can’t sit idly by, and no law prevents him from looking into the matter himself. The crimes have set the town’s residents on edge, fraying the bonds of trust. Is the mysterious newcomer with ties to the drug scene involved? What about the man who says maybe the churches deserved to burn? Or the school drop-out into alcohol and drugs who attacks the priest with a knife?
Countering this are a young widow whose mission is to make others shine, and a youth choir determined to help those whose churches have been destroyed by the arsonist.
Father Frank’s investigation leads him dangerously close to the local drug scene and he soon discovers the danger has come to him. Can he save his own church? Can he save his own life?
Crystal Moore's good friend Ron Drake is running for governor of Texas. Polls show he has 70% of the votes. But, fake news begins pouring out, and with two weeks left before election day, his numbers are now below his opponent's.
Only Crystal believes that an art theft at Ron's house is related to the election. She begins to search for clues which might tie the theft and a dead man to a political dirty trick and the fake news. She finds the first clue, and quickly she is attacked and almost killed. But a pair of red boots changes everything. Two more attacks land her in the hospital. It looks like Ron may lose the election. And Crystal may lose her life.
“Powerful in its characterization, plot, and narrative interactions, Political Dirty Trick is the item of choice for thriller readers who like their stories steeped in realistic scenarios and possibilities.” From a review by Midwest Book Review Senior Reviewer Diane Donovan.
"It reads like a fast-paced James Patterson cliffhanger" Author William Doonan
Gold can blind one to reality. And a ton of gold ...
Crystal Moore, a brilliant young computer scientist, discovers that someone is trying to kill her grandmother, Eula, the woman who raised her. Determined to find out who and why, her search leads to:
• Arson
• Kidnapping
• Murder
• Fire bombs
But Crystal is still alive, so the hunt goes on.
And in the midst of all this, the man who nearly destroyed Crystal emotionally is coming back. This time he intends to wreck her career.
She'll need help from a former bull rider, her street-wise housemate, and the feisty seventy-five-year-old, straight-talkin', shotgun-totin' Eula.
But, where's that ton of gold?
"... exciting and fun with a very satisfactory ending..." Big Al's Books.
"The characterization is brilliant." B. Engstrom, Amazon
"... the ending is unique and unexpected." G. Powell on Amazon
"It's on my read it again list and not many books make it to that list." Nickolina on Amazon
In 2015, Crystal Moore encounters a slave in Dallas, Texas -- a slave held not by chains, but by threats her two girls held hostage in the jungles of Mexico will be killed if she escapes.
To naïve Crystal, it's clear. The children must be rescued first, or the mother will never escape.
Crystal would like to forget it, but her conscience will not let her.
She goes to Mexico and secures the help of mysterious Juan Grande. If she succeeds, mother and children will be free -- but Crystal will have two powerful and ruthless men, one in Texas and one in Mexico, who will want her dead.
A Silver Medallion is a gripping, action-packed adventure from talented author James Callan. Crystal Moore is a tough and savvy heroine ... New York Times Bestselling Author Bobbi Smith
A Silver Medallion, the second title in the Crystal Moore Suspense series, reads like a gold-medal thriller from page one .... Crystal emerges as a compelling heroine with a big heart and bold personality... From BookLife Prize in Fiction, Critic's Report
A Silver Medallion was named a winner in the international Readers' Favorite competition.
The Passion Readers Book Club named A Silver Medallion the Best Mystery Book for 2016.
James Callan's A Silver Medallion is a fine blend of colorful characters, action, suspense, and serious. Crystal Moore and her grandmother, Eula, are a great team as they take on modern-day slavery and academic fraud in this nonstop novel. Check it out! - Bill Crider, best-selling author of the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series
Callan is a master at understanding human conflict and a person's raw emotions when they stand on the brink of losing everything. - Caleb Pirtle, Editorial Director, Gallivant Press.
A Silver Medallion won the ETWG novel contest for mystery/thriller over entries from across the U.S. and several foreign countries.
But Father Frank, Syd’s pastor, and Georgia Peitz, another member of his church, don’t believe Syd committed suicide and begin to look for clues of what really happened. Will this affect Georgia’s romantic interest in the lead detective?
When the priest is almost poisoned, they convince the police to investigate further. Immediately, Father Frank becomes the target of rumors and speculation he might have had something to do with Syd’s death.
The more clues Father Frank and Georgia uncover, the more danger they find themselves in. Can they find the real killer before they become victims?
"... a solid, entertaining whodunit with believable characters, twists, and complications." From the Review by Publishers Weekly
With the help of Angela - her roommate, "deputy," and fellow chair of the costume committee - Tina goes behind the sequins to expose a sinister side of some who live for Sweet Adelines. While facing hemline emergencies and enduring hotel coffee, Tina sifts through catty gossip and dissects covert romances in search of motive and opportunity. When she won’t accept the easy answer, she becomes the next target.
Can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?
•The importance of selecting names for your characters
•How to sculpt your characters
•Points to consider when creating a character for a series
•The importance of character bios
•Motivation and conflict
•The power of eccentricity
•Creating the four dimensional character
•Why you need a strong antagonist
•Points to consider in crafting a sidekick character for the protagonist
•And much more.
develop characters,
set the scene, add conflict,
foreshadow, further the plot,
help the reader identify with characters,
show how characters relate to one another,
and add tension.
The problem of attributions is clearly explained.
The concept of a dialog signature is explained and illustrated.
All this and much more, including many exercises to
help cement these concepts.
Sean is quickly caught in a web of fraud, deceit, greed, corruption and murder. And his biggest challenge turns out to be staying alive—and keeping his family safe.
Set against the tapestry of Congress and the Oval Office, this suspense novel grabs and holds the reader as Sean fights an unknown adversary.
Sean’s wife, Flo, plays a key role in unraveling the mystery. And when it appears they might unveil the criminals, the price could be the Presidency.
He doesn’t know which church, when, or by whom. Still, he can’t sit idly by, and no law prevents him from looking into the matter himself. The crimes have set the town’s residents on edge, fraying the bonds of trust. Is the mysterious newcomer with ties to the drug scene involved? What about the man who says maybe the churches deserved to burn? Or the school drop-out into alcohol and drugs who attacks the priest with a knife?
Countering this are a young widow whose mission is to make others shine, and a youth choir determined to help those whose churches have been destroyed by the arsonist.
Father Frank’s investigation leads him dangerously close to the local drug scene and he soon discovers the danger has come to him. Can he save his own church? Can he save his own life?