Jacob Callcut Author Bio:
Jacob Callcut wrote his first story, “The Jakes”, while in the third grade. Since then, he’s been devoted to creating engaging, action-filled, and relationship-rich adventures filled with twists and turns that keep readers eager to know what happens next. His various pieces–both published and unpublished–exemplify these goals.
Having a life-long interest in technology and all that is our Universe, Jacob completed degrees in both Astrophysics and Computer Science, putting the latter to use in his day job as a software development manager and engineer. When not working or creating his next piece of literature, Jacob enjoys tinkering around the house, making new memories with his wife and children, and eating out for lunch.
What inspires you to write?
The many people around me: my family, my friends, and other meaningful relationships. Much of my poetry, for instance, is about individuals who affected my outlook on life or influenced the person I am today. I thoroughly enjoy weaving my life experiences into the pieces I write and hope, in doing so, I am adding a degree of color that makes my works a pleasure to read.
Tell us about your writing process.
Most of my pieces have started as a specific scene (say for a novel) or phrase (say a stanza of a poem) that gets stuck in my head and I have to get written down. In that sense, I tend to be a seat-of-the-pants type of writer. As a piece progresses, especially longer works such as a novella or novel, I create general outlines and theme flows to ensure the various story arcs stay on track and will arrive at the ending I intend. Similarly for characters, I tend to start with a general picture of the key characters and, as the work progresses, refine and detail out each individual's characteristics and goals.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
All of the above and more. I very much listen to my character's wants and needs, but more often strive to place myself in their shoes to best understand their perspective on life, their motivations and reactions, and what makes them tick. I let my characters drive the story rather than try to shoehorn them into some preconceived premise, which I find generates a more natural and believable journey, even with futuristic and fanciful story lines.
Who are your favorite authors?
I have had the pleasure of reading many artful authors over the years and look forward to many more in the future. Three of my most favorite and greatest inspirations have long been Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, and Arthur C. Clark. Reading any of these three in my youth, my mother would often have to come into my room and demand my attention after having fruitlessly called me for dinner multiple times or remind me to turn out my light and "get to bed", for school would be coming early in the morning. All these years later, a good author can still draw me so far in that the world around me gives way to the world they've created.
What genres do you write?
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Suspense, Romance
How did you choose the genre(s) you write?
As far back as I can remember, I have loved everything and anything to do with space and our Universe. As a result, many of the stories I read growing up were (and still read are) in the realm of science fiction and fantasy. Naturally, with such a deep interest combined with my educational background, those genres are where my writing strengths shine. I, likewise, aim to enrich my work with elements of mystery, suspense, and romance to create greater dimension and realism for readers.
What three things are on your writing desk at any given moment?
A pad of paper, a blue ink pen for creating, and red ink pen for correcting
What hobbies do you have when you need a break from writing?
When I'm not writing, I am doing any range of activities from playing cards with the family, taking our dogs for walks, or tinkering around the house (for there is always something to do around the house). I enjoy woodworking, solving brain teasers, and getting outside and enjoying nature.
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Home Page Link
Follow On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Instagram
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
