James D. McCallister

author of the Edgewater County series

‘Edgewater County’: A Guidebook

Edgewater County, SC… where is it? Only in the mind. This post presents an overview of the mythological location of most of my fiction, a handy guide for those interested in my work, or who may simply be curious about the name of this blog.

Notes on MANSION OF HIGH GHOSTS: Swinging for the Literary Fences

UPDATE: I recently heard back from a beta-reader about this manuscript. When I asked if this piece resonated with him, here’s what he had to say: Your characters, as in your other works, portray varying experiences we all go through in the maturation process. Some pass the test. Others don’t. Thinking back on them, the characters continually […]

SC Book Festival Wrap-up

Another year, another Book Fest done. Chatted with many fellow writers including the esteemed Pat Conroy, mingled with more than a few interested supporters of the festival and curious readers, and even managed to buy a couple of books myself. Always a good time. \

SC Book Festival 2013 is this weekend!

One of my favorite weekends of the year, it’s that time again for the SC Book Festival, an event that’s always been so good for my writing career. 2013 marks my fourth appearance as either a featured author, panelist or moderator. At this year’s edition you’ll be able to find me schmoozing tonight at the […]

UPDATED: Review (Theatrical): STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (2013)

After a few weeks have passed, I can tell you I like the movie even less now than I did when writing the shiv to the ribs as published below. Now here’s a scientist’s review, and after reading this equally disdainful piece (it’s full of math you can skim if that doesn’t interest you), I […]

THE APPROACH TO MAX PATCH: My 2013 Writing Retreat

The clinical: after twelve and a half years of serious writing, a decent amount of artistic success, day-job burnout, the recent death of a close friend, and a raging desire to begin Novel 8 a/k/a Novel 2013 a/k/a DIXIANA, I needed a break from the grind and obligations of my daily life. I decided the […]

Review (Blu-ray): NOT FADE AWAY (2012)

Not Fade Away, Sopranos mastermind David Chase’s (seemingly) autobiographical, literally sepia-toned flashback to the time of rock and roll ascendance that came between the assassinations of JFK, MLK and RFK, has to be most dramatically inert and unsurprising coming of age drama I think I may have ever seen. Seriously.

Review (Theatrical): THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (2013)

Derek Cinefrance’s gloomy relationship mopefest Blue Valentine (2011), while not a terrifically uplifting sit, nonetheless showed great promise in the filmmaker’s patience and willingness to let depth of character drive the narrative of his film. Cinefrance’s sensational and moving new offering The Place Beyond the Pines, currently in theatrical release, not only builds on the potential […]