TLMcCallan

Hey all, I've started the third in THE ELEMENTALS series. The Twelfth House and The Eighth House are doing well. I'm going to be sharing the first few chapters of The Ninth House (Sagittarius) on FS. Hope you'll take a look and tell me what you think. It's still a paranormal romance, but a little deeper, I think. I hope you enjoy and I welcome your thoughts.

Much Love,

TL McCallan

I'm baaaack!

For those aspiring to become published authors, please join Author Neale Orinick, (The Gifted Book One) and me (The Eighth House) at our workshop: Becoming an Author ~ The Journey to Publication. This workshop will be conducted both live and via WEBINAR and includes everything you need to know in order to begin your journey on the path to publication. Check out my author bio where you can see my website in order to find more information. (Apparently, I've broken the rules) But feel free to dance.

dbmccarter: Just checked out your workshop. Sounds interesting.

June 12, 2012 at 1:56PM

dbmccarter: Just checked out your workshop. Sounds interesting. And I am dancing.

June 12, 2012 at 2:01PM

nor84: It's against site rules to post website addresses. Wouldn't want you to get into trouble.

June 12, 2012 at 3:03PM

TLMcCallan: Thanks nor84. Did not know that. Appreciate the info.

June 12, 2012 at 5:24PM

TLMcCallan: Dance, dance, dance DBC. But keep your hat on. The rest is optional. :)

June 12, 2012 at 5:25PM

TLMcCallan: And DBC, it is a great workshop. I've sat for over an hour afterwards answering questions from participants. It's a good experience and I'm happy to pay it forward. That is, afterall, how I've gotten to where I am. Education is the key to success.

June 12, 2012 at 5:44PM

dbmccarter: Love the photo!!!!!

June 19, 2012 at 9:36PM

Holy shit, I love this site. :)

I am so laughing at your responses to my crazy rant. Do you have ANY idea HOW much y'all ROCK?

The penis thing...I don't have one, but I know this: I have balls.

Turtle... who?: Good thing I like both... Rocking and rants, that is.

June 4, 2012 at 8:34PM

TLMcCallan: God love the penis. Amen.

June 4, 2012 at 8:35PM

TLMcCallan: Or talking to it. Either way.

June 4, 2012 at 8:42PM

Turtle... who?: :D Yeah, I kind of like when they talk back.

June 4, 2012 at 9:23PM

TLMcCallan: ROFLMAO!

June 4, 2012 at 10:00PM

Lady & Louis: Talk back? Aieeeeeee! I've heard of sock puppets but this is ridiculous ...

June 5, 2012 at 5:40AM

TLMcCallan: This is awesome. So. Awesome.

June 7, 2012 at 12:07AM

In a much better mood today. Sorry for the rant. :) Hope to read some really good stuff over the course of the next few weeks!

LadyCosgrove: Just read your rant and it sounds pretty justified to me. I wouldn't apologise. :o)

April 3, 2012 at 1:56PM

Turtle... who?: I missed the rant, though I'm betting it was well-written. ;)

April 3, 2012 at 3:54PM

Lady & Louis: Was that the glorious 'talking to his penis' rant? (You didn't miss that one, Turtle, you were there!)

April 4, 2012 at 3:56AM

sasil: I actually enjoyed that rant immensely (pun intended, of course). Glad you're back, looking forward to reading ya soon. How's promot on 8th House? WIP's? Good luck!

April 5, 2012 at 12:45AM

TLMcCallan: Ah, my RANTS. I GOTTA stop hittin' the DECAF!

June 4, 2012 at 7:41PM

TLMcCallan: Thank you guys for supporting my POV. I welcome those who don't, of course, but I was SO high on this little, itty-bitty horse, that I couldn't resist. Love you all, and thank you very much.

June 4, 2012 at 7:42PM

TLMcCallan: @ Sasil: it just got picked up by a hot little mid-market publisher. (Solstice Publishing.) More to come. Exciting days. THE TWELFTH HOUSE will be on fanstory within a few weeks. WAHOO!

June 4, 2012 at 8:04PM

TLMcCallan: @ Turtle - I was just ranting and somehow, as a penis does, it just sorta rose outta the depths. Don't judge. It's my method. :D

June 4, 2012 at 8:14PM

I am beginning to think, that within the year I've been away, that "reviewing" has taken on a bit of a different meaning since I was last active here. I happen to know my work isn't perfect, yet, I'm receiving no "real" feedback. Outside of my loyal FS friends who never shy from the opportunity to offer a good critique, it appears my work is technically perfect. Suh-WEET! (not)

BTW: I'm on my little high horse for this reason:

Offering a "critique" about the disappointment associated with the lack of dialogue in a chapter that features only 1 character, isn't helpful. At all. WTF do you want him to do? Talk to the wall, the sink, his penis? Have we strayed so far from the instant gratifcation that is dialogue that we forget about world building, and mystery, and sometimes, a simple, WhereTF is he/she going with this?

::sigh:: I feel the need to apologize in order to avoid offending, but I can't seem to find the desire to apologize for a legitimate rant. ;)

P.S. Thanks to my WONDERFUL FS friends who give me a legitimate literary, what-for when I need it. I treasure your thoughts and insight and I know you do it for more than just the member cents or the points. We're here for the real reason: To make our work good enough to be published, or at least, just seen by eyes other than our own so we know we have a family of people that are like us.

I'm off my soap box now. Thanks for listening.

Celtic~Soul: Can appreciate your rant, TL. Also just wanted to say thanks for the 'talk to his penis' remark. I needed a chuckle.

January 8, 2012 at 8:27PM

purrfect tale: I will be fanning you. Just as soon as I sharpen my blue pencil. Seriously, I have the same problem. I've got a small group that give me constructive reviews. (And occasional kicks in the rear). I love them for it.

January 8, 2012 at 8:29PM

Turtle... who?: I like it when characters talk to their penises.

January 8, 2012 at 9:29PM

Lady & Louis: ::clap clap clap:: Agreed! Especially about the zoobs who can't cope with narrative. I bet they want expository dialogue, too (even if they probably don't know what the term means).

January 8, 2012 at 9:52PM

Turtle... who?: :D Just say no to expository dialog.

January 8, 2012 at 9:57PM

sasil: *mad laughter* Perhaps the penis is a sentient being and capable of intelligent discourse. Did I just say "intelligent" and "penis" in the same sentence? Well, the world DOES love a good mind-boggler...

January 9, 2012 at 12:15AM

sasil: *rolling on the ground in giggle-fits*

January 9, 2012 at 11:01AM

Lady & Louis: As a famous* writer said, expository dialogue sucks. *Depending on your definition of famous, of course.

January 9, 2012 at 1:58PM

sasil: ! STOP it, Lady&Louis---*giggle, giggle, snort* Ha!

January 9, 2012 at 2:06PM

Border Reiver: Actually, having a dialogue in a chapter with only one character might be interesting. Surely I'm not the only one who talks to herself around her. I actually had a very good conversation with a squirrel this afternoon. Although I think he/she may have been using me for my nuts.

January 9, 2012 at 2:25PM

Lady & Louis: Kat, just make sure the squirrel hadnt' been eating green walnuts. They go a bit loopy (or loopier) when they eat those ... you wouldn't get a decent conversation from 'em.

January 9, 2012 at 8:06PM

TLMcCallan: Oh, hell, you guys, you crack me the fuck up. I thought after my rant I'd piss off a bunch of people. Clearly that was not the case. Thanks so much for your HILARIOUS responses. I cried and laughed at the same time. I might have even snorted. At my penis.

June 4, 2012 at 7:50PM

TLMcCallan: Just say no to expository dialogue. I LOVE it, Turtle. I don't say no to much, but damn if you ain't right on that.

June 4, 2012 at 8:11PM

TLMcCallan: @Celtic Soul - Many good conversations come from talking with a penis. I know. I've been there. ;)

June 4, 2012 at 8:12PM

TLMcCallan: @Purr - We find that little niche, don't we? How wonderful is that? It made me smile to log back on after I'd cooled to see that my FS advocates had my literary back. That. Just. Rocks.

June 4, 2012 at 8:16PM

TLMcCallan: @Lady & Louis THANK YOU!!!!Expository dialogue does suck. But, in order to help my friends who don't know what that means: Info-dumping via your characters' speaking with one another is no bueno. A reader will see through it. Aaaaand the reviewers on FS will happily help you with that!

June 4, 2012 at 8:19PM

TLMcCallan: And Border Reiver, you make a very good point. I think there are definitely stories where a character talking with oneself is ideal. This guy isn't "that guy", if that makes sense? He's quiet and methodical and very dark. Nothing really going on except his play-by. But you make a good point. Should I have another one character chapter, I'll certainly look to see if single dialogue will add a little "spice" to the chapter. Thank you for you insight.

June 7, 2012 at 12:12AM

I know it's been a long time since I came around, been a long time, but I'm back in town and this time I'm just wonderin' WTF is with the, "Copy and Paste my Link" into your browser when I go to review a story?

Is this new?

T

redrider6612: huh?

January 3, 2012 at 9:54PM

TLMcCallan: Right?! (Sorry, I ripped off the beginning words to a Lady Gaga song). Anyway... I clicked on a story that sounded interesting. The "story" had a redirect link. Before my now, HORRIBLLY rusty cop instincts finally kicked in, I "skipped" it. Anyone else experiencing anything similar? Thanks, T

January 3, 2012 at 10:28PM

shelley kaye: uhh.... what? :-/

January 4, 2012 at 10:07AM

TLMcCallan: I'll take that as a no. I just thought it weird that FS would allow someone to submit a story which had only a redirect link which would lead to another site. I didn't click on it, but other's might. Don't know if it's a malicious link or not. JUST FYI. --T

January 4, 2012 at 10:18AM

TLMcCallan: *others

January 4, 2012 at 10:19AM

another jim: At best it's a fluke, at worst, malicious. Either way, my cybergeek friends always warn me to NEVER click on a link unless I know for sure where it's taking me. Good advice, that. Maybe Tom would like to know about it, too? And maybe you can tell us all which story redirected you? I was thinking we could gather up our torches and pitchforks and pay the author a visit...

January 4, 2012 at 12:01PM

TLMcCallan: A-- Yeah, you'd think I'd've been smart enough to remember the story. I'll go through them again to see what flags for me. If I find it again, I'll certainly sound the alarm and gather my rake. --T

January 4, 2012 at 12:24PM

It is so good to get back to creative writing. As a freelance writer/author, I find I'm spending more time on the work aspect of writing and not the fun aspect...like making stuff up!

Well, hi everyone! I know it's been a while since I've checked in, but I want you all to know I still think about you quite a lot. I'll have to get busy and post some stuff here soon!

How is everyone? Would LOVE to hear some updates!

Tamara

dbmccarter: Hope you will post. I enjoyed your work.

December 20, 2011 at 1:20AM

Turtle... who?: I'm still moving my feet

December 20, 2011 at 7:57AM

sasil: Hiya! I'm not a premiere member (right now), but still peeking in to review here and there. Post soon and PM me, so I get first-crack at your new stuff. How's promo on 8th House? Making headway on 5th House? Still think that sounds like a cool trashy bar out in the middle of a bayou. Mmmm...maybe some sexy lycans and a coven or two...OO!

December 22, 2011 at 11:49AM

TLMcCallan: T, s, and d, GREAT to see you all are still kickin'. I will be posting some new stuff soon. It's a paranormal thriller entitled, The Fetch. I'm really looking forward to writing it. Because I suck as a fanstory friend, I haven't been on the site in a while. (OBVIOUSLY) How are you all doing in your writing? Anything new? T-still writing your epic novel? :) Let me know, guys, I look forward to becoming reaquainted soon. Tamara

January 2, 2012 at 6:52PM

dbmccarter: So glad you are coming back. I have missed your work. Lost any more dogs?

January 2, 2012 at 9:32PM

dbmccarter: Oh yeah!! Happy New Year.

January 2, 2012 at 11:23PM

TLMcCallan: D- Nope, the electric fence cured that. Though, I did have to put my Vizsla, Dixie down in November. Heartbreaking that was. But this year is going to be a great year. I'm working on another book and hope to have some stuff posted soon. How is your writing going? T

January 3, 2012 at 3:55PM

dbmccarter: Pretty good. I think I need to get serious. It is fun just to do what comes into your mind. You have published. How do you get to that point.

January 3, 2012 at 10:57PM

In the meantime, I'm keeping it honest. Sales are slow, but I can attribute that to all my friends and family finally runnning out. Those purchasing the book now, will be legit and via word of mouth. I'm cool with that. It is reality.

Time to market:

I have a lovely (free) presentation I will shop to my local libraries. I've entitled it" Becoming an Author (hard carrier return) The Journey. I public speak by profession so I think my journey might help others.

Would anyone be interested in sharing a writing related anecdote or two? If you are intersted, please provide information so I can credit your thoughts. (and plug your writing)

Send to:tlmccallanauthor@gmail.com)

If you have a website, EVEN BETTER. I'd love to profile it with your permission.
Thank you guys for all your help. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

You have my email. Remember, we're a team. I can't wait to pay it forward.

Tamara

NO. Idea.

sasil: You're way ahead of me in the game--I'm still sharpening my pencils here, though I have had a few shorts accepted for publication in the August issue of Fictitious Magazine (non-paying ezine, but it's a start). Currently working three plots/casts of characters and breaking into poetry as a means of narrowing my focus. Ever try outlining your plot in poetic form? Brutal, but effective way of paring down to the nitty gritty and staying on track! So excited for you and wishing you well in your marketing--I hear self-promo's a b-, eh, "big" endeavor. Looking forward to updates on your progress and tactics. S.

July 2, 2011 at 11:34PM

TLMcCallan: Sasil, the, "poetic narrowing" is something I use! It's a more business related model but the final objective is the same. In the homestretch. :)

July 5, 2011 at 12:20AM

sasil: "You can DO it!" (Ok, I've seen way too many Adam Sandler movies).

July 6, 2011 at 2:28AM

Still here. How are you?

another jim: Still here, schizophrenia and all. And yes, I'm fine. And so am I...

June 29, 2011 at 10:25AM

shelley kaye: still here and all my little friends too....

June 29, 2011 at 4:03PM

TLMcCallan: Wait? Didn't you have a little dog, too?

July 2, 2011 at 2:49AM

TLMcCallan: Or was that me? Maybe I had a little dog. And some slippers. And WTF is up with that house? Whoa, are those FEET sticking out from under it? Holy shit, I'm outta here.

July 2, 2011 at 2:50AM

sasil: Hey! Gimme back my shoes! (my broom is busted)

July 3, 2011 at 12:26AM

Hey, my FanStory friends. Thanks to the major contribution of a few select people on FanStory, my novel The Eighth House is now available on Kindle.

BIG BREATH.

I'm terrified.

Thanks to: T, to S, to C, to D,. My book is what it is because of your polishing cloth. Love you guys. Though I've never met you. Do you think we can meet some day? Soon?

sasil: Way to go! Now I can go finish reading about Nash (drool....) Is it listed under TLMcCallan? I'm so psyched for you! *dancing to the Low Rider Song for you in happiness*

June 11, 2011 at 11:32PM

sasil: Hey-new pic--this the author photo for the back cover of your new release? You look so happy, and you SHOULD be!

June 11, 2011 at 11:33PM

dbmccarter: congratulations. You give me hope. Did I miss some of the chapters.

June 12, 2011 at 2:07AM

TLMcCallan: Hey, all. Thanks for the support. It is greatly appreciated. The book can be found under Kindle then The Eighth House. And yes, Sasil, that is my author photo! And yes, I AM happy. And I too, am groovin' to Low, ri-dah. ;) D- I don't think so. I removed all but one from the site.

June 14, 2011 at 10:50PM

TLMcCallan: Oh, and by the way, if you all purchase the book, may I ask that you also take a little extra time and write a review? It will help my sales. Thank you so much. --Tamara

June 14, 2011 at 10:54PM

sasil: I checked and you have 2 five-star reviews so far. Keep up the momentum and shout when The Fifth House comes out (lol, almost sounds like the name of a cool bar).

June 22, 2011 at 1:15AM

TLMcCallan: Hey, all. I just read my last post. While I could delete it, I won't. My enthusiasm overrode my soul. How rude to ask for a review? Please accept my apology. Write a review if you feel compelled to do so. Tell me to pound sand if you feel compelled to do so as well.;)

June 25, 2011 at 2:09AM

TLMcCallan: sasil- You and me. GREAT name for a bar. Thanks for supporting me, even through my gross "etiquette" snafus.

June 25, 2011 at 2:11AM

TLMcCallan: For those interested. The book recieved its 3rd 5-star review tonight. I don't even knpow that to say. I'm reading the words and they're all honest. With exception of one, I don't sense smoke-blowing up my ass.

June 25, 2011 at 2:14AM

Turtle... who?: I need to catch up with my stuff... :/ I could have swore I left a review for that story. Way to go on letting the bird to sky.

June 28, 2011 at 7:42PM

sasil: ROTFL---Pretty sure you'd sense that, TLM. *giggle* Congrats on the reviews and best wishes for future sales. Maybe I could do an email interview for my writing school's newsletter--promo for both of us! I don't have Kindle (low-tech dweeb, I know), but need to figure a way to finish reading first so I can speak knowledgeably (I'll use spell-check--I promise). Best to the best--S.

June 30, 2011 at 1:20AM

Just checking in. Everyone still alive and well?

another jim: Hang on... **searches for pulse and fails to find one** Just as I suspected: I'm dead. So to answer your question, no.

June 4, 2011 at 7:12AM

TLMcCallan: Ah, shit. Sucks for you. ;P

June 4, 2011 at 9:42PM

Hey, authors, I'm going to have take a bit of a hiatus. My job is super-demanding during the summer months.

Turtle--I'm still on board. Pleae keep sending and I'll keep reviewing/critiquing.

Thanks everyone, for everything. FS rocks.

Ask, and an author will receive.

Damn.

TLMcCallan: Indeed. Indeed. The most recent chapter's been torn apart. LOVE it.

April 29, 2011 at 12:28AM

Hoping to receive an honest critique. Not a review.

Waiting...waiting...waiting...

:(

Turtle... who?: I'll try.

April 27, 2011 at 7:11PM

TLMcCallan: So will I. First full day back.

April 27, 2011 at 7:24PM

Been a busy few weeks. Weddings, life, etcetera. I am back in action and ready to review and submit. Looking forward to getting back into the game.

BRING...IT...ON.

Turtle? I'm on it.

A? On it.

Carolyn? On it.

The rest of you? On it.

Looking forward to reading some really good stuff.

T

sasil: Thank God!

April 26, 2011 at 9:40PM

TLMcCallan: Right?!

April 27, 2011 at 4:15PM

A big shout-out to sasil. You rock, woman. Thanks for the plug.

sasil: Hey, no--thank YOU for some pretty cool romance reading, woman!! YOU rock!

April 14, 2011 at 9:55PM

TLMcCallan: Awww, shucks. ;)

April 15, 2011 at 10:14PM

Feedback,, feedback, feedback. We know our work is good on the inside. Let's make it good on the outside.

Turtle... who?: Cheers to writing facials. :D

April 7, 2011 at 6:32PM

TLMcCallan: Hell, yeah!

April 8, 2011 at 12:42AM

Took the GSXR out again today. Did a little canyon carving. Not too much though. It was WAY windy, Especially at the top of those big hills they call the Rockies.

First ride of the season on the GSXR. Beautiful 71 degree riding weather. No wind. Just sunshine, and lots of pavement. Tomorrow? Rinse, ride, and repeat. WAHOO!

Fired up the GSXR today. Dear all that is holy, please give me a stretch of warm days to ride him like an unbroken stallion.

Is that too much to ask?

TLMcCallan: Warm but windy day today...too windy to ride...I'll scratch the itch, but soon, it will turn into a fever. The only cure for that will be Spring. Can I get a shout-out for SPRING?! Hello? Spring? Hello? Fever? Hello Spring (you all can finish it from here.) ;)

March 22, 2011 at 12:56AM

Lexy Lou: What Daddy's bought you that shirt! I think I may have been there!

March 22, 2011 at 5:42PM

TLMcCallan: I'm surprised we even remember, what with the copious amounts of alcohol we consumed! What a week! Love you!

March 22, 2011 at 8:21PM

TLMcCallan: I feel a little like Richard Bachman today. Interesting.

March 23, 2011 at 2:39AM

TLMcCallan: Tomorrow, I write. I have solitude, and a happy sense of quietness. I might take a crack at getting my muse's attention.

March 23, 2011 at 2:50AM

TLMcCallan: Read some GREAT poems tonight. Now I have to wonder: How can I be like THEM when I grow up? I don't think I can express in 90,000 words what they manage to express in 7 or 25 (less or more) lines. Damn. There is a LOT of talent on this website. A LOT.

March 29, 2011 at 1:19AM

Daisy in the Sun: Hey used-to-be neighbor...I'm from Colorado too! I'm currently a long way from home but it sure is nice to see a friendly face.~Brandi

March 30, 2011 at 7:22PM

TLMcCallan: Where in Colorado? Do tell! And where have your travels taken you these days? I am not Native. I am, however, Native Florida.

March 31, 2011 at 2:47AM

TLMcCallan: So Me and the New Zealanders are moving north. For no other reason than for our boobs. Can I get a shout-out for the boobs? (SBE's are the way to go! The Ta-tas rock!)

March 31, 2011 at 4:52AM

Daisy in the Sun: Not a native...wah? That's ok, most people aren't, luckily I'm not most people. I'm a bit of a gypsy, I've covered the land between La Porte just north of Fort Collins to just south of Colorado Springs. At the moment I'm in lil rhody. I plan on movin to I don't know new hampshire or vermont. Where ever the wind takes me...just as long as it's soon I can't take this city life. How'd you wind up in Colorado?

March 31, 2011 at 6:34PM

Daisy in the Sun: Did you say boobs? All hail the Ta-tas!

March 31, 2011 at 6:36PM

TLMcCallan: ALL HAIL the TATAS!

April 1, 2011 at 2:55AM

Daisy in the Sun: Hahaha went I saw a sign last night that their having a bowling for tatas night at the local bowling alley;)

April 2, 2011 at 5:41PM

Daisy in the Sun: I swear I was not under the influence while writing that last comment;)

April 2, 2011 at 9:22PM

TLMcCallan: Uh, huh. S'okay. I would have been. ;)

April 3, 2011 at 5:01PM

TLMcCallan: Under the influence, not bowling for Tatas. Unless it was for a good cause. Jesus, I need to quit while I'm ahead.

April 3, 2011 at 5:01PM