Meet the Characters

I want you to get to know some of the characters of my novel Claiming Peace, Book 3 in the Caney Creek Series. For the next few Mondays I’ll interview one of the characters and you can leave comments if you want. I think this might help you when you read my novel to know how these characters feel as they move through the story. If you leave a comment on this blog that is totally related to the interview I'll give you an extra entry in the next Thursday book drawing.

Today I’m talking with Jim Callaway in Newton, Tennessee

Good Morning, Mr. Callaway. Are you the Mr. Callaway who owns the Southeastern Hosiery mill? 

Yes, ma’am, I am.

Have you lived in Newton all your life?

I’ve lived in Sanford County all my life. I moved to Newton in 1929. Before then I lived on a farm with my family and brothers and sisters.

Was that a big adjustment for you, moving from a farm to the city?

Yes, it was. But I had the determination to do what I had to do to make it work.

Looking around your office and this fine mill, I’d say your determination paid off.

Yes, ma’am, I put in some long days of hard work at the mill before the Great Depression hit Tennessee. The owner had to close the mill but when World War II started he was able to open the mill again because of orders from the government to supply all the soldiers.

Did the owner die?

Yes, he did. The owner and his wife were killed in a car crash. Their wills left the mill to me. I’ve tried to run it like he always did.

Mr. Callaway, do you have a family?

I’m married to Caroline, the daughter of the former owner of the mill, and we have a son and a daughter. I have two sisters who live here in Newton and two brothers who are in Korea.

Newton seems to be a small town. What do the citizens do for fun?

One of my sisters, Emmajean, is dating a young lawyer and they seem to find things to do even if it’s going to the drugstore for a milkshake. My other sister, Shirley Ann, is married and is an ER nurse at the hospital. She and her husband have three teenage girls. I believe teenagers can have fun anywhere.

Are you the oldest of your siblings?

Yes, ma’am. After our parents died, I’ve tried to look after all the others.

You’ve probably had your hands full of troubles from all of them and yourself.

Yes, as a whole, we’ve all had our ups and downs. My best friend is Arthur Gray. He’s married to Callie who is the sister of my deceased wife. They’re having a little trouble with their son who is a senior in high school. Their daughter, Jennifer, is a couple years behind her brother and is a sweetie. Their mother, Callie, has some health problems we’re all concerned about. So, seems like somebody has a problem most all the time. But that’s the way life is.

And they all turn to you about their problems?

Most of the time. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think it makes us stronger when we help each other carry our burdens.

Well, thank you for talking with me. I’ll leave and get out of your way.

You’re welcome, ma’am.

The winner of last Thursday's blog post for a copy of  The Nun and the Narc by Catherine Castle is BarbaraT. I'll email you. Thanks all for commenting. Watch for more book giveaways.

Till next time … keep on smiling.