A Q & A with Thomas O’Callaghan at Authors Answers
Twitter: @TomOCallaghan_
Many films have influenced my writing over the years. The Silence of the Lambs had an enormous impact. In his screenplay, Ted Tally did an outstanding job in his adaptation of the work of thriller writer, Thomas Harris. The casting director should have been awarded an Oscar for selecting Anthony Hopkins to portray Hannibal Lecter. He surely brought the fascinating character to life! Tony Curtis's portrayal of Albert DeSalvo in The Boston Strangler, released in 1968, also had an influence on my depiction of the serial killers featured in all of my work.
Oddly enough, I'm no longer much of a reader. Before I began my writing career, I was often seen with a paperback in hand. Since the art of writing involves editing it's impossible for me to read a novel without reconstructing every sentence inside my head. It boggles the mind! My non-writing activity includes watching British TV. I'm especially drawn to crime series featured on BritBox via Amazon Prime, though I need to enable ‘closed caption’ as those Brits speak a different variation of English. I also enjoy strolling the beach in summer, and during any season I like to explore the natural resources of New York City such as its many parks.
My family! I've been married for thirty-eight years to the lovely Eileen who truly re-defines the word 'lovely'. She's beautiful in every respect, and her empathetic nature brings solace to everyone she encounters. Together we share a joy-filled life spent in the company of our daughter, Kelliann and her bundle of joy, Kristin, who reside less than a mile away. Kristin, by the way calls me PaPa simply to watch me melt.
There are two articles of clothing I wear on a regular basis that reveal interesting facets of my life. They are a pair of casual sweatshirts. The first one is no secret as emblazoned across the chest are these words: Be Careful Or You'll End Up In My Novel. The second one, which is a college sweatshirt I acquired several years ago, is from Pace University in New York City. Did I attend classes there? No. What's interesting about this particular sweatshirt, though not known to everyone, is that I was wearing it the day Kristin, my granddaughter, was born. By the way, Kristin will be heading off to attend Quinnipiac University as a freshman in September. She's promised to bring home two things. Good grades and a Quinnipiac sweatshirt for me!
I do not speak a second language. But, I'm drawn to the sound of anyone speaking French. There's something soothing about its lyrical resonance. I once unknowingly walked four blocks out of my way entranced by a conversation between two woman speaking French while strolling north on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. I had no clue what they were saying. I was simply caught up in its melodic embrace.
