The Eight Sentences:
“You know my history and accomplishments. Not many shooters — regardless of sex — have the resume I’ve acquired and my vision is remarkable for any human. When I chose this career, it was obvious that I would never be in the limelight. I’ll be happy to be just as anonymous as you.” Claudia had resigned herself to anonymity even before the choice of professions. She had taken herself out of the fight for women’s rights with the selection of careers, because she couldn’t attract attention to herself advocating any issue publicly and then hope to reach the upper echelons of her craft. She could, and did, find ways to make financial contributions to the cause. After her first few jobs, she had stashed away enough funds to live happily ever after when and — if she ever retired.
The Set Up:
My third novel, A Year Without Killing, will debut in December on my publisher’s site as a serial. One chapter at a time will be presented twice a week.
November will see a big promotion for The Tourist Killer to build interest in the sequel. In conjunction with these events, my snippets will be excerpts from The Tourist Killer’s flashbacks. Each of the seven parts of the book begins with a flashback into Claudia’s past. Today’s selection is from the first flashback and comes from Claudia’s meeting with the one who recruited her into the profession.
Calling all writers:
24 responses to “Claudia Barry is “The Tourist Killer””
Joyce
October 11th, 2014 at 17:07
Interesting way to present your book.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/
nicolettehugowriter
October 6th, 2014 at 18:19
Girls with guns….you know you’re in for a good read
emmygatrell
October 6th, 2014 at 07:18
Completely intrigued!
jtsuruoka
October 6th, 2014 at 00:49
Very effective. There’s a lot of weight behind your story.
Elsa Holland
October 6th, 2014 at 00:47
nice characterization!
Karen Michelle Nutt
October 6th, 2014 at 00:14
Intriguing and strong woman. I like that even in her line of work, she still looks forward to a happily-ever-after. 🙂
chellecordero
October 5th, 2014 at 22:32
Very tense snippet about a very strong woman. Nicely done and extremely intriguing.
Cecilia Corona
October 5th, 2014 at 21:28
Love it. Always enjoy reading snippets from you every week.
historysleuth1
October 5th, 2014 at 21:23
You paint a great story with your words, Chip.
caitlinstern
October 5th, 2014 at 21:09
She sounds like a smart cookie. Especially that last line, which acknowledges how dangerous her chosen profession is–so it’s good she’s donating now, and not waiting until retirement!
Charley Descoteaux
October 5th, 2014 at 18:37
Gotta love a gal who takes something as innocuous as sharp eyesight and turns it into a career she can live on AND support her causes.
Another great 8!
veronicascott
October 5th, 2014 at 17:19
I love this story, such a different premise and I’m sitting here now going “oh of course” to the thought she couldn’t very well support various things openly, etc. She really REALLY had to think through all aspects of her planned future. Wonderful writing!
elainecsc2013
October 5th, 2014 at 16:14
This is an interesting career choice for a woman, but she’s doing well. I guess she was advancing women’s rights after all.
Teresa Cypher
October 5th, 2014 at 15:24
Really, really interesting, Frank. A quagmire–what she does is a huge step for a women, and in a way, for all women. Yet she can’t make noise about it. I’d never give that a thought. Nicely done!
FCEtier
October 5th, 2014 at 15:28
Thank you Teresa.
I love quagmires, double entendres, and as one critic said(favorably), “witty word play.”
Author Charmaine Gordon
October 5th, 2014 at 09:58
Breathless once again from your eight. You’re one helluva a writer, sir. Not many women in this line of work. Two I recall from the movies. Great characters. Prizzi’s Honor and The Sting. Enough with the tough guys.
FCEtier
October 5th, 2014 at 10:17
Thank you! I appreciate your comment.
Sarah W
October 5th, 2014 at 09:25
It never occurred to me that a professional assassin would have to modify or subsume her political leanings for her career, just like the rest of us. Claudia is amazingly complex, Chip—and I’d follow her anywhere (from a safe distance). 🙂
FCEtier
October 5th, 2014 at 09:28
Thanks Sarah. I spent a lot of time in the effort to fashion a character with which all readers could identify.
Gem Sivad
October 5th, 2014 at 07:04
Hmmm…I’m thinking the women’s movement might have progressed a tad faster if she’d used her “skills” and joined in. 🙂
FCEtier
October 5th, 2014 at 09:30
LOL, thanks, Gem.
As TTK opens, Claudia’s target is a female serial killer. Throughout most of her career though, most of her “clients” have been men.
Linda Hamonou
October 5th, 2014 at 00:25
I’m wondering if the real issue is “if she ever retired” but more if she stays alive long enough to enjoy it.
EE Giorgi
October 5th, 2014 at 00:02
great job in introducing a strong, female character in just a few sentences!
zeldabenjamin
October 4th, 2014 at 20:22
Claudia definitely has a past that will be difficult to leave behind. You’ve got my interest.