Claudia Barry owned Manhattan’s West 33rd Street.
She stayed close to the buildings, away from the crowds, aware of every face. Every movement got her attention. It was an old habit and hard to break. It had kept her alive. She took deliberate strides toward 8th Street.
The drizzle had stopped, the skies were still overcast, and the sidewalk wet. It would have been impossible for her to miss the action fifty feet ahead of her.
The Big News:
This week’s sample is the first eight sentences from A Year Without Killing (my third book.) It recently was selected as a finalist in the East Texas Writers Guild’s First Chapter Book Awards.
According to Roger Middleton, president of the Guild, “We received an overwhelming number of entries from around the world, including authors submitting from Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Cyprus, Italy, South Africa, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.”
Each entry was judged by three different judges from a panel representing, editors, authors, educators, and avid book readers. An additional three judges were brought in to select winners from the finalists.
Read the entire first chapter of A Year Without Killing, HERE.
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24 responses to “Third Novel Wins Award”
Daelyn Morgana
August 9th, 2015 at 21:24
Congrats on the award! I’m curious what it’s kept her alive from, and what the scuffle is up ahead.
FCEtier
August 9th, 2015 at 22:18
Here’s what happened 50 yds ahead: http://venturegalleries.com/blog/monday-sampler-a-year-without-killing-by-fcetier/
She’s a professional assassin. Her awareness of her surroundings and potential threats is a survival tactic.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Daelyn Morgana
August 10th, 2015 at 03:48
Professional assassin? Awesome!
Gem
August 9th, 2015 at 09:17
Congrats on the first chapter award. So what’s fifty feet ahead? I definitely want to find out. I look forward to more.
FCEtier
August 9th, 2015 at 09:53
Here’s the entire first chapter right here, Gem.
http://venturegalleries.com/blog/monday-sampler-a-year-without-killing-by-fcetier/
pmillhouse
August 9th, 2015 at 07:55
I visited Manhattan two weeks ago with the Romance Writers of America for the first time. Claudia’s view of Uptown put me right back in the city. Great snippet, and congrats on your award!
jtsuruoka
August 9th, 2015 at 00:50
Nice snippet, Mr. Etier. I know that area well– your snippet made me homesick for Manhattan!
Linda Hamonou
August 4th, 2015 at 22:53
Nice introduction to the action in front of her, it made me curious about what’s happening.
elainecsc2013
August 3rd, 2015 at 00:09
Congratulations! That’s wonderful, and it does make me want to keep reading.
Teresa Cypher
August 2nd, 2015 at 15:02
Ooh, congrats, Chip! Wonderful news–and your writing is so deserving of this! 🙂
nancygideon
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:47
Congrats! Strong scene. Very compelling. Says so much in so few words. Want to read more!
veronicascott
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:10
Excellent excerpt as always and congratulations on the award!
Jess Schira (@ridingnwriting)
August 2nd, 2015 at 09:54
Congratulations!!! That’s a fantastic accomplishment!
Iris B
August 2nd, 2015 at 02:26
Great excerpt … and congratulations !!!
chellecordero
August 2nd, 2015 at 00:57
What a terrific opening, very powerful words. And great tension and hook with action just 50-feet ahead.
P.T. Wyant
August 2nd, 2015 at 00:32
Congrats! And I want to know what the action is..
FCEtier
August 2nd, 2015 at 06:53
Thanks!
The link to Chaper One is in the section above with the “Big News.”
You can read the first 34 chapters here: http://venturegalleries.com/serial-title/a-year-without-killing/
Jennifer Reynolds
August 1st, 2015 at 21:45
Great Snippet and Congratulations. 🙂
siobhanmuir
August 1st, 2015 at 20:08
Old habits die hard, and I don’t blame her at all. Great snippet, Chip. 🙂 And congratulations on the award nomination! 🙂
Seyi sandra
August 1st, 2015 at 17:11
Congratulations to you!!! 🙂
FCEtier
August 1st, 2015 at 20:10
Thanks so much!
marthajaneorlando
August 1st, 2015 at 16:58
So thrilled for you, Chip, at winning such a prestigious award! Kudos, my friend! You deserve it!
Author Charmaine Gordon
August 1st, 2015 at 16:41
Wonderful excerpt that makes me want to turn the page to the action fifty feet ahead.
Congratulations on the award, Chip. I’m so proud of you.
FCEtier
August 1st, 2015 at 20:11
Thanks Charmaine, I appreciate your encouragement!