Adventures in freakdom.
Lordy.
On or around October 1st, I got it into my head that I might try my hand at a long piece of fiction. Like, book long. I sat down and penned a scene (which I posted here) in which a father gets a phone call in the middle of the night from his son…who has been dead for almost a year.
Five months and almost eighty thousand words later, I’m so close to the end I can taste it. If things go the way I want, I’ll finish it this weekend.
So I say; I’m quite the procrastinator. It’s far easier to think about writing something than actually write it.
Once I’m done, and have it polished up–something else I’ve been doing along the way–to where I want it, I’ll hand it off to an agent to be sold.
(he said, full of confidence)
It’s funny. They say that writing the book is the easy part. It’ll be fun to see how the next part goes.
Not that anyone ever still reads here, given my proclivity for long absences, below is my hook for the novel. If you’re a thriller reader, would something like this pique your interest?
(comments greatly appreciated)
What would a father do to save his child?
Matt Freeman could not be happier when his son Andrew is miraculously cured of terminal cancer by an experimental gene therapy treatment. Then, Andrew is killed in a freak accident, and Matt’s life disintegrates around him.
A year later, he is still struggling with his loss when a midnight call brings a single electrifying word: “Daddy?”
He races into the Nevada desert to find Andrew not only alive but in possession of an incredible new ability, on the run from those he calls “bad people.” Now Matt must protect his son from an unknown enemy willing to stop at nothing to get Andrew back—who has the resources to turn Las Vegas into a full-scale battlezone.
This is going to be the longest day of his life.
(working title: No Limit)
In honor of the day, and the man.
If you want to get notified whenever Fred writes a journal entry, this link will do the trick.
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DARNIT. And here I’ve been stuck wondering what happens after chapter four!!! Ya big meanie.
That hook would DEFINITELY get me to pick up the book, sounds like something right up my alley. Good luck with the agent!
I do read quite a few thrillers, and this hook intrigues me (especially the incredible new ability teaser). My only personal reservation would be that I tend to shy away from “children in jeopardy” books. Good luck!
Absolutely, I would read it! The ONLY thing I’d suggest changing in your hook is eluding more directly to the age of the son. When I began to read your hook, and your explanation beforehand, I was under the impression that this was an adult son, or a teen. However, in the hook when he says, “Daddy”, and refers to the “bad people”, that makes me think he was quite young. I’m the mother of a 4yo and 9yo (both boys,) and “bad people” is something I would expect my 4yo to say when describing someone that meant to do him harm.
Just a thought. Other than that, let me know when it’s published, and how I can get a signed copy (also have a signed copy of your first book.)
Cheers!
[It is also blatantly obvious that I didn't read the advanced chapter - I have been out of commission for several months (Robyn probably thought I fell off the face of the planet - I used to design many of her blog banners,) but I'm well now, and trying to catch up with life. Love your writing - always have.]
I’m caught up with your little fiction nuggets now. But I’m hankerin’ for a full meal. FEED ME!
Good stuff, Fred. Good stuff.
I thought it was a good hook, but I also was confused about the age of the son, I think that needs to be clearer.
Sounds really, really good. Did you outline your story, plan it out in advance, or just wing it?
I’m an obsessive plotter, Donna. Too many things going on at once for me to just wing it. I’m not that good.
(also, the son is eleven when he ‘dies’; I’ve changed the official hook text, but not the entry here)
Can’t wait for the book, great story idea!
How long do you think it will be before it’s available?
Love the book idea. One question - why does the father run to Nevada? Sure,it’ll be played out in the book, but maybe the hook should read “Matt finds himself racing to the Nevada desert”, etc, etc
Also the line “will stop at nothing” is cliche.
I’m intrigued by the rest, though, man! I’ll buy it up
Great hook, and I do think the storyline sounds intriquing. Remember to use that “hook/pitch” when you write queries and/or synopsis to an agent.
Also, google literary agents. There’s quite a few who have personal blogs online, and learning about their likes/dislikes helps you understand the kind of individual you’d be working with.
Good luck and congratulations on finishing a novel. That is a great accomplishment!
I thought it was a good hook. I’ll have to go back and read past excerpts (I take it there are some?) because I gave up on this site awhile back. I checked you out again because Robyn mentioned it on her site.
Over here from Robyn’s site … LOVE the book hook. Would ABSOLUTELY read it.
It is just the kind of book I would buy!! Can’t wait to find out that it is in print. I also came over again because of Robyn’s mention. Now that the book writing is almost over, I hope you will write on the blog more often. Love the way you tell a tale.
It sounds exactly what I would pick up and buy after reading that hook! I am so excited for you, best of luck!
I’m over here from Robyn’s site, as well. I CAN’T WAIT to read your new book. I own two things that you’ve had published, (full-length book and short story), and can’t wait for the next installment.
I think the plot you’ve come up with sounds really, really great.
GOOD LUCK!!!!