LINE OF SIGHT
Paul G. Wright
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Mystery
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
It
is 1995, and intelligence operative Lora Chandler, a.k.a. Agent Vogel, is
tasked with investigating the claim that Professor Simon Blackmarr has cracked
the invisibility problem. A mission that leads her back to the half-forgotten
beach town of Lancaster, Florida. Home to estranged love interest, and
newspaper reporter Richard Davis. Her feelings for him have never really died,
and matters become even more complicated when Vogel learns that Blackmarr's
breakthrough is legitimate. A scientific discovery that —in the wrong hands —
could alter the balance of global power. The stakes become even higher when the
professor is abducted from the university, forcing Vogel back into the shadowy
realm of espionage to find out who and why. It will take all the skill and
cunning Lora Chandler possesses to stop a threat that could have devastating
consequences for her personal life — and the world at large.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt
Two:
Professor Simon Blackmarr was a modest man who did not enjoy
giving lectures. He never quite knew what to say and needed everything written
down. His notes frequently got jumbled and he tended to lose his place, often
leaving him searching through papers in the middle of an important point.
Giving speeches was not his strong suit and he preferred the
classroom, where he could dialogue with his students. Or better still, the
laboratory, where he could focus his attention on solving a single problem. No
distractions, no interruptions, just the work. Time would simply melt away.
Unfortunately, the university required these talks. Once a
semester, he was expected to give a detailed account of his research and report
his findings. It was as dull for him as it was for the poor souls who attended.
Turnout was usually sparse—just faculty and those students currently taking his
classes. Occasionally, some of his peers dropped in, and now and then a few
curious civilians, but not much more.
Tonight, promised to be no different.
He’d made an interesting discovery that could have some
unique applications, but it was still in the earliest stages. Further research
and further testing were required before a final analysis could be reached.
Which was why he disliked mentioning it.
But it was required.
Simon sighed as he looked over the handwritten pages and
adjusted his spectacles. He could be home watching TV now or taking a walk. He
stood in the wings as Dr. Stewart introduced him. Dr. Stewart spoke in a stiff
monotone and was shaped like a pear. Blackmarr didn’t care for her. She waddled
when she moved and was never satisfied with any answer you gave her.
“And now without further ado,” wheezed Stewart. “Professor
Simon Blackmarr.”
He looked upward and winced. On with the show.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finding New Challenges
Before
Line of Sight, I’d never
written a spy-thriller. Most of my previous work, including my debut novel A
College Story, was more character-driven and grounded in personal
experience. Shifting gears to write a high-stakes, fast-paced thriller was both
intimidating and exciting. The genre demanded I raise the stakes, tighten the
pacing, and make every moment count. All of which pushed me to grow as a
writer.
For
example, I had to figure out how to create satisfying twists while still
leaving enough clues for readers to connect the dots. One scene that stands out
in my memory has Agent Vogel, the protagonist, confronting her fear of heights.
The setting—a precarious catwalk—was designed to amplify the tension, creating
a moment full of claustrophobia and psychological challenges. Writing it was a
balancing act. I wanted to make the action realistic and visceral, but I also
needed to highlight Vogel’s
emotional state. I wanted readers to see her as a real person, facing real
fears, rather than a kind of superhero. I rewrote that scene several times
before I felt it accurately captured this moment. Looking back, it reminds me
how rewarding it can be to push through challenges in the creative process.
Agent
Vogel was inspired by one of my closest friends from high school. She’s a tomboyish, no-nonsense type with a
sharp wit and an unshakable sense of determination. A true force to be reckoned
with. Writing a character who embodied so much of her personality felt like a
way to celebrate our friendship and the adventures we’ve
shared over the years.
I
also drew inspiration from James Bond, classic thrillers, and television series
like The Equalizer.
When I hit a creative roadblock, I would ask myself: how would those writers
handle this situation? What would they do to keep the tension high and the
reader engaged? This process not only motivated me to push through difficult
moments but also challenged me to stretch further as a storyteller. I wanted to
strike a balance between adrenaline-pumping action and meaningful character
moments, which gave the book its own unique identity.
Now
that I’ve started work on a sequel to Line
of Sight, I find myself drawing on the lessons I learned during that
experience. I want to continue raising the stakes and crafting intricate,
tightly woven plots that keep readers hooked. I’m
also excited to revisit Agent Vogel. The new book will delve deeper into her
background, introducing new layers to her character and new challenges that
test her in unexpected ways. It will also bring fresh faces into her world,
adding new dynamics to explore.
Perhaps
the biggest takeaway from writing Line of Sight is that stepping out of
your comfort zone as a writer can lead to some of your most fulfilling work. It’s a lesson I’ll
carry with me, not just into my next book, but into everything I write.
—
Paul G. Wright
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Paul
G. Wright is a native of Atlanta, GA. He has worked as a newspaper journalist,
freelance writer, and screenwriter. He studied acting at the Warehouse Actors
Theater and earned his degree in filmmaking from Columbia College Hollywood, in
Tarzana, CA. He currently resides in the Atlanta area with his wife and their
cat Dusty.
Website:
https://www.paulgwright.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/paulwrightauthor/
Amazon
Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-G.-Wright/author/B08LYG7V88
Buy
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Line-Sight-Paul-G-Wright/dp/0228633524
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY
Paul
G. Wright will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn
winner.
Thank you for featuring LINE OF SIGHT.
ReplyDeleteCover really brings this tale to life.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite part of being a writer?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it would make a great video trailer! Is there one?
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds very intriguing. I love the ominous cover. Very effective.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the excerpt & guest post! :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks very promising. Thanks for sharing and hosting this tour.
ReplyDeleteFabulous author bio
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Finding New Challenges segment.
ReplyDeleteLooks very impressive
ReplyDelete