Saturday, February 2, 2013

Feb. 3, Weekend Writing Warriors


News
       Please accept this invitation to check in with us right here, every Sunday for a new snippett from the writings of author FCEtier, a contributor to the "Weekend Writing Warriors" project.

The Set Up
       Continuing with our precident of sampling the current chapter of the serial novel, The Presidents Club, this week's excerpt is from Chapter Five, which goes live Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013.
       Ex-FBI agent, John Hixon, spends an evening alone with his three dogs. Tonight, he reads a "Dear John" letter from his lover to his Bavarian mountain hound, Caroline.
Image credit:  Fredric Duhayer - Royal Canin


The Eight Sentences
     
He picked up the single letter that Mr. Jimmy had for him from the rented box in Waynesville and he spoke to the female canine, “Caroline, let’s see what Claudia wrote.”

At the mention of her name, the hound raised her head for a moment then resumed her relaxed position.

He opened the envelope and unfolded what looked like a piece of hotel stationery sans the letterhead. “I guess she didn’t want me to know where she was staying,” he said out loud. 

Then he read to the dogs, “Dear John, Don’t worry, this is not a ‘Dear John’ letter! (ha ha) How would you like to spend the winter with me in the Caymans? You can come to my retirement party.” 

She didn’t even sign her name.


What now?
       Visit the home site of Weekend Writing Warriors to sample the work of dozens of other great writers. 

26 comments:

  1. I love the device--reading a letter to his hound. Wonderful. I'll have to catch up on earlier snippets, Frank. :-) Good eight!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Teresa.
      I never know what the eclectic Mr. Hixon will do next!

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  2. Love the atmosphere and drama you create with just this excerpt. Good job :)

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  3. Nice eight for introducing the character. Reads to his hounds--gotta love it. I find my dogs are great listeners.

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    1. Hard to find a friend more loyal than a dog.
      Thanks, Karen!

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  4. Replies
    1. Karysa,
      It was easy, we have three dogs ourselves.
      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  5. Funny with the dogs. :) Thanks for sharing.

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  6. I do like this. It makes me feel slightly better that I read aloud to my dog all the time. And the small details, like the missing letter head and the lack of signature, really make it zing.

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    Replies
    1. The devil is in the details.
      You have a good eye, Kizzia!

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  7. I've never heard of such a breed, it's beautiful. I like the humor in this week's snippet. Great job!

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    Replies
    1. I found out about Bavarian Mountain Dogs researching the other two breeds (Hixon has three dogs).
      Watch for a blog about all three,coming soon.

      Delete
  8. You've captured my attention. Now I'm going to have to go back and catch up with Caroline and "Dear John".

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Gem.
      You can find out all about John Hixon, Caroline, and Claudia in "The Tourist Killer."
      Want a review copy?

      Delete
  9. Hmm, seems like there are mixed messages in that Dear John note! Intriguing...excellent excerpt!

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  10. The device of reading a letter to his dogs shows us a lot about John and Caroline, even though she isn't there. Great device.

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  11. Very intriguing and I agree with everyone that the little bit of characterization we get from his interaction with Caroline is wonderful. Now I'm really wondering how John is going to react to this non-Dear John letter.

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    Replies
    1. Very gratifying to hear everyone's reactions. You've summed it up nicely.
      Thanks!

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  12. Replies
    1. Hixon loves those dogs and they love him. In another snippet, it was revealed that all three were "rescues."

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  13. Reading to the dog--but was the letter addressed to the dog?

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    Replies
    1. Would an ex-FBI agent commit a federal crime? :-)

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  14. Sunday can't come too soon! Can't wait for the next installment!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Martha.
      Hopefully, in a month or so (maybe April or May) TPC will move to twice a week.

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