Welcome to another edition of Weekend Writing Warriors! At the risk of appearing commitment-phobic, this month I’m sampling from various story starts, trying to decide which to get serious about next. Having completed and submitted my last WIP after much suffering and hair-pulling, I’m indulging in the writerly impulse to go play with whatever story is new and shiny. As far as getting things done, not a good plan. But it’s fun and I hope you have fun playing along.
This week I’m sampling from the opening of a contemporary fantasy/mystery set in Phoenix.
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The apartment building should’ve been torn down about twenty years ago. A fire hazard, an eyesore and a den of iniquity all rolled into one architectural disaster, it teetered on the brink of collapse near the gritty western edge of downtown Phoenix. Detective Sergeant Lucas Fortier accepted a paper cup of coffee from his partner, Sandra Teasdale, with heartfelt gratitude. It had been one hell of a night and answering a homicide call at 4 AM had not been on his to-do list for Sunday morning.
“Barney Baker,” she said in response to his unasked question. “Ran a dubious real estate business, occasional bookie at the dog track, legendary alcoholic.”
“And we know it’s a homicide because . . . ?”
“Because of the bowie knife in his back.”
***
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or perhaps their current work in progress. Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! I heartily invite you to participate as a reader, writer, or both. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book. Click here or copy & paste this address: http://www.wewriwa.com
Alexis Duran 
Well the knife in his back should be obvious that it’s a homicide. I like that this story is set in Phoenix as I want to move to Arizona one day.
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That would indeed be an excellent reason to think it’s a homicide!
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I like these two characters already and you’ve only given me a glimpse.
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Dynamite introduction to your characters. Right away you’ve capture my interest.
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The first two lines are gold. Awesome description. And the final line hooked me the way only a bowie knife can. Great job!
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Love the description of the building! I can see it right in front of me. I dunno- he might have been scratching his back with the knife, as you do, and fell on it. Happens all the time. 🙂 Great snippet!
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This is tight and good! Loved it 😀 Great 8!
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Bowie knives in the back are always a dead giveaway (pun intended). Good 8, Alexis. You’ve definitely got my attention. 🙂
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Ooh! I like it. Would definitely keep reading.
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I could totally see that dilapidated building – great description! And the knife is the kind of clue even *I* (who is hopeless at mysteries) can ‘read’…excellent excerpt!
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Great opening line that sucked me right in. And the last line elicited a smile from me…does that make me a little sick? Oh well, not gonna think too hard on that one : )
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Strong opening and I love the last line.
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Love the setting–grimy and dangerous.
A knife in the back could be suicide… maybe… if the suicide was really clever.
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I can “hear” this exchange as I’m reading. Great writing!
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Alexis, you never fail to suck me in. Great snippet ❤
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I love it–nice and gritty!
Thanks for the visit at http://amodernvampire.blogspot.com
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Ugh, WordPress! I’m not sure if my comment went through, so I’m sorry if this is a duplicate. I wanted to tell you that I enjoy a good, gritty detective piece and I like the feel of what you’ve written here.
I also wanted to thank you for paying me a visit at http://amodernvampire.blogspot.com
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