Discover who is killing struggling war veterans and thwart their future murders.
SECOND ASSIGNMENT (Antagonist or Antagonist force)
Howie is a 29 year-old intelligent and street-savvy hard-ass. His analytical mind and dedication to get ahead at all costs generally thrusts him knee-deep in trouble. Howie is vicious, resourceful and merciless when challenged. He enlists any actions needed to propel him forwards, including blackmail, violent beatings, and even murder. Howie, the younger of two children of a real estate icon, doesn’t like playing second fiddle to his brother and desires to take over the family empire. In high school, Howie was a constant presence in juvenile courts for drug distribution, blackmail, and extortion. When his influential father could no longer keep him from jail, Howie chose an Army enlistment over jail. Though top of his class in a selective training program, his life of crime continued on active duty. The protagonist uncovered a scheme whereby Howie received drugs through the US Postal System. Convicted for drug distribution, he was sentenced to incarceration at Ft Leavenworth. Now free, Howie blames the protagonist, Chris, for loss of his wife, his career and reputation, and the court martial (with accompanying felony conviction). His goal is to destroy everything Chris loves – fellow soldiers, career, and romantic interests.
THIRD ASSIGNMENT (Create a breakout title)
Mill City Justice
The nickname 'Mill City' was given to Minneapolis in its early days because of the skyrocketing flour milling industry gaining a foothold on the Mississippi River banks
“Justice” refers to Chris Justice, the protagonist, and to Proverbs 21:15 –”the exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.” It also reflects patterns of injustice that form a basis for sequel books.
The Avenger of Blood
North of Ordinary
FOURTH ASSIGNMENT (Genre and Comparables)
Genre: Mystery
Nick Petrie (The Drifter) – Similarities include veterans returning from Afghanistan with ever-present demons such as physical disability, PTSD, and guilt of living when others never came home. Suicide/murder of combat veterans in Minneapolis and a conspiracy deeper than imagined.
Owen Laukkanen (Deception Cove) – Veteran, rescue dog, ex-convict interacts in private war with collateral damage.
FIFTH ASSIGNMENT (Core wound and the primary conflict)
A broken and traumatized Afghanistan Vet returns from war to a city torn apart by civil unrest, and deals with the unexplained deaths of his wife and former Ranger Team members.
Chris is a driven leader of men. He feels personally responsible for the safety and well-being of the team. His career-ending injuries and subsequent early withdrawal from the battlefield challenged his confidence and warrior identity. He vacillates between feelings of relative invincibility and the ugly reality that he cannot safeguard everyone, and that some will die despite his best efforts. Chris functions as de facto counselor and guide for broken Vets at his VA Support Group and his community-wide military community.
Shortly after his medical retirement and relocation to Minneapolis, Chris is devastated by the death of his wife, and later the apparent suicide of Gordo, his Team Breacher in Afghanistan. Chris withdraws within himself, blaming himself for Gordo’s injuries overseas and his own inability to help Gordo with civilian reintegration.
– Sketch a hypothetical scenario for the "secondary conflict" involving the social environment
Chris’s life is an ongoing series of short-term relationships since the death of his wife, Jessica. Guilt over the genesis of his relationship with her prevents close relationships with other women. Natasha Shields, pastor of a socially progressive church in the trendy Uptown area of Minneapolis, intrigues Chris. Outwardly she is a confident and vibrant community leader, she cares for the community on a deep level and is open to social partnerships, but pushes back and withdraws at any hint of a personal connection. Natasha’s hidden experience with an abusive ex-husband and a church leader, and current recovery from opioid addiction for back pain cause Natasha to question her worth and desirability. Chris desires a closer relationship, but his own insecurities and checkered past stand in the way.
SEVENTH ASSIGNMENT (The incredible importance of setting)
On the surface, Mill City is an idyllic representation of ‘Minnesota Nice.’ It is a large small town containing 13 lakes, shares borders on both sides of the Mississippi River, offers creeks, waterfalls and parkways and a biking-friendliness rated second in the nation. In June, 2020 the city was rocked by racial strife and a ‘defund the police’ movement sparked by the death of a Black man under the knees of a police officer. Homicides and gangland killings threaten restoration of the ‘Murderapolis’ designation sparked by gangster activity in the 1990’s. The city is reeling under the impact of a 200-officer decrease in police staffing and reluctance of the city to prosecute the criminals – most of them minors booked and immediately released.
Uptown Minneapolis once offered trendy gastropubs, locally-sourced organic foods, Third Wave coffee shops, independent boutiques, and upscale anchor stores such as Columbia, The Gap, and Victoria's Secret. A boom of new apartments and condos increased the area’s desirability. A couple of mass shootings and daily plundering of businesses renders Uptown scary by night and questionable by day. The protagonist’s primary business and residence are in this area, as is the church associated with Natasha Shields, a secondary protagonist.
North Loop Minneapolis, formerly the warehouse district is vibrant and known for cool start-up vibe, casual restaurants, hip bars and gay nightclubs. The Minneapolis Farmers Market draws clients from throughout the metro, and Target Field lures fans who gather via automobile, Metro Transit and Light Rail. It is also home of the ‘Near North Homeless Encampment,’ a city-owned lot co-opted by roughly 500 homeless residents. Considered a law enforcement free zone and a sanctuary for the outlaw criminal elements, this location will be the scene of increasing conflict between the protagonist and secondary antagonists.
St Paul High Bridge is a constant attraction for suicides and presents itself in at least one suspicious death.
The Redemption Tavern is a casual community gathering space offering drinks, organic meals, and quality coffee. It offers comfortable seating for singles or small groups, with a bright and open setting to relax, read, and enjoy soothing jazz. While this may seem tame, conflict increases as the main (and possibly secondary) antagonist attempts to wrest control and/or ownership from Chris.
New York Write to Pitch 2022 - Seven Assignments (09/22)
in New York Write to Pitch 2023 and 2024
Posted
FIRST ASSIGNMENT (Story Statement)
Discover who is killing struggling war veterans and thwart their future murders.
SECOND ASSIGNMENT (Antagonist or Antagonist force)
Howie is a 29 year-old intelligent and street-savvy hard-ass. His analytical mind and dedication to get ahead at all costs generally thrusts him knee-deep in trouble. Howie is vicious, resourceful and merciless when challenged. He enlists any actions needed to propel him forwards, including blackmail, violent beatings, and even murder. Howie, the younger of two children of a real estate icon, doesn’t like playing second fiddle to his brother and desires to take over the family empire. In high school, Howie was a constant presence in juvenile courts for drug distribution, blackmail, and extortion. When his influential father could no longer keep him from jail, Howie chose an Army enlistment over jail. Though top of his class in a selective training program, his life of crime continued on active duty. The protagonist uncovered a scheme whereby Howie received drugs through the US Postal System. Convicted for drug distribution, he was sentenced to incarceration at Ft Leavenworth. Now free, Howie blames the protagonist, Chris, for loss of his wife, his career and reputation, and the court martial (with accompanying felony conviction). His goal is to destroy everything Chris loves – fellow soldiers, career, and romantic interests.
THIRD ASSIGNMENT (Create a breakout title)
Mill City Justice
The nickname 'Mill City' was given to Minneapolis in its early days because of the skyrocketing flour milling industry gaining a foothold on the Mississippi River banks
“Justice” refers to Chris Justice, the protagonist, and to Proverbs 21:15 –”the exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.” It also reflects patterns of injustice that form a basis for sequel books.
The Avenger of Blood
North of Ordinary
FOURTH ASSIGNMENT (Genre and Comparables)
Genre: Mystery
Nick Petrie (The Drifter) – Similarities include veterans returning from Afghanistan with ever-present demons such as physical disability, PTSD, and guilt of living when others never came home. Suicide/murder of combat veterans in Minneapolis and a conspiracy deeper than imagined.
Owen Laukkanen (Deception Cove) – Veteran, rescue dog, ex-convict interacts in private war with collateral damage.
FIFTH ASSIGNMENT (Core wound and the primary conflict)
A broken and traumatized Afghanistan Vet returns from war to a city torn apart by civil unrest, and deals with the unexplained deaths of his wife and former Ranger Team members.
SIXTH ASSIGNMENT (Protagonist inner conflict conditions & Secondary conflict)
– Protagonist inner conflict conditions
Chris is a driven leader of men. He feels personally responsible for the safety and well-being of the team. His career-ending injuries and subsequent early withdrawal from the battlefield challenged his confidence and warrior identity. He vacillates between feelings of relative invincibility and the ugly reality that he cannot safeguard everyone, and that some will die despite his best efforts. Chris functions as de facto counselor and guide for broken Vets at his VA Support Group and his community-wide military community.
Shortly after his medical retirement and relocation to Minneapolis, Chris is devastated by the death of his wife, and later the apparent suicide of Gordo, his Team Breacher in Afghanistan. Chris withdraws within himself, blaming himself for Gordo’s injuries overseas and his own inability to help Gordo with civilian reintegration.
– Sketch a hypothetical scenario for the "secondary conflict" involving the social environment
Chris’s life is an ongoing series of short-term relationships since the death of his wife, Jessica. Guilt over the genesis of his relationship with her prevents close relationships with other women. Natasha Shields, pastor of a socially progressive church in the trendy Uptown area of Minneapolis, intrigues Chris. Outwardly she is a confident and vibrant community leader, she cares for the community on a deep level and is open to social partnerships, but pushes back and withdraws at any hint of a personal connection. Natasha’s hidden experience with an abusive ex-husband and a church leader, and current recovery from opioid addiction for back pain cause Natasha to question her worth and desirability. Chris desires a closer relationship, but his own insecurities and checkered past stand in the way.
SEVENTH ASSIGNMENT (The incredible importance of setting)
On the surface, Mill City is an idyllic representation of ‘Minnesota Nice.’ It is a large small town containing 13 lakes, shares borders on both sides of the Mississippi River, offers creeks, waterfalls and parkways and a biking-friendliness rated second in the nation. In June, 2020 the city was rocked by racial strife and a ‘defund the police’ movement sparked by the death of a Black man under the knees of a police officer. Homicides and gangland killings threaten restoration of the ‘Murderapolis’ designation sparked by gangster activity in the 1990’s. The city is reeling under the impact of a 200-officer decrease in police staffing and reluctance of the city to prosecute the criminals – most of them minors booked and immediately released.
Uptown Minneapolis once offered trendy gastropubs, locally-sourced organic foods, Third Wave coffee shops, independent boutiques, and upscale anchor stores such as Columbia, The Gap, and Victoria's Secret. A boom of new apartments and condos increased the area’s desirability. A couple of mass shootings and daily plundering of businesses renders Uptown scary by night and questionable by day. The protagonist’s primary business and residence are in this area, as is the church associated with Natasha Shields, a secondary protagonist.
North Loop Minneapolis, formerly the warehouse district is vibrant and known for cool start-up vibe, casual restaurants, hip bars and gay nightclubs. The Minneapolis Farmers Market draws clients from throughout the metro, and Target Field lures fans who gather via automobile, Metro Transit and Light Rail. It is also home of the ‘Near North Homeless Encampment,’ a city-owned lot co-opted by roughly 500 homeless residents. Considered a law enforcement free zone and a sanctuary for the outlaw criminal elements, this location will be the scene of increasing conflict between the protagonist and secondary antagonists.
St Paul High Bridge is a constant attraction for suicides and presents itself in at least one suspicious death.
The Redemption Tavern is a casual community gathering space offering drinks, organic meals, and quality coffee. It offers comfortable seating for singles or small groups, with a bright and open setting to relax, read, and enjoy soothing jazz. While this may seem tame, conflict increases as the main (and possibly secondary) antagonist attempts to wrest control and/or ownership from Chris.