After publishing two “Jack Stevens” Caribbean adventures and a collection of medium to long “short” stories called “Cloudy McCoy,” I am about to embark on a project that I have wanted to do for a long time.
I’ve always wanted to write a “hit man” novel. But, there is something that has always bothered me about the hit man stories and books I have read. I don’t want my hit man to be a sociopath who goes around killing people for money or revenge and who has no conscience about snuffing out the life of other human beings. My hit man will be a good guy who only kills those who “need” killing, or as Jack Stevens might say, “The world would just be a better place if some people were dead.” But there will be a price to pay.
So my protagonist will have problems that he will have to cope with. He will have good reasons for his missions, but they will trouble him and he must find ways to compensate or he might go insane. And, being in the killing business there is always the possibility of capture by the authorities. Also, should he mess up or make a mistake which would endanger the “association” that is sponsoring his activities he might become a target himself.
That is my project for this winter. It’s going to be a big one and I hope I am up to the challenge. If the writing muse stays with me perhaps I will have the novel completed by about this time (late fall or early winter) in 2013. Suggestions and comments are always appreciated. Wish me luck, and check this blog or follow me on Twitter to keep up with my progress – or lack thereof.
John Beckman
johnbeckmanbooks 