My latest book, Line of Sight, is an action-packed
spy thriller set in 1995. Fans of the genre won’t be disappointed—it’s a
fast-paced story full of intrigue, danger, and unexpected twists.
The main character, intelligence operative Lora
Chandler—known in the field as Agent Vogel—is tasked with a mission that could
change the course of global power. Lora is sharp, resourceful, and unrelenting,
but her work comes at a cost. Often blurring the lines between personal and
professional life.
The story features a vibrant cast of characters who
challenge Vogel in various ways: journalist Richard Davis, an on-again,
off-again love interest whose history with Vogel adds tension to the mission;
Shade, a mysterious foreign agent whose loyalties may not be what they seem;
Mason, a roguish wildcard with unclear motives; and the enigmatic master
criminal Malachai, who is always several steps ahead of the game.
Sent to investigate a claim that Professor Simon Blackmarr
has cracked the invisibility problem, Vogel finds herself back in Richard’s
hometown, Lancaster, Florida. A place full of memories and unresolved feelings.
Things quickly escalate when Blackmarr’s breakthrough turns out to be the real
thing. A scientific discovery that, in the wrong hands, could destabilize the
balance of global power.
When the professor is abducted, Vogel is thrust into the
shadowy, high-stakes world of espionage. She must navigate shifting alliances,
dangerous enemies, and her own emotions to stop a threat with devastating
consequences.
Readers can expect a thrilling blend of action, espionage,
and emotional depth. At its core, Line of Sight is not just about the
mission, it’s about trust, betrayal, and how far someone is willing to go to
protect the people and things they care about.
Do you come up
with the hook first, or do you create characters first and then dig through
until you find a hook?
It works both ways, but most often, the
characters appear first, and I work to uncover their story. What are they
trying to do or achieve? What drives them, and what’s standing in their way?
In the case of Line of Sight, I
knew I wanted to write a spy story with a female lead, and I had a clear vision
of who Agent Vogel would be. She’s essentially Lauren Bacall as a spy. Smart,
capable, attractive, and someone you do not want to cross. The next step was
developing a worthy challenge for her. Something so daunting that we begin to
worry she might not be able to pull it off.
This approach isn’t unique to Line of
Sight. My previous book, A College Story, came together in much the
same way. The characters and the world were more or less formed in my head—it
was just a matter of sitting down and asking: “What journey is the protagonist
on? What is their arc?”
One of my teachers once phrased it
perfectly: “Why is today one of the most important days in the character’s
life?” It’s such a simple question, but as every author knows, it’s the one
every story is built upon. Everything comes down to that question. And if I can
answer it, I know I’ve found the heart of the story.
Which of your own
characters would you like to have lunch with?
That’s a tricky question! As the author, I
know I’m supposed to say Agent Vogel. I love her, of course, and she’ll
probably give me a hard time about this in the next book, but truthfully, I’d
like to have lunch with Shade.
Every author has one character they can’t
account for. One who seems to come out of nowhere, fully formed, as though they
just walked in off the street. In Line of Sight, that character is
Shade. I can look at my cast list and tell you exactly where the inspiration
lies for each one, except for her. She’s a mystery to me, even as the writer.
If I had the opportunity, I’d love to
spend a few hours with her at a good restaurant, just listening as she answered
the simple question: “Tell me about yourself.” I can only imagine what she’d
say, and I know it would be fascinating.
Tell us about what you are reading at the moment or anticipate reading in
the future? Any favorite authors you enjoy reading in your spare time?
Right now, I’m juggling three books that
I’m really enjoying. The first is The Station by Saul Herzog. Lance
Spector is a fascinating character, and I love Herzog’s ability to combine
high-stakes tension with a strong sense of style. It’s a gripping read for
anyone who loves thrillers with complex characters.
I’m also reading Here It Ends by
Dan Lawton and following the story of Randolph and Sheila. Lawton does an
excellent job building suspense and creating characters you can’t help but root
for.
On a completely different note, I’ve been
diving into The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth. Her
writing style is wonderful. It’s like enjoying a well-prepared meal at a
friend’s house. A genuine pleasure to read.
Lastly, I’ve been revisiting a classic: A
River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean. It’s the
inspiration for the movie directed by Robert Redford, starring Brad Pitt, but
the book itself is a masterpiece. Maclean’s prose is reflective, and deeply
human. I was lucky enough to find it in print and couldn’t resist picking it
up. If you’ve never read it, I can’t recommend it enough.
Which of your own
books would you like to live in?
This is a fun but tricky question. I think
we would all like to step into the world of Line of Sight for a moment
and have a go at living the life of a spy. Dodging danger, unraveling secrets,
and jetting around the globe. It would definitely be exciting, but I’d probably
be exhausted after a day.
On the other hand, I can easily picture
myself walking onto the campus of Brookewood College, from A College Story.
There’s something immediately relaxing at the thought of quietly strolling its
tree-lined paths and historic buildings. I don’t think I would want to relive
my student days, but I could imagine myself as a literature professor on staff.
Discussing great novels, hosting lively debates, and passing on the art of
storytelling.
The wonderful thing about writing is that
it allows me to visit these worlds in my imagination. At the same time, if I
had to choose one to live in, it would be the world of A College Story.
That small, out-of-the-way school, with a colorful cast of characters most of
us have been to in our minds.
What do you do when you have free time?
My wife and I are beach bums. We love
spending time on the Florida Gulf Coast. There’s just something special about
the white sands, and the sound of the waves. We like to hit the souvenir shops and
can’t resist a great seafood spot to wrap up the day. Exploring a new beach is
one of our favorite ways to unwind and recharge.
I also have a passion for photography. I
love trying my hand at it, especially when we’re traveling. I’m drawn to
landscapes and candid shots that capture the small, fleeting moments that tell
their own story. Whether it’s a sunset over the Gulf or a quiet street corner,
photography helps me slow down and appreciate the world around me.
Another guilty pleasure I have is movies.
My father is a big James Bond fan and watching Sean Connery in the role when I
was young clearly left its mark. My film collection includes genres, from
thrillers to dramas to comedies, but what always catches my attention is a
great story. One that stays with you long after the credits roll.
How do you approach
character development in your stories? Do you have any specific techniques or
methods that you find particularly effective?
I once heard Neil Gaiman talk about
creating characters, and something he said has stayed with me. He explained
that the most important question to ask is, “What does your character need? Not
what do they want, but what do they need?” He went on to say that if the author
is truly listening and paying attention, the character will reveal that true
need. And this where the heart of the story lies.
I’ve found this to be true in my own
writing. There have been times when I’ve tried to force a character in a
particular direction because I wanted the narrative to go that way. Inevitably,
the story lost steam. Only when I paused and asked, “Why is this not
working?”—or in effect, asked my character, “What is wrong? What do you
need?”—did the story find its way again.
There’s a popular conception that writing
is a solo art. One in which the author, seized by inspiration, churns out pages
in a creative frenzy. Those moments, when they happen, are exhilarating, but
they’re rare. And they’re not entirely solo moments. Real writing is a
relationship with the characters the author brings to life. Like any
relationship, it involves a constant give and take, a dialogue where listening
is just as important as creating.
Personally, I’ve never cared for the term
‘character development.’ It sounds too clinical. Like a science project.
Instead, I think of writing as akin to Michelangelo carving a statue. He
claimed that the figure was already within the marble, and he simply needed to
chip away the unnecessary pieces. In my experience, the characters are already
there, waiting to be written about. My job is to listen and let them tell me
who they are.
In the end, writing isn’t about forcing a
story—it’s about listening, discovering, and letting the characters lead the
way.
What do you believe
sets your writing apart from others in your genre, and why should readers
choose to read your books?
What I feel sets my writing apart in the
spy thriller genre is the focus on character-driven storytelling. In Line of
Sight, the action is intense and cinematic. Complete with daring escapes,
double agents, and shadowy global conspiracies. But it’s the humanity of the
characters that grounds the story and gives it emotional weight.
Agent Lora Chandler, or Vogel, isn’t your
typical flawless spy. She’s sharp, resourceful, and unrelenting in her duty,
but she’s also grappling with personal struggles: a complicated relationship
with journalist Richard Davis, the toll her job takes on her mental health, and
the isolation of constantly living in a world of secrets. These complexities
make her relatable and give readers someone to root for beyond her skills in
the field.
Another aspect I think readers will enjoy
is the balance of tension and humor in the story. Whether it’s the witty banter
between Vogel and Mason, the international criminal she loves to hate, or her
awkward yet heartfelt dynamic with Richard, the dialogue brings a touch of
levity to the action. I want readers to feel like they’re not just following an
explosive plot but also getting to know these characters on a deeper level.
Finally, I feel Line of Sight
features fresh twists on classic spy tropes. From the invisibility formula at
the heart of the story to the morally gray foreign agent Shade, the narrative
plays with genre conventions in unexpected ways. Readers can expect a story
that keeps them guessing while also offering moments of reflection about
loyalty, trust, and the cost of living a double life.
Can you discuss any
upcoming projects or books that you're currently working on? What can readers
expect from your future works?
I have several projects in the works right now. Primarily,
I’m focused on the sequel to Line of Sight. This new adventure reunites
readers with several of the characters they’ve come to know and takes them
deeper into their lives as they face a new threat. Fans can expect the same
blend of action, intrigue, and character-driven storytelling, with a few surprises
along the way.
On a completely different note, I’m also working on a story
that’s been on my mind for years. It’s inspired by the experiences my close
friend and I had as longhaired, teenage heavy metal fans. This project explores
first loves, the intense passion for music you have at that age, and the
struggle to figure out who you are and where you’re going. With so much
material to draw from, the challenge has been to narrow it down. To find the
storyline and the moments that matter most.
What I can promise my readers is more stories about unique,
layered characters who have something to say. Whether it’s an action-packed
thriller or a nostalgic coming-of-age tale, you can count on stories that will
entertain, surprise, and stay with you. There’s more to come!
LINE OF SIGHT
Author: Paul G. Wright
GENRE: Mystery
Available at Amazon
Excerpt One:
The file lay in easy reach, on the conference table. The letters LMAR printed across the front. In another moment she would have it. She reached out.
“I think not.”
Mason. He was like a cat, with more lives.
“You think wrong,” said Vogel.
Mason’s hand slammed down on the folder, inches from hers. Their eyes met—his with that same arrogant smirk she’d seen a hundred times before, his dark hair perfectly in place. As always, he was impeccably dressed, his wine-red tie in a flawless knot. Vogel couldn’t deny it—under different circumstances, she might . . . But no, he was an international criminal and a murderer. And he kissed like a college freshman. The lines were drawn.
Mason looked at her through steely eyes. “Vogel,” he said coolly, “why do we always seem to have this same discussion?”
Vogel smirked. “Because, Mason, you’re terrible at losing.”
Mason nodded. “A character flaw, I’m afraid, that is permanent.”
She snatched the file away as Mason lunged for her. Instinctively, her hand went for her gun, and she pointed the sleek black barrel directly at his head. He froze, a smile playing across his face.
“Now let’s be practical,” Mason said. “There’s no way out.”
“You always say that.”
A door opened and men in dark fatigues entered, holding assault rifles. Mason’s henchmen. She should have known. They stood on either side of him, with their weapons trained on her like spiders. Vogel counted six in all.
Mason eyed her. “Really, Vogel. I mean, what are your options? Why don’t you just hand that over and we can all sit down?”
A bead of sweat ran down her back. Her shoes were tight, and she hadn’t showered since Wednesday. She felt gross. This was taking longer than expected. They were on the thirtieth floor, standing in front of a series of plate glass windows. Mason was right. There was no way out.
It was then she
heard the roar of the helicopter.
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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
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