by Paula Gail Benson First, for short story readers, here are two new anthologies: The Great Filling Station Holdup: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Jimmy Buffet (released February 22, 2021, by Down & Out Books, edited by Josh Pachter) featuring sixteen stories by Leigh Lundlin, Josh Pachter, Rick Ollerman, Michael Bracken, Don Bruns, […]
by Paula Gail Benson A year ago, so much of the life we were used to changed as we learned that Covid 19 not only was deadly, but spreading rapidly. I have a vivid memory of meeting with church council members and making the decision to “postpone” our bi-annual presentation of the Living Last Supper. […]
by Paula Gail Benson When I first became serious about writing short stories, I discovered a blog called My Little Corner, where author Sandra Seamans provided updates on short story markets. Sadly, we lost Sandra in 2019. A month after her passing, I compiled this message listing remembrances and her stories. Sandra was a past […]
by Paula Gail Benson Recently, I’ve noticed a number of short story anthologies organized around the songs of a particular artist, group, or time period. Here’s a list of a few that are published or pending and two story calls: Published Anthologies: Murder-a-Go-Go’s: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Music of the Go-Go’s, edited by Holly […]
by Paula Gail Benson I felt very privileged and humbled last year when I learned my “Cosway’s Confidence” had received second place in the Bethlehem Writers’ Group’s 2020 short story contest. I have a special fondness for this Group. Seven years ago, my first published story appeared online in the Bethlehem Writers’ Roundtable. That same […]
by Paula Gail Benson How do you possibly describe the multi-faceted Hank Phillippi Ryan? Intrepid, award-winning investigative reporter and winner of 37 Emmys? Creator of the Charlotte McNally Mysteries and Jane Ryland Thrillers? Author of short fiction, teacher of writing craft, recipient of 5 Agathas (the only author to win an Agatha in 4 different […]
by Paula Gail Benson My first published short story, “Nectar of the Gods,” appeared as the featured story in the February 2013 issue of the Bethlehem Writers Roundtable. The Roundtable, formerly a monthly and now a quarterly online publication, is the labor of love of the Bethlehem Writers Group, organized in 2006 to provide critiques […]
by Paula Gail Benson A few years ago, a friend in the leadership of a local American Legion Post asked if I would be a judge for its oratorical contest. I hadn’t previously heard about this competition. I knew about the Boys State and Girls State programs the American Legion operated each year, giving high […]
by Paula Gail Benson On Saturday, the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime was delighted to welcome as its guest Luci H. Zahray, well known to Malice Domestic attendees as “the Poison Lady.” Luci, who has a Masters degree in Toxicology from Texas A&M, first came to Malice as a fan, but when she heard […]
by Paula Gail Benson Photo: Elaine Viets from Type M For Murder Blogger Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore, located in Delray Beach, Florida, has been offering an excellent series of online Zoom workshops called the FL Authors Academy. Over the past few months, the store has featured such terrific writers and teachers as John […]