Tag Archive for: Paula Gail Benson

Meet the Authors of the 2014 Agatha Best Short Story Nominees!

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Each
year at Malice Domestic, writing excellence is recognized by the Agatha awards.
This year’s nominees for Best Short Story are:
“The Blessing
Witch” (PDF)
by Kathy Lynn Emerson, Best New England Crime Stories 2015: Rogue Wave
(Level Best Books)
“Just
Desserts for Johnny” (PDF) by Edith Maxwell (Kings River Life Magazine)
“The
Shadow Knows” by Barb Goffman, Chesapeake Crimes Homicidal Holidays
(Wildside Press)
“The
Odds are Against Us” (PDF) by Art Taylor, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Nov.
2014
“Premonition” by Art Taylor,
Chesapeake Crimes Homicidal Holidays (Wildside Press)
Please
enjoy the opportunity to read these stories, if you haven’t already. We are so
fortunate to have with us today Kathy Lynn Emerson, Edith Maxwell, Barb Goffman, and Art Taylor. All are not
only fabulous writers, but also delightful people. Thanks, Kathy, Edith, Barb,
and Art, for stopping by to share your work and thoughts with us!
How do you compare short story writing with
novel writing?
KATHY:
Writing short stories is much
harder. In quite a few cases, it took me longer to finish a short story than it
did to write an entire 80,000 word novel. With at least one story, it took me
years to get it right. When I write novels, they get longer with each revision.
When I revise a short story, it almost always ends up even shorter.
EDITH:
A heck of a lot shorter, for one thing!
When I had two-thirds of a novel in the drawer twenty years ago and then
reentered the paid work force while raising two sons, there was no way I could
carry the plot and characters of a book around in my head and fit them into the
tiny snatches of time I had available to writer. But I could manage a short
story, and wrote nearly a dozen, five of which were eventually published in
juried anthologies. Short stories are simpler. They’re not necessarily easier,
but they don’t take as much time or brain space to complete.
BARB:
For me, writing a novel is like the
long con. I start in one place, and I know that eventually I’ll bring the
reader to another place. But in the middle there will be detours and red
herrings and subplots. I want to keep readers from seeing where we’re going. I
want to fool them. To surprise them. I might set something up in chapter two
that will pay benefits three hundred pages later. That’s the long con.
With a short story, there’s no space
for the long con. I’m writing the equivalent of a bank robbery. I get in, get
the cash, and get out. No detours. No subplots. It’s a quick ride. Sure, short
stories and novels both should have a great beginning and ending and hopefully
a surprise or two, but the way I approach the middle is different.
ART:
Each time I’ve tried to write a full
novel, I’ve struggled with structure and pacing to the point that the results
have always been bumpy at best, dismal at worst—and none of them has seen the
light of day. With my upcoming novel-in-stories, On the Road with Del and
Louise (coming out this September from Henery Press), I’ve tried to
capitalize on what I think I do well: manage the narrative arc—the structure
and pacing—of a short story, and link those stories together in contribution to
a larger narrative arc featuring the bigger story of these characters. To some
degree, I think I just understand short stories better, for better or worse.
What advice would you give to short story
writers?
KATHY:
Keep it simple. In a short
story there is no room for subplots, information dumps, or complicated
relationships. I’d say limit the number of characters, but that would be a tad
hypocritical since I’ve never managed to follow that piece of advice myself.
EDITH:
Don’t send it in too early. Get the
first draft done and let it stew for a while. Then work to eliminate everything
unnecessary, whether a description that doesn’t move the story forward or a character
you can do without. And then work it over again, polishing, trimming. I’ve seen
a couple of beginning writers dash off a short and send it in (well, I did the
same myself when I was starting out) when it wasn’t quite ready.
BARB:
Read. Read novels. Read short stories.
Read, read, read. It gets your brain moving. It teaches you technique, even if
you don’t realize it as it’s happening. It helps you learn what works and what
doesn’t.
And when you write, keep two things in
mind: (1) Everything in the story should move the plot forward. If a scene or
character can come out without affecting the plot, it doesn’t belong in the
story. (2) But don’t make your plot move so quickly that your main character
doesn’t have the time to react to what’s happening. Reactions are interesting.
They bring the character to life and add richness to the story. So show us her
thoughts, and then move that plot along.
ART:
Write the biggest story you can and
then cut and fold, cut and fold, cut and fold until the only words left are
those that are key to the story—that’s the ideal for me, even I personally feel
like I’m always falling short of that goal. The novelist’s art strikes
me generally as one of accumulation, where the short story writer should
ideally focus on subtraction—the most effect in the fewest words—and training
yourself to see where to cut and combine and condense is a challenge. Beyond
that, read widely in the short story form. There are so so many great
short story writers out there, each of them with different stylistic and
structural approaches, and there’s so much to learn from them and then maybe
apply in your own way to your own craft.
For the Agatha banquet, what kind of shoes would you (or if
you prefer, your protagonist, a character from your story, or your spouse)
wear? [This is, after all, The Stiletto Gang!]
KATHY:
The same ones I wear every
year—black SAS sandals with one-inch heels. Definitely no stilettos. I have
trouble enough walking in the sandals. By rights I should be wearing old-lady-with-arthritis
orthopedic lace-ups!
EDITH:
I’m so shoe impaired in terms of what’s
conventional. I’m trying to come up with a pair of party shoes that aren’t
either stilettos or some version of little-girl shoes. I have short wide feet
and refuse to wear heels, so it isn’t easy! You’re going to have to wait and
see what I find. Maybe we can do a follow up post with a picture of all our
Agatha banquet shoes…
[Edith sent her picture early, so I
wanted to share it. I’ll see if I can get shots of the shoes actually worn at
the banquet!—Paula]
BARB:
Gus, my main character from my
Agatha-nominated story “The Shadow Knows,” wouldn’t go to a banquet. It’s way
too fancy for him. But if he were forced, Gus would wear plain, comfortable
shoes. I’m similar in that respect. My shoes will be black and nearly flat and
above all else, comfortable. I want to enjoy the evening, which means doing
what I can to avoid aching feet.
ART:
I’ve got a pair of suede saddle shoes that
I regularly want to wear (khaki green panel over off-white), but my wife Tara
says they don’t ever match what I put them with, so…. We’ll see if I can ever
come up with a good combination! [Here are Art’s shoes for your viewing pleasure!—Paula]

Meet the Authors of the 2014 Agatha Best First Novel Nominees!

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Each
year at Malice Domestic, writing excellence is recognized by the Agatha awards.
This year’s nominees for Best First Novel are:
Circle of Influence by Annette
Dashofy (Henery Press)
Tagged for Death by Sherry Harris (Kensington Publishing)
Finding Sky by Susan O’Brien (Henery Press)
Well Read, Then Dead by Terrie Farley Moran (Berkley Prime Crime)
Murder Strikes a Pose by Tracy Weber (Midnight Ink)
Today,
the Stiletto Gang welcomes Annette Dashofy, Sherry Harris, Susan O’Brien, Terrie Farley Moran, and Tracy Weber. All are not
only skilled and talented writers, but also charming and caring people. Thanks,
Annette, Sherry, Susan, Terrie, and Tracy, for stopping by to share your work
and thoughts with us!
What was the idea or inspiration that led you to write your
nominated novel?

ANNETTE:

Years ago I happened to overhear a
snippet of conversation regarding a local political brouhaha. The person said,
“Someone should just kill him and put him out of my misery.” No one actually
did, but you can’t say something like that around a crime fiction writer and
not have it end up in a story! In my case, it spun out a bunch of “what if”
questions that ultimately became Circle
of Influence.

SHERRY:

My story is a little
different. An editor in New York was looking for someone to write a garage sale
series. Through a series of fortunate events the chance to write a proposal for
him landed in my lap. I’ve always loved garage sales and the proposal—synopsis of the first three books, first three
chapters, cast of characters, and marketing plan—poured out of me in four days.

SUSAN:

I’ve
wanted to be an author since childhood, and I’m not sure why. I don’t remember
ever not wanting to be an author! My
love of mysteries grew over the years, and by the time I was ready to write
one, I was a parent. My protagonist Nicki is a mom, and I wanted her to be
honest about the funny, overwhelming nature of parenting—while solving
mysteries that I hope parents and non-parents will enjoy. Also, I planned to
donate part of my royalties to organizations that serve missing kids and their
families. It’s almost surreal to have these dreams come true!

TERRIE:

I
wrote the book I wanted to read. If I could create my own world, (Oh, wait—I
can) I would have my home away from home be a book store/restaurant just like
the Read ’Em and Eat—all books all the time, with book-themed food served on
author-themed tables. Book clubs meet there regularly, and I wondered what
would happen if a beloved book club member was tragically murdered. In Well Read, Then Dead that is exactly
what happens.

TRACY:

A homeless lady—I’ll call her Susan—used
to hang out near the entrance to my neighborhood grocery store, and she always
had a large Rottweiler mix in a crate next to her. Over time, I got to know
them both, and I asked her about the crate. She told me that the Rottweiler
would sometimes lunge at other dogs that walked by on the sidewalk. The
crate—which she stored behind the building at night—allowed her to keep the dog
with her, in spite of its reactivity.
Susan adored that dog and went to great
lengths to take care of it, in spite of her own financial issues and living
conditions. She was as dedicated to her pet as most people are to their
children.
I started to wonder: What if her dog had
an expensive health condition as well as its behavior issues? What would she
do? What could she do? That’s when
Bella and George formed in my head. Unfortunately, Susan disappeared from the
neighborhood long before I wrote the first draft of Murder Strikes a Pose. I haven’t seen her almost two years, so I’ll
probably never know what she would have thought about being my muse. I hope she
would have felt complimented.
What advice would you give to writers?

ANNETTE:

Don’t ever give up. Keep studying the
craft of writing. And finish the book.
SHERRY:
Don’t give up and study the
craft. I have stacks of rejection letters—from back in the day when everything was still done by snail mail.
I have two and a half books written that never sold. I kept writing, went to
lots of conferences, met people, and learned. When the opportunity finally
came, I was ready. Also, I wish someone would have told me that maybe it was
time to move on from the series that didn’t sell and to try something new.

SUSAN:

If
you believe your work is meant to be published, stay positive and don’t give
up! The journey to publication can be long and difficult—yet incredibly
rewarding. Keep your options open, too. I ended up working with a small
publisher and an attorney (not an agent).
TERRIE:
My
best advice for every writer is: Trust your own judgment. Keep on writing.
Submit. Don’t wait to hear back. Write something else. Submit that. The more
you write, the more comfortable writing becomes until you can’t imagine your
life without pounding the keyboard or picking up the pen.

TRACY:

Don’t give up, and don’t procrastinate. Write every day. Write
what you love. If you spend every day working on what you love most, even if
you never get published, you’ll have had a good time. That’s what matters most.
For the Agatha banquet, what kind of shoes would you (or if
you prefer, your protagonist or a character from your story) wear? [This is,
after all, The Stiletto Gang!]
ANNETTE:
This is such an appropriate question
since it’s one I’m currently pondering. I bought a great dress, but it’s white
and all my dressy shoes are black or dark brown. I was thinking of getting
taupe pumps, but lately I’m considering getting crazy and going with ruby red
or animal print pumps!

SHERRY:

Ah, lovely stiletto wearing
folks of the world, I envy you but I gave up heels a long time ago. I will look
for a pair of snazzy flats! However my protagonist Sarah would wear something
with a peep toe and a three inch heel.
SUSAN:
My
protagonist Nicki and I are both uncomfortable walking in high heels. (Her next
adventure actually relates to this topic!) Honestly, I wear orthotics, so I’ll
probably wear my only pair of dress shoes—with a moderate heel—that
accommodates them. If you see me, please understand! Thanks!

TERRIE:

Shoes!!
Having grown up in the era where a lady’s shoes and purse must match, and heels
were worn every day, I once owned stilettos in half a dozen colors. (We also
wore white gloves on the subway, but that’s a story for another time.) Due to
an ancient softball injury, compounded decades later by a broken ankle, I will
be wearing a pair of very low-heeled pumps to the Agatha Banquet. But, never
fear Stiletto Gang, I still have a pair of gray suede three-inch heels in my
closet that I cannot bear to give away. Sometimes I put them on and hobble
around the house, with my cane in hand for safety. They still look fabulous and
I feel fabulous when I have them on my feet. Alas, my left ankle wobbles if I
try to walk in them.
TRACY:
Given that Kate and I are both yoga
teachers, we would really prefer to go barefoot. But if that won’t work, a pair
of comfy Birkenstocks will work quite nicely!

The Courtesy Strategy

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2015 Celebrity Apprentice Cast with Donald Trump

I
don’t watch many reality shows, but Donald Trump’s The Apprentice has always fascinated me. When it first premiered,
with non-celebrities participating, I followed the program until Bill Rancic
won the initial challenge. Each episode, I remained glued to the screen. Then,
afterward, I would berate myself for enjoying a show that encouraged folks to
undermine their opponents in order to take the prize.

For
those of you who have avoided the temptation, please let me congratulate you.
The premise is that Mr. Trump brings together talented individuals from all
walks of life to be divided into teams, compete against each other in
accomplishing business tasks, and eventually be eliminated (“You’re fired”)
based on judgments of their work product, their cooperative abilities, and
their capabilities to outlast each other. The original prize was the
opportunity to manage a Trump-owned enterprise. Later, the participants were
limited to people considered “celebrities” (including actors, singers,
comedians, reporters, athletes, reality stars, and people generating media
attention) who played for donations to selected charities.

So,
I weaned myself from the terrible viewing habit, although I must admit some
backsliding to watch Omarosa’s manipulative efforts. Of course, I was intrigued
when celebrities became involved, and had to see if what I read about Gary
Busey’s antics was true. Then, this year, how could I not tune in for Joan
Rivers’ last TV appearances?

Leeza Gibbons
There
is a more personal reason that the current Celebrity
Apprentice appeals to me. It features among the players local girl made
good, Leeza Gibbons who grew up in Irmo, South Carolina, a suburb of Columbia,
and attended the University of South Carolina. Also, I went to law school with
her brother Carlos.

Leeza
Gibbons came to prominence as an interviewer of celebrities on Entertainment Tonight. She also hosted
her own programs and infomercials and has been a competitor on Dancing with the Stars. She’s beautiful,
intuitive, kind, supportive, and the epitome of a lovely Southern lady, which
is why she seems to be doing so well in this round of the Celebrity Apprentice.

In
the early episodes, Leeza followed a Bill Rancic strategy,
remaining low key, but always available and part of the team. She appeared
level-headed and evaluated the situations reasonably without making derogatory
comments. She even expressed regret and concern when people faced the
boardroom. At one point, Geraldo Rivera asked her when she would step up to the
plate to be project manager. With demure tact, she managed a non-answer.


Then,
the task arose to make a viral video for Chock Full of Nuts Coffee. Making
videos is Leeza’s forte. So, she stepped up to the project manager slot,
listened to the recommendations of all her team members, and ultimately took
charge to direct the process, including making use of a dispute between two
female team members and incorporating it into an edgy, controversial film for a
conservative product. Even she admitted she wasn’t certain how it would go over
because it pushed the envelope, but with her classy presentation, her team was
victorious.

Geraldo Rivera
Now,
Leeza and Geraldo, two reporters, one respectful and deferential, but savvy,
and the other inventive and intelligent, yet erratic, face off in the final
challenge that will air tonight (Monday, February 16, 2015). Who will be the
victor? Will class overcome brash?

As
you can imagine, I intend to watch the resolution. Maybe because I was raised
in the South and have seen its manners work successfully in so many settings, I
have to admit I’m rooting for a Leeza win. I haven’t felt as guilty following
the episodes this time because I saw less of bad behavior being rewarded and
more of courtesy and kindness being admired.

What
do you think? Is courtesy the preferred strategy? Can it be used for a
competitive advantage?

 

Resolution as Metaphor

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This
year, I made two New Year’s resolutions. The first was to carry only the
essentials in my purse.
I’m
a person who delights in handbags. In particular, I like to carry totes, which
accommodate lots of extra stuff. As a result, my shoulder and back are
constantly aching from the weight I carry.
Hence,
this year, I determined to lighten my load.
My
second resolution was to drink more water. Perhaps part of this resolution came
from the fact that I had the flu the last week of the year, and discovered the
keys to getting better were taking the antibiotic, getting lots of rest, and
keeping hydrated.
Liquids
are very comforting when your throat is sore and nothing tastes good. They’re
both filling and moisturizing, two very satisfying feelings associated with a
comfortable, healthy lifestyle.

At
some point during my recovery, I read in a writing craft book that characters
should be viewed as metaphors rather than people. Interesting concept. Rather
like the passion plays from the medieval times where audiences were encouraged
to associate characters with good or evil.
It
made me wonder if resolutions should be viewed as metaphors instead goals. Is a
resolution a plan for action or a reflection of what you think about yourself?
What
does it say about me that I want to carry less around and concentrate on
drinking enough fluids? Are those signals that I want to shed
unnecessary baggage and focus on keeping refreshed and vital?
How
do those resolutions relate to my writing?
If
you travel only with the essentials, you’re not overwhelmed with personal
objects. You can watch what’s around you and enjoy new experiences. And if you
keep hydrated, you have what’s essential to life. You are, in fact, embracing
what makes up most of a human body (50 to 75 percent) and of the environment
(about 71 percent of the earth’s surface and about a trace to 4 percent of the
atmosphere).
Lightness
and water are two ideas associated with movement and flow. They enable the
journey and keep the adventurer fueled to seek new possibilities.
So
far this year, I’ve been able to keep my resolutions. My shoulder and back
don’t ache, and I’m rarely thirsty.
I
know it’s hard to stick to resolutions. I’m sure the day’s coming when I slip
that extra book into my tote or stay at the computer too long without taking a
break to fill my glass.
But,
maybe when I stray, remembering how much better I felt when I was following the
resolutions will bring me back to them again. Perhaps I’ll read over some of my
writing from a time I carried only a notebook and pen instead of my iPad or
laptop and wrote at a coffee shop drinking refreshing mint tea. Maybe I’ll
notice the easy movement of my prose when I was less encumbered and better lubricated.
Then, I can sit down at my computer with a full bottle of water, type from my
notes, and feel like I’m making progress.
And,
isn’t that what resolutions are all about? Getting us started going forward
into the New Year?
 
Have
you made any resolutions? If so, what do you think they say about you and your
writing?

FOR HOLIDAY READING AND GIFTING: THE YULETIDE ANGEL by Sandra Ardoin

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Sandra Ardoin

Previously, Sandra Ardoin has published short stories
and devotional work. Her fondness for horses and westerns led her to write The Yuletide Angel, a delightful holiday
romance novella taking place in the 1890s, and available through Amazon.
The publisher, Lighthouse of the Carolinas, matched Sandra
with a good friend of mine, Susan F. Craft, who is both a wonderful editor and
author. Susan’s award-winning The
Chamomile is available through Amazon, and she has two post-Revolutionary
War novels being published by Lighthouse of the Carolinas in 2015.
I asked these two engaging authors if they would tell
us a little about the writing and publication of The Yuletide Angel. Here’s a brief summary of the story:
As Christmas approaches in Meadowmead, the residents
anticipate visits from the Yuletide Angel, an unknown benefactor who leaves
packages on the doorsteps of the needy. While others speculate about the
identity of the Yuletide Angel, grocer Hugh Barnes has discovered it is his
quiet, socially awkward neighbor, Violet Madison, a spinster who keeps house
for her brother. Hugh takes it upon himself to be Violet’s secret protector
during her nighttime journeys. When Violet’s brother announces his engagement,
Violet decides to support herself by seeking to sell her baked goods and Hugh
gives her the opportunity at his store. While Violet encounters resistance from
her family, Hugh must deal with a visit from his brother Kit, who previously betrayed
Hugh by stealing Hugh’s sweetheart.
Can Violet find the courage to do what she believes is
right? Can Hugh forgive his brother’s past transgression? Can Violet and Hugh
find happiness with each other? All these questions will have readers rapidly turning
pages.
Sandra, how did you develop the idea for this story
and why did you decide to focus on Violet and Hugh?
Paula, thank you for inviting me to talk
about The Yuletide Angel.
I set out to write a Christmas novella
and tried on various plots and characters, both historical and contemporary.
Among the ideas, I wrote about 1,800 words set in the late 1800s (what became, basically,
the first two scenes of the novella). However, with no clue what the story was
actually about, I settled on writing a contemporary. Lacking a chapter of
finishing, I decided I disliked the story and went back to peruse the previous
ideas. When I read what I had written on the historical, everything clicked,
and I knew this was the one God had in mind.
In Violet’s original scene, she was much
less accepting of her brother’s engagement, but I felt her character was headed
for trouble—that she’d be too unlikable. Also, Hugh’s first scene began as an
exercise in mood, so I needed a reason for him to be out late at night. That’s
when the secretive Yuletide Angel was born.
Currently, you are working on a novel about Hugh’s
brother Kit. Did you always plan to write about Kit or did your fascination
with him grow as you wrote The Yuletide
Angel?
When I read a novel, I invariably find a
secondary character or two I want to get to know better. It’s no different when
I write. I needed a problem/conflict for Hugh, so I gave him trouble with his
younger brother over an incident that happened five years earlier. Once Kit
appeared, I kept mulling over ways in which I could give him his own
happy-ever-after. That book, tentatively titled A Reluctant Melody, is scheduled for an early 2016 release. It
brings Kit together with the woman with whom he once betrayed Hugh—fireworks in
the making!
Will Hugh and Violet appear in Kit’s story or in
future stories of their own?
Hugh and Violet will not appear in A Reluctant Melody, although they are
mentioned several times since so much of the backstory involves Hugh. As for
future stories …?
 

Susan F. Craft

Susan, with your love of history and romance, I can
see how you were an excellent editor for Sandra. Please tell us how you came to
take on editing duties with Lighthouse of the Carolinas.
My
selection by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas to work as one of their
editors was one of those “for such a time as this” moments, when pieces of a
puzzle came together in God’s perfect timing.
Over
the past 35 years, I’ve strived to hone my craft by reading books about writing,
attending conferences and workshops, and being a member of a writers’ critique
group. I’ve learned quite a lot (and have more to learn), and wondered how I
could share that knowledge.
After
LPC decided to publish two of my historical suspense novels next year, I began
a cordial relationship with staff members, who were impressed with the quality
of my novels as far as the writing, editing, and especially the spelling,
grammar, and formatting. Through conversations with LPC, they asked if I would
like to be an editor for them.
The
timing was right in that I recently retired after working fulltime 45 years. Can
you imagine my joy? I get to work–from my home—with excellent authors and to
read historical fiction–and get paid for it.
What did you most enjoy learning about the historical
period when Sandra’s novella takes place?
My
area of historical expertise includes the American Revolutionary War and the
Civil War, so when I was asked to edit The
Yuletide Angel, which takes place in 1890, I wondered how much research I’d
have to do. Which was fine with me, because I’d rather research than write.
I
had fun learning about the history of glass making. This came about because
Sandra mentions the “plate-glass window” in Hugh’s store. I wondered if that
was a modern term, and set about my research journey. I was fascinated by
learning about the use of glass as a building material on display at The
Crystal Palace of 1851, built by Joseph Paxton to house the Great Exhibition. 
Because this blog is The Stiletto Gang, shoes and
accessories are frequent topics of discussion. Sandra, let me ask you to
respond to a question that Susan suggested. At Violet’s brother’s wedding, what
kinds of shoes would the bride and Violet be wearing?
Good question and one I didn’t address
in the story, so I’ll do so here. Lila, the bride, wore ivory satin tie shoes
with floral-patterned beadwork to match the beadwork on her ivory satin gown.
By this time, Violet was becoming more bold in her choice of attire and shaking
off the black in favor of brighter colors like red. However, she didn’t want to
show up the bride and chose a velvet dress of deep purple and matching purple
satin pumps with a purple bow on top. Both pairs of shoes had a thick, flared
heel no higher than two inches. It’s amazing how fashion is repeated over time.
It isn’t uncommon to see similar heels today. You’ll find examples on my
Pinterest board for The Yuletide Angel.
Susan, here’s a similar question for you: in your
Revolutionary War novel, The Chamomile,
a wedding occurs. What shoes did your bride wear and what special accessory did
she carry?
I
had such fun chatting with naturalist, Rudy Mancke, asking him, “The wedding
between Lilyan Cameron and Nicholas Xanthakos takes place in May 1781 in the
South Carolina swamps near Charleston. What would my bride carry in her
bouquet?” When Rudy mentioned that orchids grow wild in those swamps, my scene
was born. In that scene, Brigadier General Francis Marion, Nicholas’s
commander, has one of his men present Lilyan with an orchid he spent hours
searching for in the swamps. The other camp followers offer Lilyan a blue
mantua dress, a kerchief, and slippers. Her brother, Andrew, drapes the clan
Cameron scarf across her shoulder and pins it with the clan brooch.
Thank you both for being with us today. Please let me
highly recommend Sandra Ardoin’s and Susan F. Craft’s work. They each portray
fascinating characters and convey historical periods in excellent narratives.
Treat yourselves and others to their stories.

A legislative attorney and former law librarian,
Paula Gail Benson’s short stories have been published in Kings River Life, the Bethlehem
Writers Roundtable, Mystery Times Ten
2013 (Buddhapuss Ink), A Tall Ship, a
Star, and Plunder (Dark Oak Press and Media, 2014). Her most recent story, “Moving On,” appears in A Shaker of Margaritas: That Mysterious
Woman (November 2014). 

Wearing Cinderella’s Slippers

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This
is my first post for The Stiletto Gang. I feel fortunate to be asked to
join the group. Already, the other posters have sent me warm
welcoming messages, which I very much appreciate. A grand thing about the writing community is the support offered and received. Maybe there is an enabling factor that urges authors who work so much in
solitude to reach out to others who aspire to follow their path. An
overwhelming generosity of spirit flows from writers who have made
their mark to those toiling to achieve success.

From
looking at past posts, I see that I’ll be filling a spot long held by Evelyn
David, one of the founding members of the blog and a very prolific writing team
of Marian Edelman Borden and Rhonda Dossett.
I’m humbled by the opportunity and know I have large shoes to fill. And, I’m
grateful to my fellow posters for handing me Cinderella’s slippers.
I just hope I don’t lose one or, if I do, that it’s returned by a prince!
As
I considered my first message, I kept thinking about shoes. Shoes often seem to
have been used in literature to define women. Consider the epic battle that
ensues when Dorothy gets the witch’s ruby red slippers. Yet, eventually, those
shoes become the vehicle that transports Dorothy home, on her own power.
When
I was young, after school, I would wait in my mother’s classroom while she
attended teachers’ meetings. I would listen to the footsteps coming down the
hall and learned to recognize hers returning.
Later,
when I went out into the workplace, I saw women navigating the sidewalks in
high heels, their staccato tapping emphasizing their focus and determination as
well as their rushing to the next appointment. The sound of their steps signaled
a giddy assurance that they were in the right place and making important
contributions through their work.
When
I visited New York City, I walked along the streets, feeling a stronger
connection with the place as my sneakers trod its thoroughfares. I had read
that Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, who loved to travel, adored having
someone stop and ask her for directions in a location she was visiting, because
that made her feel as if she were part of the place. I remember my own thrill
when I advised a tourist on a New York street corner. A sense of belonging is
so reassuring.
I
guess my favorite shoe image comes from To
Kill a Mockingbird, when young Scout realizes Atticus is correct in
telling her we never truly understand a person until we have a chance to walk
in his shoes. To me, the scene where Scout stands on Boo Radley’s porch envisioning
all that had happened in their town through his eyes is a truly powerful piece
of writing.

So,
thank you, Stiletto Gang, for including me among your posters. Thanks for your
encouragement and for believing in me, a short story writer who strives to be a
novelist. And, thanks for providing this forum for those of us who love
mystery, romance, suspense, thrills, and good writing.

A legislative attorney and former law librarian,
Paula Gail Benson’s short stories have been published in Kings River Life, the Bethlehem
Writers Roundtable, Mystery Times
Ten 2013 (Buddhapuss Ink), and A Tall
Ship, a Star, and Plunder (Dark Oak Press and Media, 2014). Her next short
story, “Moving On,” will appear in A
Shaker of Margaritas: That Mysterious Woman, an anthology due to be
released by Mozark Press in November or December 2014. She regularly blogs with others about writing mysteries at http://writerswhokill.blogspot.com. Her personal blog is http://littlesourcesofjoy.blogspot.com,
and her website is http://paulagailbenson.com.