Grand Central Noir

I have a post up at Women of Mystery announcing a new short story of mine, "A Primal Force," that appears in Grand Central Noir, an e-book compiled by Terrence P. McCauley, which was published by Metropolitan Crime in June 2013. It's currently available on Amazon for Kindle and Kindle Apps. All proceeds go to the charity, God's Love We Deliver.

Visit Women of Mystery to read all about it!

Craft of Writing Quote

I enjoy collecting quotes on the craft of writing. I'd like to share a couple of quotes from American writer Marion Zimmer Bradley  who passed away on this date in 1999.  

“There's no "magic secret"; writing is like everything else; ten percent inspiration or talent, and ninety percent hard work. Persistence; keeping at it till you get there. As Agnes de Mille said, it means working every day—bored, tired, weary, or with a fever of a hundred and two.” 

"Think of this: a thousand pages sounds like a lot. But write three pages a day and a year from now you'll have a book."

In "What Is A Short Story?" Marion offers advice on the elements of the short story. 

Clipart source: Book Dreaming, Home of MG Author Shannon O'Donnell

2012 Spilling Ink Short Story Prize

I just learned about a writing competition, and the deadline's around the corner. But if you've got an unpublished story that's no more than 1500 words, any genre, and are willing to spend $10 on the entry fee, you may want to consider entering it into the 2012 Spilling Ink Short Story Prize. Spilling Ink Review is a quarterly e-journal (@spillinginkling on Twitter).

The guest judge is Richard Beard (@BeardRichard on Twitter).

Deadline is May 31, 2012.

Check out all the rules ~ and good luck!

2012 Derringer Award Winners Announced

I am deeply honored that my story, "Heat of Passion" was among the finalists for the 2012 Derringer Award for Best Flash Fiction Story. The results have just been announced by SMFS President (and awesome short story writer) Sandra Seamans. Eligible voting members of the Short Mystery Fiction Society read the stories and cast their votes. 


Congratulations to the winners:

Best Flash Story: "Lessons Learned" by Allan Leverone

Best Short Story: "Touch of Death" by B.V. Lawson

Best Long Story: Tie "A Drowning at Snow's Cut" by Art Taylor and "Brea's Tale"
by Karen Pullen

Best Novelette: "Where Billy Died" by Earl Staggs


Congratulations to all of the nominees as well. Your stories are outstanding and the judges did a terrific job in narrowing down the choices. I'm grateful for the efforts of 2012 Derringer Coordinator Gwen Mayo, the judges, and the voting members of SMFS who took the time to read the stories and make the tough decisions.


Thanks, also, to Editor Christopher Grant for having accepted and published "Heat of Passion" on A Twist of Noir on February 14, 2011 ~ and to the dedicated readers who took the time to read and comment about my story. The feedback has been a tremendous gift. 


A special shout-out to the publishers/hosts of the winning stories: Shotgun Honey; Absent Willow Review(currently closed); Untreed Reads; Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine; and to the dozens of bloggers (and those who promoted on Facebook and Twitter, too) ~ who announced the 2012 Derringer Award Finalists throughout March 2012 and wrote so many kind words. Thanks for your faithful support of short mystery and crime fiction!

Beach House Noir at Do Some Damage

Steve Weddle at Do Some Damage offered up a summertime flash fiction challenge for some Beach House Noir, 500 to 5,000 words. I'm a little late to the game, but I finished a story to add to the mix, called "Wanderlust," which clocks in just under 630 words. 


The awesome stories are up at Do Some Damage. Congrats to Thomas Pluck, the winner of Duane Swiercyznki's Fun and Games. 

"Wanderlust"

After a scorcher on Fire Island during the summer of 1994, Phil and Garrett were about to fall asleep in their upscale cottage rental when a questionable sound of flatulence arose. 

“Was that you?” Phil asked.  

“No,” Garrett said, sitting up. “I was about to ask you the same thing.”

Phil whispered. “Who the hell farted, then — and where did it come from?

Garrett pointed toward the closet. He quietly slipped out of bed and reached under the bed for a bat. He stood near the closet. Phil turned on his bedside lamp. 

“We know you’re in there,” Garrett warned. “I have a weapon, so don’t try anything funny.”  

“I fell asleep — don’t hurt me. Can I come out now?” the burglar asked.

Garrett pulled the closet doors open. A balding man, not yet sixty, struggled to get on his feet. He rubbed his eyes.

“Who the hell are you — and what are you doing here?” Garrett demanded. 

“My name is Tommy Rogers,” the intruder said. He glanced at Phil, who held a cordless phone in his hand. “Please, don’t call the police. I can explain.” 

Garrett loosened his grip on the bat. The paunchy invader appeared harmless. “Let’s hear it — and we’ll decide whether to call the cops or not.”

“This community — well, you know, it’s reputation and all,” Tommy said, gazing back and forth at the startled pair. 

“You’ve got something against gays?”

“No, not at all. It’s the atmosphere of isolated beach communities. Doors are left unlocked. Everyone’s too trusting — which is to my benefit.”

Garrett asked, “And what benefit would that be, Mr. Rogers? Money? Jewelry? Drugs?”  

The disheveled, uninvited man explained, “I look for a wallet on the dresser.” His gaze shifted toward the wallets sitting on their dresser, making his point. “I only remove one credit card, though. I touch nothing else.” 

Phil surmised the rest. “To buy time — until the victim realizes it’s missing, or the credit card company notifies the victim — whichever comes first, but could take a while.”

Tommy nodded. “Exactly. If I get a card, I beat feet; but you guys walked in before I even had a chance to look. I didn’t take anything — we’re all good, I promise. I ducked into the closet, waiting for you to either leave or go to sleep. Guess I’m the one who crapped out. What gave me away? Did I snore?”

“We heard you rip one,” Garrett said. 

“Damn chili dogs,” Tommy muttered, looking down at his feet.

Phil asked, “So what’s your goal with the stolen card?”

“I book a plane ticket and get the hell out of dodge. I fly to the next gay enclave and steal another card. I’ve been all over the world, and no one’s caught up to me yet.”

“Until now, you idiot.”

“Technically, you’re correct; but do you know that when a burglar enters a potentially occupied home, he is mentally prepared to commit homicide?” Tommy asked, but didn’t wait for a response as he pulled a gun from the small of his back. 

He shot Garrett before he could lift the bat. 

Tommy double-tapped Phil before he could dial 911, or any other number. He crumbled to the ground. 

Tommy heard the front screen door slam. 

“Doesn’t anyone ever lock their doors around here?” he grumbled. 

“Phil? Garrett?” You guys setting off fireworks?” a concerned friend asked. When he reached the bedroom door, his eyes met the intruder’s. His mouth fell open, but could form no words.  

“Fireworks,” Tommy sneered. “I got your fireworks right here.” Bang-bang. 

Tommy locked the front door behind him. The drifter strolled down the tree-lined boardwalk, blended in with the crowd, and made his way towards the ferry. 

He had a plane to catch.

L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories

Mulholland Books has announced that between now and June 12, 2011, residents of North America can download the new ebook, L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories, for free. After the 12th, it will be available for 99 cents. The collection features original stories from Joyce Carol Oates, Lawrence Block, Megan Abbott, Andrew Vachss, Duane Swierczynski, Joe R. Lansdale, Francine Prose, and Jonathan Santlofer.

For those without e-readers, the collection can be downloaded to a PC or a Mac. Details are available on the Rock Star games site.

L.A. Noire is a video game available for PlayStation3 and XBox360; it is set in 1947. Players are challenged to solve a range of crimes. It was released in North American on May 17, 2011.

I think this is a fascinating partnership between ebook publishing and video gaming. It will be interesting to monitor the results of this marketing concept. What do you think of this alliance?

Silk Road Review: Flash Fiction Contest

Silk Road Review is holding a flash fiction contest, in which writers can submit up to two entries. There is no fee to enter.

A prize of $500 will be awarded, along with publication in the Silk Road summer print issue, and on their website. The word count is 1200 words or less. All pieces will be considered for publication.

The deadline is quickly approaching -- this Friday, May 6, 2011. Judging will be done by the editors of Silk Road Review. 


Silk Road Review is published twice yearly, in the spring and fall. You can read their mission statement here. They publish fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and translations.

Silk Road Review is made possible by the generous donation of Pacific University in Oregon.

You can follow Silk Road Review on Facebook.

The red tent artwork was done by Vol. 6.1's cover artist, Orna Ben-Shoshan.

"A Scarry Night" Flash Fiction Challenge

Welcome to "A Scarry Night" Flash Fiction Challenge posed by Patti Abbott. Recently, Patti overheard a conversation between a man and a woman. The woman said, "I really don't mind the scars." This became the inspiration behind this Flash Fiction Challenge -- to use that particular line in a story of 800 words or less.

For more entries, visit Patti's blog. Be sure to stop by Women of Mystery, where my blogmate, Anita Page, will post her entry in this flash fiction challenge.

"Beholden"

He noticed the attractive twenty-something cashier the moment he walked into the store. She had long, curly brown hair and wore a red sweater that fit just perfectly. He pretended to look at the DVDs; but when their eyes met briefly, she blushed.

Another cashier relieved the pretty one.

She walked towards him. “Can I help you?”

"I’m trying to decide between Taken and Ransom."

"If you're into a kidnapping drama, I’d recommend Fargo, or possibly Raising Arizona -- an earlier work by the Coen brothers with a lot of laughs.”

“Thanks for the suggestions, uh, Karen,” he said, nodding towards her name tag. “I’ll keep them in mind. My name’s Kevin, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, Kevin.”

He smiled. “I know it’s a bit forward, but are you getting a break any time soon? Maybe we can have a bite to eat at the food court?”

“I’m about to take a lunch break, and I guess I wouldn’t mind the company.”

Karen told the store manager she was taking her lunch break.

They chose pizza and Cokes. Kevin treated.

They chatted, mainly about movies and music. He caught Karen staring at the scars on his muscled forearm.

He rubbed his arm. “This happened when I was little. I yanked on the cord of a steam vaporizer in my room, and the scalding water fell on my arm and chest.”

“I’m so sorry. It must have been devastating. How frightening.”

“I spent a few weeks in the burn unit, and I don’t remember most of it. I really don’t mind the scars. I’m lucky I survived.”

Karen glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to get back. Thanks for the pizza and the company.”

“I’d like to walk you back — I gotta hit the men’s room first. Can you wait?”

“No problem."

As he headed towards the restrooms, Karen dumped the garbage and returned the tray.

Two females grabbed her. One held her arms back as the other took a straight edge to Karen’s face. She screamed and instinctively held her face as it spurted blood. The assailants took off in different directions.

People were yelling, “Call 911!” Some were crying, running away with their children in tow.

First aid responders tended to her quickly. One cop issued an APB over his radio with a description of the suspects. Another cop was passing out paper and pens to the witnesses, asking them to write their names, phone numbers, and a brief description of the attackers. They were instructed not to compare notes with anyone, and would eventually meet with detectives to give formal statements.

Upon his return, Kevin witnessed the commotion. He scanned the crowd, searching for Karen. He waded through the onlookers, panicking when he didn’t see Karen. He made it near the table where they sat, but crime scene tape was already up.

He saw the victim with curly brown hair, wearing a red sweater, lying on the ground, covered in blood.

“What happened here?" Kevin said to a stunned gawker.

“She was attacked by two females with a straight razor. I overheard the cops say this has gang-initiation written all over it -- they said something about the victim wearing red. They're asking anyone with information to write down their name, contact number, and a description of the suspects."

Kevin took a pen and a sheet of paper. He started scribbling.

He walked toward the vestibule near the pay phones. He placed a call on his cell.

When Primo answered, Kevin blasted him. “What the hell happened? You told me to bring her to the food court. I did. This beautiful girl is now disfigured — if she doesn’t bleed to death first!”

“I really don't mind the scars. She earned them when she broke up with me. Look, the deed’s done. You held up your end of the bargain. You can have your sister back. She’ll be dumped on the south side entrance of the mall, unharmed.”

She’d better be, he thought.

“Get the hell out of there, Peter,” he said. “I hope you didn’t use your real name.”

“Give me some credit. My sister better not have one scratch on her.”

“Not to worry. She’s fine.”

Before leaving, Peter slipped a folded paper to a cop. “Can you pass this along to the detectives? It may be useful to them.”

It contained the full name, description, address, and cell phone number of the man who kidnapped his sister and set up Karen’s assault.

***

A Twist of Noir

I am thrilled to have a new story up at "A Twist of Noir," Christopher Grant's terrific site for noir stories. Last August, Christopher offered a "600 to 700" challenge: to write a story to correspond with a specific word count between 600 and 700 words (story 600 would have 600 words, story 601 would have 601 words, etc.). I immediately got to work on my story ~ which I had started as a 250 word story for a "String of Ten" contest at Flash Fiction Chronicles a year ago. It placed as a finalist, but the story was never posted; it is only mentioned by title and my name. I transformed the story from the original, and I worked on it for months to prepare it for A Twist of Noir.

My story, "Heat of Passion" is #661 and was posted Monday ~ a nice Valentine's Day gift! I am thrilled and honored to have a story posted alongside such talented writers whose work graces A Twist of Noir. I'm grateful to Christopher for this opportunity.

Last April, my story, "Victims of the Night," which won a Flash Fiction Award from the Public Safety Writers Association in June 2010, was posted on A Twist of Noir.

Stop by if you have a chance ~ I'd love to hear your thoughts.

You may want to check out Porter Wagoner's song, "The Cold Hard Facts of Life," before you venture over; I included it in my story, and I was shocked the first time I listened to it.

Hint Fiction News

I was fortunate to participate in a reading and book signing for Hint Fiction: An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, at McNally Jackson, 52 Prince Street, New York City. The recently released anthology, published by W.W. Norton, contains my story, "Playing with Matches."

The editor, Robert Swartwood, introduced the contributors who were able to attend the event, which included: Randall Brown, Frank Byrns, Tara Deal, Bruce Harris, Donora Hillard, Jason Rice, Samuel Rippey, Jess Row, and me (the photo below, from left to right: Randall, Robert, Jason, Frank, Donora, Samuel, Bruce, and Amy Cherry from W.W. Norton. Somehow, Tara, Jess, and I missed out on this group shot).

The room was filled to capacity, and the folks at the bookstore added more folding chairs to accommodate the crowd. Each author read his or her story and shared what inspired it.

Robert and the contributors signed extra copies for bookstore customers who were unable to attend the event. If you're in the vicinity of McNally Jackson and are interested in obtaining a copy, ask if they have any more signed copies.

In other Hint Fiction news, Robert conducted an interview with NPR.

This Friday night, November 19, 2010, another reading and signing will take place at The Big Blue Marble Bookstore in Philadelphia, PA., at 7 p.m.

If you'd like to order it online, the Hint Fiction anthology is available on Amazon (where it currently ranks as #1 in sales of anthologies, and #104 in book sales), and Barnes and Noble.

The Chronicles of Higher Education recently wrote about Hint Fiction. Thanks to Robert Swartwood for the photos above; you see more from the signing at the Hint Fiction page on Facebook. You can follow @Hint_Fiction on Twitter.

Discount Noir

I am thrilled to announce that my story, "Secret Identity" appears in the Untreed Reads crime fiction e-book, Discount Noir, edited by Patricia Abbott and Steve Weddle.

Here's the description from Untreed Reads:

If you thought standing in line at your local warehouse store was murder, then you haven't been to Megamart. These flash fiction tales of superstore madness and mayhem will make you think twice the next time you hear "clean up on aisle 13."

This anthology contains works by: Patricia Abbott, Sophie Littlefield, Kieran Shea, Chad Eagleton, Ed Gorman, Cormac Brown, Fleur Bradley, Alan Griffiths, Laura Benedict, Garnett Elliot, Eric Beetner, Jack Bates, Bill Crider, Loren Eaton, John DuMond, John McFetridge, Toni McGee Causey, Jeff Vande Zande, James Reasoner, Kyle Minor, Randy Rohn, Todd Mason, Byron Quertermous, Sandra Scoppettone, Stephen D. Rogers, Steve Weddle, Evan Lewis, Daniel B. O'Shea, Sandra Seamans, Albert Tucher, Donna Moore, John Weagly, Keith Rawson, Gerald So, Dave Zeltserman, Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen, Jay Stringer, Anne Frasier, Kathleen A. Ryan, Eric Peterson, Chris Grabenstein and J.T. Ellison.

A tremendous thank-you to editors Patricia Abbott and Steve Weddle, agent Stacia Decker of the Donald Maass Literary Agency, and Jay Hartman of Untreed Reads.

Discount Noir lists at $5.99, but is on sale at Untreed Reads for $4.49 until October 31, 2010, and is available in PDF, EPUB and Palm Reader formats (I downloaded it straight to my laptop). The ebook is also available for Kindle at Amazon for $5.99.

"Secret Identity" was written in response to a flash fiction challenge posed by Patricia Abbott in 2009, and it had a different title then. My story won a Flash Fiction Award in the Public Safety Writers Association's 2010 Writing Competition. I proudly accepted the award during their Las Vegas conference this past June.

Monkeybicycle Lightning Round! Reading Series

I just returned from San Francisco after attending Bouchercon 2010, which was fabulous. I will certainly be blogging about the convention, things I learned, great quotes from panelists, posting photos, etc. As you may know, I also blog at Women of Mystery, and I already posted something while at Bouchercon, after attending a one-hour session hosted by the best-selling Irish authors, Declan Hughes and John Connolly, entitled: Ten Crime Novels You Must Read Before You Die. I sat in the front row and took this photo of the duo.

In the meantime, I've also blogged about tomorrow night's Monkeybicycle Lightning Round! Reading Series that will debut tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. at the KGB bar on 85 E. 4th Street, New York City. Among the participants will be author Robert Swartwood, who is also the editor of the soon-to-be-released Hint Fiction: An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer, published by W.W. Norton ~ of which I am extremely proud to have a story included.

Hope to see you at the KGB bar tomorrow night!

The Ultimate Flash Fiction Package

To celebrate the upcoming November 1st release of W.W. Norton's Hint Fiction: An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer, the editor, Robert Swartwood, is hosting a contest. From those who leave a comment with links announcing this contest (either through Twitter, Facebook, blog post, etc.), a random winner will be chosen to receive eight anthologies (flash, short, micro, hint), valued at $120.

The contest runs until midnight, October 31, 2010, EST. Five runners-up will receive a copy of the Hint Fiction anthology.

For more details, and a list of those terrific books ~ go straight to the source!

I recently received my contributor's copy of the Hint Fiction anthology, and I must say, I am impressed. What a gem of a collection. Each story is like unwrapping and savoring a piece of candy. I am thrilled to have a story in this anthology.

Good luck!

Twitter Fiction on Nanoism

I am pleased to announce that one of my twitter-fiction stories was accepted and is now appearing on Nanoism.net ("A paying twitterzine/litmag for thoughtful nanofiction"). Titles for these stories are neither required or accepted.

The editor, Ben White, has also tweeted the story @nanoism, along with my bio.

It is based upon my police experience on the Crime Stoppers tips line.

Check it out ~ and let me know what you think!

Artwork source here.