SMFS Member Award Winners at 2024 Killer Nashville

 

Several SMFS list members reported that they won awards at the recent Killer Nashville Conference.  The full list of winners can be found at the website. The SMFS list members who reported that they received awards are:

 

James L’Etoile won a Silver Falchion Award in the Best Book by an Attending Author category for Face of Greed: A Novel (Oceanview Publishing, November 2023).

 

Richard Helms won a Silver Falchion Award in the Best Anthology (Awarded To Individual Author Or Collection Editor) category for Paper Walls/Glass Houses (Black Arch Books, May 2023)

 

Paul McAvoy won a Claymore Award in the Best Mystery category for What They Buried. Mr.  McAvoy also reports that he additionally won a first runner-up Claymore Award For Best First Fifty Unpublished Pages for the manuscript, What They Buried.

 

P.K. Richard won a Claymore Award in the Best Short Story Collection / Anthology category for Pocket Money and Other Stories.

 

Judy Penz Sheluk won a Silver Falchion Award in the Best Nonfiction category for Finding YOUR Path to Publication: A Step-by-Step Guide (Superior Shores Press).

SMFS Member Publishing News: The Vultures Will Feed by Curtis Ippolito

SMFS list member Curtis Ippolito reports that his short story, The Vultures Will Feed, was recently published at TOUGH. You can read the piece for free online here.

SMFS Member Publishing News: Kindred Spirits by Steve Liskow

SMFS list member Steve Liskow reported that his short story, Kindred Spirits, appears in Black Cat Weekly #156. Published by Wildside Press, the issue is available here in digital format.

 

Publisher Description:

Exciting stuff this time: a new Velda P.I. story from Ron Miller, a new supernatural mystery from Steve Liskow (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), plus great modern tales from Melodie Johnson Howe (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman) and Anna Tambour.

   On top of that, we have a mystery novel from Isabel Ostrander and a space opera novel from Edmond Hamilton. (Truly something for every taste.) And did I mention science fiction classics from Nelson S. Bond, Ray Cummings, and Evelyn Goldstein? And another solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles?

   Here’s the lineup—

 

Cover Art: Ron Miller

 

Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure:

• “Kindred Spirits,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
• “Who Killed Yogi Barrett?” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery]
• “Losing It,” by Melodie Johnson Howe [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
• “E-I-E-I-Oh, Velda!” by Ron Miller [short story, Velda P.I. series]
• The Fifth Ace, by Isabel Ostrander [novel]

 

Science Fiction & Fantasy:

• “Kindred Spirits,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
• “None So Seeing As Those Who’ve Seen,” by Anna Tambour [novelet]
• “The Recalcitrant,” by Evelyn Goldstein [short story]
• “He Who Served,” by Ray Cummings [short story]
• “The Ghost of Lancelot Biggs,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelot Biggs series]
• The Universe Wreckers, by Edmond Hamilton [novel]

SMFS Members Published in Pulphouse Fiction Magazine: Issue 32

SMFS members are published in the recently released, Pulphouse Fiction Magazine: Issue 32. Published by WMG Publishing, the read is available from the publisher, Amazon, and other vendors. The SMFS list members that reported being in the issue are: 

 

David H. Hendrickson with “Truth and Lies.”

 

Annie Reed with “The White Whale.”

 

Publisher Description:

The Cutting Edge of Modern Short Fiction
A three-time Hugo Award nominated magazine, this issue of Pulphouse Fiction Magazine offers up ten fantastic stories by some of the best writers working in modern short fiction.
No genre limitations, no topic limitations, just great stories. Attitude, feel, and high-quality fiction equals Pulphouse.


Includes:
“Part of a Balanced Breakfast” by Brigid Collins

“Rena 733” by Lisa Silverthorne

“Kitty on a Hot, Dying Star” by Robert Jeschonek

“Truth and Lies” by David H. Hendrickson

“Survey” by Adam-Troy Castro

“A Gathering at Lake St. Catherine” by O’Neil De Noux

“Open All Night” by Lisa Danny-Roberts

“Children of Earth” by Katrina Wiggins

“The White Whale” by Annie Reed

“September at Wall and Broad” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

“Minions at Work: Irregular Maintenance” by J. Steven York

SMFS Member Publishing News: A Deadly Day to Leave Your Lover by William Burton McCormik

SMFS list member William Burton McCormik reported that his animated short story, A Deadly Day to Leave Your Lover, is posted at Storiaverse. Per Mr. McCormick, “You have to download their app but it is free to use.”

SMFS Member Publishing News: Elizabeth Zelvin

 

SMFS list member Elizabeth Zelvin reported that her short story collection, DEATH WILL KEEP YOU SOBER: The Big Book of Bruce Kohler Short Mysteries, was released earlier this month. Published by Outsider Books, the eBook is available at Amazon.

 

Elizabeth Zelvin also reported that her short story, Death Will Take the High Line, is the sixth episode of The Mystery Hour podcast. This Bruce Kohler story can be heard here.

SMFS Member Publishing News: Conscience Money by M. E. Proctor

SMFS list member M. E. Proctor reports that her short story, Conscience Money, was recently published at TOUGH. You can read the piece for free online here.

SMFS Members Published in Black Cat Weekly #155

SMFS list members are published in Black Cat Weekly #155. Published by Wildside Press, the issue is available here in digital format. The list members that reported being in the issue are:

 

John M. Floyd with "Molly's Plan."

 

M. A. Monnin with “Tick Tock.”

 

Publisher Description:

This issue features three original short stories (mysteries by M.A. Monnin [thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken], and Edd Vick & Manny Frishberg, plus a fantasy story by D J Tyrer), and an original science fiction novel by Thomas A. Easton.

   Furthering the mystery section, we also have a great tale by John M. Floyd (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman) a classic novel by William J. Burns & Isabel Ostrander, and a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles.

   Rounding out the science fiction and fantasy selections are a dark fantasy by British master John S. Glasby and a classic by Philip Jose Farmer. Lots of fun.

   Here’s the complete lineup—

 

Cover Art: Ron Miller

 

Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure:

• “Tick Tock,” by M.A. Monnin [Michael Bracken Presents original short story]
• “Who Stole the Monopoly Money?” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery]
• “Molly’s Plan,” by John M. Floyd [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
• “Time and Tide,” by Edd Vick and Manny Frishberg [original short story]
• The Crevice, by William J. Burns and Isabel Ostrander [novel]

 

Science Fiction & Fantasy:

• “The Ring of Tsimblier,” by D J Tyrer [original short story]
• “In the Midst of Night,” John S. Glasby [short story]
• “Lancelot Biggs: Master Navigator,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelot Biggs series]
• “The Wounded,” by Philip José Farmer [short story]
• Configuration Hacks, by Thomas A. Easton [original novel]

SMFS at Bouchercon 2024: Nashville

Bouchercon 2024: Nashville begins Wednesday the 28^th in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The list below features just some of the many activities reported by SMFS list members. Please remember that times and room locations as well as panelists and other details are subject to change. More information can be found at the official website.

 

Note: SMFS list member Michael Bracken has reported that the resort is a cash free facility.

 

 

Events

 

Wednesday Evening

 

6 PM  Various SMFS members participate in Cozies and Cocktails.

 

 

Thursday Afternoon

 

4:00 PM  Various SMFS list members participate in the Meet and Greet with the 2024 Anthony Nominees for Bouchercon Nashville 2024

 

 

Thursday Evening 

 

6:30 PM   During opening ceremonies, presentation of the Derringer medals to the 2024 Derringer Award winners. More information on the winners and the categories they won in can be found here.

 

8:30 PM  Various SMFS list members will be participating in the signing of the Bouchercon anthology,. Tales of Music, Murder and Mayhem.

  

 

 

Panels

 

Wednesday

 

1:30 PM  Chris Dreith, among others, participate on the panel, “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

 

3:00 PM  Ruth M McCarty, among others, participate on the panel, “Next Thing You Know.”

 

3:00 PM  Carolyn Rowland, among others, participate on the panel, “Werewolves of London.”

 

3:00 PM  Rob D. Smith, among others, participate on the panel, “Thriller.”

 

4:30  PM  Nancy Herriman moderates the panel, “Mama Told Me Not to Come.”

 

 

Thursday

 

8:00 AM  Fred Tippett II, among others, participate on the panel, “Playground in My Mind.”

 

 

Friday

 

8:00 AM   Bonnar Spring, among others, participate on the panel, “Ode to Billie Joe.”

 

9:30 AM  Art Taylor, among others, participate on the panel, “Now That We Don't Talk.”

 

12:30  PM  Robert Mangeot, among others, participate on the panel, “Mack the Knife.”

 

2:00 PM  Jeff Markowitz, among others, participate on the panel, “New York State of Mind.”

 

3:30 PM   Suzanne Baginskie, among others, participate on the panel, “Don't Stand So Close to Me.”

 

3:30 PM  Michael Bracken, among others, patriciate on the panel, “Why is editing so hard?”

 

 

 

Saturday

 

8:00 AM  Barb Goffman, among others, participate on the panel, “Crafting a Killer Short Story Isn't a Mystery: Authors Share Their Tips & Tricks!”

 

8:00 AM  Josh Pachter, among others, participate on the panel, “Back in the Saddle Again." SMFS list member Fred Tippett II moderates. 

 

9:30 AM   Joseph S. Walker, among others, participate on the panel, on the panel, "Is It Over Now?: Bringing Character to Life in Short Stories.” Fellow SMFS list member Megan Lucas moderates.

 

7:30 PM  Anthony Award Winners are announced. The list of members that previously reported they were nominated can be found here.

 

 

Sunday

 

9:30 AM  Daniel C. Bartlett, Michael Bracken, Josh Pachter, among others, participate on the panel, “Achy Breaky Heart.”

SMFS Member Publishing News: Cardinal Sins by Paul A. Barra

SMFS list member Paul A. Barra reported that his latest book, Cardinal Sins, was recently published. Published by pj's self publishing, the book is available in digital format at Amazon.

 

Amazon Synopsis:

A racetrack chaplain seeking his own redemption assists police to investigate a paddock death caused by an unruly stallion—or maybe a cunning denizen of the backstretch did the killing. He unearths a tale of lust, race fixing, murder, and high drama in the Adirondack Mountains.

SMFS Members Published in Cooking Up Crime: Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem Book #19

Today is publication day for Cooking Up Crime: Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem Book #18. Published by Knotted Road Press, the read is available at MysteryCrimeandMayhem.Com as well as Amazon and other vendors.  The SMFS list members that reported being in the issue are:

 

Joslyn Chase with “The Flavor of Deceit.”

 

Diana Deverell with “Baking Into the Dark.”

 

Annie Reed with “The Disappearance of Doughzilla.”

 

Description

Want a slice of pie with your crime? Or perhaps some cookies. Maybe even some BBQ…

Welcome to the annual cozy edition of MCM!

Be sure to bring a snack, as these stories are sure to leave you hungry for more.

The annual cozy issue of MCM!

SMFS Members Published in Yellow Mama Webzine: Issue 105

SMFS list members are published in Yellow Mama Webzine: Issue 105. The issue is online and a free read here. The SMFS list members that reported being in the issue are:

 

Glen Bush with “A Long Way from Yesterday.”

 

Abe Margel with “Have a Nice Trip.”

 

Elizabeth Zelvin with the poems, “Aunt Hilda After Uncle Bud” and “Jack's Funeral” as well as “Once Upon A Time.”

SMFS Member Publishing News: Love You Till Tuesday: A Declan Shaw Mystery by M. E. Proctor

 

Today is publication day for SMFS list member M. E. Proctor’s new book, Love You Till Tuesday: A Declan Shaw Mystery. Published by Shotgun Honey Books, the book is out today in multiple formats at Amazon and other vendors.

 

Publisher Description:

The death of April Easton makes no sense. She was a jazz singer working the clubs. Maybe the recording contract she just signed would have been her breakthrough. It certainly wasn’t a motive for murder. Steve Robledo, Houston PD, is on the scene. He’s known for working fast and closing cases. This one has all the markings of a head scratcher. And when witnesses and security cameras confirm Declan Shaw, a local P.I. with police connections, spent the night with the woman, it just makes everything more complicated.

Not that Declan has anything to do with the murder. He likes music and he liked April. He certainly didn’t kill her.

A collaboration, uneasy at first, is in the works. Declan can’t get April out of his head. Her memory is fading and he wants to hang on to it. What better way than to find more about her? Steve is running out of time, a few more days and he’ll have to turn his attention to other cases. They strike a mutually beneficial alliance.

For the powerful men behind April’s death, that alliance means trouble. Declan is stubborn and resourceful. He worries them a lot more than the police. There’s no telling what he could dig up. The stakes are high: a trial with the death penalty in play, cartel ties, money. Ultimately, it’s always about money.

Declan has to be stopped, incapacitated. He’s put under surveillance, a trap is set to ensnare him, a campaign is launched to discredit him—The P.I. and the Dead Jazz Singer. It’s a mistake. Declan will bite back.

Many will get hurt.

SMFS Member Publishing News: The Five People You Meet in Atlantic City by James Blakey

SMFS list member James Blakey reported that his short story, The Five People You Meet in Atlantic City, appears in Black Cat Weekly #154. Published by Wildside Press, the issue is available here in digital format.

 

Publisher Description:

Here’s the complete lineup—

 

Cover Art: Ron Miller

 

Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure:

• “The Bottle Blonde,” by Albert Tucher [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
• “The Fatal Founders Day,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery]
• “New Day Newark,” by SJ Rozan [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
• “The Five People You Meet in Atlantic City,” by James Blakey [short story]
• The Long Arm of the Mounted, by James French Dorrance [novel]

 

Nonfiction:

• “Norman Spinrad at Large: Life As We Don’t Know It?” by Norman Spinrad

 

Science Fiction & Fantasy:

• “Maximinus Thrax and the Gates of Chaos,” by Paul Di Filippo and Claudio Chillemi [short story]
• “When Darkness Falls,” by John S. Glasby [short story]
• “Honeymoon in Bedlam,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story] [short story]
• “The Woman Obsession,” by William Campbell Gault [short story]
• The Invisible Master, by Edmond Hamilton [short novel]

SMFS Member Publishing News: Writer's Block by Ed Ridgley

SMFS list member Ed Ridgley reported that his short story, Writer's Block, was published at Punk Noir Magazine. You can read the piece for free online here.

SMFS Member Publishing News: Some Things About Old People by M.A.B. Lee

SMFS list member M.A.B. Lee reports that her short story, Some Things About Old People, was published at Kings River Life Magazine. You can read it for free online here.

SMFS Members Published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine: September/October 2024

SMFS list members are published in the Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine: September/October 2024 issue. The issue is available at the publisher and other vendors. Those list members that reported being published in the issue are:

 

Marcelle Dubé with “Of Stroganoff and Jerry Cans.”

 

James Patrick Focarile reports he is a runner up in the Mysterious Photograph Contest.

 

SMFS Members Published in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine: September/October 2024

SMFS list members are published in the Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine: September/October 2024 issue. The issue is available at the publisher and other vendors. The SMFS members that reported being in the issue are: 

 

Tom Andes with “Hell Bent for Leather.”

 

Richard Helms with “The Gaslight Sonata.”

 

R.T. Lawton with “Recidivism.”

 

Josh Pachter with “The Wind Phone.” Josh Pachter reports that he also translated Marlen Visser’s short story, “The Night Watch.”

 

Andrew Welsh-Huggins with “Through Thick and Thin.”

SMFS Member Publishing News: Bygones by DK Snyder

SMFS list member DK Snyder reported that her short story, Bygones, was published at Punk Noir Magazine. You can read the piece for free online here.

SMFS Members Published in Writing the Cozy Mystery: Authors' Perspectives on Their Craft

 

SMFS list members have essays published in the recently published new book, Writing the Cozy Mystery: Authors' Perspectives on Their Craft. Published by McFarland & Company, the read is available in a variety of formats from the publisher, Amazon, and other vendors. The SMFS list members that reported their essays are:  

 

Leslie Budewitz with “Writing the World Around Us: Social Issues in the Cozy.”

 

Kathleen Marple Kalb with “...And a Colorful Cast.”

 

Edith Maxwell with “Writing Multiple Series.”

 

Publisher Description:

This book brings together essays written by a number of well-known writers of cozy mysteries, including Sherry Harris, Amanda Flower, Leslie Budewitz, and Edith Maxwell, among others, who provide insight into their approaches to writing. Topics covered include how they work with the form, develop characters and settings, and utilize the particular hook, skill or business that establishes the protagonist’s ability to solve crimes. In addition to discussing these traditional aspects of writing, several authors focus on how they have expanded the direction the contemporary cozy mystery has taken with the inclusion of more diverse characters and social issues.