by Paula Gail Benson On October 16, 2026, the Bethlehem Writers Group (BWG) (an organization celebrating its 20th anniversary) released its 9th anthology: Illusive Worlds. Six of the stories in this anthology are contest winners from the past two annual short story contests the BWG sponsors. From the 2026 Contest: “Some Things We Just Knew” […]
by Paula Gail Benson Last Monday, I promised an announcement about a short mystery fiction writing program. Here it is! Online, available virtually, and recorded so if you can’t watch while it’s happening, you can see it later. Michael Bracken helped to organize this program that features some outstanding short story authors and editors. Please […]
by Paula Gail Benson Any writing endeavor is enhanced by a supportive community. Short crime or mystery fiction has its own path to navigate. While some general writing information translates, the shorter format has its own traditions and gateways. Having someone who can help direct you is a major advantage. Crime or mystery writing conferences […]
by Paula Gail Benson I was so happy to see the return of Ted Lasso because I had missed the characters, storylines, and vicarious visit to the British football (soccer) world. But, I must admit another joy of watching the series is the fashion. People who know me well recognize my obsession with purses and […]
by Paula Gail Benson What better way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence than to read stories about the people whose lives created the history of our country? Denise Farnsworth, Sherry Shindelar, and Susan F. Craft have each contributed a novella to Freed by the Frontier. I’ve asked them to introduce […]
by Paula Gail Benson As Killer Nashville approaches at the end of August, I’ve been binge watching Nashville, the musical/soap opera drama TV series that aired on ABC from 2012 until 2016 and on CMT from 2016 to 2018. It’s now available to view on Netflix. From the beginning, the episodes chronicle the careers of […]
by Paula Gail Benson During this summer, I’ve taken some time to indulge in the joy of watching older, black and white films. I remember when I was growing up, a channel ran Bette Davis movies every Saturday afternoon. I learned to love her in Now, Voyager, Watch on the Rhine, The Little Foxes, Jezebel, […]
by Paula Gail Benson Two organizations have posted calls for short stories and are accepting submissions this summer: Malice Domestic 2027 and Bouchercon 2027 (to take place in Washington, D.C.). Here are the basic requirements along with the websites where you can find additional information. Anthology | Malice Domestic Ltd Malice Domestic 21: Anthology Submissions […]
by Paula Gail Benson Just looking at the title of this message, what do you think it’s about? Could it be about starting the practice of writing on a schedule? Might it provide ideas on how to maintain the practice? Could it discuss what is the most effective time for a daily writing habit: pre-dawn, […]
by Paula Gail Benson It’s that wonderful time of year again when writers and readers who love Agatha Christie style mysteries gather in Bethesda, Maryland, for Malice Domestic. Next weekend, the Agatha Awards will be presented. Please help us begin the celebration with some brief interviews with the Agatha-nominated authors in the categories for Best […]