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Let's Talk with Debra H. Goldstein

“Using Idea Gems and Imagination to Create Short Stories and Novels"

Writers are often asked what the basis for their short stories and novels are. For me, the answer is simple. I use idea gems pulled from real life as the springboard for my imagination. Once my imagination kicks in, I polish or revise the mixture to create polished short stories or novels. For example, in my recently published collection of short stories, With Our Bellies Full and the Fire Dying, the first story “Thanksgiving in Moderation,” tells the tale of a family Thanksgiving dinner where a would-be fifth husband of one of the women doesn’t survive until dessert. The idea gems were family Thanksgiving meals I have attended and an older widow who…

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Win Two Free Books – May 2025

Contest Run: May 1-22, 2025
Win Two Free Books - May 2025
  • Enter to win two free books from our authors. This month we are giving away:

    Maggie Toussaint: Candle with Care – print (US only) or ebook
    Lois Winston: Decoupage Can Be Deadly – print (US only) or ebook

Enter Here!


On The Bench

Summer is on the way! The writer’s dilemma.

Our authors share their unique approaches to writing during the summer, from staying focused on their WIP and meeting deadlines to carving out time for relaxation, exploration, and reading for fun. How does summer influence your creative routines?

Read the complete "On The Bench"!


Latest News

  • Terry Ambrose:

    is excited to announce the release of THE CASE OF THE AMOROUS ASSAILANT in audiobook format. Terry is also busy working on the ninth Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery, as well as working with his narrator for the second audiobook in the Beachtown Detective Agency Mystery series.

  • Nancy J. Cohen:

    is in the book production phase for Murder Pays A Call and has a cover reveal scheduled for June and a release date in September. Keep watch on her website for more details.

  • Debra H. Goldstein

    will be part of the Kensington Cozy Con in Powder Springs, Georgia on May 4. On May 16, during Sleuthfest 2025, Debra will be teaching a class on Conflict.

  • Cheryl Hollon:

    is fully immersed in the excitement of co-chairing SleuthFest 2025, the premier mystery conference happening May 15-18 in St. Petersburg, FL (www.sleuthfest.com). When she’s not busy planning, she’s crafting a brand-new manuscript.

  • Diane A.S. Stuckart:

    continues work on Tarot Cats #2.

  • Maggie Toussaint:

    is hard at work at completing the first draft to book 5 of her A Magic Candle Shop Mystery series, which she writes as Valona Jones.

  • Lois Winston:

    On May 3rd at 10am EDT, Lois Winston will be presenting “Writing Humor in Mysteries” as part of the RWA Kiss of Death chapter’s COFFIN series.
    FMI: https://rwakissofdeath.org/product/writing-humor-in-mysteries/