Let's Talk with Maggie Toussaint

Killer Shorts

by Maggie Toussaint

I write long, even when I worked for the newspaper, and I was always having to consolidate and weed out material. There’s a part of me that wants to bring the whole town along on a story ride, and that’s why I shied away from short stories forever.

Then I got a request for one. Right away, the logical side of my brain balked at the word count limit. “Can’t do it,” knee-jerk brain said. Other brain took that denial as a challenge. Game on.

The kicker? I only had a week to do it in. I had no choice but to immerse myself in the story world for that entire week. I tweeked, gasped, struggled, said a few choice words, and even let two people read it. Finally, I had the courage to hit “Send”.

Wonder of wonders, my short story was included in the Killer Nashville Noir: Cold-Blooded anthology, which just came out.

“High Noon at Dollar Central” is the prelude to my ongoing Dreamwalker Mystery series. This is where it all began, folks. This case catapulted Baxley Powell from her ordinary world into a life of amateur sleuth. Even more, it gave her the momentum to trust in her special intuition.

In honor of this release, I’m giving away a digital copy of the anthology to my Rafflecopter winner.

Just for fun, comment with a phrase that has the word “high” in it. (Like high tea, high dungeon, etc.) For every ten people who comment, I’ll toss in a bonus mystery prize.

Maggie Toussaint

My website and my alter identity’s website

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The fine print: No purchase is necessary. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. By submitting your entry, you agree to be entered into each Booklover’s Bench author’s email newsletter list, as well as the list of the host of this contest, if different. We will not share your information with anyone else, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

Winners will be chosen by Rafflecopter from all entrants for the prize. Winners will be notified by email. Booklover’s Bench authors are not responsible for transmission failures, computer glitches or lost, late, damaged or returned email. Prizes must be claimed within 5 days or they will be forfeited.