As we approach the end of 2020, I send out my best wishes to you all. I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the season. If you’re in my readers’ group, you’ll be getting my Christmas present right about now, and I’m happy to say I got a very welcome Christmas surprise myself!
Many of you know the particular difficulties I’ve been going through lately, with a hasty trans-Atlantic move, the challenges of setting up a household in a foreign country on Covid lockdown, and the sudden deaths of family members and friends. I’m not going to lie–it’s been rough.
Surprise!
So, amidst the rush of life, I was pleased to see WMG Publishing release a new book featuring their top pick of mystery stories, A Twist of a Knife. I’ll admit my predominant thought was something like: “Wow, that’s great! I only wish one of my stories had made it into the book.”
Turns out, one of my stories did make it into the book!
It caught me completely by surprise, but when a fellow writer mentioned it on Facebook, I took a closer look and realized my story, “Under The Blood-Red Maple,” was included in the Table of Contents. To make it even nicer, the check arrived two days later. Merry Christmas!
Editor Dean Wesley Smith put it this way
It has been a fantastic first few years for me editing Pulphouse Fiction Magazine. I have enjoyed every minute of it, but most of all finding the great stories by great writers. It is always such a thrill for me to read a story and go, “Wow, that would fit perfectly in Pulphouse.”
A Twist of a Knife contains ten great mysteries from all the mystery stories published in the first ten issues of Pulphouse. From old spies with attitude, to a heartbreaking tale of a grieving father, to an assortment of detectives including one hard-boiled with fancy sunglasses, one zombie, and a ghost, to a dramatic story behind a famous painting, these stories will entertain readers, make them laugh, and even touch their hearts.
So much to be grateful for
I’m excited to have one of my stories included in this volume, and grateful for the opportunity.
I’m grateful for the little things that give us hope and keep us going, even in the midst of trials and sorrow. I’m grateful for the kind words and condolences offered by so many of you. I’m grateful for the continuing support of my wonderful readers.
And most of all, I’m grateful for the beautiful holiday season and for the birth and life of our Savior, who offers us the ultimate hope and joy.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!
