I'm a member of the Short Mystery Fiction Society, an informal association of writers, publishers, and fans that has kept mystery & crime short stories in the public eye since 1996. On April 1, the Society announced the finalists for its 2017 Derringer Awards, and I had the idea to promote the finalists with interviews.
A 2011 Derringer winner, B.K. Stevens makes her third trip to the finals with 2017 Best Novelette (8,001–20,000 words) contender, "The Last Blue Glass". Also up for a 2016 Best Short Story Agatha Award, the story is from the April 2016 Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
Describe your story in 20 words.
A young widow reflects on her marriage before taking revenge on the person she considers responsible for her husband's death.
What were the most difficult and most enjoyable parts of writing the story?
The most difficult part was coming up with a story that would fit the title. The title came to me many years ago—I loved it, but I could never think of a story to go with it. When the story idea finally occurred to me, the actual writing was almost pure enjoyment. I've seldom had a story flow so well.
How does it feel to be a Derringer finalist?
It feels wonderful, partly because it's always an honor to have my work recognized by my peers, partly because now more people will read the story. This story means a great deal to me—these characters mean a great deal to me, especially Cathy. I'm happy that now more people will hear Cathy's story.
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| Photo of B.K. from Gigi Pandian |
Describe your story in 20 words.
A young widow reflects on her marriage before taking revenge on the person she considers responsible for her husband's death.
What were the most difficult and most enjoyable parts of writing the story?
The most difficult part was coming up with a story that would fit the title. The title came to me many years ago—I loved it, but I could never think of a story to go with it. When the story idea finally occurred to me, the actual writing was almost pure enjoyment. I've seldom had a story flow so well.
How does it feel to be a Derringer finalist?
It feels wonderful, partly because it's always an honor to have my work recognized by my peers, partly because now more people will read the story. This story means a great deal to me—these characters mean a great deal to me, especially Cathy. I'm happy that now more people will hear Cathy's story.
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