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2017 Derringer Finalist Interviews

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.

All nineteen finalists graciously responded, and I've filed their interviews by their award category below, alphabetized by last name. SMFS members are voting for the winners this month. Congratulations and good luck to all.

Update: I've highlighted the winner in each category as announced May 1, 2017. Congratulations also to previous chat guest Robert J. Randisi, 2017 recipient of the SMFS's lifetime achievement award, the Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer.

For Best Flash (up to 1,000 words)

For Best Short Story (1,001 to 4,000 words)
  • Bruce Arthurs, "Beks and the Second Note" (Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, December 2016)
  • LINDA BARNES, "The Way They Do It in Boston" (Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, September/October 2016)
  • Libby Cudmore, "YOLO" (BEAT to a PULP, May 2016)
  • Joseph D'Agnese, "The Woman in the Briefcase" (Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, March/April 2016)
  • Hilde Vandermeeren trans. from Flemish by Josh Pachter, "The Lighthouse" (Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, March/April 2016)

For Best Long Story (4,001 to 8,000 words)
  • Hilary Davidson, "Swan Song" (Unloaded: Crime Writers Writing Without Guns ed. Eric Beetner, Down & Out Books, April 2016)
  • O'Neil De Noux, "Effect on Men" (The Strand Magazine, Issue XLVIII, Feb-May 2016)
  • Robert Mangeot, "The Cumberland Package" (Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, May 2016)
  • Meg Opperman, "Murder Under the Baobab" (Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, November 2016)
  • VICTORIA WEISFELD, "Breadcrumbs" (Betty Fedora: Kickass Women In Crime Fiction, September 2016)

For Best Novelette (8,000 to 20,000 words)
  • Doug Allyn, "Coup de Grace" (Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, September/October 2016)
  • Catherine Dilts, "The Chemistry of Heroes" (Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, May 2016)
  • TERRIE FARLEY MORAN, "Inquiry and Assistance" (Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, January/February 2016)
  • Travis Richardson, "The Educator" (44 Caliber Funk: Tales of Crime, Soul, and Payback ed. Gary Phillips and Robert J. Randisi, Moonstone, December 2016)
  • B.K. Stevens, "The Last Blue Glass" (Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, April 2016)

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