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. The SMFS's 2020 Derringer Awards voting ends April 29 and winners will be announced in May. In the meantime, I've invited the finalists for interviews.
Retired lawyer and judge Debra H. Goldstein's "Pig-Lickin' Good", from Malice Domestic's 2019 anthology Mystery Most Edible, is up for Best Short Story.
Describe your story in up to 20 words.
Mama’s Pig Lickin’ cakes were always the annual fundraiser’s hit, although making them brought back memories of a tragedy.
What were the most difficult and most enjoyable parts of writing your story?
Being a non-cook, the most difficult part, because the theme called for food, was finding the unique recipe for Pig Lickin’ Cake, a Southern treat. The fun was tying the recipe into the concept of redemption.
How does it feel to be a Derringer finalist?
Being a Derringer finalist feels like being a kid in a candy store. I’ve judged in the past, so I know the quality of stories submitted for consideration. This year, the final five stories in each category, blew me away. I’m also thrilled to have Pig Lickin’ Good be included with tales by some of the short story writers I most admire.
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| Debra H. Goldstein |
Describe your story in up to 20 words.
Mama’s Pig Lickin’ cakes were always the annual fundraiser’s hit, although making them brought back memories of a tragedy.
What were the most difficult and most enjoyable parts of writing your story?
Being a non-cook, the most difficult part, because the theme called for food, was finding the unique recipe for Pig Lickin’ Cake, a Southern treat. The fun was tying the recipe into the concept of redemption.
How does it feel to be a Derringer finalist?
Being a Derringer finalist feels like being a kid in a candy store. I’ve judged in the past, so I know the quality of stories submitted for consideration. This year, the final five stories in each category, blew me away. I’m also thrilled to have Pig Lickin’ Good be included with tales by some of the short story writers I most admire.
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