Recap

    I want to join the parade of those who've put out a Year in Review. 

    As with the rest of the community, I lament the shrinking of the short story market. The articles I read speak about the expanded opportunities for shorts. My inbox tells me about contraction. Honestly, I'm not sure where we stand. A flurry of emails marked the last third of the year. Down and Out folded, the first one said. The anthology we'd planned won't be published. We've found a new home, a later message reported. Your story will appear. But expect delays in publication. There has been a pro wrestling quality to this year. The hero looks beaten and down on the mat. He struggles to get his snakeskin boots back under him. Will he get up? I don't know. 

    We're left with uncertainty about the state of publishing for the year to come. That is unfortunate. No one like existential ambiguity. 

    And I'm sorry that a pall hangs over our publishing scene. It clouds what might well be my most exciting writing year ever. 

    In April, Severn River Publishing released my debut novel, The Devil's Kitchen. The second book in the series, The Hidden River, followed in October. Getting a novel into print had been a long sought-after goal. I'm thrilled that the dream came to fruition. 

    Eight new short stories found homes this year in magazines and anthologies, along with one reprint. I better enjoy the moment. My submissions declined in 2025, so my short story numbers may dip in the coming years. 

    One story, "The Kratz Gambit," got short-listed for a Derringer and then subsequently included in The Best Private Eye Stories of the Year. 

    My traveling companion and I ventured out more. Many of the mystery conferences offer a spotlight moment for debut authors. We took advantage of the opportunities. Besides promotion, the conferences offered collateral benefits. I finally had the chance to meet Rob Lopresti and others in person. I appreciate the chance to shake hands with folks who have been helpful to me along my writing journey. I count those meetings among my year's highlights. 

Despite the difficulties, the community of writers was a great source of support. In particular, thanks to Michael and Josh. You weathered the crises when your anthologies suddenly died. You found new homes and brought them back to life. Thank you for your efforts. 

    I appreciate the wider circle of writers as well. Thank you for inviting me to guest blog when I was seeking to promote my books. I appreciate your emails of congratulations and encouragement during the year's high points. Thank you for attending the conference panels and taking the time to say hello. As president of the local Sisters in Crime chapter, I'm grateful for your willingness to volunteer your time and speak at our meetings. Thanks for promptly and graciously answering your emails. 

    And to you writers and your kick-ass stories, thanks for inspiring me to do better. 

    It was an uncertain year. Your support proved to be constant. Please know that I appreciate it. 

    Until next year.