Keeping it brief

I've published 30 books over my long career, but only eight short stories. So, whenever I have a new story in an anthology, it's big news for me.

My latest is a macabre little tale called "Up the Chimney," which opens the new anthology "It's a Weird Winter Wonderland," just out from Coffin Hop Press in both ebook and paperback. The story tells of a farm widow who finds a burglar on her property on Christmas Eve. I enjoyed writing it, and hope you enjoy reading it.

This is the fourth time I've had a short story in an anthology. Many of my short stories are available on Kindle for 99 cents each. These include Payoff, Showdown and Cemetery Plot. My short fiction tends to be gritty, slice-of-life fare, very different from the crime comedy of most of my novels.

I haven't written that many short stories over the years because they're difficult to do well, and I'm usually too focused on whatever long-form project has my attention. But I try to say "yes" whenever I'm offered a spot in an anthology. The deadline guarantees that I'll give the story its due.

Recently, I was contacted about an anthology pegged to the music of Steely Dan, so I know I'll do another short story soon.

In the meantime, revisions continue on COLD CUTS, my new crime novel, which is about people who smuggle bologna across the Mexican border. It's a hoot!

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and happy reading!