SAM Magazine

Today, I have a great time reading the short story, Georgie, written by Nancy Lynn Jarvis.Nancy Lynn Jarvis wore many hats before she started writing. After earning a BA in behavioral science from San Jose State University, she worked in the advertising department of the San Jose Mercury News, as a librarian, as the business manager for Shakespeare/Santa Cruz, and as a realtor.She has written seven Regan McHenry Real Estate Mysteries; a stand-alone novel Mags and the AARP Gang about a group of octogenarian bank robbers; edited Cozy Food: 128 Cozy Mystery Writers Share Their Favorite Recipes and a short story anthology, Santa Cruz Weird. She is currently working on PIP Inc. Mysteries, a cozy mystery series about a downsized librarian turned PI.Nancy Lynn Jarvis This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Allan Hudson was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. Growing up in South Branch, he was encouraged to read from an early age by his mother, a school teacher. He lives in the seaside community of Cocagne with his wife, Gloria. He has enjoyed a lifetime of adventure, travel and uses the many experiences as ideas for his writing. He is an author of action/adventure novels, historical fiction and a short story collection. His short stories, The Ship Breakers, and In the Abyss, received Honourable Mentions in the New Brunswick Writer's Federation competition.He is a strong advocate for writers supporting writers. He has interviewed many authors, including myself. His blog interviews can be found at South Branch Scribbler.Today, I read an excerpt from his novel Vigilantes.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

A CIA action officer is released from prison. A Chief Justice is murdered, and the Law Society is scrutinizing Jade Thyme’s conduct. Jade’s life can’t get much worse until she is coerced into finding an elusive double agent. Tangled in lies and political agendas, high speed chases and sticky bombs, can Jade outplay a dangerous Hungarian assassin before her own life is terminated?On today's episode, Joanna reads the first chapter from her novel, Spy Girls, which is available for pre-order on Amazon and Kobo, and will be released on Saturday, March 16, 2024. https://www.amazon.ca/Spy-Girls-Jade-Sage-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0CJ3P9Z1B/ Reviews are coming in such as this one:“Spy Girls is adrenaline-fueled, adventure packed with heart-pounding action, unexpected twists, and a riveting plot that keeps readers hooked from the first page. With lives hanging in the balance and loyalties questioned, trust in each other is the only way to survive. But even the strongest bonds can be tested when faced with external threats and personal demons.”—Joe Goldberg, author of the award-winning The Spy Devils thrillers https://www.joegoldbergbooks.com/    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Heather L. Barksdale was born in Waterville, Maine. Her adventure into travel started young when her parents packed up the two-year-old and drove across the country to Seattle, Washington. They then flew to Fairbanks, Alaska to live until she was eight years old. She would move several more times throughout the years, living in places as different as Larimore, North Dakota, and Keflavik, Iceland. As a military brat, her experience with travel grew throughout the years and her passion for reading thrived. With all the travel came many different schools and both the challenge and opportunity to make new friends. Constant though, was the presence of a good book. Her mom, an elementary school teacher, always encouraged her to read and eventually write. It was her mom that often introduced her to the books and genres that she would grow to love. After realizing that one of the friends that she had made along the way was actually the love of her life, she and her husband married. They settled in Jacksonville, Florida where they continue to make a home today. Heather finds time to travel whenever possible. She has now traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia seeking new adventures. She is an avid fan of historical fiction and calls upon her adventures as inspiration for her stories. One such adventure, in Barbados, provided the motivation she needed (as well as some of the inspiration) to write her first book, Arriving Through Time. Heather is currently working on a sequel to her time travel adventure while also delving into her darker side with a new storyline filled with compelling characters - and killers. Heather L. Barksdale This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Donalee Moulton's first mystery book Hung out to Die was published in 2023. Her historical mystery, Conflagration, will be published in 2024. Donalee's short story Swan Song appeared in Cold Canadian Crime and Black Cat Weekly. It will appear in the Mystery Most International anthology in 2024. Her second short story was published this spring in Black Cat Weekly. Her short story “Moist” originally appeared in After Dinner Conversation.   Donalee is also the author of The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say, and co-authored Celebrity Court Cases: Trials of the Rich and Famous. She is an award-winning freelance journalist, and she has written articles for Chatelaine, Lawyer’s Daily, the National Post, and Canadian Business. She lives in Halifax happily surrounded by family, friends, pets, and words of all shapes, sizes, and syllables.https://donaleemoulton.com/https://donaleemoulton.com/Donalee Moulton interview   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

J.E. (Jayne) Barnard is best known for her Falls Mystery novels of women's wilderness suspense from Dundurn Press, winner of the CWC Award of Excellence and finalist for the CWA Debut Dagger, and for the Maddie Hatter Adventures fantasy series, winner of the BPAA Alberta Book of the Year and twice nominated for the Prix Aurora. Between work on upcoming novels and short stories, she devotes almost equal time to editing, mentoring, and literary juries. She migrates annually between the Alberta Rockies and the Vancouver Island rainforests. Find out more about Jayne and her works at the links below:jaynebarnard.caIncisive Editing ServicesLinktree Today, I had the pleasure of reading Jayne's short story, Bow Tide. In this episode spousal assault is discussed. In British Columbia the spousal assault crisis line is 1-800-784-2433. In the United States, the The Hotline can be accessed via the nationwide number 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224 or (206) 518-9361 (Video Phone Only for Deaf Callers). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Andrew Welsh-Huggins is a Shamus, Derringer, and International Thriller Writers-award nominated mystery author of eleven books with more in the works.His latest novel, The End of the Road, was named one of the best thrillers of the first half of 2023 by Library Journal and called by Kirkus, “A crackerjack crime yarn chockablock with miscreants and a supersonic pace.”​Andrew's seven-volume (with an eighth on the way) Andy Hayes series features a former Ohio State and Cleveland Browns quarterback turned investigator. “Readers who love old-fashioned detective novels will be in hog heaven as they tear into Welsh-Huggins’ latest adventure featuring Andy Hayes,” said Booklist of Fatal Judgment.Andrew is also the editor of the Columbus Noir anthology from Akashic Books, a collection of fourteen mystery stories each set in a different Columbus neighborhood, named one of CrimeReads’ most anticipated crime books of 2020.​Andrew’s short mystery fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Mystery Weekly, and many others. His stories have also appeared in multiple anthologies, including Best American Mystery Stories 2021; Mickey Finn 21st Century Noir, Vols. 1, 3 and 4; Paranoia Blues: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Paul Simon; Groovy Gumshoes: Private Eyes in the Psychedelic Sixties; and the 2021 Bouchercon convention anthology, This Time for Sure. Andrew’s story, "The Murderous Type," won the 2017 Al Blanchard Prize for Best New England Short Crime Story.https://www.andrewwelshhuggins.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Ardelle Holden is the author of The Samantha Bowers Mysteries. Her latest novel is an Oliver Frampton Mystery and is being released on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. If you like suspenseful, emotional, coming-of-age angst, you’ll love Ardelle Holden’s gripping story of Olly’s imaginary friends who torment and frustrate his life until, at twenty, Oliver discovers what really happened when he was eight.Vancouver Island is Ardelle's home. She enjoys the glorious sunsets over Quennell Lake and Mount Benson. It’s a perfect spot for writing. Her plastic plants and polyester pets have allowed Ardelle and her husband, Pat, to winter in Mexico since 2006. The views of Mount Garcia over Lake Chapala provide another quiet scene conducive to writing as well as other artistic pursuits.Ardelle's website is www.ardelleholden.comI had a fabulous time reading the first chapter in Killing Imaginary Friends, and I'm looking forward to receiving the book.   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

E171 - W.L. Hawkin loves to travel to the locations where her novels are situated so she can soak up that sensory landscape. A graduate of Trent University in Ontario, having completed a B.A. in Indigenous Studies, Wendy is a prolific author. Her Hollystone Mysteries are based on a coven of witches who solve murders. She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada, the Federation of B.C. Writers, ALLi, the Writers Union of Canada and many more organizations. If you would like to learn more about W.L. Hawkin and Blue Haven Press, her website is Blue Haven Press To purchase Wendy's book, here is the link. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Despite being a captive of the Civil Service for thirty-five years, C.J. has always been a writer. She lives in Victoria BC in a crooked old building on a crooked street where she stares out the window at the sea waiting for stories and poems to smack her on the head. C.J. finds humour in the unlikeliest places. She laughs at the wrong times and says things she probably shouldn’t.  Life has provided C.J. with a palette of strange, wonderful characters and unique situations; many find their way into stories.   Her essays, short stories, and poems have been published in Monday Magazine, Senior Living Magazine, The Victoria Times Colonist newspaper, and online at Commuterlit.com. Her story “Leandra” was accepted by Stories Less Spoken. Her work appears in three anthologies: Dropped Threads 2, Blood on the Holly, and the Sisters in Crime Anthology, Crimewave Two: Women of a Certain Age.  She is currently working on a novel about eccentric people solving life-threatening dilemmas in unique ways. Today, I have the pleasure of reading her short story, Murder at the Acropolis, which is published in the January 2024 issue of SAM Magazine.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Today, I have the pleasure of reading the short mystery story Plan D, written by Judy Penz Sheluk. Plan D first appeared in The Whole She-Bang 2 (Sisters in Crime Toronto) in 2014 and was reprinted in The Best Laid Plans: 21 Stories of Mystery & Suspense in June 2020 (Superior Shores Press). A former journalist and magazine editor, Judy Penz Sheluk is the bestselling author of Finding Your Path to Publication and Self-publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie, as well as two mystery series: the Glass Dolphin Mysteries and Marketville Mysteries, both of which have been published in multiple languages. Her short crime fiction appears in several collections, including the Superior Shores Anthologies, which she also edited.With a passion for understanding the ins and outs of all aspects of publishing, Judy is also the founder and owner of Superior Shores Press, which she established in February 2018.Judy is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Crime Writers of Canada, where she served on the Board of Directors for five years, the final two as Chair. She lives in Northern Ontario. Find her at www.judypenzsheluk.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Mother Always Kept A Gun is a short story written by C.J. Papoutsis in 2007. It was also accepted in the Blood on the Holly Crime Writers of Canada anthology. I have memories of critiquing this story with C.J., in coffee shops and at each other's homes. We still critique each other's work today. It's amazing the work that goes into a short story. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you C.J. for sharing your story with SAM Magazine.There is some language in this story which may not be suitable for all listeners.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

The Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing is a short story I wrote under my then pseudonym, J.C. Szasz. It was accepted in the Blood on the Holly Crime Writers of Canada anthology. The inspiration for this story came to me when my youngest daughter, a teenager at the time, worked part-time in the meat department of a grocery store. She would come home and vent about the very stressed shoppers, some yelled at her, while others hug her. I wrote this story in 2007. I'm happy to see that it has stood the test of time. I hope you enjoy it.Joanna Vander Vlugt This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean is the author of ten books in the urban fantasy and thriller genres. She is an Eric Hoffer and Global Book Award winner and was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and the Independent Author Network Awards. She is a B.R.A.G. medallion honoree and three-time Literary Titan award winner. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart, and fun.Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP now lives with her husband on Denman Island, which is nestled between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cooking dishes that turn out looking nothing like the recipe photos, or arguing with weeds in the garden. She enjoys hearing from readers. Contact her via her website, jpmcleanauthor.com. Reviews are always welcome and greatly appreciated. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

TRIGGER WARNING: the fictional short story being read on today’s podcast deals with suicide. If you, or someone you love, need to talk about suicide, please reach out to Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566, and in the United States, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988.Today, I read Laurie Wood’s short story, Natural Consequences, which is from the Sisters in Crime Canada West anthology, Women of a Certain Age. Laurie is the author of the Heroes of the Tundra series, set in Churchill, Manitoba and available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google+, and Thalia.  Her latest novel in this series, Northern Protector, is out now.Laurie is also a military wife who’s lived across Canada. She and her husband successfully raised two children with Down Syndrome who are a great blessing to them. Her house is full of rescued cats and dogs.Laurie is a member of Sisters in Crime International and Sisters in Crime Canada West. She enjoys corresponding with her readers, and she can be found at the following links: https://www.lauriewoodauthor.comhttps://www.facebook.com/lauriewoodreadersgrouphttps://www.twitter.com/LaurieJeanWood This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Today's short story is from a prolific author of acclaimed short fiction, Edward M. Lerner. I have the pleasure of reading Edward's short story, The Torchman's Tale, which can be found in his anthology, The Best of Edward M. Lerner. Edward has also just released his latest novel, On the Shoals of Space-Time.On Edward’s website, it is written Edward is the perpetrator of science fiction and techno-thrillers. While you probably know Edward from his SF novels, including the InterstellarNet series and the epic Fleet of Worlds series with Larry Niven, Ed is a prolific author of acclaimed short fiction. The Best of Edward M. Lerner showcases his finest and favorite shorter works.Edward is a physicist and computer scientist. After thirty years in the industry, working at every level from individual technical contributor to senior vice president, he now writes full-time. In addition to science fiction and technothrillers, he also writes popular science, notably including Trope-ing the Light Fantastic: The Science behind the Fiction. Edward is the recipient of the Canopus Award, a Hugo finalist for best novelette Championship B’tok; Fate of Worlds (with Larry Niven) was a Locus Award finalist, and many more.Here is the link to my interview with Edward in season 4, Edward M. Lerner interview, as well as Edward's website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Joanna Vander Vlugt reads Winona Kent's story, Herd Maintenance, from Winona's anthology Ten Stories That Worried My Mother. Winona Kent was born in London, England and grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she completed her BA in English at the University of Regina. After moving to Vancouver, she graduated from UBC with an MFA in Creative Writing. More recently, she received her diploma in Writing for Screen and TV from Vancouver Film School.Winona’s debut novel Skywatcher was a finalist in the Seal Books First Novel Award and was published by Bantam Books in 1989. Since then, she has written nine more books, including her Jason Davey Mysteries—four novels featuring professional musician / amateur sleuth Jason Davey Figgis. The fifth book in the series, Bad Boy, will be released in 2023.Winona’s also the author of a number of short short stories, which she’s gathered together for her anthology Ten Stories That Worried My Mother (published in August 2023).Winona's currently the national Vice-Chair and the regional BC/YT rep for the Crime Writers of Canada, and is also an active member of Sisters in Crime – Canada West. After many decades working in jobs completely unrelated to writing, Winona is now happily embracing life as a full-time author. She lives in New Westminster, BC.If you would like to learn more about Winona or read Herd Maintenance yourself, you can find her in the September 2023 issue of SAM Magazine, www.sam-magazine.com or Winona Kent's website, www.winonakent.com  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Joanna Vander Vlugt briefly explains what has occurred and how the JCVArtStudio podcast has changed from an interview to a short story podcast, in support of SAM Magazine. In today's podcast Joanna reads her short story Egyptian Queen, published in 2006 in the Crime Writers of Canada anthology, Dead In the Water, by Rendezvous Press.Joanna is the author of the Jade & Sage thriller series in which her heroine Jade Thyme is a prosecutor who finds herself embroiled with drug dealers and espionage. The Unravelling and Dealer's Child are out now. Spy Girls is being released March 2024.SAM Magazine can be purchased at https://www.sam-magazine.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

If you check out author Charlotte Morganti’s website, you’ll see that she, “like the protagonist in one of her novels,” is a recovering lawyer. In addition to her law degree, she holds an MFA in creative writing. She’s an active member of the Canada West chapter of Sisters in Crime, a collegial group of writers of mostly crime fiction, and Crime Writers of Canada. Charlotte writes fiction (mysteries, both dark and light), and the personal essay or review. Her short stories have been published in magazines and anthologies. A true writer, Charlotte is fascinated by the many absurdities of life. She’s addicted to chocolate and caramel, crime fiction and mysteries, sunshine, and white sand, to name a few. She can be found singing along with Willie Nelson, Ian Tyson, ZZ Top, Queen, and Bob Dylan.Today we discuss her debut thriller novel, The End Game, and yes, we do talk about "the voices "in our head." Thank you Charlotte.https://charlottemorganti.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com

Kalee Boisvert has been in the financial industry for over 15 years, but her love of money started very young. Growing up in a single parent household, she watched her mom struggle with finances and wished there was something she could do to help. Around this time, she realized she needed to find her own way to save and earn if she wasn’t going to allow her circumstances to define her. And so, her own journey to financial literacy began.Today, as a single mom and financially independent woman, Kalee is called to support women in their financial lives. She felt the pull toward a career that would allow her to pursue this deeply personal goal to advocate for women and their money, which led her on the path to becoming a financial advisor. Being an advisor allows her to work directly with women to empower and support them and help put an end to any money-related stress and doubts.In today's episode we talk about MONEY, and in particular Kalee's two books, Moneywise Mabel’s Bursting Bank and then the adult book Make Money Your Thing.https://kaleeboisvert.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joannavandervlugt.substack.com