I first met Debra Goldstein at Bouchercon Raleigh 2015, which was my debut year. I remember being impressed because she was an actual Judge! At Bouchercon Toronto 2019, I got to know her a bit better over lunch and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. Debra’s story is an all-too familiar one among authors, but she’s resilient and to succeed in this business, that’s what you need to be. Take it away, Debra.
My first book was published by accident. Weeks after having an award-winning essay in More Magazine online, I was moderating a panel showcasing four authors. When I opened the floor for audience questions, the first person asked me what I was writing. Embarrassed, I made mention of the recently printed essay and moved on to another question. It was, “What else are you writing?”
“I think I have a mystery ready for the world, but that’s enough about me,” was my answer. Happily, the remaining questions were for the authors. Three hours later, I received an email from the co-owner of a publishing company. She wrote that her best friend, who was in the audience, had called and said, “There’s a judge with a mystery I think you should read.” She closed by offering, if I liked, to read my manuscript.
What do you think I answered?
Although I was willing to mail the manuscript gift wrapped with a red bow, she said e-mail would suffice. I did as I was instructed. A week later, I received a two-book offer. I’d made it! Maze in Blue was published in April 2011. Unfortunately, between when I was a 2012 panelist at Sleuthfest and Malice Domestic 2012, the company announced it was closing its doors.
I was stunned.
As I processed what the publisher was telling me, I barely heard that instead of stiffing me or making me pay a fee, the company was giving me the cover art and my formatted manuscript so I could meet my speaking obligations by self-publishing it through Amazon’s Create Space. Unsure if that was what I should do or if another company would reissue my book, I reached out to other authors and spoke with an agent or two. Everyone’s message was the same: “Self-publish this one and write something new.”
I did. The book was called Should Have Played Poker: a Carrie Martin and the Mah Jongg Players Mystery. It was purchased a week after an editor, having read the first two pages during a Killer Nashville pitch session, asked to read the entire manuscript. Because it was bought in August 2014, but the 2015 calendar was full, the publisher couldn’t schedule it for release until 2016. That was okay with me. I was back in the game!
Poker launched and everything went well until the publisher suspended its mystery line. This time, I didn’t have to ask what to do. “Write something new” was ingrained into me. Emotionally, it was difficult, but I realized that the journey to being an author, comes with rejections and bumps that can only be countered by continuing to write.
My new effort, One Taste Too Many, was rejected by several agents, but one agent liked it. She sold it to Kensington in a three-book deal for the Sarah Blair mystery series. One Taste Too Many was published in January 2019; the fourth book, Four Cuts Too Many, was released today.
Four Cuts Too Many continues the story of Sarah, who married at eighteen, divorced at twenty-eight, and only came out of the divorce with her Siamese cat, RahRah. With her life seemingly in shambles, Sarah, who is more afraid of the kitchen than murder, was forced to go into the work force and develop a sense of self and self-confidence. The necessity of her putting one foot in front of the other and continuing on is much like the behind-the-scenes story of me being a published author.
Judge Debra H. Goldstein writes Kensington’s Sarah Blair mystery series. Her short stories and novels have been Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, and Silver Falchion finalists. Debra is on the national board of MWA and is president of SEMWA. She previously was on SinC’s national board and was the Guppy Chapter president. Find out more about Debra at www.DebraHGoldstein.com.
Find Four Cuts Too Many at your favorite retailer, including Amazon
Inspirational post! Thanks for sharing your journey, Debra 🙂
It was my pleasure. As you well know, it is an up and down field, but so well rewarding.
Truly inspirational! Starting over isn’t easy but sometimes it can be very rewarding!
Thanks for stopping by Shari, and yes, very inspirational.
The irony is that when things don’t work out, we’re crushed. Then, it seems like what happens was probably what was meant to be – and for me, it has always been better than what I anticipated.
So happy for all of Debra’s successes. She is a true example of the “never give up” school of writing.
That she is, Terrie.
Also an example of someone who was encouraged along the way. Without Bob and your encouragement, I never would have submitted to AHMM. Without others, I would never have kept going or even started. It takes a community to bring any of us along. BTW, congrats on your new Jessica Fletcher Murder She Wrote books. You are an inspiration for all of us.
loved reading about your publishing journey.
Thanks for stopping by Vicki. I found Debra’s post inspirational.
Judy,
You’re making me blush. I’m just doing what I passionately believe in – with the help of friends. Following your story, to me, is inspirational. Writer, editor, etc.
Thank you. It has had its up and downs, but it truly is a delight. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Great post. Thank you for sharing the journey.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you. Appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Great post from a great writer and person. xo
Always happy to host a behind the scenes of you, Ellen! Thanks for stopping by.
Appreciate the kind words. With your sense of humor, wit, and ability to shamelessly self-promote in the best way possible, you are the one I admire. Glad to be doing a program with you on June 10.
Thank you for having me today. Seems like yesterday we met, but what a journey it has been.
Yes, we’ve both come a long way!