An Interview with Debra H. Goldstein by E. B. Davis

 

Judge Debra H. Goldstein’s novels and short stories have received Silver Falchion, IPPY, BWR, and AWC awards and been named as Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, and Claymore finalists. Debra’s short pieces have appeared in numerous periodicals and anthologies including Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, and Mystery Weekly.

 

With Our Bellies Full and the Fire Dying, is a collection of eighteen award-winning short mysteries, from cozy to dark, centering around family and friends, their sins and their sometimes redemption.

Amazon.com

 

Thankfulness, forgiveness, redemption and sometimes sinful denial are the result of living and are ways of coping with life’s dilemmas. Debra presents situations that are down-home real, and some are scary, pouncing on the reader like unaware prey. While reading, I heard the varied voices of characters, from youngsters of both sexes, several lawyers, to the old black men. Many stories were set in the South, which is unsurprising since that’s where Debra has lived. The stories in this collection were written between 2011 and 2022. After reading the volume, I knew my favorites, but I’ll let you discover your own. 

 

Please welcome WWK’er Debra H. Goldstein.           E. B. Davis

 

Is there such as thing as a “gigolo clause?”

 

Technically, a “gigolo clause” is a fictional or almost slang reference to a no-contest clause in a will. Usually, it is drafted to say that the party agrees to a certain sum at a divorce or death to be received only after having stayed married a set number of years. It is an accepted payoff. An example would be parties who agree that if they stay married three years, then the groom (or bride depending upon how the estate plan is drafted), will receive X, and have a claim for no more. 

 

What is it about leafy greens that is bad for heart attacks or is it the way the greens are made in that slow Southern style or in a rich bechamel sauce? (I made green beans for Thanksgiving one time here in NC, and was accused of serving “squeaky” Northern beans—which I now fear.)

 

The problem with certain leafy greens is their interaction with blood thinners. Many medicines, like Warfarin are made less effective at stopping blood clots if one consumes too much Vitamin K. Because vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, seaweed, spinach, swiss chard, and turnip greens are high in Vitamin K, they must be eaten in moderation.

 Is there a real recipe for “Pig Lickin’” cake? I’d never heard of it, but then I’m really a Yankee.

 “Pig Lickin'” or “Pig Licking'” cake is a Southern dessert made using yellow cake (mix works fine), mandarin oranges, pineapple, and whipped topping. The recipe given in my story is the traditional one.

Are priests and other clergy required by law to report to the police illegal activities of parishioners if they find out about them in the course of their duties? How about psychologists?

 

To my knowledge (but let’s open this up to clergy), there has traditionally been a formal confessional exception in the church world – think about how many movies have used this as a basis. For psychologists, there is a psychologist/patient confidentiality rule about information shared in a session. There are exceptions in the United States involving child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence. Most times, therapists work with the patient and encourage them to self-report. Psychologists do have a duty to warn if a patient makes a believable threat against an identified individual. The word patient is key to this duty.

 

Have street gangs been known to make up their own Krewes during Mardi Gras? It makes sense that during the riotous time gangs could get away with retribution without detection.

 

Although street gangs throughout the United States may have their own languages, customs, culture, or look, the Mardi Gras Parade Krewes are formally recognized entities who obtain proper permits to parade in the streets. The parade route and size of parade determine how many police officers will be needed to provide a parade escort. These Krewes also may need supplemental permits tied to their event (ex. tents, park space, etc.).

 

After Katrina, were parishes consolidated?

 

After Katrina, at least 40 parishes were forced to consolidate and more than 20 individual churches were closed.

 

What does “humba” mean?

 

Many people think of a Filipino pork dish tied to the word “humba,” but in the Mardi Gras context, it is when the Big Chiefs of two tribes challenge each other to “humba.” The “humba” incorporates a song, chant, and ceremonial dance where the two chiefs demand respect from each other.

 

Are there people who have pet mice and form clubs?

 

Yes, there are many people who have pet mice and belong to national clubs. Some of the national clubs include the American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association (AFRMA), The National Mouse Club (NMC), FinnMouse, r/Pet Mice (a Reddit community), and Mice Breeders And Owners of America (Facebook group). Kings River Life Magazine has a direct relationship to rats/mice and even calls its podcast Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast.

Some of your stories were surprisingly dark, like “Violet Eyes” and “The Rabbi’s Wife Stayed Home.” Are you drawn to the noir side of mystery? 

 

I’m not so much drawn to the noir side of mystery as I am to the study of character. Human flaws or actions often have a dark side to them even when the action being scrutinized wouldn’t seem to have a violent or negative impact.

 

Is there a challenge to writing shorts to theme and word count?

 

The challenge of writing shorts to theme and word count is when those are specified as part of the submission call. Failure to follow the submission rules means a story will be disqualified. For me, if there isn’t a specified theme or word count, then the story writes itself in terms of how the theme meanders and what the word count should be.

 

Do you think there are defining moments in people’s lives?

 

I believe we all have defining moments – whether we recognize them or not. It can be a word from someone, encouragement or disparagement for an action or activity, or simply something that invades the subconscious.

 

“Harvey and the Redhead," explores the plight of residents of Meyerland, a community outside of Houston prone to flooding. Did Houston really not have building codes even as late as 2001?

 

Sadly, that’s correct.

 

I thought “Bucket List Dreams” was the scariest story from your collection. Do you think there are those out there placing blame and plotting revenge on others, who have no clue?

 

Based upon how hard these questions are to reply to, I’ll tell you the next time we meet in person. Seriously, humans can take things out of context or can shift blame from themselves for a perceived or real slight or interference with a plan and then plot revenge. Some examples we’ve read about in the news that ended with tragic consequences include the refusal of a date, fat shaming, denial of tenure, or termination of employment.

 

Do you write short stories without a prompt from a publication? Are they different from those in this collection?

 

I write with and without a prompt. Both types of stories are included in this collection. “The Night They Burned Ms. Dixie’s Place” and “Pig Lickin’ Cake” were written straight from my imagination without a prompt. “So Beautiful or So What” required a story that somehow reflected the song’s title, but not necessarily the lyrics. This collection is evenly divided between stories that had a submission prompt requirement and stories that came from my imagination before finding a publication home.

 

What’s next on your writing bucket list?

 

Presently, I have eight short stories that have been accepted by periodicals and anthologies for publication in 2025 and 2026. I’m under contract or invited via open submission (no guaranty of acceptance) for five more stories to be written in 2025. In addition, I’m working on a new novel concept.

 

Thank you for interviewing me today. It’s always a pleasure to share my work on WWK via an Elaine interview or my monthly blog.