The Long and The Short of It

Catriona writes: This is a well-titled guest blog. Not only does standing next to petite Cathi Stoler make me feel like a plough ox, but on paper the long and the short of it that we have nothing in common: Cathi is a lifelong Manhattanite from the east 60s; I live up a dirt road and barely know what "east 60s" means. Cathi is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology; I shop at the Thrift. Cathi writes about worlds even more glamourous than the one she inhabits and more dangerous too; I write about women who work in supermarkets . . . And yet, we clicked from the first moment we met and became instant permanent pals. I'm delighted to invite all Femmes Fatales readers who haven't been as lucky as me so far to get to know Cathi today. And - if you leave a comment, below - you can get to know her bad-boy alter-ego Nick Donahue too, by entering the give-away.

And now, Cathi Stoler:

 Since May is International Short Story Month, I thought I’d write about a recent conversation I had on the subject.

I was with a very talented and smart mystery writer (hint: this is her usual spot on this blog) and we were discussing the benefits of using short stories to keep your characters top of mind between books.

I agreed it was a great idea, one that could leave readers avidly awaiting your next novel. The only problem was, I’d pretty much done it backwards with my Nick Donahue adventures.

Nick Donahue, a gambler by profession, came to life in one of my first short stories, “Fatal Flaw.” The story begins when Nick, in Venice, playing Blackjack, meets a beautiful woman in desperate need of help. He obliges and is soon embroiled in a whirlwind of intrigue. He is kidnapped by a band of jewel thieves, then released and dumped in the woods outside of Prague.

Catriona: I love everything about this: Venice, blackjack, jewel thieves, Prague. I could no more write it than . . . 

The Derringer nomination I received for “Fatal Flaw” fueled my desire to continue writing about this character and I began the next story featuring Nick, “Money Never Sleeps.” It starts where “Fatal Flaw’ ends with Nick calling on his brother, Alex a banker at SuisseBank in Zurich, for assistance. Nick soon finds himself involved in Alex’s problem, the murder of his boss and a world-wide money laundering scheme the bank has been running.

Catriona: the very thought of all the research involved in getting Suissebank right and bringing money-laundering to life!

But I still wasn’t finished with Nick—now I had dreams of a movie starring a hot Hollywood star—and decided to add to stories one and two, and create the novella, “Nick of Time,” which continues the narrative as Nick blows the whistle on SuisseBank, and its main client, the New York mob, who is none too happy with his interference or their loss of revenue. The mob demands revenge and restitution, which only Nick, using all of his gambler tricks, can provide.

I probably should be writing another story or two to keep Nick going. Instead, I’m just finishing a new Nick novel, “Out of Time,” which takes Nick into the world of terrorists, and international horseracing. Will I be able to sell it? Will readers remember Nick and the escapades that led me to the new book? Will the story be optioned for a movie? I certainly hope the answer is yes to all of the above.

Catriona: The key thing is that Nick keeps calling you back. I think that kind of fascination with characters is what makes stories sing. I always think of Dorothy L Sayers and Peter Wimsey as the best example of an author so intrigued by her protagonist that she makes us fascinated. How about everyone else? What characters would you read in novels, novellas, short stories, and still want to see on the big and small screens too?

 

Cathi Stoler is a former creative director of advertising who has developed award-winning campaigns for clients as diverse as the New York Times and Folgers coffee. In the mystery world, she is the Derringer- award-winning author of short stories, novellas and novels exploring everything from diamond-trafficking to international art theft to the New York bar business. To win a chance to visit Cathi's world of high-end low-lifes, just leave a comment below 

Comments

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

Oh, love this! And I agree, one person's delight is another's onerous research project.

Cathi, how do you keep your short stories from turning into novels?

[catriona]

It's lovely to have you here, Cathi. Thanks for helping us celebrate Short Story Month - and for the giveaway!

[Cathi Stoler]

Hi Hank, Once I finish writing a story, there's always more I think about adding. So, it does seem the stories want to become novels, especially with the Nick Donahue character. I gave in and just finished a full length novel. And, I have at least one more planned.

[Sally Schmidt]

This is what is so great about reading - and I have to say that while I don't always like it, today's world of constant media gives me the opportunity to read terrific blogs like this, 2 different authors (people) but see how they mesh.

I like stand alone short stories, but I always like to read the occasional short about characters in my favorite novels. I like it to be kind of a stand alone too, makes it like just picking up the phone to say "How are you doing?" and then you can wait for the next big visit.

[Matthew Clemens]

Catriona,

Thanks for showing us a series that sounds like a fast, exciting read. Cathi, all success to you, can't wait to wade into Nick Donahue's world.

[Nina Mansfield]

As a reader, if I love a character, I'll seek her or him out wherever I can- short story, novel, big screen, etc. As a writer, all my short stories have been stand alones, but I keep planning to change that. What a wonderful post for International Short Story Month! Cathi, I can't wait to start reading your series. Where can I find "Fatal Flaw"?

[Kathy Reel]

Catriona, thanks for bringing Cathi and Nick to my attention. Cathi, your series sounds like some great adventure, and Nick appears to be one of those characters that would keep "calling me back," as Catriona puts it.

I'm a fan of short stories between books in a series, as I usually can't get enough of a favorite character(s).

[Jess Lourey]

Catriona, I agree that Cathi is the real deal. Cathi, I'm hoping for the best for you and Nick! Thanks for sharing.

[Julie Hyzy]

New short stories to read! Yay! Thanks for introducing us to Nick. I can't wait to meet him between the sheets. Oh wait, that didn't come out right! ;) Thanks for sharing your "backward" journey. Love it!

[Karen in Ohio]

Cathi, this is exactly what I need to read on my upcoming trip--which will include both Venice and Prague!

The cover of the book intrigues me; lots of tension just in the illustration. Love it!

[Risa Rispoli]

I love all stories. But short stories are great for me on L&D. So now I have new books for when I'm labor sitting!!! Thanks Cathi!

[Vicki Weisfeld]

Such a great insight. Even the best, tightest novel has byways and sidepaths that cry out to be explored. Thanks, Catriona and Cathi!

[Lori Rader-Day]

I used to write short stories but haven't in a few years. I think I've forgotten how!

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

Hi Risa! SO great to see you here! xoxoo

[Mark]

So interesting how this character has evolved for you. Nick sounds like a very fun character for sure.

[Dina Willner]

Love this. Short stories are one of my favorite ways of finding new authors. And this certainly sounds fascinating.

[Cathi Stoler]

Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments & thanks to Catriona for having me on the blog.

I'll be choosing a winner for the Nick of Time novella later today.

Have a great day!
Cathi

[Catriona McPherson]

Sally Schmidt! You have won the giveaway. Congratulations. Everyone else - happy shopping! Sally, could you please email [email protected] and let me know whether you would rather have an ebook or a print copy? Ta.

[Sally Schmidt]

Thank you Cathi and Catriona! Sent my info via gmail.