Beth Irish’s first short stories were published in 2025. “The Centerpiece” appeared in Gone Fishin’: Crime Takes a Holiday, The Eighth Guppy Anthology. “Friendship Never Dies” was released June 18th in Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense (A Superior Shores Anthology Book 5). She’s about to start querying her first full-length cozy mystery, Ready Set Die (A Maple Bay Mystery
What brought you to writing? While I always thought it would be fun to branch out into mystery writing, two seemingly unrelated events convinced me to take the plunge finally. The first domino fell when I attended Murderous March, a daylong author/reader conference sponsored by our local Sisters in Crime (SinC) Chapter, the Mavens of Mayhem. I signed up because Vicki Delaney was the keynote speaker, but every single session that day was inspiring. The presenters’ enthusiasm was contagious. Then, six months later, at a library conference in Watkins Glen, the idea of a cozy mystery set in a small, upstate NY village began to take shape as I walked along the hotel shoreline. My Maple Bay Mystery series was born that day.
What is the most challenging part of your writing process? Finding moments to write. As I still work full-time, it can be tricky. Just when I think I’ve found an ideal writing schedule, life foils my plan. Right now, I’m an evening/weekend writer.
Our Westie wearing a Daydream Believer bandana in honor of my latest short story.
Do you outline, or are you a pantser? I start with a flexible, rather sparse outline, so I’m not truly a plotter or a pantser. Instead, I like to say I’m a “muller”. I mull over ideas before committing them to paper. I mull hiking while driving, and when it clicks, then I commit. To those not familiar with my style, it looks as if I’m writing quickly, especially when it comes to short stories. Sorry to burst that bubble.
We hear of strong-willed characters. Do yours behave or run wild? They definitely have minds of their own. The Maple Bay series characters often go rogue on me. Fred, in particular, surprised me by showing off his hidden charm. He became quite a favorite of my beta readers. Who knew he wasn’t annoying? Aside from him, I mean.
Cory and Victoria, the characters in my short stories, tend to be more behaved, but they even stray from the script from time to time. In no uncertain terms, they’ve let me know their golden years are going to be anything but quiet. They’re already plotting new adventures, even though that wasn’t my initial intent.
Needless to say, I’m learning not to lock myself into preconceived notions.
Has an association membership helped you with your writing? Association memberships have been invaluable. When I joined SinC, I also signed up for the Mavens and the Guppy Chapter. Best decision I’ve ever made. Then, when I started writing short stories, I discovered the Short Mystery Fiction Society (SMFS). Each has played a role in my journey. My first short story was published in the latest Guppy Anthology. The contributors bonded during the promotion phase; it was exciting to meet each other at Malice Domestic. Speaking of short stories, I saw the call for Midnight Schemers and Daydream Believers on the SMFS Facebook page.
George, two years ago, you answered a question I posed to the Guppy discussion list. In the course of our emails, you advised me to become involved in a local SinC chapter. You probably didn’t mean to run for President. Seriously, by serving on the Mavens Executive Committee, I’ve lost count of the number of authors I’ve come to know, not just as writing acquaintances but as dear friends. I’ve learned from them and been encouraged by them, and I hope that, in some small way, I’ve made a difference, too. Active versus passive involvement makes such a difference.
Do you have any advice for new writers? I’ve learned not to be afraid to ask questions. Feel free to lurk on discussion lists first to get comfortable. You’ll soon discover that mystery writers are part of a tight-knit, welcoming community. I know that sounds contradictory. Writers may form tight bonds, but there’s always room for one more.
Be open to editorial feedback. Over the past twelve months, I’ve been fortunate to work with Jim Jackson (Wolf’s Echo Press) and Judy Penz Sheluk (Superior Shores Press). I’ve walked away not only with two published short stories but with a richer understanding of the nuances of the genre. Whenever Judy or Jim suggested an edit, they explained their reasoning and patiently answered my questions. They invested their time not just in Cory and Victoria’s journey but also in mine.
Looking to the future, what’s in store for you? While I wasn’t planning on writing short stories, I have at least two more ideas for Cory and Victoria. They may be interested in full-length cozy, too. Who knows? “Friendship Never Dies” isn’t just a story title for them.
In the meantime, I’ve also started looking for a publisher for my first Maple Bay cozy Ready, Set, Die. I’m already mulling the second installment.
Excerpt from “Friendship Never Dies” in Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense (A Superior Shores Anthology Book 5).
“How did I end up in this dilapidated joint? I’ve always wanted to say dilapidated joint,
but I’d never been in one until now. The Rustic Shed certainly qualified. It put the ‘rust’ in rustic. From the size of the building, it might have even started as a shed. I shuddered, imagining what public health violations lurked behind the dark-stained walls and dim lighting.
Maybe coming here was a mistake. My curiosity clearly outmaneuvered my common sense. Since it was too late to turn back now, I texted Victoria.”
George, thank you so much for inviting me as a guest poster.
Beth can be reached at irishelizabeth@gmail.com
Midnight Schemers and Daydream Believers is available from www.books2read.com/midnight-schemers
Great blog. Your process and journey are inspiring, as is your work. Thanks, Ellen
Your comment means a lot to me! Thank you!
She’s an inspiring writer. Cannot wait for her first book to be published. Syrl Kazlo
LOL… me either!
Thank you for the encouragement.
Beth’s description of her writing process made me laugh. I think I’m a “muller,” too! A fun, wise blog post.
AHA! I knew you were a fellow “muller’!
Thanks for the kind words.
“Muller” is a word I’ve needed for years. Beth, now with your help, I know I’m neither a pantser nor a plotter. Thanks
You too George? I knew it!!! Anyone who’s kind enough to guide new authors has to be a muller! Thank you again for the opportunity to write a guest post!
Your story is very inspiring, Elizabeth. I admire your tenacity and drive. Keep it going and best of luck to you.
Thank you for your encouragement Michael! It’s the twist and turns of the journey that keep it interesting, right?
Thanks for the shoutout for Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers. Loved your story and it was my pleasure to include it in the anthology.
Thank you so much Judy! I’m thrilled to have been selected as a midnight schemer and daydream believer. In reality, I suppose I’m a little of both! Working with you was such a fantastic learning experience. I hope I get the opportunity again!
I loved reading about your writing journey and learning you’re a fellow muller. I can’t wait to read about what happens in Maple Bay!
Thanks Jacqueline! We fellow mullers have to stick together. And congratulations on your book release this week! Looking forward to immersing myself into Lies Lost and Found…
Congratulations! The blog interview was terrific. Love the “muller” description.
Thanks Chris! I’ve always been asked why my first drafts of work reports or articles look so polished. It’s because first draft on paper is really my fifth or sixth. The first ones were all in my head!
Thanks for the shout out, Beth. I enjoyed working with you and the other authors in Gone Fishin’: Mystery Takes a Holiday
Jim, I learned so much from you! I can’t thank you enough. And I love that the Gone Fishin’ authors have our own very active discussion list. We’re still sharing our promotions and meeting at conferences.
You’ve made a great start!🏆🏆🏆
I can’t wait to read your PUBLISHED novel❤️❤️❤️✍️
Thanks Betsy! And I can’t wait to read your first published story coming this September in Desert Sleuths new anthology!
Totally agree about association memberships!
Absolutely. I’m sure I wouldn’t be published without them!
I remember when Liz came to the Mavens conference at the East Greenbush Library. It is great to know that the chapter was able to get her started on her mystery writing career.
Absolutely! You were the first Maven I met and you’ve been encouraging me since day one. I’m so glad we’ve become friends!
Thank you Beth and George. Your enthusiasm is inspiring, and I love the idea of being a muller. That word could become the word of the year. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Terrie!! We mullers should start a campaign for it. There’s a contest for everything, so there has to be one for word of the year! I appreciate your words of encouragement.
I gobbled this post up, George and Beth. So much of it felt similar to my experiences. Best of luck with your Maple Bay series.
Isn’t it funny how so many of us have shared journeys? I’m so glad the post resonated with you. Thank you for the encouragement!
Liz…this was great. Loved reading about your journey, which as others have mentioned, is similar to mine as well!
Thanks Bonnie! Thrilled to be sharing the journey with you! Exciting, isn’t it?
Always interesting to hear how characters and stories come alive for authors.
And they really do have their own personalities that shine through don’t they?
Cory and Victoria are honored to be have gone fishin’ and been midnight schemers and daydream believers with your characters!
Liz, it was a pleasure connecting with you via Gone Fishin’: Crime Takes a Holiday. Best of luck on your continued journey. The only thing I guarantee is that life will continue to foil writing plans even when you’re retired.
Vinnie…nooooo!!! The foiling never ends, does it?! But, I hope, those I meet on the journey are always there. So glad you’re one of them!