by Charlie Kondek

Judy Penz Sheluk doesn’t just write crime novels and stories, she publishes them. After her own ups and downs with publishers, she launched Superior Shores Press, which has just released its fourth anthology, Larceny & Last Chances. Like its predecessors, the tome collects 22 stories by some of the genre’s most engaging writers––and me, some old ad guy from Detroit nobody’s ever heard of! I had a chance to catch up with Judy between her finalizing and promoting Larceny & Last Chances, and here’s what she had to say.

CK: The title is evocative, but what’s the theme of Larceny & Last Chances?

JPS: Every story in the collection touches on both elements in some way, albeit in very different ways. It’s all about the author’s interpretation of what larceny and last chances means to them.

CK: This is the fourth anthology from Superior Shores Press. What have you learned along the way?

JPS: That there are a lot of very talented short story writers. And that not every story, no matter how good, can make the cut. For a balanced anthology, there needs to be a mix of concepts, varying word counts, and differing narrative styles. In other words, there can’t be two stories about black cats. Oh, and no werewolves. I really don’t get werewolves.

CK: Talk to me about your own writing, your influences, your style, your goals?

JPS: On writing: with the exception of my two books on publishing, which were based on presentations, I’m a complete pantser. On influences: I’m a voracious reader of most genres (sci fi, erotica, and westerns are notable exceptions), and usually read 50-plus books a year. Reading is the best teacher. On goals: I’m always trying to improve whatever I’m doing, whether that’s golf or writing.

Judy Penz Sheluk

CK: You’ve got a delightful story of your own in Larceny & Last Chances. What’s next for you as a writer?

JPS: I have a barely-started standalone suspense that is calling to me. I also have an idea for book 5 in my Marketville series. I haven’t yet decided which one I’ll tackle next. Maybe I’ll try for both at the same time (as if!).

CK: How about as a publisher? What’s next for Superior Shores Press?

JPS: Another anthology isn’t out of the question, but I definitely need to take a break if I want to write the standalone and Marketville book 5.

CK: Writing, publishing, editing. How do you balance it all?

JPS: I’m a really organized person, the result of years of living life on deadline, first in my career in corporate finance, then as a journalist and magazine editor, and then as an author. So that helps. But mostly I make a list of what needs to be done and tackle things one at a time. It can sometimes feel overwhelming and when it does, I don’t force it, I just do something else to rejuvenate my spirit. Golf. Walk the dog. Binge watch something on TV. Read a good book.

CK: What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to another writer?

JPS: Write every day. The writing muscle is like any other muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

CK: Appreciate your time, Judy!

JPS: Right back at you.

About the book: Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense
Sometimes it’s about doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s about getting even. Sometimes it’s about taking what you think you deserve. And sometimes, it’s your last, best, hope. Edited by Judy Penz Sheluk and featuring stories by Christina Boufis, John Bukowski, Brenda Chapman, Susan Daly, Wil A. Emerson, Tracy Falenwolfe, Kate Fellowes, Molly Wills Fraser, Gina X. Grant, Karen Grose, Wendy Harrison, Julie Hastrup, Larry M. Keeton, Charlie Kondek, Edward Lodi, Bethany Maines, Gregory Meece, Cate Moyle, Judy Penz Sheluk, KM Rockwood, Kevin R. Tipple, and Robert Weibezahl.

Buy Link: www.books2read.com/larceny

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About the interviewer: Charlie Kondek is a marketing professional and writer from metro Detroit. His work has appeared in The Saturday Evening Post, Mystery Tribune, Hoosier Noir, Yellow Mama, BULL, and elsewhere. Kondek is a member of the Short Mystery Fiction Society. Find him at CharlieKondekWrites.com.
About the editor: Judy Penz Sheluk is a former journalist and magazine editor and the bestselling author of two mystery series, several short stories, and two books on publishing. She is also the publisher and editor of four Superior Shores Anthologies. Find out more at www.judypenzsheluk.com.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.