Works

Paula_3FICTION

Anthologies

Killer Nashville Noir: Cold Blooded (Diversion publishing, October 27, 2015)anthology available on Amazon “A Matter of Honor” by Robert Dugoni and Paula Gail Benson
When a legislative aide is murdered with a Civil War pistol in the South Carolina Statehouse, agent B.A. Azevedo must investigate to discover if a Senator’s daughter might be the killer.

Fish or Cut Bait: A Guppy Anthology (Wildside Press, April 7, 2015)–anthology available on Amazon “The Train’s on the Tracks”
During a floor debate, a new State Senator has to decide whose side to take on a policy issue and, possibly, to save a life.

Let-It-Snow-AnthologyLet It Snow: The Best of Bethlehem Writers Roundtable, Winter 2015 Collection (Bethlehem Writers Group, LLC, February 24, 2015)–ebook anthology available on Amazon “Long in the Tooth”
A dying patient, irritably tolerating hospital routines and longing to leave life behind, finds a reason to linger when she answers an angel’s question.

That-Mysterious-WomanA Shaker of Margaritas: That Mysterious Woman (Mozark Press, November 16, 2014)–anthology available on Amazon
“Moving On”
Three women are connected to a murdered man: the homeless Misty, who believes she is the reincarnation of a 19th century artist’s model; nervous Lizzie, who is meeting a drug dealer the day before her cousin’s wedding; and the drug dealer, Isis, previously known as Sissy. On the sultry July evening when they come together, the truth about the murder is revealed.

Tall_ShipA Tall Ship, a Star, and Plunder (Dark Oak Press and Media, January 2014)–anthology available on Amazon “Ghost of a Chance”
Heck, a pirate first mate with a treacherous captain, spies a ghost ship following their vessel. Will the ghost ship prove to be Heck’s ultimate damnation or possible redemption?

Mystery_Times_Ten,Mystery Times Ten 2013 (Buddhapuss Ink)–anthology available on Amazon “Confidence in the Family”
In a contest between two con-artists, who will triumph in demonstrating their true family feelings?

Online Publications:

Bethlehem Writers Group Roundtable

“Nectar of the Gods” (Featured, February 2013)
When a jaded wine buyer and engaging minister meet at a party, they come to appreciate how wine, like memory, is sweetest when savored and shared.

“Long in the Tooth” (Featured, June 2013) (3rd Place Winner in the 2013 Bethlehem Writers Roundtable Short Story Award)
A dying patient, irritably tolerating hospital routines and longing to leave life behind, finds a reason to linger when she answers an angel’s question.

“Apple’s Lure” (July/August 2014)
How does Apple handle a mediation between two species vying for the resources of an uninhabited moon when she realizes her own ancestors consumed the ancestors of one of the parties?

Kings River Life

“Pelican Spring: A Mother’s Day Mystery Short Story” (May 11, 2013)
A law school admissions counselor encounters a mother willing to go to any length to ensure  complete financing for her daughter’s law school education. But, is law school what the daughter really wants?

“The Mama Factor: A Mother’s Day Short Story” (May 11, 2013)
An injured teen tennis player requiring home schooling learns more than just classroom lessons from her scheming grandmother.

“Only the Sacrifice Knows: A Thanksgiving Mystery Short Story” (November 26, 2013)
A Thanksgiving dinner guest gets a unique welcome at a family celebration with an unusual holiday tradition.

“Mr. Claude North: A Holiday Short Story” (revised; December 18, 2013)
As he reluctantly completes retirement paperwork, Tommy Lesley meets Mr. Claude North, who might just be Santa in disguise.

“Star of the Party: A New Year’s Eve Short Story” (December 30, 2013)
Eve goes to the spa to be the star at Charlotte’s party . . . and unexpectedly gets her wish.

“An Unexpected Christmas Gift” (revised; December 22, 2014)
At a favorite hangout, a professor, who teaches film and tends to think of life as a screenplay, confronts his daughter about a significant decision and is interrupted by a potential robber.

Writers Who Kill

“Mr. Claude North” (December 2, 2012)
As he reluctantly completes retirement paperwork, Tommy Lesley meets Mr. Claude North, who might just be Santa in disguise.

“An Unexpected Christmas Gift (Narrative)” (December 22, 2013)

“An Unexpected Christmas Gift (Screenplay)” (December 24, 2013)

“An Unexpected Christmas Gift (First Person)” (December 27, 2013)

Three variations of the same story. At a favorite hangout, a professor, who teaches film and tends to think of life as a screenplay, confronts his daughter about a significant decision and is interrupted by a potential robber.

“Femme Fatally Yours” (December 18, 2014)
Although a film professor fantasies about his Christmas book release, his less than perfect reality is made bearable by the love of his daughter.

NONFICTION:

Paula contributed to WE’D RATHER BE WRITING: 88 AUTHORS SHARE TIMESAVING DINNER RECIPES AND OTHER TIPS, available October 30, 2015.

Guide-to-SC-Legal-Research-and-Citation_newA Guide to South Carolina Legal Research and Citation, Original Text (co-author with Deborah Davis Hottel) (1991), 2nd edition (2009), and 3rd edition (2014)
Published by the South Carolina Bar: Continuing Legal Education Division
A text used by students and practitioners to learn about South Carolina’s legal resources and properly reference the resources’ citations.

Kings River Life

“A Father’s Legacy: Looking at Robert Dugoni’s Life and Work” (June 15, 2013)
A Father’s Day article about the New York Times bestselling author of legal thrillers.