From the Booking Desk:

E. A. Aymar is an author, columnist, managing editor, moderator, and all around good guy. He is a friend to authors both local and beyond. And he can always be counted on to provide a much needed laugh – even sometimes at his own expense. I am thrilled to welcome Ed here today to participate in the BOLO Books Composite Sketch feature. You have no doubt seen him around the various conventions – usually in the bar – so next time, be sure to say hi to him. It will make his day!

Name: E.A. Aymar
Location: Just outside D.C.

This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:

Jazz singer Sara Jones. Anyone who knows or reads me likely knows that music is a big part of my life and work, and I’ve long admired Sara’s voice. Her style is so pure and lovely; I could listen to her sing for hours. And she hustles! Constantly gigging and teaching, and all that with a family to boot. Her work ethic and dedication are inspiring, and when you hear her sing, you’ll see it’s paid off.

One of the people I admire most in the crime fiction community is:

That’s easy. Jennifer Hillier. I was a fan of her work for years, finally had enough guts to meet her, and we became fast friends. I love her style and her fearlessness, and how easy it is for her writing to slip into emotional intimacy. There are a lot of writers who yearn to match that but never will, and it seems natural for her. Plus Jennifer’s a warm, lovely person. My life has been better since she became a part of it.

Not that I’d ever tell her that. Come on.

STALKER ALERT! If this fictional character were real, they would likely need to get a restraining order against me:

Oh, it’d absolutely be Bertie Wooster from P.G. Wodehouse’s “Jeeves” books. I’d gladly follow Bertie and Jeeves on their adventures. And then Bertie and I could hang out at the Drones Club all day until people realized I wasn’t wealthy and escorted me out. But it’d be fun till then.

People are always surprised that I am a fan of this individual (singer, actor, or artist):

The rapper Slug from the group Atmosphere. Maybe people are surprised by that because forty-two years old is too old to listen to rap, or maybe it’s because Slug’s been incorrectly labeled as an “emo rapper,” but I genuinely think Atmosphere is one of the most important groups of our time. Like any artist – particularly any prolific artist – the music is sometimes hit or miss, but it mostly hits. I hear a song like “The Abusing of the Rib” and its brilliance and emotional beauty makes me irrational. FIGHT ME.

(I’d probably stalk Slug right after getting kicked out of the Drones Club.)

My personal catch phase is (or should be):

There are shadows on the mountain.