From the Booking Desk:
I first encountered Shawn Reilly Simmons through her excellent and unwavering work with the Malice Domestic Conference. Anyone who has attended that convention dedicated to the traditional mystery will no doubt agree that Shawn handles everything related to her work there with professionalism, kindness, and precision. This alone would be enough for Shawn to make a wonderful addition to the Composite Sketch feature, but why stop there: Shawn also writes a wonderful culinary catering series, excellent short stories, and throws her support behind her friends and colleagues whenever possible. She has been a steadfast supporter of BOLO Books from very early on and I appreciate it so very much. Now, let’s see what more we can learn about Shawn Reilly Simmons.
Name: Shawn Reilly Simmons
Location: Frederick, MD
This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:
My grandmother. Although she’s been gone fifteen years now, she still inspires me to this day. My grandmother was an artist and I’m lucky to have several of her paintings hanging on my walls. I spent time every summer with my grandparents in Indiana and she was always working on a painting, never sure if it was really finished, or good enough (we always thought they were). I find myself relating to those feelings more and more as I work on my own books and stories.
One of the people I admire most in the crime fiction community is:
Dru Ann Love, and I know I’m only one of the thousands of folks who feel the same. But my admiration for Dru Ann dates back to before I was writing at all, and she approached the registration desk at Malice. We’d never met, it was her first time attending and I remember saying, “I’ve been waiting to meet the woman whose last name is Love!” And we’ve been friends ever since. Dru Ann was my very first supporter when I did begin writing (all very privately) and I truly admire her support for all authors, beginning and seasoned, and her generosity of spirit. Her last name is totally fitting with her character and personality.
STALKER ALERT! If this fictional character were real, they would likely need to get a restraining order against me:
Eric Northman! I’m a big fan of Charlaine Harris‘s Sookie Stackhouse books. I began reading them on the recommendation of a friend right after I had my son and quit my job to stay home with him. Spending time in Bon Temps with those sexy vampires gave me energy during those early exhausting months. And Eric, well, he’s my man.
People are always surprised that I am a fan of this individual (singer, actor, or artist):
Vivaldi. I’m very much an alt-rock, rhythm and blues, rock and roll kind of girl–I regularly attend music festivals and concerts, but I have a classical music background. There was a time my family and instructors assumed I’d go to music school, and become a professional violinist. But I eventually set that vision of my future aside to pursue my true passion: books and writing. I still listen to Vivaldi, who was always my favorite to play, and am still very inspired by the music. And I have no regrets.
My personal catch phase is (or should be):
“I got this. And it’s five o’clock somewhere.” (I cheated. That’s two.)
Thank you dear Shawn. Great composite.
I remember that first meeting and you made me less scared attending Malice.
I love Vivaldi too. My favorite piece is his Four Seasons.
Shawn does have a way of making every attendee at Malice feel like part of the family.
Aw that’s so sweet–I think that’s how my Malice job found me. I love meeting new people and bringing them into the fold. I’m that rare extrovert in our tribe…
As Shawn’s friend and business partner, I’ve always admired her energy and ability to multi task. Her positive attitude is an inspiration. Love her dearly!
The entire Malice Board is composed of wonderful and hardworking folks.
I love you too, my second momma.
Great interview, Shawn!
Thanks, Bruce! I’m so glad we’ve become friends–another great thing about the mystery writing community, I’m constantly meeting the coolest people!
Great interview. Thank you, Shawn, for all you do for Malice and the writing community.
You’re welcome–I’m the lucky one, getting to know all of you guys.
Hugs!
I love learning new tidbits about people I know! Violinist? Very cool!
Yep–that was going to be my thing, Juliard the goal school. And although I still have a passion for music (still listen to music more than anything else every day), writing won out over all other. Luckily for me.
Great composite sketch! I don’t know Shawn yet, but I certainly am familiar with her work and writing. And, it’s a timely sketch for me, as I’m looking at making an all-out effort to attend Malice in 2018. So, hopefully, I can finally meet you, Shawn. Since we have two of my favorite people in common in Dru and Kristopher, I feel like meeting you is at the top of my list for that event.
You are amazing, Shawn! So happy to know you. Great sketch. (Lovely intro, Kristopher.)