Edith Maxwell – A BOLO Books Composite Sketch

by | Mar 2, 2018 | Composite Sketch | 24 comments

From the Booking Desk:

I first “met” Edith Maxwell because she and I were (and are) both frequent commenters on the posts at the excellent Jungle Red Writers blog. It was a Malice Domestic, I believe, when our paths finally crossed in person – shortly before Edith’s first book under her own name was released. Now she is writing multiple series and I get to see her at just about every mystery conference I attend (always a highlight). Today, she joins us at BOLO Books to answer the Composite Sketch questions. I know you will enjoy this.

Name: Edith Maxwell
Location: North of Boston

This person from my personal life is such an inspiration:

My dear friend Annie Tunstall, a fellow Quaker and a lifelong activist, is eighty-five. Despite breaking both hips and a wrist in one year, she is unfailingly positive, generous, and interested in life. She keeps her mind active, journals every day, writes letters, and reads constantly. She delights in news about my sons and about my books and has taught me so much about gratitude and intention – and perseverance.

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

Since I can’t possibly pick one, I name all the debut authors I’ve met through the Sisters in Crime Guppies chapter. They say to themselves (as I did ten years ago), “Somebody’s going to get published, and it might as well be me.” They write, study, write, network, write some more, and most important, persevere and don’t give up their dream (including Mia Manansala, who was featured here in December).

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

You’d have to keep me away from Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Clare Fergusson. I love her passion for justice and for Russ Van Alstyne in equal measure, and I wish I were Clare’s next-door neighbor and close friend – or sidekick, even. I’d have to draw the line at joining her Episcopal church (see comment about being Quaker above) but otherwise you could find me tailing her and possibly drooling.

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

I’m going to pick a genre rather than an individual. I doubt anyone except a couple of long-ago lovers know I ADORE disco music. I spent so many happy hours in the late seventies and early eighties dancing to disco. I didn’t have the outfits (I was a PhD student, so…), but I still love the energy and dance-happiness of the music.

My personal catch phrase is (or should be):

Carpe diem – Make the most of this one wild and precious life (thanks, Mary Oliver!). Don’t waste a second. Indulge in what you love and follow your passions.

24 Comments

  1. Kimberley
    Kimberley on March 2, 2018 at 8:10 am

    I am a huge fan of Edith Maxwell’s work. Her work as Maddie Day and the breakfast diner series is great fun. As a testament to her versatility, the Quaker midwife series is beautifully written. thanks for featuring her.

  2. Edith Maxwell
    Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 8:38 am

    Thanks so much, Kimberley!

  3. Vida
    Vida on March 2, 2018 at 8:43 am

    Kris, these are always a treat, but Edith is particularly inspiring. I love her writing.

    • Edith Maxwell
      Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 8:58 am

      Thank you, Vida. That is very sweet.

  4. Sherry Harris
    Sherry Harris on March 2, 2018 at 9:09 am

    Nice to see you here, Edith!

    • Edith Maxwell
      Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 9:26 am

      Thanks, Sherry, and thanks for sharing!

    • Edith Maxwell
      Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 9:48 am

      Thanks, Debra!

  6. Liz Milliron
    Liz Milliron on March 2, 2018 at 10:33 am

    Great recap of a fabulous person!

    • Edith Maxwell
      Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 11:08 am

      Aww, thanks, Liz!

  7. Mark
    Mark on March 2, 2018 at 11:30 am

    So nice to get to know you a little better. Never would have taken you for a disco person.

  8. Jeanie Whitmire Jackson
    Jeanie Whitmire Jackson on March 2, 2018 at 12:17 pm

    I already loved you (fanwise of course) but knowing that you are a fan of Julia Spenser-Fleming just upped your rating. 🙂

    • Kristopher
      Kristopher on March 2, 2018 at 1:58 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Jeanie. We are all fans of Julia around here.

    • Edith Maxwell
      Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 7:15 pm

      Thanks, Jeanie. I am one of the legions awaiting her next book!

  9. Edith Maxwell
    Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    Thanks, Mark!

  10. Tina Strandskov
    Tina Strandskov on March 2, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    Love all your series. Please know that I would be that other person you see stalking Claire and Russ.

  11. Grace Topping
    Grace Topping on March 2, 2018 at 4:04 pm

    Happy to see you here, Edith. Wishing you continuing success with your writing.

    • Edith Maxwell
      Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 7:16 pm

      Thanks so much, Grace! Right back atcha.

  12. Kaye George
    Kaye George on March 2, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    What fun this is!I hope to see you at Malice, Edith.

    • Edith Maxwell
      Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 7:16 pm

      Of course, Kaye!

  13. Danielle Chatigny
    Danielle Chatigny on March 2, 2018 at 8:17 pm

    Nice to see Edith here. Love her books and her comments on JRW

    • Edith Maxwell
      Edith Maxwell on March 2, 2018 at 9:18 pm

      Thanks so much, Danielle!

  14. Mia Manansala
    Mia Manansala on March 5, 2018 at 7:49 am

    Thought I commented before but guess it didn’t go through. Great article as always, Kris. And thanks for the mention, Edith!

    • Kristopher
      Kristopher on March 5, 2018 at 7:58 am

      Thanks Mia. Got your comment this time.