Maddie Day here,
and it's my day to be in the Sunday Spotlight! One lucky commenter will win one of my special author aprons.
Tomorrow marks my tenth year as a published author, and my 28th novel comes out in nine days. You might fairly ask - how did that happen?
My first novel as it was first released, and the improved re-issued version |
For starters, I wrote fiction constantly as a child in southern California. At age nine, I won a Pasadena Star News children's fiction contest for my short story, “Viking Girl,” and walked away with prize money of $2.00 - my first fiction payment.
My fiction career took decades of detours before I started writing mysteries, even though I've been a writer my whole life.
I did journalism in high school and college. As an adult, I wrote a dissertation to earn my doctorate in the field of linguistics. I wrote features and essays as a free-lance journalist, edited medical texts, published several articles. Most recently I made my living for twenty years writing technical documentation in the software industry.
But constructing fictional worlds rich with passion, intrigue, and the true mystery of human behavior is what makes me happiest. In 2013 I left high-tech to write mystery fiction full-time, and I'm now living my dream.
Edith/Maddie's 2022 shelfie |
I now have six series under my belt, either completed or ongoing, with possibilities of yet another one. Here's a more-or-less chronological list:
- Lauren Rousseau Mysteries - traditional, two books, by Edith
- Local Foods Mysteries - cozy foodie, five books, by Edith
- Country Store Mysteries - cozy foodie, ten and ongoing, by Maddie
- Quaker Midwife Mysteries - historical, seven, by Edith
- Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries - cozy foodie, four and ongoing, by Maddie
- Cece Barton Mysteries - cozy (but no recipes!), the first to appear in 2023 and ongoing, by Maddie
I used my knowledge of academic life and contemporary Quakers in the Lauren Rousseau series.
Having been an organic farmer, I know the language and tensions of someone like Cam Flaherty, the farmer in the Local Foods mysteries. I included recipes with ingredients in harvest during the season in the book (which got a little tricky for Farmed and Dangerous, the book set during a blizzard).
Edith with part of her garlic crop circa 1993 |
As a Quaker myself, and having worked as a doula and taught independent childbirth classes, I had the experience and knowledge to write about the life of Rose Carroll, the 1880s midwife portrayed in the Quaker Midwife Mysteries.
My Cozy Capers Book Group series, written as Maddie, comes straight out of both my imagination and regular solo writing retreats on Cape Cod. The new book next week, Murder in a Cape Cottage, is my first ticking-clock and skeleton-in-the-wall novel! But since Mac Almeida doesn't cook much, the recipes come from her beau, Tim, or from meals she eats elsewhere.
And while I live in Amesbury, Massachusetts, I'm originally a fourth-generation Californian. I'm thrilled to have my new Cece Barton Mysteries series debuting next year (also written as Maddie) with Murder, Uncorked, which is set in the Alexander Valley wine country north of San Francisco. I'm off next month to stay in my uncle's second home there and do final bits of research. This is my first series written as Maddie with no recipes, but don't worry. Lots of yummy food - and wine - is described in the stories.
I blog with five other New England mystery authors at WickedAuthors.com We were featured in the Boston Globe a few years ago!
With Hugh at Edith's son Allan's wedding |
I have two fabulous grown sons who, by some miracle, still enjoy spending time with me, and are creative and competent cooks in their own right. Allan and Alison have been married four years, and I'm delighted John and Alexandra will marry in February!
Alexandra and John, Allan and Alison |
I live
in an antique house with my partner Hugh and our sweet cat, Martin. I spend every morning in my upstairs office making stuff up and monitoring traffic on our one-block-long street.
And that's pretty much it. When I left the last day job, all kinds of people asked me how retirement was going. I said, "I'm not retired. Writing crime fiction is my new job." And I love it.
Readers: What's been your favorite job? I'd love to send one commenter one of my special author aprons in celebration of my ten-year publication anniversary!
My most recent release is Batter Off Dead, Country Store Mystery #10, out now!
Edith Maxwell
I enjoyed reading about your life and how you brought a little of each into your different characters. The books all have a bit of you in each 😊. My favorite job, a mom. I have worked in the nursing field and loved helping patients. Although I did not stay in that field long I went on to other jobs and then ended my working career in a physicians office. I guess I enjoy helping others. Now I work to take care of my dog who has some health issues and my husband and home.
ReplyDeleteI meant to post as me not as anon
DeleteThank you. Helping others is a great job.
DeleteMy favorite job was the United States Air Force. Can't say what it was specifically...but it was the best!
ReplyDeleteGlad that worked for you!
DeleteAlthough I have had 50+ years in my interesting life, customer service has filled the majority of employment during my 60 years of life. I have never met a stranger in my 30+ years of being in the retail industry! My favorite job was as an associate in the Jewelry and Watch Repair department in a major department store. I loved talking with customers, so having the ability to do jewelry or minor watch repairs helped maintain our new customers to return for great service.
ReplyDeleteCheryl Arcemont teddi1961(at)arcemont(dot)com
Good customer service is so important.
DeleteCongratulations Edith aka Maddie on your amazing career--your determination comes through in every sentence!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteBeing a Mom and now a Grammy
ReplyDeleteThe hardest and the best job!
DeleteMy main and most fulfilling job has been as a homemaker. I've worked out of the home very little, but that doesn't mean I haven't worked. :) In later years I told folks my job was to help and support my parents. Many special memories there - even when Mom moved in with us with Alzheimer adding full time caregiver to my job description.
ReplyDeleteThe one job outside of the home that I really loved was one I took up after the death of our daughter to keep me sane. That was working animal control. Love animals and can proudly say while I was they had the highest rate of adoption. Love the animals - the people not so much. After 14 months and having a judge tell me that no charges would be given after I was bitten by a dog with no rabies shot because the dog couldn't read to know it had came into the city limits (when requirement for rabies shot is a state law), I decided it was time to come back to my first love - tending to our home, baking and anything else that needed done by my loved ones.
You have had a most exception background, but I must say your writing the books we love has to be your best one yet - at least wise from your fans stand point. Keep them coming!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Taking care of loved ones is a hugely important job, Kay. I agree that my current job is my best one (in addition to being a mom, of course!).
DeleteI worked as a customer service rep for mostly 40 years. If a person had a problem I enjoyed finding the answer and getting it resolved. I enjoy your books and looking forward to the latest book. Rainonlois@aol.com. Lois Rotella
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Lois. That can be a kind of detective work!
DeleteI’ve been fortunate to have 2 great jobs, one with the railroad and one with a real estate company. Fantastic people at both companies!
ReplyDeleteYou are fortunate, indeed!
DeleteMy favorite and most fulfilling job was teaching creative writing to high school students. I'm still in touch with some of them years after graduation and love continuing to share their lives. Only a few have made careers from their writing, but all have grown into interesting and creative adults!
ReplyDeleteYou clearly had a positive effect on your students. If I'd studied with you, I might have started writing fiction earlier in my adult life!
DeleteI have become a fan from the first book of yours! Love your style (writing and personal) and am looking forward to reading some of your other series. My favorite job is always my current one where I can interact with different people, learn a bit about them and hopefully make them smile. I love variety so staying with one job for a long time is rare (current admin asst. Is the exception, 21 years), but I always have side gigs to keep from being bored. Thanks Edith/Maddie for sharing your talent with the world! atcats@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted you are a fan, and you're welcome!
DeleteI found you as an author through the Wicked Writers, following Cate, and have never looked back. I love the Cape Cod series - it's my favorite. Speaking of favorites, I have my favorite job. I am a ceramicist. I make art and pottery from clay. I have been getting ready for a gallery exhibit coming up in November.
ReplyDeleteThank you, and awesome you are a ceramicist!
DeleteLoved your story! Thanks for sharing it! My favorite job would be a mom, wife and taking care of my home. I've had jobs outside the home, but taking care of my family is the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks forthe chance!
jarjm1980(@)hotmail(dot)com
I hear you!
DeleteOh Joy! New upcoming books by YOU, Maddie/Edith!!! I have so enjoyed reading your wonderful cozy books, and being one of your fans, I have convinced my book club to start reading URDER ON CAPE COD starting in October. I will be in touch with you to possibly being honored with a Zoom visit. Thank you for sharing about your intriguing and exceptional life. As a linguist, I so appreciate all the language and other cultural uses and references, which are so refreshing. Thank you ever so much again for delighting us with your talents!!! Luis at ole dot travel
ReplyDeleteGosh, Luis, I would love to zoom into your book club. (Holder of long-dusty PhD in linguistics here, so high five!)
DeleteMy favorite job? certified nurse midwife and part time clinical instructor for CNA students. I love being there to help patients and delivering babies!
ReplyDeleteit didn't put my name Risa Rispoli idlivru1 (at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteWell, yay always for midwives - and for you!
DeleteI have been a registered nurse for overv48byears, served in the Navy Reserves but my favorite job by far has been being a mother/GRANSMOTHER.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that you are a Quaker and doula which makes sense why your books seem so AUTHENTIC.
Thank you so much, Bev.
DeleteI started as an elementary school teacher, stumbled through a series of other jobs, found my way back to the education world training adults in interpersonal skills and developing training modules and materials for them. Eventually this took me to my last paying job as a technical writer, for a couple of on-line K-12 curriculum products. My favorite job was training interpersonal skills. It did not feel like work, just an extension of me! Congrats on the latest releases next week and thanks for all the great reads so far. makennedyinaz(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWaving hi from another tech writer but in a different field. And thank you!
DeleteMarcia, you are our lucky winner! Please check your email.
DeleteEdith, each time you write about being a writer, the joy you have in this work shines. Thank you for your books and your pieces about writing them. Also, off topic, thinking of you as Fiona crosses Puerto Rico, may all be well. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you so much, Elisabeth. I think my son and Alex will be fine (I hope), but her family lives in Ponce, which has been badly hit. Prayers for the Llegus clan.
DeleteWell done, all around.
ReplyDeleteWhile in college (Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA) I attended the Quaker with Euell Gibbons.
That's Quaker Meeting.
DeleteVery cool, Libby!
DeleteHe was a fascinating person.
DeleteHi Edith! I loved reading your story. You inspire me with all your series! I really enjoyed your Quaker Midwife series, and of course, your Maddie Day books. My favorite job goes back to the days of my family's restaurant. I liked waitressing and talking to all the locals in our town.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina. Talking to locals is great.
DeleteCheers, Edith, for sharing the beautiful personal journey that brought you home to the writer's life you love. Your talent, generosity, energy, and spirit are true inspirations. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much, Cleo.
DeleteI'm so happy you left tech to give us so many delightful books! Brava! My favorite work was teaching, my desired career since kindergarten. During the years of no hiring ('70s falling enrollment #s) I worked for Prudential, and did learn skills that were of use . . . most experiences do add valuable knowledge.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! Experience is never wasted, is it?
DeleteBlizzard recipe -- snow cream?
ReplyDeleteSure.
DeleteMy favorite job was working for a major trucking company. My great aunt and uncle started the Company and my Dad and Sister both worked there. I t was a great job and I worked with great people.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like it suited you, Dianne.
DeleteI loved reading your information.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite job is what I do full time. I’m a dog groomer. I love dogs and I love my job!
Perfect, Tiffanie.
DeleteI'm really enjoying getting to know my MLK mates better. Thanks for this Edith.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Vicki.
DeleteMy favorite job was a dog walker. Love the sweethearts. Always a joy. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteA good job for you.
DeleteMy favorite job came later in life. Being a Grandmother was the best and most rewarding job ever. I loved it and every minute that I could spend with the little ones was wonderful. They are older but give me so much nachas. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI am envious!
DeleteMy favorite job was the one I retired from - working federal government as a contract specialist. Challenging and rewarding!
ReplyDeletePerfect, Kathy.
DeleteHappy 10th Anniversary! My favorite was the one I had selling fine jewelry. It was a fun job. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCool. Did you get a discount?
DeleteI love your Cozy Capers series. Cape Cod is a marvelous place! I'm a retired paralegal. My favorite job was assisting a bright, personable lady who was an excellent attorney. We had a three-person office - attorney, office manager/paralegal and receptionist and it was a really great working environment.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Sounds like a great work setup.
DeleteMy favorite job was when I graduated business school and worked at the state capitol. I was a typist and did shorthand and typing for the director and typed up the research papers, letters etc from the other employees. Then I got married and we moved.😢
ReplyDeleteYou must have typed some interesting stuff!
DeleteYes indeed. Putting together cases for Court, interviewing defendants & witnesses & taking depositions means I have a plethora of cozy mystery plots!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite job is assisting my friend who is a caterer so I get to help out at weddings and parties. We always have a great time.
ReplyDelete