Edith Maxwell's Blog, page 23

A Wicked Word Search

Jessie: In New Hampshire where the tulips are three inches high!

I know that a lot of our readers love puzzles of all sorts and have enjoyed not only those presented in mystery novels but also jigsaws and crosswords.

For today I have created a word search that I hope will prove amusing! Enjoy!

Readers, what are your favorite sorts of games to play?

Wicked Wednesday-March Madness

Jessie: On the coast of Maine, enjoying warmer temperatures and walks along the shore.

In our continuing discussion of madness this month, I was wondering what is something that unfailingly drives you mad. Swarms of mosquitoes? Cold coffee? Barking dogs?

Julie: I have a few things that drive me mad. When people slow down to a crawl to turn right. I know that’s safer, but I live in Boston. When people walk slowly and take up the entire sidewalk. People who lay on the horn when it doesn’t do any good. People who stand in the door on the subway. There’s a theme here, and a good reason to stay home.

Barb: Almost all the things that drive me mad are aural. I seem to lack some important human ability to block out noise. Your white noise in the background is my constant distraction. I can’t listen to music when I write or with any task that requires concentration–because I can’t not hear the music. City sounds are fine. And this isn’t an issue when I’m asleep. Here in Key West I routinely sleep through the roosters and the sirens and the emptying of the dumpster across the street at five every morning. But last year due to flight schedules we had to spend a lot of time in JFK going to and coming from Europe. The United lounge had this computer-generated bing-bing-bong type music that almost did drive me mad.

Edith/Maddie: Barb, I am SO with you on the background noise thing, and Julie, with the people who just don’t get on with it. I mean, really? I posted recently about a sign in my doctor’s office with a spurious apostrophe, which also drove me bonkers. Unfortunately I had neither Wite-out nor a sharpie in my purse to fix it – and believe me, I would have. But since Jessie brought it up, that neighborhood barking dog over the back fence absolutely drove me mad. So I put him in a short story, killed off his owner (fictionally…), and “Bye-bye, Jojo” appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (March-April, 2022). It will be reprinted in the weekly ezine Black Cat Mystery Magazine next month!

Sherry: Along Julie’s theme of people turning right are those who swing out to the left as they turn right. But the thing that really annoys me are shopping carts (or carriages for those of you in Massachusetts) that are left in the middle of the parking lot!

Jessie: What an interesting range you have all shared! One thing that drives me nuts is the wrong sort of drinking vessel. I want whatever I drink to be in the correct thing. I don’t want wine in a tumbler or hot coffee in a clear mug. And I don’t ever want to drink anything out of something made of plastic. It just ruins it for me! I also am irritated when I am watching a movie or a show and for some reason, it needs to be paused. I would rather not watch at all than to have the experience chopped up in that way.

Readers, what drives you mad?

Welcome Sydney Leigh!

A wicked welcome to Sydney Leigh! I’m so glad she could join us today to talk about her new book Peril in Pink!

The Hudson Valley: The Perfect Setting for a Modern Mystery

Choosing the setting for a mystery is a big decision. Like the movies, location not only sets the scene but often plays a pivotal role in how the story feels. Before I set out to write Peril in Pink, one of the key factors I thought about was where the story should take place. The Hudson Valley was an easy choice. In case you’re not familiar with the area, it borders New York City and extends along the Hudson River north for 150 miles, right up to Albany, the state capital.

So what makes it the right choice for my modern cozy mystery? Here are my top three reasons…

The Vibe: The Hudson Valley is cool. With trendy shops and a laid-back feel, it’s easy to see why so many towns within the HV are hot spots. And foodies can rest easy knowing they have high-end restaurants with top-tier meals. And for those who like to indulge in a good wine or a local ale, there’s no shortage of wineries and breweries to choose from.Lots to Discover: Food and wine is only scratching the surface of what’s around. So close to nature, there’s a ton of outdoor fun to be had. Hiking, biking, mansion tours, secret beaches, museums, art galleries. And with so many towns within the region? There’s something to discover for everyone.Cozy Essence: Despite the top-tier shops and services, the Hudson Valley has managed to retain its cozy core. How do they do it? For one thing, small business rules. Towns within the region have tree-lined main streets, and big businesses tend to stay out of the forefront. That’s not all. In these parts, people know their neighbors. The influx of visitors, even during busy summer weekends, doesn’t take away the small town feel.

Fletcher Lake, the fictional town in Peril in Pink, takes inspiration from several different places within the Hudson Valley. Can’t wait to visit this awesome area again!

Readers: Do you have a favorite location or setting for your mysteries?

Everything is coming up rosé for innkeeper Jess Byrne until a murder on opening weekend gives her B&B’s killer vibe a whole new meaning.

Schitt’s Creek meets Only Murders in the Building in this sparkling debut mystery.

It’s the grand opening of The Pearl B&B in Hudson Valley, and owner Jess Byrne has prepared the ultimate, Insta-worthy welcome, complete with her ex-boyfriend—reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong—performing live. As guests check in and mimosas are poured, Lars arrives with his stepdad-turned-manager Bob in tow. But things go south when Bob is found dead, and Lars is the prime suspect.

After a desperate plea from Lars, and knowing the reputation of her B&B is at stake, Jess agrees to help clear Lars’ name, but the more she digs, the less sure she is that he’s innocent. Especially when he’s found at the scene of another murder.

With the guests under lockdown, the B&B in the press for all the wrong reasons, and a killer on the loose, Jess is in over her head. With the help of her best friend and business partner Kat, Jess is determined to uncover the truth before Lars is put behind bars and The Pearl is permanently cancelled.

www.amazon.com/perilinpink

www.barnesandnoble.com/perilinpink

Sydney Leigh spent several years running a seasonal business, working in the summer so she could spend cold months in cool places. Now she writes mysteries and thinks about murder. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and served on the board of Crime Writers of Canada from 2018-2021. PERIL IN PINK, the first book in the Hudson Valley B&B Mystery Series comes out in March 2024 with Crooked Lane Books. You can find Sydney at www.sydneyleighbooks.com

24 in 24

Jessie: In New Hampshire where the 600 tulip bulbs we planted in October are poking their heads up through the cold earth!

I am certain that I have mentioned many times here on the blog that I love to set goals. I usually have goals related to my writing like the number of words to write in a day or the number of scenes to revise. I have exercise goals for how many hikes or runs to go on in a week. I even like to set them for hobbies and pastimes like creating a watercolor sketch every day for 100 days in a row, or the keeping of a one-line-a-day journal every day for 10 years.

All of these are satisfying and fun, at least as far as I am concerned. But this year I am trying something a bit different. I am working on a goal I am calling 24 in 24. The idea is to complete 24 of something in a variety of categories. So far I am planning to complete 24 knitted items. So far, I have 4 completed and 2 others well underway. In full disclosure, I’m counting a pair of socks or mittens as 2 items.

I also plan to read 24 books from my TBR pile. Sadly, this barely makes a dent in the backlog, but it is a start. So often is easier for me to be bewitched by a new book offered at the library or my local bookstore than to dive into the collection still to be devoured in my library already. Up next is the gorgeous coffee table book Suspended Worlds by Christine Hadsel.

I also thought it would be lovely to send out 24 pieces of snail mail to people I care about. Considering how much I love to add a letter to any packages I send out to my sons, it seems like a very pleasant task. I have already sent out 2 so I think I might just manage it! I have a lovely supply of notecards and paper and am always eager to use my fountain pens so I am prepared and without excuse!

Lastly, I want to try making 24 new recipes. I have completed 4 of those so I may just reach this goal. This one feels the most daunting. I cook almost every day and it is so easy to fall into a rut. I have a large collection of cookbooks including two binders of recipes clipped from magazines over the years. So many of them are recipes that I have still never tried. I am not sure why I haven’t gotten around to it, but perhaps a concrete goal may just make a dent in it!

Readers, do you have anything languishing in your world like my recipe collection? Do you ever create challenges like this for yourself? Do you have a recipe that you would recommend to me to try?

A Wicked Welcome to Zaida Alfaro!

by Julie, enjoying warmish weather

One of the best parts of my job with Sisters in Crime is that I interview writers for the SinC Writers’ Podcast. Recently I interviewed Zaida Alfaro, and am delighted that she agreed to be on the blog. Zaida is a musician and cozy author, a wonderful combination for her Miami Murder Mystery series. Welcome to the blog, Zaida!

Many years ago, I became an avid reader of cozy mysteries. The story lines were intriguing, engaging, and funny at the same time. I was so inspired by the authors’ novels, that I then decided to take my musical experiences, and put it on paper. Because I write what I know, I would say that 80% of the plot and characters are drawn from real life experiences, except for the murders! Luckily, I have never been involved in a crime investigation. I was born and raised in Miami, and like the novel’s main character Vy, I am a singer/songwriter, Grammy considered, independent artist, and I was the lead singer for a cover band in Miami. When I wrote my first book, The Last Note: A Miami Murder Mystery, the drummer of my band was a homicide detective, so when it came to the murders and the how to, he was the one I would go to with a list of questions. For my sequel, In the Key of Dead: A Miami Music Mystery, I am fortunate enough to be friends with a retired homicide detective that helped me with the murders, this time around. I had to do extensive research on the weight of an electric guitar, and how fatal the swing of the guitar had to be, to deem a person unconscious and possibly dead.

My friends and family inspire me, when it comes to writing a new character. No friend of mine is safe! I do get their permission to use that person, for a character in my book. I ask what they want their character to be named, and what they want to look like, etc. Surprisingly enough, many of my new supporting characters, want to use their birth-given name, and look exactly the way they do now, with the exception of a few wanting to be ten years younger. The same question is always asked by each one of them, “Are you going to kill me off?” I simply respond, “Don’t make me upset, and I will consider keeping your character alive.”

I have currently started the third novel to the series. I ended book two with what I have recently been told, “quite a cliffhanger.” I love keeping readers in suspense! I have also started writing a psychological thriller. That will be a stand-alone novel. As an author, I wanted to expand my writing into a more intense genre.

Bio:

The Miami Music Mystery series’ main backdrop, the amazing city of Miami, Florida, is beloved and well-known to me. I was born and raised in Miami, and like the novel’s main character Vy, I am a singer/songwriter, Grammy considered, independent artist. All things relating to music or literature are my passion. Five years ago, I published my first novel, The Last Note, a Miami Music Mystery. Now, I have brought my characters back to life, in the sequel, In the Key of Dead, a Miami Music Mystery. I hope that I was able to, once again, show the readers of my novels, the love I have for Miami, the Cuban culture, my family, and music.

Website: https://www.zaidamusic.com

About In the Key of Dead:

Killer songs and a killer voice land Vy Blanco in yet another melodic murder mystery. Interlude Records has signed Vy to a long-anticipated record deal after years of rejections, but she never thought that murder would be part of the deal. Now Vy finds herself, yet again, at the center of a murder investigation that may change the course of her music career.

It seems that someone doesn’t want Vy to record her album, and is doing everything to sabotage the release date, including murdering a key member of the production team. So Vy and her sister, Alexia, are back at it again—detecting in their own way. This time they’re using their quick-witted banter, and super sleuthing skills to ensure that Vy’s record makes it to the Billboard Top 100 list before the murderer makes it to the Miami Beach Police Department’s most wanted list.

They say the music industry is cutthroat, but Vy has never taken that statement literally. Could this be the strum of Vy’s guitar playing her last note IN THE KEY OF DEAD.

Purchase link: https://books2read.com/zaidamiamimystery

Social Media Handles:
Instagram: zaidamusic
Twitter: zaidamusic
Facebook: zaidaauthor

The Magic of a Mashup

by Julie, already wearing green in Somerville

This past Monday Liz Mugavero and I went to Porter Square Books to see Elle Cosimano. She’s celebrating the fourth book in her Finlay Donovan series, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. Hers is a fun series, and she was a wonderful speaker. As a writer, I was grateful that she talked about her writing journey a bit. How Finlay came to be. The importance of her critique group. How little authors have control over covers and titles when traditionally published. She also referred to the Finlay Donovan series as genre bending.

She’s right on that front. The series (about a writer and single mom who gets mistaken as a hitman, and then shenanigans ensue) isn’t cozy, but it isn’t hard boiled either. The suspense is intense (so well done), but there’s also mystery. And romance. And humor.

I’ve come to think of these sorts of books as mashups. We’re taught, as writers, that agents and editors don’t love mashups. They need to know which shelf to put the book on. I get it. But at the same time, I love it when writers embrace the genre of crime writing fully. And maybe add a dash of romance, a twist of paranormal and a smidgeon of magical realism. The delight of reading these books is because of the unexpected.

Some books are by their nature mashups. Historical mysteries are a great example. Part historical fiction, part mystery. More and more I’m hearing about writers taking even that mashup and adding more. Maybe fantasy, or horror.

Young adult novels embrace the mashup more than adult fiction. I’ve been reading YA lately, enjoying the worlds these books suck me into. I can’t help but think that the people growing up reading these books will want adult fiction that offers the some opportunities of creative mashups.

The publishing business is tricky. Rather than following trends, writers need to create their own while at the same time understanding the business, and what will sell if they are pursuing the traditional route. Indie published books have more freedom, while at the same time face some of the same marketing challenges.

I enjoyed reading about Finlay Donovan’s adventures over the past couple of weeks. And I am grateful that I went to hear from her creator. The idea of bending the genre intrigues me, and I’ve been thinking about the opportunities ever since.

Readers, what books do you love that mash things up?

Wicked Wednesday- March Madness

Jessie: In Northern New England where the birds are merrily flitting about in the trees!

This month our theme is madness. So, of course, I thought of March Madness and all the sporting fervor that entails. We are also continuing to celebrate Edith’s release yesterday of her latest, A Case for the Ladies. Tell me, ladies, are you a sports fan? If so, what do you love? If not, are there sports lovers in your lives?

Julie: Huge congratulations, Edith! I am so happy that A Case for the Ladies is out in the world. I am a sports fan of sorts. I adore baseball. Especially the Red Sox. I like tennis. I’ll watch basketball and hockey. I don’t mind being in the room when most sports are being played, but baseball is the only game I seek out. Though as a Red Sox fan, this looks like another tough year.

Edith/Maddie: I am an adjunct baseball fan, mostly getting it by osmosis from Hugh, who is an avid Sox fan. I don’t watch any other sports except the Boston Marathon (several years ago we both swore off the madness of professional football with its sanctioned concussions). But with my new book officially out yesterday, I must address the Red Sox in 1926. Dot Henderson spots some men in Red Sox uniforms on the subway platform one morning in A Case for the Ladies, and later in the day she and Amelia Earhart drive by Fenway Park and hear the roar of the crowds. And, yes, I checked the home game schedules for late July that year!

Barb: Congratulations on the release, Edith! I don’t care for sports on TV. I’ll read through games unless something particularly exciting is happening. But I’ll attend almost any kind of game–because I love the spectacle–the stadium or arena, the roar of the crowd, the people-watching, the smells of hot dogs and popcorn. Two favorites are the Red Sox at Fenway Park and the Portland Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field, but really, invite me anywhere, anytime. I love that there is a through line from Amelia Earhart to me on the streets around Fenway Park.

Jessie: Congratulations to you, Edith on the release! As for me, sports are really not an important part of my life. Since I am married to a Brazilian, soccer is acknowledged as existing. Fortunately, we only need to watch any of it every four years when the Brazilian team is playing in the World Cup. For me, the fun is in preparing snacks based on the food cultures of the teams facing off. It can be quite an experience in fusion cooking!

Liz: Congrats on the release, Edith! I am SO not a sports fan. I have no interest whatsoever in watching or going to any games…I know, I’m kind of a wet blanket about this!

Sherry: Edith congratulations. I love how hard you worked on this book! That is so cool that you incorporated Fenway into your book. There’s nothing like watching the Red Sox play at Fenway. My husband is big soccer fan so we watch a lot of soccer.

Edith/Maddie: Thank you, dear Wickeds!

Readers, are you a sports fanatic?

A Case for the Ladies Release Day #giveaway

Edith/Maddie here, soaring with excitement north of Boston.

This post’s title says it all – A Case for the Ladies is officially out in the world! Isn’t it fitting that this is also Women’s History Month?

I could tell you about all the research I did, who the chicks on the case are, the kinds of of crimes that went on in 1926 Boston, food and drink of the era, and more, but I’ve written blog posts that appear (or will appear) elsewhere on those topics (see the full list with links at my web site).

Instead, let me share how this book came to be. I’ve been working on it for years. I’d already developed alternate histories for my two grandmothers as lady PIs in 1920 Pasadena (I had ideas about using Dorothy in fiction brewing even in 2017). Two stories featuring Dort and Ruth were published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine (“An Excellent Team” is here, and I read “Peril in Pasadena” for their podcast). After I got the idea to pair Dot with Amelia Earhart, I began a short story with the two of them. That was in January of 2021. “Dark Corners” was published in Bloodroot: Best New England Crime Stories (Crime Spell Books) in November, 2021.

Then I thought up a dual-timeline story. It had two women and a murder in the present connected with Dot and Amelia continuing to work for justice in the past. I began that book in June, 2021 and worked on it all summer. I tried to weave the two timelines together, but it was a writing challenge I’d never tackled before.

An independent editor read it, and her first piece of feedback was, “You might consider splitting these stories into two books, to give each its full due.” I knew I hadn’t tied the stories together well enough, so I followed her suggestion (the contemporary half-book still awaits a full treatment). Dot’s Aunt Etta got her own narrative point of view as did Dot’s reporter friend Jamie, although most of the book is told through Dot’s eyes. I felt Amelia was too well-known for her to help tell the story, but I did give her plenty of action and dialog.

I kept revising, snatching a month here and there between the series I have under contract with Kensington Publishing. At the beginning of this project, the pandemic was still raging and I wasn’t traveling at all, so I had more time to work on a dream project.

The book got another deep edit from the first person, who suggested to focus more on the women. Thus male reporter Jamie from “Dark Corners” became female Jeanette. I kept working. I eventually thought it was ready for another edit, which resulted in additional helpful comments from a different editor. My agent also read it, and suggested adding bookends before and after the main story. I decided that Dot, now a wife and mother to three, found a letter from Amelia many years later. It prompts Dot to reminisce about the past and the future.

I asked five hot-shot historical mystery authors – including our own Jessica Ellicott – for endorsements and got a page full of blush-inducing compliments.

And then I undertook to publish the book independently. What a process that has been – I wrote here about the the evolution of the cover and more! But it’s out now, and I’m delighted it is. I’ll be hoisting a gimlet later in the day to celebrate.

Readers: What project of yours evolved as you worked on it? I’ll send the lucky winner one of my limited-edition Case for the Ladies tote bags!

And if you read and like the book, please remember that a short positive review on Amazon and Goodreads goes a long way toward helping the author. Thanks!

From the Mail Bag

by Barb, last post from Key West for the year. We’ve had a lovely time.

Most of the email, FaceBook messages, web contact form responses, Instagram messages, etc. that I get are absolutely lovely. Many people enjoy the Maine Clambake Mysteries. Some people wonder what happened to Jane Darrowfield. Others send corrections, note typos, and so on.

Then there are some like this one.

I have just finished “Hopped Along” and enjoyed it. I am a 71 year man who grew up reading lots of children’s book. I even took a College course in Children’s Lit. Your story had Major Error which was confusing. I’m surprised it was published. Your friends and editors don’t do you favors by allowing your Mistake!!! The old man in the Top Hat was like “Uncle Wiggily” by Howard R. Garis; Not Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. You need to make a Public Apology in your talks, newsletters, and website.

First Draft of Response

Dear Xxxx-

I am a 71-year-old woman who is Tired of Being Corrected by Old Men, particularly for sins I have not committed. Though your college professor from 50 years ago would be proud of your recall, your first grade teacher from 65 years ago must be weeping in the Great Beyond at your inability to read. I Never Wrote Anywhere that the old man in the top hat was Peter Rabbit. Julia’s nephew calls him the Easter Bunny. The Tales of Peter Rabbit is indeed a clue in the story but an entirely separate clue. I therefore Decline to Apologize on my website, newsletter or talks.

Yours Very Sincerely, etc., etc.

Too much?

Actual Response

Thanks so much for writing! I’m so glad you enjoyed “Hopped Along.”

Happy reading–

Seriously, don’t rush to reassure me. I’m not upset. I find these things funny. It’s not unusual for people to read things in the books and novellas that aren’t there. OR to say things that have actually happened to me are impossible and could never happen. OR to say people in Maine would never, ever say something I have heard people say many times. And (spoiler) when Julia broke up with Chris…Oy! I still get mail about that.

In reality, I’m glad people are moved enough and care enough to write. Even Mr. Uncle Wiggily above. And the truth is I am glad to have the mystery solved of who was the bunny in the top hat because I googled like mad many times and never found him.

And, as I said above, most of the mail I get is absolutely lovely. In fact, I got a beautiful email this week about the book coming in April that makes up for this one times 100.

Readers: Do you write to authors? Do you send corrections or is it fan mail or both? Writers: What is the most “interesting” piece of mail you’ve received?

International Women’s Day

Jessie: In New Hampshire where the skies are grey and the puddles are everywhere!

Today is International Women’s Day! For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this celebratory date, this website is a treasure trove of information. Harkening back to 1911, it is a time to celebrate the achievements of women, to raise awareness of opportunities to increase equality, and to highlight organizations that do both.

There are so many ways to mark the date. Here are a few to consider if you would like to get in on the fun!

Share the name and accomplishment of a historical woman who may not be as well known as she should be on social media. The podcast, and accompanying website, , is an inspiring source of just such women. Write a note or a text, or make a phone call to an important woman in your life.Seek out a woman-owned business for items on your shopping listMake a recipe that was a specialty of one of the women in your familyPick up a novel by a female writer. But this one is especially great any day of the year!

I plan to celebrate by starting out the day by reading a bit from an autobiography by the artist Marianne North. Later I will bake a bundt cake in my grandmother’s pan while listening to back-to-back podcast episodes from What’s Her Name and Lost Ladies of Lit. I will attend my knitting group where I plan to add a few inches to a pair of socks that I am creating all because one of my dear sisters encouraged me to learn this highly gendered craft. And, I will be checking this blog throughout the day to stay in touch with our readers! What could be better?

Readers, do you celebrate International Women’s Day? If so, what are your plans?