Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .
Why do you write the genre that you write?
I love the puzzle of putting together motives, opportunities, and suspects, and I love history and enjoy doing the research, so historical mysteries are the perfect fit for me.
What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
I’m not sure this is exactly a quirk, but Emma, the sleuth in my Gilded Newport Mysteries, has a serious fear of losing her independence, to the point that it’s interfered with her personal life and her ability to ask for and accept help in her day-to-day life. Despite living during the Gilded Age, she refuses to live in a Gilded Cage!
How did you come up with your pseudonym?
For my first name, I wanted something that sounded similar to my real name, Lisa, so I came up with Alyssa, which I think is such a pretty name. Then, for Maxwell, one year when my daughter was receiving an award in elementary school, they had her name as Maxwell—so she didn’t get up when they called her! Even so, I thought it would make a good pseudonym.
Tell us how you got into writing?
I’ve always loved to write and envisioned myself someday writing a novel. But it was because of a good friend that I actually began my first book and pursued becoming published. She introduced me to the Florida Romance Writers (I started in romance), invited me into her critique group, and helped me develop my writing. She taught me a lot!
What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
When I first moved to Florida I worked for a reference book publisher. After I had my kids I did some ghost writing for a memoir publishing company, and later, I was an editor for a now defunct e-publisher. There have been other jobs as well in the nonwriting category: bank teller, activewear sales rep, but I was always happiest working with words.
How many books do you have published?
If you count my romances, 28. In mystery, it’s 19. The first book in my Gilded Newport Mysteries, Murder at The Breakers, has been made into a movie for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. It’s their first historical mystery!
Where do you write?
Mostly in my office, which used to be my daughter’s bedroom. I’ve got a nice big desk, and my research materials are within easy reach. The walls are covered in mostly Florida and Caribbean art, and there is, of course, some of my teacup collection on display. I’m not a coffee shop writer. There would be too many distractions, plus the effort of getting myself ready and out of the house is time I could spend writing. Or promoting. Or chatting on social media, lol.
What is your favorite deadline snack?
I’ve recently discovered Sea Salt and Key Lime flavored rice crisps—all the flavor with few of the calories! I also keep a mason jar of chocolate on my desk for the occasional sweet craving. And tea. It’s not a snack, but it rejuvenates me and using my teacups inspires me.
Who is an author you admire?
There are so many! Since becoming published I have met so many gifted authors that it’s humbling. Their dedication, drive, success, and generosity are what, in my opinion, makes a genre thrive. Nancy J. Cohen, Anna Lee Huber, and Heather Graham are just a few examples of amazing authors who continually devote their time and expertise to support their fellow authors.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Historical mystery and history fiction.
What are you reading now?
I’m lucky enough to be reading an ARC of a new Maddie Day mystery, A Case for the Ladies, featuring Amelia Earhart as the good friend of sleuth, Dorothy Henderson.
What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
A little red wine.
What is next for you?
At present I’m writing the ninth Lady & Lady’s Maid Mystery, and immediately after that I’ll start on the 13th Gilded Newport Mystery. I’m contracted for two more after that, and then we’ll see!
Where can we find you?
At my website, alyssamaxwell.com, on Facebook at AlyssaMaxwellauthor, on Instagram at @alyssamaxwellauthor, and on Twitter/X at @ Alyssa__Maxwell.
Now to have some fun . . .
Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor
Chocolate
Ice cream or cake
Ice Cream
Fruits or vegetables
Fruit
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Dinner
Dining in or dining out
Dining in
City life or country living
Both!
Beach or mountain
Both!
Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter
Fall
Extrovert or introvert
Introvert
Early bird or night owl
Early bird
And even more fun . . .
What’s your favorite movie?
Moonstruck
You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
My husband, tea, books
My bio:
Alyssa MaxwellAlyssa Maxwell is the author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries and A Lady and Lady’s Maid Mysteries. She has worked in publishing as a reference book editor, ghost writer, and fiction editor, but knew from an early age that she wanted to be a novelist. Growing up in New England and traveling to Great Britain and Ireland fueled a passion for history, while a love of puzzles of all kinds drew her to the mystery genre. She and her husband have make their home in South Florida, where she is a member of the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America. The first book in her Newport series, Murder at The Breakers, has been made into a TV movie for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, which premiered Feb. 2, 2024.