Maggie Smith

In a career that’s included work as a journalist, a psychologist, and the founder of a national art consulting company, Maggie Smith has added novelist to her resume with the publication of her debut, Truth and Other Lies, in March 2022. In addition to her writing, Maggie hosts the weekly podcast Hear Us Roar, where she interviews debut authors about their novel and their path to publication and blogs monthly for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. A board member of the Chicago Writer’s Association, she’s Managing Editor of their Write City Magazine. She resides in Milwaukee WI with her husband and her aging but still adorable sheltie.

https://maggiesmithwriter.com
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Award Category
Book Award 2023
Golden Writer
This submission is private and only visible to judges.

Comments

Charlotte Valentine Tue, 15/08/2023 - 21:36

Love the opening. I like your lead character already. And the final punchline (literally!) had me cheering! Well done.

Stuart Wakefield Thu, 31/08/2023 - 15:05

To me, the theme was about standing up to bullies and injustice. The protagonist stands up to the skinheads who are trying to disrupt the rally, and she puts her own safety on the line to protect someone else. This speaks to an idea of courage and taking a stand against injustice.

I loved the description of Jocelyn Jones. I think it was very well written and it captured the strength and courage of this woman perfectly. I also appreciated the way the protagonist was portrayed as brave and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even when faced with a difficult situation.

Katja Kane Mon, 04/09/2023 - 15:22

I really enjoyed this opening. Well-written, interesting, relevant themes and well rounded characters. Nice work!

Jennifer Bisbing Sat, 09/09/2023 - 21:38

I may be biased, being from Chicago, but the scene building is great! We are right there with your main character, walking through the house, feeling conflicted, and at the rally on high-alert and full of curiosity. And nicely played with the heel to the nose.

Pulane Chaka Fri, 15/09/2023 - 18:22

You had me at reporter ;) This was a really entertaining start.

Nadine Matheson Sat, 23/09/2023 - 13:52

Well to be honest, I was sold from the elevator pitch. 'All the Presidents Men meets The Devil Meets Prada'. I thought that this this was a really enjoyable and well written opening. `You did a good job of creating intrigue and posing questions in the opening which did the job of maintaining my interest.

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