M.J. Simms-Maddox, Ph.D.

The South Carolina native grew up in the Snowbelt of western New York and currently resides in North Carolina. She earned her Ph.D. in political science from The Ohio State University, has served as a legislative aide in the Ohio Senate, has operated a public relations agency, and is a retired tenured professor in political science for over thirty years at Florida A&M University, Livingstone College, Rowan Cabarrus Community College, and Wilberforce University, respectively.

Called “MJ” by close friends, colleagues, and fans, the author found her passion for writing fiction somewhat late in her life and has written mostly mysteries and thrillers since 1999.

Simms-Maddox is affiliated with the African Literature Association, the American Association of University Women, the Chanticleer Authors’ Conference, the North Carolina Writers’ Network, and the Women’s National Book Association.

She is also a member of the Civitan Club of Salisbury, a life member in the NAACP, and a Director Circle-Artist patron in the Waterworks Visual Arts Center.

Mostly, she enjoys all-things-books, traveling, and working in her yard.

The author comes from a family of accomplished, creative artists:

Father, the Reverend John Wesley Simms (deceased), was a great storyteller and carpenter.

Mother Hazel B. (Owens) Simms (deceased) published Glance Back, Look Ahead, and numerous poems.

Brother John Simms is an acclaimed fine artist.

Sister-In-Law, Clintina Simms, is a healthcare coach.

Sister Coleen C. Nelson publishes children’s books, such as Gobble, Gobble Day in Crystal Town.

Sister H. Paulette Simms is a retired gourmet chef, and

Sister Jina L. (Simms) McGriff is a web manager, owner of Bonafide Touch Llc, Therapeutic Massage, and creator of skincare products.