Character Spotlight: Maxine Sewell.

This character was one of the last to be included in this psycho-thriller. Maxine was designed to be colourful when sober, but when drunk, she is obnoxious enough to unsettle dinner guests.

Maxine heads a group of small business owners who specialise in photographing weddings. Most of the newer, inexperienced photographers trying to break into this field see Maxine as an authority figure and look up to her for guidance. Those who have been around much longer know they are mistaken to look up to Maxine for anything, much less matters related to photography.

Maxine Sewell.

• Early thirties
• Single but on/off again relationship with Andrew
• Wedding photographer
• Loves parties
• A central figure in the photography industry
• Enjoys red wine and Champagne

Her Rubenesque form and often aggressive personality help her get her messages across. No one can outdo Maxine’s vitriol or volume once the wine flows. She can drink anyone under a table or out-argue them over it. Nothing stops Maxine.

As a photographer, she isn’t particularly creative or even that successful, but she certainly is loud. She’s a rambunctious woman whose abruptness is often mistaken for confidence, and she often disguises what little she knows about photography and cameras. Bridge burning is her only real talent — as once her bluff is exposed and that facade falls, she turns nasty quickly.

Andrew is another photographer. He’s from the other side of the city and has an efficient business there. It’s no secret that he and Maxine are seeing each other whenever it suits him. He’s playing her, calling on the big girl when no one else is available. He makes it clear that he wants to remain single — and he’ll say it right to her face when everyone’s listening. Maxine says she doesn’t care, and the friends-with-benefits arrangement works well for her. It’s not true. She’s lonely, and everyone knows it, especially Andrew. He’ll smile and pour her another glass of Merlot, knowing Maxine will be there for him anytime he needs her.

And then there’s Mitchell, another eligible male photographer who lives and works closer to Maxine. She’s been watching him through a separate lens, wondering if he could be the one. Unlike the other male colleagues who are either too old or incapable of holding a decent conversation, he’s the only other guy she’s willing to try. He seems nice enough, but he’s refused her twice. She knows he’s married, but she’s seen him dating other women. It doesn’t make sense. Why won’t he accept her offers? She’s good enough. And why won’t he tell her what’s going on with his wife? Maxine needs to be informed of everything!

She hates it when people keep secrets from her. She’ll find out what’s happening with Mitchell if it kills her!

Maxine is the start of a purging process. The rest of SEETHINGS is written in a way that leaves the reader with happy endings they’ll never forget.

–Michael

Author notes: If you made it this far into the post, it’s worth inviting you to listen to my thoughts on Maxine via an audio track. (see below) It’s about 7 mins long.