Jennifer Maxwell trained as a teacher but has spent most of her adult life working as a ceramicist, producing distinctive character pottery which has been exhibited widely in New Zealand and overseas. She lives in the French colonial village of Akaroa with her partner of many years. Together, they have established a French import business which allows them to spend part of each year in France.She is also a writer. She has worked as a journalist and newspaper columnist, is an award-winning short story writer, a novelist, and the author of stories for children.Her first two novels, Window Licking in the City of Love and Sharing Blood were published by HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand and are now available as E-Books. A novel for teenagers, The Power of Two and a collection of stories for younger children will be available as E-Books in late 2013.Reviews for Sharing Blood -- Prepare to laugh, to weep a little and rejoice that we have writers of this quality to keep alive our sense of wonder - Molly Anderson, Otago Daily Times- A clever and absorbing book...an elegant narrative...fresh and vivid writing - Rhonda Bartle, Weekend Herald.- The prose sparkles with originality and wit, intricate and stimulating - Mary-Anne Baker Nelson Mail.Reviews for Window Licking in the City of Love -- Seriously funny, reminded me of Kate Atkinson's writing - Stephanie Miskell, NZ Herald- Tough, witty and clever - Laura Franklin, Hawkes Bay Today- One of the more challenging and rewarding New Zealand novels I have read -Amanda Sanderson, Northern Advocate- The pace is fast, the tone often savage - a writer to watch - Jenny Beck, Otago Daily Times.