Sat., Oct. 26, 2013
10:30-11:30 a.m., Lake Geneva Library
Lake Geneva, Wis.
Christine DeSmet and Michelle Caffrey talk about “Writing the New Poirot—From Brussels, Belgium to Brussels, Wisconsin by Way of Lake Geneva.”
Free fudge. Book signing/sale benefits library.
Author Archives: christinedesmetauthor
Writing the New Poirot
My launch party was sweet—just like the fudge!
First-Degree Fudge, the first book in my new Fudge Shop Mystery Series from Penguin Random House, was launched Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013 at the Mystery to Me independent bookstore on Monroe Street in Madison.
Mystery to Me bookstore—sweet venue
The new store, owned and managed by Joanne Berg, was a perfect venue for my launch party. Joanne used to work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I work as a writing teacher, so it was fun seeing her step into this new gig. She’s gracious and helpful beyond compare; if you’re an author or reader, don’t miss visiting this store, now painted a pretty bright green color inside.
Joanne sells all kinds of books, not just mysteries. She also stocks children’s books. There’s plenty of space for reader and writer groups to meet there, too.
Kilwin’s fudge store helped with my launch
The fudge was free at the party, including some of my homemade recipes from the new book, First-Degree Fudge. I also provided nifty flavors from Kilwin’s fudge shop on State Street in Madison. Please stop by Curtis Diller’s store. It’s right across from the Overture Center for the Arts. Look for the copper kettles in Curtis’s front window; he’s there this fall whipping up fresh candied apples.
And guess what? Curtis is selling copies of First-Degree Fudge at his store. Pick up a book, yummy fudge, and other chocolate candies for gifts.
Thank you for attending the launch party
It was an emotional time for me. Selling my series and writing the first book has been a true labor of love, but also a real whirlwind of hard work over the last two years. I couldn’t have done it without tons of support from many people.
It was fantastic to have my better half, Bob Boetzer, at the launch along with a few neighbors.
And one of my brothers, Curt DeSmet, and his wife Deb, drove in from Hollandale to attend. They bought books for their entire family.
My screenwriting partner, good friend, and a fellow mystery writer, Peggy Williams, took photos galore for me.
My colleague Laurie Scheer and her father Roy also attended, with flowers in hand.
What beautiful friends, colleagues, and family I have! Thank you!
September 3, 2013—First Degree Fudge is here!
I’m Midwest humble to a fault, but I’m beaming with the news: It’s time to visit your local bookstore or library and ask for my new novel set in Door County, Wisconsin. First-Degree Fudge (Penguin Random House, publisher) is the first book in my new Fudge Shop Mystery Series starring a female Belgian sleuth, Ava Oosterling, and her Grandpa Gil, who runs the bait and bobber side of their shop.
The book is 350 pages of fun entertainment with real settings in Door County. This is what we call “armchair vacation traveling.” I hope you have fun visiting the Cape Cod of the Midwest. No fast food restaurants in the upper half of the county. Have you ever been to such a place? It’s rare! Wi-fi is everywhere, but no golden arches.
Southwest Wisconsin Book Festival, Sept. 14, 2013
Please join me and other authors (including my colleague Laurie Scheer) at this fun event in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Workshops, presentations, good food and more in a quaint and vibrant historic town with great shops and galleries. When I was in high school (Barneveld, Wis.), our marching band marched through these streets. I played the clarinet. http://swwibookfestival.com/
Weekend with Your Novel—“Voice,” Nov. 8-10, 2013
This event is for all novelists—new or advanced. There are two tracks and loads of workshops, plus critique groups that give you valuable feedback on your first 10 pages. I’m rolling up my sleeves and teaching here as well as leading critique groups. The main workshop day is Saturday, Nov. 9, $125. If that’s not good for your schedule or budget, consider coming to the Friday evening workshop on how to create a great author voice or character voice in our $35 workshop. Sponsored by UW-Madison Continuing Studies and held in Madison at Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. on Saturday, and Lowell Center, 610 Langdon Street for the Friday night and Sunday morning events. http://continuingstudies.wisc.edu/lsa/writing/weekend.htm

