Author spins out mysteries, recipes

Diane Mott Davidson said she started writing about caterer Goldy Schultz in the early 1980s. She knew a few things about Goldy to start: She loved to cook, she had a troubled 11-year-old son and she was a survivor of domestic violence.

“She did more than survive. She thrived. She took the lemon that life had given her and made not just lemonade but Lemon Chicken, Lemon Bars, Lemon Cookies and Lemon Meringue Pie …

“By 1987, I had finished writing what became `Catering to Nobody.’ My critique group, to which I often brought cookies, told me I should put some recipes in the book. So I did …”

In 1988, Davidson found an agent, and the first book was published in 1990. She was living in Evergreen and her Aspen Meadows scenarios sound familiar.

Seventeen mysteries later –; with titles like “Dying for Chocolate,” “Killer Pancakes,” “Dark Torte” and the most recent one, “The Whole Enchilada” –; each with related recipes –; a cookbook/memoir seemed to be in order.

Diane Mott Davidson will be promoting her newest book in Colorado: on Sept. 22 at Tattered Cover/Colfax; on Sept. 23 at the Highlands Ranch Library; on Sept. 24 at Hearthfire Books in Evergreen; and on Oct. 4 at Mountain Books in Conifer.

“Goldy’s Kitchen Cookbook” contains over 160 recipes from her novels. They are not beginner recipes, but they are interesting, varied and sophisticated –; with very good directions, and often a little accompanying anecdote. Many of her recipes came from dishes she had tasted in restaurants and others are family favorites. (She would have her family sample until it was right sometimes.)

She once received a fan letter from her idol, Julia Child, she writes, after “Dying for Chocolate” was published.

She writes about marrying her husband, Jim, and not knowing how to cook at first; of frequent moves in early years; and of involvement in church and volunteer work as three sons joined the family.

She travels to her sister’s home at sea level to try out cake recipes, which are the ones printed in the book –; with high-elevation adjustments listed when needed.

An epilogue chats a bit more about being a writer –; “first, educate yourself, reading as widely as possible in the genre you want to publish.” Find a critique group –; you may need to visit more than one first to find a fit. Join good writers’ organizations and make booksellers your friends. Train yourself and establish a writing schedule.

Davidson said she’s taking some time off from her mysteries at present –; but most probably, readers haven’t finished all of them. Each is a separate unit, so they can be read in any order.

At the Highlands Ranch Library, she will speak, answer questions and there will be books for sale and signing.

If you go

Diane Mott Davidson will appear to promote “Goldy’s Kitchen Cookbook” at Tattered Cover/Colfax, 2526 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, at 7 p.m. Sept. 22. She will be at Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd., at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23. On Sept. 24 at 6 p.m., she will be at Hearthfire Books, 1254 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. On Oct. 4 at 6 p.m., she will appear at Mountain Books, 25797 Conifer Blvd., Conifer

Golden Transcript – Latest Stories