Raising a Glass with Kate MacIntosh

'The Champagne Letters' launches today

Local writer Eileen Cook (now also known as Kate MacIntosh) is a multi-published, award-winning author whose novels appear in nine languages and have been optioned for film and TV. Until now her books have been primarily aimed at teen and young adult readers. The Champagne Letters marks a change of direction as she takes on both a new audience and a nom de plume.

Watershed: Today is the launch day for your new book 'The Champagne Letters'. This looks like a fascinating story! What was your inspiration?

Kate MacIntosh: The Champagne Letters is a dual timeline story. Half of the book is based on the real-life woman, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, who founded the premier champagne house Veuve Clicquot. She was the first inspiration, and I learned about her over 20 years ago while on vacation in France. The guide for the champagne house shared her story and I remember thinking she’d make a great book character. 

The other half of the book tells the tale of Natalie, who after her divorce runs off to Paris. She finds a book of letters from Barbe-Nicole and uses the advice within to begin her new life. And this inspiration was a bit more personal.

A few years ago, my marriage blew up. It was right before my 50th birthday and our 25th wedding anniversary. We had already booked, and pre-paid, for a big anniversary trip to France. So, I went without him. Unlike the character in my book who ends up in several adventures, including one with a dashing Frenchmen, I spent a lot of time walking around Paris and eating my body weight in cheese. But I left that trip with an idea for a novel and the reminder that I’m a capable and strong person. 

W: The story is written on a dual timeline. Was it complicated to research and write? Did it require a few champagne tastings?

KM: I will admit to being so committed to the craft of writing that I did, in fact, drink copious amounts of champagne. And of course, other French wines, because I am nothing if not dedicated.

I’ve always been one of those people who loved history and any opportunity to file away a random fact that I could pull out in conversation, so I was excited to do the research. However, I was very nervous about taking on a historical novel in terms of the writing. I was terrified that I would get something wrong. I would say I’m still nervous, but in the end, I decided I was more afraid of not telling this story than I was in making a mistake. 

W: You've written more than a dozen books as Eileen Cook. What inspired this new nom de plume? Was it simply the change of genre, or something else?

KM: I’ve always liked the idea of having a secret identity so I will admit to enjoying having a pen name! The decision to change my name for this book is one part business and one part personal. From a business perspective the books I’ve written before were all young adult novels, mostly focused on the thriller genre. Since this book is so different, both in terms of audience, adult versus teen, but also subject matter, it made sense to have a different “brand” name to help readers. On a personal note, my own life had gone through a lot of upheaval and change. MacIntosh is my maiden name, so it is both familiar and a fresh start all at the same time. 

W: Tell us a bit about Madame Cliquot. Do you have a favourite anecdote about her life? Why did she make so interesting a subject that she inspired you to write this novel?

KM: There is a wonderful biography, 'The Widow Clicquot' by Tilar Mazzeo that is an excellent read if people would be interested in a deep dive. Barbe-Nicole took on the champagne house after her husband passed away. In fact, that is the only way at the time that a woman could own a business in France. There was tremendous pressure for her to either pass the business to a male relative or marry again, and yet she chose to remain single, and in charge, for the rest of her life. And not only did she run the business, but she made it the premier brand that it is to this day. She dealt with the Napoleonic war, business competitors trying to take over, the need to innovate new approaches, and she also smuggled her wines out of the country and was a single mother to boot. 

I’m fascinated by strong women, people who are willing to take risks and reach for big goals. They’re still regular people, with flaws and problems and of course their own fears. And yet, they do amazing things.  When things are challenging, either on the level of dealing with war and grief, or on the small scale of our own personal problems, it’s comforting to know you’re not the first to face those hurdles. And that if they can succeed, so can you. 

W: Do you have another project on the go?

KM: I’m working on a new novel, also a dual timeline story based on another real woman in history. I’ve become obsessed by these women that may have been forgotten and whose stories have been shuffled aside. It’s a story that looks at early photography in the late 1800’s, what it means to be beautiful, and the importance of art. 

My office is currently buried under stacks of index cards, research books with various tabs sticking out, and empty mugs of half consumed tea. I’m in the stage where I wander around my condo mumbling to myself, but I have high hopes it will shape into something.

I am so excited for this book to come out in the world and hear what readers think. There’s a wonderful book club guide that is available on my website and also a list of champagne cocktail recipes!

Kate MacIntosh can be reached at her website HERE, where she is currently booking Zoom bookclub appearances in the new year. Her collection of award-winning thrillers for teens can be found at her Eileen Cook website HERE. The Champagne Letters is now available online and in bookstores everywhere.

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