Best-Selling, Oprah Book Club Author Christina Schwarz Coming to Mount Mary

Writers, book clubs and reading fans can meet Wisconsin author up-close with salon-style presentation and author reception

MILWAUKEE (March 21, 2014) - As part of its ongoing Writers on Writingvip_schwarz-christina.jpgseries, Mount Mary University's Master of Arts in English program is bringing bestselling author and Wisconsin native Christina Schwarz to campus on Tuesday, April 15, 6:30 p.m., Helfaer Hall, 2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee.

"We're so pleased to give Milwaukee area writers and readers the chance to meet a nationally-recognized author in an engaging, personal setting," stated Ann Angel, Chair of Mount Mary's Graduate English Program. "We especially look forward to giving book clubs the opportunity to submit questions in advance and have their photograph taken with the author," she added.

Schwarz will read from her latest book, The Edge of the Earth (Atria Books), discuss her life, approach to writing and how she generates ideas. She'll also participate in a salon-style interview, answer audience questions and discuss her other works. Schwarz's previous novels include Drowning Ruth, a New York Times bestseller and Oprah book club selection, and All Is Vanity, a black comedy about writing.

Publisher's Weekly describes The Edge of the Earth as "impressive" and the New York Times praised the book's "skillful storytelling." The novel begins in the late 1890's and follows a young woman as she makes unexpected decisions that lead her across the country to a remote lighthouse on the wild California coast where she uncovers a life-changing secret.

Schwarz grew up in Pewaukee, earned a B.A. and M.A. in English from Yale, and now lives in southern California.

A reception featuring desserts and a wine and beer cash bar, as well as a book-signing with the author, will take place before and after the presentation. Book clubs that submit author questions in advance will have an opportunity to have their photo taken with the author.

The event is free and open to the public but space is limited. To reserve a space, or submit your book club's question, contact Karen Murray, murrayk@mtmary.edu or 414-258-4810, ext. 395.