I'm thrilled to announce the news that Midnight Ink has acquired my new mystery series in a three-book deal!
The Accidental Alchemist is the first book in a new mystery series about alchemist Zoe Faust and her gargoyle sidekick, Dorian, who was accidentally brought to life by a French stage magician. It's set in Portland, Oregon, but like my Jaya Jones treasure hunt mystery series, this one also involves a lot of history from different parts of the world.
I wrote the first draft of The Accidental Alchemist for NaNoWriMo two years ago, while I was going through chemotherapy. I'm sure I was subconsciously thinking about the Elixir of Life from alchemy as subtext, but what I was consciously writing about were things I felt passionately about: my life-long fascination with gargoyles, my new-found love of cooking, and my passion for twisty puzzle-plot mysteries.
As a kid, I always joked about having a pet gargoyle. It was never going to happen in real life, but why not in fiction? As for cooking, I never thought much about it until my cancer diagnosis. But once I started learning how to cook, I learned how absolutely amazing vegan food can taste and how much fun cooking is! Cooking from scratch has become so much a part of my life that it made its way into this series. So as I craft this complex mystery plot, I'm weaving in my other passions. It's a lot of fun to write -- and once it's out I hope you enjoy the finished product!
The Accidental Alchemist is the first book in a new mystery series about alchemist Zoe Faust and her gargoyle sidekick, Dorian, who was accidentally brought to life by a French stage magician. It's set in Portland, Oregon, but like my Jaya Jones treasure hunt mystery series, this one also involves a lot of history from different parts of the world.
I wrote the first draft of The Accidental Alchemist for NaNoWriMo two years ago, while I was going through chemotherapy. I'm sure I was subconsciously thinking about the Elixir of Life from alchemy as subtext, but what I was consciously writing about were things I felt passionately about: my life-long fascination with gargoyles, my new-found love of cooking, and my passion for twisty puzzle-plot mysteries.
As a kid, I always joked about having a pet gargoyle. It was never going to happen in real life, but why not in fiction? As for cooking, I never thought much about it until my cancer diagnosis. But once I started learning how to cook, I learned how absolutely amazing vegan food can taste and how much fun cooking is! Cooking from scratch has become so much a part of my life that it made its way into this series. So as I craft this complex mystery plot, I'm weaving in my other passions. It's a lot of fun to write -- and once it's out I hope you enjoy the finished product!
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| Dori the gargoyle with my NaNoWriMo mug filled with a homemade smoothie. |
Congrats, Gigi! Can't wait to read the next series.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lourdes!
DeleteGigi! Congratulations -- this gives me new hope in the Good-Things-Happen-to-Great-People theory of life!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you've been part of my journey, Camille!
DeleteGigi, I'm thrilled for you! Midnight Ink--that's quite a coup! And having read a draft of the first three chapters, I absolutely can't wait to read more.Dorian is a great character!
ReplyDeleteI love Dorian! I'm so glad others want to read about him :)
DeleteThis sounds like a fun series.
ReplyDeleteThank you -- I'm definitely having a lot of fun writing it, so I hope you enjoy reading it!
DeleteHi Gigi. I'm just rhrilled for you. It couldn't happen to a nicer person and I love hearing about your journey. That's a really cute gargoyle, by the way. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy! And yes, I do love my gargoyles ;)
DeleteLove the alchemist concept but the gargoyle is genius. What a vision! Truly can't wait to read. So happy for you:-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana -- I'm so happy I get to write about a gargoyle in this story!
DeleteI'm so glad its going to be a series. It has all the components to be a great one.
ReplyDeleteI have just finished the third book I really hope there is another book ..
ReplyDeleteI did not feel the Max /Zoe story finished. I want to see where you want it to go.
Thanks for writing -- yes, the series will continue, so there will be much more Zoe and Max to come.
DeleteYour books on alchemy have been a constant companion on many road trips. I love the recipes you talk anout and keep wanting to try them. Is there any chance Dorians brothercan be saved and join the group as a foil to Dorian? How much trouble could two living gargoyles get two people into?
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're enjoying the books! I'm working on the next book now, and those gargoyles are impossible to keep in check, so anything is possible...
DeleteI am absolutely in love with this series! I just finished listening to the audiobooks for the 3rd time!! I can listen to them over and over and never get bored. I sincerely hope the series continues with many more books. I am hooked!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're enjoying it! And YES, the series continues. I'm working on the next book now.
DeleteI am very happy that you are continuing this series. I have never liked reading books, so I avoid it whenever possible. A co-worker started listening to the first audiobook of this series, and I was quickly hooked. I could not wait to get to work just so I could get back to the book. After listening to this series, I'm wondering what else I have been missing out on. I going to start reading or listening to books more often. Thank you for writing this series, and I can't wait for the next book.
ReplyDeleteJosh, this email makes me so happy -- I hope you discover many more great audiobooks.
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