Ask the Author: Alex Evans
Answered Questions (7)
Alex Evans
That's a bit complicated.
First, if Experimental Magics is my first book in English, it's actually the second book in the series I'm writing in French. The first novel is called Leander's Machine and the two can be read independently.
I had the idea about eight years ago. At that time, most of my novels were taking place in a preindustrial world, but the trend was to write Steampunk, and I wanted to give it a try.
So I imagined what would happen to my world about 400 years later, after an industrial revolution. If magic would reappear in this world, people would consider it as a science or a technology. The wizards would become scientists and engineers. That's how I imagined a whole academic research lab dedicated to magic, with the squabbles you have in any research lab!
It was also the trend to write serials, so my first version of Adrienne's adventures was a serial with regular cliffhangers. I found a French publisher for the series, but it closed down after the first episode. Later, I found a new publisher for it and I'm continuing the series.
First, if Experimental Magics is my first book in English, it's actually the second book in the series I'm writing in French. The first novel is called Leander's Machine and the two can be read independently.
I had the idea about eight years ago. At that time, most of my novels were taking place in a preindustrial world, but the trend was to write Steampunk, and I wanted to give it a try.
So I imagined what would happen to my world about 400 years later, after an industrial revolution. If magic would reappear in this world, people would consider it as a science or a technology. The wizards would become scientists and engineers. That's how I imagined a whole academic research lab dedicated to magic, with the squabbles you have in any research lab!
It was also the trend to write serials, so my first version of Adrienne's adventures was a serial with regular cliffhangers. I found a French publisher for the series, but it closed down after the first episode. Later, I found a new publisher for it and I'm continuing the series.
Alex Evans
Apart from History, I do not have any particular source of inspiration. It can be a small detail, or even litterary references. For exemple, the scene where Adrienne and Roxane visit a department store is a "wink" to the novel Au Bonheur des Dames by Emile Zola.
Alex Evans
Difficult question: I have several projects, including the next episode of Experimental MAgics, but I do not have much time. So I'll have to make tough choices.
Alex Evans
To read a lot and to take any advice with a spoonful of salt.
Alex Evans
To never be bored: you do not rely on the outside to entertain you.
Alex Evans
I do something else: walk, read, cook...
Alex Evans
Lost to the West by Lars Brownworth. It's a (very short) history of Byzanthium, an empire I find fascinating (much more than the squabbles between petty lords which were taking place during its time, anyway).
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
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