In the wake of COVID-19, Hartland’s Liz Delton had to get creative to continue her publishing career, and the result is the release of her seventh novel, The Alchemyst’s Mirror.
After forming her own publishing imprint last year, Delton planned several books for 2020, which she was planning on selling at local shops and events, including the Simsbury Flea and Smorgasbord and the Big E. Now all of her book sales have moved online. Even though she believes supporting local shops is critical right now, Delton is expecting her second child and is practicing extreme caution with distancing.
Delton’s newest book, The Alchemyst’s Mirror, published Oct. 27, will be followed by the release of a Christmas novella, The Clockwork Ice Dragon, on Nov. 10. Both are in the fantasy genre of steampunk (think Victorian era with more technology—usually steam-powered).
In The Alchemyst’s Mirror, Petra and Maisie Everturn just want to run their family’s tea shop, but when their explorer brother goes missing while looking for an alchemical artifact, none of them are safe. Featuring alchemy, tea, and a set of tenacious sisters, The Alchemyst’s Mirror will be the first in the Everturn Chronicles series, and is suitable for Young Adults (and up).
Delton was inspired to write this book to branch out into the up-and-coming genre of steampunk. Being a fanatic of tea and having once worked in a tea shop herself, it was easy for her to write about two sisters who run a family tea shop. When writing, her motto is “fierce heroines, fantastic worlds” to help inspire girls and women, just like in the books she read as a teen and even now. She had fun writing sisters Petra and Maisie because they’re both very independent, brave, and loyal to their family.
Instead of doing a book tour for her upcoming releases, Delton will be doing a virtual book launch party through Facebook for both new books on Nov. 10.
“I think it’s wonderful to escape into a book, especially in these times,” Delton says. “As an author I enjoy creating these fantastic worlds and characters to inspire others. And it gives your brain a break from stress and worry to lose yourself in a good book—any book.”
For more information on Delton’s books or online events visit LizDelton.com