Dr. Alexia Gordon, who now works, writes, and resides in El Paso, is living proof that if you’ve always dreamed of being an author, don’t give up. After attaining her medical degree, completing her residency, and maintaining a medical practice she pursued her goal of being a writer, and this week, her debut novel, a murder mystery, was published by Henery Press. She took time from her launch week to talk with us via email.

LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE: Congratulations on the publication of your first novel, Murder in G Major, from Henery Press. I understand that you grew up in the Southeast, and were drawn to writing at an early age, but put that aside to  pursue and achieve a career in medicine. You currently practice medicine in El Paso. Would you describe for us if there was a turning point or a moment that called to you and said, “it’s time to take my writing seriously?”

ALEXIA GORDON: I can’t point to a specific “Aha!” moment when I decided I needed to return to creative writing, but after fifteen years in primary care I realized something was missing. I’d poured all of my energy into practicing medicine and felt drained and empty. I was in Alaska at the time and, fortunately, I belonged to a church that fostered creative expression as a spiritual exercise. I also joined a writers’ group and I always felt better after participating in the group’s workshops. I gave myself permission to take care of myself and made changes (i.e., found a new job) that allowed me to focus more on my own creative well-being.

As a part of your pursuit of your writing you completed Southern Methodist University’s Writer’s Path program in Dallas. What was that like?

Short answer: I’d never have finished a manuscript without the Writer’s Path. The program gave me the structure and dedicated writing time combined with the camaraderie of other writers that I needed to progress from thinking about writing one of the stories floating around in my head to doing the actual work of writing my story.

Your first book is a mystery. Did you read a lot of mysteries growing up? Are you a current mystery fan? Who are some of your favorite mystery authors?

I read almost exclusively mysteries growing up, with a bit of sci-fi and fantasy thrown in for variety. Rex Stout was my favorite. Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin were the perfect tough-guy-meets-cozy blend. I read Ellery Queen, too. I also loved British mysteries. I devoured Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh. I enjoyed Sherlock Holmes because his sidekick was a doctor and because he was so eccentric. And, of course, I loved Nancy Drew. A girl about my age solving mysteries was the coolest. Of course I’m still a mystery fan. I’m thrilled classic mysteries are becoming popular again. For me, the mystery is all about the puzzle. I love trying to solve the case before the detective (but I seldom do).

As a newcomer to Texas—who has lived in Dallas and El Paso—what about the state surprised you? How are you adjusting to life “as a Texan?”

I was surprised by how urban Dallas is. I was expecting cowboys in boots and big hats. I got art museums, galleries, fine dining, the symphony, and high-end shopping.

Tell us about Murder in G Major.

Stranded in Ireland after losing both a gig and her luggage, African-American classical musician Gethsemane Brown hopes to win her way back to the States by accepting a challenge: turn rowdy school boys into a champion orchestra. She’s offered lodging in a beautiful cliffside cottage once owned by her favorite composer. The catch? The composer’s ghost. He can’t rest in peace until he’s cleared of false charges of murder-suicide. Desperate after a quarter century, he begs Gethsemane for help. A growing friendship with the charming ghost spurs Gethsemane to investigate. Her snooping provokes a long-dormant killer, and she soon finds herself on the wrong sort of top-ten hit list. Gethsemane must uncover the truth as she races to prevent a murderous encore or star in her own farewell performance.

What drew you to this plot and these characters for your first book?

I fell in love with classical music when I lived in Alaska. One winter in the far north was enough to teach me I hated winter. No skiing or snowshoeing for me. I needed an indoor wintertime social activity, and the symphony fit the bill. Turns out Anchorage has a wonderful symphony with a music director unafraid to try new things. He brought classical music to life. When I moved to Dallas I found the DSO and classical music heaven. I lived close enough to the Meyerson to walk to concerts. A big chunk of my pay went toward concert tickets. I also love Irish music, particularly pub music. Trinity Hall Irish Pub in Dallas provided a healthy dose of that and introduced me to quality whiskey. I had a daydream about an American classical musician stranded in Ireland who plays her violin in an open mic competition at a pub. I kept the story in the back of my head. One night in writing class the instructor,  Daniel J. Hale, asked us, “What’s your story about?” We had five minutes to come up with a plot. My daydream came to mind. Memories of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, one of my favorite movies, crept in, and a dead body joined the party and by the end of class I had the beginnings of Murder in G Major.

What is your creative process like? When—and how—do you write while otherwise having a very full schedule as a physician?

I write whenever and wherever I can. I have to make a conscious effort to make writing a priority. I chose to take a pay cut and to relocate for a job with regular hours, no call, and no weekends in order to have time to write. I decided writing was important enough and my story was important enough to make the sacrifice. There’s no easy formula, just grunt work. Spiritually fulfilling grunt work but grunt work all the same.

I see from your website that you’re off and running promoting your book at conferences and such. What’s been the biggest surprise about getting your book published?

The amount of work you have to do after you sign a publishing contract. Revisions and marketing and publicity and conferences. Being an author really is a job.

Is there a new book in the works?

Yes, I’m working on book two in the Gethsemane Brown series, Death in D Minor.

And perhaps the most important question! You had the great wisdom to say the following on your website: “If pushed, I will admit Texas brisket is as good as Carolina pulled pork.”

What’s the best place to get good brisket in El Paso?

Dallas.

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