Carina Axelsson's Blog

Icelandic translation of MUC 2…

Hi all!

Another Icelandic translation coming up…

I normally don’t write about upcoming translated editions of my books here but I’m SUPER excited to have found out that Model Under Cover book 2 – Stolen with Style – will be published in Iceland by my wonderful Icelandic publisher, Bókaútgáfan Tindur! My lovely translator, Svava Jonsdottir, will be translating it, just as she did book 1, A Crime of Fashion, for Tindur.

 

This picture is taken by my lovely translator, Svava Jonsdottir, at her desk as she’s bringing the Icelandic translation of Stolen with Style to life! YAY!

 

So why am I so excited? Because I LOVE Iceland! I had the most interesting and exhilarating book tour there last year when A Crime of Fashion came out. Everywhere I went I was met by warm-hearted readers, big landscapes and charming teachers and librarians. In case you missed my blog post, click here to read all about it.

Well, I’m going to keep this short and sweet…but any Icelandic readers can check back here to find out when Stolen with Style’s publication date will be.

Carina x

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World Book Day and International Women’s Day

Hey everyone,

How did you all celebrate World Book Day and International Women’s Day? Did you head over to your favourite bookseller for some new books? Or visit your local library? Or maybe you started rereading an old favourite? Time has flown by in a haze of writing and editing since my last post, but here’s what I’ve been up to this week…

World Book Day at Hogwarts (almost!)…

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate World Book Day than by spending the day with readers at stunning Rodean School in Sussex, on the cliffs overlooking the English Channel. I had a blast meeting new readers – and hanging out in the school’s absolutely stunning, Hogwarts-like library (check out the pics below and you’ll see what I mean!). I even got to help judge the WBD costumes at the school’s WBD fashion show. One of my favourites was a fabulous and glitzy vintage-vibe outfit consisting of flapper dress and pearls. The student dressed as Daisy Buchanan from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby – and she looked amazing! (She also won one of the prizes – no surprise!)

 

Feeling the Hogwarts vibe – this school’s library is stunning!

 

Loving this spiral staircase…

 

International Women’s Day in London…

Two days later I went to London to see my friend, YA (and adult) author Holly Bourne, talk all things feminism at an event at the Piccadilly branch of Waterstones bookstore. At events like these I always really enjoy listening to the audience questions. And one of my favourite’s at this event came from a (male) school teacher who asked the panel of YA authors how they thought it best to bring feminism into the classroom. Good question, don’t you think?

 

I had a blast listening to my writing bud Holly Bourne discuss feminism at her IWD Waterstones event.

 

Wishing you all a fabulous World Book Day and International Women’s Day – and an awesome weekend filled with good books and girl power!

Carina x

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Royal Rebel Book Tour!

Hey everyone,

Here are some of my favourite images from my Royal Rebel book tour! I kicked off the launch of my new series (book 2 will be published in June) with a television appearance on the BBC’s Breakfast Show. From there I had a royally amazing blast as I buzzed around England meeting loads of fabulous readers, and a ton of enthusiastic librarians and booksellers.

Meeting readers is something I always appreciate because nothing can replace the live contact and interaction that school visits offer. I love hearing directly from readers what they think, like (or don’t like!), and seeing how readers respond to what I’ve written. It’s honest feedback and I get a real buzz from sharing my writing with them. So a million royally huge thanks to all of the lovely readers I met!

Touring also dishes out the opportunity to meet booksellers and librarians. Their passion for books and stories really fires me up and I’m so thankful that we have so many hard-working and passionate librarians and booksellers, sharing their enthusiasm for books with everyone they meet.

PLEASE use your local libraries!

Message to readers: PLEASE remember to visit your local libraries and use them! In addition to some of the newest titles and wonderful out-of-print books that can’t easily be found elsewhere, libraries often have an awesome variety of magazines and audio books that you can borrow, too. Also, most libraries have a cosy reading area tucked away somewhere, a place where you can enjoy a book without distraction (i.e. like a parent telling you what you need to do or a brother or sister annoying you!).

Don’t forget my fab Royal Rebel comp!

Also, in cased you missed my last post, don’t forget to join in my publisher’s Royal Rebel competition. All you have to do is draw your very own coat of arms then post your drawing to my publisher, Usborne, for your very own Royal Rebel patch! They are SUPER CUTE! Click here to get your very own patch.

Check out these pics from my Royal Rebel book tour:

Here are a just a few of the exciting things I did for my Royal Rebel book launch:

In Manchester, at BBC HQ, I kicked off my Royal Rebel book tour with a chat on the BBC Breakfast Show. Charlie and Louise were super kind with newbie me and helped me keep the jitters at bay. It was fun!

 

It’s kinda weird seeing yourself being advertised on TV. I took this pick while drying my hair for the interview later that morning. Weird…but good weird.

 

At fabulicious Foyle’s bookstore in London, signing my new book babies!

 

I love all bookstores – teeny-tiny ones included. Kew Bookstore just near Kew Gardens is a favourite. Great selection of all kinds of lovely titles, booksellers who love what they do – and it’s the cutest shop!

I love all bookstores – teeny-tiny ones included. Kew Bookstore just near Kew Gardens is a favourite. Great selection of all kinds of lovely titles, booksellers who love what they do – and it’s the cutest shop!

 

I love Waterstones booksellers – all of them!

 

My Royal Rebel squiggle…

 

I signed Model Under Cover books, too…

 

On the table at Waterstones on Kings Road, London.

 

My very first Royal Rebel school visit! At Myton Park in Stockton-On-Tees. Meeting my readers is the BEST thing ever!

 

Talking girl power with Kids Fun Radio in London.

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Royal Rebel Competition!

Join my Royal Rebel Competition and start collecting your super cute Royal Rebel patches today!

Calling all readers: Royal Rebel book 1 will be published on January 3rd, so to celebrate I’ve got a royally fabulous ROYAL REBEL COMPETITION that’s ready to be launched just for you – and, FAB NEWS: I’m giving all my readers following me here and on my social media an exclusive head start. So to win your own super cute iron-on Royal Rebel patch, just like the one in the photo above, all you have to do is have some fun creating your own family coat of arms!

To join our Fashion Your Own Future competition just follow these easy-peasy steps:

Click here and head straight over to my publisher’s fabuliciously special ROYAL REBEL competition page.
Once there, download the entry form.
Then, create your own personal coat of arms in the blank space provided. Princess Lily in Royal Rebel has THE COOLEST family coat of arms – it has a white rearing unicorn against a red background. How special can you make your own coat of arms? Be as creative as you can, really go all out! Use your favourite colours and choose fun or interesting symbols or animals for it – something that you love or means something special to you. For instance, lions painted on a coat of arms traditionally meant courage and strength…maybe the lion is an animal you identify with? Or perhaps you love sports and want a more modern image on your coat of arms? So why not draw your favourite pair of sneakers, to represent speed and strength of spirit, for instance? Or a dog – maybe your dog – to represent loyalty? Or if the environment is important to you perhaps a flower or tree could be your symbol? Be as creative as you want and have fun!
Once you’ve completed your coat of arms, it’s time to fill out the rest of the form. Make sure that a parent or guardian fills in the Parent’s/Guardian’s section and that they’ve read through and agreed to the terms and conditions set by my publisher.
Once you’ve correctly filled out the entry form, just pop it into an envelope and post it to my publisher, Usborne Publishing, in London. Their address is on the entry form.
That’s it! I can’t wait to see your coat of arms (YES, I will see them all!) and the first lucky thousand entries will receive their gorgeous Royal Rebel patch!

Remember to collect all three! There will be another patch ready for you to add to your collection in June, when the second Royal Rebel book, Royal Rebel: Designer, is published. Then get ready for the third book, Royal Rebel: Stylist – and patch! – in September! More news on these exciting upcoming competitions will be posted here and on my social media when we’re closer to the publication dates of the next two Royal Rebel books, so stay tuned!

Get creative and good luck! I can’t wait to see all of your fabulous coat of arms designs!

Royally yours,

Carina x

 

 

 

 

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Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays! Here I am at The Pig on the Beach in Dorset, where I kicked off my holiday (over)eating!

 

Hey everyone! I would like to wish all of you very Happy Holidays! I’m SO excited about 2019 and I’ll have so much to share with you over the coming year. The first three books in my new book series, Royal Rebel, will be published in 2019. The first one, Royal Rebel, will be published on January 3rd, which is only a few days away!!! YAY! Book two, Royal Rebel: Designer, will follow in June, and book three, Royal Rebel: Stylist, will be published in September, so it’s going to be a busy year of writing, editing, book tours, and meeting lots of fabulous readers like you!

Also, stay tuned because this coming week, together with my U.K. punisher, I’ll launch a super fun ROYAL REBEL COMPETITION, right here on my website and on my social media, so make sure you check back! There are some SUPER CUTE PRIZES I’m royally excited to share with you. You’ll love them!

My website is also getting a new look this year. Right now I’m in the process of adding Royal Rebel fun stuff like new Royal Rebel videos and graphics, so make sure you check back to see it all. Plus I’m working on adding loads of updated material, like new writing tips(!), so that’s one more fabulicious reason to check back in a couple of weeks! For now, though, click here to head over to my new Royal Rebel page – then check back in a few weeks, when the new videos are up, to see how the page has changed!

This last year was filled with some highs – and some lows. Personally, one big and very exciting change for me in 2018 was finding my very pretty little mouse house cottage on the Dorset coast in England, which I use for writing. I had a little cottage I was renting in this part of Dorset before, one I kept for a couple of years…but my new cottage especially pleases me and I really, really love spending time here. I enjoy the stunning landscape (great for dog walks), my wonderful neighbours and friends, the slow pace and quaint coziness of life here – all which makes a wonderful contrast to my big-city trips and my time spent in Germany. My cute cottage by the sea is small, warm, and cosy. I have a writing room with just enough space for the books I need, plus a desk. Best of all, my writing room has a door that leads directly into the lovely garden at the back of my cottage, so on warm days I can leave the door open and the dogs can go in and out as they please and I can hear birdsong as I write, which is about as perfect as life gets for me, really!

My biggest low of 2018 was losing two of our beloved black Labradors. One, Amber, was mine, and the other, Wilma, was my partner’s. We’d had them since they were young dogs and they were the loveliest, sweetest friends we could have asked for. I get a little bit of consolation knowing they both lived long, happy lives – Amber was nearly 15 years old and Wilma was close to 16. They were best friends and we were pretty sure that when one of them died the other would follow soon afterwards – which is effectively what happened: Amber died in July and Wilma in August. Another small consolation is that they both died at home in Germany, in their beds. I held Amber whilst she was put to sleep. It was horrible but I’d rather she died that way than any other. If you have a dog or cat or horse or any other pet you love dearly, please give your lovely fur-baby a hug from me and remember to give them all the love you can for as long as you are lucky enough to have them!

 

Click on the pic above to see a short video of the girls at the Mouse House, feelin’ the Christmas seaside breeze…

 

At the moment I am working on the last round of editing for Royal Rebel book 2, plus I’m starting to write book 3, all while gearing up for my upcoming book tours for book 1. Writing Royal Rebel has been a blast and I have enjoyed every second of flipping the conventional princess story on its head! In case you haven’t yet checked out my Royal Rebel page, here’s little bit about the series: my main character, Princess Lily, is a dynamic thirteen year old with some strong ideas about what she should do with her life – yet she is also a Crown Princess and future queen of the world’s only queendom, Waldenburg. Like lots of kids, Lily struggles with doing what her parents want her to do – be the perfect princess and future queen – and what she wants to do – have her own vlog showcasing all her DIY fashion projects – something the palace would not approve of…So what does Lily do? Can she keep her vlog a secret? You have to read the series to find out!!!

I mentioned that Lily is the future queen of the world’s only queendom – a place I’ve created and called Waldenburg. It’s a tiny queendom high in the mountains between Germany and France and has only ever been ruled by queens. In fact, in Waldenburg men are not allowed to rule! Also, kids take their mothers surname name when they are born and all inheritance passes through women. The monarchy, parliament, and all other key positions in the queendom are held by women. There is no women’s movement in Waldenburg – there is no need for one! But there is a mens’ and boys’ movement! I hope you’ll have as much fun reading about Waldenburg as I have had creating it! 

I wish you all a 2019 filled with a ton of love, lots of exciting new projects, good health, good school results, lots of yummy cakes and cupcakes – and masses of good books to read!!!

Thank you for reading my books, thank you for having a look at my blog, and, most of all, thanks for all of your lovely messages and good vibes!

Happy holiday reading!

Carina x

 

 

 

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Happy Holidays all you royal rebels!

Happy Holidays! Here I am at The Pig on the Beach in Dorset, where I kicked off my holiday (over)eating!

 

Hey everyone! I would like to wish all of you very Happy Holidays! I’m SO excited about 2019 and I’ll have so much to share with you over the coming year. The first three books in my new book series, Royal Rebel, will be published in 2019. The first one, Royal Rebel, will be published on January 3rd, which is only a few days away!!! YAY! Book two, Royal Rebel: Designer, will follow in June, and book three, Royal Rebel: Stylist, will be published in September, so it’s going to be a busy year of writing, editing, book tours, and meeting lots of fabulous readers like you!

Also, stay tuned because this coming week, together with my U.K. punisher, I’ll launch a super fun ROYAL REBEL COMPETITION, right here on my website and on my social media, so make sure you check back! There are some SUPER CUTE PRIZES I’m royally excited to share with you. You’ll love them!

My website is also getting a new look this year. Right now I’m in the process of adding Royal Rebel fun stuff like new Royal Rebel videos and graphics, so make sure you check back to see it all. Plus I’m working on adding loads of updated material, like new writing tips(!), so that’s one more fabulicious reason to check back in a couple of weeks! For now, though, click here to head over to my new Royal Rebel page – then check back in a few weeks, when the new videos are up, to see how the page has changed!

This last year was filled with some highs – and some lows. Personally, one big and very exciting change for me in 2018 was finding my very pretty little mouse house cottage on the Dorset coast in England, which I use for writing. I had a little cottage I was renting in this part of Dorset before, one I kept for a couple of years…but my new cottage especially pleases me and I really, really love spending time here. I enjoy the stunning landscape (great for dog walks), my wonderful neighbours and friends, the slow pace and quaint coziness of life here – all which makes a wonderful contrast to my big-city trips and my time spent in Germany. My cute cottage by the sea is small, warm, and cosy. I have a writing room with just enough space for the books I need, plus a desk. Best of all, my writing room has a door that leads directly into the lovely garden at the back of my cottage, so on warm days I can leave the door open and the dogs can go in and out as they please and I can hear birdsong as I write, which is about as perfect as life gets for me, really!

My biggest low of 2018 was losing two of our beloved black Labradors. One, Amber, was mine, and the other, Wilma, was my partner’s. We’d had them since they were young dogs and they were the loveliest, sweetest friends we could have asked for. I get a little bit of consolation knowing they both lived long, happy lives – Amber was nearly 15 years old and Wilma was close to 16. They were best friends and we were pretty sure that when one of them died the other would follow soon afterwards – which is effectively what happened: Amber died in July and Wilma in August. Another small consolation is that they both died at home in Germany, in their beds. I held Amber whilst she was put to sleep. It was horrible but I’d rather she died that way than any other. If you have a dog or cat or horse or any other pet you love dearly, please give your lovely fur-baby a hug from me and remember to give them all the love you can for as long as you are lucky enough to have them!

 

Click on the pic above to see a short video of the girls at the Mouse House, feelin’ the Christmas seaside breeze…

 

At the moment I am working on the last round of editing for Royal Rebel book 2, plus I’m starting to write book 3, all while gearing up for my upcoming book tours for book 1. Writing Royal Rebel has been a blast and I have enjoyed every second of flipping the conventional princess story on its head! In case you haven’t yet checked out my Royal Rebel page, here’s little bit about the series: my main character, Princess Lily, is a dynamic thirteen year old with some strong ideas about what she should do with her life – yet she is also a Crown Princess and future queen of the world’s only queendom, Waldenburg. Like lots of kids, Lily struggles with doing what her parents want her to do – be the perfect princess and future queen – and what she wants to do – have her own vlog showcasing all her DIY fashion projects – something the palace would not approve of…So what does Lily do? Can she keep her vlog a secret? You have to read the series to find out!!!

I mentioned that Lily is the future queen of the world’s only queendom – a place I’ve created and called Waldenburg. It’s a tiny queendom high in the mountains between Germany and France and has only ever been ruled by queens. In fact, in Waldenburg men are not allowed to rule! Also, kids take their mothers surname name when they are born and all inheritance passes through women. The monarchy, parliament, and all other key positions in the queendom are held by women. There is no women’s movement in Waldenburg – there is no need for one! But there is a mens’ and boys’ movement! I hope you’ll have as much fun reading about Waldenburg as I have had creating it! 

I wish you all a 2019 filled with a ton of love, lots of exciting new projects, good health, good school results, lots of yummy cakes and cupcakes – and masses of good books to read!!!

Thank you for reading my books, thank you for having a look at my blog, and, most of all, thanks for all of your lovely messages and good vibes!

Happy holiday reading!

Carina x

 

 

 

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Royal Rebel: Read Chapter 1!

Read Royal Rebel chapter 1 now!

Hey everyone!

Royal Rebel chapter 1 is here! So click on the fabulous cover above and get ready to meet Her Royal Highness Princess Lilian Athena Isabella Marie, the heir to the throne of the fairytale like Queendom of Waldenburg!

WHAT’S ROYAL REBEL ABOUT?

As the future queen of the world’s only queendom (YES!!!), Lily is busy learning all about how to run a country – while trying to keep her HUGE secret a, well…secret. That’s no easy task when you’re the heir to the throne and the palace is watching your every move – AND your secret happens to be the hottest teen fashion DIY vlog.

Lily is desperate to keep vlogging in her secret tower at the palace – it’s the only time she can be herself, without her parents, grandmother, bodyguards, or anyone else at the palace peering over her shoulders and commenting on everything she does, says, and wears. But as more and more viewers tune in to hear Lily’s fashion DIY tips on her fast-growing vlog, Tiara Girl, will Lily be able to keep her royal identity under wraps?

WHEN WILL ROYAL REBEL BE OUT IN THE U.K.?

I had such a blast writing Royal Rebel and I cannot wait to share Lily’s story with all of you! Royal Rebel book 1 will be published by my royally fabulous publisher, Usborne, in the U.K. this coming January, so not much longer to go! Right now I’m writing the second book in the series, with more of Lily’s royal adventures on the way.

This series is about so many of my favourite things: comedy, girl power, fashion, dogs, palaces, ponies, feminism, and even a tiara or two…I can’t wait for you all to read it!

Till then, I hope you enjoy the first chapter. Let me know what you think in the comments below or send me an email via my Contact page. And make sure you stay tuned here (or follow me on Instagram and Facebook) for all Royal Rebel updates. In the lead up to publication there will be more royal announcements, giveaways and fun stuff coming your way – no curtseying required! So start polishing your favourite tiara now!

Royally yours,

Carina x

 

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Vlog Princess in France this September!

Chers lecteurs français, I’m super happy to share with you that Vlog Princess – U.K. title: Royal Rebel – will be published in France this September – so, VERY, VERY SOON!!!

I want to thank my French readers for writing me so many lovely messages, asking about when the next Fashion Detective book will be published…as of now I have no specific date for Fashion Detective book 4’s publication in France. That’s mostly due to the fact that my French publisher, Fleurus, has been working on the preparations for Vlog Princess’s launch in France this fall. So please keep following me for updates concerning Fashion Detective book 4 because I’ll let you know about any developments here on my website and on my Instagram and Facebook accounts. Thank you for being such awesome Fashion Detective readers! Your loyalty means a lot to me!

In the meantime, check out the totally fun and fabulicious cover of book 1 of my new series, Vlog Princess:

 

I LOVE it!!!

 

The background will be holographic – something that you get a sense of in this picture – but, trust me, I’ve seen it in real life and I promise you it will take your breath away, like it did mine. It’s spectacular: holding the book is like clutching a handful of rainbow dust! Seriously!

 

At my French publisher’s office, in April, discussing the launch of Vlog Princess. Very exciting!!!

 

Also, exciting news: stay tuned because very soon I’ll be able to share the first chapter of Vlog Princess with you here! For now, though, I can tell you that my new series is about so many of my favourite things: girl power, ponies, vlogging, royal style, DIY fashion, dogs, friendship, palaces, feminism, history, glitter, princesses and queens, and, best of all, being true to yourself! I’ve had such an amazing time writing the first book of my new series, because I think these are things that interest all of us. I can’t wait until you can read Vlog Princess and let me know what you think – although I know already now that once you read about Princess Lily, heir to the throne of Waldenburg – the world’s only queendom – and hear all about her secret DIY fashion vlog, you’ll want your very own passport to Waldenburg!

Vlog Princess book 1 will be published in France at the end of September. I still don’t have a specific date, so, again, please stay tuned for more information. Till then I wish you une super vacances d’été, rempli de beaucoup de bons livres à lire!!!

Carina x

 

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MUC Icelandic book tour!

Some weeks ago I went to Iceland to do a book tour for the Icelandic publication of Model Under Cover: A Crime of Fashion. My Icelandic publisher, Tindur, invited me last fall; for me it was a real pinch-me kind of moment because I love Iceland and was thrilled to be published in that country. I didn’t hesitate to say YES immediately! Once the book was translated and a publication day was settled on, my book tour was planned, and as the day for my departure loomed all I could think about was how much fun it would be.

I was met at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, by Helgi, my publisher, and Svava Jónsdóttir, translator of a Crime of Fashion. They whisked me off to my hotel and there I was handed my first copy of A Crime of Fashion. So how did it feel to see Model Under Cover translated into Icelandic: Fabulous! Seeing one of my book babies come to life in another language is super exciting – especially when it’s a country I like as much as Iceland!

I kicked off my book tour with some school visits. Fortunately, all Icelandic kids learn English in school, so everywhere I went everyone spoke flawless English. Lucky me – because my Icelandic is nonexistent! I had a blast buzzing in and around Reykjavik, visiting schools, doing interviews, attending my book launch party and, best of all, meeting some super cool Icelandic readers!

Here’s What I Did:

 

Model Under Cover fun at Icelandic schools – this one just outside of Reykjavik’s city centre.

 

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Being interviewed at Reykjavík’s largest book store, Eymundsson.

 

At my book launch party, with my Icelandic translator, Svava Jónsdóttir.

 

YAY! A Crime of Fashion in the wild, in Reykjavík’s – and Iceland’s – largest bookstore, Eymundsson!

 

Picture taken by my translator, the lovely Svava Jónsdóttir…

 

Seeing one of my book babies translated into a different language is a fab feeling that never gets old!

During my trip I was mostly in Reykjavík, and, although most of my time was taken up with book work, my publisher made sure I’d also have enough time to squeeze in some sightseeing (how nice is that!?!). My inner culture vulture was delighted! Scroll down to see some of the fun and interesting places I saw.

Sightseeing – Icelandic Style!

Hellloooo Iceland! Visiting the house of Icelandic Nobel laureate, Halldór Laxness. It’s a super cool house with a strong creative vibe. Love!

 

The harbour. The light and colour of the water constantly changes min Iceland, so you have to be quick with your camera to capture a moment.

 

A view of the colourful houses and buildings of Reykjavík, as seen from the top of the Hallgrímskirkja church spire. And, yup, this city of about 200,000 inhabitants has no skyscrapers.

 

The front facade of Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s largest church. It’s stunning on the inside – I’ve never been in a church like it. Click the pic to find out more.

 

Love this place, the Ion Adventure Hotel, outside of Reykjavík, with its views over the surrounding countryside and warm natural spring spa – and delicious food.

 

I’m always curious to see the rooms other writers write in. This one was the one designed and used by Icelandic Nobel laureate, Halldór Laxness, and his wife, Audur Laxness.

 

My Top Tips on what to see in Reykjavík…

I love Iceland – it is a magical Island and the people are lovely! If you have the chance to go, GO! I’ve been a few times, and on my previous trips I was lucky enough to spend all of my time in the countryside. The geysers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and dramatic coast are magnificent. If you’re tempted by a visit to the Icelandic countryside then I’d recommend a horseback riding tour. Icelandic horses are the BEST! Also, seeing them in large, colourful herds, running free on the rough Icelandic hills is amazing. And riding them makes me feel like I did when I’d ride as a child. There is something about their small size and beautiful long, thick manes and tails and friendly personalities – not to mention the fact that they come in so many lovely colours – that takes me back in time. Writing about them makes me want to go back and visit and ride SOON!

But if you only have time for a quick visit to Iceland, and plan on staying in and around Reykjavík, then, apart from checking out the old city centre – it’s charming, with its laidback pace and quaint wooden buildings – I’d also make sure to include a peek at the following sites (apart from the ones I’ve listed above!):

Hallgrímskirkja. This one is easy because it’s right smack in the middle of Reykjavík. Make sure you go to the top of the spire; you’ll get the best view of the city from there. Also, the pared down interior is very Icelandic in its simplicity and beauty. It’s a stunning church.
Perlan Museum. This fun, interactive museum is just outside of Reykjavík but you can get free shuttle buses from the city. It’s worth going for the view from the observation deck alone, but you’ll also get a crash course in the natural wonders offered in Iceland. It has a good restaurant, too!
Ion Adventure Hotel. This unique boutique spa hotel is about an hour (not more) outside of Reykjavík. Its amazing architecture and stunning location make it worth the drive. I went for dinner – and next time I’ll be sure to stay a night so I can take advantage of their beautiful spa and natural hot spring. It’s a small, chic, yet down to earth hotel. I love it!

I hope you get to visit Iceland! I have no doubt you’ll love it!

Carina x

 

 

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My Icelandic book tour!

Some weeks ago I went to Iceland to do a book tour for the Icelandic publication of Model Under Cover: A Crime of Fashion. My Icelandic publisher, Tindur, invited me last fall; for me it was a real pinch-me kind of moment because I love Iceland and was thrilled to be published in that country. I didn’t hesitate to say YES immediately! Once the book was translated and a publication day was settled on, my book tour was planned, and as the day for my departure loomed all I could think about was how much fun it would be.

I was met at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, by Helgi, my publisher, and Svava Jónsdóttir, translator of a Crime of Fashion. They whisked me off to my hotel and there I was handed my first copy of A Crime of Fashion. So how did it feel to see Model Under Cover translated into Icelandic: Fabulous! Seeing one of my book babies come to life in another language is super exciting – especially when it’s a country I like as much as Iceland!

I kicked off my book tour with some school visits. Fortunately, all Icelandic kids learn English in school, so everywhere I went everyone spoke flawless English. Lucky me – because my Icelandic is nonexistent! I had a blast buzzing in and around Reykjavik, visiting schools, doing interviews, attending my book launch party and, best of all, meeting some super cool Icelandic readers!

Here’s What I Did:

Model Under Cover fun at Icelandic schools – this one just outside of Reykjavik’s city centre.

 

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Being interviewed at Reykjavík’s largest book store, Eymundsson.

 

At my book launch party, with my Icelandic translator, Svava Jónsdóttir.

 

YAY! A Crime of Fashion in the wild, in Reykjavík’s – and Iceland’s – largest bookstore, Eymundsson!

 

Picture taken by my translator, the lovely Svava Jónsdóttir…

 

Seeing one of my book babies translated into a different language is a fab feeling that never gets old!

During my trip I was mostly in Reykjavík, and, although most of my time was taken up with book work, my publisher made sure I’d also have enough time to squeeze in some sightseeing (how nice is that!?!). My inner culture vulture was delighted! Scroll down to see some of the fun and interesting places I saw.

Sightseeing – Icelandic Style!

Hellloooo Iceland! Visiting the house of Icelandic Nobel laureate, Halldór Laxness. It’s a super cool house with a strong creative vibe. Love!

 

The harbour. The light and colour of the water constantly changes min Iceland, so you have to be quick with your camera to capture a moment.

 

A view of the colourful houses and buildings of Reykjavík, as seen from the top of the Hallgrímskirkja church spire. And, yup, this city of about 200,000 inhabitants has no skyscrapers.

 

The front facade of Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s largest church. It’s stunning on the inside – I’ve never been in a church like it. Click the pic to find out more.

 

Love this place, the Ion Adventure Hotel, outside of Reykjavík, with its views over the surrounding countryside and warm natural spring spa – and delicious food.

 

I’m always curious to see the rooms other writers write in. This one was the one designed and used by Icelandic Nobel laureate, Halldór Laxness, and his wife, Audur Laxness.

 

I love Iceland – it is a magical Island and the people are lovely! If you have the chance to go, GO! I’ve been a couple of times previously, and both times I was lucky enough to spend my time in the countryside. I can’t recommend a visit to Iceland enough. And if you’re a horse lover, then YOU MUST ride the wonderful Icelandic horses. They are such an important part of Iceland’s history. Also, seeing them in large, colourful herds, running free on the dramatic volcanic hills is amazing. Riding them makes me feel like I did when I’d ride as a child. There is something about their small size and beautiful long, thick manes and tails – not to mention the fact that they come in so many lovely colours – that takes me back in time. Writing about them makes me want to go back and visit and ride SOON!

Anyway, I hope you get to visit Iceland! I have no doubt you’ll love it!

Carina x

 

 

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