Xio Axelrod's Blog, page 22
September 8, 2014
A chat with Sarah Hegger, author of Sweet Bea
Hello friends! I have a very special treat for you today. My dear friend Sarah Hegger, author of both historical and contemporary romance (so versatile!) is here to chat with me about music. A favourite topic of mine, as you know.
Born British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. She currently lives in Salt Lake City with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.
Xio: Welcome Sarah!
Sarah: You may not know this but Xio and I recently discovered that we share a brain. Really, no lies here. It’s so rare in life that you meet someone, make an almost instant connection and find that connection getting stronger and stronger with each interaction. How many people do you know that not only know The Princess Bride backwards, but can also join you in all the lyrics to the Rocky Horror Picture Show?
Xio: Who doesn’t love Rocky Horror? I recently confessed to seeing it over a hundred times, lol. And you know my connection to The Princess Bride. “Mahwage!”
Sarah: Other than both being writers, we share a love of movies and music. Okay, she sings better than I do, but I’ve decided to forgive that little transgression.
Xio: You flatter me. Then again, I haven’t heard you sing. Yet.
Sarah: All this to say, I am delighted to be here with my new BFF, sharing the release of my newest book, a medieval romance entitled Sweet Bea:
Is anything sweeter than revenge?
In a family of remarkable people, ordinary Beatrice strives to prove herself worthy. When her family is threatened with losing everything, she rushes to London to save them. Unfortunately, she chooses as her savior the very man who will see her family brought low.
Garrett has sworn vengeance on Sir Arthur of Anglesea for destroying his life when he was a boy and forcing his mother into prostitution for them to survive. He has chosen as his instrument Sir Arthur’s youngest daughter, Beatrice.
Can Beatrice’s goodness teach Garrett that love, not vengeance, is the greatest reward of all?
In the book, Beatrice, aka Sweet Bea is the younger of two sisters. The older, Faye, is a renowned medieval beauty. I’ll let Beatrice tell you in her own words.
“You will never be wed if you think like that.” Nurse never gave up. “Your sister, bless her sweet heart, stood always ready to receive her suitor.”
Beatrice rolled her eyes. It wouldn’t do any good to interrupt. Nurse would have her say. The sun was still high, forming patterns on the gleaming stone floor.
“And Lady Faye was ready, looking pretty as can be, when ill weather blew the Earl of Calder into the keep. And what happened?”
“He fell in love with her,” Beatrice recited.
“I know not of love.” Nurse stopped fussing with the hem and swayed to her feet on a lusty groan.
Beatrice held out a hand and steadied her rise.
“But what I do know is Lady Faye was ready, looking every inch a nobleman’s wife.”
“Faye was born looking that way.” Beatrice couldn’t quite control the surly note to her voice.
Her sister had been married for seven years and still Nurse carped on about her perfection. The entire kingdom knew of the beauteous Lady Faye. No less than eight ballads were written in her honor. Eight. Beatrice snorted. What was any sensible girl to do with eight ballads caroling her beauty?
Xio: Eight? Geez. “Beatrice the Brave” would make a much better ballad than “Faye the Fair,” I think.
Sarah: Which brings us to what Xio and I want to talk about – ballads and the bards that sang them. These ballads would have been written and sung by minstrels, most of them itinerant. The role of the minstrel in medieval society was an interesting one. Remember, most people could not read and write and we are way, way, way before the printing press.
Minstrels would spread information, share news and educate. Rhythmic notation and structure first start to appear around this period. I dug up an old ballad to show you.
WHEN as King Henry rulde this land,
The second of that name,
Besides the queene, he dearly lovde
A faire and comely dame.
Most peerlesse was her beautye founde,
Her favour, and her face;
A sweeter creature in this worlde
Could never prince embrace.
Her crisped lockes like threads of golde,
Appeard to each man’s sight;
Her sparkling eyes, like Orient pearles,
Did cast a heavenlye light.
And it goes on in that vein for about 50 stanzas telling the story of Rosamunde and King Henry.
Xio: These songs were often performed by groups of revelers at gatherings. I imagine that some of them expanded over time, with verses being added as the song traveled. One of my favourite ballads, penned by Henry VIII, is “The King’s Ballad” also known as “Pastime With Good Company.”
Pastime with good company
I love and shall unto I die;
Grudge who list, but none deny,
So God be pleased thus live will I.
For my pastance
Hunt, song, and dance.
My heart is set:
All goodly sport
For my comfort,
Who shall me let?
Youth must have some dalliance,
Of good or illé some pastance;
Company methinks then best
All thoughts and fancies to dejest:
For idleness
Is chief mistress
Of vices all.
Then who can say
But mirth and play
Is best of all?
Company with honesty
Is virtue vices to flee:
Company is good and ill
But every man hath his free will.
The best ensue,
The worst eschew,
My mind shall be:
Virtue to use,
Vice to refuse,
Shall I use me.
Sarah: In a way, I see a parallel to our times.
Xio: Well, that particular ballad was adapted into modern songs by bands like Jethro Tull and Gryphon.
Sarah: I am going to go out on a limb here say that our modern poets have become songwriters. Just think of the work of Eminem, gritty, profane and totally reflective of the world around him. (Copyright laws prevent me from using any modern song lyrics)
Xio: Indeed, he is a fantastic lyricist. I think from Cole Porter and Prince, to Lennon and McCartney, to Jeff Buckley and Lauryn Hill, the modern balladeer is alive and well. I’m sure our readers could name many more examples.
Sarah: So, who do you see as our modern poets? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. You can read a longer excerpt from Sweet Bea on MY WEBSITE. Look under the My Books tab. And if this sounds like your thing, you can pick up a copy at AMAZON or BARNES & NOBLE or pop along to KENSINGTON PUBLISHING for your favorite format.
Xio: Thanks for stopping by, Sarah my dear. I’m off to finish my copy of Sweet Bea. Garrett has me so frustrated right now. Grr. But so sexy! And I love Beatrice.
September 5, 2014
FOX Update: Cover reveal of Coming Down by Carrie Elks
Coming: September 24, 2014
Twenty-eight-year-old Beth Lawrence finally has her life back on track. A job she loves, a wealthy husband and a beautiful home are a far cry from the tragedy that struck when she was nineteen. But now that her past seems firmly behind her, an old flame walks back into her life. Bringing back painful memories of a time she's worked hard to forget, reviving a passion she tried to bury years before.
Niall Joseph is an up-and-coming artist, recently returned from success in America. Volunteering to teach in an inner-city drug clinic, the last person he expects to see is the girl who broke his heart nine years earlier. Working closely together allows their old wounds to heal, forging a deeper connection between them. One that slowly starts to burn.
As she becomes tangled up with a neglected child and her drug-addict mother, Beth finds herself drawn to Niall. But neither of them can anticipate how hard it is to tread the thin line between friendship and desire.
Carrie Elks lives near London, England (one of my favourite places!) and writes contemporary romance with a dash of intrigue. At the age of twenty-one she left college with a political science degree, a healthy overdraft and a soon-to-be husband. She loves to travel and meet new people, and has lived in the USA and Switzerland, as well as the UK. An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two. She is my kinda gal!
You can catch up with Carrie on Facebook and Twitter
Images and text courtesy of Carrie Elks and:
Cover reveal – Coming Down by Carrie Elks
Coming: September 24, 2014
Twenty-eight-year-old Beth Lawrence finally has her life back on track. A job she loves, a wealthy husband and a beautiful home are a far cry from the tragedy that struck when she was nineteen. But now that her past seems firmly behind her, an old flame walks back into her life. Bringing back painful memories of a time she's worked hard to forget, reviving a passion she tried to bury years before.
Niall Joseph is an up-and-coming artist, recently returned from success in America. Volunteering to teach in an inner-city drug clinic, the last person he expects to see is the girl who broke his heart nine years earlier. Working closely together allows their old wounds to heal, forging a deeper connection between them. One that slowly starts to burn.
As she becomes tangled up with a neglected child and her drug-addict mother, Beth finds herself drawn to Niall. But neither of them can anticipate how hard it is to tread the thin line between friendship and desire.
Carrie Elks lives near London, England (one of my favourite places!) and writes contemporary romance with a dash of intrigue. At the age of twenty-one she left college with a political science degree, a healthy overdraft and a soon-to-be husband. She loves to travel and meet new people, and has lived in the USA and Switzerland, as well as the UK. An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two. She is my kinda gal!
You can catch up with Carrie on Facebook and Twitter
Images and text courtesy of Carrie Elks and:
August 25, 2014
Romance Weekly – First Kiss #LoveWriteChat
Hey there! You likely just bounced over here from Katie O’Connor’s blog. Welcome! Author Kim Handysides had a fabulous idea for this week’s RW blog hop: first kisses. I’ve decided to share with you my first kiss, and my first real kiss. There is a difference. Am I Right?
For me, the kiss is the ultimate act of intimacy. You can’t hide anything in a kiss. Can’t fake the spark of passion. Either it’s there or it’s not. And the best kiss, as far as I am concerned, isn’t about foreplay. It isn’t about “what comes next.” It’s about the moment.
The best kisses muddle your mind and steal your breath. They make you feel like you’re flying. Like you might fly apart at the seams. You forget yourself in those kisses. They stay with you long after the moment has passed.
That said, my first kiss was gross. No, really. It was truly disgusting, and nothing at all like this.
*Le grand sigh* That’s a pretty kiss.
Anyway, I won’t even name the poor fellow that first (literally) sucked face with me. This might make it back to him, though I doubt he knows that he was my first. I was thirteen. It was awkward, wet, and kinda cold. He had braces, so…mouth-breather. (Yeah. Yuck.) Fortunately things got a lot better from there.
Case in point, during my second year at university I had a ginormous crush on an upperclassman. He barely knew I existed, naturally, but one night we ended up hanging out at a party. I don’t know if I wore my hair differently, or if I changed my laundry detergent, but sometime during our conversation I realized that he had been scooting closer and closer. And he was flirting! With me! Of course, as soon as I realized this, I became nervous. It didn’t deter him, though. When I unsuccessfully stifled a yawn, he offered to escort me back to my dorm. (Yes, yes. I know what you’re thinking, but he was a gentleman.)
Our conversation continued as we were walking and, by the time we got back to my residence, it was obvious that neither of us wanted to part ways. I was eighteen, but still rather…inexperienced. (The mouth-breather proved to be the first of many, I’m afraid.)
So Ben – that was his name, and I don’t care if he reads this lol – leaned in close. He grinned as I plastered my back to my door and tried to become one with the woodwork. I remember how intense his ice blue eyes were. I was so completely out of my depth. He asked me if he could kiss me goodnight and then chuckled because I couldn’t gather enough air to squeak out a ‘yes’. I somehow managed to nod.
Ben kissed me.
The gates of Heaven opened, and choirs of angels sang in nine-part harmony. I became acutely aware of my own heartbeat for the very first time. And it. Was. Pounding. He had the softest, fullest lips. His hands never strayed into groping territory, and yet I felt utterly possessed.
I couldn’t tell you how but we managed to get inside my apartment, though not much further than the living room. In the window overlooking the courtyard, Ben and I shared what are still the most intimate two hours of my life. (Yes, two hours!) And all we did was kiss. I say all, but it was everything to me. He was passionate, gentle and taught me much about my own power as a woman. I will be forever grateful for that night, and for him.
Ah…memories.
Well, that’s my tale. Head on over to see what JJ Devine had to say about first kisses. Think she’ll give us the play-by-play of her first lipsmack? Let’s find out! See you next week.
Mwah!
August 19, 2014
Romance Weekly: Flash Fiction!
It’s time for some Romance Weekly, #LoveWriteChate fun! If you’ve wandered over from Gemma Brocato‘s blog, welcome! This week’s challenge came from Susan Peterson Wisnewski, a 100-150 word flash fiction piece using the words: candle, chocolate and scarf. Naturally, I turned it over to my alter ego Xio Nin for the honours.
“Open your mouth.”
The warm chocolate of his voice slid over my skin like a living thing. My trembling lips parted as I obeyed. “Good girl.” Something cool touched my tongue.
“Melon?”
“Correct.”
Juice dripped down my chin as I bit into the soft flesh of my reward. A low rumble of a growl met my ears. I felt him lean in and cursed the silk scarf he had gently blindfolded me with when we began this little game. I wanted to see him.
Wanted to know if his desire mirrored my own.
No need to ask. He captured my mouth in a kiss that stole my breath, answering any unspoken questions. The fabric was lifted way, my eyes adjusting quickly to the soft glow of the candle by our bed.
I blinked up into his heat-filled gaze. “Are we done playing?”
His generous mouth slid into a smile. “Not by half.”
Do you need to take a moment? I sure do. When you’ve recovered, head on over to read what the ever-delightful Susan Scott Shelley came up with for today’s challenge. I met Susan at this year’s RWA, and she is so very cool and so very sweet!
See you next week!
August 12, 2014
Romance Weekly – 12 August 2014
I’ve yet to post about my trip to this year’s RWA Conference in San Antonio. There were so many great experiences, and I promise to chronicle them all for you soon. One definite highlight was meeting many of the incredibly talented people behind Romance Weekly and being invited to join their ranks, at least on the blog hop. So here goes!
You probably landed here from Victoria Barbour‘s page. Welcome! This is my first week participating. Fiona Riplee posed this week’s questions, and they’re fab.
1. Does humor help or hinder you in your creative process?
Humor never hurts, that’s for sure. I’m a pantser (actually, a hybrid) and I’m known to let my characters chat away without restraint. My heroes and heroines are fond of witty banter, and love having inside jokes. Not all of it ends up on the page, but it does help me to define their personalities.
2. What is a favorite go-to book or movie you use to unblock a problem in your writing?
Hmm, I use more music and poetry to unblock my blocks than film. But if there is one movie that can jump start my writing, it’s Lost In Translation. I’m a big fan of unconventional love stories, and you can’t get much more unconventional than that one.
3. What’s the most inspiring book you’ve read this week or month that’s generated a new idea?
I haven’t had much time to read lately, but the last book I read that strengthened my resolve to write the stories that I want to write was Maybe Baby by Kim Golden. It walks the fine line between romance and women’s fiction, as does some of my work. Before I read it, I felt like an anomaly. It’s always nice to know that you aren’t alone in something.
Missed any of the blog hop? Check out Colette Cameron‘s answers to today’s questions and follow the RW road!
July 18, 2014
Brushing up against greatness
Back on March 26th, I received a frantic phone call from my good friend and author, Denny S. Bryce. I already knew why she was calling, because I had just read the news.
Denny is a finalist for Romance Writers of America‘s Golden Heart® Awards for (as yet) unpublished authors. Her romantic suspense novel, Chasing Damn, has been on my to-read list for a couple of years. She’s been gently massaging what was already a great manuscript, into an even better one. The hard work has paid off, and she is now in an elite group. It’s inspiring!
Each year, the GH finalists form a sort of club with awesome names like the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood (2009) and The Firebirds (2012). When the class of 2014 decided upon the name Dream Weavers, Denny asked if I could find a little time to design a logo for them, one that could be used for their pin as well.
This is the result:
Photo courtesy of author – and Golden Heart finalist – Jillian Lark
Dream Weavers pin manufactured by Kingpin
Not bad, eh? I may not be a Golden Heart finalist – yet – but I may be someday. I already have an idea for a name and a pin for that group, whenever it happens. Now all I need to do is polish up a manuscript and apply for admission to the class of 2015. Because, you know, actually entering the contest will greatly increase my chances of making it.
Best of luck to all of the Dream Weavers. I’ll be cheering you on from the audience, though maybe a little louder for Denny.
I never said I didn’t play favourites. 
May 30, 2014
Impatience: Fighting my DIY tendencies
To self-pub or not to self-pub, that is the question.
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of submissions and rejections, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and cast your net in the vast ocean that is KDP, Smashwords and self-publishing.
To write, to edit. To lose sleep. To publish, perchance to sell. That is the dream. And in that dream of sales, what satisfaction might come? Satisfied readers? A sense of accomplishment?
You get the gist. I’m torn. Do I publish my work myself, or wait and hope that someone will take a chance on an unknown? If I were releasing a new album or single, it would be a no-brainer. Labels won’t even look at you unless you can prove that you are a self-contained entity. Things in the publishing world, I’m told, don’t work quite the same way. Maybe I want too much control.
I find myself drawing lots of comparisons between my two lives, the one I have in music and the one I have as a writer. My instincts are to market and promote myself, whether I’ve signed a deal and have a book to sell or not. I’m building my brand. Establishing my voice. Because of this, I’m fortunate enough to have a small-but-loyal fan base who are ready to buy my releases. So why should I wait?
The advice I receive, when I ask this question, is varied. Some say that there is no reason to wait, this mostly from successful indie authors. Others insist that I submit my work to agents and editors, anthologies and open calls, and be patient. A sort of “if you write it, they will sign you” mentality. Which does work, apparently. I just can’t wrap my music-minded brain around it.
Also, I have the patience of a hummingbird. Ooo! Another flower!
RWA 2014 is coming up and I am excited about going, even though I feel like I’ve accomplished little since my first RWA last year, although (yay!) I am PRO as of yesterday. I should have a novel out by now. Maybe even two. I should be about to release another. That’s how I am used to working, in music. This world moves at a different pace. I just need either to adjust to it, or to set my own.
You already know which way I’m leaning.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time? The submission process? The nail-biting, waiting and wondering? The second-guessing? The sense of unwavering unworthiness when responses come back at a snail’s pace?
Me.
Maybe.
May 20, 2014
Tasty Tuesday – What is it?
Each week, a few of my author pals and I indulge in some visual inspiration and celebrate the people, places and things that rev our writer engines. Or, in other words, we post hot photos.
Watch for the hashtag #TastyTuesday on Facebook and Twitter from Noon to 5pm (eastern) each week to see the yummy goodness. For example, I might post…
Marcos Pitombo
Or Martin Sensmeier…
Or even Lena Horne
You never know what Tasty Tuesday will bring, so tune in here or here.
Stay tasty!
Xio
April 18, 2014
Book Rec: Maybe Baby by Kim Golden
Let me tell you, I have some talented friends. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by so many inspiring creatives. I’ve known Kim Golden for years, but it was only recently that we reconnected and realized how much we had in common. It’s been amazing to watch her career take off, and she has been one of my biggest supporters as a new writer. That said, I only recommend a book when I am absolutely, head-over-heels in love with it. Maybe Baby is that book. Her character, Mads, is my new book boyfriend. Here’s the review that I posted on Goodreads:
Maybe Baby is the type of book that invites insomnia. I started reading it right before bed and knew within a few pages that I’d made a big mistake. No sleep for me until I’d absorbed all of Laney’s story and learned her fate. Kim Golden’s writing has a fantastic way of worming into your subconscious, making you feel like you’re reading about the life of a close friend. Laney’s confusion is all-too-human. It’s easy to relate to her willingness to compromise who she is in order to live the life she thinks she wants. Sometimes, the devil you know is safer. But it’s rarely right.
Infidelity is a fact of life that we, as readers, often shy away from. There’s nothing wrong with wanting your heroine’s life to read like a fantasy, but what I love about Maybe Baby, and more importantly about Kim’s writing, is that it is utterly real. Sometimes love comes at a price. Laney’s situation with Nik is intolerable, and yet she endures it. She’s good at convincing herself that her loneliness and misery is in her mind. It’s what we do when we’re afraid to look for something else, even when that something is standing in front of us. When she meets Mads, she questions if what fuels her attraction to him is simply a by-product of Nik’s neglect or something considerably more.
I loved this book. I read it in four hours, racing towards the end because I couldn’t wait to find out which one would win: Laney’s head or Laney’s heart. In the end, they’re one in the same and that’s the beauty of it. Maybe Baby is not a fairy tale, it’s a story about life – with all of its magic and its complications – wonderfully told.
If you’re looking for a great read, and want to support a talented, independent author, pick a copy of Maybe Baby for your favourite e-reader. If you prefer a print copy, they’re available too. I hope you love Laney and Mads as much as I do. Way to go, Kim!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jd6hVo
Nook: http://bit.ly/Rhscie
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1pgS0pT
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1lZMCc0
Paperback: http://amzn.to/Qa87JW
