Xio Axelrod's Blog, page 25
July 11, 2013
A ‘Crazy, Little Thing’ may just save me from being an RWA wallflower.
This weekend, I will embark upon a journey into an entirely new world; the world of romance fiction. Next week, I’ll be in Atlanta attending the annual conference held by Romance Writers of America.
I confess, I can count on one hand – one finger actually – the number of real, honest-to-goodness romance novels I have read. In fact, I just finished reading it about 10 minutes ago. It was called Crazy Little Thing, was written by Tracy Brogan, and came as a recommendation from my friend and mentor Denny S. Bryce. (I mention Denny often, so just get used to seeing her name in a lot of my posts. She’s my guide into this wild and wonderful new adventure.)
Reading Tracy Brogan’s bio, I learned that Crazy Little Thing is a best-seller, an award-winner, and has been nominated for another award at this year’s RWA conference. I also learned that this was her first book.
Her first.
No pressure on me as a newbie, though. Nope.
Love has been at the center of almost everything that I have written, though I wouldn’t call much of what I write “romance”. For one, though I’m fond of the HEA (happily ever after) in other works, I don’t always end up there in my own; at least not in the traditional sense. Denny tells me that what I write is the “love story”. I’m good with that. Still, it falls under the umbrella of romance. And, let’s face it, we all love a good HEA. So, now I feel compelled and think of it as a challenge: write a story with an HEA that isn’t sweetened with Truvia and doesn’t give me a cavity.
Like I’ve often said in interviews, I write the kind of stuff that I would want to read. Which brings me back to Crazy, Little Thing and Tracy Brogan.
Before reading it, I had the uneasy feeling that I would feel out of place at RWA. When I think of a romance novel, I think of Fabio. I think of bodice-rippers. I think of implausible scenarios designed for the sole purpose of putting two people together on the path to their equally implausible HEA. Not that there’s anything wrong with that at all! It’s just not my cuppa.
What Denny has shown me, and what I confirmed after reading Ms. Brogan’s book, is that the romance novel comes in as many flavours as Ben and Jerry’s. There’s ‘sweet and light’, ‘dark and stormy’ and everything in between. Crazy, Little Thing is grounded in reality, yet has a whimsical feel to it thanks to a simple premise and fabulous characterization. I love dialog that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on someone’s real conversation. It is something that I always strive for myself, so it’s nice to encounter a similar voice. I think I may find a place in this world after all, even if I am a seasonal flavour.
Off to read Denny’s other recommendations:
Playing the Part by Robin Covington
and Undertow by Cherry Adair
I’ll also be checking out Ms. Brogan’s other work. Reading is fundamental!
July 8, 2013
Stumbling blocks and road trips
Lately, my writing has been sidelined by an issue at home. Nothing too serious, just extremely annoying and counterproductive. We were practically displaced in our own house and I didn’t sleep for nearly a month. Trust me, that wreaks havoc on your imagination when you’re trying to work on a story.
Fortunately, it seems to be behind us and I can now get back into my normal writing routine. Of course, this is just in time for my first trip down to the annual RWA Conference in Atlanta. My writing mentor, Denny S. Bryce , has convinced me to accompany her this year, starting with a road trip/writing retreat.
As a new author, I feel somewhat intimidated by the prospect of meeting over 2000 writers, editors and publishers next week, but I think it will be an informative experience. I plan to (mostly) be a fly on the wall as I try to learn more about this new world into which I’ve stumbled. I’m looking forward to learning the ropes and I couldn’t ask for a better guide than Denny. Meanwhile, I’m trying to find my way back into the Falling Stars universe and back to ‘Sam’ and ‘Val’.
How’s it going, you crazy kids?
July 6, 2013
Are you on Goodreads? I am!
If you’re on Goodreads, stop by my brand spanking new author page!
I feel officially legitimate. Or is that legitimately official?
Either way, come say hello! =)
June 25, 2013
Richard Matheson (1926 – 2013)
One of my all-time favourite authors has passed away, leaving behind a breathtaking and awe-inspiring catalog of works.
The capacity of his imagination was something that should make every writer green with envy. His resume is, quite frankly, ridiculous.
I Am Legend.
What Dreams May Come.
Stir of Echoes.
The (Incredible) Shrinking Man.
Now You See It.
They were all his, and all made into films – I Am Legend three times – but there is so much more to his work than that. He wrote screenplays for The Raven and The Pit and the Pendulum. He wrote for television, everything from the Twilight Zone to the original Star Trek series.
I mourn the passing of this beautiful mind. Rest in peace, sir.
Rest in peace.
June 14, 2013
Stirring up controversy
So, an interesting thing happened over on Tumblr last week, after I posted chapters 5 and 6 of Star-crossed. One reader decided that she was going to bow out of the story because she didn’t believe that one of the characters was behaving as they should have. While it kind of surprised me that she would take to the comments section and announce that she was “quitting” the story, I thanked her for sticking with the series thus far and wished her well. End of story, right?
Nope.
Other readers voiced their opinion of her opinion and things got a little heated. It was the weekend, so I didn’t see the back and forth right away. But it got to the point where I felt kind of uncomfortable. While I appreciated the fact that so many were coming to my defense, so to speak, I still felt compelled to ask for a little calm.
Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and it died down quickly. I’m glad because I never want anyone to feel like they can’t voice their opinion, even if it isn’t a popular one. I’ve always invited criticism, as long as it is constructive. The fact that people feel so strongly about the story and the characters, enough to “battle it out” online, gives me a sense of pride. I want people to feel as passionately about Sam and Val as I do, I just hope that any future disagreements can be handled with civility. Even if some of the comments made me laugh out loud. 
I spoke to a friend and fellow writer about it, and she said that I should have just let it run its course. She agreed that it was flattering to have people arguing about something that I’d written. Have you ever dealt with anything like this? What did you do? And if not, how would you have handled it?
June 11, 2013
Falling Stars Tees are now available!
Hey Warriors!
I now have official Falling Stars merchandise available. Show your support for true love. and help out a fledgling writer in the process.
Shirts are customized for you and shipped directly to your home! Choose your style, choose your colour and wear your OTP with pride!
(Shirts are available in men’s and women’s sizes. )
More great stuff coming soon!
#Samerie 4Evah Tee (Ladies)
#WarriorsRule Tee (Ladies)See more Xio Axelrod Merchandise!
June 6, 2013
Awesome shout-out from my friend Kim over at Kim Talks Books!
Posted on June 4, 2013 by Kim Talks Books
“Xio Axelrod, the author of StarstruckI found out a week or two ago that one of my friends from Philly (we’ve known each other since elementary school) has written a serialized novel. She’s been posting chapter-by-chapter on her blog. The story is called Starstruck and I started reading it mid-last week. I love a good love story, so it’s right up my alley.
Xio’s amazing–she has a beautiful voice, she’s super-talented and she’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Go and check it out and show Xio some writerly love! 
You can find Starstruck here.
Happy reading (and writing)!”
Wow, Kim, thanks! and everyone make sure to bookmark Kim’s blog and check out her book, The Melanie Chronicles.
May 29, 2013
Goodreads.com
Both Starstruck and Star-crossed are now on Goodreads. If you’re a member, consider adding me a friend! I’m awaiting their approval for my author page. =)
May 28, 2013
Back to work
Holiday weekends are fun, usually, but they can play merry havoc with one’s writing and posting schedule. After three days of travel, brilliant conversation, wine and BBQs, I am three chapters behind. Whoops!
Ah well, time to buckle down. A quick shout out to my new readers! Il’l be over here in the corner plugging away.
May 23, 2013
Falling Stars Wristbands are in!
I’m bringing some with me to the Gladiator Meetup in NYC this weekend.
If you want one, just ask! =)
