Tag Archives: Xavier Axelson

A few questions for Xavier Axelson

Xavier Axelson

Xavier Axelson’s first novel, Velvet, was just published by Seventh Window. I decided to ask a few questions about the novel and Xavier’s writing process.

Tell us a little about how you came up with the idea for Velvet.

The last page of a fashion magazine inspired Velvet.  There was a pair of velvet shoes accompanied by a write up about velvet, the 15th century, and how back then you could be killed for wearing it.  I began doing research and discovered the laws of sumptuary, and the seed of a story was discovered.

The laws of sumptuary plays a pretty big role in Velvet. Can you tell us a bit about these laws.

The laws of sumptuary were enacted for a number of reasons, most involving the need to make clear the distinctions between levels of society.  It was believed that if you couldn’t distinguish a peasant from a prince, moral chaos would certainly ensue.

The language in your books is strong and particular to each story and sets the tone while giving the reader an added sense of the surroundings. In Velvet, I feel this is your most lush use of language. How much thought do you give your word choices when writing? Does it just flow with the story?

It really just flows with the story.  My brain tends to naturally gravitate towards the language tones in Velvet.  I love the Elizabethan, and Medieval periods and find the language incredibly satisfying and lyrical.  The characters also guide me.  All I have to do is follow their lead and they usually give generously of their voices.

Some authors write one type of story stick with it, but you seem to bounce around the board. You’ve written a western, a pulpy police story, two paranormals (egads, a repeat!) and now a historical. Do you think this has helped you grow as a writer?

Well, to be fair, Velvet is historical in the sense that it is based on an idea in history, but I was sure to make the world a place out of time.  I did not want to be held to the hard and fast rules of history.

I think everything I write helps me grow as a writer.  With Velvet, I did learn to take control and not let the story become the boss.  There were moments when I would tell myself, “Wait a minute, I’m writing this. I can fix whatever isn’t working, I can write my way out of whatever predicament I’ve gotten my characters into.”

Like in The Birches, there’s an almost magical quality to Velvet.  Is this something we’re going to see more of in your fiction?

The idea of writing magically is unintentional, but apparently ingrained in my creative process, so I would have to say yes, it would be something that will pop up again in future writings.

All your titles (Earthly Concerns, The Incident and Velvet in particular) have a strong sense of story. Do you feel that story is more important than genre?

Genre is a myth.  It’s like the idea you can only drink red wine with red meat. I wrote a zombie story called, “Cravings,” in between Earthly Concerns and Velvet, I’d never written anything in that genre before.  I was stunned when it was accepted for publication.  It was a challenge to see how far I could push myself.  If a story comes to me, I write it, regardless of what genre it falls under.

 Clothing plays a role in Velvet, do you pay attention to fashion?

 I pay attention to design.  I love architecture, art, fashion and the design process.  I find fashion to be a facet of inspiration and expression, and I do read many magazines involving these interests.

 What new projects do you have awaiting your fans?

 A short story called “The Sons of Orion” will be part of the Tricks of the Trade anthology with Bold Strokes this January.  I also have the first book of a trilogy submitted for publication and apparently, my column at examiner.com will continue its crazy journey with new interviews and fringe culture madness.

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Xavier Axelson’s first novel

Velvet
By Xavier Axelson

The first novel from Xavier Axelson is set against a backdrop of decadence, privilege, and intrigue. Virago, the royal tailor, makes a discovery that will test the bonds of brotherhood, unravel the forbidden secrets of his heart and threaten the very fabric of his existence.

In a land where cruelty is disguised as allegiance, loyalty is masked by obligation and the laws of sumptuary govern the people, nothing is more dangerous than Velvet.

Amazon.com

All Romance eBooks

Barnes and Noble

Rainbow eBooks

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Coming from Seventh Window

The first novel from Xavier Axelson, author of The Incident, Dutch’s Boy, Earthly Concerns  and The Birches.

Set against an opulent backdrop of decadence, privilege and intrigue comes the first novel by Xavier Axelson. Virago, the royal tailor, makes a discovery that will test the bonds of brotherhood, unravel the forbidden secrets of his heart and threaten the very fabric of his existence.

In a land where cruelty is disguised as allegiance, loyalty is masked by obligation and the laws of sumptuary govern the people, nothing is more dangerous than Velvet.

Look for Velvet late October from Seventh Window Publications.

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Earthly Concerns by Xavier Axelson


Title: Earthly Concerns
Author: Xavier Axelson
Publisher: Seventh Window Publications
Pages: 75 pages
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: M/M Paranormal Suspense
Kisses: 4.5


Blurb:

Between love and loss, there is obligation…

It was a peaceful night when Barrett and his daughter were driving home… then something happened. Something sinister.

Between shadow and light, there is uncertainty…

Now the only person Barrett can turn to for help is Anson, a man gifted with psychic abilities beyond reason. But Anson is also his ex-boyfriend, a man whose heart he’d already broken.

If you can see, you have to help.

As Anson delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding Barrett’s accident, he begins to realize that he’s not only in a race against time, but in a battle against his own broken heart and the terrifying understanding that whatever has taken Barrett’s child is a force of evil beyond anything either man has ever encountered.

And between decision and consequences, there are… Earthly Concerns


Review:

This was my first but certainly not last novel by Xavier Axelson. There’s something disjointed about reading an eerie, shadow-filled paranormal under the bright Hawaiian sun, but Axelson did a great job of pulling me in and making me forget that I was reading at the beach.
Anson struggles with the classic gift-is-a-curse trope in a very realistic and understated way. Although his talent and the help he can render are integral to the story, it’s a paranormal after all, it’s his struggle to come to terms with his feelings for Barrett, the ex, that drive the story forward. Barrett needs help, but is beyond saving. Emotionally unavailable, he’s toxic to Anson. Their relationship seems as doomed as the child Barrett lost.

It is loss that finally helps Anson to reconcile his feelings with what he knows about Barrett in a climax that I thought would have worked far better if not written in first-person. My personal preference to generally skip first-person writing notwithstanding, I do think the drama would have been heightened if viewed through the eyes of the man Anson was trying to save.

If you’re looking for a quiet, eerie paranormal with excellent writing, look no further than Xavier Axelson. He does first-person exceptionally well, flawlessly showing us life through the eyes of his character (whose first name I totally fell in love with).

Reviewed By: Nadja

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Comong soon from Seventh Window

Earthly Concerns by Xavier AxelsonEarthly Concerns

by Xavier Axelson

Spooky love from Xavier Axelson, done with real characters that pull at your heart. This is creepy done right.

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Reflection and anticipation

Ken Harrison

publisher/editor Seventh Window

It’s December, a time to reflect on the past year, look forward to the new year and bust your butt getting ready for holiday cheer. Most new and aspiring authors are too busy with the other job while trying to prepare for the upcoming festivities, so I’m not going to bother talking about the craft of writing. Like I said, this is a time to reflect and look forward to upcoming projects.

I have to say that 2011 was a banner year for Seventh Window, with new titles from Xavier Axelson, Bebe Burnside, Christopher Trevor, Evan Gilbert and Zachary Wild. It was exciting introducing three new authors to the M/M community while working with an author who had already been published by Silver Publishing and looking for another press to showcase his talents and Christopher Trevor, who was looking to move his highly erotic stories in a new direction. It was both an honor and a pleasure to work with these people and I look forward to being a part of their publishing careers in the coming years.

So what does Seventh Window have in store for you all in 2012? I’m working on new projects with Bebe Burnside, whose latest manuscript landed on my desk last week; Xavier Axelson has a new novella that goes off in a new direction; and Michele L. Montgomery has a new novel titled Dammit! coming out with Seventh Window in both eBook and print late March 2012! I’m very excited to add Michele to our growing list of authors.

Sure, that’s what’s coming up, but what’s going on now? I’m presently working with a new author on a novella that is hard edged, sexy and sweet. The book is called Scar Tissue by GL Roberts. Scar Tissue is sure to get your hearts thumping and set your sex drive racing. Get ready for some sexy fun set in the mid 1970s. Men, guns and romance, what more can you ask for?

This coming year is going to be fun! So break out the Menorah and mistletoe and get ready for a sexy year ahead from Seventh Window.

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The Birches by Xavier Axelson


Title: The Birches
Author: Xavier Axelson
Publisher: Seventh Window Publications
Pages: 135
Characters: Leo and Dock
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary
Kisses: 5




Blurb:

Perfection isn’t everything, although it’s everything Leo wants. His desire to become the perfect chef may keep him at the top of his class, but it drives his friends and family crazy while keeping love and passion on the back burner. That is until he meets Dock, owner and chef of the new and popular restaurant, The Birches. Although Dock isn’t a trained chef, Leo finds the food he cooks delectable and the man behind the food irresistible. The lessons taught at the hands of an untrained cook may be just what this uptight chef needs to let go.

Review:

The Birches is a very interesting story about two characters whose lives center on creations of delectable, edible, nutritional foods. One of the characters Leo attends school to become a chef, and not just any chef, he has bigger goals. He want to be the absolute best chef. Ever. He is so driven to exceed at that goal that it has managed to manifest itself deep within his soul so much so that his very mannerisms, his personality, his whole life is focused only on that one goal. To outsiders, including the readers will see how hard he drives himself, how hard he pushes himself, and how that leads to a flawed less than likeable character at times. He seems so angry at times and when he meets Dock, the owner and chef of the Birches his every way of thinking is challenged, questioned, and finally changed.

This is a cute saucy story with a great plot line, well thought out characters and many references to food. The author also included a special recipe at the end of the story and let me just mention this one scene in particular. Learning how to cook, while naked and blindfolded, using fresh ingredients and in the very skillful hands of one of the most adorable cooks I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, was the best scene to date. I asked the author if he wouldn’t mind ordering up a Dock for me.

The Birches is the perfect recipe for love.

Reviewed By: Michele

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New from Seventh Window

The Birches
by Xavier Axelson

Perfection isn’t everything, although it’s everything Leo wants. His desire to become the perfect chef may keep him at the top of his class, but it drives his friends and family crazy while keeping love and passion on the back burner.That is until he meets Dock, owner and chef of the new and popular restaurant, The Birches. Although Dock isn’t a trained chef, Leo finds the food he cooks delectable and the man behind the food irresistible. The lessons taught at the hands of an untrained cook may be just what this uptight chef needs to let go.

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Xavier is here and he’s ready to share. All you have to do is ask.

Something you want to know?

Top2Bottom needs you:

Xavier Axelson has agreed to play with us! You know who he is. Author of The Incident, Dutch’s Boy, and a couple of amazing short stories. He’s also our very own sex guru! And he’s generously agreed to give away a FREE copy of his latest book to a lucky reader. All you have to do is send us questions to ask him. They can be character questions, author questions, (nothing too personal please), even sex questions! We will put the questions together and post those on the review site for him to answer. He will then pick a lucky winner from all questions and comments left. Send your questions to: top2bottomreviews@gmail.com. Thx and play!

(Xavier reserves the right to answer only the questions he’s comfy with)

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The Incident by Xavier Axelson

Title: The Incident
Author: Xavier Axelson
Publisher: Seventh Window Publications
Pages: 126
POV: 3rd
Kisses: 5






Blurb:

In the line of duty, decisions that will change your life forever are made in a split-second. Nobody knows that better than Officer Michael Carmac, whose fatal split-second decision haunts his days. Tormented by guilt, Michael seeks solace in a bottle and the friendship he has with his partner, Officer Bertram Angel. But the more he leans on Angel for support, the more Michael discovers a longing that he’s kept hidden for too long. Can Angel help ease the pain of guilt or will Michael’s hidden desires be the end of their friendship?

Review:

Xavier has done it again. He applied the fingers to the keyboard and brought us this wonderful story sure to have you sighing with understanding and sadness for Officer Michael Carmac and the guilt he lives with every waking and sleeping moment of his life since he accidently took the life of a young innocent boy. Unable to forgive himself the mishap he forces himself to go on, and many a night he finds himself so intoxicated he can’t think.

Enter Bertram Angel, Michael’s best friend and partner, who is there for him whether he likes it or not, who tells him daily to let it go, who on more than one occasion, has sat with him and held his hand through the pains, the anger, and the helplessness Michael felt after the shooting. Not only is Michael dealing with how to deal with his part in the death of a teen who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he is also fighting his growing attraction to Angel and dealing with his mother as well, not to mention the snide remarks made by a few of the other officers and towns people over the Incident.

Xavier did a wonderful job in the telling of how one move can change the rest of your life. He also showed us how sexy chocolate pie and cops are in a scene together. He even included a tasty recipe for his adoring fans. I really encourage you to read this and get to know these two officers and their love of chocolate pie.

Reviewed By: Michele

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