Guest Post: Carina Axelsson – ‘Model Undercover’

Today I am thrilled to feature a guest post from Carina Axelsson, author of Model Undercover: Paris, which I reviewed recently. Carina is here to discuss how her career in the modeling world shaped her writing skills:

How did my modeling career shape me as a writer?

Hmmm… good question! For my answer I’ll share two examples with you that I think illustrate, the first in an obvious way, the second less so, how my time in fashion did indeed have a huge influence on me as a writer.

The most apparent effect that my modeling career has had on me is that it inspired me to set my mysteries within the fashion world! The glamorous locations, cliquey circles, and flamboyant personalities – apart from being something I know well – are, quite simply, hard to resist. To my mind’s eye, for example, the insular world of a fashion shoot can offer endless scenarios for juicy mysteries – not that whilst modeling I was hoping someone would keel over on set, but the thought is inspiring!

Modeling also shaped my writing in another less obvious, but nonetheless vital, way – and that was through all of the reading I was able to get done thanks to the plentiful downtime models have! Daily, my nose was deep in a book, while waiting for trains, planes, and boats; while having my hair and makeup done; while I waited for the lighting to be set up between shots, etc. The steady, voracious stream of reading I’d started as a child continued uninterrupted as I modeled. So, precisely for this reason, I couldn’t help but view the downtime as one of the perks of the job. And as most authors will say, the best way to learn about writing is through reading!

As for what places in New York City inspire me both as a fashionista and a writer… well, I’d have to say there are so many! Restaurants – and it can be a simple coffee shop on a busy street corner – are great because you’ll see an endless parade of street looks to inspire the fashionista in you.

At the same time, as a writer, it can be good to sometimes work outside of the office, with a bit of a hum in the background, tea and cookies easily at hand. And again, it’s always interesting to observe how people interact with each other – all this detail can be used to feed your writing.

What inspires me most, however, about New York City, both as a writer and as a fashionista, is the city’s energetic vibe. Everyone looks stylish and glamorous, and the city is the setting for so many wonderful books (Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, one of my favorites, springs to mind!) that just walking around, observing and enjoying, will give you lots of inspiration!

Thank you The Young Folks for these interesting questions!

Carina x

Coming soon: Carina’s newest book, Model Undercover: New York, will be out January 6th, 2015!

ABOUT MODEL UNDERCOVER: NEW YORK
Unlock the secrets of the fashion world in this fun and breezy mystery

When the world’s most famous black diamond is stolen during a magazine cover shoot, it’s up to undercover model Axelle Anderson to crack the case. The only witness is a trendsetting teen fashion blogger who refuses to say anything, and Axelle has a hunch that what appears to be a clear-cut case of jewelry theft is anything but.

Axelle and her sleuthing friends are drawn into a web of blackmail and backstabbing fashionistas. As she struts her way down the New York City runways and juggles her busy modeling schedule and new romance, Axelle must pit herself against a rival who’ll stop at nothing to bring her down.