Xavier Velasco is a writer, journalist, and columnist. Before devoting himself primarily to literature, he worked in journalism, advertising, radio, and television—experiences that have greatly influenced his work and his perspective on contemporary culture.
He is the author of novels, essays, and newspaper articles. His best-known book is Diablo guardián, a novel that won him the Alfaguara Prize and brought him to the attention of a wider audience both inside and outside Mexico. Since then, he has published various works of fiction and nonfiction.
His writing often centers on nonconformist, obsessive, or contradictory characters, and on themes such as identity, desire, ambition, memory, and the search for personal independence. Humor, irony, and a recognizable narrative voice are recurring features of his work.
In addition to his work as a novelist, he has been a constant presence in Mexican cultural life as a columnist, commentator, and speaker. Since 2004, he has written the column “Pronóstico del Clímax” for the newspaper Milenio. One of these days, Xavier Velasco plans to make his debut as an actor.
As a keynote speaker at the 2027 San Miguel Writers’ Conference, Xavier Velasco brings the perspective of an author who has spent decades exploring the limitless possibilities of the art of storytelling. His reflections on creativity, imagination, and the writer’s craft promise to inspire you, while celebrating the extraordinary power of literature.

Xavier Velasco is an acclaimed Mexican novelist, journalist, and columnist whose work is celebrated for its wit, originality, and unforgettable characters. Winner of the Alfaguara Prize for his novel Diablo guardián, he has published numerous works of fiction and nonfiction exploring identity, ambition, memory, and desire. A longtime cultural commentator, Velasco brings a distinctive voice to contemporary Mexican literature.

Books to feature: Diablo Guardián; El último en morir; Mala espina