Devon Alexander

Back to the computer…

Devon Alexander — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:32:15 +0000

Hello!
It’s been a while but I’ve been busy. Work, writing, family, it’s tough trying to get it all done.
Lately I’ve been working on research for Lissa & James’ story and it’s fascinating. I love the time period and James is such a great guy, can’t wait to see how it all works out.
Lissa is proving to be a strong and courageous woman, she’s a perfect match for James. Together they’re creating a wonderful story that I’m loving.
Hope to have more soon, the writing has been slow because of the plotting.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend and remember to spend some time with your family

C’est tout!
Devon

Writers’ workshops

Devon Alexander — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:30:55 +0000

I just attended Heather Graham’s workshop that was held in the French Quarter this weekend. It was also Decadence Festival so that made for an interesting weekend. Along with having to worry about Tropical Storm Lee, it’s been a busy weekend.
Heather always puts on a great conference and I learn so much, now to utilize what I’ve learned and finish this book. It’s looking promising.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

C’est tout!
Devon

Summer, glorious summer

Devon Alexander — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:35:04 +0000

Yes it’s summer and the constant high temps won’t let us forget it. I’m not complaining though, I love summer. I love the long days, being able to wear sandles everyday, not having to carry a coat or jacket… it’s just the best time of the year.
Unfortunately, it’s just as busy as the rest of the year. I was hoping to be able to get more writing time but now we have to clean out the house. I usually go through all the closets, dressers, and cabinets and toss out what we don’t need and now’s the time to do it.
I’m still working on Lissa and James’ story and I really love the ways it’s all coming together. They’re a great couple who went through some tough times and now have to deal with their enemies while learning to trust each other again. Not easy when everyone keeps lying to them.
Anyway, they’re lots of fun and I can’t wait to get enough written for my critique partner to read. I love getting feedback on my work, even the bad stuff LOL
Now on to the serious stuff. For those that might not have heard, author L.A. Banks is seriously ill with adrenal cancer. Many of us in the romance community are banding together to help her and her family during this difficult time. Barbara Vey has posted a letter on her blog, from Michaela Basham, about upcoming charity auctions to help raise money for the family’s rising medical expenses. Please read the blog post and consider helping if you can. Leslie is a wonderful writer who has given us many wonderful books, let’s give back to her. I will be donating to the auction so keep an eye out if you’re interested.
C’est tout!
Devon

Lissa and James

Devon Alexander — Sat, 14 May 2011 00:11:23 +0000

Well, Annie and Royce decided to go on a vacation. Don’t know where they went or when they’ll return, if ever, but I have some new company visiting, Lissa and James have been hanging around for a while now and definitely like talking to me. Hopefully they won’t disappear on me before I have their whole story. It’s historical so I’m having to do a lot of research but it’s all falling into place right now and I’m having a lot of fun with it. I just wish there was someone I could call and say, “did this happen in the 1600s?” or “what exactly did they wear then?” That would make this so much easier but no one ever said it would be easy. I just find myself wanting to read their story even though I’m the one who has to write it. I hope to have something outlined soon so I can start putting the words on “paper”.

I’m going to take a little time tomorrow to go riding since it’s National Women’s Riding Day before I sit down to more research.

Have a great weekend!

C’est tout!
Devon

It’s Summer!

Devon Alexander — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:06:29 +0000

Well, it’s technically spring but here in New Orleans, the temps have already hit the high 80s and I’m loving it. Hubby & I rode the bikes to a festival last weekend, and it was wonderful. Great ride, great food, great music, a perfect weekend.

I’ve started on a new manuscript. This one is what I call a typical historical. I love historical romance. They were the first books I read for enjoyment. Mom used to give me her’s to read, at least the ones without all the sex because I was 12, and I loved them. Then I found “the good ones”… yep, the ones with the sex scenes that she didn’t want me to read. When she realized I found them she decided to let me read whatever I wanted (I was 13 after all LOL).

So now I’m writing an historical. It’s not giving me as many problems as the paranormal I was working on so that’s great. I really love this couple and their story. They go through some tough times and have a lot to overcome before they can admit their love but they survive and, of course, have that eternally sought after HEA.

Until next time, enjoy the warmer weather and spend some time with those you love.

C’est tout!
Devon

Hello again

Devon Alexander — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:16:39 +0000

It’s been a long time since I’ve written here. Life has been crazy, hectic, surreal at times, lots of fun, and super busy. I’ve been able to spend time alone with my husband and it’s been wonderful. We’ve done some riding and went on a cruise so it’s like we’re newlyweds again.

My current story, Annie’s Gift, has gotten off-track, Annie decided she wanted to be alone for a while and hasn’t talked to me for a while. A new couple decided to visit me and they have a very interesting past together. Can’t wait to see what their future is. I’ve been making notes, researching (it’s an historical) and learning all about them. He’s tall, dark and tortured, she’s fun, sassy and scared. I love how the interact together.

Well, off to do more research. Have a wonderful afternoon.

C’est tout!
Devon

NaNoWriMo

Devon Alexander — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:06:13 +0000

Yes I joined the thousands who are doing NaNo this year. For those that don’t know, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month and it takes place every November. “National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.”

Sounds like fun doesn’t it Having never attempted this before, I’m excited. I have a few writing buddies on-line and there are get-togethers around the city for those of us crazy enough to do this so I’m not alone in my madness.

Anyone else doing NaNo this year?

Heartla Reader’s Luncheon

Devon Alexander — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:48:11 +0000

The Baton Rouge chapter of RWA, Heartla, is hosting their annual Reader’s Luncheon in a couple of weeks. I’ll be attending, along with a few friends, and hope you can join us.

Heart of Louisiana is hosting our 4th annual Fall into Romance Reader’s Luncheon on November 6, 2010, at the Crown Plaza in Baton Rouge.

We are thrilled to announce Sherrilyn Kenyon, NY Times bestselling author of the Dark Hunter series, will be our keynote speaker this year. Each attendee will receive a goody bag. All attending authors will be easily accessible during the pre-luncheon “meet and greet” and post-luncheon book signing. Leo Honeycutt, author of the bestselling Edwin Edwards: Governor of Louisiana, An Authorized Biography, will be our emcee. It’s sure to be an exciting event.

Registration fee is $40.00. Space is limited!

To register for the luncheon, please visit our website

http://www.heartla.com/luncheon/index.htm. Online payments can be made via PayPal or you mail print and mail your registration with a check or money order.

Questions? Please email -

heartla_luncheon@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

Rhonda McKey
President
www.HeartLA.com

Riding…

Devon Alexander — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:37:42 +0000

Went on what I consider my 1st bike trip. Gorgeous and I went to Lafayette on our motorcycles last weekend to visit some old college friends for homecoming. Saturday was a beautiful day for a ride. Since I’m still new to riding, I wanted to take the interstate for the experience. I’ve determined I want a windshield LOL. It was still a great ride. Coming back yesterday we took the interstate again because I wanted to get home faster to watch the Saints game. Good ride yesterday but stronger crosswinds and a little rain. Still, enjoyed the ride and can’t wait to go on another trip. My Vegas rode like a charm. No problems, comfy seat, music I enjoyed, it was great. Maybe we’ll take a ride to Florida next time

Life Happens

Devon Alexander — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:21:20 +0000

Well, it seems like I fell into a hole. The typical “I have no time to write” hole that a lot of new writers fall into (or so I’ve been told). My husband works out of town a lot so when he’s here, I want to spend time with him. My daughter is out on her own so when she stops by or calls, I want to talk with her to find out how she’s doing. I have a son away at college who doesn’t come home often but when he does, I want to visit with him. I have another son in high school who is one of the popular kids, at least in his circle of friends, so he’s always wanting me to bring him here or there. Then there’s the me time that I take when I go for a ride on my Vegas. That usually happens back and forth for my day job and once a week for bike night where I meet my Dad and a few friends for a couple of hours. Then all the other things that have to be done, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning (even though I avoid doing those if at all possible), watching my Saints football. And of course sleeping. So life happens and the writing doesn’t get done.

But how do all the other writers do it? I know many who are wives, moms, career women who still find the time to write. Maybe I lack the discipline. Maybe I’m not motivated enough. Maybe it’s too hard. Or maybe I just keep looking for excuses.

Enough! Time to buckle down and write the damn book. To that end, I’ve decided to participate in this year’s NaNoWriMo competition. I have to write a 50,000 word novel within 30 days… That means 1,667 words a day. Lord what have I gotten myself into? I’m lucky if I get 500 words in one day. Like I said, time to sit my butt down in front of the computer and write. No more excuses, no interruptions.

If you’re an author who has to take care of family and work a day job, how do you manage your writing time? And if you have done the NaNoWriMo competition, did it help you?