Devon Alexander

I Survived!

Devon Alexander — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:02:56 +0000

The Jazz Fest is over and it was a brutal one. Record crowds, record sales, definitely one to remember. The heat was almost unbearable but there was usually a nice breeze blowing. Also our drink booth was featured in the local newspaper’s Living Section. The reporter did a wonderful write up for the non-profit organization that works the booth every year and interviewed people who have been there almost from the beginning. It was a lot of fun though and I can’t wait to work it again next year.

Now that the Fest is over, I can get back to my writing. James and Lissa hadn’t been too loud lately but last night they just wouldn’t keep quiet. It’s time to go back to the 18th century and let them tell their story. It’s a great romance and I can’t wait to share it with y’all. At least I hope I get the chance.

So what has kept you busy the last few weeks?

C’est tout,

Devon

Jazz Fest

Devon Alexander — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:39:51 +0000

Well, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival starts tomorrow and goes all weekend. It continues the following Thursday thru Sunday for a total of 7 days. And where will I be for all 7 days, at the Fest of course. A friend and I run a drink booth there to help a non-profit organization raise sorely needed funds. I’ve been working at this booth for over 30 years (yes I was just a babe when I started LOL) but running it for the past 6. It’s a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun.

This year the local newspaper is doing a write up on us and our booth so I’ve been talking to the reporter and getting together additional information for her. It’s a little nerve wracking knowing that I’m going to be quoted in the paper for thousands to read. I know, I’m working towards becoming a published writer where many more people have the potential to read my words but with writing, I have time to review what I’ve written and edit it. With this I have to trust the reporter to quote me correctly and hope I don’t give incorrect info.

I am looking forward to the weekend and seeing friends that I only see at the Fest. The music is amazing, the food delicious, and the weather promises to be perfect, what more could I ask for?

Have you gone to any festivals and if so, what is your favorite?

C’est tout,

Devon

Awesome Maggie Shayne!

Devon Alexander — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:54:08 +0000

I wanted to post this sooner but damn if something didn’t keep happening that would stop me. Anyway, Fantasy on the Bayou is over and what a great conference it was. I was able to meet some wonderful people in the industry and learn a lot from them. Maggie Mae Gallagher, cub reporter for Barbara Vey’s Beyond Her Book blog, was so much fun! We were able to go out and enjoy the sights on Bourbon Street and she wrote a great report on the conference. I was able to meet and visit with Liz Pelletier of Entangled Publishing and Elaine Spencer with The Knight Agency along with authors Kristen Painter and Kerri Nelson during the Keynote Luncheon. They were all great to talk to and patient with this newbie writer and my questions. They were perfect table mates.
I was also able to meet and chat with Maggie Shayne, the Keynote Speaker. Maggie was actually a stand in for the original scheduled speaker, who was not able to attend because of personal reasons, and she did an amazing job. Maggie had everyone laughing at her childhood stories, crying over her hardships, and cheering her on even after she’s become such a well loved author. But Maggie went above and beyond for a few of her fans, myself included.
My daughter and her friend were at the book signing event on the last day of the conference, and they told Maggie about a mutual friend, Shannon, who wanted to be there but couldn’t because of work. Since she had some free time before her flight she offered to go visit Shannon at work but since she didn’t work in the French Quarter, it didn’t seem possible. I told Maggie that if she really wanted to do this, I wouldn’t mind bringing her and then I’d take her to the airport. She agreed and was so excited to do this, she made sure to tell us not to say anything so she could surprise her. So after leaving the hotel, we met up with Dawn Chartier, Liz Pelletier, and Leanna Renee Hieber for lunch then headed to the bookstore where Shannon worked. We arrived and went straight to Shannon. When we arrived, Kendall, my daughter’s friend, told her that not only did we bring her a signed Maggie Shayne book, we brought the author herself. At this point Shannon started tearing up and her and Maggie hugged. We had learned that Shannon had lost her grandmother the night before so getting to meet Maggie was even more special. It helped to cheer her some. We all visited with Shannon for a little while then we all sat on the floor with coffee and chatted about books, puppies, whatever we wanted. It was such a special day for all of us there and it wouldn’t have happened without Maggie.
So here’s a toast to Maggie Shayne! Thank you for sharing your story with us at the conference and for sharing a part of your day sitting on the floor with us and chatting like teenagers. You gained a couple of new fans I am honored to have been a part of it. May you always be blessed with good friends and close family.

C’est Tout,

Devon

Fantasy on the Bayou

Devon Alexander — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 01:27:42 +0000

I’m at the Fantasy on the Bayou conference in New Orleans. It started today and went great. I met a lot of authors, agents and editors and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. There’s going to be a lunch with Maggie Shayne as the keynote speaker that promises to be awesome.

I’m working on a short holiday story that looks interesting. The hero and heroine are having a lot of fun which makes writing them lots of fun. Hope I can share it with everyone someday soon.

May you have a wonderful weekend and spend it doing something you love.

C’est tout!
Devon

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