You Live Where?

You Live Where? This was a question I received many times while at the National RWA Conference, so I thought I should take the opportunity on the Happily Ever After Thoughts blog to explain exactly where here is. 

Here is St. Croix, an island in the Caribbean that is one of the three U.S. Virgin Islands.  Yes, I am still in the United States :-) The other two major islands that make up this territory are St. Thomas (a regular stop on Caribbean cruises) and St. John (which is predominantly a nature reserve donated by Rockefeller).

St. Croix is what I call a “livable” island.  It has some tourism including cruise ships (though only 3 or 4 a week in winter) and vacation hotels and condos. It also has an oil refinery, a Rum factory, the University of the Virgin Islands and many government offices which make up the major employers.

Of course, the best part about St. Croix is the weather and the beach :-) The temperatures are between 80 and 90 degrees year-round with lovely tropical breezes and the sunsets over the aqua blue Caribbean waters cannot be beat!

Do I actually get any writing done here?  Yes, I do. But it is much more fun to be sipping a cocktail on the beach with a good romance book in hand. The only thing missing from this paradise is a few writing friends to share it with :-)

Enjoy the photos of here.

Alexis  

Review: Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper

Karen Harper’s MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE is a historical romance not to miss.  I had a hard time getting to bed on time as I was in the midst of the life of William Shakespeare’s “other” Anne.

There has always been the rumor that Anne Hathaway, known wife of Shakespeare, had competition.  The theory is that Anne Whateley was his other wife residing in London where Shakespeare spent his time becoming the famously revered playwright for tragic romance and other dramas.

In MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE Anne Whately tells her story.  She is a strong minded woman and incredibly independent for her time.  By her account, Shakespeare had secretly wed her the day before he was forced into a marriage with the other Anne who had a baby on the way.

Whately’s parents passed and she took on her father’s courier business.  With or without Shakespeare, she would survive.  Yet, when Shakespeare appeared in London to act and write, she understood his predicament and gave him a chance. 

It may appear that she’s the other woman and weak, but considering the seventeenth century she understood his dilemma in protecting the Shakespeare family name.  Shakespeare made every attempt to be with his true love, Anne Whateley.  Except for the necessity of his family and random visits to his known wife-Anne Hathaway-his attentions were directed to Whateley.

Of course, they had unavoidable conflicts, which made me love this story for their deep desires to live their dream and to work around the demands of society.  To get a renewed understanding of the power of love, definitely read this story.

Dawn

Romance Writers of America National Conference in New York City

I spent this past week in New York City at the Romance Writers of America National Conference.  This year over 2,100 romance writers attended and the energy in the Marriot Marquis hotel, located in the middle of Time Square, was as electrifying as the lights outside.

The opening session was inspiring, as well as funny, as Tess Gerritsen, Diana Gabaldon and Steve Berry gave us a view into their writing processes, struggles, triumphs, and fans. Other wonderful speakers included Madeline Hunter who recognized the strength of the romance writer’s heart and demanded we listen to our hearts while Sherrilyn Kenyon, who proved triumph can come from the ashes of failure, encouraged all of us to go after our dreams.

The conference also included PRO and PAN Retreats, workshops, editor and agent appointments, a literacy signing, constant conversation, laughter and hugs, as well a few forays out into the city for shows, restaurants, and the necessary souvenirs. Though for this island girl, the sensory barrage from Times Square was best taken in small quantities :-)

For me, the pleasure of seeing my critique partner from Illinois who I hadn’t seen in over two years, and reuniting with my Phoenix Arizona chapters’ friends, was the best part. Also, making new writing friends was so enjoyable that I can’t wait to start sending emails to keep in touch. 

Writing conferences of all kinds can be very motivating. We, as writers, all sit alone, before our computers listening to the characters in our head, focusing on finding the perfect words to describe the scene unfolding within our minds.  

It is only when we get together that we can truly share the trials and joys of our profession. And I bet many readers will be the beneficiary of this empowering conference as favorite authors who attended get back to work, energized and excited to produce the stories we all love.

Is there an author you are hoping will come out with a new book soon? Let me know, so I can watch too for the next riveting story. 

Alexis, who is energized and ready to hit the keyboard . . . again :-)

P.S. The photo is the view from my room at the conference.