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Rexanne BecnelAmerican writer
Country:
 USA |
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Rexanna Becknell Biography
Rexanna Becknell is an American writer and author of numerous best-selling romance fantasy novels. She spent most of her childhood in England and Germany, developing a love for ancient cities and medieval castles. Becknell's novels are set in various historical eras, but all her heroines share a common trait - they are extraordinary women capable of enchanting any hero. The author believes that the romantic genre empowers women, expands their horizons, and aligns with their natural desire for closeness and happiness.
Becknell has always been an avid reader. She wrote her first thriller novel while in college but did not initially pursue a career in literature. She played professional volleyball and later became a makeup artist. At the age of nineteen, she met her husband, a student in the architectural department of Southeastern Louisiana University. After getting married, they started a cosmetics business, and their family grew with the arrival of two children. Becknell managed the household, took care of the children, and ran the store.
However, one fateful day, she came across an article in her favorite magazine, "Cosmopolitan," about how to write romance novels. Despite never having read anything in that genre, Becknell unexpectedly found herself writing a novel. She utilized every spare minute, such as lunch breaks and quiet moments in her store, to pen her stories. She joined the New Orleans chapter of the Romance Writers of America, where she continues to be a member, and learned the craft from her more experienced colleagues. After four years of work and five unsuccessful attempts, her sixth manuscript was accepted by Pageant publishing, although it never made it to publication.
Undeterred by the disappointment, Becknell persisted in her writing journey. Her next novel, titled "My Gallant Enemy," was more successful and was published in 1990 by Del publishing. The story revolved around a marriage conspiracy that took place long before the families of the bride and groom became sworn enemies. The beautiful bride swore on the crucifix that she would never be intimate with her groom, but love proved stronger than hatred. The novel became a best-seller and went through multiple reprints.
Inspired by her success, Rexanna Becknell began writing two to three novels per year, predominantly in the historical fantasy genre. She has authored 28 novels and 2 short stories to date. Most of her works are set in the Middle Ages or the Regency period, although she has also written stories related to the history of New Orleans and several contemporary works with a Christmas theme. Around 13 of her novels have been translated into Russian by publishers such as AST, EKSMO, and OLMA-Press. Readers praise her well-constructed plots, fluid writing style, vividly portrayed characters, and beautifully written love scenes. Her debut novel, "My Gallant Enemy," and the medieval tale "Night Dove" received the highest ratings. "Night Dove" tells the captivating story of a stern knight and a beautiful maiden who desires to enter a convent, and their unexpected and passionate love. Other popular novels include the pirate-themed "Stolen Love" and "Rose of the Black Sword," a story of love between a cruel bandit and a heroine who enters into a marriage for a year and a day according to ancient tradition.
A Day in the Life of Rexanna Becknell
Rexanna Becknell's workday begins early in the morning. After seeing her husband off to work, she takes her dog for a walk before heading to a cafe. With a steaming cup of coffee in hand, Becknell writes three to four pages of her new novel - no more. Every two weeks, she compiles these daily fragments into larger sections of the manuscript, types them on her computer, and then shares them with her friend Sabrina Jeffries, carefully considering all of her critical feedback. This writing routine has been her practice for 14 years.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Becknell participates in the STAIR program, which promotes children's literacy, and advocates for its widespread implementation. She also continues to enjoy playing volleyball and tends to a small garden at her historical home in New Orleans, where she cares for the fish in her pond. Becknell considers herself a technophobe and has yet to create her own website, preferring to communicate with readers through regular letters.
To aspiring writers, Rexanna Becknell recommends learning the craft of writing through real-life interactions - finding a group of like-minded individuals who are also engaged in the writing craft and can serve as mentors and critics.
