"V" is for Virgin Islands National Park

French Grunts - National Park Service Photo

The island of St. John is the location of the 7000-acre Virgin Islands National Park. In addition, the park includes about 95% of Hassel Island  which is the western edge of St. Thomas Harbor. Hassel Island is about 135 acres in size and is 267 feet high.

Years ago, when we visited St. Thomas, we took a catamaran day-long trip to St. John and anchored offshore. The island is a lush-foliage paradise that features glorious beaches, hills, and valleys. Snorkeling and scuba diving are among the park's offerings, along with both short and long hiking trail excursions.

It is interesting to know that important prehistoric sites are located on almost every beach and bay in the National Park. I was unaware that many of these archeological sites date back to 840 BC. I also did not know about the Caribbean rock art found on the island.

There is a park alert currently for "two mosquito transmitted diseases (virus), Dengue, and Chikungunya Fever, now in the Caribbean. Both viruses are transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes, which have black and white stripes markings." That news is disturbing.

I love the Caribbean islands and am glad the National Parks include the island of St. John. If we visit St. Thomas again, I'll be sure to go explore Hassel Island. I'll also visit the Virgin Islands Archeology Blog which tells about the experiences of some of the Virgin Islands National Park interns.

National Park Service Photo

Writers Learn from Readers at Book Signings

Key West Sailboat - ©Mary Montague Sikes

As I reflect on a recent book signing, I realize writers can always learn at least one new thing as they talk with readers. I like to promote the exotic destinations that many of my novels feature.

"Do you like to travel in the Caribbean?" I ask, hopeful I'll learn that he or she has been to one of the islands my books feature and loved the trip.

"No. I've never been to the Caribbean."

"I haven't been to Antigua."

"I don't want to go to Jamaica."

"Where is Trinidad?"

These are the answers I often get. My publisher created the "Passenger to Paradise" series for my books, so those responses disappoint me. I wrote Secrets by the Sea  because a museum director on the island of Antigua intrigued me with his stories about the rich history of this tropical paradise. I hope to find readers who relate to the island's history or to the fact it was settled by the British. I want to find people who have gone to Jamaica and appreciate a fantasy story related to the legend of the white witch of Rose Hall (Hearts Across Forever). I want to discover those who have visited Mexico or Central America and have studied the Maya ruins because of those visits (Jungle Jeopardy).

Perhaps I am approaching potential readers the wrong way. Should I ask, "Are you an armchair traveler who fantasizes about visiting the tropics?"

With the unusual cold weather we have now in Virginia, a warm destination like Key West, Florida sounds perfect. I could curl up with a book set in a nice tropical place where warm breezes blow and sweet floral scents fill the air.

As a writer, what do you do for a positive response from readers? How do you you draw them into your settings? Do you learn from readers at your book signings?