Darlene L. Turner is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
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What initially drew you to writing, and how did you know you wanted to become an author?
My love of writing and mystery began when I picked up my first Nancy Drew book as a girl. I was captivated by trying to figure out the clues, so I started writing my own “Mindy Dobson” series, but even though I continued to read, the writing spark faded, and life happened. I didn’t have time to write…or at least, I didn’t think I had the gift, so I put it out of my mind.
Years flew by, and finally I decided to take a creative writing course. This triggered the idea for the very first book I wrote. That’s when my love of writing re-surfaced and grew.
What themes or messages do you find yourself returning to in your work?
My faith is the core in my stories. No matter what my characters go through, they always turn to God in the end. My themes tend to include redemption, forgiveness and being God’s light in a darkened world. I pray before I start writing and ask God to give me HIS words, not mine. I want to be His light. Someone once said that we write WITH God not FOR God. I like that. He’s right there with me when my fingers are flying across my keyboard, whispering into my ear His words!
How do you develop your characters? Do they ever surprise you during the writing process?
Developing my characters is my favorite part of the writing process. Once I figure out their vocation (and what actor/actress I will model them after!), I begin crafting their backstory, deep wound, goals, motivations, etc. I then take them through their lives to see what happened to them at ages 0-13, 14-20, 21-35, a year ago, six months ago, one hour before the story opens, 10 minutes. It’s a great way for them to come alive in my mind because once that happens, they will become alive for the reader. Yes, my characters tend to surprise me from time to time. Haha!
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
The best writing advice I received was to not give up. Keep going, even after rejections. Each rejection is one step closer to the “one.” It took me 10-12 yrs! I would pass that on to others writers. Don’t give up. I know that’s easy to say as there were times when I felt like giving up, but I had many supporters cheer me on. Also, read writing books, go to conferences, and find a writing mentor. These will all help you. Read lots in the genre you want to write.
When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing to recharge your creative batteries?
Tole painting (painting on wood), watching movies, going on walks with my hubby, and of course reading.
A case of mistaken identity.
A K-9 to the rescue.
Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man
Paperback Giveaway: Trail of Mountain Secrets
I’m giving away a paperback copy of Trail of Mountain Secrets. US/Canada only. For entries, please subscribe to my newsletter or like my Amazon page.
