Welcome, everyone.
Darlene L Turner, an award-winning author of romantic suspense, blesses us today. Darlene lives with her husband, Jeff, in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book.
She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.
And she’s offering a giveaway: one copy of Border Breach to someone who joins the conversation below. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
Darlene L Turner in her own words: “I’m a Writer?”
“Darlene Lynn, get your nose out of that book and vacuum!”
My mom often said these words when I put my books before my chores. Not that she didn’t want me to read, but I needed to also help out around the house. To this day, I’d rather read than do the dishes or laundry (but who doesn’t, right?!). 🙂
Growing up, I was better known as “Red” or “Carrot Top,” but ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew book, I’ve always loved a good mystery. That’s when my love of writing took hold of my heart. I started writing my own “Mindy Dobson” mystery series! Even though I continued to read, the writing spark faded and life happened. I started working, got married, and eventually moved to a different city. 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 then the unspeakable happened. I went through some rough times and a betrayal by someone close to me (you can see my full story on my blog under My Story https://darlenelturner.com/category/my-story/). On my journey working through the hurt, 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. So, God does use ALL circumstances in life to grow us, right?
Darlene Begins to Write
With the spark re-ignited, I joined a writer’s club and my passion for writing grabbed my heart.
I took writing courses through the Christian Writer’s Guild (CWG) to grow my skills. I wrote devotionals, articles (personal experience, travel, inspirational), and short stories. But even after this and having my first article published in a magazine, I still didn’t feel like I could call myself a writer.
Finally after graduating from the Craftsman course at CWG, finishing my first novel, and being led to start blogging, did I dare call myself a writer? Seeing my name in print on a website seemed to make it official for me—not in a boastful way but feeling proud of what I’d learned and accomplished. It was an “aha” moment. I did it. I was a writer! At least that’s what my business cards said. J
Darlene L Turner’s Writing Journey
However, I still had a long roller coaster journey ahead of me. After I’d written that first manuscript, I began pitching it to agents at writer’s conferences. I’d get interest but never a contract. I started to question if I was doing something wrong. Maybe I just wasn’t cut out for this writing world. There were times I felt like quitting, but then I’d get an encouraging word from a reader or I’d final in a contest. In 2016, I won my first award. This encouraged me to press on, so I continued.
I wrote another romantic suspense manuscript and it ended up winning the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis award in 2017. A few months later, God gave me an incredible gift. An amazing agent, Tamela Hancock Murray. She started pitching my manuscripts and suggested I write something for Love Inspired Suspense.
I started brainstorming ideas on what story I could write. I’ve always been intrigued by law enforcement. I wanted a strong female character who knew how to take care of herself and the Canada Border Services Agency caught my attention. I googled popular items being smuggled and saw that there was a bust for the doda drug in Saskatchewan. Knowing I had to partner Kaylin Poirier with a forceful police officer but one with teddy bear qualities, I knew Hudson Steeves fit that bill. I also wanted to give them a past case they worked on together that didn’t go well, so they both would be a bit apprehensive about teaming up again.
Darlene L. Turner Debuts
This was when Deadly Bouquet (my original title) was born. I sent it to my agent and months later, I received that call. You know, the words every author dreams about hearing. “You’re going to be published.” Needless to say, I did a happy dance! Yes!
I still pinch myself when I think of it. My dream that had sparked from the first time I picked up a Nancy Drew book as a young girl was finally coming true. Border Breach launched in April. Even though I had already considered myself a writer, I can finally say . . . Yes, I’m a published author. I am blessed. God is good…all the time.
A Darlene L Turner Giveaway!
I’m giving away a copy of Border Breach to one reader. Leave a comment and tell me your favorite childhood book. Open to US and Canada only. If the winner is Canadian, they will need to answer a skill-testing question (don’t worry it won’t be hard!).
Border Breach by Darlene L Turner
When drugs are smuggled across the border, it’s their duty to stop the culprits . . . at any cost.
Forming a joint task force, Canada border officer Kaylin Poirier and police constable Hudson Steeves have one objective: take down a drug-smuggling ring trying to sell a new lethal product. But when the smugglers come after Kaylin and Hudson, this mission becomes more than just a job. Can they live long enough to solve the case?
Darlene’s social media:
Instagram: darlenel.turner
Purchase Links:
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Lord, please bless each word Darlene writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake
My favorite childhood book was any mystery I could find. I love watching police shows and trying to solve the mystery. Great interview. Enjoyed learning more about the author.