Darlene and I first meet at the ACFW conference in 2017. We were Genesis Finalist buddies and quickly became real life friends. We spend time brainstorming, chatting, and encouraging each other on a regular basis. I am so proud of Darlene and her debut novel.

Please welcome Darlene Turner!!

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How does it feel to be a debut author? A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.   It’s all surreal as my dream is finally coming true. It’s also scary as there is SO much to learn, but I have amazing writer friends who’ve been helping me along the way. Of course, you get nervous about what readers will think of your “baby,” but you have to let it go and simply enjoy the ride!

 What did you do when you got “the call”?  While I was on the phone with my agent, I was jumping around the kitchen (and inwardly screaming YES!). The funny thing is my husband had the best reaction. When he came home from work (and he couldn’t get home fast enough for me!), and I told him, he stomped up and down the hall. He was so excited!

 Where did you get your idea for your book? I’ve crossed different borders into the States many times, and I’ve often thought it would be fun to put a female border patrol agent together with a police officer to solve a smuggling ring. When I started googling some ideas, the Doda drug came up and that’s when the storyline came to me.

How long does it take you to write a Love Inspired Suspense novel?  From start to finish – probably 3-4 months. It’s the editing process that takes the time because you have to go through many revisions of your novel.

Tell us a bit about your debut novel?  Kaylin Poirier and Hudson Steeves have worked together before, but it did not go well. They clashed at every turnDoda and now suddenly, they’re thrust into solving a deadly smuggling ring bent on infiltrating their country with a new powerful drug derived from poppies.

Kaylin and Hudson both have to face their pasts, learn how to forgive, and ultimately put their trust in God.

What is your typical day like?  I work full time, so after work, I give myself a break by getting on my treadmill and watching a show I PVR’d (I used to say “taped,” but someone corrected me the other day. Haha). Then I have supper and get to work either on writing, plotting, researching, marketing, or zooming with some amazing writer friends! 

When did you start writing? When I was young, I loved to read Nancy Drew, so I started writing my own version – the “Mindy Dobson” series. I wish I’d kept them as it would be fun to go back and read it (and laugh). I always wanted to write but stopped until I was older. I got more serious about writing ten years ago.

What is the hardest part about being an author?  Definitely, the marketing and social media. It’s so hard to “sell” yourself and not sound like you’re bragging!

Who is your favorite author?  I can’t just say one as there are SO many amazing authors out there. I would narrow it down to three – DiAnn Mills, Steven James, and Ted Dekker

 Now for the important questions:

Pepsi or Coke?  Neither! Ginger ale all the way, baby! 

Candy, cookies, or cake? How about all three? If I had to choose…probably cookies.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee!

Favorite vacation?  Maui, Hawaii!

Favorite TV show? I have many (mostly suspense shows) but would have to say When Calls the Heart – it’s such a wholesome show and has a handsome Mountie in it (What more do you want?) It’s also based on books by a fellow Canadian author!  I’m a Heartie!

Favorite Movie?  Lord of the Rings

Any hobbies? Pets? Activities?  I love to tole paint – this is painting on wood pieces. Of course, I love to read. No pets, but if my husband wasn’t allergic, we’d have a cat (or two).

Be sure to check out Darlene’s website: https://darlenelturner.com/

Thanks for joining me, Darlene!

Come back in May for a special blog post discussion with Deborah Clack where we talk about our Author Fan Girl moments, and have an opportunity to enter a giveaway to win your choice from multiple prizes.