God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you
see on the horizon?
I’m not entirely sure—my nose has been to the grindstone
while I’m working on three manuscripts due by March 1st! After that,
I have nothing . . . and trusting God to open the right doors at the right
time.
What I hope for is
the opportunity to write more trade-length historical romance.
Tell us a little about your family.
My family has changed composition in recent years. I lost my
daughter and then my mother; but my daughter-in-law has presented me with two
beautiful grandbabies. That makes me, my son, his wife, and their four
children. Nothing restores my spirits like Grandma time.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
It’s changed it a little. If I don’t watch out, I end up
reading non-stop mystery/thriller fiction! So now I add in a healthy dose of
historical fiction. So many wonderful authors—I feel so inadequate in
comparison! I also read a lot of resource books in preparation for writing.
Then don’t compare yourself to them. God gave you different
books to write. What are you working on right now?
I just finished the rough draft for A Bride’s Rogue in Roma, Texas, which will come out with Barbour
next fall. A straight-laced Victorian
maiden inherits a steamboat—together with the resident gambler! Now I’m working on five novellas—one
Christmas novella (Merry Christmas, With
Love, coming in Postmark: Christmas
next year) and all four novellas in a collection called Calico Brides.
What outside interests do you have?
I’m involved with our local ACFW chapter. I play piano for
our church choir. Aside from that, I keep busy writing full time.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
Sometimes the setting is suggested by the publisher or my
agent. I have written several books set in Texas ,
because “Texas
sells.” (Check any booklist and see how many are in the Lone Star state!)
Christmas at Barncastle Inn
is my fourth book with a Vermont
setting. The other three short historical romances have been repackaged as Maple Notch Brides. Lynette Sowell and I
roomed together at ACFW conference one year. We’re both native New Englanders
(now living in the southwest) and loved the idea of a Vermont setting for a Christmas story. Lots
of beautiful Christmas snow in the Green Mountains !
If you could spend an evening with one historical person,
who would it be and why?
I greatly admire Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Martin
Luther King, Jr.—if I could get over my awe of speaking with them. Eleanor
Roosevelt lived what she believed, and made such a huge difference, in spite of
personal tragedy. Jackie Kennedy raised two children who appear solidly
grounded—in spite of the very public spotlight. And what can I say about King?
He was God’s prophet to 20th century America .
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you
started writing novels?
That’s hard to answer. I have learned so much of what I know
by doing . . . Perhaps I wish I had understood marketing better. The best
approach, I believe, is to focus on a publisher and write with them in mind.
But like most authors, I wrote what I wanted and then thought “who might like
to buy this?”
In saying that, I don’t mean that I try to jump on trends.
But if I have a choice of two subjects—one, say, of an alternate timeline when
the South won the Civil War, and the second, a prairie romance—I work on the
prairie romance, because that might sell.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
Faithfulness in living with pain. Trusting His strength when
I am so often weak.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to
do to be successful?
Learn your craft. Learn to write well.
Fellowship with other writers, through local or online
critique groups, organizations such as ACFW.
Write regularly.
Tell us about the featured book.
You can experience Christmas during the time period of your
choice—if you rent the entire Barncastle Inn of Vermont for the whole week of
Christmas. When they first decided to do this, Jayne Barncastle is determined
to prove to her parents it will work. Will she overlook her own chance for
romance in the process? Will a World War II era White Christmas recreate a scene of forgiveness for an embittered
couple? Can a pirate’s lair be the place of fun-filled reunion for old lovers?
When coworkers assist in recreating the first Christmas for the inn, will they
discover romance?
Please give us the first page of the book.
Waverly Coe peeked past the receptionist’s desk at the
people and patients in the waiting room. Doc Alec devoted Thursday afternoons
to small animals. His staff had scheduled shots for Mrs. Jamison’s yellow Lab
puppy and an operation to prevent young Robbie’s Velvet from increasing the
surplus population of cats in Bennington
County . The doorbell rang
and Waverly caught sight of a familiar angular face pushing a baby stroller.
Was it that time of day already?
When the stroller came to a stop, Waverly heard smacking and
whimpering sounds, accompanied by the yips of Mrs. P’s dachshund. If Waverly
didn’t take immediate action, her baby Cinnamon would erupt in full-fledged
cries.
Waverly went out to the waiting room. “Hi, Mrs. P. How’s she
been today?”
“She’s been a doll, as always.” Mrs. Paulson, Waverly’s
landlady, took care of the baby during the day.
Waverly bent over the stroller and looked at the
auburn-haired infant, blue eyes scrunched together, chewing on the fist in her
perfect bow-like mouth. What a miracle that God had allowed this miracle to
come from her sin. “Hi there, Miss Sunshine.”
At the sound of her mother’s voice, Cinnamon slowly swiveled
her head until she found Waverly’s face. She kicked, all arms and legs.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have a web page/blog at
darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com. I’m also on Facebook.Thank you, Darlene, for stopping by my blog.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog. Christmas at Barncastle Inn
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
41 comments:
Love these novella's, and this one has great sounding stories in it.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Me, Me~ Please enter me. It sounds so interesting.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
I love Christmas-themed books.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
A Christmas novella! Please enter me in this giveaway!
I live in New York
This sounds like a good book. Thank you for the chance to win.
Angela in Florida
griperang at embarqmail dot com
I would love to go to a place like Barncastle Inn with a recreated theme, so fun!
Merry in TX
All four authors looked forward to writing our Barncastle books . . . we wish we could do more! (Easter? Valentine's Day?)It was fun to drop in for a visit.
And Angela? My novella next year is set in Florida! Postmark: Christmas (the book title) features four stories with ties to the Christmas, Florida post office.
I love any Christmas story - thanks for the chance
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com
I know what you mean! I love watching Christmas movies for much the same reason, they get me in the spirit!
Would love to win. Thank you
Lourdes in Huntington, NY
"Christmas at Barncastle Inn" looks just wonderful. I do love a Christmas story.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I too love novella's. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I would love to win. "Christmas at Barncastle Inn" sounds like it would be a great read.
Blessings!
Judy from Indiana
This sounds like a wonderful book to curl up by the fire to read. Can't wait.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
please enter me I love Christmas books
I live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
The author, the publisher, the title, the cover. Everything about this book tells me I would love it. Thank you!
Carly in NC
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
This sounds interesting and I love Vermont. Please enter my name.
Karen from New York near Albany.
kmgervais@nycap.rr.com
I love, love, love Darlene's books. Please enter me in the drawing.
Ginger in AL
Love the sounding of this book!
I'm Julie Waldvogel from West Hempstead, New York.
smileytwins@gmail.com
I love Darlene's books, especially her cozies. Would love a Christmas book! I live in the north Georgia mountains.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm at gmail dot com
Would love to win this book...sounds great....Faith's Grandma/Ohio
Darlene, what a wonderful story-line: Christmas in whatever era you wish. I'd have to go for something similar to "Holiday Inn" or "White Christmas" myself. If "Christmas at Barncastle Inn" is anything like the rest of your books, it will be a treasure to read.
Many blessings to you and Lena,
Beverly
Oklahoma City, OK
shereads@cox.net shereads{at}cox{dot}net
Looks interesting! Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks and God Bless!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!"
Lena and Darlene, thank you for the great Interview, I always look forward to them.
Darlene , so sorry you lost your Daughter and Mom, my heart goes out to you.
Your book sounds awesome, please add me to your contest.
Blessings to all.
I live in S.Illinois
ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)come
Looks very interesting!!
Please enter me in the drawing.
I love Christmas time.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
Sounds like good stories. I look forward to reading them.
kelly_mann(at)hotmail(dot)com
Mississippi
A big thanks to everyone who has stopped by--to those of you who love Christmas stories, to those of you who love MY stories, to those of you trying something new!
Here is my question for you: If you could choose the era when you wanted to celebrate Christmas, when would it be?
Debbie, I wish I was writing more cozies. . .but in the meantime, I truly enjoy historical romance and Christmas stories.
Ingrid, losing my mom and daughter has taught me the real celebration of Christmas in a new way--God with us, beyond the presents and the music and the lights. Praise the Lord!
Oh my! I so love a good Christmas book and Christmas at Barncastle Inn sounds wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy. :)
I live in Indiana.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Please enter me...would love to read this book.Thanks....jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
I'm anxious to read this book!I'm from Illinois angadair@nwcable.net
love to read TX teddytukufu(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the opportunity to win! I would love to read this, just from learning that Waverly is working for a vet (I love animals), and that she sees amazing blessing - her baby - coming even as a result of past sin. Wow! What a first page! God bless you in all that you do! I believe I read your Maple Notch books and possibly others for that publisher - thank you for ministering to and demonstrating faith in very difficult situations! Mama Cat - Jeanie in Phoenix
I have to love anyone who calls herself "Mama Cat." (Ask my Talia!)Thank you so much for sharing how my books have ministered to you.
Barncastle Inn seems like a lovely place for a story! Thanks!
Julie in MN
Beautiful cover and it looks like a beautiful read. Love to read this book.
from Iowa
I love Christmas books! What a fun idea, I'd like to stay at Barncastle Inn.
I'm from Texas.
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