FINDING OLIVIA - Darlene Wells - One Free Book

Welcome back, Darlene. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

My desire with every book I write, every story I tell, is to bring readers to a deeper understanding of God’s love, and his grace. Hopefully they see something in one of my characters that speaks to them, and helps them in that way.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The day our first son was born, for sure. We had tried to have a baby for four years. We’d gone through a lot of infertility testing, meds, all that. And we just didn’t know if we would ever have children. So, when I found out I was pregnant, I was afraid through much of the pregnancy, still not knowing what the problem had been. When Zach was born, I fully understood what a miracle he was!

How has being published changed your life?

Holding a book in my hands, with my name on it, has been a lifelong dream. It still feels unreal. But the thing that is the biggest blessing, and the most FUN is to hear from readers, about how they enjoyed a story, or learned something. It has just been very fulfilling and inspires me to keep writing.

What are you reading right now?

I actually just started a non-fiction book called Hiding in the Light, about a young muslim woman who converted to Christianity. She risked everything and has had to live her life in hiding because of that choice.

What is your current work in progress?

Book #3 in my Days of Grace Trilogy is, Loving Tilly. The trilogy wraps up, right back in the small town where it started. Readers will get to see what has happened with all the original characters, plus be introduced to Tilly Scott, a woman who has struggled her entire life with accepting love and friendship. Her relationship with God seems very strong, but it’s works-based because she really doesn’t think that even God loves her. The hero, Charlie, who is someone I am having a blast writing, will help bring her around!

What would be your dream vacation?

My dream vacation would be a trip to all the historic places in the United States. I am a very patriotic person. Our nation’s history fascinates me. I would love to stand in some of the most important places in the history of our country.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I try to write what I know, so that it comes across as realistic as possible. I’m a Northern California girl. So far, that’s where my solo books have been set. With the novellas I’m a part of, the settings were agreed on by our whole writing team.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I have to go to my patriotic sensibilities again! I would LOVE to spend an evening with George W. Bush, on the condition that he gets to answer ALL my questions, classified or not, LOL.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I have always loved interior design. I also enjoy all kinds of crafts. Sometimes I have so many ideas in my head of things to make or to try, I have to remind myself that I need to write!

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Procrastination. I think a lot of creative people tend to be procrastinators. We like to create as the mood strikes. But I’m learning that I have to set a regular word count per day, to make sure I don’t get caught unprepared when a deadline comes.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Just write. Whatever it is that’s burning in your heart to get out onto the page, write it. Surround yourself with people who are farther ahead of you in the process and learn all you can from them. And I tell everyone to join American Christian Fiction Authors. I joined in 2004, and it’s the wisest decision I have ever made regarding my writing.

Tell us about the featured book.

The featured book, Finding Olivia, is book #2 in my Days of Grace trilogy. It takes the character of Olivia, from book #1, and follows her on her journey to Hollywood in 1937, to become an actress. Olivia struggles with issues of abandonment and feeling insignificant, unwanted. She thinks that becoming rich and famous is the answer. Until she meets Nathan Grant, a young man who plans to be a pastor, who struggles with guilt. It’s a story of God’s love for us, regardless of who walks out of our lives.

Please give us the first page of the book.

June 1937

With her right hand, Olivia Hawkins grasped the handrail of the steps that led her from the train to her new life. In her left hand, the suitcase she’d found under her father’s bed. In the suitcase, all her belongings.

She stared in wonder at the sheer number of people at the Los Angeles train station. Men in suits, carrying briefcases, rushing to places unknown. Porters in their bow ties and caps, carrying as many suitcases as they could handle. Flustered mothers desperately trying to reign in their children. People who looked like tourists, studying maps and arguing over which direction to go.

The sights and sounds dizzied Olivia a bit. A warm southern California breeze blew a wayward curl in front of her eyes, tickling her lashes. She swept it away and held her hand to her stomach. Such flutters of excitement! Her eyes followed a nearby palm tree, its full length, reaching up to the clear blue sky. She squinted and shielded her eyes from the sun.

Someone nudged her from behind, nearly knocking her case from her grip.

“Hey, kid, you gonna get off the train, or just stand there and stare all day? Get a move on, I gotta be someplace.”

“Oh.” Olivia turned around to face the stranger. She bit her lip to hide her intimidation, looking up at the man in a black suit and black fedora. “I’m terribly sorry, sir. It’s just that I’ve never been to Los Angeles before.”

The man rolled his dark eyes. “Well, that’s great, lady. But can you do your gawking after you get off the train?”

Olivia’s cheeks blazed at the angry stares and murmuring behind him. She scurried down the train steps, mumbling another apology.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My email address is, gracewriter43@yahoo.com

I can be found on my website: www.darlenewells.com

Facebook: Darlene Wells Christian Fiction Author

Twitter: @DarleneWells_

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Thank you, Darlene, for sharing this new book with us. I can't wait until my copy arrives, so I can read it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Finding Olivia (Days of Grace Trilogy) (Volume 2) - Paperback
Finding Olivia (Days of Grace Trilogy Book 2) - Kindle

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