I’ve been a mystery fan ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew book, so it was a natural decision for me to write romantic suspense. That blossomed into reading the Hardy Boys and watching shows like Charlie’s Angels (I now realize that cops do NOT wear high heels! Haha), Cagney and Lacey, then years later, Alias, Castle, Bones, CSI, etc.
How many publishers did you have to pitch before you got a contract with Love Inspired Suspense, who’ve been publishing your books for quite some time?
I've lost count. LOL. Many, but I learned from each one and pressed forward! They say that each rejection leads you to the “one." My agent pitched my first two trade books (never published) to many houses, and we didn't have any bites, so she suggested I write something for LIS (Love Inspired Suspense imprint). It was that book that was picked up by them. I now just finished writing my 15th book for them. Feeling very blessed.
My research has included law enforcement, firefighting, forensic botany (how they can use plants to help with a crime is fascinating!), forensic anthropology, forensic artist, avalanches, etc. I even spoke with a real-life Forensic Anthropologist. So interesting!!
I found out the following during my research on avalanches for Alaskan Avalanche Escape. Did you know that spitting in an avalanche can save your life? The moment the snow settles and you stop moving, carve out a small air pocket in front of your face. That space isn’t just for breathing—it’s your first tool for escape. Spit into the air pocket and watch where it falls. Gravity will show you which way is down. Then dig the other way. Who would have thought, right?
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
I'm humbled and honored to say that I've had eight of my books hit the Publishers Weekly Bestseller list. God is good! However, the best encouragement is from readers when they let me know how my book touched them in some way. That is the BEST!
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
A few things. I would tell my younger writer self to read more and not to compare myself with other writers as every writer's journey is different. I would also not be afraid to reach out to other authors and ask questions. We're all here to help each other!
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best advice I'd give to writer (and this was also given to me) would be to keep on and 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.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Write, write, write. I would also suggest reading lots, and to take your time on your journey. Develop your craft and trust that God has the perfect timing for your journey.
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My first full-length trade book is coming out with Love Inspired Trade. Echoes of Darkness releases June 24, 2025. Here's the back cover copy:
A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.
The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?
Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.
As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…
Sounds like an intriguing page turner! To learn more about Darlene's books, here are some links to get you started.
Website: https://darlenelturner.com/
Facebook (author page): https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O
BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenel.turner/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19553274.Darlene_L_Turner
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-L-Turner/e/B083RC78GW
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
I'm humbled and honored to say that I've had eight of my books hit the Publishers Weekly Bestseller list. God is good! However, the best encouragement is from readers when they let me know how my book touched them in some way. That is the BEST!
A few things. I would tell my younger writer self to read more and not to compare myself with other writers as every writer's journey is different. I would also not be afraid to reach out to other authors and ask questions. We're all here to help each other!
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best advice I'd give to writer (and this was also given to me) would be to keep on and 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.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Write, write, write. I would also suggest reading lots, and to take your time on your journey. Develop your craft and trust that God has the perfect timing for your journey.
My first full-length trade book is coming out with Love Inspired Trade. Echoes of Darkness releases June 24, 2025. Here's the back cover copy:
A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.
The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?
Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.
As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…
Sounds like an intriguing page turner! To learn more about Darlene's books, here are some links to get you started.
Website: https://darlenelturner.com/
Facebook (author page): https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O
BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenel.turner/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19553274.Darlene_L_Turner
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-L-Turner/e/B083RC78GW
Blog: https://darlenelturner.com/blog/
Newsletter subscribe link: https://darlenelturner.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Newsletter subscribe link: https://darlenelturner.myflodesk.com/subscribe
