Hello readers! I had the pleasure of meeting fellow Christian romance author, Darlene L. Turner at a writers conference a couple years back and I can tell you she is a wonderful lady. So, of course, I’m thrilled to welcome Darlene to the blog today! 🙂 Before we get to her post, though, let me tell you about her upcoming release!

Protecting a child…

could cost them their lives.

Saving a boy who has escaped his captors puts Canadian border patrol officer Hannah Morgan right into the path of a ruthless child-smuggling ring. Now with help from police constable Layke Jackson, she must keep the child safe. But can they rescue the other abducted children and bring down the gang…all while protecting a little boy and keeping themselves alive?

Here’s where to grab your copy:  Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Barnes & Noble | Chapters-Indigo

Darlene’s Day

By Darlene L. Turner

Want a look into a writer’s life? Television shows us living in luxury and going on many trips. That may be the case for some best-selling authors, but not the case for the majority of writers. So, what does a typical author’s day look like? Here’s mine.

I wake up at 5:30 a.m. and spend time with the Lord. After a cup of coffee, I head to my office to catch up on emails and get my social media posts ready. I like to then take a break to go for a walk in the fresh air. For the days when it’s raining (I do walk when it’s snowing though!), I head to our treadmill.

Then it’s time to get writing! I work on blogs or my current WIP. Of course, there’s also research. Some days an author can get buried in discovering new things to help make their book be authentic.

Here’s a peak at my writing office. I love the bright colors and the sunflower blanket was cross-stitched by my dear mother. It’s such a cheery place to write!

In the evenings, I go on social media and respond to those who’ve commented on my posts, building relationships with readers and other authors. Sometimes I zoom with other writers. We write for twenty minutes and stop to share how many words we’ve written or brainstorm ideas. I live in Canada, so it’s so great to connect with writers all over the world. Such fun. Love my writing community.

Most weekends I spend at my computer creating blogs, my next manuscript, or connecting with readers. What do I do in my spare time?

I love to read, knit, watch movies, and tole paint. This is painting figures and scenes onto wood surfaces (see picture). It’s one of my favorite things to do to relax.

I’ve been asked if there are any treats I like to have while I write. I normally have a cup of coffee beside me. My fave? Either raspberry chocolate or pumpkin spice. I love anything pumpkin! I’ve included a yummy muffin recipe.

I hope you’ve enjoyed getting a sneak peek into a writer’s life. Each day can bring a new and exciting adventure. Blessings!

 

 

 

 

 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cloves
• ¾ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• ½ cup vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt by whisking them together.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Whisk in the pumpkin, oil, and orange juice.
4. Pour these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix together using a spatula or wooden spoon. There will be some lumps. Don’t overmix.
5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Fill muffin liners ½ to ¾ full.
7. Bake 17-18 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and transfer from tin to cooling rack.

 

Enjoy!

Darlene L. Turner’s 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.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April, 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense. She has two books releasing in 2021: Abducted in Alaska (March) and Lethal Cover-Up (August).

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

Did you enjoy Darlene’s description of her day? Do you plan to try her recipe? Let her know in the comments below!