Darlene L. Turner Q&A

Because Darlene L. Turner (the Plaid Queen) is one of our BRRC admins – her colleagues Debb and Heather decided they’d ask the questions this week as we get to know more about Darlene’s process…

What made you become a writer in the first place?

From the first time I picked up a Nancy Drew book, I was hooked on the mystery/suspense genre and knew I wanted to write my own stories. As I grew older, I liked to watch Charlie’s Angels, Murder She Wrote, and then eventually Alias, and Castle. I mean…who doesn’t LOVE a female sleuth, right? Writing suspense was a natural progression for me.

How did you learn to write well enough to be published?

Practice…practice…practice! LOL. I took a creative writing class, courses through the Jerry B. Jenkin’s guild, entered writing contests, attended writers conferences, and had an amazing mentor, DiAnn Mills. I also read (and continue to read) writing craft books. And…believe it or not…rejections helped too. All of these combined have helped grow me (and continue to) as a writer.

Book number twelve is just about to release… do you have a well-set routine by now?

My writing process has evolved over the past few years, but here’s my routine. I’m a pantser, but I have a little bit of a plotter in me. Haha! I start with an idea and then decide on my hero and heroine’s vocation. Then brainstorm it into a plot line. I develop my characters through a character sketch, establishing their backstory. Then I dive in and write the first three chapters. Because I have to write a full synopsis on every book proposal, that forces me to figure out how my story ends, but sometimes as I sit down to write the book, some events in my plotline change. I don’t always know how the book ends but have a general idea.

In this week's Pages of My Life, @darlenelturner gives us the insider view of her writing process. Share on X

Can you tell us about your favorite part of writing and the toughest?

Developing my characters is my favorite part of the writing process. Once I figure out their vocation (and what actor/actress I will model them after!), I begin crafting their backstory, deep wound, goals, motivations, etc. I then take them through their lives to see what happened to them at ages 0-13, 14-20, 21-35, a year ago, six months ago, one hour before the story opens, 10 minutes. It’s a great way for them to come alive in my mind because once that happens, they will become alive for the reader.

My least favorite? Writing the dreaded synopsis! I think that’s probably most authors worst nightmare. I’m a pantser, so it’s hard for me to plot out the storyline because when I go to write the book, I tend to go down rabbit trails. Sometimes they work. Other times…not so much. LOL.

What has surprised you about being a full-time writer?

Just how much I LOVE it! Well, that and the fact that I work more hours now than I did when I worked for an insurance company! I love that I’m doing what I love. Creating stories to shine God’s light.

What do you wish readers knew about writing a book?

Writing a book is tough! LOL. Writers go through phases while writing. For me, the first part of the novel is fresh and exciting. Then I go through the “I hate this story so my readers are going to hate it” stage – this is normally the middle of the novel. Then I get a ‘second-wind’ and reach the climax and think…”this novel isn’t so bad after all.” Once I write the final line, I’m at the “oh man…this first draft needs help.” That’s my roller coaster ride of writing a book. Ha ha!

And what’s one thing your characters have taught you?

To listen to them! Sometimes, they do and say things that shock me, but I’m learning to listen to what they have to say. Tee hee.

 

 

 

Darlene L Turner is a multi-published award-winning, best-selllng writer who makes her home in London, Ontario. She’s loved suspense since she was a little girl. Now a full-time writer, she harbors a secret collection of colored pens and plaid shirts. Her twelfth book releases this month, and there are more on the way. Darlene is becoming known for her high-octane plots and page-turning talent.

Learn more by visiting her website and checking out her BRRC Author Profile.