How Darlene L. Turner Found Her Way to Romantic Suspense
Multi-published and award-winning author Darlene L. Turner recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
From the first time I picked up a Nancy Drew book, I was hooked on the mystery/suspense genre. 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.
What do readers ask you when they meet you?
The question I get asked the most by readers? Where do I get my ideas? My answer? EVERYWHERE! Haha!
How do you connect with your characters?
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.
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books?
VERY carefully! Haha! After all, I don’t want the internet (or real) police after me. Kidding. Mostly through brainstorming with my fellow authors, movies, television, news, etc. I also have great reference books that help me decide. For example: I have the Howdunit Book of Poisons when I want to poison someone. My husband gets nervous when he comes home and finds that book on the dining room table! (insert evil laugh here! LOL)
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)
One of Charlie’s Angels! After all, they kicked butt in high heels. Seriously, I did want to become a police officer, but then reality set in, so no, that dream didn’t come true. Now I just write about them.
About Darlene
Darlene L. Turner is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada.
Connect w/Darlene
Website: https://darlenelturner.com/
Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner.
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…
