Darlene Franklin Interview

Give us a couple sentences describing what you write.
I write Christian romance, historical and contemporary. I find my characters often end up in difficult situations, where God’s grace and love must see them through.

How would you label the overall mood of your stories: dark, gritty, poignant, sensitive, heart-warming, raucous, light, adventurous, witty? 
Dark? No. Gritty, perhaps. I have heard them called heart-warming and sweet.

What is the name of your latest book?
The book I’m talking about today is Colorado Melodies, which is a repack of three of my books: Romanian Rhapsody, Plainsong and Knight Music.

Using any celebrity, past or present, whom would you cast as your main characters?

• For Carrie Randolph, my naïve missionary working in a Romanian Orphanage: maybe a young Laura Gilbert.
• For Steve Romero, the widower who lost his wife and child in Romania: Cary Grant
• For Joe Knight, the art store owner with the heart of a romantic: How about Hugh Grant? Or even Errol Flynn?
• For Michelle Morris, a romantic who can’t seem to get her life together: a young Michelle Pfeiffer
• For Ty Knight, the family’s black sheep: Jensen Ackles
• For Sonya Oliveira: Sofia Vergara

What is the theme of your story and how did you come to it? Any real-life inspiration?
The sub-title says it all: “Three modern couples Seek Love that will endure hardships.”

            Romanian Rhapsody is the first book of mine that was published. I took my passion—for the various nationalities that have made America their homes—and focused on orphans coming from Romania (this was back in the 90s). From there, I added elements I know very well: a musical touring group. 

            By the time I finished Carrie and Steve’s story, Michelle had appeared as a romantic, best friend, so I wrote Plainsong for her. And Sonya Oliveia appeared in that story, a talented artist whose work was stolen. She earned her story in Knight Music.  

A sneak peek into what you're working on right now?

            I just finished edits to An Apple for Christmas, part of the Christmas Traditions series which will come out in late September. I’m also nearing the end on Runaway Love, a story about a single mom and a truant officer in a small Vermont town.

Describe your writing space.
My writing space is my computer sitting on a rolling bed table. I use it either when I’m sitting or in bed.

What do you do for a break if you find yourself overwhelmed with writing pressures?
Sometimes I take care of business which doesn’t take so much out of me. (Like creating a writing schedule for my next book). Other times I write something entirely different, like poetry. Or word search, tv, reading. Finding excuses not to write.

Do you blog? If so, leave us the address.
My blog is in a bit of a hiatus for now. I’m trying to come up with a better, more consistent format.

Bonus fun question: Candy corn or S’mores? Apple cider or hot chocolate?
S’mores, of course!  Real apple cider vs. hot chocolate—that’s a tough one. Maybe ciders, because they’re hard to come by.

Author bio:

Darlene Franklin’s greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Oklahoma, near her son and his family, and continues her interests in playing the piano and singing, books, good fellowship, and reality TV in addition to writing. She is an active member of Oklahoma City Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Christian Authors Network. She has written over thirty books and has written more than 250 devotionals. Her historical fiction ranges from the Revolutionary War to World War II, from Texas to Vermont. You can find Darlene online elsewhere at http://darlenehfranklinwrites.blogspot.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/Poet.Darlene.Franklin.

Book blurb:

Visit colorful Colorado through the stories of three couples longing for love’s sweet song. One couple’s compassion for orphans will either draw them closer or tear them apart. A young woman in survival mode will be swept off her feet by a true “knight.” And two people needing to rebuild their lives will find their hearts need renovated, too. Watch as these three couples’ stories intertwine with friendship, faith, and love in the presence of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

What about you, readers? Apple cider, or hot chocolate? S'mores or candy corn? 

Oooh! Let's have a virtual hotdog roast! I'm bringing the hotdogs and marshmallows! Feel free to join in and "bring" your favorite virtual bonfire foods!