Author Spotlight: Darlene Fredette Is Here with a New Release!

Isn’t it a treat to discover writers who are new to you? I love it when that happens and Darlene Fredette is one for me. Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. Retired from a career as Director of Administration and Marketing, she now has eleven published contemporary romance books and is an artist at heart. When she isn’t researching her next book or having a pencil, paintbrush, or a cup of hot chocolate in her hand, she’s with her husband, daughter, and one-hundred-pound yellow Labrador.

Hope you enjoy this little chat I had with Darlene!

N: Welcome to the blog, Darlene. I’m so delighted to have you with us today. So, opening question, what comes first—characters or plot?

A: I would have to say the characters. In the first chapter, you are introduced to Jade (the heroine) and Eric (the hero). Their brief interaction is interrupted by a crisis. That’s when the plot kicks into gear.

N: Your new novel, Trickster just released on March 23. Tell us how that story came about.

A: Jade Parsons made cameo appearances in two other books in my Redford Falls series. She deserved her own story, but her character is quiet and reserved, and other cast members stole the spotlight. When my writing group came up with the idea of writing a series together about a magical mortar and pestle, Jade stepped up. This was her chance to shine.

N: What is the most surprising thing you discovered about yourself while writing Trickster?

A: I haven’t self-published before and I probably wouldn’t have if I hadn’t been dragged along the way by the six other authors. There was so much to learn about the process and I was ready to quit several times. But the determination to write Jade’s story persisted, and I finished before the deadline. When you’re determined enough, you’ll get the job done.

N: Can you share with us something about Trickster that isn’t in the blurb?

A: There’s a kidnapping, an appearance by a legendary animal, and a wedding. You’ll have to read Trickster to find out more <grin>.

N: Give me three words to describe your heroine Jade Parsons and three to describe your hero Eric Martini.

A: Jade – strong, caring, and a healer. Eric – moody, hides his pain, regretful.

N: What do you hope your readers will take away from this book?

A: Magic is out there. You just need to open your eyes to see it.

N: What is the most difficult part about writing for you?

A: I’m a perfectionist, so I can’t rush through a story. I need to write as cleanly as possible the first time, so when I do start editing, there’s less to find. Unfortunately, my need for perfection causes me to be a slow writer.

N: You are an artist as well as a writer. I saw on your website that you work in several mediums. Which one is your favorite?

A: I’ve always loved to draw and paint, but I recently discovered digital art. It’s my new passion. I can draw and bring that drawing to life like never before.

N: Writing can be an emotional, stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

A: Follow your dream. If you want to write and publish a book, do it. At times you’ll fall, but get back up. As I said previously, when you’re determined enough, you’ll get the job done.

N: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A teacher or a veterinarian. I also wanted to be an astronomer, a volcanologist, and a geologist.

N: Favorite book when you were a kid?

A: The Aristocats and One Hundred and One Dalmatians. I also loved reading Archie comics and had a good collection of The Hardy Boys Mysteries.

N: And here is my signature question that everyone loves: If you could choose three people, living or dead, to invite to a dinner party, who would they be and why?

A: Carol Burnett, because she’s my favourite comedian/actress. Michael Buble, because I love his music. My Dad, because I miss him and would love to see him again if only for one day.

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Giveaway!

Darlene is giving away a free PDF copy of The Mortar and Pestle Preview. This preview document is similar to the free prequel offered in Book Funnel, but the preview has tons of additional fun stuff – more graphics, book teasers, an inside look at how the series came to life, and much more! To get this free preview, pop over to her author website and send her a note using the Contact Form on the left sidebar. No rafflecopter, no contest, and no drawing of names. Just send her a note through the secure Contact Form. It’s that easy!

Trickster

Can she heal the trickster before he breaks her heart?

Working for a top modeling agency is Jade Parsons’s dream job until her boss suffers a heart attack, and his son temporarily fills his position. Eric’s push-pull approach fuels her frustration. While anticipating the troublemaker’s imminent departure, Jade’s destiny is revealed through a magical mortar and pestle, leaving her heart tormented by whispers of a different fate.

World-renowned photographer Eric Martini returns home to restore his relationship with his estranged father, but wounds from the past haunt him. Enchanted by his father’s feisty assistant, he masks his heart and refuses to give in to desire. Convinced his destined future is already written in the stars—and doesn’t include Jade, Eric’s only choice is to walk away.

Will Jade and Eric find the courage to trust the mythical and smokey signs before their paths are severed forever?

Amazon US | Amazon CA