guest post, Other Authors

17 things you (probably) didn’t know about author Darlene Foster.

Rachael Ritchey

Darlene Foster is the author of the fanciful tales of Amanda, a young girl from Canada who finds herself on the most extraordinary adventures. Amidst all Darlene’s writing, she finds herself on her own adventures, and there’s much more to this writer than meets they eye!

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Today, I am pleased to welcome Darlene Foster to the blog! She’s been put through the ringer kind enough to come and be drilled for personal information share about herself and her lovely books.

Take it away, Darlene!

Seventeen things you (probably) didn’t know about author ­­­­­Darlene Foster…

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My first job, at 17, was a salesclerk in a local gift shop. I worked for a wonderful German woman who imported things from all over the world, which fueled my desire to travel. I loved helping people choose the perfect gift for someone, or something special for themselves. I learned so much from my employer and from the customers who frequented the store. It was a perfect first job and I held it for ten years.

If I wasn’t an author, I would likely be a tour guide.

I collect books and shoes. I know it is an odd combination but it’s what I do. I have limited space in my house in Spain so I am trying to cut back but it’s not easy. They don’t even go together as I usually read books wearing flip flops or slippers. But my shoes do share the same room as my books.

Rachael: haha! 🙂 At least they know how to share.

My favorite word is amazing! There are so many amazing things to see and do in this world. Every day should be amazing!!

I’m a big fan of Jane Austen. I wish she had lived longer and written more books. Her books are the only ones I read over and over. I’m also a big fan of chocolate.

Rachael: uh…ditto and ditto.

The smartest person in my cell phone is my younger brother who is the person responsible for creating my fabulous website. He’s smart, talented, artistic, funny, a financial genius and an all-around amazing guy.

The first time I received criticism on my writing, I cried. But then I looked at the criticism again and realized it was completely true. I reworked what I had written and it was so much better. I learned quickly that criticism helps you become a better writer.

Rachael: painful at first but oh so true!

People often tell me that I emit positive energy. I’m not sure about that as I can get quite tired at times, but I always try to look on the bright side.

The best thing I have ever read is a small book called Perseverance by Margaret Wheatley. It has got me through some tough times and is a book I can pick up and read many times and always get something new out of it. I have often given it as a gift and always recommend it.

I find inspiration in my travels and in the amazing people I meet along the way.

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My biggest fear is running out of time.

The best thing about being a writer is having a young person tell me they enjoyed my book/books. The second best thing is having an adult tell me they enjoyed reading my book/books. It makes it all worthwhile.

I spend way too much time on my computer. I’m glad I have a dog who drags me away for walks.

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It really bothers me when people are negative. I know there can be a lot of bad things out there but there are just so many more good things to talk about. Dwelling on the negative just makes it worse. I once read, if you wake up each day being thankful for three things, the rest of the day goes great! It works.

Rachael: Great advice! Take note, my friends.

I have always wanted to obtain a university degree.

The three websites I visit most often are Goodreads, Facebook and Trip Advisor

You’d be surprised to know that I am a vegetarian.

Wow! So much fun getting to know you better, Darlene. I’m always impressed by the lives of other authors. I love how I get to live a little vicariously through your adventures and outlook on life. Thank you so much for coming and being willing to answer my questions.

I’m so glad we were able to get to know Darlene better, but I hope you’ll take the time to check out her books and connect with her personally! I know Darlene would love it.

You can find Darlene Foster here:

  1. http://www.darlenefoster.ca/
  2. https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/
  3. Darlene Foster on Amazon
  4. Facebook
  5. Twitter
  6. Goodreads

Darlene Foster’s latest book in the Amanda series is Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind.

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Story Description: Amanda Ross is on a school trip to Taos, New Mexico with several fellow creative students. She shares a room with Cleo, an anxious classmate who insists she sees ghosts. Determined to prove there is no such thing, Amanda can’t seem to shake the feeling that something or someone is watching her.

Join Amanda, Cleo and their funny friend, Caleb, as they visit a rugged and beautiful landscape where a traditional hacienda, an ancient pueblo, and a haunted and spooky hotel all hold secrets to a wild and violent past.

Does Cleo really see ghosts? Can Amanda escape the eerie wind that follows her everywhere she goes?

Don’t forget to visit Darlene at the social media links above or head right over to her website (http://www.darlenefoster.ca) and say hello! We’d both love to connect with you here, too.

Have a great week and enjoy a book!

78 thoughts on “17 things you (probably) didn’t know about author Darlene Foster.”

          1. Yes life really does get in the way Rachael. By the way I’m looking for authors to do a blog tour for me beginning to middle of April would you be interested in hosting me? It would just be a simple copy and paste post. Plus if you’d be interested in reviewing? I’d really appreciate it if you’d consider it. Happy to repay the favour too in similar fashion. 🙂

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            1. Sure, Marje. I’d love to help. I’m running a short story contest the next few months, and my reading time is going to be pretty packed. I’d like to try to read and review, though. Depending on how that works out, I might be able to do it. 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

  3. Nice learning more about you Darlene. I agree that there are so many amazing things and a lot of positivity in our world. Focusing too much on the negative puts blinkers on us, and then we miss out!

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  8. Rachel, it’s lovely to learn so much more about Darlene through your post here! Darlene, you’re a bundle of energy and it’s contagious! Yeah to books … my other big collection is handbags!! And chocolate is a given! You’d make a terrific tour guide … and isn’t that what you’re sort of doing through your books. Guiding the reader into the story, navigating the adventures! Lovely photos of you and the children look full of enthusiasm and sparkle. xxx

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    1. Visiting schools and libraries is one of the things I love about being an author. That school always gives me such a warm welcome whenever I visit. The students love my books. I guess you are right, I am being a tour guide through my books. I never thought of it that way. Thanks!

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  11. Love the questions and answers, Rachael and Darlene. Thanks for sharing! I remember tearing up the first time I received criticism over a short story too, yet it turned out to be a valuable experience. And I totally agree about maintaining a positive attitude. I know it isn’t easy at times, but you seem to have mastered it!!

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    2. Thank you, Debra! I’m so glad you came to read and comment! The older I get the more I appreciate the stone upon which I am sharpened, and criticism is definitely one such hard thing to hone our effectiveness upon! 😀 And through it all, it’s gotten easier to maintain that positive attitude! Am I right? 🙂 Darlene has certainly mastered it! Have a beautiful day!

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      1. I suppose because I was always told by my parents that ‘people like me’ do not go to University. When I was a teenager there weren’t the ‘Mickey Mouse’ subjects on offer that there are now, and generally it was left to just the future lawyers, doctors and teachers etc. to get their degrees.

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        1. Adding all the fluff degrees almost takes all the prestige out it, though, doesn’t it. But I do believe there is not special person who goes to university. And the best news is that it’s not too late to get a degree! 🙂

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            1. I’ll hop on board that train. 😉 Actually, I think the self-motivated task of self-education with all the access we have to information and teaching these days says way more about a person than paying for a degree that rarely ever gets used except to say one has it. haha

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    2. Thank you, Marian! I’m glad you came by to read and comment. Darlene could probably go on answering questions forever, she’s been so many places and experienced so much. And Darlene, the closest phobia to the fear of time running out seems to be chronophobia! But that’s more for the fear of one’s life nearing its end. Ladies, what is it about a university degree that you find enticing? 🙂

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      1. I just love learning and I know I would have enjoyed attending university. I have taken courses at universities and always feel so at home there. Thanks for the phobia word, which could work. I always say things like, I won’t live long enough to read all the books I want to read etc.

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  16. What a lovely post and so informative because of good questions. I enjoy being a follower of Darlene’s blog though I don’t read her books. She always comments kindly on my own blog and it results in a good dialogue. Her life seems so balanced and we are very envious of her moving to Spain to live ……. we satisfy ourselves with regular holidays there!

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