Write to the Point with Darlene Franklin

Hi there wonderful readers. I am so excited to introduce you our writer today. Sit back and as we get write to the point with Darlene Franklin.

Tell us about yourself, family, where are you from, how long have you been writing?

I tell people that the most interesting fact about me is that I write full time from a nursing home. (More about that below).  My daughter died 5 years ago, but God has blessed me with a wonderful son, his wife, and four beautiful grandchildren.  I am from New England, but moved to Texas for seminary and have lived west more or less ever since.

I have been interested in writing all my life, but I began writing seriously (every day) in the wake of my divorce 22 years ago.  My first book (Romanian Rhapsody, still available as an ebook from Barbour) was contracted in 2003.

How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior?

My mother was saved when I was seven. I saw a big change in her, and also longed to belong to the church. So during VBS when I was nine, I asked Jesus to become my Lord and Savior. Hallelujah! 

Tell us about your latest book(s). What do want your readers to take away after the last page?

In Calico Brides, four unmarried women in the town of Calico, Kansas, decide that missions should begin at home, and each seek a special project from God. If we each look at our communities like that, what might God lead us to do?

I’d also love to mention three books from May: In Barncastle Memorial, an older widow and widower both celebrate their pasts and look forward to the future through a special “this is your life” vacation.  In Texas Brides, my novella, Angel in Disguise, takes the New Testament church as the model for caring for the poor. And Hidden Dreams, both hero and heroine have to trust God with their secrets.

Wow, you are one busy writer. You really must use your time wisely, I need to take some lessonsJ

How often do you blog and what do you cover in your blog?

I’m part of three regular blogs:

Every day, I write a devotional on that day’s “read through the Bible in a year” passage at http://mydailynibble.blogspot.com/

On Sundays, I write a potpourri blog about my life, my writing, contemporary news. . .whatever is on my heart.  I also share my writing news.  Check it out at darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com.

Once a month, on the 12^th, I write an article about some historical subject at christianfictionhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer. You have to love a story where the heroine’s father “steals” a preacher from a train for a birthday gift!  Not only that, but Karen makes it completely believable.

Ooh, I am going to be reading that book soon, I can’t wait!

Can you share with us a Genesis 5020 in your life?

Living in the nursing home! No one enters a place like this as an ideal choice. But since I’ve been here, God has blessed me so abundantly.  God has used me to encourage both fellow residents and staff, and I’ve had renewed ministry through my daily devotionals.

Do you have a life and/or a ministry verse?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NIV)  That’s the verse I cling to.

Here is a verse that struck me a few months ago in my devotional blog: “David proceeded with a longer stride, a larger embrace since the God-of-the-Angel-Armies was with him.” (2 Samuel 5:10, MSG) I’ve taken it as a challenge to stride longer and reach farther in my ministry.

Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to add?

You can find all of my books at Amazon and elsewhere.  Check for them at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=darlene+franklin

Darlene, thank you so much for taking time to talk to my readers, we love hearing from authors.

Readers, Darlene is giving away a copy of her book, Calico Brides. Leave a comment for her by June 18th at 5:00 Pm to be entered.