Archive for the ‘Writing’ Category
- In: Books | guest posts | Travel | Writing
- 8 Comments
Laura Best and I have been blogging buddies since we both had stories in the same anthology back in 2010. She is a fabulous writer of books set in Nova Scotia. I am pleased to be featured on her blog. Check it out!
Today, it is my pleasure to welcome author Darlene Foster to my blog. Several years back, Darlene and I were published in the Country Roads anthology together. Ever since that time we’ve been following each other on social media. Darlene is a wonderful supporter to other authors and an all round terrific author and person and I’m thrilled to have her as a guest on my blog.
Brought up on a ranch in southern Alberta, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, travelling the world and 
meeting interesting people. It’s no surprise that she’s now an award-winning author of the exciting Amanda Travels series featuring spunky 12 year-old Amanda Ross who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy travelling with Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, in Spain with her husband and…
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Guest Post, Daydream Believer
Posted on: July 20, 2017
- In: guest posts | Spain | Travel | Writing
- 15 Comments
I was invited to be a guest on Jan Moore’s site Work on Your Own Terms
Jan’s site is dedicated to helping women enjoy meaningful work that fits their lifestyle and providing mentorship on midlife reinvention. Check it out, you will find it interesting.
Photo by Donna Cluff
Daydream Believer: You Can Be One Too
by | Jul 17, 2017
I met Darlene shortly before she and her husband moved to Spain from Canada. I asked her to share a follow-up on her life Abroad and how it came about.
Guest Post by Darlene Foster
I can´t remember when I didn´t have the urge to travel and experience new worlds. My dear grandmother bought me a colouring book featuring children from around the world in traditional dress. I loved that book and wished, with each page I coloured, I could visit these places one day. Studies have proven daydreaming is good for young people because it plants seeds that often become reality. Of course, those dreams don´t come true without hard work and determination.
Read more here
http://workonyourownterms.com/daydream-believer-you-can-be-one-too/
Do you believe in daydreams?
Indie Author Friday: Darlene Foster #IndieAuthor #ChildrensBooks @supermegawoman
Posted on: April 29, 2017
- In: guest posts | Writing
- 20 Comments
Today I am a guest on Teri Polen´s blog. Check out my answers to her great questions.
We’re changing it up today on Indie Author Friday. Darlene Foster is sharing her exciting collection of children’s travel adventure books. Join Amanda as she journeys around the world and experiences new cultures and a few mysteries. Aren’t these covers beautiful?
Twelve year old Amanda Ross finds herself on an elegant riverboat with her bestie, Leah, cruising down the beautiful Danube, passing medieval castles, luscious green valleys and charming villages. When she is entrusted with a valuable violin by a young, homeless musician during a stop in Germany, a mean boy immediately attempts to take it from her.
Back on their cruise, Amanda struggles to keep the precious violin safe for the poor prodigy. Along the way, she encounters a mysterious monk, a Santa Claus look-alike, and the same nasty boy.
Follow Amanda down the Danube, through Germany, Austria and Hungary, as she enjoys the enchanting sounds of music everywhere…
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Ghosts and Spooky Things
Posted on: March 16, 2017
- In: Books | Travel | Writing
- 60 Comments
During my visit to York, I went on a ghost walk. A city with such a long and rich history is bound to have ghosts lurking about. In fact, York is known as the most haunted city in England. Our excellent guide took us to places where ghosts sightings and paranormal activity have been reported. We began the tour at the York Minster on a chilly misty evening.
One of many Ghost Walks available in York.
The York Minster looking spooky at night.
Our knowledgeable and entertaining guide.
I expected to an apparition to appear at any moment.
Some say the face of a young girl appears at the small window in this house. This ghostly child starved to death after her entire family died from the plague as no one was willing to go into the house to get her. Sad times.
Working in the cellar of the Treasure’s House in 1953, plumber Harry Martindale was terrified when a group of Roman soldiers walked past him. He noted that the figures disappeared into the floor at knee height. Later investigation revealed a roman road half a metre under the basement.
York is the birthplace of Guy Fawkes and is also where he is buried. Unfortunately, his head was buried in one place and his body in another. Apparently, he wanders the Shambles at night looking for his head. I didn’t encounter him, although I did find an inn named after him.
The ghost of Guy Fawkes is supposed to wander the Shambles at night looking for his severed head.
Mysterious splashes have been heard late at night at the site of the ancient Roman baths.
During a daytime walk around town, we found these guys hanging about.
The sign says, Here lies Fat Ken, our original shop skeleton who fell to bits because people loved him too much. Please be kind.
So why all the interest in ghosts, skeletons and creepy things? Probably because I´ve been busy doing final edits on Amanda’s next adventure, Amanda in New Mexico – Ghosts in the Wind. You guessed it, there will be ghosts in this story. What do you think of the fabulous cover my publisher created?
I´ve been on a number of ghost walks. They can be good fun and the guides are usually very entertaining.
Have you ever been on a ghost walk? Do you enjoy hearing or reading about ghostly encounters?
Guest author: Darlene Foster – Ten Truths About Critique Groups and Why Writers Need Them
Posted on: March 10, 2017
- In: guest posts | Writing
- 18 Comments
Today I am a guest on Sue Vincent’s blog where I talk about the value of critique groups.
Never underestimate the importance of a good critique group. Without one, a writer may simply flounder in a sea of words and ideas. A critique group can make the difference between a mediocre story and an excellent piece of writing worthy of publication. Without the support of groups I’ve belonged to over the years, I would not have six books and several short stories published.
If you are wondering if you should join a critique group, here are ten things about critique groups you should know.
- Not all critique groups are created equal. You may have to try out a few to find one that works for you. The members need not write in the same genre as you, in fact it helps if there is a variety of writing being critiqued.
- Park your ego at the door. Although it is nice to hear what the members like about your…
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- In: guest posts | Writing
- 30 Comments
Today, I am a guest on Krysten Lindsay Hagar’s blog.
How Writing This Book Kept Me Sane by Darlene Foster – See more at: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/blog#sthash.wHxhalxq.dpuf
A question I am often asked is where I get ideas for my books. In this case, I was fortunate to go on a fabulous river cruise down the Danube with my hubby and some good friends four years ago. We had a fabulous time and everywhere we visited I thought, Amanda would love this place. – See more at: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/blog/how-writing-this-book-kept-me-sane-by-darlene-foster#sthash.oAO6nKXj.dpuf
Krysten writes funny, true to life books for teens. Besides mining her teen years and humiliating moments for her novels, she is also a book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn´t like. Hop over to read my article and check out her blog and leave a comment.
Check out the trailer for Amanda on the Danube featuring some of my pictures from the trip that inspired me.
What´s in Store for 2017?
Posted on: January 4, 2017
- In: Dreams | quotes | Writing
- 41 Comments
It´s day 3 of the New Year and time to post my goals for 2017. We never know what´s in store for us as a new year begins but by setting some goals, I believe I can make it a good year.
First I want to share this great list of New Years Resolutions for Writers I found on Lynn Thaler´s blogsite.
Thanks, Lynn. These are perfect!! Check out Lynn´s blog as she writes some great posts, especially about her four dogs!
Over at It´s Just Life, Beth Ann challenges her readers to chose 3 words to focus on this year. I decided my three words for 2017 will be: kindness, strength and curiosity. I feel they will help me achieve my goals.This month Beth Ann will donate five cents to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® for every comment made on her site. A cause after my own heart as our Dot was a rescue dog. Pop on over and make a comment or two. Her posts are fun and enlightening.
My goals for 2017!
- Prepare Amanda in New Mexico – Ghosts in the Wind for publication in the fall of 2017.
- Return to Canada in October to promote the newest book
- Write Amanda in Holland, book seven of the series
- Explore places in Spain we haven´t been to before.
- Return to England to visit family and friends
- Go on at least one interesting trip outside of Spain
- Attend Pueblo Ingles or a similar program assisting Spanish-speaking individuals with their communication English
- Create a new up-to-date website
- Organize the files on my computer
- Learn to use the new Samsung Tablet Santa delivered!
- Keep in touch with family and friends, including friends on social media.
- Be kind, be strong and never stop being curious
Wish me luck with these goals! I would love to read about yours.
As my son recently said, “Happy New Year. Another year to Chase Dreams and Achieve more Goals.”
