Like just
about everyone else, I’m especially thankful for friends, family and fans. This
year, I’m also feeling thankful that I’ve been given the opportunity to start a
new career. A couple of weeks ago marked the 10-year anniversary of my exit
from Corporate America. I lost my job in a time of widespread downsizing. I’m
lucky that my spouse was able to absorb the loss of my income, which allowed me
to pursue writing these stories that had been rattling around in my head for
years.
I started
my writing career as a journalist right out of college, and my first job was
working as a newspaper reporter. Back then everything was about the facts: who,
what, where, when and why. Now, I’m writing fiction and making stuff up! (It’s
way more fun!) In these past ten years, I’ve published seven novels, have one
under contract with The Wild Rose Press, and have several works in progress. I
write women’s fiction and contemporary romance mostly on the “sweet” side.
I like to
read and write people stories – what brings people together or keeps them
apart.
Today,
I’d like to introduce you to Mandi Evans, one of my characters who’s thankful
for second chances in Something Good.
A
mistake. A blessing. A tragedy.
And
now, Mandi Evans has made it her goal to fade into anonymity. Once a straight-A
student with her choice of colleges, she’s withdrawn into a life that consists
of two jobs, an online class, and memories. Crippled by the past, she feels
unworthy of a better life – until Lane Whitmore walks into the diner where she
works six nights a week.
An
urban planner, Lane is looking to revitalize the rundown part of town where
Mandi’s hidden herself away. He can’t help but notice this diamond in the rough
as well, and what starts as simple good times grows to . . . something more.
With
Lane, Mandi feels alive again, and she makes a bold decision – one that could
chart her course on a path to redemption. But will keeping her plan a secret
from Lane turn out to be the biggest mistake of all?
I love
connecting with readers! Visit me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or at my
website. https://darlenedeluca.com/
Thanks for hosting me today, Angela! Also grateful for the opportunity to connect with readers and for authors willing to support others. Best wishes to all!
ReplyDeleteChange is difficult for many of us--I'm glad you found good reason to be thankful for a major upheaval in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. You're right. There was definitely an adjustment period!
DeleteI too lost a job due to downsizing. It can be devastating. But I'm thankful because it gave me opportunities I may not have today. Congratulations and best wishes for you writing. 🦉
ReplyDeleteToday is my brother's birthday, and I'm thankful for him.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
DeleteDelighted to meet you and Mandy. I'm thankful right along with you for your taking on writing as your next career move. Sometimes we have to wonder at the twists and turns life takes!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara! It's been an interesting ride! :-)
DeleteWelcome to the world of writing! So glad you've joined the garden.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer! Happy to be among so many talented authors!
DeleteI've often stated, "When one door closes, another one (or two) opens." Change is good, even though I have been known to resist changes. Yet it shakes the cobwebs free from daily routines and opens our eyes to the many other possibilities. So happy you went on to writing stories. Wishing you all the best, Darlene!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! You're right! I would probably still be stuck there if I hadn't been nudged!
DeleteI'm glad you're able to write what you love now. Best of luck with SOMETHING GOOD!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judith!
DeleteSounds like you have a lot for which to be thankful. Your writing career is taking off. Good luck. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteYour journalism training shows in your writing. Very smooth, no extra verbiage. I started out studying journalism in college, but as I wrote the stories, I kept thinking how much more interesting I could make them if I didn't have to stick to the truth! Fiction is more fun!
ReplyDeleteYes! I often have to make another pass through my manuscripts just to add details about setting and senses once I get the story down. Thanks for stopping by, Sally!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the garden, Darlene!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jean!
DeleteI enjoyed you story, Darlene. I'm glad you followed your dreams and ended up in The Garden with us. Welcome!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melody! Excited to be in The Garden!
DeleteHi Darlene- welcome to the Rose Garden as we call it. Loved reading your 'thank you for's' - Congrats on so many published books- sounds like downsizing was a gift! Sometimes they're so awful at first, but if you do what you love, it works out! Lots of success with your books, and your new WRP book! -- Christine Samuelson
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine!
ReplyDelete