The Story Behind the Story with Author Darlene Foster of Alberta, Canada.

 

 

The Scribbler is most fortunate to have Darlene Foster back. A charming and incredibly friendly lady.

If you missed her previous visit, please go HERE.

 

I invited Darlene to share her Story Behind the Story and I’m happy she agreed to be our guest this week.

 

Read on, my friends.

 

Darlene Foster grew up on a ranch in Alberta, Canada, where her love of reading inspired her to see the world and write stories. She is the author of the exciting Amanda Travels series featuring spunky Amanda Ross, a twelve-year-old girl who loves to travel. All ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another in unique destinations. When not travelling, meeting interesting people, and collecting ideas for her books, Darlene relaxes at her home in Spain with her husband and rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.

Working Title: Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral

 

 

 

Synopsis: Amanda is in love! With Paris – the city of love. She’s in awe of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. While there, she gets to work as a volunteer and stay in a famous book store, along with her bestie, Leah, and Leah’s eccentric Aunt Jenny. A dream come true for a book lover like Amanda.

Except, while she’s at the Paris Opera House there is a bomb threat. Then the lights go out during their visit to the Louvre. Worst of all, a devastating fire blazes in Notre Dame. Why does a mysterious man, who claims to be a busker, writer and artist, show up every time something bad happens?

 

Join Amanda as she explores the exciting streets of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles, and the gardens of the painter Claude Monet, all the time looking for clues as to who would want to destroy such a beautiful, historic cathedral.  

 

 

 

The Story Behind the Story: My dream to visit the romantic city of Paris came true when we took our dog on a road trip to visit friends living on the outskirts of the city. Paris, and the surrounding area, was everything I imagined it to be and more. Our friends kindly took the time to show us around this fabulous city as well as Monet’s gardens in Giverny and the amazing Palace of Versailles. I was so excited and knew it would be a perfect setting for Amanda’s next adventure.

 

While there, I visited the famous book store, Shakespeare and Company, and learned about their Tumbleweed Program where book lovers and writers can actually stay at the book store in return for volunteering there. I knew Amanda would like that.

 

A year later I sat in front of the television sobbing as I watched Notre Dame Cathedral burn. I knew immediately I had to include this terrible event in the book.

 

Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral will be released September 13^th, 2022. It is available for pre-order. A free digital ARC can be requested for review from NetGalley.  http://netgal.ly/eLELmj

 

Website: http://www.darlenefoster.ca/

  

 

A question for you before you go Darlene:

 

What is your favourite part of writing and the part you enjoy the least?

Doing the research is my favourite part as it usually involves travelling to the location the story will take pace in. Since I enjoy visiting unique locations, historic sites, old churches and cemeteries this is no hardship for me. I also love trying out the local cuisine and learning about the culture which I try to incorporate in the story. Part of my research is people watching, something I can do all day. Later, when I am back home with my notes and pictures, I start writing the story and am able to relive my experiences. I also enjoy researching things on the internet, although I do get lost down some rabbit holes at times.

I didn’t used to like the editing part of writing. When I am finished a project, I like to move on to the next one. But I soon learned how important editing is and how you need to go over each manuscript numerous times until it is as error free as possible and good enough to be published. I once said to my husband as I went through a book for the twentieth time, “It’s a good thing I like these stories as I almost have them memorized by the time they are published.”

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be a guest on your blog, Allan.

 

 

 

It’s my pleasure to have you return Darlene and thanks for the SBTS for your latest work. Wishing you continued success with your stories.

Thanks to all you readers and visitors. Please feel free to leave a comment for Darlene and the Scribbler.