Location: Canada
Member Since: Sep. 09, 2011

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Darlene Jones

Biography

Darlene Jones is a retired educator and writer. A graduate of the University of Alberta she was a teacher, principal, second language consultant, and staffing officer with Edmonton Public schools. Her multiple roles included second language curriculum development for secondary students. After retiring she continued to provide educational workshops for teachers in the province of Alberta.

Her career began as a volunteer with Canadian University Services Overseas. She taught school in Mali and it was the plight of the Malians that inspired her to write her first novel—science fiction—described by readers as a “think piece.”

She continues to write fiction that incorporates topics such as world affairs, aging, and Alzheimer’s, with the added mix of adventure, romance and humor.

Smashwords Interview

If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be and why?
Oh man! I thought I’d write a book to answer this question. One book became four and now you want me to answer in one paragraph?

There are so many things that need changing. Equal distribution of wealth, excellent education for all, an end to religious and tribal enmity, no more drug use and abuse … This list could go on and on, but if you’re going to restrict me to one thing, I have to say I would like to see an end to all wars and armed conflicts. So much blood shed for what purpose? Do I think it’s possible to stop war? Pessimistically, no. Realistically, no. But wouldn't it be nice?

Don’t get the idea, by this answer, that my books are heavy and dismal. They do deal with the worlds woes, but they have adventure, a few fight scenes, humor, and of course a love story for what's a novel without the love interest?
Why does your daughter hate your book?
“Argh! I hate this!” It’s my daughter speaking.
My heart sinks. She’s reading my first novel. Surely, it’s not that bad. “Why?” I ask. Do I really want to hear the answer?
“It’s a great story, Mom. I’m totally into it and then, bam, I read a part and I see you. Jolts me right out of the story.”
Well, that makes sense, I guess, since this reader knows me so well. But I start to worry a bit when I hear similar comments from close friends. Oh, no, I think. I've done something terribly wrong.
Or have I? My daughter’s comment gets me thinking. If we knew the authors of the books we read, would we be saying the same thing? To what extent do authors reveal themselves in their fiction? Can authors completely distance themselves from their writing? Would we want them to?
Recently Jim Ainsworth wrote a piece on Venture Galleries (http://ow.ly/kNT4c) about the importance of making connections with others. He quoted Professor and writer John Dufresne who says, “A book should offer hope. It should lift up the reader. It should give the reader a reason to live—should he need one. Life is not easy for any of us, but the pain of loneliness is often unbearable. The writer is saying, among other things, ‘You’re not alone.’”
And what better way can a writer say, “You are not alone,” than by imbuing their stories with the strength and gift of their presence?
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Darlene Jones online

Website: http://darlenejonesauthor.com
Twitter: @darlenejones47
Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog: http://emandyves.wordpress.com

Where to buy in print

http://www.amazon.com/EMBATTLED-ebook/dp/B005ZLLR4M/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320343739&sr=1-3

Series

Em and Yves by
Embattled
Price: Free!
Empowered
Price: $2.99 USD.
Embraced
Price: $2.99 USD.
Embroiled
Price: $2.99 USD.

Books

Whispers Under the Baobab by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 66,820. Language: English. Published: April 25, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action, Fiction » Romance » Suspense
When rebel leader, Sidu Diagho’s life is threatened by evidence of his actions, he must find and destroy the reporter’s files and silence the girl who may know too much.
When the Sun Was Mine by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 44,140. Language: English. Published: October 7, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Amateur sleuth, Fiction » Romance » Suspense
Brit is determined to help Flo, who may or may not have Alzheimer's, but it's Flo who may have the biggest surprise for her young friend.
Mali to Mexico and Points in Between by
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 29,590. Language: English. Published: April 3, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Entertainment » Humor & satire » Form / anecdotes & quotations, Nonfiction » Entertainment » Humor & satire » Topic / relationships
(5.00 from 1 review)
I have to tell you a story. Excerpts from a life well lived including stories of my travels, my friends, my family, and my career as a teacher. .
Embroiled by
Series: Em and Yves, Book 4. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 71,370. Language: English. Published: April 18, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
(5.00 from 1 review)
Emily is obsessed with the notion of going “up there.” She arrives to a world in crisis. Saving it and the man she loves is up to her.
Embraced by
Series: Em and Yves, Book 3. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 79,820. Language: English. Published: August 30, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Urban
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
Could the clickings Abby hears in the fillings of her teeth be messages from aliens?
Empowered by
Series: Em and Yves, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 84,910. Language: English. Published: March 24, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General, Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi
(5.00 from 1 review)
Is Jasmine crazy to let the visions she experienced as a child rule her life?
Embattled by
Series: Em and Yves, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 71,720. Language: English. Published: November 6, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Urban, Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.00 from 3 reviews)
My face is on every television, in every newspaper. They say I’m saving the world.

Darlene Jones' tag cloud

adventure    alien contact    aliens    alzheimers    animals    body guards    boomer lit    coming of age    communication    coup    deception    destiny    dictator    dreams and visions    emotions    excons    family    feelgood    free science fiction    free science fiction romance    friendship    gods    gods promises    heaven    humor    hypnosis    kidnapped    love story    magical powers    mali    mental telepathy    metaphysical novel    mexico    mind reading    mystery    other worlds    rebel leader    reincarnation    romance    romantic suspense    sahara    school teachers    science fiction    science fiction romanc    science fiction series    second chances    secret codes    soulmate romance    strong female lead    students    superhero    teachers    teaching    travel    undercover    visionary    watcher    whishes    world affairs   

Smashwords book reviews by Darlene Jones

  • The Wind Weeps on April 27, 2012

    I had the good fortune to read this book before it was published and highly recommend it. From the sheltered life in Ontario, Andrea crosses the continent to the rugged world of West Coast British Columbia. This story sucks the reader in with a humorous and intriguing look at the lives of commercial fishermen. The reader is caught in Andrea’s life as her decisions lead her down a path she could never have anticipated. Soon you are sitting on the edge of your chair, tense with worry about Andrea. And the ending!? All I can say is that there had better be a sequel. The mechanics are solid, the imagery vivid and the emotional impact will have you rooting for Andrea.
  • Orion's Gift on Aug. 22, 2012

    I had an opportunity to read this book prior to publication. Purchase has done it again. Brought us another riveting love story laced with danger and intrigue. This time the setting is the wilds of the Baja Peninsula. The author creates a vivid picture for us of the terrain and climate with its own danger from bad roads, cows on the highway, the desert itself, and bandidos. Sylvia, running from her husband and a life threatening letter, finds peace and solace fleeting in the campgrounds of the Baja. First a drunk man tries to molest her. Then she loses her passport and wallet. Then she finds Kevin. He too is on the run. The two fall in love/lust or perhaps it’s the other way round. As their relationship grows greater dangers emerge. First from the secrets they keep from each other and then from their spouses who are in hot pursuit. Purchase knows how to paint a glorious picture of the setting and hold us spell-bound by the action. A great read
  • Julia's Violinist on Feb. 27, 2013
    (no rating)
    I had the good fortune to read Julia’s Violinist before publication. One woman’s struggle to survive and protect her children in the aftermath of WWII is a war story with a difference. In her novel, Purchase focuses on Julia’s determination and her strength of will. Despite all that she endures, she is a survivor. It’s Julia who holds her family together during the horror of reprisals and the deprivation of deportation and internment. But Julia’s violinist is above all a story of love—for children, parents, siblings and the three men in her life. You will cry for Julia, you will root for Julia, you will cheer for Julia, and above all you will come to love Julia. This is not just one woman's story, but the story of many women, any one of whom it would be an honor and a privilege to know.