Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Darlene! Will you tell us a little about yourself? Lately I have been a bit of nomad, although we have truly settled in Oklahoma City Oklahoma. I am married to a great guy who writes a bit of non-fiction himself, so our household is always on the go. Our daughter is entering her first year of college, majoring in none other than English (who'd have thunk it?) and we homeschool our nine year old son. I absolutely love to cook and entertain. I want a big house, not to have bragging rights, but to have lots of room to hold lots of people. I have issues. I love to feed people. When I have downtime, I enjoy scrapbooking and card making. I got hooked a few years ago. It's a great way to just "not" think!
What is Until Forever about?
Until Forever is a story about forgiveness, of one’s self, of one another and from the world’s point of view, of God (not that He has done anything to need forgiveness for). Jessi, the wife of Mark, finds forgiveness hard to swallow when her husband gets into a car accident after drinking while their young son in the backseat. How do you forgive someone when they have done something “unforgivable?” As in real life, things are not always easy. Sometimes they are down right hard. This story will have you laughing and crying, and sometimes, it just might make a difference in someone’s life.
What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?I love to treasure hunt at Goodwill and garage/rummage sales. My nine year old will point out the signs to me to make sure I don’t miss one if we are out and about. I’ve created a monster! He gets mad if we miss one.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was in college I absolutely loved my writing classes. I had this epiphany. Why was I majoring in voice performance when I hated my voice classes? I ended up leaving college and I started writing, although my first novel, Until Forever, didn’t come until much later.
How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite?
I am currently working on book two in the Women of Prayer Series, Forever Blessed. I’m thinking it must be true what they say that a writer’s favorite work is the one they are working on. It’s a tough write as it deals with domestic violence. Not a pretty subject and one most people would like to sweep under the rug.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I’m not sure you would call this a quirk, but I have a steadfast rule. We don’t interrupt mom when she is
writing unless we are bleeding and/or dying. My husband had to be taught that rule when he was home for an extended period of time. Just sayin’.
Where do you like to write?
I prefer writing on a balcony overlooking the ocean. But, since that has never actually happened, I’ll write wherever I can obtain some peace and quiet. I have also been known to write with a blaring video game in the background. My ability to tune things out has really come in handy for this vocation. Although I must admit my son has watched a few programs that he wouldn’t have otherwise been permitted to see.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love spending time with my family. Just today we were driving down the road after a trip to Goodwill and the kids were arguing in the backseat and I just smiled. Having us all together, regardless of where we are, gives me the greatest joy.
Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?
There are so many places that I want to visit. I would have to say Ireland and Israel are at the top of the wish list. To walk where Christ walked will be a very emotional trip for me. I’m looking forward to it. And Ireland because it is where mine and my husband’s family is from.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
At the moment, my favorite song is How He Loves by David Crowder Band and my top movie of many years is and probably always will be A Good Year, with Russell Crowe. The movie has a bit of a language issue, (some are English swear words and those just don’t count!) but the message of the overall movie is what gets me. I love that movie. I watch it anytime I need reminding of what is truly important.
What is your favorite dessert?
Hands down Crème Brulee. Of course, if that isn’t available then hand me anything chocolate and we’re good to go.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4) It seems as if the last few years of my life have been defined by these verses. What a joy to know that God thought of me when He wrote them.
Here are a few this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? I lived in Wisconsin for many years and when I lived in the country, there was nothing more beautiful than a snowstorm. The snow glistening on tree branches, shining in the moonlight was amazing.
Tea or Coffee? Tea. Of course, a white chocolate mocha with three pumps of toffee nut, stirred from Starbucks would take first place, but that is a treat, not a regular occurrence.
Print or eBook? Print. Unless I am traveling and don’t have enough room for all the books I want to take. Then, my Nook.
Early-bird or Night-owl? This one is super easy. Night owl. Not a single “but” for this one.
Cats or Dogs? Oh dogs all the way. I have a saying about cats I think would make a great bumper sticker but I will refrain as I’d probably make some cat lovers hate me.
Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
I mentioned above that I am working on book two in the Women of Prayer Series. It is also an issue driven story. Laney is on the run with her three children from an abusive husband. Paul is bound and determined to find his insolent wife, no matter what it takes, and he will make her pay when he does. How can a woman trust a father figure God when all she’s known her whole life is abuse at the hand the men in her life? Forgiveness, grace and mercy seem to be the predominant themes running through my stories, at least for this series. Forever Blessed should be available later this summer.
Thanks so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and
where can we find you on the web?
I love to hear from my readers. It really makes my day. You can friend me on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/darlene.shortridge or https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDarleneShortridge
You can also find me on twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/ShortridgeD
You can also follow my blog if your so inclined at: http://www.darleneshortridge.blogspot.com/ And my website is: http://www.darleneshortridge.com/
It’s been great Melanie, thank you for having me! I look forward to hearing from your readers.
Book giveaway!
Here is how this giveaway works. If the winner lives in the US they have the choice between a print or eBook copy of Until Forever, but if the winner lives outside of the US, they'll receive an eBook copy. Open Internationally!
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