Today we’re introducing a new blogger to Australasian Christian Writers: Dienece Darling. Welcome, Dienece!
Fast Five
Kiwis or koalas?
Koalas. They bring back special, childhood memories of going to the local sanctuary in Hervey Bay, Queensland with my family.
Mangoes or kiwifruit?
Mango lassi! My sister’s mother-in-law grew up in Pakistan, and she got me hocked on them.
Cricket or rugby?
Cricket.
Books or TV?
Books! TV rarely engages my brain enough. I tend to get antsy and reach for a book to keep me occupied.
Plotter or pantser?
Once upon a time, I would have to practice every scene of a book line by line in my head several times before being able to write it. After a few years, I realized this approach wasn’t going to cut it long term and practiced writing without a plan. Now, a vague idea is enough to get the words flowing out of me and onto the page, but that old plotter in me does make an appearance from time to time.
Getting to Know Dienece Darling
What’s something interesting or unusual about you that not everyone knows?
I know Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and came to Melbourne for the Deaf Olympics in 2005. A local deaf church invited me to work with them for a year instead of going to Uni straight out of school. I was going to be a nurse, but I met my husband during that year and the rest they say is history.
Interesting! I don’t know anyone else who knows sign language.
Where are you from?
I’ve called so many places home (Georgia USA, Queensland, Tassie), but currently, it’s Melbourne, Australia.
What is your town or city most famous (or infamous) for?
It’s the fashion capital of Australia, and I wear tennis shoes with skirts because I love pretty skirts and my feet love comfort not fashion.
What books are set in your town/city?
The Grandest Bookshop in the World by Amelia Mellor is set in Melbourne, 1893. I was doing research for a book when I borrowed this fantasy twist on a real family from my library. It’s general market which I don’t normally read, but it was interesting. My favourite part was the end when the author explained all the real things she included in the story.
I love the author notes that explain what’s fiction and what’s based on fact!
About Your Writing
What do you write?
I write inspirational fiction in first person. Most of my novels are historical romance, but I’ve written some contemporary flash fiction for my blog. I also write children’s Bible lessons for YouTube and a monthly devotional blog.
Who or what are your main writing influences?
I love historical romance set in England, but my biggest influence is the things I’ve learned in life. All my books are set around a devotional theme of something God has taught me. This does mean I sometimes have to apologize to God for getting just a little distracted during my private devotions or letting my imagination run wild when inspiration for a story strikes during a sermon!
Do you have any books published?
I was published in the Stories of Life anthology 2021 and 2022 and have a short story due for release at the end of the month for my subscribers. But I’m still looking for representation for my novels.
How long have you been writing?
I wrote my first novel at the age of 16 then had several years off and on. I picked up writing faithfully about seven years ago.
What inspired you to start writing?
There were two things actually.
The first was when my childhood library let me design a little book bound with red wool (because what other colour would you use besides the best colour ever?). The librarians added it to their bookshelves complete with a library card. It wasn’t much. I’m pretty sure I used crayons but running into the library to see if anyone had checked out my book was a highlight of my childhood. It sparked a desire to see a real book in my name one day.
Secondly, my sister used to tell the best stories when I was a teenager. She’d make us sit in the dark, while she rocked in a rocking chair creating a story out of thin air. This really spurred me on as well.
What’s your favourite part of the writing process?
When all the ideas come together perfectly, especially how to weave the devotional theme into the story. I also have this funny thing about noticing when I reach odd milestones like 55,555 words exactly. No idea why, but I get a kick out of seeing the numbers perfectly align.
What’s your biggest writing challenge?
Conversations. I have to practice just to talk with people in real life, so it’s hard for me to write what other people might say.
How does your faith impact your writing?
Well, most of my writing would be floundering without a purpose if God hadn’t given me a story idea, so it’s pretty important!
Finally, where’s the best place to find you online?
You can check out my Facebook page at Dienece Darling, author | Melbourne VIC | Facebook or my blog at www.dienece.darling.com
She also has a free short story for subscribers to her blog www.dienecedarling.com/blog
I love how that library made the books the kids made as a project available for checkout. I’d never heard of any doing that before.
I’m looking forward to reading what you’re going to post here, Dienece!
Most of the children choose to take their books home, so maybe that’s why it didn’t take off. But then there was me. 🙂 Just goes to show we never know how big a thing we can set in motion.
Thanks for your warm welcome, Carol, and for commenting.
Thanks Dienece, good to get to know you—and good to know I’m not the only one who gets a mini-thrill every time numbers align in a magical way! Here’s to the quirky writers!
Yes, you are definitely not alone! Thanks for commenting, Steph.
Nice to get to know you a little more Dienece. My friend and her daughter were learning Auslan at one stage. Not sure how long they did it for or if they still use it.
That’s awesome. They may remember more than they think. I haven’t been able to use Auslan much since having kids, but when I’m around deaf people it comes back to me pretty quickly.
Thanks for your warm welcome and for commenting.
Hi Dienece, great interview and welcome to ACW blogging team! 😊
Thank you, Narelle!
Welcome, Denise–you have already been an important part of this blog with y our comments and support. I’m looking forward to your posts and getting to know you better!
Thank you, Donna! I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs and so many of our other authors. It’s easy to support a great blog. Very excited to join the team!